In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Chris Mixon—an ultra runner with podium finishes at the Pinhoti 100 and Lake Martin 100, and a course record at Fondren Urban Ultra. But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t just his racing resume—it’s the fact that Chris is sharing his story mid-comeback. After surgery, setbacks, and months of painful recovery, he’s opening up about the mental battle of rebuilding, the lies injuries whisper, and the resilience it takes to believe your best days are still ahead. With his return to racing just weeks away, Chris talks about faith, family, grit, and the deeper lessons running teaches about life itself.

“Alright folks, we tried to wrap this thing up all professional, but then the real ultra-marathon began. trying to find Chris Mixon’s Strava account. Three grown men, collectively with decades of racing miles, completely defeated by a search bar. We scrolled, we typed, we squinted at our phones like we were 80 years old at the eye doctor. Turns out, running 100 miles is easier than finding your buddy on Strava. Don’t worry, we eventually found him beanie pic, frozen sideburns go give Chris a follow. Just don’t ask us to teach a tech class anytime soon.”

takeaways

• The physical battle is only half the challenge.
• Injuries can lead to growth if we examine our mindset.
• Choosing to see purpose in hardships is crucial.
• The victim mentality leads to burnout and bitterness.
• Struggles amplify self-doubt, but they can be overcome.
• Community support is vital in endurance sports.
• Mental resilience is built through consistent training.
• Every setback has the potential for a comeback.
• Running teaches us about life and perseverance.
• Setting goals and making plans is essential for success.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Chris Mixon's Journey

11:03
The Start of an Endurance Journey

14:01
Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks

19:32
The Mental Game of Endurance Racing

22:36
Injury Details and Recovery Process

28:09
Race Experiences: Lake Martin and Penhody

37:22
The Importance of Community and Resilience

41:14
The Value of 'Junk Miles' in Training

43:46
Mental Resilience and Community Support

45:20
Overcoming Excuses and Building Discipline

47:01
The Mental Game of Endurance Running

48:01
Upcoming Races and Personal Goals

50:21
Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections

53:44
The Comeback Story: Grit and Determination

56:35
Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

01:02:12
Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3

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

For more than two decades, Ed Daly has been the gold standard of Mississippi endurance. With over 20 consecutive years of logging 2,000+ miles annually, Ed’s journey is about more than races — it’s about attitude, perseverance, and lifting others up along the way. In this episode, Ed shares how running became a lifelong habit, why community matters, the greatest week of running in his life, and how his medical background shapes his approach to health and longevity. From Crescent City to rim-to-rim-to-rim, his story proves that endurance is a state of mind.

takeaways

• Ed Daly is a pillar of the Mississippi endurance community.
• Consistency in running is key, with over 2000 miles logged annually.
• Family plays a significant role in Ed's running journey.
• Running is a unique sport that offers mental clarity.
• Injury prevention is crucial for longevity in running.
• Community support enhances the running experience.
• Technology has changed the way runners train and track progress.
• The joy of running in new places is unparalleled.
• Runners today are different, not necessarily softer.
• Post-race celebrations often include a well-deserved beer.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Ed Daly: A Pillar of Endurance
03:32
Ed's Journey into Running: From Casual to Committed
06:34
Family and Running: The Daly Legacy
09:29
Consistency in Miles: The 2000-Mile Streak
12:42
Favorite Races and Memorable Experiences
15:39
The Greatest Week of Running: Rim to Rim to Rim
21:30
Injury Management and Medical Insights
24:24
The Role of Family in Running Passion
32:38
Health Concerns in Young Athletes
36:21
Evolution of Running Technology
39:56
The Community of Strava
41:05
Iconic Running Locations
44:14
Training Strategies for Races
48:12
The Yasso 800s Explained
52:30
Managing Race Day Pacing
58:41
Rapid Fire Questions with Ed Daly
01:03:33
Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3

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

What does it take to push your body to the brink—and then keep going? In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with ultra running enigma Arrmon Abedikichi, a four-time 100-mile finisher, five-time Fondren Urban Ultra champion, and co-course record holder. Arrmon shares how a single moment of curiosity ignited a journey into self-improvement, resilience, and the art of embracing discomfort. From losing everything in a house fire to winning races against stacked fields, his story is part grit, part philosophy, and part sheer stubbornness. We dive deep into his mental playbook, his love for the beatdown, and why he’d rather be underestimated on race day. If you’ve ever wondered how an “average” runner finds extraordinary depths, this conversation will change the way you think about endurance—on the trail and in life.

takeaways

• Armon's journey into ultra running began with a simple curiosity about his physical limits.
• Mentality plays a crucial role in endurance sports, influencing performance and resilience.
• Overcoming adversity can lead to profound personal growth and a sense of purpose.
• Community support is vital in the running world, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.
• Setting big goals forces individuals to change and grow in order to achieve them.
• Curiosity drives exploration and self-discovery in endurance sports.
• Focus and language can significantly impact emotional and physical responses during races.
• Learning from failures is often more valuable than learning from successes.
• Book recommendations can provide insights and inspiration for personal development.
• Being fully committed to a goal is essential for achieving success.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Endurance and Self-Discovery

02:41
Meet Arrmon Abedikichi: The Ultra Runner

04:00
The Journey Begins: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

21:38
The Power of Mindset in Endurance Sports

34:42
The Journey of Endurance Running

39:57
Overcoming Adversity in Races

48:39
Finding Your Place in the Running Community

55:19
Training Strategies and Mental Toughness

01:02:06
Motivation and Mental Clarity in Running

01:03:48
The Evolution of Identity Through Running

01:06:15
Lessons Learned from Competition and Goals

01:08:46
Book Recommendations and Their Impact

01:12:46
Future Aspirations and the Concept of Retirement

01:15:32
The Joy of Community in Ultra Running

01:17:24
Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Discussions

01:21:22
Ghost_Beatz_Crown_Keeper_instrumental_3_38.mp3

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