#65: Run Across Georgia Helps Mom Restore Homes for Heroes

Looking for inspiration for your fitness & faith? Subscribe to this podcast. Do it. On the heels of Mother's Day, this week's guest is a mom of 4 who's day job is as executive director of House of Heroes, a non-profit helping to restore the homes of military veterans and families. One of their top fundraisers is the Run Across Georgia, which is back May 26-30, 2021! And it's not too late to register for it or create a team. We start with some flashbacks from this podcast involving that epic running/cycling event: (2:20) I talk about participating twice in Run Across GA, including an embarassing moment of pooping in the woods; (7:19) John Teeples, who ran 260+ miles across GA ten years in a row, tells the story of how he started Run Across Georgia, which became a popular team relay experience. (12:48) Susan Wood, who leads House of Heroes, chats up the new version of Run Across Georgia that's a little longer, 277+ miles, and happens this Memorial Day weekend. She's been a part of the race route, describes what it's like. It's raised close to $100,000 over the years for HOH, and their need is even greater during this COVID-19 pandemic. Susan also talks about how the work they do impacts military vets in powerful ways. In the "Fast 4," (20:18) we learn about her fitness routine, being still for God, plus her hula hoop and backwards basketball skills. (24:38) Susan talks about her love of the military, starting with family in WWII and fast forwarding to emotional flag ceremonies to thank veterans at House of Heroes work days. God has seen the organization through some recent tough times. (29:33) How does faith drive her to help others? (31:13) This mom is also motivated to help kids be healthy, telling us about the "Be Well Project" where she motivated middle school students to walk 10,000 steps a days, going virtually from Columbus GA to Washington state. (36:18) Susan also mixes her motherhood with music and her faith in God. (41:39) House of Heroes - for which she's exec. dir. - has assisted nearly 1200 veterans and she tells us how we can volunteer, donate, and help through Run Across Georgia, which is at the end of this month. (46:26) In the "Food for Thought" segment, hear how an NFL superstar is helping military veterans through "22 & Troops." The Parting Gift comes from Hebrews about hospitality for strangers. And the closing prayer. Thanks for listening! And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRace podcast. Also, write a quick review about it (on Apple Podcasts). For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.