Endurance State of Mind

Anthony Herrington & Zach Vogt
  • 4.9 (38)
  • 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. 21h ago

    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

  2. 6d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 8

    Episode 76: Altitude Training, Berlin Marathon Prep & The Backyard Ultra

    Anthony and Zach are back for Episode 76 of Endurance State of Mind, and this week the guys sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about marathon training, altitude, ultramarathons, cycling, racing strategy, and the Mississippi endurance community. Anthony is currently in Breckenridge, Colorado, spending time at roughly 9,000 to 10,000 feet of elevation just weeks before the Berlin Marathon. The guys talk about what it actually feels like to train at altitude, including headaches, poor sleep, elevated heart rate, increased effort, and the challenges of trying to maintain normal training while your body is adjusting to less oxygen. They also discuss altitude acclimatization, the idea of “train high, recover low,” and whether hiking and running at elevation can provide useful aerobic benefits for marathon training. With the Berlin Marathon only about 20 days away, Anthony breaks down where he is in his marathon preparation, how he is feeling heading into one of the biggest races on his calendar, and what he is thinking about when it comes to pacing and fueling. The conversation gets into one of the biggest challenges of marathon racing: getting through the first 20 miles with enough energy left to actually race the final 10K. Anthony and Zach discuss the importance of patience early in a marathon, fueling properly, managing effort, and potentially using Berlin as a stepping stone toward the Rocket City Marathon later in the year. The guys also take a detour into professional cycling and the Vuelta a España, talking about Tadej Pogačar’s crash, injuries, racing at the highest level, and the role that luck can play in professional cycling. They discuss how a serious crash can affect a rider mentally even after the physical injuries have healed. Tom Pidcock’s incredible bike-handling skills and aggressive downhill racing also become part of the conversation as Anthony and Zach talk about just how much confidence and technical ability it takes to descend at the highest level of the sport. Back on the running side, Zach talks about his recent 5K race and how strategy and race execution helped him come away with a strong result. Instead of simply focusing on fitness, Zach explains how he approached the race mentally, battled with a younger runner, and used experience and positioning to his advantage. The conversation turns into a larger discussion about racing smart, learning how to compete, and the growing group of young runners coming through the Mississippi running community. One of the biggest topics of the episode is the upcoming inaugural Last Wolf Howling backyard ultra at Petal River Park on November 21, 2026. Anthony and Zach dive deep into what it takes to compete in a backyard ultra, including the traditional 4.167-mile loop, the 36-hour time limit, pacing, nutrition, caffeine, sleep deprivation, and the mental challenge of repeating the same loop hour after hour. The guys discuss the strategy behind running a backyard ultra, including why athletes may want to avoid running too fast early in the race and how the difference between a 45-minute lap and a 55-minute lap can dramatically impact how much recovery and sleep a runner gets. They talk about nighttime strategy, managing fatigue, eating and drinking enough to keep going, and the psychological battle that develops when the race becomes less about raw speed and more about consistency, patience, and the ability to keep showing up every hour. Anthony and Zach also compare backyard ultra performances and discuss athletes such as Mark Dowdle and Phil Gore, looking at the different strategies used by runners attempting incredibly long endurance efforts. The conversation explores why slowing down can sometimes be the key to going farther and how backyard ultras create a completely different type of endurance challenge than a traditional marathon or ultramarathon. The episode also highlights the Mississippi running and endurance community, the importance of local races, and the growth of the sport throughout the state. Anthony and Zach talk about the people who continue to push the local running scene forward and their plans to feature more runners, athletes, and members of the endurance community on future episodes of Endurance State of Mind. They also talk about future podcast guests, including larger names in the endurance world as well as local Mississippi runners and athletes. The guys discuss the challenge of balancing recognizable guests with the stories of everyday runners who are helping grow the sport in their own communities. Whether you are training for a marathon, preparing for an ultramarathon, interested in backyard ultras, getting ready for your next 5K, following professional cycling, or simply enjoy hearing honest conversations about endurance sports, Episode 76 has something for you. In this episode, Anthony and Zach cover: • Altitude training in Breckenridge, Colorado • Training and recovering at 9,000 to 10,000 feet • Altitude acclimatization and the effects of elevation • Running and hiking at altitude • The “train high, recover low” concept • Berlin Marathon preparation • Marathon pacing and race strategy • Fueling for the marathon • Surviving the final 10K of a marathon • Using Berlin as preparation for Rocket City Marathon • Tadej Pogačar and his Vuelta crash • The mental side of recovering from a cycling crash • Tom Pidcock and professional cycling • Downhill bike handling and descending • Zach’s recent 5K race • Racing strategy and competing against younger runners • The Mississippi running community • The inaugural Last Wolf Howling backyard ultra • Backyard ultra strategy and pacing • The 4.167-mile backyard ultra loop • Running 100 miles and beyond • Sleep deprivation during ultramarathons • Nutrition and caffeine during long races • Nighttime backyard ultra strategy • Mark Dowdle and Last Soul Ultra • Phil Gore and extreme endurance performances • The mental side of ultramarathons • Growing the Mississippi endurance community • Future Endurance State of Mind guests and episodes Endurance State of Mind is a podcast for runners, marathoners, ultrarunners, cyclists, and anyone interested in the physical and mental side of endurance sports. Hosted by Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt, the show covers everything from marathon training and ultramarathons to local races, endurance athletes, training struggles, race strategy, and the mindset required to keep pushing when things get difficult. If you enjoy running podcasts, marathon training podcasts, ultramarathon podcasts, backyard ultra racing, endurance sports, cycling, or stories from the running community, make sure to subscribe to Endurance State of Mind, leave a review, and follow the show for future episodes. Berlin Marathon is right around the corner, Last Wolf Howling is coming to Petal, and Rocket City Marathon is next on the calendar. The guys are just getting started. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  6. Sep 1

    Episode 75: How Brock Kelly Built a Life Around Running and Creating

    In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Mississippi native, former Mississippi College runner, content creator, and entrepreneur Brock Kelly to talk about his journey from competitive high school and collegiate running to becoming one of the most recognizable running creators in Mississippi. Brock takes us all the way back to his introduction to running in Tupelo, Mississippi, his rise through the high school ranks, becoming Mississippi’s Gatorade Runner of the Year, and his time competing at Mississippi College. He also opens up about the pressure of competing at the collegiate level, injuries, learning how to handle failure, and the mental side of endurance sports. We dive deep into how Brock first picked up a camera and began documenting his running journey on YouTube, long before running content became what it is today. He shares how early videos, limited equipment, and countless hours of editing eventually led to opportunities with Tinman Elite and a summer in Colorado working alongside some of the biggest names in running. Brock also breaks down the story behind The Daily Mile, the Instagram series that exploded after he suffered a stress fracture and began documenting his return to running through swimming, cross-training, and eventually racing again. He talks about why vulnerability and consistency connected with his audience, how creating content became a form of accountability, and what it is like turning your own running journey into something that thousands of people follow. We also get into Brock's transition from collegiate track to the marathon, including his first marathon at Grandma's Marathon, the brutal conditions, cramping late in the race, barely qualifying for Boston, and what he learned from the experience. Beyond running, Brock talks about creativity, videography, building an audience, brand partnerships, authenticity, and his work with Over Everything Athletics. We discuss what it means to create with intention and how running, storytelling, business, and community can all come together. Whether you're a runner, marathoner, content creator, or someone interested in building something from the ground up, this is a conversation packed with lessons about consistency, creativity, failure, injury, ambition, and finding your own path. Follow Brock Kelly: Instagram: @bkelly5192 YouTube: The Brock Kelly Over Everything Athletics: https://oe.run/pages/thearchives In this episode: • Brock Kelly's introduction to running in Mississippi • High school running and becoming Gatorade Runner of the Year • Running at Mississippi College • The transition from runner to content creator • Learning photography and videography • Early YouTube videos and building an audience • Tin Man Elite and the Colorado experience • Running 100 miles per week • Injury, stress fractures, and the creation of The Daily Mile • The power of vulnerability and consistency • Building a running community through content • Transitioning from collegiate track to the marathon • Grandma's Marathon and qualifying for Boston • Creativity, entrepreneurship, and Over Everything Athletics • Staying authentic while working with brands • Creating with intention and purpose This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in running, endurance sports, marathon training, running content creation, YouTube, Instagram, storytelling, and the mindset behind building a life around the things you love. Listen, subscribe, and follow Endurance State of Mind for more conversations with athletes, runners, creators, and people pushing the limits of what is possible. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  7. Aug 25

    Episode 74: Endurance News, Backyard Ultras, Bigfoot 200 & What’s Next | Endurance State of Mind

    Anthony and Zach are back for another episode of Endurance State of Mind, and this time it’s just the two hosts taking a deep dive into everything happening across the endurance sports world. From incredible ultramarathon performances and backyard ultras to cycling, marathon training, upcoming races, and updates from some of the athletes we’ve had on the podcast, there is a lot to talk about. The guys start by breaking down Aimee Warnke’s incredible performance at the Bigfoot 200, where she battled deep into the race and ultimately moved into the lead around the 170-mile mark. After previously sharing Aimee’s story on Endurance State of Mind, seeing her return to Bigfoot and put together such an impressive performance makes this one of those endurance stories that is impossible not to follow. They also talk about Last Soul Ultra, one of the backyard-style ultras that has Anthony and Zach seriously considering taking on a backyard ultra themselves. The conversation eventually turns to Mark Dowdle, his incredible backyard ultra performances, and the upcoming 2026 Big's Backyard World Team Championship. What makes backyard ultras so fascinating? How far can someone like Mark Dowdle actually go? And what happens when you put some of the best backyard ultra runners in the world together? The conversation also covers Phil Gore and Project 168, Leadville 100, and some of the other major endurance events that have captured the attention of runners and fans recently. The guys talk about the growing popularity of following endurance sports from a distance, how social media and live race tracking have changed the way fans experience ultramarathons, and why it feels like there is always another incredible race happening somewhere. Cycling gets some attention too, including updates on Grayson Taylor, his recent racing, and the crossover between running and cycling. Anthony and Zach also discuss the differences between the two sports and how racing experience, bike handling, training, and consistency can all play a role when a runner makes the jump into competitive cycling. And, of course, there are plenty of Endurance State of Mind life updates. Anthony talks about his upcoming Berlin Marathon, the guys discuss the possibility of finding a local backyard ultra, and they look ahead to what's coming next for both the podcast and their own endurance goals. Whether you're into ultramarathons, 200-mile races, backyard ultras, marathon training, trail running, cycling, endurance racing, or simply the stories behind the people who push themselves way past what seems possible, this episode has a little bit of everything. In this episode:  Aimee Warnke and the Bigfoot 200  The incredible world of 200-mile ultramarathons  Last Soul Ultra  Mark Dowdle and backyard ultras  Big's Backyard World Team Championship  Phil Gore and Project 168  Leadville 100  Grayson Taylor and competitive cycling  Running vs. cycling and the crossover between the two  Anthony's Berlin Marathon preparation  Backyard ultra plans and race hunting  Updates from previous Endurance State of Mind guests  What's happening next for Anthony, Zach, and the podcast Endurance State of Mind is a podcast about the people, races, struggles, victories, and completely unreasonable decisions that make endurance sports so addictive. Join Anthony Herrington and Zach Vogt as they talk running, ultramarathons, cycling, marathon training, and everything in between. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

  8. Aug 19

    Episode 73: How to Race the Rocket City Marathon | Pacing, PR, BQ & Course Strategy

    What does it actually take to race the Rocket City Marathon? Not just finish 26.2 miles, but actually execute a smart marathon from the starting line to the finish? On this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we're heading to Huntsville, Alabama, for the 50th edition of the Rocket City Marathon with Josh Moore, a coach, marathoner, and two-time Rocket City Marathon finisher. This isn't just a Rocket City Marathon course preview. We're talking about how to actually race the course, how to pace yourself, when to be patient, when to start pushing, and what runners chasing a PR, Boston Qualifying time, or sub-three-hour marathon should be thinking about before race day. Josh takes us through the Rocket City Marathon course and shares his experience racing it, including his time pacing the three-hour group during the 2025 race. We break down the opening miles, the residential sections, the Space Center, the Botanical Gardens, the final 10K, and the fast finish toward the Von Braun Center. One of the biggest lessons of the episode is simple: don't try to win the marathon in the first half. The opening miles can feel easy. You're rested, the adrenaline is high, the crowds are around you, and your goal pace can suddenly feel much faster than it should. We talk about why staying disciplined early can make all the difference when you reach miles 20, 22, and beyond. Josh also shares lessons from the 2025 Rocket City Marathon three-hour pace group, including what happens when runners leave a pace group too early, how the race changes in the second half, and why the runners who are patient early can often be the ones still moving late in the race. We get into one of the most practical questions for marathon runners: Do you trust your GPS watch or the official mile markers? We discuss GPS accuracy, certified marathon courses, running tangents, and why runners chasing a specific finishing time should build a little cushion into their goal rather than expecting their watch to perfectly match every official mile marker. That leads to a bigger conversation about marathon pacing strategy. If you're chasing a three-hour marathon, should you run exactly 6:52 pace from start to finish? Or should you give yourself some room for turns, aid stations, crowds, GPS variation, and the reality of running 26.2 miles? We break down how to approach your goal pace without becoming obsessed with the number on your watch. We also talk about the biggest moments on the Rocket City course, including the Space Center, Botanical Gardens, elevation changes, and final miles back toward Huntsville. The final 10K becomes especially important. Instead of spending your energy early, the goal is to arrive at the final 10K with something left. Josh explains why runners shouldn't be afraid to change gears around the 10K-to-go mark and start racing when the course begins to work in their favor. We also discuss a key mental checkpoint late in the race: 24.7 miles. Instead of thinking about how much farther you have to go until 26.2, getting to roughly 24.7 miles means you're almost home. The crowds are coming back, the finish is getting closer, and it's time to spend whatever you've been saving. Beyond pacing and course strategy, we get into the practical side of marathon racing. We talk about fueling, hydration, aid stations, warm-ups, clothing, cold-weather racing, and watch data. Josh explains how he uses lap pace and lap time to stay on target instead of constantly chasing the instantaneous pace on his watch. We also look back at the difficult conditions during the 2025 Rocket City Marathon, including cold temperatures and strong winds, and talk about how runners can prepare for unpredictable December weather in Huntsville. If you're running Rocket City, preparation isn't just about the miles. It's about knowing the course, understanding the conditions, having a fueling plan, knowing your goal pace, and being prepared to adjust when race day doesn't go exactly according to plan. We also talk about what makes the Rocket City Marathon such a special race. With nearly 50 years of history, a fast course, strong organization, and a race-day experience designed around the runner, Rocket City has developed a reputation as a race for runners, by runners. From transportation and parking to aid stations, course support, the expo, and the finish inside the Von Braun Center, the goal is to take as much of the logistical stress away from runners as possible. Once you're on the starting line, there's really only one thing left to do: Run. And that's where the conversation gets bigger than Rocket City. We talk about what it means to stand on a marathon starting line with a PR or Boston Qualifying goal after months of training. You've already done the work. You've already completed the long runs. You've already put in the early mornings, the late nights, the sacrifices, and all the miles that brought you to race day. Now it's time to be present and see what that work can produce. We talk about gratitude, staying in the moment, accepting the possibility of failure, and remembering that simply putting yourself on a starting line with a difficult goal is something worth celebrating. Because not everyone is willing to put themselves in a position where they might fail. That's part of what makes endurance sports so special. Whether you're running your first marathon, chasing your next PR, trying to break three hours, pursuing a Boston Qualifying time, or simply looking for a smarter way to approach 26.2 miles, this episode is packed with practical advice you can take straight to the starting line. In this episode: • Rocket City Marathon 2026  • 50th edition of the Rocket City Marathon  • Rocket City Marathon history  • Huntsville, Alabama  • Rocket City Marathon course breakdown  • Rocket City elevation and course strategy  • Marathon pacing strategy  • Marathon PR strategy  • Boston Qualifying strategy  • Sub-3 marathon strategy  • Three-hour marathon pacing  • Marathon pace groups  • GPS vs. official mile markers  • Marathon fueling and hydration  • Cold-weather marathon racing  • The 2025 Rocket City Marathon  • Racing the final 10K  • The 24.7-mile mental checkpoint  • Space Center and Botanical Gardens  • Von Braun Center finish  • Marathon race-day strategy  • How to avoid going out too fast  • When to start pushing  • How to finish a marathon strong  • Two-time Rocket City Marathon finisher Josh Moore  • Endurance State of Mind Know your pace. Know the course. Be patient early. Save something for the finish. And when you get to that final 10K, it's time to race. This is Endurance State of Mind — a podcast about running, racing, endurance sports, the people behind the miles, and everything that happens between the starting line and the finish. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu

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4.9
out of 5
38 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
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Endurance State of Mind
  • Show Website
    Endurance State of Mind

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