We trace Paul Wagner’s path from a shared professorship at Washburn to leading the Sunflower Striders and unpack how Topeka’s running scene grew from race-first to community-first. Practical training tips, trail highlights, and the real costs of putting on local races round out a lively, useful conversation. • why a shared teaching role made space for family and service • how running clubs shifted from PR chasing to social connection • conversation pace, run‑walk, and simple plans that work • Topeka routes from Deer Creek to Lake Shawnee and Shunga • trail running skills, fueling, and staying present on technical terrain • what it takes to stage a race, from volunteers to sponsors • Boston qualifying, big-race energy, and destination events • weekly meetups, paces for all levels, and post‑run spots • Topeka’s future: riverfront vision, connectors, and a marquee race • how to join Sunflower Striders via Facebook or Fleet Feet ________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by Washburn University. Graduates of Shawnee County High Schools and homeschools are eligible for the Thrive Scholarship at Washburn University. Other local graduates may qualify for the Promise Scholarship so you can go to college tuition free. Washburn is just right, just for you. Learn more at washburn.edu ________________________________________ 1:41 - The Job-Share Experiment At Washburn 7:20 - Campus Growth And Athletics Momentum 8:40 - What A Running Club Really Is 13:45 - Social Running, Tech, And Timing Evolution 18:10 - Trails, Ultrarunning, And Run‑Walk Method 24:00 - Marathon Class, Group Ethos, And Community 28:20 - Weekly Meetups, Paces, And Routes 34:20 - Trail Systems, Long Routes, And Events 41:35 - Boston Qualifying, Big Races, And Costs 47:20 - Shoes, Mileage, Triathlons, And Training Load 54:30 - Experience Over Speed And Race Economics 1:01:20 - Topeka’s Race Potential And Trail Vision ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
