An interview with Brad Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO, U.S. Corporate Wellness and rider in the movie Godspeed – The Race Across America
Publisher’s Note: Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus did some intense prayer at night and asked his disciples to keep vigil with Him. When they fell asleep He asked them why they couldn’t stick it out with Him for just one hour. Determination and persistence are character qualities that we all need to have stronger.
Brad Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of U.S. Corporate Wellness did the Race Across America (RAAM) and found that God had lessons to teach him about mental toughness. Born out of those lessons is the movie Godspeed (in theaters May 22, 2018). This Faith & Fitness Magazine feature highlights the movie, provides an exclusive conversation with Brad Cooper and provides a devotional excerpt from the book he co-authors that is a companion resource to the movie. READ ALL THREE PAGES.
THE MOVIE
The inspiration to overcome breathes life into “GODSPEED” as it chronicles a first-time race team – Jerry Schemmel, noted author, speaker and sportscaster for the Colorado Rockies and Brad Cooper, an eleven-time Ironman triathlete – as they compete 24 hours a day for seven days covering 3,000 miles of deserts, mountains and plains overcoming physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation and extreme mental anguish competing in the world’s most difficult cycling race – The Race Across America.
Pedaling 168 hours non-stop across 12 states from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans, Schemmel and Cooper embark on the journey of a lifetime – a race that would provide an extreme test of physical endurance and dependence on faith, all for the greater purpose and personal calling to raise money for the orphans of Haiti.
GODSPEED gives audiences a firsthand account of what it is like to face inner and external challenges, while testing the limits of friendship on this grueling trek across the country. As the documentary goes behind the scenes with the first-time race team of Cooper and Schemmel, through alternating shifts or pulls, the duo pedals 168 hours non-stop from Oceanside, California, to the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.
“Life is frequently compared to cycling in a variety of ways, but seeing this documentary creates an undeniable and powerful connection. While endurance athletes will revel in the realities of RAAM, the life lessons apply to all of us, regardless of age, occupation or athletic pursuits,” Cooper and Schemmel said. “Whether chasing a seemingly impossible dream or striving to make sense of the daily struggles of work, family and life, ‘GODSPEED‘ captures it all.”
“‘GODSPEED‘ inspires audiences with its uplifting story of resolve, conviction and the strength of the human spirit,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “This event resonates with both cycling fans and those looking to strengthen their faith in challenging times.”
