The Unexpected Champion: Shantel Cloud's Running Story Of Persistence And Potential DFW Running Talk podcast

47:19

In this captivating episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Andy Wheatcroft, an inspiring 'mature runner' who completed all six World Marathon Majors. Andy's extraordinary transformation began 14 years ago in the UK when, 50 pounds overweight with a goatee that failed to hide his double chin, he could barely run 100 feet without vomiting. Motivated by his father's sudden death from a heart attack at 60 and his son's classmate battling brain cancer, Andy embarked on a journey that would change his life forever. The interview captures the moment Andy became a 'real runner' – coincidentally the same day Michael Jackson died, when local teenagers shouted the news as he completed his first non-stop 2.1-mile run. From this humble beginning, Andy methodically tackled increasingly challenging distances, raising significant funds for charities along the way, including $20,000 for his first London Marathon. Listeners will hear detailed accounts of each major marathon – from the emotional significance of Boston, which took him exactly 10 years to qualify for, to his spectacular fall and recovery during Tokyo. Andy shares his evolution as a runner, from struggling with basic training principles to eventually incorporating 70-mile weeks and structured long runs with strategic negative loading. The conversation explores Andy's engineering mindset and how it applies to marathon strategy, including his unconventional A-B-C goal approach where his fastest goal was actually 'Plan C' – a mental trick that helped him achieve his Boston Qualifying time. He also reveals the emotional moments that defined his races, like placing a silk lily at the Boston bombing memorial and bursting into tears at the sight of Boylston Street. Throughout the episode, Andy emphasizes that while the medals and accomplishments are rewarding, the true value lies in the running community – particularly Dallas's vibrant running scene and the incredible friendships formed along the way. From track workouts at 6 AM to margaritas after long runs, Andy's story demonstrates how running transcends physical fitness to become a lifestyle built around connection, challenge, and giving back through pacing opportunities. Now semi-retired and contemplating new challenges like the emerging marathon majors in Sydney and Cape Town, Andy Wheatcroft's journey exemplifies how running can completely transform a life, one mile at a time.…

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Zero to Boston in 8 Months: The Insane Running Journey of Dr. Matt Campbell 33:14

9天之前33:14

33:14

In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Dr. Matt Campbell, a pediatric oncologist who transformed from an out-of-shape medical fellow to a sub-2:31 marathoner and running coach. Matt shares his remarkable journey from struggling to run two miles to qualifying for Boston Marathon in his second race ever. The conversation explores how Matt found his running community with the "Sloths" - a semi-formal running collective in Dallas that balances serious training with a fun, supportive atmosphere. Matt candidly discusses his marathon experiences, including a humbling Boston debut, his coaching philosophy, and his current goal of breaking the 2:30 barrier. What makes this episode particularly compelling is Matt's authentic perspective on running as something that should "restore energy" to your life, his insights on the mental game of marathon racing, and his vision for elevating Dallas's running scene by creating a community where runners inspire each other to reach new heights. Both recreational runners and serious marathoners will find valuable takeaways from Matt's thoughtful approach to training, racing, and building running communities.…

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From Spain to Dallas: Carlos Para's International Running Adventures 39:27

13天之前39:27

39:27

In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Carlos Para, a dentist from Spain who has built an impressive running career after moving to Dallas. Carlos shares his journey from playing field hockey in Spain to becoming a competitive marathoner who has completed seven marathons in a single year, with a personal best of 2:37 at the St. George Marathon. Carlos discusses how he discovered his passion for running during the COVID-19 pandemic, his remarkably fast progression from novice to Boston qualifier in his first marathon (finishing in 2:55), and his strategic approach to training. The conversation covers Carlos's experiences with both road marathons and ultratrail races, including his participation in prestigious UTMB events as he pursues qualification for Western States. Throughout the episode, Carlos offers insights about balancing professional life with serious running, training in Dallas's challenging climate, unique training camps he creates in mountainous regions, and how he combines his love of travel with running adventures across the globe. A fascinating look at the journey of a dedicated runner who has found ways to pursue excellence despite the limitations of training in a flat terrain city.…

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The Sub-2:40 Club: DFW's Fastest Marathoners Talk Boston & London 48:18

19天之前48:18

48:18

Boston & London Marathon Prep with DFW's Elite Runners Join host Chris Detzel for an insightful roundtable with six elite DFW-area runners as they prepare for the prestigious Boston and London Marathons. This episode features Brent Woodall, Matt Barron, Aaron Pearson, Eric Bretl, Jennifer Pope, and Mimi Smith - collectively known as "The Sloths" - who share their impressive qualifying times, ambitious race goals, and detailed training strategies. Listen as these accomplished athletes discuss their personalized training approaches, with weekly mileage ranging from 75-110 miles, and their perspectives on strength training, nutrition, and race-day fueling. The group dives into Boston Marathon course specifics, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill, and offers practical advice for handling everything from mid-race hydration to the unique challenges of Boston's late-morning start time. Whether you're aiming for a Boston Qualifier or simply curious about high-performance marathon training, this episode provides valuable insights from runners targeting impressive sub-2:40 finish times while balancing careers, families, and everyday life. Don't miss their candid reflections on community support, finding sustainable training approaches, and their post-marathon plans.…

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Building a Running Community: Alfonzo Gonzalez and the Train Pegasus Journey 29:29

23天之前29:29

29:29

In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Alfonzo Gonzalez, the founder and coach of Train Pegasus, one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's most respected running groups. Alfonzo's Running Journey Alfonzo shares his humble beginnings in running, starting in 2009 when a coworker invited him to join a Luke's Locker social run. Despite struggling to complete the six-mile route, Alfonso persisted and gradually built his endurance. With a background in boxing, football, and tennis, Alfonso had some athletic foundation but found the transition to distance running challenging. His first marathon (Dallas Marathon in 2009/2010) finished just under four hours, and Alfonzo candidly recalls sitting against a wall afterward, convinced it would be his last. However, encouragement from friends led him to continue, eventually transforming into an accomplished marathoner with a personal best of 2:42:40 at CIM (California International Marathon). The Birth of Train Pegasus Train Pegasus originated in 2019 when Alfonzo, who was already coaching individual runners, recognized the need for a group where his athletes could train together. What began as a small collection of runners has grown into a vibrant community that meets multiple times per week. Alfonzo deliberately named the group "Train Pegasus" rather than using his own name because he wanted it to feel like a community rather than just his personal coaching business. The group has expanded through word-of-mouth and referrals, with no formal marketing required. Coaching Philosophy Alfonzo coaches approximately 75 active runners (and has coached over 200 total), from local Dallas runners to athletes in Canada and Mexico. His coaching philosophy centers on the "80/20 rule" - 80% easy running and 20% hard efforts. He emphasizes recovery and isn't afraid to run at slower paces (10:30-12:00 minute miles) during recovery days. He works with runners of all levels, from those targeting one-mile improvements to ultramarathoners, and has even coached high school runners looking to break five minutes in the mile. Alfonzo takes pride in tailoring his approach to each athlete's needs and isn't afraid to refer runners to other coaches when he isn't the right fit. Community Building What stands out most about Alfonso's approach is his commitment to inclusivity. While Train Pegasus initially gained a reputation for fast runners, Alfonzo has deliberately created multiple weekly runs at various paces: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday runs are more social and relaxed (9:30-10:30 pace) Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday workouts are for "clocking in" (more serious training) Alfonzo personally ensures that newcomers feel welcome, often sacrificing his own workout to run with someone new to make sure they don't get lost. The group has grown from 4-10 people on social run days to 30+ participants, with workout days sometimes drawing 30-40 runners or more when multiple running clubs join together. Balancing Life and Running Throughout the conversation, Alfonzo discusses how he balances his full-time career at AT&T (where he's worked for 20+ years as an account manager) with his coaching responsibilities, which he describes as "a full-time job as well." He mentions that someday he might consider coaching full-time to provide more one-on-one training sessions. Marathon Accomplishments Alfonzo has completed 33 marathons, including New York as part of his journey toward completing all six World Marathon Majors (with Berlin scheduled next and hopes for London and Tokyo in the future). He typically focuses on one serious marathon effort per year, with his consistent performance ranging from 2:43 to 2:45. He also frequently serves as a pacer for both races and his own athletes, including an upcoming 3-hour pacing duty at California International Marathon (Cowtown), which he has paced for the past 4-5 years. Advice for Coaches Near the end of the interview, Alfonzo shares wisdom for aspiring running coaches, emphasizing that success doesn't happen overnight. He advises new coaches not to take it personally when runners move to different coaches, comparing it to business relationships that naturally evolve over time. Throughout the conversation, Alfonzo's passion for the running community shines through, as does his genuine desire to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy the sport for the long term.…

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975 Days and Counting: Andy Wang on Running Streaks, Race Directing, and Community 43:16

29天之前43:16

43:16

In this episode of DFW Running Talk, you (Chris Detzel) hosted Andy Wang, the race director of the Fort Worth Marathon. The conversation provided an in-depth look at Andy's running journey, his race directing experiences, and his impressive personal achievements in the running community. Andy's Running Background Andy shared that he began his fitness journey in 2007 when he joined friends training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Interestingly, he started with triathlons before focusing more on running. He completed his first half marathon around 2007 with the Dallas Running Club. Andy mentioned dealing with common running injuries early in his journey, including IT band issues and a stress fracture. The Running Streak One of the most notable aspects of the conversation was Andy's impressive running streak. At the time of recording, he was on day 975 of his consecutive running streak that began during the COVID pandemic. He averages an astonishing 10 miles per day, having logged over 3,650 miles annually for the past four years. Despite a minor hamstring issue that briefly interrupted a previous streak, he's remained consistent and injury-free. Race Director Experience Andy detailed his involvement with the Fort Worth Marathon, which celebrated its 18th year in 2024. He initially volunteered for several years before stepping into the race director role in 2023. He shared insights about: The various race distances (marathon, half marathon, 20-miler, and relay) Challenges faced, including stolen course signs and portable toilet logistics Plans to expand to a two-day event with 5K and 10K races on Saturday and longer distances on Sunday Hell's Half Acre Marathon Andy also discussed his role as race director for the Hell's Half Acre Marathon, a night race in Trinity Park that evolved from the popular El Scorcho event. This unique race starts at night, with participants experiencing cooler temperatures as they run deeper into the night. He mentioned the race's history and the distinct atmosphere that makes it special. World Marathon Majors Andy revealed he's running two Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025 - Tokyo in March and New York in November. Upon completion, he'll have finished five of the six major marathons. Downhill Races You both shared experiences about downhill races, including Revel races like Mount Charleston and Big Cottonwood, discussing the dramatic PRs these courses can produce and the intense muscle soreness that follows. Pacing Experience Andy discussed his extensive experience as a pacer with Beast Pacing, having helped many runners achieve their time goals at various events across DFW and beyond. The conversation concluded with reflections on memorable running experiences, with Andy mentioning a 35-mile Dallas to Fort Worth adventure run and the satisfaction he gets from helping others achieve their running goals.…

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Elite Runner, Coaching, Stroller Records, and Golden Tickets: The Cal Neff Story 46:26

5 weeks之前46:26

46:26

DFW Running Talk: Cal Nef Episode Overview In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Cal Nef, an accomplished elite runner, coach, and race director based in Houston, Texas. The conversation explores Cal's multifaceted running career and his journey through various aspects of the running world. Background and Running Career Cal shares his lifelong journey with running, starting at age 4 in Louisiana before his family moved internationally for his father's oil industry career. These moves took him to places like Scotland, England, Thailand, Canada, and Australia, with running becoming his constant companion and defining characteristic. After competing at the collegiate level for the University of Little Rock and University of Houston, Cal took a break from running before rediscovering his passion through trail running. Elite Running Accomplishments As an elite athlete, Cal has impressive achievements including: Multiple Houston Marathon finishes (7 full marathons, 3 half marathons) Serving as an official pacer for elite women like Sarah Hall and Keira D'Amato Helping Keira D'Amato break the American marathon record (2:19) Winning both the Cowtown 50K and Dallas 50K Winning the Marine Corps Marathon Setting world records for running with strollers in the 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distances Competing at the prestigious Comrades Marathon in South Africa Trail Racing Over Texas A significant portion of the interview focuses on Cal's role as owner and race director of Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT). He explains how he acquired the company when it was about to shut down, driven by his passion to preserve the vibrant trail running community in the Houston area. Under his leadership, TROT hosts over 10 events annually, including signature races like: The Habanero 100 (a uniquely challenging race that begins at noon in the summer heat) San Felipe Shootout (where runners compete in 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances back-to-back) Brazos Bend 100 (a Western States qualifier) Big Dog's Backyard Ultra (modeled after Lazarus Lake's famous format) Cal emphasizes how he strives to create unique race formats that challenge runners in different ways, moving beyond the standard "gun start, race to finish" model. He discusses the challenges of race directing, including logistics, safety protocols (drawing on his experience with Texas Search and Rescue), and balancing growth with maintaining quality experiences. Coaching and Training Philosophy Cal discusses his coaching business, Hard Loop Endurance, revealing that he had 50 athletes competing in the Houston Marathon. He explains his personal training approach, noting that despite being an elite runner, he's not a high-mileage athlete (typically running 30-50 miles weekly, rarely exceeding 100), though he coaches athletes across the spectrum, including some who regularly run 110-120 miles weekly. Other Passions and Lifestyle The interview also touches on Cal's other interests, particularly his passion for unpowered flight through hang gliding and paragliding. He lives in a fly-in community where his business operates from a hangar, and he and his wife are working toward their private pilot's licenses. Cal also mentions: His podcast "The Neff Pace" that he hosts with his wife Rachel His volunteer work with Texas Search and Rescue Upcoming races including the Black Canyon 100K, where he's seeking a "golden ticket" to Western States The episode provides a comprehensive look at Cal's diverse interests, accomplishments, and approach to running, coaching, and race directing, highlighting his unique position as someone who has succeeded at multiple levels of the running world while creating opportunities for others through his businesses and events.…

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Finding Speed in the Pandemic: Jennifer Pope's Path to Elite Running 35:21

5 weeks之前35:21

35:21

DFW Running Talk Episode with Jennifer Pope Episode Overview This episode of DFW Running Talk features host Chris Detzel interviewing Jennifer Pope, an elite runner from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who has made a remarkable journey from recreational soccer player to Olympic Trials qualifier in a short time span. Jennifer's Running Background Jennifer reveals that, unlike many elite runners, she did not have a traditional competitive running background. While she ran cross country in high school, she admits she never took it seriously. Instead, she primarily played soccer from age four through adulthood, participating in recreational leagues in Michigan and continuing when she moved to Texas, playing indoor soccer in Richardson and outdoor soccer in Addison. Pandemic Transformation Jennifer's serious running journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when soccer fields closed. Initially running just to stay active during lockdown, she stumbled upon a virtual 5K challenge that sparked her competitive spirit. As races gradually reopened, she attended a Plano Pacers event where she met Maddie Stier, an accomplished runner who inspired her. Marathon Journey Jennifer found a men's sub-3 marathon training plan online and, despite initially struggling with the prescribed paces, committed to it. Her first serious marathon was the Irving Marathon in 2021, where she ran a 2:50. She then qualified for Boston and continued improving, running Indianapolis Marathon in 2022 where she missed the Olympic Trials qualifying time by just 15 seconds (despite winning the race in challenging weather conditions). Just five weeks later, she maintained her fitness and ran the Houston Marathon in January, achieving a 2:36:20 personal best and securing her Olympic Trials qualifier. Training Approach & Community Jennifer credits much of her success to finding a running community. After initially running with the Plano Running Club, she joined a group called "Completely Sloth" who train together several times a week. She emphasizes how crucial the group has been for accountability, motivation, and pushing her pace during workouts. Challenges & Injuries In the lead-up to the Olympic Trials, Jennifer faced significant setbacks including plantar fasciitis and bilateral hamstring tendinopathy. Despite extensive treatments including shockwave therapy and PRP injections, she's still managing these issues. Though she ran the 2023 Trials with limited training, she's continuing to work through these challenges. Current Status & Future Plans At the time of recording, Jennifer was cautiously building toward another marathon, potentially the London Marathon (pending championship entry acceptance). She emphasizes keeping running enjoyable despite competitive goals, balancing serious training with maintaining a positive mindset. Notable Achievement (Post-Recording) As noted, Jennifer went on to win the Cowtown Half Marathon in 2025 with an impressive time of 1:18:00, further demonstrating her continued excellence despite the challenges mentioned in the interview.…

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Dallas Running Scene: Dr. Mani Alavi's Journey from Two-Mile Sprints to Marathon Stars 41:00

6 weeks之前41:00

41:00

In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Dr. Mani Alavi, a faculty physician at UT Southwestern and accomplished marathon runner. The conversation weaves through Dr. Alavi's fascinating journey in running, from his early days as a high school track athlete to his current status as an accomplished marathoner pursuing his fifth World Marathon Major in Tokyo. The episode opens with a humorous and heartwarming story of Dr. Alavi's first marathon experience at the Austin Marathon, where his attempt to impress a girl led to a humbling race experience. Running far too fast in the beginning and severely undertrained, he went from targeting a 2:45 finish to completing the race in 5:23. The story has a happy ending though - that same girl later became his wife and they now have two children together. Dr. Alavi shares a pivotal moment in his running journey when he suffered a significant knee injury about 11 years ago. After his daughter's birth, he shifted to treadmill running exclusively and developed poor training habits that led to a serious injury. His attempt to self-treat (despite being a doctor) turned what should have been a three-week recovery into a two-year setback. During this time, he gained 30 pounds and struggled with the loss of his running identity. The conversation then transitions into valuable medical insights as Dr. Alavi addresses common running misconceptions, particularly the myth that "running ruins your knees." He provides evidence-based explanations of why running, when done properly, actually benefits joint health. He also shares expert perspectives on heat acclimation training, explaining why Dallas runners have a natural advantage with their hot climate. Throughout the episode, Dr. Alavi expresses his deep appreciation for the Dallas-Fort Worth running community, describing it as possibly the best running community in the country. He discusses his current goals, including pursuing a sub-3 hour time at the Boston Marathon and completing the Tokyo Marathon for his fifth World Marathon Major star. The episode concludes with Dr. Alavi acknowledging various running groups and individuals in the DFW area who have supported his journey, highlighting the vibrant and diverse running community in the region. His story serves as an inspiring example of how running can lead to personal growth, community connection, and ongoing achievement despite setbacks. The conversation provides valuable insights for runners of all levels, combining personal anecdotes, medical expertise, and practical advice about training, recovery, and the importance of community in running.…

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Breaking Barriers: The First Black Runner to Complete Marathons on All Seven Continents with Tony Reed 51:29

7 weeks之前51:29

51:29

This episode of DFW Running Talk features an interview with Tony Reed, a pioneering marathon runner with an extraordinary story. The conversation covers his remarkable journey from being diagnosed as pre-diabetic at age eight to becoming the first Black person to complete marathons on all seven continents. Key highlights from the episode include: Early Running Journey: - Started running in high school where sports participation was mandatory - Used running to manage his pre-diabetic condition - Set a lifetime goal in 1976 to average 3 miles a day - Has maintained detailed handwritten running journals since 1979 - Recently logged his 50,000th mile in Berlin Texas Marathon Career: - Ran his first marathon at Cowtown in 1982 - Completed 50 marathons just in Texas - Ran 21 White Rock Marathons and 20 Cowtown Marathons - Currently serves on the Dallas Marathon advisory board - Has completed 132 marathons total Seven Continents Achievement: - Became the first Black person to complete marathons on all continents - Memorable experiences in Antarctica, including running up a glacier - Combined Antarctica and South America marathons in one trip - Completed his final continent (Africa) with fellow runners in Kenya - Featured in Runner's World for this historic achievement Professional Life and Leadership: - Former business executive in IT - Wrote books connecting marathon training principles to business leadership - Advocates for transformative leadership style - Encouraged staff to pursue their passions and take calculated risks - Emphasized work-life balance and personal growth Recent Projects: - Directed award-winning documentaries about African American distance runners - "Breaking Three Hours" about trailblazing African American women marathoners - "We Are Distance Runners" won 19 awards internationally - Connected with influential figures in running history - Continues to be active in the running community The episode provides fascinating insights into both the physical and mental aspects of marathon running, while also exploring themes of leadership, breaking barriers, and the importance of pursuing challenging goals. Tony's story demonstrates how running can transform lives and create unexpected opportunities for personal and professional growth.…

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The Business of Running: How Eric & Sharon Lindberg Create Epic Race Experiences 43:58

8 weeks之前43:58

43:58

In this episode of DFW Running Talk , host Chris Detzel sits down with two powerhouses in the Dallas-Fort Worth running community—Eric and Sharon Lindberg from On Your Left! . As the driving force behind some of the most exciting and well-organized races in the region, they share their journey from casual runners to business owners managing over 50 races across the country. Eric, the self-proclaimed "Chief Running Officer," and Sharon, the "VP of Happy Running," dive into their unique backgrounds—from Eric’s early days in sports marketing with the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks to Sharon’s fitness and event planning expertise. They talk about how their love for running, community engagement, and, of course, post-race beer led them to create a thriving business that specializes in organizing high-energy, well-branded running events. Throughout the conversation, they share: 🏃 Their personal running journeys —how Eric lost 50 pounds through running and how Sharon was inspired by a stroller-pushing mom to start her own running adventure. 🏟️ Behind-the-scenes race stories —from managing volunteers to dealing with unexpected race-day surprises (like a hit-and-run porta-potty incident!). 🍺 The importance of making races fun —why their events emphasize party-like atmospheres, great swag, and post-run celebrations. 📈 The business side of race directing —the challenges of managing large-scale events, working with sponsors, and keeping up with the evolving running industry. 💰 How inflation and city regulations are impacting race costs —why organizing a race isn’t as simple as just marking a course and giving out medals. Eric and Sharon also highlight some of their biggest events, including Mambo Miles 5K , Velvet Hammer 5K , Rahr Oktoberfest 5K , and Form Follows Fitness 5K , plus exciting insights into their future plans. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual 5K enthusiast, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and motivation. Tune in to hear how these two have made running not just a passion, but a business that keeps the DFW running scene thriving! 🔹 Follow the podcast for more local running stories, training tips, and event insights! 🔹 Rate & review us to help spread the word in the running community! Let me know if you’d like any tweaks! 🚀…

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Behind the Scenes of Cowtown: A Conversation with Race Director Heidi Swartz 41:30

9 weeks之前41:30

41:30

Host: Chris Detzel (DFW Running Talk) Guest: Heidi Swartz (Cowtown Marathon Executive Director) Episode Overview: This episode offers an intimate look at the Cowtown Marathon through the eyes of its long-time executive director, Heidi Swartz. The conversation begins with Heidi's unexpected entry into running, which started in 1994 when she was required to run the Cowtown 10K with her son's elementary school team. Despite not being a runner initially, the experience inspired her to join the Cowtown organization, where she worked her way up from assistant to executive director in 2003. Key Discussion Points: - Heidi's personal journey from non-runner to race director - The growth of Cowtown into the largest multi-event race in North Texas - Comprehensive overview of Cowtown's year-round programs, including: - Youth running initiatives - Adult training programs - CALF (Children's Activities for Life and Fitness) program - Distribution of running shoes to over 5,200 underprivileged kids Notable Insights: - Detailed discussion of race organization challenges, including weather contingencies and COVID-19 adaptations - Behind-the-scenes look at race preparations, including shirt ordering in June for February's race - Information about Cowtown's community impact and relationship with the city of Fort Worth - Stories about international participation, including a group from Nice, France - Current race statistics and registration updates for the upcoming event The episode provides valuable insights into both the technical aspects of managing a major racing event and the community-focused mission that drives the organization. Heidi's passion for community service and youth development comes through clearly, particularly when discussing programs that provide running shoes and training to underprivileged children. The conversation concludes with current registration information for the upcoming Cowtown events, emphasizing the race's growing popularity with several distances nearing capacity.…

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Running, Community, and Mimosas: A Conversation with Julie Lanaux of White Rock Co-op 48:37

10 weeks之前48:37

48:37

In this delightful episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Julie Lanaux, one of the administrators of the White Rock Co-op running group, for a conversation that perfectly captures the beautiful balance between serious training and social enjoyment that makes the Dallas running community special. Julie's journey into running began unexpectedly - she was actually a ballet dancer who thought running wasn't for her due to side stitches in high school (if only someone had told her those go away!). Her entry into running came through her father-in-law's Ironman race in Kona, which inspired her and her then-fiancé to attempt a five-mile turkey trot with zero training. Despite finishing so slowly the timing clock was turned off, Julie stuck with it, and that decision changed her life. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Julie discusses how White Rock Co-op differentiates itself from other running groups. Rather than just being about the miles, they've created what she calls a "running party" atmosphere. They deliberately choose post-run venues with long tables instead of individual seating to avoid the dreaded "high school cafeteria" effect where newcomers might feel awkward asking to join a table. The group celebrates accomplishments with mimosas and tacos after tough Saturday morning runs, proving you can train hard and still enjoy life. What makes this episode particularly engaging is Julie's candid discussion about receiving two contrasting complaints in the same week - one person said the group was "too serious and fast," while another complained they "partied too much." Julie saw these opposing views as the perfect compliment, confirming they'd struck the right balance between dedicated training and social enjoyment. The health benefits of running weave naturally throughout the conversation, but what stands out is how the social aspects actually enhance the fitness journey. As Julie explains, having friends waiting for you at 5:30 AM makes it much easier to get out of bed and log those miles. The group includes everyone from serious runners hitting impressive race times to casual joggers just enjoying the community, showing how running can be a path to both physical and social wellness. One of the most charming moments comes when Julie describes their Christmas lights run, where it took an hour to cover just 2.5 miles because everyone was stopping to take photos and enjoy the spectacular decorations at "Electric Lizzy Land." The run ended, as many of their events do, with beers and conversation, perfectly exemplifying their philosophy that running doesn't have to be all business. The episode masterfully illustrates how running can be both a serious athletic pursuit and a gateway to lasting friendships, proving that you can chase PRs (Personal Records) and still chase them with a mimosa afterward. It's a refreshing reminder that health and happiness often go hand in hand, especially when you find the right community to share the journey with. Through Julie's stories and insights, listeners get a warm invitation into a world where fitness goals meet friendship, where hard work meets happy hour, and where everyone - regardless of pace - has a place at the (long) table. It's an episode that will make you want to lace up your running shoes and join the party... just maybe not during the Dallas summer heat!…

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From 800m to 175 Miles: Megan Smyth's Incredible Running Journey 57:29

10 weeks之前57:29

57:29

In this episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Megan Smyth, an accomplished runner who recently completed 175 miles in 42 hours at the Summit Backyard Ultra in Marble Falls. Megan's running journey can be divided into two distinct "running lives." The first began in middle school and continued through college, where she specialized in the 800-meter event in track. After college, she took a five-year break from running before finding her way back through a social run group in 2010. Her return to running led her to marathon training, and she completed her first marathon in Oklahoma City with an impressive time of 3:39. This sparked a deeper passion for distance running, leading her to complete multiple marathons, including four Boston Marathons. Her most recent Boston Marathon was in 2024, run as part of her 40th birthday celebration. Megan's evolution into ultra running began around 2015 with her first 50K, followed by her first 50-miler at Rocky Raccoon in 2016. She has since completed six 100-mile races and two backyard ultras. One of her most challenging races was the Tahoe Rim 100-miler in 2023, featuring 18,000 feet of elevation gain and challenging altitude conditions. A significant achievement came in her recent Summit Backyard Ultra victory, where she completed 175 miles over 42 hours. This was an improvement over her previous year's performance of 162.5 miles at the same event. The format required runners to complete 4.167-mile loops every hour until only one runner remained. Throughout the interview, Megan discusses her training philosophy, which includes maintaining a mix of road and trail running, incorporating speed work, and managing weekly mileage between 60-80 miles. She balances her training with family life, including support from her running husband and managing time with their 4.5-year-old child. Looking ahead, Megan has ambitious plans for 2025, including a 24-hour track race in February where she aims to run at least 130 miles, and she recently received an entry into the prestigious Western States 100-mile race in June.…

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The Unexpected Champion: Shantel Cloud's Running Story of Persistence and Potential 33:49

11 weeks之前33:49