From the weight room to 200-mile races, Derrick Baker is built different. A 12-time 100-mile finisher and 2-time 200-mile finisher from North Mississippi, Derrick embodies discipline, humility, and purpose. Once a 250-pound powerlifter, he discovered ultra running after seeing David Goggins on YouTube — and never looked back.

In this episode, we dive into how Derrick blends bodybuilding with high-mileage training, how he stays grounded in the grind, and how he finds light in the darkest moments of a race. He talks about his bond with his wife and crew chief, Candy, the mental battles that come with distance, and his goal to take on the legendary Vol State 500K next year.

This conversation is raw, reflective, and packed with wisdom on grit, faith, and the balance between

takeaways

• Derrick Baker is a 12-time 100-mile finisher and 2-time 200-mile finisher.
• His journey into ultra running began in 2019 after being inspired by David Goggins.
• Derrick balances powerlifting and ultra running by training 75-100 miles a week.
• He emphasizes the importance of mental strength in overcoming challenges during races.
• Derrick's wife, Candy, plays a crucial role in his support system during races.
• He believes in the power of community and helping others in the ultra running space.
• Derrick's first 200-mile race taught him about endurance and mental resilience.
• He aims to participate in the Vol State 500K, a self-supported race.
• Derrick's training includes calisthenics, weight lifting, and stretching to prevent injuries.
• He values humility and draws inspiration from his upbringing and experiences.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Derrick Baker

02:25
Derrick's Journey into Ultra Running

09:23
Training Regimen and Balancing Strength with Endurance

17:10
Mentality and Philosophy Behind Training

26:59
Experiences in Ultra Running and Community Engagement

32:26
Navigating the Dark Places in Racing

38:19
The Power of Perspective in Endurance

43:25
Lessons from the First 200-Miler

47:09
The Importance of Support Systems

53:54
Future Goals and Ambitions in Ultra Running

01:00:54
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Warren Kimball—two-time Boston finisher, 100-mile ultra winner, and LSU musicologist—joins us to blend art and endurance. We dig into his 15:35 at Tunnel Hill (closed strong with a negative split), plant-powered fueling, staying calm early, and turning repetition into mastery—on the piano and on the run. Plus: training after setbacks, pacing by feel, and why gratitude beats “suffer mode” for the long haul.

takeaways

• Warren's journey into running began after significant life changes.
• He lost 75 pounds and embraced running as a lifestyle.
• The connection between music and running is profound for Warren.
• He transitioned from marathons to ultra running after discovering trail races.
• Warren's first 100-mile race was a significant achievement for him.
• He emphasizes the importance of mental strategies in endurance sports.
• Training for Tunnel Hill involved a mix of speed work and long runs.
• Pacing strategies were crucial for his success at Tunnel Hill.
• Warren experienced a strong finish, running negative splits in the second half.
• He reflects on the joy of running and the importance of gratitude in his journey.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Endurance and Music

02:09
Warren's Journey into Endurance Sports

06:49
The Transition from Music to Running

13:17
The Connection Between Music and Endurance

17:52
Exploring Ultra Running and Its Challenges

25:04
The Marathon to Ultra Transition

26:12
The Journey of Ultra Running

27:50
Health Challenges and Resilience

29:49
The Shift Back to Marathons

32:09
Preparing for Tunnel Hill 100

38:51
Race Day Strategy and Execution

47:30
Finding the Zone in Endurance Running

48:51
Overcoming Low Moments in Races

51:26
The Thrill of Competition and Pacing

52:46
Experiencing the Race: From Darkness to Clarity

55:15
Reflecting on a Special Race Experience

59:15
Gratitude for the Journey and Future Goals

01:03:13
Balancing Training and Injury Management

01:06:53
Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3

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No guest—just Anthony and Zach catching up after work travel and stacked weeks. We trade notes on chasing Strava crowns coast-to-coast, a rope-assist climb at Mount Storm King, and turning a seven-day, 36-holes-a-day golf trip into a stealth ultra. We shout out recent guests (Travis, Jed, Hezekiah, Chris), celebrate comebacks and dubs, and sketch a new negative-split strategy for Tunnel Hill. Plus: what the Norwegians, Pogacar, and Sifan Hassan teach us about pacing and fueling, first impressions of the WHOOP, Tim Irving’s Ivy Trek race, and what’s next (Clear Creek, Tunnel Hill, Rocket City). Laid-back, a little messy, and very real—aka a coffee ride episode.

takeaways

• The importance of staying accountable in training despite busy schedules.
• Recent guests have provided valuable insights into endurance training and nutrition.
• Travel experiences can impact training routines and performance.
• Exploring new training strategies can lead to improved performance.
• Technology plays a significant role in tracking and enhancing training.
• Maintaining a consistent running routine is satisfying and beneficial.
• Community support is crucial for endurance athletes.
• Nutrition strategies should align with training intensity and goals.
• Upcoming races provide motivation and goals for athletes.
• The evolution of endurance training continues to be influenced by new research and technology.

Chapters

00:00
Catching Up: The Hosts' Journey

03:29
Reflections on Recent Guests

06:30
The Power of Community and Accountability

09:32
Travel Tales: Adventures on the Road

12:41
Chasing Goals: Running and Training Insights

15:22
Exploring the Great Outdoors: Hiking Adventures

18:35
The Beauty of Nature: Mountains vs. Beach Life

24:12
Epic Adventures and Golf Trips

32:37
The Challenge of Endurance Sports

35:01
Tunnel Hill Strategy and Insights

46:42
Training Insights from Elite Athletes

51:19
The Evolution of Triathlon Training

54:20
The Rise of Elite Cyclists

57:16
Analyzing Recent Cycling Championships

01:01:19
The Future of Fitness Technology

01:04:21
Upcoming Races and Personal Goals

01:12:25
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https://www.instagram.com/endurance_stateofmind?igsh=cjBnanNobHhhYXNu