In this episode, Rhonda Hayden shares her inspiring journey in the endurance sports world, detailing how her father's influence led her to embrace running and triathlons. She discusses the significant health challenges she has faced due to autoimmune disorders and how exercise has been a vital part of her coping strategy. Rhonda emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body in training and shares insights from her background in exercise science. As a race director, she also looks forward to future events and reflects on the evolution of race directing. In this engaging conversation, Anthony Herrington and Zach discuss with Rhonda Hayden her personal racing experiences, upcoming events, and the impact of community engagement in race organization. Rhonda shares insights into her unique race, the Molten Mohawk Niner, and emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for participants. The discussion also highlights the significance of volunteerism and community support in making races successful, along with Rhonda's aspirations for future events.

Takeaways

• Rhonda's father inspired her to pursue endurance sports.
• She transitioned from running to triathlons through peer influence.
• Rhonda has faced significant health challenges due to autoimmune disorders.
• Exercise has been a crucial coping mechanism for her health issues.
• She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body during training.
• Rhonda's training philosophy is based on perceived exertion rather than strict programs.
• She has completed various endurance events, including marathons and Ironman races.
• Rhonda believes in the power of mindset in overcoming physical challenges.
• Her education in exercise science has shaped her approach to fitness.
• Rhonda is actively involved in race directing and planning future events. Rhonda is passionate about her upcoming races and community impact.
• The Molten Mohawk Niner showcases unique race experiences.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful race organization.
• Rhonda emphasizes the importance of volunteerism in events.
• Creating memorable experiences keeps participants coming back.
• Rhonda's races focus on athlete enjoyment and community building.
• The Youth Challenge program supports at-risk youth through scholarships.
• Rhonda aims to grow her events without compromising quality.
• Attention to detail enhances the overall race experience.
• Rhonda's vision includes expanding her race offerings in the future.

00:00
Introduction to Rhonda Hayden and Kinda Gritty

05:04
Rhonda's Journey into Endurance Sports

12:06
Overcoming Health Challenges in Endurance Training

18:02
Training Philosophy and Listening to Your Body

23:59
Future Races and Race Directing Insights

27:38
Personal Racing Experiences

30:01
Upcoming Races and Community Impact

35:39
The Molten Mohawk Niner: A Unique Race Experience

39:21
Creating Memorable Race Experiences

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In this raw and reflective episode, Anthony and Zach break down their full experience at the Fondren Urban Ultra — from unexpected setbacks to mile-by-mile strategy and emotional turning points. Anthony opens up about caring for his father after a heart attack just two weeks before the race and how that shaped his mindset going in. Zach shares what it felt like chasing the course record in brutal heat — and what it meant to not tap out when the suffering peaked. They talk about walking through demons, the power of good support crews, and why every runner has a "Mile 19" moment. Whether you're prepping for your first ultra or just love endurance storytelling, this one hits hard.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Endurance State of Monde Podcast

03:20
Community Support and Race Preparation

04:25
Personal Challenges and Mindset Reset

07:09
Race Day Logistics and Mental Strategies

11:05
The Role of Support Crew in Endurance Events

12:11
Pre-Race Rituals and Superstitions

14:01
Race Start and Initial Impressions

16:17
Setting Goals and Expectations for the Race

17:48
First Loops and Early Race Experience

21:13
Hitting the Wall and Overcoming Challenges

27:51
Nutrition and Recovery Strategies

31:04
Mental Resilience and Coping Mechanisms

32:35
Heat and Environmental Challenges

34:26
Interactions with Fellow Runners

36:41
The Power of Connection in Endurance Racing

37:11
Celebrating Connections and Community

39:28
Overcoming Challenges in Endurance Racing

41:42
Mental Toughness and Resilience

45:14
The Importance of Support Systems

52:59
Reflections on Race Experiences

01:06:50
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Races

01:11:58
Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3

takeaways

• Community support is vital for endurance athletes.
• Mental health plays a significant role in performance.
• Preparation and mindset can shift dramatically before a race.
• Nutrition is crucial during long races to maintain energy.
• Having a support crew can enhance the race experience.
• The importance of pacing and not going out too fast.
• Every runner experiences low points during races.
• Building relationships with fellow runners is rewarding.
• Celebrating small victories can boost morale.
• Reflecting on race experiences helps improve future performance.

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In this inspiring episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Melinda Howard — founder of Mississippi Coffee Runners and a true champion of positivity in the endurance community.

Melinda shares her incredible journey, from lacing up her shoes for a Couch to 5K program in 2011 to losing 170 pounds and becoming a marathoner, ultrarunner, and community leader. She talks about her life-changing partnership with Aiden through the I Run for Michael program and how running became a way to lift others, not just herself. Tune in as we explore how endurance sports can transform not only your body but your spirit, how Melinda built one of Mississippi’s largest and most supportive running communities, and why every step — no matter the pace — truly counts.

Whether you’re chasing your first 5K finish line or your 100th ultramarathon buckle, Melinda’s story will remind you that endurance is about heart, community, and never giving up.

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In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Mississippi running legend and race director Tim Irvine. From blazing 5Ks in the deep South with a 15:09 PR to crafting some of the most thoughtfully designed trail races in the region, Tim shares his journey through decades of endurance sport. He opens up about early inspirations, the discipline behind sub-5 minute training paces, and how running helped him overcome personal challenges—including life with alopecia.

We also dig into the behind-the-scenes world of race directing, what sets his “Circle of the Dragon” event apart, and why attention to detail makes or breaks a great race day. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone dreaming of your first 5K, this one is packed with passion, wisdom, and a few surprise laughs.

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This week on Endurance State of Mind, co-host Anthony Herrington kicks things off with big news—he got married! Then, he and Zach Vogt dive into a brutally humid Hattiesburg Half Marathon recap, sharing race-day lessons, heat management strategies, and reflections on staying mentally tough when conditions go south. The duo also preview their next challenge: the Fondren Urban Ultra. Zach reveals his bold goal of breaking the course record, while Anthony sets his sights on completing the full 12 hours. Expect real talk on nutrition, pacing, gear choices, and what it means to find growth in suffering. Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to finish, this episode is packed with insights and motivation for every level of endurance athlete.

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In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Mississippi running legend Joshua Moore—an athlete whose journey into endurance sports began not with a trophy, but with a pair of swim trunks and borrowed walking shoes. From that humble start, Josh has blazed a trail through the ultra-running world, recently setting the 50-mile course record at the Mississippi 50 and earning a reputation as one of the Southeast’s fiercest competitors.

Hosts Zachary Vogt and Anthony Herrington dive deep into Josh’s origin story, unpacking the defining moment that changed everything: a decision to “just send it” during a college tryout loop that ultimately secured him a spot on the track team at William Carey University. That one decision sparked a domino effect that would shape his entire life—from college athlete to elite marathoner, from coach to local legend.

Josh shares his evolution from an 800m runner to racing (and winning) ultramarathons, his mental and physical hurdles, and the emotional highs and lows that come with pushing the human body to its limits. He talks candidly about the pressure of expectations, coaching high school athletes, and how grief and personal loss have shaped his mindset and purpose as a runner.

Along the way, you’ll hear about:

• His brutal yet transformative first 50-mile race (on 3 weeks’ notice)

• Why he thinks “running fast is easier than running long”

• The role of competition, pride, and even spite in his training mindset

• The life-changing impact of sports nutrition and recovery strategy

• How coaching has turned him into a better runner and person

• Why he’s chasing greatness at Tunnel Hill, the fastest 50-miler in the U.S.

Whether you’re a beginner training for your first 5K or an ultra vet chasing your next buckle, Josh’s story will resonate with the part of you that refuses to quit. He embodies the gritty, no-excuses spirit that defines endurance athletes—those who find meaning in suffering, joy in competition, and strength in the struggle.

“We’re all just limit-pushers,” Josh says. “Whether you’re trying to break 30 minutes in a 5K or 6 hours in a 50-mile race—it all counts. And it all matters.”

Get ready for an inspiring, raw, and real conversation that reminds us that it only takes one decision to change the trajectory of your life—and that greatness often starts when nobody’s watching.

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Welcome to the very first episode of Endurance State of Mind! Hosts Zach Vogt and Anthony Herrington kick off the show by sharing the stories that led them to this moment—one born-again runner logging 100-mile weeks and a former 315-pound college athlete-turned-Ironman. With no guests this week, it’s all about getting to know the voices behind the mic.

Zach and Anthony open up about their personal journeys, why Mississippi deserves more love in the endurance world, and how this podcast aims to highlight stories from the front, middle, and back of the pack. From weight loss and recovery to ultramarathon dreams and bike races across America, this intro lays the foundation for what’s to come—raw conversations, real vulnerability, and a shared commitment to going further, together.

Grab your recovery drink, lace up, and settle in. This is Endurance State of Mind.

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