Join the Run Club
Welcome to the RunninRev Run Club! Don't let the name fool you—no running is required. While I could have called it a network or a blog, I love the idea of a run club because it has fostered a sense of community and growth for me in all areas of life.
This is about running and not about running. This is about faith and not about faith. Mostly, this is about wellbeing.
Whether you run, walk, hike, or move in any way, the RunninRev Run Club is about always moving forward together.
This space is here to help us all build a sense of forward movement—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Join in to engage with my thoughts and musings, and learn more about me, Andrew, the RunninRev and leader of this inclusive community, below.
Come along on this journey, and let's make every mile count together!
Stay up-to-date
Make sure to subscribe, and choose how you wish to engage by opting in or out of the sections you want to receive updates from:
The Main Page: “The RunninRev Run Club”
This will be a more newsletter-style update of my writings and podcasting. I will most likely include quick thoughts that I am pondering, but I hope to keep it short, and sweet, and to point you to content or other areas. This is the main subscription, where you are seeing this post.
The Blog: “On A Long Run”
This space is for longer, reflective blog posts. Covering the gamut of areas that I often think about. You will find musings on the running community, my ministry, and my general thoughts. I cannot promise how often I might publish there, but be on the lookout for some, hopefully, fun stuff.
Pastoral/Faith-Based Areas (please don’t let this scare you off):
RevFlections
Areas for me to publish my sermons and devotions (they are separate areas). The hope would be for these to be published weekly, but again trying to take away the stress from this.
Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox (make sure to check your spam filter if you don’t see it in your inbox). For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app. You can also manage your subscription and upgrade to a paid membership for extra and early subscriber-only posts. This helps support me in this endeavor of building this communal sense of running and faith.
Who is “The RunninRev”
My name is Andrew Ware, also known as “The RunninRev.” I fulfill various roles in life such as a husband, father, friend, pastor, runner, advocate, podcaster, and writer. While these roles are integral to my life, I predominantly identify myself as a pastor and a runner.
The persona "RunninRev" embodies these essential aspects of my life. As a pastor and a runner, I experience a profound connection to both my calling and my passion for running.
I am a fully ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serving as a pastor since 2014 in three distinct ministry settings. Presently, I am engaged at Beech Grove United Methodist Church in Suffolk, VA. My principal interests within the church revolve around community and innovation. I derive joy from fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment wherever my ministry takes me.
Running has been a lifelong pursuit for me, evolving into a form of self-care and therapeutic release. It has not only enhanced my physical and mental well-being but has also become a manifestation of community and faith. Additionally, I hold a USATF Level 1 Certified Running Coach accreditation and possess experience as a race director/organizer.
Amidst the pandemic, I developed a fervor for advocating self-care after encountering pastoral burnout due to evolving responsibilities in a changing church landscape. This experience illuminated the significance of self-care.
Above all, my family serves as my cornerstone. My wife and children provide unwavering support and serve as a constant upon which I rely.
As I endeavor to build community, my goal is to establish meaningful connections and foster collective growth. Let's connect and grow together.
