As part of my health and fitness recovery journey, Kingdom Running Club provided the spiritual encouragement, mindset keys and some of the vital knowledge for me to regain my full range of mobility, improve my nutrition, lose 20 lbs and regain muscular strength. Since joining Kingdom Running Club I have completed a 5K, five supersprint triathlons, one sprint triathlon and a half marathon. I am thankful to God for KRC’s trainers, resources and community!

First, I joined KRC in 2024, and over the 2 years I have participated in the program I have been able to shed 31 pounds and have learned how to sustain the weight loss.  Second, my other health indicators have improved and stabilized significantly.  Through joining KRC, I was able to train and successfully finish my 8^th ½ Marathon (Fox Valley 2025) in addition to multiple 5K events.

Major Learnings/Takeaways:

1. Simply signing-up and consistently showing-up is 75% of the Battle!  Joining the KRC Community and showing-up is about being a part of a group where everyone’s presence matters.  Your presence matters and it’s bigger than just for yourself.  Our individual presence both inspires and motivates others to also keep showing-up and participating, just as we ourselves are inspired and motivated to show-up and keep working toward our goal.

2. Trust the process!  Sharon, Rick, Cynthia, Joyce, Judy, Richard and other KRC leaders collectively have a wealth of knowledge and experience helping participants train, get healthier, and finish runs.  They bring the best speakers and resources available to the program, and if you stick with it and commit to following the process, you WILL become healthier, and you WILL reach your goal of finishing a marathon, ½ marathon, 5K, or whatever run you decide to pursue. 

I’ve been running with KRC since 2010, with the exception of missing a few years (2019–2024) due to injuries. This year, my goal was to complete one more half marathon. However, as race day approached, I faced several challenges — my body felt weak, and I was unable to participate in the Fox Valley Marathon. I was disappointed and frustrated.

But that frustration turned into determination. I told myself, I’m going to do this race!

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, I got up, put on my workout clothes, turned on my worship music started running to the beat of the sounds of worship, and completed my r13.1 miles in 5 hour! I sent my time and miles to Sharon — and all I could say THANK YOU JESUS!!

My scripture I stand on is Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When the enemy tries to stop you, stand firm, and trust God!

Jeanette Cannon

But I will not give up!! 
You have inspired me to continue to strive to achieve my fitness and health goals!
Thank you for all the work that you and the whole team put into preparing and leading the classes. It is very much appreciated!!
 
Also, my friend, Jane  joined KRC because of its effect on me. Her friend also joined because of the effect of KRC on her!
So please be encouraged that what you all are doing is making a difference!
God bless you!

I regain the confidence to workout again after effects from Covid virus. Got rid of 30lbs, 13.8 of the pounds was shed doing the 28 days of juicing. Decrease in blood pressure from 130/82 to 119/70. Still running 3 times a week. Maintaining weight loss, workout regimen and juicing benefits. Bravo to Minister Sharon and the team for a spirit of excellence. The anointing of God is truly on KRC. I am amazed at God’s ability to run at 60 years old.
The information and revelation of divine health that I receive is beyond any words. Forever grateful and increasing in strength and wholeness.

I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the running club for giving me the
opportunity to participate in this incredible
program. I am thrilled to share that I have
successfully lost 30 pounds, and the running
club program has been a tremendous blessing
in helping me renew my body in alignment with
the Word of God.Through this journey,I have ex-perienced not only physical transformation but also spiritual growth, as I embraced the principles of stewardship over my health.
My blood pressure is now stable,and my doctor
has even reduced my medication to a lower dosage a testament to the positive changes this
program has brought to my life.

Good Morning!
It gives me great pleasure to share with you what the Kingdom Running Club has meant to me, this – my first year of participating.
 
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a sepsis blood infection and was given 2 days to live. However, God told me 4 days before, that He had more for me to do – so I did not accept that verdict!
 
I was in the hospital for 10 days, then in a rehab facility for 7 more weeks. During that time, I had operations on my foot and both legs. I was in a wheelchair, used a walker and eventually used a cane. I remember begging my Physical Therapist to promise me that I’d walk again. I honestly didn’t know if I would be able to walk again.
 
I was eventually able to walk without a cane.  I needed to get stronger. So, with the encouragement of my friend, Linda Meenam, a long-time KRC member, I joined the Kingdom Running Club.  The thought of completing even a 5K run seemed way out of my reach!
 
I so appreciate the God-centered approach to fitness that is the hallmark of the Kingdom Running Club. Every class, every run begins with Prayer, Worship, Scripture Declarations & Motivation. We have learned so much about: Nutrition – I was even inspired to do a 28 day juice fast! The Leaders brought in experts to teach about: How to walk & run, Equipment, Exercise, Mental Attitude and many other things.
 
When I started, I could barely make it walking around this shopping mall once! I was slow. When I tried jogging my fastest, others around me were walking, not even breaking a sweat and they passed me! However, I want you to know, that from all my fellow KRC members and especially the KRC leadership, I only ever heard encouragement and support! They wouldn’t let me say any negative words about myself. They encouraged me to do my best and not compare myself to anyone else. At our Saturday meetings, I was able to connect with others and met Paulette Bradshaw, who became my daily walking/running accountability partner and a good friend. 
 
By the end of the season, I ran two 5K’s and was regularly walking/slow jogging 5-7miles. And who knows? Maybe next year I’ll build up to a ½ Marathon! My favorite quote from the club is: “I might be slow, but I’m faster than the guy sitting on the couch!”
 
I’ve gotten stronger & healthier, but most of all, my mind has been renewed! If you are thinking about getting healthier in the New Year, regardless of your age or physical condition, I recommend joining the Kingdom Running Club and let the Lord lead you into Health!
 
Thank you, Pastor Winston, for giving us this incredible opportunity. I want to thank all of the KRC Leaders: Sharon, Cynthia, Joyce, Kevin, Rick and all of my fellow KRC members for all of your care, instruction and support! God bless you and thank you so very much!! 

In 2021
Fox Valley Half Marathon 
Naperville Half Marathon 
 
2022
Fox Valley Half Marathon 
Naperville 5k
 
In 2023
Fox Valley 5k
Naperville Half Marathon 
 
Scheduled but still need to run 14k Hot Chocolate virtually 
 
My testimony:
 
Thank you Dr. Winston for making available such an amazing health program. Your team of excellent leaders have been such an encouragement, strength, and godly examples. Since joining the running club, I have been stretched beyond what I could have ever dreamed I’d be able to accomplish and do it with Joy.
 
Every year I face different challenges, and I am always learning how to trust God to get me through.
 
With the Running club and God’s help I have brought my cholesterol down and have increased my bone density. I have more stamina and strength than before joining this group.
 
A special thank you to Sharon Stewart , Cynthia, Rick, Joy, Richard and team…… you all make this program a success, and I’m proud to be a part of the running club. Thank you for your strong, godly leadership you carry an anointing of encouragement and I feel your prayers.
 
In Jesus,
 
Kathy Moussalli

Dear Sharon and the Kingdom Running Club Leadership Team:
 
As a new member to the Kingdom Running Club, and as I pause and take time to reflect upon this season,  I wanted to take a few moments to say thank you for all you have done (“on and off the field”) to pour, not only into me, but into each of the members.  
 
Thank you for the personal interest you showed each of us – going the extra mile even when you may have been tired yourself.   
 
Thank you for helping me to feel a part – even though my running partner and I lived several hours away from where you were gathering.  
 
Thank you for the countless hours each of you put into making this a club we all are proud and honored to be a part of.  
 
Thank you for your commitment to do everything with excellence and great joy. 
 
Thank you for encouraging us to do more than we thought we were capable of accomplishing. 
 
Thank you for believing in us, and in the power of the God within us, even when we couldn’t.   
 
Thank you for coming alongside us in the good and the difficult times throughout the season.  
 
Thank you for being leaders of integrity.  
 
Thank you for making this not just a  time to become better runners, or in my case, walker, but to make this about growing in our entire being – body, soul and spirit.  
 
Thank you for leading by example. 
 
Thank you for making this club more about our love and worship of the Lord than the act of running – but showing us how to incorporate these things into our activity.  
 
Thank you for the practical tools you have provided – covering every detail needed to help us become the best athlete we can be. 
 
Thank you for the WHOOOOOOO-HOOOOOO’S   when I wanted to Boooo-Hoooo!  
 
Thank you for your ongoing prayer and declarations over each of us and encouraging us to do the same for ourselves and others.  
 
This has been a season of stretching and strengthening myself in the Lord. He has proven Himself faithful once again!   Thank you for your part in the process!
 
May you continue to find great joy, strength and contentment as you serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in this capacity. 
 
Because of Jesus,
Genise VanHover
Portage, Michigan

My name is Ambitious Angel and this was my first year with KRC. Like you are doing right now, I remember sitting in the crowd watching the runners ascend upon the stage thinking, wow, that’s good for them. As I contemplated how I could get connected at Living Word, I thought well that’s group I won’t be a part of!
 
I’m still in awe as to how I signed up for this club in the first place and completed all these races. The night before KRC kicked off, after the faith refreshers, a sister stated I should join the club. I emphatically said that I don’t see the need to run more than 100M. I mean after that one should grab a pair of rollerblades, a skateboard, a bike, even your car keys. Her reply was that I should go anyway and support Karen.  Honestly inside I had no desire to even do that but for someone reason I got in the car and texted Karen asking about the time and location of the class. Then for some reason I went home and researched KRC. For some reason I set my alarm clock and arose the next morning, got dresses and went to class. I felt like I was not making these decisions myself. Karen sked what I was doing there and I said, I do not know.
 
As I sat there and listened to the testimonies, saw the setup of the club, and how God was the primary focus, I was moved. We read the purpose, 1 Cor 9:24-27 and the confession. Vs 26-27 brought tears to my eyes. I then wrote in my notebook, ‘Lord, what am I doing here? Why am I sitting here listening to this, What is my why? What are you trying to pull out of me” I then wrote Lord, I don’t like pain and draining myself…I think about when I used to just stop because I didn’t want to push through. Is it laziness or fear? Then we began to sing Break Every Chain and Fearless and I began crying. I’ve never cried in those songs. God told me I want you to run a marathon.  I was like I don’t want to. He said I know but the assignment I am calling you to requires a spirit of follow-thru and completion and you don’t truly possess those spirits. I asked if there was another way and he said Yes.  I was like, cool! Let’s do that but He gently said no. Like a little child I tried to go back in forth with him and trying to persuade him out of his request. Even as I filled out the registration paper and handed over my credit card!
 
Every week I got stronger and was in awe of what God was doing with me in and outside of running. A woman who couldn’t run more than 1.5 miles no matter how hard she tried was now learning how to run 26.2. I remember the day that the race came. I didn’t sleep well the night before and I woke up with my body rebelling in sickness. My morning routine was off. Nothing was as it usually was. I was reminded that the enemy will use any tactic to keep you from your blessing or being a blessing to others. Nonetheless I made it to the start line. For those first 10 miles, I was on a high! Encouraging people along the way, enjoying the scenery, the fancy houses, people cheering along the path. Then I made a critical error. I decided to stop running my race but joining someone else along theirs. I hadn’t trained the same way she had and didn’t have the same skills as she had and it cost me dearly. God has equipped us all differently and we can’t look to the right or the left at what everyone is doing. We need to focus on the path the Lord has tokd us to walk in. So, running out of steam, I came to a clearing where my mom and two friends had waited hours to cheer me on. As they disappeared from view, I told God I would need to see them at least one more time for encouragement. Over the next 3 miles, the road became lonely.  The number of runners was sparse and I spent 2 miles completely all alone in the woods just trying to put one foot in front of the other. Here I learned that the path gets lonely, distractions and fears can set in during these times but I had to keep pushing.
 
Near mile 20 I asked God for supernatural strength to finish the last 6.2 miles…something he had done for me many times before. Yet this time he said no I’m doing a new thing.  Jim Cymbala said, “I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him”. I couldn’t finish without him. So whatever method he wanted to use, I was willing to accept. Instead of strength he gave me support and three little angels. The first was Richard, who rode up on a bike towards me.  Unsure if he was a mirage. I was like Richard is that you, what are you doing here? He said, I came to get you. He shared a message he heard by Bishop Bismark about what it takes to break the sound barrier. How the plane feels like everything is going to fall apart, instruments are going crazy. He said that my body was doing exactly what it was supposed to be doing because that was the only way to breakthrough. That I was about to do something I had never done. He said even my mind would be playing tricks on me, and I was like how did he know I was hallucinating.  Supernatural breakthough does not come easy that’s why it’s called a Break-Through. It requires force and the scattering or destruction of something.
 
Along the path, my mom popped up three more times.  Each time with a message of encouragement. I’m proud of you, You can do it. We’re praying for you. Her presence and consistency healed our relationship on a whole other level that I don’t think she’ll ever grasp. At mile 23, Richard guided me to Sharon, Rick and Cynthia who gave me fuel, spoke the word over me and rubbed me down with biofreeze. He then said, Sharon is going to run you to the finish. Now the thing is, Sharon had already run more than 16 miles that morning. For most of it she ran with me and the she ran ahead of me constantly looking over her shoulder to make sure I was alright. Her running ahead forced me to chase her pushing myself more and more regardless of the pain and fatigue. When the finish line was insight, Sharon asked, do you see it, it right there, we’re almost done. Let’s go!  When I heard Go, a word God used several times throughout the season, I took off with strength and energy I had no idea was still in my body. In fact, I left both Sharon and my mom who planned to run me to the finish.  Now crossing the finish line wasn’t easy no matter how fast I was traveling.  I had to avoid a truck in the path and a man on a ladder under the finish sign. Crossing the line there was Richard and two of my friends.  I remember weeping in my mother’s arms when it was all over. God said today I show you the community I’ve placed you in, the one you’ve been crying out to me for. Today you will see my love pour through their sacrifice for your sake.
 
You know God taught me a lot through this process, as KRC continually says “It’s not about the marathon, it’s about what God is doing in and though you”. It strengthened and reinforced my character, those spirits of Follow-thru and completion, and my faith. I experienced a lifestyle transformation, my blood pressure dropped to normal healthy ranges, it combatted the effects of the thyroid issues I was experiencing by being intentional about my eating, drinking and sleeping habits. It changed my priorities and even my relationship with God.  I finally removed him from the box I unknowingly had him caged in.
 
The other day I told a friend that God gave us the training to focus on while he worked in the back and foreground. He used me to influence and inspire those around me. He healed many things that lived deep within my heart, he changed several of my relationship dynamics, he showed me how to be the authentic Angel.  I believe that God was and still is taking me to the next level in my faith, trust, and reliance. The dream He has impressed upon me requires me the ability to push through pain, fear, discomfort, and the voices that hold me back. It requires me to remember that I can’t do anything on my own strength.  I have delayed the most important things in my life and avoided that which seemed impossible.  What have you been delaying or avoiding?  With God there are no limits to our potential except what we tell ourselves. God bless you all and to God be the Glory!