🎙️ SHOW NOTES
Episode 281 — Big Arms, Bigger Heart : Observing and Dreaming
Welcome back to the Upward Running Podcast, where faith fuels your fitness journey. In this episode, Dean Thompson and Mitchell Hollis cover everything from UFO sightings in a deer stand to leadership lessons from Gettysburg, from the joy of discovering new running routes while traveling to the incredible story of Roland Redmond, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and overcoming cancer.
Alongside these stories, we talk about mindset, the difference between hope and belief, the role of visualization, and why your walk with Christ should mirror your training: disciplined, joyful, and grounded in truth. We also dive into sleep studies, the impact of consistency, and how little changes can radically improve health and faith alike.
In This Episode:
- Dean’s strange morning encounter: UFO or just a noisy sky?
- Lessons from Battlefield Leadership at Gettysburg — commander’s intent and clarity of vision
- Post of the Week: Finding new places to run while traveling (Sacramento, Gettysburg, and beyond)
- Run of the Week: Ashley Daily at the Arizona Boardwalk Sunrise Series 5K
- The incredible story of Roland Redmond, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and victory over cancer
- Faith reflections: Hope vs. belief, victim vs. victor mindset, and the importance of intentional witness
- Sleep studies: Why quality and rhythm matter more than duration
- Dean’s Thoughts: Observing people in airports and dreaming about the mission field around us
- Community call: Share your 5K Challenge story with us
- Trivia: Dean Karnazes and his 50 marathons in 50 states — what made his feat unique?
Highlights:
- Even ET needs Jesus — witnessing starts with simple conversations
- Gettysburg’s lesson: clarity of intent changes everything in leadership and faith
- Mindset matters: Victim mentality drains, but belief produces hope and perseverance
- Visualization turns hope into belief — and belief into action
- Sleep consistency is one of the most powerful tools for long-term health
- Faith takeaway: We must remain intentional in keeping Christ at the center of every conversation
“Hope without action is just a wish. Hope with action becomes belief — and belief changes everything.”
Links & Resources
- UpwardRunning.com — membership, training plans, and the RunClub App
- Become a RunCoach — Bring Upward Running to your Churchs
Scripture & Motivation
- Mark 9:23 — “If you believe, all things are possible.”
- Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
- Proverbs 23:7 — “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
- Romans 12:12 — Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer