Endurance State of Mind
Endurance State of Mind is your go-to podcast for all things endurance—from the long miles to the mental grind. Hosted by Zach Vogt and Anthony Herrington, two everyday athletes with an obsession for pushing limits, this show dives into the training, mindset, and lifestyle of endurance sports. Each episode brings candid conversations, local race highlights (especially in Mississippi), interviews with inspiring guests, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to survive your next long run, this podcast will keep you motivated, informed, and connected to the endurance community.
Episode 64: Train Your Mind: Sports Psychology Secrets for Endurance Athletes, Dr. Ashley Sampson
What if the most important muscle you train for your next race has nothing to do with your legs? On this episode of Endurance State of Mind, hosts Anthony Herrington and Zach sit down with one of the most accomplished sports psychologists in the country, Dr. Ashley Sampson, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky, for a conversation that might just change the way you think about running, racing, and everything in between.
Dr. Sampson's journey into endurance sports is one that a lot of us can relate to. She...
Episode 63: We Went Live 5K PR, Rocket City Announcements, and Zion 100 with Rhonda Hayden, Ben Green, Chris Lott & Brian Murphy
Anthony and Zach recap their first ever live podcast recorded on location at Southern Prohibition's Big Run 5K in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They break down race day performances including Anthony's 5K PR, reflect on what made the live format so electric, and share what's coming next for the show including bringing on a dedicated videographer named Jeremiah who was weaving through the race course all night capturing content, and their plans to do more live events moving forward. The energy at a live race is just different and after this one, there is no going back. Then stick around for...
Episode 62: Chosen Violence - Solo Runs, Unbound Mud, Tour de France Preview & The Cam Haynes Peptide Debate
It's a hosts-only episode to celebrate Episode 62, and Anthony and Zach come loaded with topics. Zach kicks things off breaking down his spontaneous Saturday 50K through the streets of Hattiesburg — planned the night before, fueled by electrolyte watermelons, and executed with the kind of locked-in energy that only comes when the family's out of town. Anthony counters with a nostalgia-soaked 10-miler through Oxford, Mississippi, retracing his college stomping grounds and realizing that a walk he used to dread is now just a warm-up.
The guys then dive deep into the weekend's biggest endurance news: the infamous mud ch...
Episode 61: From Economics Professor to Ultra Addict | Ward Sayre on Longevity in Running
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt sit down with ultrarunner, marathoner, and economics professor Ward Sayre for a deep dive into endurance sports, longevity, and the mindset behind racing over 70 ultramarathons.
Ward shares how he went from running cross country in a small Texas town to completing some of the most challenging trail races in the country. From the Flying Pig Marathon to Bighorn 100, Sedona Canyons 125, and countless 50Ks and 100 milers, Ward explains how consistency, patience, and smart training have allowed him to keep showing up year after year.
<...Episode 60: From DNFs to 200 Miles: Blake Colton’s Journey Through Loss, Grit, and Ultra Running
In this episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, Zach and Anthony sit down with ultra runner Blake Colton to talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to keep showing up when things get hard.
Blake shares his journey from high school running and BMX racing to tackling some of the toughest endurance events in the country, including the Mississippi 100, Run Rabbit Run, and Cross Florida 200. We dive into the viral “flood year” at Mississippi 100, pacing strategy, training while working full-time as an electrician, and the reality of balancing endurance sports with family life.
Episode 59: 125 Miles in Sedona: What We Saw From the Pacer's Seat
In this episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt recap an unforgettable trip to Arizona while crewing and pacing their friend Hezekiah through the brutal Sedona Canyons 125 ultramarathon.
From delayed flights and desert adventures to sleepless nights, aid station chaos, hallucinations, and emotional highs and lows, this episode gives a raw behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to survive a 125-mile ultra. Anthony and Zach break down the entire experience — pacing through the night, managing nutrition failures, dealing with sleep deprivation, and learning firsthand how quickly things can unravel in ex...
Episode 58: Fondren Urban Ultra Recap: 80 Miles, Ultra Running Strategy & Mindset
In this episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, we break down an elite-level performance at the Fondren Urban Ultra, where Arrmon Abedikichi reached the 80-mile mark in a 12-hour race format.
This wasn’t just a big day—it was the result of years of consistency, small improvements, and a completely different way of thinking about training and racing. Arrmon walks us through what it actually took to get there, from dialing in every detail to pushing through the mental battle in the final hours.
We cover ultra running strategy, endurance training, ment...
Episode 57: Hot Takes, Sub-2 Madness, and a Trip We’re Not Ready For (Don't listen to this Hezekiah)
In this episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, Zach and Anthony break down one of the biggest weeks in endurance sports, covering the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, and the shocking breakthrough of the sub 2 hour marathon barrier.
We start with a recap of the Boston Marathon, highlighting standout performances from Mississippi runners and friends of the show, including elite level finishes and what it takes to compete at that level. From pacing strategies to race day conditions, we dive into what made Boston such a strong showing this year.
Then we shift to...
Episode 56: From Fondren to the Mind: Race Lessons, Community, and the Mental Side of Endurance with Sierra Morris
This episode of Endurance State of Mind brings together real race experience and expert insight into the mental side of endurance sports.
We start with a full recap from the Fondren Ultra, breaking down race-day strategy, lessons learned, and how the endurance community continues to grow. From first-year reflections to experienced race execution, we talk through what actually changes when you spend time in the sport—both physically and mentally.
Then we sit down with Sierra Morris, a sports and performance psychologist and ultra runner, to dive deep into the mindset required for endurance racing.
...Episode 55:The Return Episode: Euro Stories, Epic Races & What’s Ahead
We’re back.
After a couple weeks off, we finally catch up—and yeah, there’s a lot to unpack. Anthony just got back from Europe, and what was supposed to be a vacation somehow turned into an endurance event (24 hours of travel will do that to you). We talk Switzerland, Lake Como, Milan, and why running through those cities hits different.
We also get into what’s been going on back home—Hattiesburg Half, Rattlesnake Rumble, and some big performances from people in our circle.
Then we shift into cycling for a bit becaus...
Episode 54: Trusting the Pivot and Betting on Yourself with Grayson Taylor
Anthony is currently somewhere in Europe pretending he’s on a “business trip” (we all know it’s mostly espresso and views), so Zach is holding down the fort and keeping Endurance State of Mind rolling.
In this episode, Zach sits down with Grayson Taylor to talk about what it looks like to trust your instincts and bet on yourself. After building an impressive high school running career at Oak Grove and setting school records in the two mile and 5K, Grayson seemed to have a clear path in front of him. Instead, he made the bold decision...
Episode 53: The Jamie Stevison Story: What does it really take to stay consistent when life gets busy?
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Mississippi endurance athlete Jamie Stevison, a runner who has quickly built a reputation for doing what most people won’t—waking up at 2 a.m. to train before work, putting in double-digit miles daily, and showing up no matter what.
Jamie’s journey into endurance sports didn’t start with a lifelong passion for running. It started during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After going through a divorce, he turned to running as an outlet—and what began as a way to cop...
Episode 52: 52 Weeks Strong: One Year of Endurance State of Mind | Lessons, Growth & What’s Next
In this special episode of Endurance State of Mind, we celebrate one full year and 52 consecutive weeks of podcasting. From humble beginnings to becoming part of a growing endurance community, this episode is all about reflection, gratitude, and what’s ahead.
We dive into the biggest moments from the past year, including our most impactful guest interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and how the podcast has shaped us as athletes, hosts, and people. From inspiring conversations with runners across Mississippi and beyond, to lessons in resilience, consistency, and mental toughness, this episode highlights what makes endurance sports so powerful.
...Episode 51: Rewriting the Record Books: Bethany Madson Mississippi 100 Breakthrough
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with ultra runner Bethany Madson following her overall win and course record at the Mississippi 100, where she completed the 100 mile trail race in 16 hours and 33 minutes.
This episode is a deep dive into ultra running strategy, 100 mile race preparation, trail running mindset, and endurance performance. Bethany shares how she went from her first ultra to becoming a dominant force in the sport, including her experience racing events like the Mississippi 100, ultra marathons, and major marathons like Boston, Chicago, and New York<...
Episode 50: The Mississippi 50, and Life with David Slowik
In Episode 50 of Endurance State of Mind, Zach Vogt and Anthony Herrington are joined by returning guest David Slowik to recap the 2026 Mississippi 50 trail run. With Episode 50 lining up just days after Mississippi 50, the crew dives into one of the most fitting race recaps the podcast has had yet.
The first half of the episode focuses on Anthony’s experience finishing his first 50-mile trail race. They talk through the atmosphere of Mississippi 50, race-day strategy, pacing, hydration, fueling, creek crossings, heat, pollen, recovery, and the mental side of running 50 miles on trail. Zach and David also reflect on...
Episode 49: The Best Miles Aren’t Poured, They’re Built - The Zach McRaney story
We’re back with a short pre-episode recap because tonight’s guest is someone special.
We sat down with Zach McRaney, president of the South Mississippi Trail Alliance, and what stood out most wasn’t just what he’s accomplished — it’s how selfless he is.
SMTA is out there maintaining trails that so many of us use every single week… and most of us probably don’t even realize it. From clearing fallen trees to building and preserving entire trail systems, if they don’t do it, sometimes nobody does. As Zach said, without regu...
Episode 48: It's time to lower the bar and bring it back to just the two of us! Ready for some real talk?
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-adam-weaver-get-a-lifesaving-heart-transplant?attribution_id=sl:a145f51f-0121-41e8-a285-dfc7feab62bb&lang=en_US&ts=1771416481&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_ta&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
The band is back together. After a run of expert guests and credentialed pros, Zach and Anthony bring it back to a classic Endurance State of Mind episode: two microphones, strong opinions, and just enough structure to keep things (somewhat) on the rails.
This week, they recap the Molten Mohawk 9-Miler and why Rhonda Hayden consistently...
Episode 47: Strengthening the Framework: Understanding Bone Health for Endurance Athletes
Introduction:
In the world of endurance sports, discussions often center around VO2 max, lactic threshold, and the latest recovery tools. However, one crucial aspect that frequently gets overlooked is bone health. In a recent episode of the podcast "Endurance State of Mind," Dr. Jeffrey Parr, an associate professor of athletic training and expert in rehabilitation sciences, sheds light on the importance of maintaining strong bones for athletes, particularly runners.
Main Content:
Understanding Bone Remodeling
Bone health is not just about avoiding fractures; it’s about understanding how our bones adapt to the stresses we p...
Episode 46: Mastering Endurance: A Guide to Injury Prevention and Strength for Runners
Introduction:
In the competitive world of endurance sports, injury can often feel like an inevitable part of the journey. However, as podcast host Zach and expert physical therapist Stephen Worrel discuss, understanding the difference between normal discomfort and potential injury can be the key to a successful running career. This blog post breaks down essential insights from their conversation, equipping runners and endurance athletes with the knowledge they need to stay on track and enjoy their passion for running without unnecessary setbacks.
Understanding the Importance of Injury Prevention
One of the critical themes in the po...
Episode 45: Just Me, the Mic, and Your Questions
With Zach out of town, Anthony takes the mic solo for a listener-driven Q&A episode of Endurance State of Mind. Pulled straight from Instagram questions, this episode covers everything from the races he’s most excited about this year to the mental shift from triathlons to ultras, how cycling and running fuel each other, favorite gear, fueling mistakes, cold-weather toe care, and the athletes and creators shaping his endurance mindset right now. A relaxed, honest, and slightly rambling (in the best way) conversation about training, curiosity, community, and why endurance sports are about a lot more than finish ti...
Episode 44: Running the Path Set Before You: Faith, Family, and Grit with Chris Lott
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony and Zach sit down with Chris Lott for a raw, unfiltered conversation about grit, faith, family, and choosing to suffer on your own terms.
Chris’s story isn’t a linear athletic progression, it’s a hard-earned transformation. Growing up in Purvis, Mississippi, he found his way into endurance sports only after walking through addiction, hitting rock bottom, and facing a life-altering wake-up call in 2015. That moment didn’t just change his health, and it redefined how he approaches pain, discipline, and purpose.
What b...
Episode 43: Unraveling the Mystery of Running Shoes: Insights from Fleet Feet's Henry Carpenter
In the world of running, the right shoes can make all the difference. In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we dive deep into the latest trends in running footwear with Henry Carpenter, the owner of Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, understanding shoe technology and fit is crucial for enhancing performance and comfort.
The Intersection of Passion and Expertise
Henry Carpenter’s journey into the running world is inspiring. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, he transformed from a high school football player into a dedicated runner, shed...
Episode 42: Mastering Hydration: The Key to Endurance Performance with Wildly Charged
Introduction:
As endurance athletes gear up for a new year of training and competition, one critical aspect often overlooked is hydration. In our latest podcast episode, we delve deep into the science of hydration with expert Ryan Hofacre, who shares invaluable insights on how proper hydration can enhance training consistency and improve race-day performance.
Main Content:
1. The Importance of Hydration in Endurance Sports
Hydration is fundamental to endurance performance. Ryan Hofacre highlights that many athletes underestimate the impact of hydration on their training and competition. He explains that dehydration can lead to decreased performance and...
Episode 41: Setting Your Intentions for 2026: A Mindful Approach to Endurance Goals
Introduction: As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our past achievements and set intentional goals for the year ahead. In the latest episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, hosts Zach and Anthony dive deep into the significance of goal setting in endurance sports, emphasizing the importance of clarity and sustainability over perfection.
Main Content:
**Reflecting on the Past Year**
Zach and Anthony kick off the episode by looking back at 2025, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped their endurance journeys. Zach highlights how grateful he is for his...
Episode 40: Reflecting on a Year of Endurance: Lessons from Endurance State of Mind Podcast
As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time for reflection and growth. In this special recap episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, hosts Zach and Anthony look back on their inaugural year, celebrating the lessons learned, the inspiring stories shared, and the incredible guests who joined them along the way. Join us as we delve into the highlights of the past year and share what’s next for the podcast.
1. A Year in Review: The Journey So Far
Zach and Anthony kick off the episode by acknowledging the unique timi...
Episode 39: Conquering the Cold: A Deep Dive into the Rocket City Marathon Experience
Introduction: The Rocket City Marathon is not just a race; it's a celebration of endurance, friendship, and the spirit of running. In this special episode of Endurance State of Mind, we revisit the experiences of our guests as they brave the freezing temperatures and push their limits. Join us as we unpack their unforgettable journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Main Content:
1. Reunion of Endurance: In this episode, Zach welcomes back two previous guests, Josh Moore and Brian Murphy, creating a sense of camaraderie that sets the tone for the discussion. The chemistry among...
Episode 38: Running for a Cause: Jared Graham's Endurance Journey
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Zach sits down with Jared Graham, a runner, father, and passionate advocate for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What began as a personal fitness journey evolved into a powerful mission of service, community, and perseverance.
Jared shares how a tight-knitunning group keeps him accountable through daily check-ins, how his upbringing shaped his work ethic, and why community matters just as much as mileage. He reflects on his path from high school track to the St. Jude Marathon Weekend, where he has raised over $50,000 for li...
Episode 37: Forrest Johnson Running for a Cause: 7 Continents 7 Days????
Forrest Johnson Support link: https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10421&pg=personal&px=12605959
Introduction:
In the world of endurance sports, stories often emerge that inspire and uplift. One such story is that of Forrest Johnson, a dedicated runner whose journey transcends the mere act of finishing races. With over 60 marathons completed, including a remarkable feat of running seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days, Forrest’s motivation is deeply personal. His daughter’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes ignited a fire within him to push his limits and raise awareness for a cause...
Episode36:Our sport is your sport’s punishment: Ethan Lott's Journey
Introduction:
In the world of endurance sports, few stories are as inspiring as that of Ethan Lott, a 20-year-old ultra runner from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. While many runners take years to progress through the distances, Ethan took a bold leap into the ultra running scene, tackling formidable races like 50Ks and preparing for his first 50-mile race. This blog post explores Ethan's journey, shedding light on his experiences, training, and the mindset that has driven his success.
The Early Days: From Baseball to Running
Ethan's athletic journey began in a family of baseball players, where the spo...
Episode 35: From Track to Trail: Jake Russell's Inspiring Journey into Ultra Running
Introduction: In the world of endurance sports, transitioning from sprinting to ultra running is a rare feat, yet Jake Russell has not only made this leap but has excelled in it. In a captivating episode of the Endurance State of Mind podcast, Jake shares his remarkable journey, revealing the pivotal moments that led him to conquer the 100-mile trail and the community that has supported him along the way.
Main Content:
1. **Early Beginnings in Running**
Jake Russell’s running journey began at the tender age of eight when he participated in a mile fun run...
Episode 34:(Sponsored by The Rocket City Marathon)Resilience and Purpose: The Journey of Matthew McGuire in Collegiate Endurance Sports
Rhonda Hayden joins the podcast for a deep dive into one of the South’s most iconic races, the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama. We break down everything runners can expect from this year’s event: a fast, thoughtfully designed course, the continued growth of the marathon weekend, and the personal touches that make Rocket City a fan favorite. From upgraded race experiences and returning crowd-pleasers to new additions like the shout-out video board, Rhonda gives listeners an inside look at what makes this race unforgettable. We also cover pre-race logistics, weekend scheduling, and why now is the perf...
Episode 33: Embracing the Challenge: Insights from the Tunnel Hill 100
Introduction: In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive into the exhilarating experience of the Tunnel Hill 100, where our co-host Zach completed the race in an impressive time of 18 hours and 56 minutes. This episode unpacks the emotional rollercoaster, physical challenges, and invaluable lessons learned from this remarkable endurance event.
The Journey Begins: Setting the Scene
The Tunnel Hill 100 is not just a race; it’s an endurance masterpiece that tests the limits of physical and mental strength. As Zach reflects on his experience, he shares how he felt just hours after crossing the finish line. "If...
Episode 32: Precision Meets Presence: Whit Kendall’s 2:37 Marathon Breakthrough
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with runner and data enthusiast Whit Kendall, whose methodical yet mindful approach to training led to a stunning 2:37 finish at the Chicago Marathon. Whit shares how he transformed from a former football player to a marathoner obsessed with progress — running music-free, driven by intuition and numbers in equal measure.
We unpack his marathon progression, the power of community training, recovery insights, his Yasso 800 philosophy, and why he believes anyone can take on 26.2 miles. Whit’s story is a...
Episode 31:Breaking Ceilings and Building Legacy: Lacey Saul’s Road to Kona
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Lacey Saul — a 13-time Ironman finisher, registered dietitian, and newly minted Kona qualifier through the Ironman Legacy Program. Lacey opens up about her decade-long pursuit of Kona, how she learned to pivot instead of quit, and why racing smart often beats racing fast. From battling brutal weather and concussions to mastering gut training and redefining limits, this conversation dives deep into the mental and physical endurance it takes to chase a dream for over a decade.
🎧 Tune in to hear how Lacey turned setbacks into stepp...
Episode 30: Unfiltered Miles: The Clear Creek Ultra Recap & Lessons from Havoc, Harmony, and Humility
Description:
In this special “just the hosts” episode of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony and Zach sit down to catch their breath and reflect on a wild stretch of endurance action. They revisit key takeaways from recent guests — Derrick Baker, the “Ambassador of Havoc,” and Warren Kimball, the maestro of the negative split — and unpack how consistency, nutrition, and mindset shape performance. Then they dive into their own Clear Creek Ultra experience, the finale of the MUTS Grand Slam. From trail sand and sore calves to ice bandanas and pulled pork sandwiches, this one’s equal parts reflecti...
Episode 29: The Ambassador of Havoc: Inside Derrick Baker’s Relentless Mind
From the weight room to 200-mile races, Derrick Baker is built different. A 12-time 100-mile finisher and 2-time 200-mile finisher from North Mississippi, Derrick embodies discipline, humility, and purpose. Once a 250-pound powerlifter, he discovered ultra running after seeing David Goggins on YouTube — and never looked back.
In this episode, we dive into how Derrick blends bodybuilding with high-mileage training, how he stays grounded in the grind, and how he finds light in the darkest moments of a race. He talks about his bond with his wife and crew chief, Candy, the mental battles that come with di...
Episode 28: Rhythm & Resilience: Warren Kimball on Negative-Splitting 100 Miles
Warren Kimball—two-time Boston finisher, 100-mile ultra winner, and LSU musicologist—joins us to blend art and endurance. We dig into his 15:35 at Tunnel Hill (closed strong with a negative split), plant-powered fueling, staying calm early, and turning repetition into mastery—on the piano and on the run. Plus: training after setbacks, pacing by feel, and why gratitude beats “suffer mode” for the long haul.
takeaways
Episode 27: Bricks, Gels, and Giants: What Pogi & the Norwegians Teach Us
No guest—just Anthony and Zach catching up after work travel and stacked weeks. We trade notes on chasing Strava crowns coast-to-coast, a rope-assist climb at Mount Storm King, and turning a seven-day, 36-holes-a-day golf trip into a stealth ultra. We shout out recent guests (Travis, Jed, Hezekiah, Chris), celebrate comebacks and dubs, and sketch a new negative-split strategy for Tunnel Hill. Plus: what the Norwegians, Pogacar, and Sifan Hassan teach us about pacing and fueling, first impressions of the WHOOP, Tim Irving’s Ivy Trek race, and what’s next (Clear Creek, Tunnel Hill, Rocket City). Laid-back, a little...
Episode 26: More in the Tank: The Endurance Journey of Travis Stewart
In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Travis Stewart—a husband, dad, and real estate professional whose endurance journey began during COVID with the Couch to 5K program. What started as a way to cope during a tough season quickly grew into something bigger: running led to cycling, cycling led to triathlon, and soon Travis was toeing the line at three 70.3s, a full Ironman, Unbound 200, and the grueling Rule of Three.
But this story is about more than just miles and medals. Endurance sports helped Travis through some of life’s hard...
Episode 25: Where Community Rides Begin: Jed’s Perfect Endurance Bikes and the Jed Darby Story
From the heart of Hattiesburg’s Longleaf Trace, Jed Darby has built more than a bike shop—he’s built a movement. The Cajun-born runner-turned-cyclist/coach shares how early boxing shaped his endurance mindset, why he qualified for Boston (and Kona) then chose the work over the spotlight, and what he learned from coaching greats like Rick Crawford. We dig into the science—zone 2, stress-adapt-recover, fit and position—and the culture: Tuesday Night Worlds, true no-drop group rides, Hub City Velo, and why community beats ego every time. Plus, the story behind Jed’s Perfect Bikes & Brew (yes, those protein ball...
