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
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Episode 22: The Comeback Story: Chris Mi...