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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