Sometimes, the quietest room is the loudest place we’ll ever be. In this gripping episode, co-host Anthony Herrington opens up about the emotional spiral that followed the loss of his mother, the end of a long-term relationship, and the isolation that nearly consumed him. It was in the silence of an empty house—alone with his thoughts—that Anthony realized something had to change.

What followed was a powerful transformation: from walking to clear his mind to strapping on a 30-pound weighted vest and walking off 85 pounds—both physical and emotional. This is the story of how a dark season became the birthplace of discipline, endurance, and self-discovery.

From suicidal thoughts to triathlon finish lines, Anthony's journey reminds us that rock bottom can be the trailhead to something greater. If you’ve ever felt stuck, alone, or unsure of your path forward, this episode is for you.

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From drumline director to gravel grinder, Andy Gilstrap didn’t just dip his toe into cycling—he cannonballed in. In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Andy to hear how he went from casual Trace rides with his family in 2023 to finishing the brutal 200-mile Unbound Gravel race just a year later. We talk Saturday group rides, training with coach Jed, surviving (and thriving) in the Kansas Flint Hills, nutrition strategies, clipless pedal fails, and why he’s already planning to go back for more. Whether you're a veteran cyclist or just considering your first ride, Andy’s story is full of grit, humor, and inspiration.

takeaways

• Andy Gilstrap is a relatively new cyclist who completed the Unbound 200.
• He started cycling in 2023 and quickly signed up for races.
• Training for the Unbound 200 involved a month of specific preparation.
• Nutrition during the race included gels and hydration strategies.
• The Unbound 200 was a challenging but rewarding experience for Andy.
• Cycling has a strong community aspect, with camaraderie among riders.
• Bike maintenance is crucial for long races like Unbound 200.
• Achieving training compliance is important for building confidence.
• Andy plans to participate in more local races after Unbound.
• The Tour de France is an exciting event that Andy enjoys watching.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Andy Gilstrap

05:33
Journey into Cycling

09:48
Training and Preparation for Races

14:46
The Unbound 200 Experience

19:40
Nutrition and Strategy in Endurance Cycling

28:16
Nutrition and Performance Insights

29:57
The Dynamics of Group Riding

32:44
Aerodynamics in Cycling vs. Running

34:30
Training Techniques: Cycling vs. Running

36:30
The Social Aspect of Cycling

38:17
Bike Maintenance and Race Preparedness

40:37
Mental Challenges in Endurance Racing

43:42
Training Compliance and Race Strategy

50:15
Future Races and Cycling Events

51:23
Tour de France Predictions

53:32
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In a powerful turn of the mic, co-host Zach Vogt steps into the spotlight to share his deeply personal journey—from a childhood rooted in love and discipline to a decade-long battle with addiction. Zach opens up about his rock bottom moment on a business trip to Canada and how it sparked a complete transformation. With raw honesty, he details how running, faith, and grace helped him rebuild his life and ultimately become a force in the endurance community. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of taking that first step.

Zach Book Club

• •GRIT by Angela Duckworth
• •Atomic Habits - James Clear
• •12 Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson
• •Can’t Hurt Me - David Goggins
• •The Art of Learning - Josh Waitzkin
• •Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
• •The Obstacle is the Way & Ego is the Enemy - Ryan Holliday
• •The Happyiness Hypothesis - Jonathan Haidt
• •The Art of Impossible - Steven Kolter
• •The Infinite Game & Start with Why - Simon Sinek

takeaways

• Zach's journey highlights the importance of transparency and honesty.
• Growing up in a supportive family shaped Zach's values and character.
• Discovering running in high school opened the door to endurance sports.
• College years brought challenges, including experimentation with alcohol.
• A pivotal work trip became a turning point in Zach's life.
• Sobriety was achieved through faith, determination, and support.
• Zach's transformation led to remarkable achievements in running.
• Gratitude plays a crucial role in Zach's daily life.
• The importance of community and support in recovery.
• Zach encourages others to seek help and turn their lives around.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Zach's Journey

03:25
Zach's Early Life and Family Background

06:29
The Shift to Endurance Sports

09:44
College Life and Early Running Experiences

12:38
The Rise of Alcohol in Zach's Life

15:35
Navigating Work and Personal Challenges

18:33
The Turning Point: Rock Bottom in Vancouver

21:25
The Path to Recovery and Sobriety

24:28
Life After Sobriety and Endurance Achievements

41:30
The Critical First Days of Recovery

43:09
Navigating the Early Days of Sobriety

44:41
Finding Inspiration in Endurance

46:54
Building Micro Habits for Success

50:07
The Redemption Tour: A New Beginning

52:34
Transformative Running Experiences

56:59
Living in Gratitude

01:02:09
The Power of Community and Support

01:09:39
Scriptural Guidance in Recovery

01:12:22
Living the Dream: A Life of Gratitude

01:16:42
New Chapter

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