About this episode
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. https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu