The Cherokee Plug

After months and months of hard work, running a ton of easy miles, track workouts, threshold miles and all the other ancillary work that goes into a marathon build, I was able to go out and compete at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Join me, Katelynn and my coach Jeff Cunningham as we dive into the details of marathon build, race day strategy, fighting through unfavorable weather conditions and finishing with an almost 9:00 PR since June at Missoula Marathon taking my time from 2:49:17 to a 2:40:47. Hope you enjoy! if you're interested in taking your running to the next level then feel free to reach out and lets chat. you can also follow my run coaching page on IG @lionsdenfitness_runcoachingyou can find us all on instagram: @jdcunningham97@gwy_lioness@_recoverylion86follow the podcast on IG @thecherokeeplugpodcast If you're interested in supplements to help optimize your training and recovery then follow @pure_nutraceuticals on IG and use my discount code 'recoverlion' at checkout! 

"I wanna talk about my struggles because that's what made me who I am."My latest conversation on The Cherokee Plug Podcast is with Caroline Martin. Caroline is a really inspiring woman who I met over instagram almost 2 years ago and we've been in contact since that time because we're both in the fitness space (plus she's just bad a**) Caroline is a graduate of University of Memphis. She has traveled the country working different jobs while living a bit of the nomad life. She is vulnerable, open and really inspiring. Listen to our conversation as she shares her story. We also dive into her training and first ultramarathon finish at the Georgia Jewel 36 Miler. This conversation has some great takeaways that's applicable to almost anyone! Enjoy!You can follow her on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/keepinitcaroline?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Join us for the latest conversation as we take a deep dive into the Missoula Marathon. Jeff, Katelynn and I discuss the last days leading up to the race, the predicament that almost kept me from competing and the importance of respecting the "Marathon gods." Please leave us a rating, review and tag us on IG! Sgi!

Join my friend Ally Griffeth and I for the latest conversation on The Cherokee Plug podcast. We dive into a plethora of actionable takeaways and inspiring topics around fitness, mindset, the power of failure and its ability to propel you forward.  We dive into some of our personal challenges with starting something new and experience with failures, Allys 1st marathon AND the powerful question "why cant I?" 4:50- Who is Ally G?15:20- Relying on motivation.18:00- Take quitting off the table23:37- If you want something youve never had, you gotta do something you've never done26:35- 75Hard challenge28:50- Find a way or find an excuse, you cant have both. 33:30- "Power of "collecting wins."35:50- Power of staying present44:48- Allow your setbacks to propel you forward50:00- Running her 1st marathon59:21- Allys relationship w/ running1:05:00- Body positivity 1:13:00- Rapid fire questionsYou can follow Ally on IG @AllyGriffethCheck out her podcast on Apple and iTunes @BeThatB!tchBe sure to leave us a rating and review! Tag us in your story. @thecherokeeplugpodcast @_recoverylion86

Join Katelynn and I as we take a deep dive into almost every running topic imaginable with my marathon coach Jeff Cunningham. 00:00 - 28:40: Intros, The Genesis of Jeffs running and coaching career. 28:40- Jeff discusses some of the qualities he looks for in prospective runners. 33:20- Pessimism vs Realism. How to make the discrepancy when setting a goal for yourself. 35:33- Happy runners are fast runners, fast runners are successful runners. 40:40- Why is aerobic running the most important type of running?53:15- Speed work and its place in your training plan1:14- Long runs1:20- “Running can be peoples salvation”1:26- Listener question #1- Can you share some tips on nutrition for pre and post marathon race day?1:33- Listener question #2- Typical marathon progression from novice 4:00 to sub 3:00. How many years?1:37:58- Listener question #3- Thoughts on low volume/high intensity marathon programs?1:44:45- Listener question #4- Tips on running in humid and warm conditions?1:46:50- Listener question #5- Whats the difference between programming half marathon/marathon long runs?!:48:37- Listener question #6- Are you taking clients?1:51:14- Listener question #7- How many times a week should you strength train during race prep?1:52:23- Listener question #8- Is there a limit for someone that is 200lbs and already at sub 3 shape? Is 2:30 possible?1:55:40- Jeff explains his coined phrase “consistently good over occasionally great” and it's meaning.

Welcome to another episode of The Cherokee Plug podcast. In this conversation I speak to my friend and fellow runner Kylie Aldaz. Kylie is a person in recovery from heroin addiction and this was her first time sharing her story publicly. Kylie did a phenomenal job taking us through some of her darkest and most challenging moments. For those of us who've suffered from addiction we know all too well the 'bottoms' we encounter along the journey and the overwhelming shame that comes along with this disease. Kylie courageously takes us through her experience and how peer pressure and running with the wrong crowd in her early teens contributed to her becoming addicted to heroin. She intimately shares that 'rock bottom moment' of her selling her car, which she was living in at the time, in order to get some more drugs. After going on another bender and ultimately being out of side hustles she finally did what so many don't have the courage to do, ask for help. Life is a journey of highs and lows and Kylie takes us through what it was like for her during her chaotic years of addiction to finding recovery while simultaneously watching her mom succumb to cancer and the life shattering events that took place during the following days of the funeral and the months and years following. Finding strength and healing is something that one acquires over time and Kylie shares with us what that looks like for her and how her love for running has given her new life perspectives and experiences. She's a veteran ultrarunner with over 20 races under her belt with prestigious race finishes in the Leadville 100 and Cocodona 250, to name a couple. It goes without saying that this woman right here is tough, gritty, full of wisdom through life experience and one of the nicest humans I've had the pleasure of interviewing. Please share and leave of review so we can keep growing and inspiring others around the world. We hope you enjoy, Sgi!To follow Kylie on IG: @kyliekrun_azFollow the podcast on IG: @thecherokeeplugpodcastFollow Kallup and Katelynn on IG: @_recoverylion86 & @gwy_lioness

Not all heroes wear capes. This was my first thought when I heard Stephanie Lawler share her heart and struggles. Living on life's terms can be challenging. Stephanie and her family hit a low back in 2008 and Stephanie was at a crossroads and was at the end of her rope. She didn't know which way was up and the weight of the challenges she was facing became almost unbearable. Suicidal, turning to multiple substances to cope with the storm she was in, she was literally seconds away from ending it all but something happened. A moment of clarity, a Divine intervention took place in her most vulnerable and weakest moment. Join me as I interview the amazing Stephanie Lawler and get some insight of what happened on that day in 2008 and how her newfound perspective changed the trajectory of her entire life and the lives of anyone she comes into contact with. The wife, mother, entrepreneur and elite trainer you see today isn't who she's always been. Sometimes we need the dark and the unfortunate circumstances to shape and mold us so that we might find a new strength, clearer purpose and for our light to shine bright. That's what you'll learn through this powerful conversation. We also talk fitness, nutrition, gut health, sleep hygiene and more!Hope you enjoy! Sgi. Thanks.   

Join us as we open up with some housekeeping and info about upcoming episodes and guests. Katelynn and I discuss my latest half marathon performance. We talk about the race atmosphere, morning rituals, and the lead up to race start. I go through the race mile by mile and discuss fueling and hydration, mindset through the miles, and answer some rapid fire questions. Hope you enjoy! Please subscribe and leave us a reiew! Sgi. Thanks. 

This episodes' guest is one of my favorite people to to follow on instagram, Rachel Belmont epitomizes grit, determination, passion, and joy. Some of her accomplishments include, 2022 Badwater Cape Fear 51.4 miler- 3rd overall/1st female, 2022 Salt Flats Endurance Run 100miler- 3rd overall/1st female, Skydive Ultrarun 100miler-1st overall, 3days at the Fair 24hr run-117miles. Rachel lives her life to the fullest. You can find her working hard serving others in the healthcare field as a psychiatric nurse, skydiving with friends and winning 100mile races when she touches the ground, literally. Rachel gives an extraordinary masterclass on overcoming adversities, failing forward, and finding joy in traveling and taking chances. Without further ado, we give you Rachel Belmont.  Hope you enjoy!If this podcast provided any value to your life please leave us a review. 

Join our latest episode as we discuss and dissect Katelynns 1st Ironman finish. Listen as we dive into her preparation and take you through the race day experience and what's next! Leave us a review and if this provides any inspiration or value then share and tag us on social media. Sgi, thanks!

We're back!!!!!  Join us as we discuss the feeling of FEAR and some of the commonly used acronyms describing this state of mind. We also dive into our most recent challenge and Life Resume building endeavor, running The Grand Canyon. Come along with us as we talk about the lessons we learned through suffering, giving ourselves permission to fail, and the importance of putting these things on your calendar! Please give us a follow on instagram @_recoverylion86 & @gwy_lioness and of course @thecherokeeplug. 

Rising ESPN star. Award winning sports reporter and journalist. Addiction recovery advocate. Former D-1 gymnast. Sage storyteller. Lauren Sisler has an amazing life resume. She's been covering ESPN College Football for a number of years and has spent countless hours around Alabamas' program and players. Her ability to tell stories is second to none but perhaps the most impactful story she's ever told is her own. While she was a freshman in college she lost both of her parents in the same night to drug overdose. Lauren, devastated, never wavered in her studies or athletics. She graduated on time and fulfilled her gymnastics scholarship. But, she was in denial for a decade before she finally came to grips with the truth around her parents' death. Once she accepted this reality her entire life perspective and trajectory changed. She found serendipity and blessing through surrender and authenticity. She began, as she puts it, to "fall in love with her story." Her resilience and ability to overcome adversity is something to behold and teaches us all that there is purpose even in our greatest pain. We hope you enjoy this conversation with our friend Lauren!Please go and leave a review if this conversation has brought meaning, joy or inspiration to your life. Sgi. Thanks. 

Some of the best conversations are unscripted. This is one of those times. I called the Chief and hit the record button. We discussed a lot of great topics; things such as the new legislation for the decriminalization of cannabis that was recently tabled, mental health and substance use disorders, other tribes that have legalized cannabis. We also got into his testimony and how life has led him to becoming the EBCI Chief; healthy relationships, qualities of a effective and great leader and so much more! Get your notebook and pen ready because the Chief drops a lot of gold nuggets and wisdom in this episode!  

Katelynn drops a solocast check-in and discusses the meaning and importance of 'showing up well." Check it out y'all! 

About WattsWatts Dantzler is a servant for Jesus. He is an artist that enjoys living every day to the fullest. A former offensive linemen for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, he lost over a hundred pounds in his journey to better health while he was searching for how to get more happiness out of life. He found his new athletic passion in running Ultramarathons. He believes his purpose is to help inspire other to do what inspires them so they can achieve more from life. By putting yourself through uncomfortable experiences you can tap into the reserve tank of the human mind and body that is much deeper than most realize. He's an actor, athlete, builder, chef, designer, musician, and painter that is always searching for ways to continue learning and developing his skill set. He credits his parents and his homeschool upbringing for his creative talents and passions. He is a Health and Wellness Advisor for JOIYA, a company that specializes in organic CBD products. When he's not training or working in a restaurant, Watts can be found searching the southeast for vintage clothes and memorabilia. He started Pass The Torch in 2019 with the love of his life, Colleen, and it has grown from a vintage t-shirt company into a multipurpose brand. Watts wants to share and pass on the positive tools, ideas, and knowledge that he has acquired throughout his life to help other people life a more purposeful life.He can be reached at WattsDantzler@Yahoo.com and followed on all social media accounts at @WattsDantzler The three main products that Watts uses for training, sleeping, and recovery for running is Flex+: Daily Joint & Mobility Capsule, Topical Ease Pain Relieving Gel, and Sweet Mint Tincture. You can also follow Colleen on IG @colleen.c.frey. ENJOY. SGI. 

Do you ever struggle with self esteem, self confidence, and self worth because you don't have it all together? Show up anyways, share your wounds, your story and always remember Gods strength is made perfect in our weakness. Listen to this solocast as I share from the heart and give you guys updates on future shows. Sgi. Thanks 

Matt Huett considers himself a learner, an asker of questions and a provoker of all things unaware. His quest for the holiness of wholeness has seen him venture far from his rural roots in Alabama to the hall of academia in central Florida, the glocal neighborhoods of New York City and now the healing mountains of Western North Carolina. Matt has pastored, professored, poured, performed and pedaled pedagogy in all types of environments and to all manners of people. Traveling from simplicity to complexity and then to perplexity before landing on harmony, his goal is to taste the oneness of it all and to share that taste with any and all that he meets. He digs all things art, sports and books, is a master at tsundoku, and loves to chat about existentialism, emergence, theopoetics and transhumanism over copious cups of coffee. Currently Matt is the families Pastor at The Grove Church in Bryson City and teaches Science at Swain County High School. He's finishing a doctorate in spirituality this year from Portland Theological Seminary ad hopes to begin a Masters degree in STEM at Western Carolina University. He lives with his wife and best friend, the outstanding and outlandish, Nicole along with 3 geriatric dogs and a newly acquired kitten. This was a deeply profound and captivating conversation with one of my closest mentors and friends. This man has helped me experience Gods grace like never before. Katelynn and I hope you enjoy our conversation with one of our favorite people in the world, the amazing Matt Huett. 

Join us for a quick conversation on what are some factors that stop you from taking that first step of action towards accomplishing your goals, the barrier of complacency, and the destruction of nay-sayers. 

Katelynn and I have our very first conversation about this new endeavor we're on. Be looking for more and more content coming very soon!