#199: Police Are Fit Too - Army Vet & Officers Aim to Run Across Georgia As a Relay Team

Run The Race

Some people may not think of law enforcement and fitness together, but that may be a misconception as our guest on the pod this week is one example of a police officer that’s in good shape. Now, he and coworkers are about to do a relay run across the state of Georgia – which he talks about on this episode! We also discuss why he started and has continued running (even through injury)…how health and fitness can be a big part of our family and legacy…what he learned from the Army, CrossFit…and his Christian faith through dangers on the force. Make sure to subscribe to this “Run The Race” podcast. (2:37) Sgt. Dan Lyon has been on the Columbus GA police force for 21 years, ran his first and only full marathon 14 years ago about a decade after being in the US Army. Dan talks first about police, fitness and donuts – how thoese things impact their ability to do their job like chasing suspects. Now, he and 7 fellow CPD officers are doing Run Across GA, which is 277 miles from Tybee Island to Columbus over 2 days on Memorial Day Weekend. He talks about the logistics like living out of a van, running amidst the heat and hills, why they’re doing it and why it’s fun. Note: he’s had a torn ACL for 4 years – but still runs and does CrossFit regularly, just not other sports. (13:34) During his 4 years in the Army, Dan dives into what he did as a guidon carrier, what he learned from the military about being on time, fitness and more. (16:56) What are the pros and cons now of his dangerous job as a police officer? He and the guys will also rep their police force while running across GA with the team name “Got 1 Running” – which refers to a term used on their jobs. Here’s their page: https://www.classy.org/team/572806. This husband and dad (19:12) also has advice for parents about being active with your children and family. He’s bonded with his daughter, now 23, through running races together. (21:37) And he tells the story about getting into running, decades ago, thanks to his sister who had not played sports. Now, he hopes to inspire other officers to run or get in shape or at least to stop drinking sodas. Dan stays away from sugar…but why? (27:22) We also talk briefly about how his Christian faith fits into his job and the dangers he faces and the gratefulness of citizens…then close out chat with more on the causes that they’re raising money for through Run Across Georgia: MercyMed of Columbus and House of Heroes. Here’s where you can learn more and donate: https://www.classy.org/campaign/run-across-georgia-fundraising/c568793. (32:54) We also have flashbacks to previous podcast episodes #111 and #163 with people who did the SOLO Run Across Georgia in 2022 and ’23, Sasuhia Hathaway and Kevin Schied. Take a listen to what they went through. (48:27) After a few of my thoughts on latest Masters winner and #1 golfer in the world Scottie Scheffler being courageously outspoken about Jesus, I close the pod in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.