SHOW NOTES
Episode 291 — Running the Race of Faith :T-Shirts, Medals, and Belt Buckles
Welcome to the Upward Running Podcast, where faith fuels your fitness journey! In this episode, Dean and Mitchell catch up after a few weeks on the road, share funny behind-the-scenes stories (including Dean’s wedding-officiating mishap), and celebrate new features in the RunClub App. They also read a moving redemption story from Wilbur Miller and reflect on what it means to renew your strength through Christ — both on and off the course.
In This Episode
- Funny Story: Dean’s wedding vows mix-up (“to be my lawfully wedded wife” gone wrong!)
- RunClub Updates: In-ear guided runs now live for the Couch to Marathon and 5K Challenge
- Feature Spotlight: Garmin integration and app upgrades coming soon
- Post of the Week: Victoria’s comeback journey through the Couch to Marathon program
- Story of the Week: The redemption of Wilbur Miller — from trauma to transformation through Christ
- Dean’s Thoughts: “T-Shirts, Medals, and Belt Buckles” — what awards really mean in faith and running
- News: Garmin vs Strava lawsuit drama and what it means for your devices
- Faith Focus: Isaiah 40:31 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 — renewing strength and becoming a new creation
Listener Highlights
- 🏃♀️ Victoria Marcato: “I lost motivation after knee surgery and a job change, but I’m finding my way back through faith and fitness.”
- 💪 John Campbell: Endured a painful dental procedure, but still found joy in a “victory walk to give thanks to God.”
App News
Guided runs are now live inside the RunClub App! Listen to Dean and Mitchell coach you through each workout with in-ear audio cues that guide pace, intervals, and encouragement. Perfect for the 5K Challenge and Couch to Marathon programs.
- 🎧 Choose between run or walk programs
- 📲 Turn on “Transparency Mode” to stay connected with your group
- 💬 Coach prompts keep you moving, motivated, and faith-focused
“You’ll make time for what you prioritize. Treat your training like a meeting — and show up.” — Mitchell Hollis
Story of the Week — Wilbur Miller: Running the Race of Faith
Wilbur Miller grew up in deep poverty, suffering abuse and rejection that led him down years of darkness and self-destruction. But a series of encounters with a stranger who shared the Gospel led to a life-changing surrender to Christ — alone in his truck one night. From that moment on, Wilbur found freedom, forgiveness, and redemption. His story reminds us that life’s hardest miles often lead to the greatest finish lines.
“No matter how broken you feel, God’s love is greater. He restores, redeems, and calls you to run with Him.” — Isaiah 40:31
Faith Focus
- Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not grow weary.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
- Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Dean and Mitchell reflect on what it means to “sharpen your axe” — taking time to rest and renew rather than constantly striving. Waiting on God is not weakness; it’s preparation.
Dean’s Thoughts — “T-Shirts, Medals, and Belt Buckles”
Dean shares how an ultramarathon belt buckle taught him that rewards aren’t about the hardware — they’re about the transformation. Whether it’s conquering 100 miles or breaking a habit, progress comes from faithful steps forward. God is always refining us, making us new each day.
“It’s not about the buckle. It’s about the transformation it represents.” — Dean Thompson
Running News
- Garmin vs Strava Lawsuit: Strava sues Garmin over “segments” and heat-map features — potentially impacting data sharing across devices. Dean and Mitchell break down what it means for runners and the RunClub App.
- Suunto Joins the Fight: Accuses Garmin of five design-patent violations — from respiration tracking to watch casings.
- What It Means for You: They hope integration between Garmin and the RunClub App continues seamlessly — because data matters for training and community tracking.
Trivia Question
Q: How many times has the United States won the World Cross Country Championships?
A: Email your answer to dean@upward.org for a chance to win!
Motivational Thought of the Week
“Our running shoes have magic in them — the power to turn a bad day into a good day, frustration into speed, and self-doubt into confidence.” — Mina Samuels
Get outside, move, and breathe in God’s creation. You’ll be amazed how He can reset your perspective through motion and grace.