DFW Running Talk

"DFW Running Talk" is a podcast dedicated to the vibrant running community in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local running experts, including coaches, athletes, race directors, and dieticians. We explore training tips, upcoming events, nutrition advice, and inspiring stories from the DFW running scene. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, tune in to connect with and learn from the diverse voices shaping our local running culture.

DFW Running Talk is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 125 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts DFW Running Talk, a sports show with 125 episodes published.

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  Episode #125

  Stuck at 2:58 for a Decade—Then a 2:37 Marathon

  Aug 17, 202652 min

  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 chris@dfwrunningtalk.com. DFW Running Talk—the stories behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s runners. https://dfwrunningtalk.com https://youtube.com/@DFWRunningTalk https://instagram.com/dfwrunningtalk https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com

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  Episode #124

  Curvy Girl Running Building Confidence and Community with Kai Michelle

  Aug 10, 202649 min

  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.

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  Episode #123

  She Thought One Mile Was Too Far—Then Ran a 2:57 Marathon

  Aug 3, 202649 min

  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.

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  Episode #122

  Pete Johnson: 1:05:11 Half Marathon Debut, Steeplechase Success and a 2:16 CIM Goal

  Jul 27, 202653 min

  Pete Johnson ran 1:05:11 in his first half marathon , averaging roughly five-minute-mile pace at the Houston Half Marathon. Now, the former University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas runner is preparing for his marathon debut at the California International Marathon , where he hopes to begin chasing the 2:16 Olympic Trials qualifying standard . In this episode of DFW Running Talk , Pete joins host Chris Detzel to share his complete running journey—from discovering cross country at Plano West to competing in NCAA track, cross country and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Pete explains how an honest conversation with a college coach changed his mindset, pushed him to take training more seriously and helped him recognize his potential. He also discusses running 90–100-mile weeks, recording an 8:49 steeplechase, completing an 8K cross-country race in 23:39 and making the transition from collegiate racing to elite-level half-marathon and marathon training. The conversation covers: How Pete ran 1:05:11 in his half-marathon debut His Houston Half Marathon race strategy Training at the University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas The impact great coaches had on his development Steeplechase, cross-country and track racing High-mileage training and staying healthy Preparing for his first marathon at CIM His long-term Olympic Trials ambitions Balancing a physical therapy career with competitive running This episode is for runners interested in half-marathon training, marathon preparation, elite running, NCAA cross country, steeplechase, high-mileage training and the California International Marathon . Follow DFW Running Talk for conversations with runners, coaches, race directors and the people shaping the Dallas–Fort Worth running community. Website: www.dfwrunningtalk.com Newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @dfwrunningtalk

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  Episode #121

  How Chris Shelton Found His Tribe with the McKinney Running Club

  Jul 21, 202643 min

  Chris Detzel sits down with Chris Shelton of the McKinney Running Club for a story that starts with a competitive streak and turns into a full-blown love for running and community. Chris shares how it began in 2018 when his boss signed him up for the RAR 5K, why his very first training run (1.32 miles at a 16:23 pace) proves everyone starts somewhere, and how joining the McKinney Running Club in 2021 changed everything — from a bloody-shirt lesson on his second group run to jumping straight from a 10K to the Houston Marathon. We also get into running with a group to make the hard miles bearable, still chasing that sub-4-hour marathon, setting age-group PRs, what it actually takes to run a club, and the return of the McKinney Historic Half. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned marathoner, it's a reminder that the sport is about a lot more than pace. Subscribe to the newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Rate, review, and let us know who we should feature next.

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