#308: WTVM Co-workers Run Their First Marathon - and Jesus Took The Wheel

I work with them on a daily basis, but it's different now. They are now marathon finishers! WTVM-ABC news producer Abbie Bullock and digital content producer Daniel Etherton - both Auburn University graduates who are from Alabama - ran their first marathons earlier this month in Hoover AL. I was glad I could be there to cheer them on. Bravo, friends! (3:20) In my 2nd podcast episode featuring co-workers, Abbie and Daniel recap WHY they decided to sign up for the 26.2 mile race...the training that included being discouraged and injuries...and how the running connects with their faith in God. (13:18) Having a complicated relationship with food and exercise and feeling like she's not enough, Abbie enjoyed the fun of eating things like Pop Tarts before runs...and at a deeper level, she let go of her struggles with perfection...and allowed weakness to bring more of a big God in, through this journey where she discovered a bigger belief in herself! For Daniel, there was a weight loss journey even before the running, where he lost 55 pounds. He also has challenges connected to an autoimmune disease CREST or Limited Scleroderma that causes joint issues...running a marathon now, he says, while he still can and quoting scripture during the race. (23:40) Faith and fitness also help both of them with the stress of working a TV news job and working night shift, leading to less time with family and friends. For Abbie. it also allowed for more time for God and running in the mornings. For Daniel, he has plenty of examples of God's plan being better than ours, including sports opportunities. (33:03) But even for an athlete, the marathon is humbling! This is where we get into their race recap of the BHM 26.2 that has plenty of hills. Abbie said the race was very difficult, but she wasn't going to quit...met new running friends and feeling so rich because of support from family and friends. Daniel didn't smile as much, feeling worse after the first hour. He finished in around 5:11, while it took Abbie 6 hours. (44:20) She also shared memories of another fitness challenge - Abbie and a friend walking 150+ miles in Spain over 9 days as part of the Camino de Santiago, a spiritual pilgrimmage. And Daniel touches on loving God, not because of scare tactics. I close out the pod in prayer. Thanks for listening! Share this episode with others. Make sure to follow, subscribe to "Run The Race" as we continue talking about fitness and faith with inspiring people like Daniel and Abbie.