🎙️ SHOW NOTES
Episode 286 — A Running Miracle : The Comparison Trap
New episode every week | Upward Running Podcast — where faith fuels your fitness journey. Hosted by Dean Thompson with Upward Director Mitchell Hollis.
In This Episode
- Hospice salvation: Mitchell’s hunting buddy Elden, battling cancer, accepts Christ and finds peace in his final days.
- Dean’s race reality check: Labor Day 5K humbling, rust in racing form, and aiming for sub-18 at nationals.
- Post of the Week — Diane B: a returning runner seeking community first, then fitness; tips for patient, smart comebacks.
- Run of the Week — Greg Chance: lightning-lit skies, cooling rain, and practical lightning safety for runners.
- Training talk: debating the 10% rule study, recovery weeks, and why not to increase distance + intensity together.
- Story — Rodney M, “A Running Miracle”: from heart failure and a transplant recommendation to full healing and completing 5Ks.
- Faith theme: belief comes before ability — trusting God’s call means stepping out even when it feels impossible.
- Dean’s Thoughts — The Comparison Trap: why measuring ourselves against others robs us of joy and God’s unique gifts.
- Track & field notes: World Championships preview — Sydney in the 400, Neil Laros rising, Cole Hocker peaking, Noah Lyles vs. Kishane Thompson.
- Trivia: Who holds the record for the most World Athletics Championship medals? (Answer to dean@upward.org).
Highlights
- “I got saved today.” — Elden’s testimony on hospice, peace replacing fear.
- Greg’s storm run reminder: enjoy rain, but don’t gamble with lightning.
- Rodney’s miracle: EF restored from 15% to 65%, now running 5Ks in faith.
- Belief before ability: when God lays it on your heart, the ability is already there.
- Comparison steals joy — celebrate others’ gifts without diminishing your own.
- World Championships anticipation: Sydney’s flat 400, men’s 1500 showdown, and Noah Lyles’ sprint duel.
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” — Mark 9:24
Scripture & Motivation
- Mark 11:24 — Believe you have received what you ask in prayer.
- Mark 9:24 — “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
- Hebrews 13:8 — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Romans 12:2 — Do not conform, be transformed.
Segment Notes
- Lightning Safety: most storms pass in 30 minutes. Pause, wait, then enjoy cooler rain once the danger has moved on.
- Trivia: Who has the most World Athletics Championship medals? First Upward member to answer correctly wins $20 off the store.
- Dean’s Thoughts: The Comparison Trap — stop shrinking your gifts by measuring them against others.
Calls to Action
- Join Couch to Marathon: one-year journey to Cannonball 2026 — walkers and runners welcome.
- Lead or join a 5K Challenge: like Rodney, step into transformation one mile at a time.
- Bible-in-a-Year (Members): daily Scripture audio + encouragement.
Links & Resources
- UpwardRunning.com — membership, training plans, RunClub App
- Become a RunCoach — bring Upward Running to your church
- Peace with God — the most important thing