From a D1 Future to Competitive Bodybuilding

Injury, Identity, and Trying New Things Always with Sports Photographer Erica Hudock

Have you heard of a growth mindset? Yeah, Erica Hudock’s photo comes up when you search ‘growth mindset’ in the dictionary. Failure is simply learning. There is no harm in trying something new. Injury is an opportunity to move differently. From gymnastics, to cheer, to lacrosse, to marathon running. And, from picking up a camera for the first time, only to realize that it was her gift, Erica’s story is a great representation of how her life experiences are shaping her future.  Erica is a Visual Communications major at University of South Carolina, working as a Creative Media Intern with the Gamecocks athletics, as well as working with the Charleston Battery soccer team. Because of her discipline and deep rooted love for sports, she is able to create beautiful stories and capture perfect moments for her athletes on the field. She might not be in the game like she once expected, but she is still on the field, a part of the Gamecock team, and challenging herself all the same.

Olympics, Army, OCD, and Alopecia with Alexis Lambropoulos

Wow, there is so much to take away from Alexis Lambropoulos' story! Kaetlyn sits down with her close friend Alexis to talk about Alexis' childhood as a competitive swimmer in the UK, headed for olympic level, up until 2020 when she returned to the US, said goodbye to swim, and entered college with the Army ROTC (4:00). Alexis and Kaetlyn's relationship is evidence of what sharing pain can do for others (24:00). While Alexis may have crazy stats like olympic qualifying swim times, a 3:39 marathon, and 185 lb bench press, her accomplishments come with feats so much greater. Alexis battles her autoimmune disease alopecia (47:00), OCD (1:00:00), and inner competitiveness that can test her ability to listen to her body's needs (56:00). Kaetlyn and Alexis talk all things autoimmune and health (42:00), specifically as athletes. The two also dive into how OCD, living for goals, and suppressing feelings won't produce sustainable outcomes (56:00, 1:19:00). Please reach out @reformationstrength on Instagram for any questions regarding chronic health, alopecia, autoimmunes, hair growth, and more. We pray that we can help you in anyway God has equipped us.

Who is Reformation Strength?

Want to know what Reformation Strength is all about?? Stop and listen! Kaetlyn addresses the mission behind the podcast, exactly who it's created for, and what "Reformation Strength" means. It's a great episode whether you've listen to prior episodes or not!

Curiosity Led Me to God (and to Running Marathons)

Second episode! Whoop whoop!! On this episode Reformation Strength host Kaetlyn is interviewed by her guest host Garrett. A common theme in Kaetlyn's life is her curiosity - a fierce driving factor. The two sit down and talk about Kaetlyn's childhood and adolescent athletic background, all the way to how she ended running her first marathon at 19 years old, only a year into college. Starting with a career in ballet, Kaetlyn talks about her struggles with an eating disorder (6:40), her first encounters with Jesus (10:00), and how she went from ballet to lifting heavy and running far (20:00). Kaetlyn talks placing her identity in her athletics before placing it in Christ. She also touches on her most recent health journey (37:35) and how marathon training served as a lesson for enduring illness (39:00). Kaetlyn and Garrett highlight training with Jesus, versus without (44:00), and end the episode with a tiny message on their relationship (49:50). Please check out the Emily Program for any needs regarding eating disorder recovery: https://emilyprogram.com/

From a D1 Future to Competitive Bodybuilding

First episode is here! Reformation Strength host Kaetlyn McCracken sits down with natural bodybuilder Garrett Krieger to talk about the major transition from pursuing D1 football to competitive bodybuilding. Garrett placed 3rd in true novice and 5th in novice in his first competition at the NPC Lehigh Valley Championships 2023. Garrett started a career in football in elementary school, alongside many other sports (5:00). Expecting to play football in college, he shares the back injury that took away his future plans and rerouted him (8:40). What Garrett didn’t know was that God had something greater for him (13:30). Kaetlyn and Garrett discuss what separates the best athletes (15:40), how passions bring pressure (22:40), and actively pursuing a new direction when everything is gone in the blink of an eye (30:40). They highlight putting identity in Christ to generate strength (41:40). Kaetlyn and Garrett end the episode with some bodybuilding advice and topics (46:30), and finally the practice of letting yourself be misunderstood (55:15).