PODCAST · health
Upward Running Podcast
by Upward Sports
Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and dive deeper into your faith? Need a little extra inspiration now and then? Imagine having a friend who’s always ready for a run and eager to share how the journey of faith aligns with the challenges of endurance. Look no further! Upward Running is taking our podcast to new heights. With engaging storytelling, devotionals, and the latest tech on YouTube, podcast platforms, and Facebook Live, Dean Thompson is here each week to bring you inspiration, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Plus, we’re excited to announce that a NEW app is launching soon, making it easier than ever to connect with the community and stay inspired on the go! For just $9.97 a month, you’ll get all this and more—and, more importantly, you’ll be supporting Upward Running in our mission to spread the Gospel through the running community! Ready for a boost, both spiritually and physically? Join us today, and cancel anytime if you need to.
Episodes
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306 - Previewing the RunClub Updates with Coach Dean
RunClub Episode 306 - Previewing the RunClub Updates In this special episode, Coach Dean Thompson gives listeners an inside look at the upcoming updates to the Upward Running RunClub experience. With a new version of the RunClub app expected to launch soon, this episode walks through what members...
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305 – A New Beginning
On this last episode of The Upward Running Podcast, Coach Dean and Travis Vaughn discuss the future of Upward Running.
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304 – By George : Etch A Sketch
Does George have anything to say about our running? Turns out, many Georges did! Coach Dean shares his thoughts on them. And then he asks the question: Would you want all your bad runs to go away? His answer may surprise you! USATF Club National Championships Post of the Week - Patricia Adams -...
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303 – God Is Listening : Toaster Pastry Running
Do you think God hears the prayers we sometimes blurt out in frustration? Today’s story address that very question. And then Coach Dean shares his thoughts on the history of toaster pastries and how it relates to running and faith. Hang in there on those New Year’s Resolutions Post of the Week -...
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302 – Pointing in the Right Direction : Two Copper Coins
Do you believe in coincidences? Or is there a greater power at work? Coach Dean shares his thoughts on that topic. Then he shares his thoughts on comparing our running to someone else’s. Hint: It’s usually a bad idea! New Year’s ETA run Post of the Week - Brooks Wachs - Getting it done Run of the...
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301 – Running and Giving it to God : Training by Sifting
Don’t miss Darcy Peckskamp’s incredible emotional story as she describes how God used running to completely change her life’s direction. Then Coach Dean and Mitchell share their thoughts on a kitchen apparatus and how it relates to our physical and spiritual training. 1:13 - Welcome Mitchell back...
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300b – Coach Dean’s Definitive Christmas Movie List
Coach Dean has watched hundreds of Christmas movies. As a bonus, he shares his top 10 favorites along with some other comments on some other Christmas films
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300 – The Night That Changed Everything : Recognizing the Gift
Coach Dean is joined by Lane Hollis as they share a Christmas story and some things about Christmas traditions. Then Dean shares a second story with a different surprise twist and talks about how it relates to our running and our faith. 1:05 - Catching up with Lane 4:48 - Post of the Week…
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299 – Where Running May Lead You : Running Through Pearl Harbor
Join Coach Dean and Mitchell as they share a story that is, at one time, about running and NOT about running. You don’t want to miss it! Then Dean shares his thoughts on Pearl Harbor and what it can teach us. Back from Thanksgiving Post of the Week - Brook Carpenter - Drinking and running Run of...
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298 – More Than One Answer : Be an Overcomer
Darren Lewis joins Coach Dean this week as they share a Jerry Snider story and reminisce about their running experiences. Then Dean shares his thoughts on overcoming adversity as it relates to physical battles as well and spiritual battles. 1:06 - Welcome back Darren Lewis! 2:40 - Post of the…
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297 – Reflecting on Psalm 116 : Germ Theory and Running
Coach Dean is in New Jersey, but that didn’t stop the podcast this week. He and Mitchell discuss Psalm 116 in the context of sports. And then Dean shares his thoughts on Germ Theory and relates it back to running. From New Jersey! Post of the Week - Ashley Daly - Sometimes we need a reset Run of...
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296 – About Those P’s and Q’s : The Eye of the Beholder
This week’s story explains that it is important to take care of the basics and then move onto taking care of the little things – in that order. Then Coach Dean shares his thoughts on an old Twilight Zone episode and what it tells us about our fitness and walk with Christ. 1:02 - Pacing is so much...
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295 – Time for a Little Rest : Please Don’t
Does God care about our running/walking? This week’s story tackles that question. Then Coach Dean tells about a short message he saw over a highway in New Jersey and the implications it could have for all of us. Long trip Post of the Week - Patrick Raney - Measure your results Run of the Week -...
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294 – Annette the Mighty Warrior : Don’t Just Be Yourself
What if you were given a terminal diagnosis? How would you spend the time you had left? Annette Call finished well. Her story will make you cray and praise God for people who have faith like hers. Then Coach Dean says, “Just Be Yourself” is terrible advice. Find out why… Running/Walking in the…
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293 – Faith to Weather the Storm : The Gift of Alone and Together
We like to ask God to calm the storm before we go for a run or a walk. What if God wants us to go through the storm? Coach Dean and Mitchell discuss that question in this episode. And then Dean shares his thoughts on running solo versus running with a partner or group. 1:49 - Coach Dean and the...
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292 – Are You Jeannette or Are You Jo? : Comfort Without Conviction is Spiritual Sedation
Coach Dean and Mitchell share a Jerry Snider story about the choice between positivity and negativity and how we can have an impact on those around us. Then Dean shares how a Billy Graham quote relates to our fitness journey. 1:12 - The accumulation of poor sleep 3:34 - Upcoming race 5:47 - Post…
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291 – Running the Race of Faith :T-Shirts, Medals, and Belt Buckles
Coach Dean and Mitchell share the story of Wilbur Miller and his struggles growing up and how he overcame those struggles through running and a newfound faith in Jesus Christ. Then Dean shares his thoughts on awards and race trinkets. 1:06 - Funny wedding story 3:27 - Those 9:30 dinners are not...
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290 – Sue Evans, Melissa Lagana, and the Experiences of 19 5K Challenge Classes
Coach Dean and Mitchell travel to York, Pennsylvania to talk to Sue Evans and Melissa Lagana about how a simple class can change lives. Melissa’s story is one you do not want to miss!
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289 – Connecting Communities Through Running/Walking
Coach Dean and Mitchell visit Faith Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland where Pastor Jeff Higgins and Steve Camp recently found out what Upward Running can do in their community. Also, you don’t want to miss the story of the dead frog!
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288 – When we Sell Ourselves Short, We Sell God Short : Opportunity in Every Step
Are you comparing yourself to others as you pursue your fitness goals? This week’s story explains why there is so much folly in that idea. Then Coach Dean explains why we should go into every run (and everything else we do) with positive expectations. 1:05 - We’re going on the road 2:13 - Pray…
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287a – We Can Do Hard Things : Rumble Strips (Coach Dean’s Birthday Episode!)
(This is a re-upload of podcast number 287. Sorry for the confusion. This one should be correct!) Coach dean and Mitchell talk about doing hard things all the time and this week’s story talks about why that’s a good thing. Then Dean shares a story about rumble strips on the side of the road and…
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287 – We Can Do Hard Things : Rumble Strips (Coach Dean's Birthday Episode!) (Corrected version)
Coach dean and Mitchell talk about doing hard things all the time and this week’s story talks about why that’s a good thing. Then Dean shares a story about rumble strips on the side of the road and how they inform our running/walking and our faith. They also share a little tribute to Charlie Kirk…
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286 – A Running Miracle : The Comparison Trap
Have you ever had God tell you something so clearly that you were willing to go against the experts to fulfill God’s plan? You’ll hear it this week. Then Dean shares his thoughts on why it can be really bad to compare yourself to others. 1:03 - God Story 4:56 - Labor Day Race 6:18 - Post of the...
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BONUS – 2025 World Championship Preview and Picks
Coach Dean, Lane Hollis and Patten Rector make their World Athletics Championship picks.
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285 – Community Matters : Nonconformity
Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about the importance and need for community in our running/walking lives as well as our spiritual lives. They always say, “There’s more than just running going on here,” and this week’s story puts that sentiment in perspective. Then Dean talks about times when it is...
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284 – Honor Flight : Fence Line Theology
If you love our veterans and military personnel, you’ve love the touching story this week. Mitchell talks about being FOR things rather than against things. And Coach Dean shares his thoughts about two dogs playing on either side of a fence. Don’t miss this one! 1:05 - Trouble adapting - good...
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283 – The Big Upset : Strength Should Not Be Temporary
The story of Billy Mills’ victory in the 1964 10,000 Meters is one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history and still the only time the USA has won that event. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about that story from a faith perspective this week. Then Dean shares his thoughts on being strong all the...
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282 – Run Uphill! : Modern Day Adam and Eve
Do you hate hills? Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story this week that may make you hate them a little less. And then Dean shares his thoughts on why people cheat and the implications for Christians. 1:04 - Happy Anniversary Mitchell and Holly! 2:17 - Cool Weather 4:11 - Post of the Week - Jon...
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281 – Big Arms, Bigger Heart : Observing and Dreaming
Coach Dean and Mitchell discuss a touching story about Arnold Schwarzeneggar and a boy named Roland Redmon. Good stories about celebrities are sometimes hard to come by, but this will restore your hope if you’ve lost it. And then Dean shares some thoughts he had while sitting in an airport in...
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BONUS - USA Track and Field Championships
Lane Hollis and Patten Rector join coach Dean as they talk about the 2025 USA Track and Field Championships.
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280 – Hawkins FUNdraiser and RoTwelve Ministries : Choosing the Right Path
Special guest Angie Hawkins joins Coach Dean as they talk about running for fun, a great gathering of people and a ministry that is making a difference. Then Dean tells us how Michael Jordan and Mitchell Hollis are the same. 1:00 - Welcome Angie 2:27 - Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Shin…
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279 – Running By Faith : The Newborn Giraffe
The main story is a fictional story that sums up all the stories we have heard through the years. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about doing hard things again. Then Dean shares his thoughts on the birth of a giraffe and what it has to do with our running and our faith. 1:22 - Rucking is harder than...
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278 – The Story of Michelle Papendick : Fixed Action Behavior
This week Coach Dean catches up with Michelle Papendick. Her story of Couch to Marathon and on to 6 marathons in 6 days is one you don’t want to miss! Then Dean renames the term muscle memory and he and Mitchell talk about how it can be good and/or bad, depending on your situation. Post of the…
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277 – Changing My Vote : Sabotage
What if we treated everyone like they deserved an A? Jerry Snider poses that question And Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about it. Then Dean’ tells you what Sheman’s Neckties are and how they can help us avoid catastrophe. 1:14 - Rucking, Running, and Cycling 4:30 - Post of the Week - Madonna…
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276 – Ryan Hall: Running with Faith : Progression vs. Regression
Coach Dean and Mitchell are joined at corporate HQ by Claire Boyce. They share a story about Olympian Ryan Hall and talk about what it means to run with faith. Then Dean shares his thoughts on whether aging is a good thing or bad thing. Welcome Claire Boyce! Post of the Week - Travis Vaughn - The...
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275 – Running to the Sunrise : Parasites
The theme is this podcast is the importance of supporting and loving fellow believers. Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about speaking out for Christ. And Dean shares the fact that nearly all of us have at least one parasite and we are supposed to BE parasites too. You don’t want to miss that! Post…
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274 – Sermon on the Flea Collar : Go Around
Can you get Biblical words of wisdom from a flea collar? Jerry Snider explains why we must be ready to go outside our comfort zones as Coach Dean and Mitchell discuss. And what happens when plans change? Dean shares his thoughts on some recent forced changes for him. 1:24 - Dallas First Baptist...
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273 – The Flying Scotsman : The Framing Effect
Coach Dean and Mitchell wade into some controversial territory this week as they talk about taking a stand for Biblical principles through the story of Eric Liddel. Then Dean shares his thoughts on something called The Framing Effect and how it relates to running/walking and our faith. Summer!…
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272 – Running Towards Intention : The Crux
Today’s story about beating addiction also comes with a poem. Join Coach Dean and Mitchell as they discuss it. Then Dean shares a term used in Rock Climbing that informs us about how we should look at running/walking and our faith. Keep Going even when you think you can’t Post of the Week - Bill...
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271 – Running with Abe : The Running Gamble
Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story about a man who was saved from clinical depression through the sport of running. Then Dean shares a way to think about your fitness that could change everything. 0:58 - Happy Birthday Holly! 1:06 - Trying to be efficient and failing 3:24 - Post of the Week -...
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270 – Another Chapter : Perspective
Coach Dean and Mitchell share the third installment of a continuing story from Roscoe Parker. God put running in perspective for him. Then Dean shares his thoughts on why finding where to place the blame just doesn’t matter sometimes. Rain, Rain Go Away Post of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Easy Runs...
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269 – Something’s Chasing Me! : An Odd Thing Happened on the Road Today
Coach Dean and Mitchell are joined by Upward Sports Executive Director Kavin Drake. Have you ever thought something was chasing you? This week’s story will make you chuckle and think. Then Dean shares talks about something that happened to him for the first time in his 45 years of running. You...
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268 – Milepost 72: How Did I Get Here So Fast? : Negotiation 101
We’re all getting older. How should we look at aging? That is the subject of this week’s main story. Then Dean shares his thoughts on what negotiating with yourself looks like. If you want to negotiate better running terms for yourself, you’ll need to tune in. Become a coach - It will be worth…
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267 – Resting at His Feet : Running by Punctuation
We’re all passionate about something. For many of us it is our fitness and health. Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story and talk about where our deepest desires should lie. Then Dean shares an innovative way to think about your running workouts… Rucking - everybody’s doing it Post of the Week -...
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266 – A Personal Mission Statement : Positivity First
Have you ever considered your personal mission statement? What would it be? Coach Dean and Mitchell talk about what that might look like. Then Dean shares his experiences over the weekend with a group of new friends. 1:00 - Ville to Ville Relay race 3:40 - Post of the Week - Michelle Palma Stover…
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265 – His Presence is More Than Enough : Rules Will Not Be Mocked
Hear the story of how the Upward Running Couch to Marathon program helped to heal a family’s pain after a string of life’s struggles. Then Coach Dean talks about whether or not traffic rules should apply to him. You don’t want to miss these stories! Pollen in the south Post of the Week - Amanda...
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BONUS - Easter Special 2025
Five Words - By Rhonda Williams Thank you to Rhonda Williams for her story. And thank you to the God to Who makes all things possible. If you are not sure of your salvation, please visit this site: UpwardRunning.com/PeaceWithGod
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264 – The Aaron Burros Story – Part 2
Aaron Burros was shot 5 times in a workplace shooting and then used running to overcome his PTSD and depression from that incident by attempting to run 50 marathon s in 50 states in 50 weeks. And this took place during the height of the pandemic, which had it’s good points and bad points.
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263 – The Aaron Burros Story – Part 1
Aaron Burros was shot 5 times in a workplace shooting and then used running to overcome his PTSD and depression from that incident by attempting to run 50 marathon s in 50 states in 50 weeks. And this took place during the height of the pandemic, which had it’s good points and bad points.
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262 – Life is a Marathon : Our Least Favorite Training Partner
Coach Dean and Mitchell share a story about a father/daughter marathon combo who once trained together years ago but no longer run together. The father is embarking on the Couch to Marathon journey after many setbacks. Then Dean shares his thoughts on the training partner we just don’t want to…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and dive deeper into your faith? Need a little extra inspiration now and then? Imagine having a friend who’s always ready for a run and eager to share how the journey of faith aligns with the challenges of endurance. Look no further! Upward Running is taking our podcast to new heights. With engaging storytelling, devotionals, and the latest tech on YouTube, podcast platforms, and Facebook Live, Dean Thompson is here each week to bring you inspiration, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
Plus, we’re excited to announce that a NEW app is launching soon, making it easier than ever to connect with the community and stay inspired on the go!
For just $9.97 a month, you’ll get all this and more—and, more importantly, you’ll be supporting Upward Running in our mission to spread the Gospel through the running community! Ready for a boost, both spiritually and physically? Join us today, and cancel anytime if you need to.
HOSTED BY
Upward Sports
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Upward Running Podcast have?
Upward Running Podcast currently has 329 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Upward Running Podcast about?
Are you looking for motivation to lace up your running shoes and dive deeper into your faith? Need a little extra inspiration now and then? Imagine having a friend who’s always ready for a run and eager to share how the journey of faith aligns with the challenges of endurance. Look no further!...
How often does Upward Running Podcast release new episodes?
Upward Running Podcast publishes regularly with 329 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Upward Running Podcast?
You can listen to Upward Running Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Upward Running Podcast?
Upward Running Podcast is created and hosted by Upward Sports.
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