In this week’s episode we sit down and talk with husband, father and founder of Active-Futures, Jeff Forrester. Jeff and I cover so many great topics and had a great conversation. Jeff shares how to:

Actively plan and executing your goals and overcoming adversity.

Not taking our faith for granted and quit taking on a pocket-like faith.

Adding value in every situation and learning to find that untapped potential through the following 4 key points:

Understanding yourself

Importance of communication

Importance of self-development

Setting the proper course

We didn’t even get to talk about his new book that has just been published, “Unleashed Potential: Simple Steps To Be The Best Version of Yourself”.

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: @jeff4ester

Website: Active Futures

Subscribe, Review, Share!

Thank you for listening to The Scarecrow Runner Podcast

This week we visit with Chris DT Gordon of Michigan. Chris was an outstanding guest and I really enjoyed chatting with him and listening to his testimony on how he became a scar bearer in his battle with Necrotizing Fasciitis. Chris contracted this flesh eating bacteria back in 2015 and spent more than 2 months in the hospital and 6 months of Physical Therapy. He is a husband and father of 3 and is an online special education middle school teacher. Chris is a motivational speaker and has since started his own podcast, "Scar Bearers" along with a YouTube channel and continues to stay active even during a crazy quarantine.

He has set or tied 4 PRs since being in the hospital and has completed 3 Ragnars and since recording this podcast achieved his black belt in Tae Kwon Do....so watch your back if you don't listen in to this week's episode. It was an entertaining visit and I look forward to having Chris back on in the future.

This week I was joined with one of my F2E teammates, Aaron Dana. Aaron has a background in soccer and up until July last year never really spent time running. He mainly would run for conditioning, but that was about it. It wasn't until his friend Brandon Rizzo enticed him to start getting some exercise and hiking mountains with him that his passion for running on trails and more kicked in. Aaron has literally been running for a year and just conquered his first 100 mile ultra marathon last weekend at the Mighty Mosquito in Western New York in 26:32 as the 3rd overall male and a 4th overall finish.I really enjoyed the mindset and attitude Aaron shares with us as he is grateful in everything he is apart of and spent the majority of his 100 sharing his gratefulness for those around him. You will definitely want to listen in on this podcast as Aaron shares how he was able to overcome a lot of the pain and challenges one faces during a 100 miler and is able to replace it with gratitude and joy.

The scripture reference for today's motivation is Matthew 6:34 and encouraged me to not worry about tomorrow and the things going on around me, but rather to focus on today and the ways that I can further the kingdom of heaven. We are to be about our Father's business, so why worry about things we don't have any control over.

This week I had the privilege to speak with Becky Croft from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Becky is the only certified Chi Running coach in the region and has been certified since this last December, but has been practicing it for many years after she was trying to correct her 'heel' strike. She implemented this running style because how important and efficient it helps you in running and assisting in realignment in the body during running. Becky also mixes in yoga several times a week as a compliment to her running.

Becky has been running for the last decade and has run more than 40 half marathons. Her favorite races include the first half marathon she ran in Joplin, Missouri, running in Eugene, Oregon and finishing at the 50 yard line of Autzen Stadium. She has completed 4 marathons and is training for her 5th this next year and was selected in the lottery process to be apart of the 2019 Berlin Marathon which was an amazing adventure for her. She is currently in training for CIM in California in December 2020.This interview was a very informative one for me and getting a better understanding of different running philosophies and strategies. It is important to keep the mind open to new things and ensure we find something that works well for our bodies and minds.

This week's episode features Stephanie Scocchera (pronounced sko-cara) who resides in sunny Florida, but with a name like that you would expect her to be training along the countryside of Italy. Stephanie and I have been following each other on social media for a few years and thought it would be fun to have her on as as guest. We covered so much in a 1 hour episode and discussed everything from running to marriage to motherhood to racing to faith. It was a great discussion that connected all the ups and downs of life and the challenges and joys we can associate to running. It was a super fun and great conversation.

This episode was a super special one for me because I had the chance to sit down and chat with my sister Ashley. We had a lot of fun with this episode and there was definitely some sibling rivalry going on with this one. I get to hear from my sister and what has fueled her desires to run as she embarks on a 10K trail race later this fall where she wants to take me down. So sit back and enjoy a fun and light-hearted episode I have with my dear sister. I think you will find it exactly what you needed to hear today. Enjoy!

This week's final installment of the Deep South Series - Georgia features Brad Lord from Macon, Georgia. Brad was a perfect bookend to this series. We had a great conversation and covered things ranging from musical interests to his background as a PE teacher and football coach to being heavily involved in F3 (Fitness, Faith, Fellowship). Brad has ran the Chicago Marathon as well as the Rocket City Marathon and pursues many different hobbies on the side as well; including his love for doing trick shots similar to those made famous by Dude Perfect. Brad also keeps running motivation and his adventures on his YouTube channel "Run with Brad". I highly encourage you all checking him out and listening to this cool dude share a little bit about himself and his passions in this episode.

On this week's episode I sit down with John Robert McKay, A.K.A. the Blind Donkey Runner.

Many would think John would not be able to run due to being visually impaired, but that doesn't stop this thoroughbred. John became legally blind at the age of 2, but that doesn't prevent him from enjoying something he loves to do and that is run.  

I enjoyed the conversation John and I had regarding college basketball, ultra marathons, trail running and overcoming life's obstacles and challenges. I hope you will enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it. Thanks for a great chat John!

On episode 1 of the deep south running series I have a great interview with Jack Johnson. Not that Jack Johnson, even though he is has the same name, this Jack is an ultra running machine. Jack and I hooked up on Instagram earlier this year and I knew that he was someone I would like to chat with. We have a lot of common ground and similarities with our families, faith, business mindset and of course ultra running. We dive deep into Jack's past and how he grew up in Florida, but found his way to Georgia and has called it home ever since. Jack shares the challenges that you can face in training and running hundred milers, but of course mentions the crazy humidity and heat that Georgia runners can all associate with.

Jack recently completed a 100 mile race in Chattanooga, Tennessee and also the Pinhoti 100 in November. Jack is an admirable athlete and thrives on what he calls 'Tiger Blood' and how to live life with no fear and taking a simple approach to completing tasks by not over thinking it. Jack is not afraid of failure and sees it as an opportunity for future success in life and ultra running. Jack is huge on relentless forward progress as a mantra during races and can push through the pain and self doubt when faced with adversity. Jack digs deep into his walk with Christ during races and pulls on that strength through prayer and support from his crew chief, his wife Kimeran. I think you will enjoy this great episode.