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connectMAGAZINE
DEFEATING THE
OddsFROM YOURFRIENDS AT
WINTER 2015
WHY TRIBENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINING
CHALLENGING
THE WHOLEBODY OF CHRIST
NEWYEARGOALS
RUNFORGOD.COM2 WINTER 2015
WELCOME TO
connectSO WHAT IS CONNECT? I’m glad you asked! Here at Run for God we are
always looking for ways to better serve our ever-growing family. We’re
always taking note of your suggestions and trying to figure out how we can
make those suggestions come to life. Devotions, for example, was a product
of you all wanting something more, something that runners of all levels
could have in their spiritual arsenal. We dug deep, put our heads together,
and out came the latest in our line of endurance studies.
Many of you have indicated that our newsletter needed some work. We
couldn’t agree more! Many times our newsletter was a last minute thought.
It was very sporadic, and often times there just wasn’t much meat. Well,
once again our team sat down, put our heads together, and we are happy to
bring you the latest new from Run for God, connect.
connect will be a quarterly publication that will plug you right into what’s
going on in and around the Run for God community. Each quarter we’ll
highlight students and instructors as well as telling you their awesome
stories. We’ll give you updates on what’s on our calendar along with
running tips and answers to frequently asked questions. Behind the
Scenes will give you an inside look at what goes on each day at the Run for
God shop. We’ll even be hearing from Dean Thompson about his favorite
running topics. Don’t know Dean? Be sure and check out Devotions!
The bottom line is that connect is just as simple as the name states.
It’s our way to connect with you. We hope that you’ll enjoy reading this
publication as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together! Thanks again for
your continued support of Run for God.
Mitchell
connect is just
as simple as the
name states.
It’s our way
to connect
with you.”
A WORD FROM MITCHELL
3RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
6. Why Triathlon?
16. Sticky Notes
17. Gear & Gadgets
25. Behind the Scenes
DEPARTMENTS
features
2210
6
8 Student Spotlight: DEFEATING THE ODDS
16 Instructor Spotlight: CHALLENGING THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST
20 Deans Thoughts: NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS
18
RUNFORGOD.COM4 WINTER 2015
Copyright © 2014 Run for God, LLC. All rights reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other form or by any means without the prior written permission of the Run for God, LLC.
Printed in the United States of AmericaDalton, Georgia
If you require medical, fitness, or nutritional advice, you must contact your own health care professional. You should seek the advice of a doctor before starting any exercise routine.
This publication may contain information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment and an exercise/nutrition protocol. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or injury.
To make informed health care decisions, you should always consult your physician for your personal medical needs. Neither Run for God nor its agents, affiliates, partners, or licensors are providing these materials to you for the purpose of giving you medical advice.
For any questions about your health and well-being, please consult your physician.
CONTRIBUTORS
LETS CONNECT
FINDING GOD IN A RUNNERS SPACE
RUNFORGOD.COM
Pick up your copy
of Run for God
DEVOTIONS
TODAY!
Tanna Friday is an instructor,
runner, sweet tea drinker,
and writer with 4 children
who currently lives in
Georgia. Although she
struggles to find ways to
post to all social media
platforms while running,
(need an app for that!) she
enjoys tapping into the
national running community
to share her passion for Run
for God and God’s grace.
Dean Thompson serves as
the National Race Director
for the Run for God Race
Series as well as serving as
an instructor at his home
church in Cohutta, GA. Dean
loves to run, loves life, loves
his wife Debbie and loves
Christ. Look for all of Deans
stories in Run for God’s
Devotions.
Andy Sweet is a personal
trainer and owner of Hub
Endurance located on the
North Shore of Downtown
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
5RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
RUNFORGOD.COM6 WINTER 2015
REIS ATHLOS, OR THREE CONTESTS, is the
root of the name ‘triathlon’. It’s a name that
is fitting, as triathlon is actually a sport of three
sports: Swimming, Cycling, and Running. And it
is growing in popularity at an incredible rate worldwide!
Despite a history that can date back into the early 1900’s,
the first modern day triathlon was held in San Diego in
1974 and had only 46 participants. Now, there are triathlon
races all over the world, and hundreds of thousands of
athletes’ toe the line to participate. Why? What is the
draw of this sport that could cause that rate of growth
in only 40 years’ time? Perhaps I can shed some light to
answer this enigma.
I participated in my first triathlon at the age of 10 back in
1992. My older brother heard of a nearby race at the end of
summer that was going to include swimming, biking, and
running. He wanted to try it. Always looking up to him,
and never to be outdone, I was in as well! I was already
a competitive swimmer at that age, but never rode a bike
or ran besides playing in the yard. However, there was no
fear, as this was a new endeavor without preconceived
notions of difficulty or possible defeat. Come race day, we
gathered up our department store bikes, funny shaped
bike helmets, our least destroyed street shoes, and had
our Mom drive us to the race. I remember very little of that
race…other than the exhilaration of seeing the finish line
after cresting the final hill of the run course. Everything
else was a blur of hard physical exertion.
I went back to that same race year after year, seeking
faster times and podium finishes by
adjusting my training and equipment
each summer. Balancing the disciplines
and constantly trying to learn more.
And that’s how my love for the sport
of triathlon blossomed. The unique
balance required to train for three
sports, rather than just one, was
something truly amazing. If my desire
to go to swim practice was waning,
I could go jogging instead. If the hot
sun and dense air of the Midwestern
summer was too overpowering to run,
I could head out on my bike and let the
breeze cool me down. I was always
excited. I always had something to
work on. And as athletes, that desire
to work hard and improve is what
we crave. The knowledge that if we
put in the time and effort, we will
accomplish things that formerly seemed
impossible. That is triathlon.
Current day triathlons all consist of the
same three disciplines (swim, bike, run).
But not all triathlons are identical, as the
distances can vary greatly. There are
now four fairly standardized triathlon
distances: Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman,
and Full-Ironman. A Sprint triathlon,
despite its somewhat misleading name,
WHYTriathlon?
THE DIVERSITY OF TRIATHLON IS MAKING IT ONE OF
THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS IN AMERICA.
BY ANDY SWEET
T
7RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
is still an endurance event and usually
consists of a 500 yard swim, a 12 mile
bike, and 3.1 mile run. However, when
compared to a Full-Ironman distance
triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike,
and 26.2 mile run) a sprint does seem
rather short. While most athletes
enter the sport by competing in Sprint
triathlons, even the Full-Ironman distance
races are experiencing huge growth in
participation each year. So, where are they
coming from? Who would get into such a
unique sport?
It is not surprising to hear most
triathletes come from a single-sport
background (swimming, biking,
running, or ?), but some are brand
new to athletics entirely. In my years
of working with thousands of these
athletes and hearing their stories, I have
identified several common themes that
exist in people’s journeys to becoming
triathletes. I have even given names
to each style of triathlete convert: The
Plateau Athlete, The Collegiate Athlete,
The Life Changer, and The Challenger.
THE PLATEAU ATHLETE: This is an
athlete that has spent countless years in
their respective sport and has reached
an ability level that has halted continued
progress/improvement. They are hard
workers and have usually tried numerous
different styles/programs/regimens to get
past their sporting plateau. These athletes
often turn to triathlon to try something
new that still utilizes their talent and love
for their original sport discipline. Triathlon
provides them with some welcomed
diversity and gives them the opportunity to
see improvement once again.
THE COLLEGIATE ATHLETE: These
are your ex-collegiate athletes, often
fresh out-of-school but not always.
College athletics requires a lot of
focus, drive, and time… a lot of time.
All of that time and determination
generally leaves an athlete ‘burned
out’ on the sport for a period of time
after their collegiate career is over.
Triathlon provides them an avenue to
return to their sport without the same
mandates on time/focus and because
the races are so different (distances,
formats, categories) it does not produce
the same burn-out emotions.
THE LIFE CHANGER: These athletes
have decided to change their lifestyles
dramatically. Sometimes they come
from an unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.
Sometimes from sickness or disability.
The backgrounds are endless, but
the decision is the same: they want
to change! Many of these athletes
turn to triathlon because it offers a
real, tangible goal to solidify their
transformation: a finish line to an
event that seems so impossible.
THE CHALLENGER: These folks
are driven by a desire for adventure.
They are always looking for the next
challenge. They have tried or will try
everything. These athletes seek out
triathlon because it is such a huge
accomplishment: from the shortest
sprint to full Ironman distance.
So, there is no right or wrong ‘type’ of
person to participate in triathlon; it accepts
all, and more importantly embraces all
types of people. It is a sport that focuses
on community and comradery over
competition. Everyone’s accomplishments
are their own personal triumphs, and
those are celebrated by all!
So, why is triathlon the fastest growing
sport in America? This is why:
Accomplishment, Diversity, Community,
and Challenge.
Visit hubendurance.com
for all of your triathlon
needs.
Andy Sweet, owner of Hub Endurance can assist you in choosing all of the right gear for your multi-sport and crosstraining needs.
RUNFORGOD.COM8 WINTER 2015
Run for God has you covered on those cold, winter runs with our DryBlend Hoodie.
Shop RUNFORGOD.COM
9RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
RUN FOR GOD WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SPONSORS.
RUNFORGOD.COMWINTER 201510
Student Spotlight
11RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
DEFEATING THE
Have you ever felt as if the odds were against you?
Ifyou met Crystal Tucker
she would list them one
by one down to the first
battle cry. But for the first
time in her life, God has
given her the desire to
share her story and share
how God removed her comforts and false
securities from her life to remind her that
He is the one and only source
of strength.
OUT OF SERVICE
In 2006, Crystal served as a 68W
(Combat Medic) with the U.S. Army with
the 32nd Medical Battalion stationed at
Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In 2007, she
was engaging in Afghanistan combat
readiness training when something
unexpected occurred. “During a 5-mile
battalion run with my attending
commander, I stumbled, and took a
hard fall into a hole fracturing both
of my legs,” says Tucker. Her injuries
were much more serious than she
imagined and resulted in fractures in
both tibias, femurs as well as
her hips.
Throughout her recovery, Tucker
went through vigorous rehabilitation
efforts while relying on ambulatory
devices. She was evaluated by
military physicians who assessed
her with a permanent profile of a
non-deployable status, which led to
her honorable medical discharge.
“Since I had what was called a
‘Permanent Profile’, I was considered
non-deployable and of no use to the
BY TANNA FRIDAY
RUNFORGOD.COM12 WINTER 2015
“Since I had
what was called
a ‘Permanent
Profile’, I was
considered non-
deployable and of no
use to the military.”
military,” she said sadly, “I could not
run, jump, march correctly, or lift over
a certain poundage.”
Upon receiving her medical discharge
from the U.S. Army in April of 2007,
she returned home to Georgia. “After
returning home from the military, I
rested for quite a bit, settled back
into civilian life, completed my VA
paperwork and got back into school,”
Tucker said. And for the first time
in several months, Tucker and her
husband, Chris, received some good
news and had a reason to celebrate
– a new addition to the family. What
Tucker did not expect was for her
injuries to return.
Throughout Tucker’s pregnancy, her
symptoms became worse. “My legs
would fall asleep to where I could
barely walk. I had trouble sleeping
due to the tingling in my legs. I
developed arthritis and it became
painful to leave my bedside and even
participate in physical activity,” said
Tucker. “After my son was born in
February of 2008, I tried to exercise to
help with the circulation of my legs,
but decided to seek a vein specialist
to correct my problems.”
FURTHER COMPLICATIONS
After experiencing symptoms of
numbness, pain and tingling, Tucker
was evaluated by her doctor and
was diagnosed with Venus Reflux
Disease. “Basically,” Tucker said,
“the blood flow – instead of making
a complete circulation in my body, it
was trickling back down.” Tucker’s
physician best described her condition
as a ‘leaky roof in her circulatory
system’ and required her to have two
separate surgeries, one on each leg,
to correct and burn out the bad veins
and reroute the blood flow. After the
procedure and during a follow-up
with her physician, he told her she
would never run again. Tucker did
not lose hope.
HOPE RENEWED
God’s Word speaks a promise of
renewed strength.
“Those who hope in the LORD will
renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will RUN
and not be weary, they will walk and
not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
If you have ever been in a place where
you have been weary and tired, you
have more than likely yearned for
renewed strength. Being weary and
tired can lead to discouragement and
perhaps the desire to give up. It is in
this place that we find it difficult to
face life, to make decisions or to even
take another step.
Tucker did not know what she would
go on to accomplish after hearing that
she could never run, not just from one,
but from two different doctors-- but
through the Run for God program,
Student Spotlight
13RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
Tucker’s physician
best described
her condition as a
“leaky roof” in her
circulatory system.
God was able to show her that with
Him all things are POSSIBLE. Tucker,
now a Run for God graduate, found
hope and strength during a time when
others lost all hope and faith in her.
“When I think of Run for God, I can’t
help, but smile,” says Tucker. “I am
so passionate about this group and
ministry and I will never think of
running the same way again. With
all of the odds that were stacked up
against me, God lead me right where I
needed to be,” she continues.
“I was looking through the newsfeed
on Facebook when I came across a
group that involved running and a
Bible study,” she said. “At the time,
I wanted to try out a Bible study, so
I thought I would give it a try.” The
class was a Run for God 10k/Half
Marathon Challenge that began in
January 2014 after the Run for God’s
10k/Half Marathon program release
in December 2013. This challenge is
a 12-week Bible study that parallels
faith and endurance all while
preparing experienced runners to run
a 10k or half marathon.
“Once I entered the classroom, I was
terrified about the decision I had
made,” she said, “I mean, I have only
completed a 5k since my injuries.”
The class met three days a week for
the training: Tuesday evening after
the Bible study, Thursday evening,
and Saturday morning. “The weather
could not have been more cold,” said
Tucker, “I was bundling up as if I was
heading to Alaska.”
As the program continued, Tucker
thought of all the odds stacked up
against her, including not being able
to run again. They began to cloud
her mind until a 12-mile training
run. “I was listening to K-LOVE for
motivation to push through the pain
of a long 12-miles when a verse from
a song said, ‘you are the peace in my
troubled sea,’” said Tucker. “It was
in that moment, while I had been
wanting to quit and wallowing in my
pain that God was trying to tell me
something. Not only had I come to
RUNFORGOD.COM14 WINTER 2015
realize that God had completely restored my health, transformed my life and gave me
hope and the renewed strength I needed to run again, but also He wanted me to use
it for His glory – I am to run to serve His purpose,” she exclaimed!
“I can still remember our graduation day just like it was yesterday,” Tucker says, “when
I ran down the hill of Praters Mill Road, emotional, exhausted, turning the corner to run
the last few kilometers. Then hearing the familiar sounds of my Run for God friends
cheering and shouting, ‘GO, GO, GO! YOU CAN DO IT!!!’ and God whispering to me,
‘Run towards me.’ ‘Remember your purpose.’ ‘All finished.’ ‘You finished.’
“I am impacted greatly by this journey. It is still a journey. Despite the odds that
were against me that should have demolished my future, instead lead me to not
stand defeated. With God by my side, He helped me stand up to defeat the odds and
to serve a purpose larger than myself,” said Tucker. So when the odds are not in your
favor, don’t think that God has abandoned you. Stand your ground and keep your
eyes fixed on the LORD. With everything else stripped away, you will be amazed at
what your God can achieve.
Student Spotlight
VISIT RUNFORGOD.COM
to get registered for your race
TODAY!
15RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
CHOOSE YOURCHALLENGE
WWW.RUNFORGOD.COM/RUN-FOR-GOD-STORE
$189.99
$189.99
THE 10K CHALLENGEStudent Book Only: $19
THE 5K CHALLENGEStudent Book Only: $19
THE JUNIOR TRIATHLON CHALLENGEStudent Book Only: $19
$189.99
WHETHER YOU’RE TAKING A CLASS OR TEACHING A CLASS
IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
RUNFORGOD.COM16 WINTER 2014
Q: Should I Stretch Before or After I Run?“I have heard that I should stretch before I run and I also
heard that it may cause injuries. When is the best time to
stretch – before or after running?”
Pattie, GA
A : It is important to always warm up
before you begin to run. It is a bad idea to stretch cold
muscles because it can lead to pulling and injury. It is
recommended to warm up for about 5-10 minutes using
light aerobic exercises, such as a brisk walk or a slow jog,
to loosen and warm up muscles for your run.
SSTICKYNOTES
17WINTER 2014
HOW DOES THIS WORK YOU ASK? Moisture travels on
the surface of the fiber and is pulled away from the skin,
rather than absorbing into the fibers. The fibers push
the liquid towards the outside of the fabric where it can
evaporate once it has made contact
with air.
GGEAR &
GADGETS
Popular fabrics, such as cotton can absorb
moisture, and become heavy and
uncomfortable once they are drenched
in sweat. Now there are more improved
synthetic fabrics that keep moisture
away from the body.
W H Y P E R F O R M A N C E
Wear?Let’s face it, the fabrics for exercise clothing have come a long way since the days
of sweatshirts and leg warmers. Today, there are many fabrics to choose from, but
choosing the right fabrics are important for any running experience.
AIR DRIRELEASEFABRIC
SKIN
H2O
H2O
H2OH2O
H2O
The “Run for God Long-Sleeve Performance Tee,” made by
Sport Science Technology®, feels amazing and works even
better. This synthetic fiber is polyester, but with a look and feel
of cotton. It actually performs like a traditional polyester that
prevents chafing and abrasion that other fabrics can cause.
With the inclusion of the freshguard® finish, the smelly workout
shirt has become a thing of the past.
RUNFORGOD.COM18 WINTER 2015
With the help of Run for God, the health of our
congregation is changing – the emphasis is to take care
of our lives both physically and spiritually.”
Instructor Spotlight
19RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
SATURDAY
MORNING
at Varnell United Methodist Church
(VUMC) in Varnell, Georgia, and 60
Body of Christ to grow faithfully, physically and spiritually
CHALLENGING THE
church members are dressed in their
Run for God shirts and ready to train.
They are training for a race. This isn’t
just an ordinary race or a competition
against each other. It is a race that
requires endurance and preparation,
and has been individually designed for
each of them (Hebrews 12:1). But make
no mistake; there is a prize at stake.
And these who are in attendance this
morning at VUMC are in it to win it.
As more churches look to expand their
outreach, and help their communities
and congregation lead healthier lives,
Run for God’s Connect is spotlighting
a Run for God instructor and a unique
individual, Reverend Stephen Streett,
who is leading his congregation to
IT’S
{WHOLE}
BY TANNA FRIDAY
Stephen Streett with the members of Run for God, Varnell UMC.
RUNFORGOD.COM20 WINTER 2015
new health goals – to become healthier
mentally, physically and spiritually.
The Run for God 5k program, 12-week
training plan aimed at running a 5K
while maintaining a Christian focus,
began at VUMC in the summer of 2010.
Their leader, Matt Gallegly, established
a well-organized and fruitful ministry.
But it wasn’t long before the program
started growing too much for Gallegly
to lead alone. As the program continued
to expand, so did their efforts. Gallegly
used his resources to train other
individuals to lead the classes and
group trainings, including Streett, who
began leading the program in 2012.
“After not being able to run for nearly
7 years, I felt well enough to start
again,” says Streett.
It was a young man named, Michael
Hicks, who inspired me to give it a
try, to start running again and get involved in this program.
He had never run before joining Run for God, and now has
just completed his first Ironman,” Streett shares. Hicks, along
with many others in the surrounding Dalton area trained with
Mitchell Hollis to compete in the 2014 Ironman Chattanooga.
After recovering from back surgery in 2007, Streett says he
gained weight and wanted to get back into shape. “I did not
have any direction in my running until I found the Run for
God program. Run for God changed everything in my life
and gave me a new perspective on running and endurance,”
he continues. There has been a change not only illustrated
in the life of Reverend Streett, but also in the lives of the
congregation at VUMC.
When a pastor is behind a program in a church, such as
Run for God, and is truly passionate about it’s purpose, it
When a pastor is behind
a program in a church,
such as Run for God, and
is truly passionate about
it’s purpose, it can change
the whole dynamics of
the program. Streett
recognized through his
own experience that
others in his congregation
were struggling with living
unhealthy lifestyles.
Instructor Spotlight
21RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
can change the whole dynamics of the program. Streett
recognized through his own experience that others in
his congregation were struggling with living unhealthy
lifestyles. He realized that as a spiritual leader he had a unique
opportunity to help others through this ministry. Physical
health is important in the life of a believer. Streett realized that
educating people on the necessity physical health was a great
place to start. The Run for God program opened many doors
to see how to apply it in his life as well as in the lives of others.
“We as Christians should set the example on how to care for
both our bodies and our spiritual health. The Scriptures teach
us that our bodies are the temple of God. Run for God has
reminded us all of the importance in caring for our bodies, so
we can be better witnesses for Christ mentally, physically and
spiritually,” says Streett.
“With the help of Run for God, the health of our congregation
is changing – the emphasis is to take care of our lives both
physically and spiritually. We cannot do God’s work if we are
tired, exhausted and feel bad about ourselves,” says Streett.
Streett’s team has introduced healthy alternatives in every
aspect of the congregation including what’s for dinner.
“There has been a drastic change in
the eating habits in our congregation,”
says Streett. “Our church dinner menus
have changed. We now offer a salad bar,
steamed vegetables, baked items, and
have replaced desserts with fruits,”
he continues.
Not only has Run for God brought a
change in the way the congregation
serves meals within the church, but
has influenced its members to become
involved and share their professional
expertise with the program to help
members live healthy lifestyles. For
example, VUMC has a nutritionist
and a physician who offer medical
education to the program participants.
After having a huge success with this
ministry, VUMC has grown to offer many
more services including the Run for God
program, circuit training, extreme sports,
and a walking ministry for every fitness
level in the congregation. “The message
we want to convey to our church and the
community is that you don’t have to join a
gym, just come to Run for God,”
says Streett.
“The Run for God program is part of
our faith journey,” says Streett. “The
spiritual aspect of the class is what
has made people return. If it were just
physical training, no one would come
back,” Street continues. “When our
students are asked what the greatest
benefit of the Run for God program
is in their lives, the answer is always
the same – the support and love of its
members,” Streett says. We believe
that it is what matters the most.
Stephen Streett and Michael Hicks discuss the benefits of running and the community they experience as a result of participating in the Run for God 5k Challenge program.
VISITRUNFORGOD.COM
to start your5k Challenge
TODAY!
RUNFORGOD.COM22 WINTER 2015
HEARD THAT SAYING
a hundred times and
it never applies more
directly than it does when we think about goal-
setting. Setting realistic, exciting goals will help
to motivate you, especially on those days when
finding the enthusiasm to get out the door feels
almost daunting.
When we think about a new year, the topic of New
Year’s resolutions will surface sooner rather than
later. Those resolutions can be many things, but
most are really goals. Setting goals for yourself is a
critically important tool for motivation. As a matter
of fact, for many runners, having a meaningful
goal is all they need to keep themselves motivated.
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have
ambitions to accomplish things. Even if you have
no goals you have chosen to set a goal to avoid
making goals! There’s an old song by the rock
group Rush that states “If you choose not to
decide, you still have made a choice.” That’s how
it is with goals. The trick is to understand how
to use goals to make you better or to achieve an
objective that is important to you.
NEWPERSONALIZE SUCCESS
How do we go about formulating
the targets at which we are going
to take aim? The best way to do
this is to think about what success
looks like for you. It may be that
you are new to running and you
would consider it a success if you
could finish a 5K without walking.
That would be a great goal. It
has everything a goal needs to
have: 1) It is specific and easy to
understand. In other words, you
will know it when you see it! 2) It
is measurable, meaning that there
is a definite way to know when
you have achieved your goal. 3) It is
reachable. You want to make sure
you set goals that are achievable. It
is discouraging to set a goal that is
unrealistic. Another goal might be
to run a 10K in under 40 minutes.
Again, it is specific, measurable
and, depending upon who you are,
it is achievable. Those are more
“IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING, ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE.”
obvious goals, but you can be as
creative as your mind will permit.
For example, maybe you want to
lose weight and you want to use
running to help get you to your
target weight. Maybe you want
to run at least four days a week,
or even every day. There are
people who have run at least one
marathon in every state. More
than likely, it began with a goal to
do just that. Anyway, you get the
idea, the possibilities are endless.
The best way to undertake
creating goals is to begin long
term and work backwards. In
other words, think about what
you want to ultimately achieve
and set that as a major goal.
Then you can set intermediate
goals along the way that will
help you get there. I think about a
staircase. It would be impossible
to leap from one floor of a building
YEARGOALS
I’VE
BY DEAN THOMPSON
Deans Thoughts
23RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
to another in one jump, but with a
staircase, making that trip is easy.
Goals are like a staircase; you have
a major goal of reaching the next
floor, but each step is a smaller
goal that will ultimately lead you to
that next floor. Those intermediate
goals, or each step, help to get you
closer to being able to see over the
top step. Once you get a glimpse
of what is on the next floor, it is
easier to pick up the momentum
through increased motivation. The
intermediate goals are typically
whittled down into a to-do list.
Again, as you check off items on the
to-do list, you build excitement for
the ultimate goal.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND
FORWARD PROGRESS
Next, you’ll need to ensure that
you are held accountable for your
goals. There are three effective
steps to making sure you and
your friends are vigilant in
guaranteeing you leverage those
goals for the greatest motivation
possible: 1) Write your goals
down and visit them often. 2) Tell
someone else about your goals,
and make sure it is someone who
is going to ask you about them
regularly. 3) Post your goals where
you and others will see them.
Place them somewhere you can’t
miss, like next to a mirror, the
refrigerator door, or at a desk.
There are many possibilities.
In this day of social media, it is
easy to post things where many
can see them. Actually, you can
accomplish all three through
social media. The idea, of course,
is to think about your goals
regularly. Planning is important.
As the saying goes, “When you
fail to plan, you are planning
to fail.”
Have you ever gone out for a run
in an unfamiliar city and gotten
lost? Keep in mind that there
will be times when you get off
course. Sometimes you will find
it difficult to check off every
item on the to-do list. When it
happens, get back on course.
Don’t fret over what you missed,
and don’t try to make up for it
lest you find yourself injured
from overwork. Just pick back up
on your plan and move forward
again. How many times have
you seen others have a bad day
while on a diet and just give up
because they strayed from their
plan? Don’t be that person. If
you miss a run, it is not going
to mean the difference between
success and failure. If you miss
twelve runs, it will make a
difference. Just try to minimize
the disappointments. And, most
importantly, remember that
it is about the execution, not
the plan. Don’t become so tied
to the specifics of a plan that it
paralyzes you when life happens
and you have to make choices.
You own these goals and how
you go about achieving them
is your business and your
choice. I have seen many people who seem
more interested in setting a goal that will
impress others, rather than reaching for
what makes them happy. Be content with
what you wish to achieve, otherwise you
are setting yourself up
for disappointment.
ANTICIPATE REWARDS
After you write down your goals and before you
begin to execute your plan, decide how you will
revel in your success when you reach your goal.
Use that celebration as fuel to feed your fire
to keep the engine burning hot as you motor
toward your goal. Once you celebrate, you can
begin the process again!
All of these steps to realizing your goals
are helpful because they create reason and
intention. When we are intentional about
getting something done, we are usually
successful. It works the same way in our
Christian walk. We don’t have to look through
much of our Bible to find a reason for creating
goals for our study and prayer life. Romans 5:8
says, “But God demonstrates His own love
toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us.” That is all the motivation
we need, but we have to add intention to that
motivation. Setting goals using the same
method you do for your running goals is just as
effective in everything else you do, including
your spiritual life. Maybe you want to read at
least two chapters of the Bible every day. Make
it a goal. Maybe you want to set aside thirty
minutes every morning to pray. Make it a goal.
Again, you can get creative and think of much
better and more specific ideas. Just make sure
it’s specific, measurable and reachable. Don’t
forget to write them down and find a good
partner who will hold you accountable.
RUNFORGOD.COM24 WINTER 2015
WHEN: 6.20.15
WHERE: CAMP JORDAN, EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE
WHEN: 7.25.15
WHERE: DALTON PARKS AND RECREATION, DALTON, GEORGIA
WHEN: 8.14.15
WHERE: CAMP JORDAN, EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE
WHEN: 4.11.15
WHERE: PRATERS MILL, DALTON GEORGIA
HOSTED RACE SCHEDULE
THIS RACE SEASON WILL BE THE BEST YET! If you’ve never made the trip to be a part of a Run for God Hosted Event, then you don’t know
what you’re missing. Our races may be somewhat small in numbers, but they’ll compete with
even the largest races in the world when it comes to organization, atmosphere, race schwag,
and encouragement. Join the Run for God - Race Series in 2015!
25RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
BEHIN
D T
HE S
CEN
ES
FOR THE LORD NOT ONLY has plans for us to reach
across boundary lines to touch lives for Him, but He
also, commands us in Acts 13:47, “that [we] should be
for salvation to the ends of the earth.” Some may call
this the Great Commission or the Jabez Appointment,
but the blessings come when we respond to His call
and when we invite God to act. We don’t realize His
purpose until we can begin to ask this simple question:
“How may I help you?”
Gaye Coker has been dedicated to students in Georgia’s
Whitfield County School District for 31 years. When
she decided to retire in 2012 as Family and Consumer
Sciences teacher for both middle and high school
students, posts she’s held since 1981, she knew with a
happy heart, it was time to move forward.
“I have always loved teaching. I had a wonderful
year and I knew that it was time to move on and help
Mitchell in the Run for God ministry,” says Coker.
In May of 2012, Coker retired and joined the staff of
Run for God in Customer Service. Since then, Coker’s
position with Run for God has served the body of
Christ nationwide and her role in Customer Service has
helped equip, prepare and serve several generations
of this ministry’s students and instructors. “Working
in Customer Service at Run for God has become my
ministry,” says Coker. “For me, it is a way that I can
minister to others behind the scenes through the Run
for God program.”
Run for God’s Customer Service, located in Dalton,
Georgia, serves as the shipping facility for all Run
for God products and merchandise, including the 5k
Challenge study, which began in 2010. Coker believes
that she contributes to the ministry, in part, because
she feels connected to people when she packs and
prays over the merchandise. “God tells us to bring
salvation into the ends of the earth. Even though I
am not physically out there, I feel like I am part of it,”
Coker adds.
Coker shares that her job is a very satisfying and
emotional experience. “ I say a lot of prayers when I
am packaging and shipping,” says Coker, “because
these books and Instructor kits may be a blessing to
someone and possibly others through this ministry.”
As Gaye continues to share how the Run for God
program has blessed her and her marriage, her voice
begins to crack. “I want every person who receives
a copy of the Run for God Challenge to have the
same experience that I experienced with Run for
God and so much more,” she continues. “Nothing
but blessings.”
PACK PRAY LOVE
RUNFORGOD.COM26 WINTER 2015
Why DEVOTIONS?
Devotions came together as a result of the outpouring
of letters and e-mails that come into the Run for God camp each week.
These stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and Run
for God’s role in their lives prompted us to find a way to preserve
these memories. From a desire to both preserve and share these
stories, Devotions was born.
This Bible study is not your ordinary study. No, it’s a study that
is made up of stories from people just like you and me, real
stories from real people. These thoughts and experiences are
brought to you from pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers,
new Christians, old Christians, and even Christians who had
lost their way for a time. So if you’re looking for a study that
is authored by a renowned theologian, this isn’t it. But if
you’re looking for a study that shows what God can
do through someone just like you and me, then
you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Whether you’re a new runner, a seasoned runner, a
fast runner, or a slow runner, this study is for you.
Each week we’ll take you through inspiring stories,
scripture, running tips and tricks, as well as challenge
you with thought provoking questions to ponder. There
are also training plans in the back that will cover any
distance you desire. Use this for your personal devotion or
grab a group of friends and start a small group, either way
you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!
52-Week Study • 464 Page Hardback
FINDING GOD IN A RUNNERS SPACE
27RUNFORGOD.COM WINTER 2015
THE CONCEPT OF A “Virtual Race” is that you can
participate in a running event from anywhere in the world.
Let’s use the 2014 Run for God – Pinky 5K as an example.
Last year runners signed up from all 50 states and many
other countries. They registered and trained just as if
they were going to attend a physical race. The difference
What is a Virtual Race?
is when race weekend arrives, instead of
traveling across the country, runners would
mark out a 5K in their own community. It
could be on a trail, on the road, or even on a
treadmill, it really doesn’t matter. Then, they
simply show up, run their 5K, record their
own time, post their pictures, and we mail
out Goodie Bags complete with race shirt and
medal the next week. It’s very simple and
completely AWESOME!
WHY A VIRTUAL 5K?
For several years now we have been getting
requests from individuals and groups from
all over the globe to host a Run for God race
in their community. While this is flattering
and very tempting, it’s just not possible.
This past year we tested the waters with
one Virtual Race, and the response was
overwhelming. It sold out quicker than any
race we’d ever hosted. So, this is a great
way for you or your group of friends to get
together and run your own race, no matter
where you may live.
2015 Virtual Races
SUMMER
THIS IS YOUR RACE, ON YOUR
OWN TIME IN YOUR OWN TOWN.
OUR MOTIVATION COLLECTION IS A FUN WAY TO MOTIVATE YOUR RUN! GET YOURS ONLINE AT RUNFORGOD.COM.