Join host Anthony Gilbert, aka The Scarecrow Runner, in this exhilarating episode of the Uncommon Runner Podcast as he catches up with ultra runner Aaron Dana. Known for his incredible feats in the running world, Aaron takes us on a journey through his most recent challenges and triumphs.

In this episode, Aaron recounts his experience at the Crazy Mountain 100 in Montana, a race notorious for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views. He discusses the physical and mental challenges he faced, the camaraderie among fellow runners, and the lessons he learned about perseverance and faith.

Listeners are also treated to a detailed account of Aaron's victory at the Mid-State Mile, a grueling last-man-standing event known as the 'Murder Mile.' Aaron shares how he prepared for the race, battled intense heat, and ultimately emerged victorious by maintaining belief in himself and his abilities.

This episode is a deep dive into the mindset of an ultra runner, exploring themes of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a runner or simply seeking inspiration, Aaron's story is a testament to the power of determination and belief.

Welcome to episode two of the Uncommon Runner Podcast, hosted by Anthony Gilbert. This episode dives deep into the concept of being an "uncommon runner," emphasizing the importance of running a unique course in life that defies the ordinary.

Anthony shares his vision for the podcast, which is a spin-off of the Scarecrow Runner Podcast, and discusses how it will continue to explore topics like running, life, faith, and overcoming adversity. He emphasizes the significance of having a training plan and sticking to it, drawing parallels between running and spiritual discipline.

Using the story of Jonah from the Bible, Anthony illustrates the consequences of deviating from a plan and the importance of obedience and discipline. He also shares personal anecdotes from his college days, highlighting the lessons learned from rebellion and the value of following a structured path.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on finding purpose, setting goals, and staying disciplined in both running and life. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate your unique journey.

Welcome to the Uncommon Runner Podcast, hosted by Anthony Gilbert. This episode is a heartfelt introduction to the journey of embracing the extraordinary in both running and life. Anthony shares his personal story, from the successful Scarecrow Runner podcast to the need for a break and the realization of being broken yet redeemed by faith.

Discover the significance of taking time for mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation, and the importance of having a relationship with Christ. Anthony explores the parallels between running and the Christian-walk and emphasizing the need to take the path less traveled and to find purpose in every step.

Join Anthony as he shifts his focus from ultra-running to middle-distance training, reconnecting with his roots and finding joy in running again. This episode is a call to all uncommon runners to seek the ancient paths, embrace challenges, and find strength in faith. Tune in for inspiration, encouragement, and a community that understands the unique journey of being set apart.

#scarecrowrunnerpodcast #ultrarunning #beshortrunultra

Episode 80 just dropped. Featuring @shannonbeshortrunultra

You can find this episode on just about every streaming service to listen or watch here.

It wasn't until a rough day, when she was home alone, where she turned on the tv to decompress and her life was altered. Staring at the screen in front of her was a Badwater 135 documentary and it triggered something deep inside.

Shannon was hooked immediately by the intense and grueling race that played out in front of her.

What happened next was simply unimaginable...

Through this episode with Shannon Mick, a national certified counselor

and licensed professional counselor from Pennsylvania, I learn a lot about her passion of trail running and what fuels her to keep going when she faces adversity head on.

We also dive into the basics of survival that an ultra-runner needs when running these long distances: training, hydration, mental toughness and desire to keep going.

I hope you will enjoy this episode as much as I did. I hope you will follow her on social media or YouTube if you have not already. https://www.instagram.com/be.short.run.ultra

#overcomingadversity #toxicrelationships #scarecrowrunnerpodcast

On this week's episode of the ScarecrowRunner podcast we visit with Brad Lord. I have gotten to know Brad over the last 3 years and have followed him on social media and watch his channel, @RunwithBrad

He's a returning guest and this time we go deeper as Brad shares where he came from in hopes of helping others cope with toxic relationships and rough upbringings.

Brad Lord grew up in a small Georgia town where his home life was everything, but normal. His dad was gone a lot working on the railroad and his mom had a lot of extra-curricular activities to keep her occupied. Even from the eyes of a young boy, he knew something wasn't right, but kept quiet to avoid harm for his mom and himself. The toxic environment he was living in pushed him to seek something else to occupy his time. Thankfully, Brad chose to embrace the path of football and weightlifting to help escape from the heaviness of his not-so-great home life. Listen along as Brad shares his story of how he overcame adversity and how he is using other outlets and sharing his story to heal from the past and embrace the best life ahead.

00:00 Introduction

03:50 a little background on Brad

06:40 a toxic home life

10:00 The Sand Lot friends

10:51 The guy named Herby

17:46 Call the cops

22:07 Turning things around

28:28 Charlie

36:01 enter CrossFit

41:12 blowing of steam

43:44 Conclusion

#ultrarunning #doinghardthings #scarecrowrunnerpodcast

This week's episode I had the privilege of having my friend, Aaron Dana on the show. Aaron is a returning guest and was excited to have him back on. A lot has changed and happened since we chatted in Episode 29 back in August 2020. At the time of the last episode, we chatted he had just conquered his first 100-mile ultra-marathon, the Mighty Mosquito and was 4th place overall.

This was a fun visit where we talked about Bills and Chiefs football, to how to keep a good balance in our lives with training and sharing some insight in ultra-running and how to run your race and not worry about others.

Since that time, Aaron has logged some serious miles and has been chewing up some major elevation and has since returned to the Mighty Mosquito and took home 1st place overall this past summer and has endured some additional challenging races featuring the Backyard style, Mid-state mile and the Tennessee Mile - 40 hour. Talk about some serious elevation with over 36K feet of gain and over 100 miles completed with another first-place win.

Aaron has learned how to adapt to his surroundings and his training and has matured a lot in the last 4 years of running. It was fun to hear him share some lessons learned and opportunities for success and improvement in the future. Aaron shares how he does hard things, how to balance things and be more intentional in what he is doing and how to keep a good head on his shoulders and enjoy life along the way.

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:30 Buffalo Bills - adversity

00:11:53 More to life - learning to prioritize

00:20:18 Capitalizing on the moment

00:33:00 Keeping your focus

00:34:08 Mid-State Mile - Last Man Standing

00:36:10 Mighty Mosquito 100

00:38:37 Enjoying the mile you are in

00:49:36 Tennessee Mile - 40 hour

00:55:34 Learning to be uncomfortable

01:05:55 Eternal Damnation - Last Man Standing

01:14:21 Conclusion

#runningfordistancepodcast #menoffaith #activecreed

In this third installment of the men of faith series I sit down with my best friend and brother, Brandon Crites. Brandon and I met on social media almost 2 1/2 years ago and haven't looked back. We have had a great friendship and it just gets better every day. I enjoyed this episode with Brandon because even though we talk about some running, we also dig into Brandon's background and his faith and how important and critical it is for success in our daily lives. Brandon also joined me during season 1 on the podcast for episode 13, Faith, Family and Ultra Running, https://runningfordistance.podbean.com/e/brandon-crites-faith-family-and-ultra-running-1588282858/

Brandon is a successful ultra runner, husband, father, businessman and head boys basketball coach, but most importantly, he is a man of faith and follows after God with all of his heart. I hope you will catch that as we journey down the trail and dig into who Brandon Crites is.

Time Stamp:

00:00 introduction

05:50 - background with Brandon

10:00 - Walnut River Gravel Run 50K and a trip down memory lane

17:30 - Joy comes in the morning

19:30 - Brandon's testimony

21:30 - Words from George

26:25 - success in sports / faith in God

28:00 - sticks and stones

37:20 - Coming full circle

48:00 - laying a foundation

51:00 - Leading by example

#menoffaith #episode2 #JackJohnson

In episode 2 of my "Men of Faith" series, I chat with my friend from Georgia, Jack Johnson. Jack and I met on Instagram in 2019 and we aired a podcast episode on the 4th of July in 2020 that can be heard here: Season 1: Deep South series: https://runningfordistance.podbean.com/e/jack-johnson-tiger-blood/

In today's episode Jack and I talk about a lot of different things ranging from overcoming adversity as a business owner, the importance of faith, being a godly example, making hard decisions but walking by faith and trusting the process and sharing love; the greatest commandment.

I really think you will enjoy this discussion as Jack and I bring back some of our former discussion on ultra running and keeping a balance in our lives with Jesus at the front of it all.

I would love it if you would share your thoughts and drop me a comment below and click the like button. If you haven't subscribed, I would really appreciate you following along in this adventure going forward.