🎙️ SHOW NOTES
Episode 283 — Broken Wings, Billy Mills, and the Power of Authentic Faith
Welcome back to the Upward Running Podcast, where faith fuels your fitness journey. This week, Dean Thompson and Mitchell Hollis reflect on one of the greatest Olympic upsets in history: Billy Mills’ 1964 gold medal in the 10,000 meters. His story of faith, perseverance, and healing broken wings still inspires decades later.
We also dive into topics ranging from music and cadence in training, to Chattanooga flooding, the role of authenticity in faith, the importance of sharing your story, and how too much or too little protein impacts performance and health. As always, scripture and practical takeaways tie it all back to living intentionally for Christ.
In This Episode:
- Favorite seasons, candy corn, and why fall feels like the gateway to Christmas
- Post of the Week: Elizabeth Cormarmac — using 180 bpm music to nail cadence drills
- Run of the Week: Chris King — racing the Summer Watermelon Series and training for St. Pete RunFest
- Cadence vs. cycling rhythm — why it’s “180 vs. 90”
- Training with music vs. metronome, and why gospel music doesn’t always match the beat
- Trivia follow-up: the world’s deepest marathon, 3,675 ft underground in a Swedish mine
- The Billy Mills story: broken wings healed by faith, Isaiah 40:31, and one of the most shocking Olympic upsets
- Authenticity and faith — why stories matter, why vulnerability heals, and why people crave real over polished
- Protein talk: how much is enough, too much, or too little?
- Dean’s Thoughts: “Strength Should Not Be Temporary” — preparing for pain and endurance beyond expectations
- Triathletes running near-world-class times — does cross-training enhance or hinder peak running?
- Trivia of the week: after Kenya and Ethiopia, which country produces the third-highest number of elite marathoners?
Highlights:
- “Look at Mills!” — reliving one of the most iconic Olympic calls of all time
- Broken wings: why God heals when we surrender on His terms, not ours
- Stories bring freedom: authenticity breaks shame and encourages others
- Protein balance — awareness is the key, not extremes
- Dean’s reminder: don’t brace for temporary strength — lean on God for lasting endurance
- Faith takeaway: Work hard, value others, and trust in the Lord
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary.” — Isaiah 40:31
Scripture & Motivation
- Isaiah 40:31 — Soar on wings like eagles
- Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
- Micah 6:8 — Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly
- Colossians 3:23–24 — Work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord
- Psalm 37:5 — Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act
- Romans 8:28 — God works all things for the good of those who love Him
Links & Resources
- UpwardRunning.com — membership, training plans, and the RunClub App
- Become a RunCoach — Bring Upward Running to your Churchs