In this episode of Running Tales, host Craig Lewis sits down with Justin Cheesman, whose journey from viewing running as punishment to using it as a catalyst for global humanitarian impact will inspire every endurance athlete. Once dreading runs during his baseball days, Justin shares the pivotal five-mile experience that forever changed his relationship with the sport, transforming it into his therapy, community builder, and platform for worldwide change.
Discover how Justin's evolution as a runner led him through the Chicago Marathon, Goggins Challenge, and Escape the Cape triathlon while developing mental strength that goes beyond endurance sports. His pandemic initiative—running 5K daily for 100 consecutive days—raised $10,000 for Life Community Services in South Africa, showing how personal discipline creates ripples of positive change globally.
As co-founder of the Empower nonprofit, Justin now connects runners worldwide through the annual 'Run It Back' event, providing tangible support to South African small businesses. His story reveals how running builds authentic community through shared struggle and creates space for meaningful connection.
Justin's experience offers us perfect blueprint for using endurance sports to become your best self while maintaining perspective and finding joy in the process.
🎧 Listen now and be inspired to run for a cause!
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