Endurance State of Mind

Anthony Herrington & Zach Vogt
  • 4.9 (40)
  • Running

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.

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 84: Inside the Rocket City Marathon: Race Weekend, Huntsville & 50 Years of Running

    We're heading to Huntsville, Alabama, for a special episode of Endurance State of Mind as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rocket City Marathon! This week, we're joined by two guests who know the Huntsville running community and Rocket City Marathon inside and out: Rhonda Hayden, race coordinator and promoter of Rocket City Marathon, and Lisa Watkins, Huntsville local and host of the Behind the Bib podcast. With 50 years of history behind it, the Rocket City Marathon has become one of the Southeast's most recognizable running events. We sit down with Rhonda and Lisa to discuss what makes this race so special, how it has evolved over five decades, and why runners continue to return year after year. We take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into organizing a major marathon, from the pre-race preparation and runner communication to the expo, course experience, finish line celebrations, and everything in between. Rhonda shares how the team is working to make the 50th anniversary weekend bigger and better than ever, with a renewed focus on the entire runner experience, including first-time marathoners, experienced athletes, and families traveling to Huntsville. We also explore the impact the Rocket City Marathon has on the Huntsville community. From supporting local businesses and bringing sports tourism to North Alabama to raising money for Huntsville Hospital Children's Center, this event is about much more than running 26.2 miles. The race generated an estimated $5.2 million in economic impact for Huntsville in 2025, demonstrating just how much a running event can contribute to a community. Lisa gives us the local perspective on everything Huntsville has to offer outside of race day. We talk about the city's growing running community, local run clubs, scenic trails, restaurants, breweries, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're looking for somewhere to carb-load before the marathon, grab a celebratory meal after crossing the finish line, or explore the city with your family, we've got plenty of recommendations. We also discuss why Rocket City is such a great destination for runners, what makes it an appealing late-season marathon, the importance of runner retention, and how a great race experience can turn a first-time visitor into someone who returns year after year. Whether you're planning to run the Rocket City Marathon, participate in the half marathon, travel to Huntsville for the 50th anniversary, or simply looking for your next race destination, this episode will give you an inside look at everything that makes Rocket City special. In this episode, we cover: The 50-year history of the Rocket City MarathonWhat makes Rocket City a must-run marathon in the SoutheastBehind the scenes of organizing a major marathonWhat runners can expect during race weekendThe importance of the expo, start line, finish line, and post-race experienceHow Rocket City Marathon supports Huntsville Hospital Children's CenterThe economic impact of marathon weekend on HuntsvilleHuntsville's growing running community and local run clubsThe best restaurants, breweries, and attractions in HuntsvilleFamily-friendly activities for race weekendWhy Rocket City is a great race for first-time marathonersWhat keeps runners coming back year after yearOur Guests: Rhonda Hayden – Race coordinator and promoter for Rocket City Marathon, helping create an unforgettable experience for runners and the Huntsville community. Lisa Watkins – Host of Behind the Bib, a podcast highlighting running and racing throughout the Southeast from the perspective of runners of all experience levels. About Endurance State of Mind: We're two Mississippi endurance athletes sharing the experiences, challenges, lessons, and people that make endurance sports special. From running marathons and ultramarathons to triathlons, cycling, and everything in between, we believe endurance is about more than the finish line. It's about the journey, the community, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up. Some people talk about endurance. We're dumb enough to live it. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  2. Oct 27

    Episode 83: No Business 100 Race Recap: Getting Lost, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Finding the Will to Finish | David Slowik

    In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony and Zach sit down with David Slowik to recap his experience running the No Business 100 ultramarathon, a challenging 100-mile trail race through the rugged mountains and technical terrain of Tennessee and Kentucky. David returns to the podcast to break down the race from start to finish, sharing what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons he learned from one of the toughest challenges in ultrarunning. Preparing for a 100-mile ultramarathon is difficult under the best circumstances, but David's training came with the added challenges of family life, a newborn, and balancing work with endurance training. He explains how he adapted his training schedule with early-morning runs, shorter sessions, and two-a-days while trying to arrive at the starting line ready for 100 miles. He also discusses running a 50K just six days before the race and how his preparation shaped his expectations going into No Business 100. Once the race began, David quickly learned that previous ultramarathon experience doesn't guarantee a smooth day on the trails. He discusses the steep climbs, technical terrain, river crossings, nighttime running, navigation challenges, and the importance of having the right equipment. From headlamp problems and getting lost to struggles with nutrition, fatigue, and difficult moments on the course, David explains how small mistakes can become major problems over the course of 100 miles. The conversation also explores the mental side of ultramarathon racing. David reflects on the low points that tested his willingness to continue, the importance of adjusting expectations when a race doesn't go according to plan, and how his crew, pacers, and wife Shelby helped him keep moving when things became difficult. He shares why problem-solving, adaptability, and support can be just as important as physical fitness when attempting a 100-mile race. Anthony, Zach, and David also discuss race planning, pacing strategy, nutrition, gear selection, training for ultra-distance events, and the differences between preparing for a 50K, a 50-miler, and a 100-mile ultramarathon. David's experience at No Business 100 offers an honest look at the reality of ultrarunning: you can prepare for months, but once you're on the course, you have to be ready to adapt. Whether you're training for your first ultramarathon, preparing for a 100-mile race, building your endurance, or simply interested in the realities of ultra-distance running, this episode is full of practical lessons and honest conversation about the physical and mental demands of endurance sports. Topics covered in this episode: No Business 100 ultramarathon race recapRunning 100 miles on technical trails in Tennessee and KentuckyTraining for a 100-mile ultramarathon while balancing family and workUltramarathon pacing, race strategy, and managing expectationsTrail running gear, headlamps, and nighttime navigationNutrition, hydration, and problem-solving during an ultraGetting lost and overcoming setbacks during a 100-mile raceMental toughness, low points, and the decision to keep goingThe role of pacers, crew members, and family in ultramarathon racingLessons learned from previous races and applying them to future ultrasEndurance State of Mind: Some people talk about endurance. We're dumb enough to live it. Subscribe for more conversations with runners, ultrarunners, and endurance athletes about training, racing, setbacks, and the pursuit of doing hard things. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  3. Oct 20

    Episode 82: Longevity, Peptides & Anti-Aging Myths: What the Science Actually Says with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein

    In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony and Zach sit down with world-renowned aging researcher Dr. Matt Kaeberlein to separate longevity science from the hype surrounding peptides, anti-aging treatments, biological age tests, and performance optimization. With more than 350 scientific publications and decades of experience studying the biology of aging, Dr. Kaeberlein brings a science-first perspective to an industry filled with bold promises and unanswered questions. From BPC-157 and TB-500 to GLP-1 medications, wearable technology, and the future of anti-aging research, this conversation explores what we know, what remains uncertain, and where people should be more skeptical. We break down why being told that a treatment is natural doesn't automatically make it safe, why consumer biological age tests may not tell you what you think they do, and how to interpret the data coming from devices like WHOOP, Oura, Garmin, and continuous glucose monitors. For endurance athletes, we also explore the relationship between performance and longevity, including injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, hormones, bone density, and the challenge of staying competitive as you get older. Dr. Kaeberlein shares his perspective on supplements, including creatine, vitamin D, omega-3s, NAD precursors, and emerging longevity compounds. We also dive into the Dog Aging Project, an ambitious research initiative investigating whether rapamycin can extend the healthy lifespan of our canine companions and what studying aging in dogs could teach us about human longevity. Whether you're a runner, ultrarunner, cyclist, biohacker, or simply someone who wants to stay healthy for as long as possible, this episode challenges you to think critically about the products, metrics, and protocols promising to slow the aging process. The biggest takeaway? Be skeptical. Because when it comes to longevity, understanding what we don't know can be just as important as understanding what we do. In this episode, we cover: The biggest misconceptions about longevity and anti-aging sciencePeptides explained: BPC-157, TB-500, and the difference between FDA-approved drugs and experimental compoundsCompounded peptides, product quality, contamination risks, and safety concernsWhy biological age tests can be misleadingWHOOP, Oura, Garmin, HRV, sleep scores, and continuous glucose monitors: which metrics deserve your attention?The difference between measurement accuracy and precisionThe relationship between endurance performance, lifespan, and healthspanHow injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, and bone density affect athletes as they ageSupplements and longevity: creatine, vitamin D, omega-3s, NAD precursors, and moreWhat the Dog Aging Project could reveal about aging in humansRapamycin and the ongoing search for interventions that improve healthy lifespanWhy you should be skeptical of anyone promising a guaranteed path to longevityEndurance State of Mind is about living the things other people only talk about. We're not interested in chasing every new trend just because it's popular. We're here to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and learn from the people doing the work. Some people talk about it. We're dumb enough to live it. Subscribe to Endurance State of Mind for more conversations about running, ultrarunning, endurance training, sports science, recovery, and the mindset required to keep pushing your limits. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  4. Oct 13

    Episode 81: Moab 240 Chaos, Chicago Marathon Takes & Kona Drama

    Welcome back to Endurance State of Mind! Episode 81 is packed with one of the wildest weekends in endurance sports, and Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt are breaking down everything from the cancellation of the Moab 240 to the Chicago Marathon, the Ironman World Championship in Kona, running shoe technology, and the ongoing conversation around honesty and integrity in the endurance community. We have a lot to cover this week, and we're getting right into it. The Berlin Marathon Cheating Controversy & Influencer Accountability We kick things off with a conversation about a Chinese influencer who allegedly took a shortcut during the Berlin Marathon, including catching a ride on a bicycle before rejoining the course and presenting the result as a personal record. We discuss the consequences of misrepresenting a race result, the importance of honesty in running, and what happens when protecting your online image becomes more important than being truthful with your audience. That leads into a broader discussion about influencers, sponsorships, peptides, and transparency in endurance sports. Where should the line be drawn between sharing personal experiences and promoting products or practices without enough context? We also revisit the feedback from episode 77 and discuss the importance of hearing different perspectives, having honest conversations, and bringing knowledgeable guests onto the show to explore the science behind these topics. We also talk about goal setting and why putting yourself in a position to fail isn't necessarily a bad thing. If every goal you set is guaranteed to happen, are you really pushing yourself? Moab 240: A Brutal Ending to an Incredible Race One of the biggest stories of the weekend was the cancellation of the Moab 240 due to dangerous weather conditions. We talk about the difficult decision to stop the race, the conditions runners faced on the course, and why safety has to come first, even when athletes have spent months training and thousands of dollars preparing for an event. A major part of the conversation centers on Amy and her attempt at the Triple Crown of 200s. She was deep into the race, making up ground, and putting herself in a position to potentially accomplish something incredible before the event was called off. We discuss how frustrating it must have been to come so close, the financial and physical investment involved, and what this experience could mean for her future in ultrarunning. We also give some attention to other impressive performances from the weekend, including Bethany's incredible 100-mile result of 14:41. Her progression has been remarkable, and we talk about how performances like hers deserve more attention from the endurance community. Chicago Marathon Recap: American Standouts and Adidas vs. Nike The Chicago Marathon gave us plenty to discuss, from the American field to the battle between the world's biggest running shoe brands. We talk about Vinny Maury, the relatively under-the-radar marathoner who has been turning heads with his performances and putting himself in the conversation with some of America's best. We discuss his race in Chicago, his impressive running ability, and the intrigue surrounding an athlete who reportedly does much of his training on a treadmill. We also break down the men's race and the showdown between Jacob Kiplimo and Amos Kipruto. With Nike hosting the event and Kiplimo entering as the defending champion, Kipruto's late-race move gave us another opportunity to discuss the growing success of Adidas at major marathons. Is Adidas entering a new era of dominance in elite running? How much does shoe weight matter when you're racing at the highest level? And can Nike's latest technology close the gap? We get into the differences between elite racing shoes, the importance of ounces over 26.2 miles, and Nike's newest footwear releases. We also discuss carbon-plated shoes, whether plated trainers belong in everyday training, and what runners should consider when choosing shoes for workouts, long runs, and races. The conversation isn't just about elite athletes, either. We talk about what this technology means for everyday runners and why finding the right shoe for your training matters more than simply buying whatever the pros are wearing. Marathon Training, Recovery, and Carbon-Plated Shoes After Anthony's Berlin Marathon debut, we talk about recovery, lingering calf soreness, and the physical demands of pushing your body over 26.2 miles. We discuss how difficult it can be to separate the effects of footwear from the normal soreness that comes with racing hard over a new distance. We also explore the difference between training shoes and race-day shoes, how new technology continues to change the sport, and why runners should think carefully about how they use their footwear throughout a training cycle. Ironman World Championship in Kona: Heat, Fueling, and Racing to the Limit We finish our weekend recap with the Ironman World Championship in Kona, where the world's best triathletes faced another demanding day of racing. We discuss the men's results, including Vincent Luis, Gustav Iden, Sam Long, and the American athletes who put together strong performances. We talk about the importance of the swim, how athletes can make up time on the bike, and what it takes to stay competitive across the full Ironman distance. One of the most dramatic stories came from the women's race, where a leading athlete appeared to reach her physical limit just a short distance from the finish. After fighting to keep moving, she ultimately finished eighth. We discuss the incredible mental toughness required to keep going when your body is telling you to stop, along with the risks athletes take when they're pushing for a world championship result. The conversation also touches on Kona's heat, race-day fueling, athlete preparation, and the high number of competitors who struggled to finish. How much does heat acclimation matter? What happens when fueling falls apart late in a race? And how do elite athletes balance taking risks with making it to the finish line? A Little Bike News to Close It Out We wrap up with some news of our own: Zach has officially acquired a bike. Naturally, Anthony is already looking forward to seeing him out on the Tuesday night group ride. We'll see how long it takes before Zach gets out there and starts putting in some miles. From ultramarathon heartbreak and marathon shoe wars to Ironman drama and the realities of endurance training, this episode is a reminder of just how much can happen in a single weekend. In this episode, we cover: Berlin Marathon cheating controversy and running integrityInfluencer accountability, sponsorships, peptides, and transparencySetting ambitious goals and learning to embrace failureMoab 240 cancellation and dangerous weather conditionsAmy's Triple Crown attempt and the disappointment of a race cut shortBethany's incredible 14:41 100-mile performanceChicago Marathon results and rising American marathon talentAdidas vs. Nike and the latest elite racing shoe technologyCarbon-plated shoes versus everyday running trainersMarathon recovery and Anthony's experience after BerlinIronman World Championship in KonaHeat, fueling, pacing, and the physical limits of endurance racingZach's new bike and what's coming nextIf you enjoy conversations about running, ultrarunning, triathlon, cycling, marathon training, endurance sports, and the people who push themselves to do things most of us would never attempt, make sure to like, subscribe, and share the show. Let us know what you think about the Moab 240 cancellation, the Chicago Marathon shoe debate, and the performances in Kona. Thanks for listening to Endurance State of Mind. Some people talk about endurance. We're dumb enough to live it. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  5. Oct 6

    Episode 80: Best of Endurance State of Mind: Comebacks, Sobriety & Finish Lines That Changed Everything

    This is the best of the Endurance State of Mind podcast so far. Since we started this show, we've sat down with ultramarathoners, marathoners, cyclists, triathletes, coaches, race directors and everyday runners from Mississippi, the Gulf Coast and beyond. Every guest gave us something, but some moments stuck with us long after we stopped recording. Some made us laugh, some made us cry and some changed how we think about running and about life. This episode brings them together. Hosts Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt revisit the stories that shaped the show: rock bottoms and recoveries, 100-mile comebacks, finish lines worth more than any medal, and the people who carried us there. If you're new to the podcast, this is the best place to start. If you've been with us from episode one, thank you. This one's for you. IN THIS EPISODE Zach's Rock Bottom and the Road Back  Zach shares the night everything changed: a work trip to Vancouver, Canada, in August 2019. He tried to quit drinking cold turkey before the flight, went through withdrawal on the plane and ended up in a hospital waiting room in a foreign country, convinced he was dying. He hasn't had a drink since August 10, 2019. He talks about the "desert" that came after, how a documentary about the Iron Cowboy inspired him to run 10 miles a day for 50 days, and the streak that has never stopped. He also tells the story of going back a year later for his one-year coin. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this is a story of hope. Aimee Warnke: Cancer, Courage and Keep Running  Aimee Warnke tells about running through a cancer diagnosis and what she learned about herself along the way. She shares a conversation that became her mantra, "If you were my sister, keep running," and how that mindset carried her through ultramarathons, trail races and the toughest days of her life. Her story is about resilience, perspective and showing up when nothing is guaranteed. Anthony's Coke Icy Tradition  Anthony opens up about his mom, who lived with Huntington's disease for years and passed away at 56. He talks about watching her lose her independence, his dad's years as her caretaker and the hard decisions that came at the end. Then he shares the tradition that keeps her memory alive: every year on her birthday, in the middle of December, he and Michaela order her favorite drink, a Coke Icy, and an ice cream Snickers. It's the coldest thing you could get that time of year, and they enjoy it in her honor. Jake Russell Chases Down the Win at Pinhoti 100  Jake Russell takes us inside one of the most dramatic finishes we've ever heard on the show. He forgot his soft flasks, wrote himself a note asking "Why are you doing this?" and kept pushing late in a 100-mile race, then ran down the leader to win the Pinhoti 100. Then he tells us where he was the next morning: in church. It's a masterclass in mental toughness, patience and racing when it counts. David Slowik: "You Ain't Done Nothing Yet"  David Slowik ran his first 100-miler at Pinhoti with his closest friends crewing him and a playlist made by a friend who had just died of brain cancer. At mile 95, with blisters on both feet, he told his wife Shelby he'd have to walk it in. She looked him in the eye, said "You ain't done nothing yet" and ran off into the woods at 2 a.m. He chased her all the way to the finish. It's a love story, a running story and a reminder of how much our crews carry us. Chris Lott: 10 Years Sober  Chris Lott reflects on a decade of sobriety and what running has meant in his recovery. It's an honest look at the hard road back and the daily choices that keep you moving forward. Zach's Tunnel Hill 100: "Good."  Mile 85. Cold rain. More than 192,000 steps on his legs. Zach takes us through the lowest point of his Tunnel Hill 100 and the one-word answer that got him through: "Good." He also reflects on why we chase goals that might be out of reach and what we learn when we come up short. Big Butts 2025: "Don't Let Them Pull Me"  Not every great moment is serious. Zach and Anthony relive Big Butts in the July Mississippi heat, from Zach dry-heaving on the course and begging not to be pulled to Anthony sprinting to avoid getting lapped. It's a reminder that suffering is better with friends and that sometimes all you can do is laugh. Josh Moore: Don't Think About 26.2, Think About 24.7  Mississippi runner Josh Moore breaks down the Rocket City Marathon course in Huntsville, Alabama, and shares one of the best mental tricks we've heard for the back half of a marathon. The climbing is done by mile 22, so stop thinking about the finish line and get yourself to mile 24.7, where the crowds come back. From there, the last mile and a half around the Von Braun Center is your victory lap. If you're running Rocket City this December, or any marathon, don't miss this one. WHY WE MADE THIS EPISODE When we started Endurance State of Mind, we wanted to tell the stories of endurance athletes from Mississippi and the Gulf South, people who wake up early, put in the miles and push through things most people never see. We didn't expect how much those stories would change us. Some of the people in this episode have finished the hardest races in the country. Others are still chasing their first finish line. All of them have a story about grit, perseverance and why they keep going. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Runners training for their first 5K, half marathon, marathon or ultramarathonTrail runners and ultrarunners chasing 50K, 50-mile, 100K and 100-mile finishesAnyone in recovery or supporting someone who isCaregivers and families affected by Huntington's disease, cancer or chronic illnessAthletes who need a reason to get out the door tomorrow morningAnyone who loves a good comeback storyABOUT THE SHOW Endurance State of Mind is a running and endurance sports podcast hosted by Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt. Each week we interview runners, cyclists, triathletes, coaches and race directors about training, racing, nutrition, mindset and the stories behind the miles. We focus on the Mississippi running community and the Gulf Coast, from Hattiesburg to Ocean Springs, while bringing in voices from across the endurance world. Our motto is simple: we go further together. SUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode meant something to you, the best way to support us is to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Follow and leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps other runners find the show. Join our Endurance State of Mind group on Strava to connect with listeners, guests and the hosts. If you see us at a race, come say hey. We want to meet you and hear your story. Have a guest suggestion or a story to share? Reach out to us at endurancestateofmind@gmail.com. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  6. Sep 30

    Episode 79: Anthony Does Berlin: How to Crush Your Marathon Debut

    Anthony does Berlin. After years of running, triathlons, ultras, and basically finding new ways to make endurance sports harder than they need to be, Anthony finally ran his first marathon. And he did it at the Berlin Marathon. In this episode, Zach sits down with Anthony just 48 hours after the race to hear exactly what happened from the days leading up to Berlin all the way through the finish line. And honestly, the week leading into the race was not exactly ideal. Anthony tweaked his back deadlifting just days before leaving for Germany. He hadn't run more than 15 miles since Big Butts in July. Berlin was never supposed to be the big marathon attempt. The original plan was to enjoy the experience, get the marathon under his belt, and save the serious marathon effort for Rocket City later in the year. Then Anthony decided he was going to race. What followed was a 3:43 first marathon. Zach and Anthony break down the entire race, including the Berlin Marathon atmosphere, the starting corral, race-day nerves, pre-race nutrition, carb loading, pacing, heart rate, GU gels, hydration, and how Anthony approached the first half of the race without burning himself out. They talk about what happened when the race started getting difficult around miles 14–16, why Anthony thought he might actually crush the race around mile 18, and how things changed during the final 10K when his legs and calves started to hurt. One of the biggest surprises wasn't even the 3:43 finish. It was how consistent the race was. Anthony went into his first marathon without a traditional marathon training block and still managed to hold a remarkably steady pace deep into the race. Years of running ultras and longer endurance events had given him a different perspective on what 26.2 miles actually meant. After running a 50-miler earlier in the year, a marathon didn't seem quite as intimidating anymore. The question was how fast he could run it. And then there's the bigger story behind Berlin. In 2020, Anthony weighed 316 pounds. Six years later, he was standing on the starting line of the Berlin Marathon at 215 pounds, getting ready to run his first marathon. That makes crossing the finish line about a whole lot more than a 3:43. Anthony talks about the moment he saw MaKayla at the finish, the emotion that came with completing his first marathon, and why the race ended up meaning so much more than he expected when he signed up. Zach and Anthony also talk about Berlin itself, the history of the city, the Berlin Wall, and what made running a marathon through one of the world's most historic cities such a memorable experience. And, of course, they talk about what's next. After running 3:43 with limited marathon-specific training, what could Anthony do with 10 straight weeks of focused marathon training? That's a question for another race. For now, this is the full story of Anthony's first marathon. Anthony Does Berlin. Endurance State of Mind is a Mississippi-based endurance podcast hosted by Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt. Two guys who run, race, train, travel, make mistakes, learn a few things, and keep signing up for things that seemed like a good idea at the time. If you like running, marathons, ultramarathons, triathlon, cycling, endurance training, race recaps, and the real stories behind the miles, you're in the right place. Some people talk about endurance. We're dumb enough to live it. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  7. Sep 22

    Episode 78: From 4 Miles to a 3:28 Marathon: Peter Rupert’s Running Journey, Fueling Hacks & Finding the Right Shoes

    What happens when you go from running just 4 miles in a month to becoming a 3:28 marathoner in just a couple of years? On Episode 78 of Endurance State of Mind, Anthony and Zach sit down with Peter Rupert to talk about his rapid rise in the running world, the lessons he learned the hard way, and what it takes to chase bigger marathon goals. Peter’s running journey started in 2023 after a little friendly peer pressure from his friend Brian Murphy. At the time, Peter barely considered himself a runner. He went from just 4 miles in January to 40 miles in February and 80 miles in March, quickly learning that enthusiasm can sometimes outpace what your body is ready for. Injuries, shin splints, ankle problems, questionable training decisions, and a serious lack of running knowledge became part of his early journey. Since then, Peter has completed multiple marathons, a 50K and a 50 mile race, while continuing to focus heavily on the marathon. He recently ran a 3:28 marathon at Rocket City and is now building toward another major marathon effort at the Jacksonville Marathon in December. In this episode, Peter breaks down how he went from a brand new runner to a serious marathoner, including the mistakes he made early on, how he learned to approach mileage, the importance of consistency, and how having a running partner and community helped keep him moving forward. The conversation also dives deep into one of Peter’s favorite topics: running nutrition. Peter explains how he started making his own homemade running fuel using ingredients like maple syrup, bananas and salt before eventually developing a more refined homemade fueling strategy. He talks about carbohydrates, electrolytes, sodium, gut training, fueling during long runs and races, and how making your own fuel can significantly reduce the cost of endurance training. And then there are the shoes. Peter is a self described shoe guy who has spent countless hours researching running shoes, testing different models and hunting for deals. The guys get into carbon plated shoes, super shoes, stack height, heel to toe drop, rocker geometry, cushioning, toe off mechanics and how different shoes can affect the way you run. Peter also shares some of his favorite places to find running shoes at a discount, including resale sites, outlet stores and brand specific resale programs. Peter also talks about balancing marathon training with being a husband and father, his work at William Carey University, helping bring the Carey Run Club back to campus, and why building a running community is just as important as chasing a finish time. With a new marathon build underway, Peter is currently running around 40 to 45 miles per week, running six days a week and incorporating three strength training sessions into his schedule. His goal for Jacksonville is simple: give himself the best possible chance to run a major personal best. This episode is packed with practical lessons for new runners, marathoners, endurance athletes and anyone who has ever fallen down the rabbit hole of running shoes, nutrition and training. Topics covered in this episode include: • Peter Rupert’s journey from barely running to becoming a 3:28 marathoner • Going from 4 miles to 40 and then 80 miles per month • The Hattiesburg Half Marathon and his first 1:57 half marathon • Training for his first marathon • Learning from running injuries and training mistakes • Marathon training and weekly mileage • Homemade running gels and endurance fuel • Carbohydrates, electrolytes and sodium • Fueling for long runs and marathon racing • Why Peter prefers making his own running fuel • Running shoe deals and finding discounted shoes • Carbon plated running shoes • Super shoes and marathon racing shoes • Stack height and heel to toe drop • Rocker geometry and toe off • How running shoes can affect your body • Peter’s marathon PR of 3:28 at Rocket City • Strength training for runners • Balancing running with family life • Restarting the William Carey Run Club • Building a stronger running community • Preparing for the Jacksonville Marathon • Chasing a new marathon PR If you are a marathon runner, beginner runner, road runner, endurance athlete or simply someone who loves talking about running shoes, training and fueling, there is a lot to take away from this episode. Endurance State of Mind is a Mississippi based endurance podcast hosted by Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt. We talk about running, marathons, ultramarathons, cycling, triathlon, training, nutrition, endurance sports and the real life experiences that come with chasing big goals. Some people talk about endurance. We’re dumb enough to live it. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  8. Sep 15

    Episode 77: Longevity, Peptides & the Aging Endurance Athlete with Tony Medrano

    What if getting older doesn't have to mean getting slower? On this episode of Endurance State of Mind, Zach sits down with Tony Medrano, CEO and co-founder of LongevityPlan.ai, to take a deep dive into longevity, recovery, performance, peptides, hormones, biomarkers, wearable data, and what it really means to stay healthy and competitive as an endurance athlete gets older. Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation. A former U.S. Navy officer, technology entrepreneur, AI and molecular diagnostics executive, and three-time Ironman finisher, Tony has spent years combining endurance training with data-driven health and performance optimization. He's currently training for his fourth Ironman in Cozumel.  The conversation covers some of the most controversial and interesting topics in endurance sports and longevity, including peptide therapy, BPC-157, TB-500, GLP-1s, testosterone replacement therapy, biological age, metabolic age, VO2 max, muscle growth, inflammation, recovery, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in personalized health optimization. Tony explains why he believes endurance athletes shouldn't focus solely on maximizing VO2 max and why strength training and maintaining muscle become increasingly important as we age. He also discusses his own experience using peptides and GLP-1s, including his dramatic weight loss, changes in recovery, and his approach to using different compounds for different goals.  We also get into the controversy surrounding peptides in competitive sports, including WADA's banned-substance list, BPC-157, testosterone, and the difference between optimizing your health and trying to gain an unfair competitive advantage. Tony makes his position clear: the rules of competition matter, but he views longevity and health optimization differently from competing for a podium.  Later, Tony explains LongevityPlan.ai's Digital Twin, a platform designed to combine wearable data, blood work, DEXA scans, genetic testing, VO2 max and other information into an AI-driven model designed to help athletes better understand their health and performance.  If you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete, ultrarunner, or simply someone who wants to keep performing at a high level for decades, this is a conversation worth listening to. In this episode:  Longevity and endurance sports  How aging affects recovery  Peptides and athletic performance  BPC-157 and TB-500  GLP-1s and weight loss  Testosterone and TRT  Biological age vs. chronological age  Metabolic age and body composition  VO2 max and endurance performance  Strength training for longevity  Muscle mass and aging  Inflammation and recovery  Wearables and data overload  AI and personalized health optimization  Digital Twins for athletes  Peptides and WADA regulations  Tony's journey from the Navy to Silicon Valley to Ironman  Training for Ironman Cozumel at 55  How endurance athletes can stay healthy and competitive as they age Learn more about Tony and LongevityPlan.ai: LongevityPlan.ai Connect with Tony Medrano: LinkedIn: Tony Medrano Instagram: @tmedranosd X: @TMedrano2 Facebook: Tony Medrano YouTube: @LongevityPlanAI LongevityPlan.ai: YouTube: @LongevityPlanAI · @LongevityPlanAI-Videos Instagram: @longevityplanai X: @longevityplanai TikTok: @longevityplan.ai Substack: @longevityplanai Reddit: u/LongevityPlan_AI Bluesky: longevityplan-ai.bsky.social Quora: LongevityPlanAI For booking & media inquiries: tony@longevityplan.ai https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

See All (84)

4.9
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Herrington & Zach Vogt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Endurance State of Mind
  • Show Website
    Endurance State of Mind

You Might Also Like