Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Richardson native Farrell Hedrick, whose remarkable running journey embodies the power of transformation and perseverance. What started as a simple goal to lose 50 pounds after college has evolved into an incredible story of athletic achievement and career reinvention. Farrell shares his progression from struggling to run half a mile in uptown Dallas to becoming a 2:47 marathoner with 31 marathons under his belt. Along the way, he opens u...
Jul 28, 2025•46 min•Ep. 53
What do you get when you mix a guy who got hit by a car at 14, another who abandoned his marathon buddy via 4AM text, and enough curry paste to feed a small army? This episode of DFW Running Talk. Join Chris as he sits down with Colin Hamilton and Philip Paris, two runners whose friendship was forged through shared miles, questionable life choices, and an inexplicable love of Indian food. Colin's journey starts with getting literally run over by his brother's girlfriend (yes, really) and somehow...
Jul 22, 2025•53 min•Ep. 52
Join host Chris Detzel as he sits down with Matt Barron, whose incredible marathon journey spans over a decade of ups, downs, and breakthrough moments. Matt shares his transformation from struggling with 3:25 marathons to running a stunning 2:38 at Houston Marathon. In this episode, you'll discover: How Matt went from "couch to Dallas Marathon" training cycles for 7 years The game-changing moment when he joined the Dallas running community Why consistency matters more than speed in marathon trai...
Jul 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 51
Marathon training at 7,000 feet elevation: Amanda Hicks shares how she's run 16 consecutive Boston Marathons with a 3:01 PR while living in Flagstaff, Arizona. From Dallas Morning News reporter to elite altitude runner, discover her 70-mile weekly training routine, White Rock Lake heat training origins, nutrition strategies for long runs, and race tactics that helped her nearly break the 3-hour barrier. Plus: Sydney Marathon plans, ultramarathon insights, and advice for qualifying for Boston. Pe...
Jul 07, 2025•45 min•Ep. 50
Dallas runner Rebecca Roush shares her journey from college injuries to running a 2:57 marathon as a new mom. Discover her low-mileage training approach, cross-training secrets, and how she overcame multiple stress fractures and ACL surgery to achieve consistent marathon PRs. Rebecca reveals why high-mileage training didn't work for her body, how she found her sweet spot at 50 miles per week, and the game-changing role of strength training and cycling. Plus, hear about her dramatic Boston Marath...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 49
From devastating stress fractures to a 3:14 marathon PR - athletic trainer and mom Amy Lyles shares her incredible running comeback story with host Chris Detzel. After being sidelined for a full year with pubic bone injuries following her first pregnancy, Amy rebuilt from zero with just 5-minute run/walk intervals. In this episode, Chris and Amy discuss how she: Overcame multiple stress fractures and bone density issues Used Peloton training to stay fit during injury recovery Worked with coach N...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 48
In this compelling follow-up episode, Matt Campbell returns to share his evolved approach to racing and the mindset shifts that have transformed his competitive strategy. From his dominant performance at the Velvet Hammer 5K to his ambitious sub-2:30 marathon goals, Matt breaks down how he's learned to race the competition rather than chase times. Matt opens up about his tactical approach to the Velvet Hammer 5K, where he brought his Completely Sloth teammates and executed a perfectly planned ra...
Jun 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 47
Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Michael Mazzara , CEO of Rogue Expeditions , who's revolutionizing how runners think about their sport. After signing up for 20 marathons and only finishing 3 due to constant injuries, Michael discovered there's more to running than chasing PRs and collecting race medals. From his early days attempting untrained half marathons in Brooklyn to building a successful running travel company in Austin, Michael shares his journey of falling out ...
Jun 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 46
What happens when a former ski bum who used to hide in pickup trucks to avoid running decides to chase a Boston qualifier in his very first marathon? You get one of the most inspiring transformation stories we've ever featured on DFW Running Talk. Host Chris Detzel interviews Kevin Hebert, a 46-year-old who went from running just twice a week with Dallas Running Club to breaking 3:10 in his marathon debut. In this captivating conversation, Kevin shares his incredible journey from someone who "wo...
Jun 12, 2025•50 min•Ep. 45
In this captivating episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Duncan Cragg, the legendary store manager at Luke's Locker and a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community for over three decades. Duncan's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, he discovered his passion for distance running in elementary school when he couldn't make the track team as a sprinter. This setback became the catalyst for an incredible journey tha...
Jun 08, 2025•37 min•Ep. 44
Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Traci Duty, whose 23-year running journey proves that breakthrough performances can happen at any age. From her first cotton-clad marathon disaster in college (4:28) to becoming a sub-3:00 marathoner at 45 (2:52), Traci's story is a masterclass in persistence, community, and smart training. In this episode, Traci shares: Her early days as a high school sprinter who "hated" cross country The friends who kept convincing her to run "just one...
Jun 01, 2025•57 min•Ep. 43
Join Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Ray Nicholas, the founder of RTC (Ray's Track Club) and one of DFW's most influential runners. Ray shares his incredible three-chapter running journey - from high school cross country star running 15:32 for 5K in California, through a 15-year hiatus filled with basketball, weightlifting, and other sports, to his remarkable return to running that culminated in a stunning 2:48 marathon PR. Discover how Ray went from a casual 3:42 first marathon ...
May 26, 2025•49 min•Ep. 42
In this compelling follow-up episode, Chris Detzel welcomes back Travis Dowd, the talented runner who made headlines by winning his very first marathon at the Dallas Marathon. But this time, Travis shares a different side of the running experience - dealing with injury and the long road back to racing. Fresh off his breakthrough marathon victory, Travis found himself sidelined with a tibial stress reaction after pushing his recovery too hard too soon. In this honest and insightful conversation, ...
May 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 41
This engaging episode of DFW Running Talk features host Chris Detzel interviewing four exceptional marathon runners who recently competed in the Boston and London Marathons. The conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of elite marathon running from local DFW athletes. Aaron Pearson discusses his Boston Marathon PR of 2:37:13, sharing insights about his race strategy and nutrition miscalculations that impacted his performance. Rena Elmer, a 42-year-old mother of seven, reveals ...
May 16, 2025•53 min•Ep. 40
In this inspiring episode, host Chris Detzel brings together five remarkable women runners from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who recently completed the 2025 Boston Marathon. Julie Rembold (2:56), Liz Northern (sub-3:00), Rebecca Roush (3:11), Maddie Stier (2:55), and Jill Wolf (2:54) share their personal journeys to Boston and experiences on the iconic course. The conversation covers their diverse training approaches—from high-mileage weeks (Jill's 100-mile peak) to quality-focused training (Liz's...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 39
In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Jonathan Brower, a structural engineer and accomplished runner who's known for casually passing other racers while pushing a stroller. The conversation begins with Chris recounting how Jonathan once passed him during a 5K at White Rock while pushing his baby in a stroller and discussing the Stars game. Jonathan shares his unique running journey, which began not as a passion but as training for tennis. After getting burned...
May 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 38
In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Jill Wolf, an accomplished marathon runner who shares her remarkable journey from high school cross country to becoming the 2023 Dallas Marathon champion. Jill candidly discusses her evolution as a runner - from early talent in high school to completely giving up running in college, before rediscovering her passion as an adult. Listeners will hear about her progression from a 1:56 half marathon to breaking the elite s...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 37
Join host Chris Detzel as he interviews Ariana Allen, a dedicated nurse who transformed from a casual runner into an elite sub-3 hour marathoner. This inspiring conversation tracks Ariana's remarkable journey from her first marathon finish of 4:40 to breaking the coveted 3-hour barrier with a 2:59 flat. Discover how structured coaching, science-based nutrition, and unwavering determination helped Ariana unlock her potential while balancing a demanding healthcare career. From running through the ...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 36
In this episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Garrett Mayeaux, an elite triathlete pursuing a professional career. Garrett shares his journey from amateur to pro, discussing how he balances his chiropractic practice with training, racing, and coaching. He opens up about the financial challenges of professional triathlon, including expensive equipment, race fees, and travel costs, while explaining how he's pieced together income from part-time work, coaching, and sponsorships....
Apr 24, 2025•45 min•Ep. 35
In this captivating episode, we sit down with elite runner Melanie Lassen who shares her remarkable journey of balancing competitive marathon running with motherhood. From her impressive 2:51 Boston Marathon finish to navigating middle-of-the-night feedings with her non-sleeping 9-month-old, Melanie opens up about the realities of pursuing athletic excellence while raising two young children. She takes us through her 20-year running career, from college competition to winning multiple marathons,...
Apr 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 34
In this inspiring episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Maddie Stier, a remarkable marathon runner who balances elite performance with motherhood. From qualifying for Boston at her very first marathon to navigating pregnancy with twins, Maddie shares her extraordinary journey of running 20 marathons while raising three children under two. Discover how Maddie transitioned from casual runner to 2:50 marathoner after joining Dallas's running community, the importance of trai...
Apr 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 33
In this special episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews his wife and running extraordinaire, Lea Ivy. With no formal running background, Lea transformed herself from a recreational college jogger into a Boston Marathon qualifying machine, completing the prestigious race for 11 consecutive years with a 12th on the horizon. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter Lea shares her remarkable evolution from running her first half marathon on a whim to achieving a 3:14 marathon PR at age...
Apr 06, 2025•45 min•Ep. 32
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 th...
Apr 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 31
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 wit...
Mar 26, 2025•33 min•Ep. 30
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 progress...
Mar 22, 2025•39 min•Ep. 29
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...
Mar 16, 2025•48 min•Ep. 28
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, footbal...
Mar 12, 2025•29 min•Ep. 27
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 m...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min•Ep. 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 ind...
Mar 01, 2025•46 min•Ep. 25
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, ...
Feb 26, 2025•35 min•Ep. 24
