About this episode
At just 23, Hezekiah “Hezzy” Miller is a walking shot of energy gel—equal parts hype man and humble grinder. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, Hezzy went from black-sheep kid to endurance engine, once jumping from two miles to a DIY 50-miler in two weeks (yes, really). But this conversation goes far deeper than mileage. He opens up about depression, the sticky-note practice that kept him here “one more day,” and how surrendering to faith reshaped his purpose into serving others—on and off the course. Now, he’s uprooting his life for a role at the Mayo Clinic and setting his sights on a 125-mile race next spring. We unpack why he loves the suffering, how “just keep swimming” became his reset, and why supporting other runners might be his real superpower. It’s high vibes, hard truths, and a powerful reminder that love—and purpose—outlast hate. Listen, share with someone who needs this, and drop Hezzy a note of encouragement. takeaways Hezekiah's journey is marked by resilience and selflessness. He found his passion for running as a response to doubt. Pain and suffering are integral to personal growth. Community support plays a crucial role in endurance sports. Hezekiah's first race was a significant milestone in his journey. He believes in running one's own race, regardless of others' expectations. The philosophy of embracing pain can lead to a deeper understanding of life. Hezekiah's motivation comes from helping others in need. He values the journey over the destination in endurance running. His experiences highlight the importance of mental toughness. Hezekiah describes himself as a black sheep in his family. He faced emotional trauma and isolation growing up. He learned to suppress his emotions due to his upbringing. Running became a pivotal part of his healing journey. He made a promise to himself to be the best version of himself. He emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming challenges. He reflects on the blessings of being able to provide for himself. He encourages others to take leaps of faith, even when scared. He acknowledges the ongoing journey of personal growth and healing. He expresses gratitude for the support he has received along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hezekiah Miller 04:20 Hezekiah's Journey into Endurance Running 13:09 The Love for Suffering and Endurance 18:57 Finding Joy in the Journey of Running 19:40 Hezekiah's Journey to Running and Purpose 22:18 Sacrificing for a Greater Cause 25:36 First Race Experience and Lessons Learned 29:36 The Death by 5K Challenge 37:12 Hezekiah's Mentality and Emotional Journey 49:32 Struggles with Isolation and Despair 51:39 A Turning Point: Finding Purpose 54:41 Navigating Anger and Proving Others Wrong 56:38 The Journey of Forgiveness and Love 01:00:29 Taking a Leap of Faith 01:02:54 Reflecting on Blessings and Growth 01:05:32 The Importance of Surrender and Trust 01:06:27 Building a Supportive Community 01:07:14 Lighthearted Moments and Future Aspirations 01:12:54 Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3 https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu