Advertise on podcast: DFW Running Talk

What would it take to run a half marathon every weekend for an entire year? For Adam Watson, the answer was consistency, commitment, and rediscovering what he loved about running. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Adam joins Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk to share a journey that includes breaking three hours in the marathon, completing challenging 100K ultramarathons, overcoming a lengthy injury setback, and finding his way back to running. After returning to the New York City Marathon in 2024, Adam set himself a goal for 2025: complete a half-marathon-distance run every weekend for 52 consecutive weeks. He accomplished it while balancing family life, international work travel, and everyday responsibilities. Adam also takes us inside his 2026 New York City Marathon, where he finished in 3:13, and talks about the lessons learned from the course's demanding bridges and hills. But this conversation goes beyond race results. Adam shares his four pillars of balance — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — and explains why the friendships and support he's found through the running community matter as much as any finish line. From Australia to Dallas, from ultramarathons to running with friends on Saturday mornings, Adam's story reminds us why consistency and community can mean more than chasing personal records. Discover more running stories, training resources, and upcoming races at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.

What does it take to run a 2:13 marathon, break four minutes in the mile, compete in two Olympic Marathon Trials, and set a treadmill half marathon world record? For Jarrett LeBlanc, the journey wasn't a straight line to success. In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Chris Detzel sits down with elite distance runner and coach Jarrett LeBlanc to explore his extraordinary running journey — from growing up in a small Louisiana town and becoming a college walk-on to competing at the highest levels of distance running. But the most interesting part of Jarrett's story isn't just his personal records. It's how he handled injuries, setbacks, disappointment, the decision to step away from running, and ultimately discovering a new purpose through coaching. In this conversation, we explore: Growing up in Hathaway, Louisiana, and discovering runningThe journey to a 2:13 marathon and sub-four-minute mileCompeting in two Olympic Marathon TrialsSetting a 1:02:50 treadmill half marathon world recordInjuries, setbacks, and rediscovering the motivation to competeWhy more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon trainingBalancing running, family, fatherhood, and recoveryBuilding Levee Breakers and helping other runners succeedJarrett shares lessons that runners of every ability can learn from: train consistently, respect recovery, embrace the difficult moments, and remember that success is about more than a finish time. Whether you're chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time, preparing for your first marathon, or simply trying to become a better runner, this conversation has something for you. About DFW Running Talk Every runner has a story. We share the people, experiences, training insights, and communities that make running special. Explore running resources, discover upcoming races, and build your free personalized training plan at: Website: https://dfwrunningtalk.com Find upcoming races: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races Subscribe to DFW Running Talk for more conversations with inspiring runners, coaches, and race directors.

What happens when you lose your corporate job during a pandemic, just as the running events you've spent years building come to a halt? For Angela Casavant, founder and race director of AMPT Running, that uncertainty ultimately became an opportunity to turn her passion for running into a full-time career. Angela joins Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk to share how a one-time charity 5K in 2017 eventually grew into a race production company organizing approximately 8–10 events a year. Along the way, Angela shares her personal running journey—from completing her first half marathon with little preparation to chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. She opens up about the emotional toll of training for three marathons in one year, the four-month break that followed, and why learning to enjoy running again mattered more than chasing another personal record. The conversation also goes behind the scenes of AMPT Running. Angela explains what it takes to organize successful 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, why race costs continue to rise, and how a community of approximately 65 ambassadors and dedicated volunteers helps bring each event to life. We discuss the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, the Hot Trot at White Rock Lake, giving back to first responders, and the community that makes running events possible. This episode is about more than running. It's about resilience, reinvention, following your passion, and building something meaningful with the people around you. Learn more about AMPT Running and upcoming races: https://www.amptrunning.com Explore running stories, free training plans and race guides: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/ 🏃 DFW Running Talk Exclusive: Save 20% on Race Day! We're teaming up with AMPT Running to bring you 20% OFF the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K! 📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026 📍 Irving, Texas — Toyota Music Factory Whether you're chasing a half marathon PR, tackling a 10K, or enjoying a 5K with friends, this is a great opportunity to get out and race! 🎟️ Use code DFWRT20 at registration to save 20%! 👉 Register here: https://www.amptrunning.com/toyota-half/ A big thank-you to Angela Casavant and AMPT Running for supporting the DFW Running Talk community!

What happens when you train harder than ever, run 100 miles a week, and still miss the race you were preparing for? In this episode of DFW Running Talk, we explore the journey from bodybuilding and basketball to competitive distance running—and the training mistakes that changed everything. From 100-mile training weeks and 20-mile long runs in the Texas heat to injuries, marathon pacing mistakes, and learning to work with a coach, this conversation is about discovering the difference between working hard and training intelligently. In this episode: Why more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon performanceWhat happens when runners increase training volume too quicklyHow structured training can help runners recover from repeated setbacksThe role of speed work, long runs, and recoveryWhy pacing and fueling can make or break a marathonHow to set ambitious race goals without letting ego control your trainingWhat it really takes to become a stronger, more consistent runnerWith marathon performances around 2:43 and 2:39, and a goal of eventually breaking 2:30, this runner's story offers lessons for everyone from first-time marathoners to experienced competitors. The biggest takeaway: Consistency matters, but learning what your individual body needs matters just as much. Find free marathon, half marathon, and 5K training plans, running calculators, and race guides at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.

What happens when four running moms finally get to tell their side of the story? Their husbands run marathons, chase personal records, log 70–100 miles a week, and spend plenty of time talking about running. But behind every early-morning workout, long run, and race-day finish line, there's another story worth hearing. In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Chris Detzel sits down with four women who are runners, mothers, and wives of competitive marathoners. And they have plenty to say! From running shoes constantly arriving at the door and endless Strava conversations to taper-week anxiety and negotiating whose turn it is to run, the conversation gets funny quickly. But there's a serious side, too. What does it take to raise children, manage careers, support a spouse's demanding training schedule, and still find time to chase your own running goals? The women talk openly about the mental load of motherhood, the sacrifices that often go unnoticed, and the importance of communicating as a family. They also share their own running journeys, including breaking the two-hour half marathon barrier, chasing personal records, overcoming mental obstacles, and discovering the incredible friendships that running creates. This isn't just a conversation about being married to fast runners. It's about motherhood, marriage, ambition, community, and making sure your own goals don't get lost along the way. Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a Boston qualifying time, raising a family, or supporting someone who loves running, you'll find something to relate to in this conversation. Build your own running story. Free 5K, half marathon, and marathon training plans:https://dfwrunningtalk.com/training-plans Find your next race:https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races Listen to more running stories:https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com Sponsor All Races apply: Saturday, October 17th, it's the Big Texas Run in Arlington. Grab two friends for the 15K relay. Use code BIGTEX7.Link:  https://dfwrunningtalk.com/big-texas-run Then November 21st, the Pumpkin Spice Half in Fort Worth, with a pie for everybody at the after-party. Use code PS7.Link: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/pumpkin-spice-race

Barely able to walk after a car crash. Now chasing a sub-three-hour marathon. This is a story about rebuilding, finding community, and giving the next starting line everything you have. From living in a car in Los Angeles to a 3:25 Dallas Marathon debut, this journey has taken some unexpected turns—including accidentally running a half marathon and completing a 33-mile run from Dallas to Fort Worth. We explore the lessons from hitting the wall at mile 23, how running friends help build consistency, and what’s different heading into the Indianapolis Marathon. The conversation closes with the crash that forced everything to stop—and the gratitude that followed. CHAPTERS00:00 The road to marathon number two05:09 Living in a car and finding a new direction10:05 Finding community through Dallas running clubs15:11 A 3:25 marathon debut and lessons from the wall24:23 Preparing for Indianapolis26:15 A 33-mile Dallas-to-Fort Worth run29:53 Chasing sub-three31:05 The crash, recovery, and gratitude Find free training plans, races, and running resources:https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com Get the Monday DFW Running Email:https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Looking for a 5k, 1/2 marathon or full marathon training plan?https://dfwrunningtalk.com/training-plans Find most races in all of Texas: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races   Follow DFW Running Talk and leave a rating if this story resonates with you.

Cheryl Haynes’s first run lasted five minutes. Her goal was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. What followed was a journey through mountain summits, setbacks, a first marathon, and finding comfort in running after losing her mom. In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Cheryl joins host Chris Detzel to share how she built endurance as a beginner in flat South Florida, prepared for Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc, and returned to summit Aconcagua after an unsuccessful first attempt. We explore the mental side of endurance, the lessons that came from starting small, and how a welcoming DFW running club became something Cheryl looks forward to each week. It’s a story for anyone wondering whether they’re capable of more—even if a single mile feels far away. What’s one running or adventure goal you once thought was out of reach? Explore free training plans, races, running clubs, and coaches:https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com Get the Monday DFW Running Email:https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Follow DFW Running Talk for more real stories from the running community.

Burnout and injuries pushed her away from running. Years later, Jacquie Mannhard became the women’s Leadville 100 champion. This is an honest conversation about rebuilding a relationship with running—and discovering that your best performances might still be ahead. We explore the pressure of collegiate running, underfueling, returning to competition after children, and the confidence it takes to line up against elite ultrarunners. Hear how changes to fueling, cross-training, and mindset shaped her comeback and helped her win Leadville in 2023.  Then follow her return in 2026, when a battle through mile 95 produced a second-place finish she treasures even more than her victory. Whether you’re recovering from a setback, considering your first ultramarathon, or trying to find joy in training again, this story will give you plenty to think about. CHAPTERS00:00 Meet a Leadville 100 champion12:06 Collegiate running, underfueling, and burnout19:53 Stepping away and rebuilding31:52 Returning to running after children41:47 Coaching and learning to believe49:18 Injury recovery and rethinking fueling55:23 Winning the Leadville 1001:03:19 Masters running and the fight for second place Follow DFW Running Talk on Spotify so you never miss an episode. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating and tell us: What helped you find your way back to running? Get the Monday DFW Running Email:https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com/ Explore training plans, races, running clubs, and coaches:https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com/

A double iron-distance triathlon. 31 hours and 31 minutes. Discover the story behind the finish—and a life built around adventure. Before becoming a Fit 4 Adventure co-owner, this Texas athlete spent years caddying on professional golf tours and finding races wherever work took her. She shares stories from a Double Anvil finish and extreme triathlons in Alaska and Iceland, plus the weekly swim, bike, and run challenge that keeps her active today. We explore Boston Marathon travel, turning a destination race into a vacation, and choosing adventures that match your fitness. Along the way, a trip planned for friends becomes the beginning of a new career—and lasting community. CHAPTERS00:00 Growing up active in Texas07:12 Life as a professional golf caddie15:56 A weekly challenge to keep moving18:07 The 31-hour double iron-distance triathlon25:54 Boston Marathon travel and race weekend30:37 Running and exploring Iceland38:25 From golf to owning an adventure travel company47:37 Choosing your next race vacation or adventure FEATURED COMPANYFit 4 Adventure Follow DFW Running Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.Rate the show to help more runners discover these conversations.What race would you build a vacation around? Leave a comment. DFW Running Talk — the stories behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s runners.Running resources: https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com/Newsletter: https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com/YouTube and Instagram: @dfwrunningtalk

A Dallas–Fort Worth runner turned two marathon blowups into a 2:36:11 breakthrough at Houston. This DFW Running Talk runner interview reveals what changed in his marathon training—and why it took more than fitness. Kevin Barr returned to running in 2023 after nearly seven years away. His first marathon ended in a painful 3:10. He tried again, bonked again and finished in 3:02. Kevin eventually broke three hours with a 2:57, joined Completely Sloth and began training with some of the fastest runners in DFW. At the Houston Marathon, he caught the women’s Olympic Trials qualifying pace group, negative-split the race and finished in 2:36:11. Kevin explains how he: • Increased his mileage and consistency• Learned from two marathon blowups• Changed his pacing to finally break three hours• Used faster training partners to reach another level• Balances nine to ten hours of training with work and four children• Plans to chase a 2:29 marathon next Know a runner we should interview? Send your suggestion at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.

Running coach Rafa Aguilar explains how he quit vaping, went from throwing up after his first 5K to running a 2:45 Houston Marathon, and earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time in less than three years. Rafa shares the marathon training, strength work, fueling plan, running community and negative-split pacing strategy behind his transformation—including how he saved his hardest effort for the final 10K and closed Houston with sub-six-minute miles. Follow Rafa at @rafarunz and discover more Dallas–Fort Worth running stories at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.

David Slear shares the training, mileage, and racing decisions behind his 64-minute transformation. David traces his journey from Princeton lightweight rowing through triathlon and into competitive marathon running. We discuss the fueling mistake that destroyed his first Dallas Marathon, how the DFW running community gave him confidence to chase faster times, and what changed when he began running more than 100 miles per week. David also explains why he uses two-a-day runs, how he balances training with work and family, and why he races by effort instead of locking onto a specific pace. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier, building marathon mileage, or trying to break through a plateau, this conversation offers an honest look at what major improvement requires. CHAPTERS (00:00) Meet 2:23 marathoner David Slear(13:38) The 3:27 Dallas Marathon blowup(24:35) Finding the DFW running community(27:29) Winning his second marathon in 2:39(44:00) Building toward 110-mile training weeks(47:43) Running 2:28:41 at the Chicago Marathon(52:05) Breaking the rules at the Boston Marathon(1:01:23) Self-coaching, two-a-days, and staying healthy Follow DFW Running Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Rate the show—it’s one of the biggest ways you can help new runners find us. Know a DFW runner we should interview? Send us your recommendation. DFW Running Talk—the stories behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s runners.dfwrunningtalk.com · YouTube · Instagram · Substack

The former TCU runner, CFO, and father of two explains how he progressed from a 3:28 marathon debut to a Boston qualifier—and ultimately one of the strongest races of his life. We get into the marathon training volume that changed everything, why 55–60 miles per week wasn’t enough for his goals, how the DFW Sloths pushed him toward 70–90-mile weeks, and the race-day pacing decision that saved his CIM. Jeff also shares what runners chasing a sub-3-hour marathon, Boston qualifier, BQ, or major marathon PR can learn from his long plateau: improvement comes from patience, community, fueling, recovery, and years of consistent work. (00:00) Jeff Pels and the long road to 2:37(12:25) From a 3:28 debut to a sub-3 Boston qualifier(17:24) What finally broke the 2:58 marathon plateau(22:44) Increasing from 55 to 90 miles per week(28:38) How the DFW Sloths made him faster(33:37) Rebounding from a difficult Boston Marathon(38:06) The race strategy behind his 2:37 at CIM(50:18) Patience, community, and long-term improvement Follow DFW Running Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Rate the show—it’s one of the biggest things you can do to help new runners find us. Know a DFW runner we should feature? Send us a message at [email protected]. DFW Running Talk—the stories behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s runners. https://dfwrunningtalk.comhttps://youtube.com/@DFWRunningTalkhttps://instagram.com/dfwrunningtalkhttps://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com

Kai Michelle, founder of Sweaty and Steady Curvy Girl Run Club, joins DFW Running Talk to discuss beginner running, body confidence, marathon training, and building an inclusive women’s running community in Dallas. Kai shares how she went from completing casual 5Ks to training for the BMW Dallas Half Marathon, documenting her journey through the Curvy Girl Running Chronicles, and inspiring women who never considered themselves runners. That momentum eventually became Sweaty and Steady—a Dallas run club created for curvy women, slower runners, run-walkers, and anyone who has ever felt left behind. In this conversation, Kai explains why pace-inclusive run clubs matter, how running can support women through major life changes, and what it takes to create a safe and encouraging fitness community. She also talks about running with Strava during New York City Marathon weekend, preparing for her first full marathon, and celebrating every runner from the front of the pack to the final finisher. This episode is for beginner runners, back-of-the-pack runners, women interested in running, and anyone searching for running motivation or a supportive Dallas run club. Learn more at www.DFWRunningTalk.com.

Kaitlin Moore once believed running a mile was too far. Years later, the former Division I soccer player, working mom of three, and Dallas-area runner crossed the Houston Marathon finish line in 2:57. Kaitlin joins Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk to share how she went from casually running to completing her first marathon in 3:27, qualifying for Boston, running 3:08 in Houston, 3:01 in Chicago, and eventually breaking the three-hour marathon barrier. She also discusses her 1:21 half-marathon, 5:24 mile, and the training changes that helped her become one of the fastest masters runners in the DFW running community.  Her progress was far from easy. Kaitlin opens up about recovering from a torn IT band at the hip, a torn hamstring, and a torn calf. She explains why strength training, physical therapy, recovery, patience, and knowing when to rest have become just as important as running the miles. In this episode, Kaitlin and Chris discuss:  Qualifying for Boston in her first marathon  The journey from a 3:27 marathon to a 2:57  Balancing 70-mile training weeks with work and three children  Training with Matt Campbell and the DFW running community  Returning stronger after serious running injuries  Strength training and injury prevention for masters runners  Why every training cycle continues to build  The friendships and support systems created through running Kaitlin’s story is a powerful reminder that improvement is rarely linear. Every training block, setback, recovery, and comeback contributes to the runner you become. Learn more about DFW Running Talk, local races, running clubs, training resources, and inspiring runner stories at www.dfwrunningtalk.com. Follow @dfwrunningtalk on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and subscribe to DFW Running Talk on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.