DFW Running Talk

Chris Detzel
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Running
  • Weekly

"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.

  1. 3d ago

    From Corporate Layoff to Full-Time Race Director: Building AMPT Running

    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!

    From Corporate Layoff to Full-Time Race Director: Building AMPT Running

  2. Oct 19

    100 Miles a Week: Marathon Training, Injuries & Hard Lessons

    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.

    100 Miles a Week: Marathon Training, Injuries & Hard Lessons

  3. Oct 12

    Married to a Marathon Runner: The Side of Running Nobody Talks About

    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

    Married to a Marathon Runner: The Side of Running Nobody Talks About

  4. Oct 5

    Chasing a Sub-3 Marathon After a Life-Changing Crash

    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.

    Chasing a Sub-3 Marathon After a Life-Changing Crash

  5. Sep 28

    From a Five-Minute Run to Kilimanjaro: Building Endurance and Confidence

    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.

    From a Five-Minute Run to Kilimanjaro: Building Endurance and Confidence

  6. Sep 21

    From Running Burnout to Winning the Leadville 100

    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/

    From Running Burnout to Winning the Leadville 100

  7. Sep 14

    A 31-Hour Double Iron Triathlon—and a Life of Adventure

    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 31-Hour Double Iron Triathlon—and a Life of Adventure

  8. Sep 7

    Two Marathon Blowups to 2:36

    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.

    Two Marathon Blowups to 2:36
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

"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.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Detzel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @ 2026 DFW Running Talk
  • Show Website
    DFW Running Talk

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