Episode 12: 10 Weeks In: Reflections, Recognition, and Running into the Future

In this milestone 10th episode of Endurance State of Mind , Zach and Anthony sit down—just the two of them—for an honest conversation reflecting on their podcast journey so far. From their surprise nomination to the “Best of the Pine Belt” awards to building an organic listener base through Strava and real-world connections, the duo opens up about what they’ve learned, what they’d do differently, and where they want to go next. They also dive into: Why they’ve avoided “pushing” their nomination and prefer organic growth Building community through Strava, run clubs, and future merch Behind-the-scenes of their podcast prep process and how they want to improve Life updates: Anthony’s move to the coast, Zach’s family adventures, and race recaps Future goals: Big Butts 50K/100K, ultra-cycling, and the Dog Days 5K with the whole Vogt crew This episode is packed with laughter, honesty, reflection—and the promise of more stories to come, including Zach and Anthony finally telling their own. takeaways The podcast has evolved significantly in just ten weeks. Recognition as a nominated podcast boosts motivation. Community engagement is crucial for podcast growth. Future plans include expanding the podcast's reach. Reflections on the first ten episodes highlight areas for improvement. Personal stories enhance the connection with the audience. Family involvement in running creates memorable experiences. Heat training is essential for performance in hot races. Cycling presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Insights from the Tour de France inspire training strategies. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Journey 03:25 Exciting News: Nominations and Recognition 06:22 Reflections on Growth and Audience Engagement 09:15 Building Community and Expanding Reach 12:24 Future Plans: Merchandise and Collaborations 15:30 Reflections on Top Episodes and Improvement 18:36 Personal Stories: Sharing Our Journeys 21:25 Life Updates and Local Running Scene 31:46 Urban Fitness Rides and Community Engagement 33:18 Joining the Gulf Coast Running Club 35:05 Experiencing Local Races and Family Involvement 37:07 Summer Activities and Family Dynamics 38:16 Fleet Feet's Inaugural Big Run Event 41:10 Breaking Barriers in Running Communities 43:21 Training for Upcoming Races 44:20 Heat Training and Performance Goals 50:14 Sauna Benefits and Longevity 52:13 Upcoming Races and Family Participation 55:19 Cycling and Ultra Training Plans https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu