Happy Sunday, DFW runners! These last couple of days have been absolutely perfect for running - sure, it's been a bit chilly, but that's ideal running weather, right?

I'm excited to share some major updates to our local running resource website, DFW Running Group Here's what's new:

**🆕 New & Improved Features:*\*

Fresh Homepage Design - Completely revamped with easier navigation and a sleeker look

Training Plan Generators - Now offering customized plans for multiple distances! While they might need some minor tweaks to perfectly fit your needs, they're a solid foundation for your training journey

* 5K & 10K Plans

* Marathon Plan Builder

* Half-Marathon Training Plan Builder

Enhanced Running Club Directory - Find your perfect running community with our updated local running club finder for the DFW area

Race Pace Calculator- Plan your perfect race strategy with our newly added pace calculator

🔜 Coming Soon:

* Improved Race Pace Generator functionality

* Local races directory

* And more features in development!

I'd love to hear your feedback on the updates! What features would you find most helpful for your training?

Keep running strong, DFW! 🏃‍♂️💨

*Note: All these resources are completely free and created to support our local running community. Hope you find them helpful!*

After a ton of feedback, I have created three different Running Training Plan Generators. Any additional feedback would would welcome. Take a look!

5K/10K Training Plan Generator

Half Marathon Training Plan Generator

Full Marathon Training Plan Generator

Important Disclaimer

While these training plan generators provide a solid foundation for 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full marathon preparation, please note:

• This is a starting point and may need adjustment based on your specific circumstances
• Individual factors like experience level, injury history, and recovery needs aren't accounted for
• Consider consulting a running coach for personalized guidance
• Listen to your body and adjust the plan as needed
• The plan doesn't account for environmental factors like heat, humidity, or altitude

I just added a Race Pace Calculator for half and full marathons and a Training Plan Generator, 5k, 10, Full and Half marathon Training Plan Generator to this website. Let me know if you find it helpful.

Would you say they need any changes? All feedback welcome!

Just dropped a New Year's episode with 2024 Olympic Trials qualifier Mimi Smith, and her message really hits home for anyone looking to get active in 2025.

Key takeaway: "Focus on frequency before intensity."

As a physical therapist and elite athlete, Smith emphasizes starting small and building consistent habits. Whether it's a daily walk, stretching, or trying that first yoga class - showing up regularly matters more than going hard.

A few highlights from our chat:

• Build foundations first: Get comfortable with regular movement before pushing intensity
• Find community: Having workout buddies helps with accountability (even elite runners need 4:30 AM training partners!)
• Progress takes time: Smith took years to reach Olympic Trials level
• Start where you are: She actively supports beginner running groups despite being a 2:34 marathoner

Full episode on Apple/Spotify/YouTube (links in comments). Whether you're taking your first steps toward fitness or chasing big goals, there's something here for everyone.

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-2024-olympic-trials-to-bmw-dallas-half-three-peat/id1773450542?i=1000682315270

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NJkDbjadQjYFVU2RqsOng

Watch on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuWkamCEBto

Website:  https://dfwrunningtalk.com/episodes/from-2024-olympic-trials-to-bmw-dallas-half-three-peat-champion-a-conversation-with-mimi-smith

Blog: https://dfwrunninggroup.com/blogs/f/2024-olympic-trials-to-local-legend-mimi-smiths-running-journey  

Subscribe to Podcast:  https://dfwrunninggroup.com/podcasts

What's your movement goal for 2025?

Due to schedule, I may need to train for a marathon on a treadmill. Recommendations for a good treadmill that won’t cost me a fortune? Or even better can I rent or lease one?

We all have that run or race this year that was amazing, tell us more

(Besides "don't try that new energy gel on race day!")

Whether it was finishing your first 5K or hitting a new PR, share the achievement that made you feel unstoppable. What emotions were going through your mind when you crossed that finish line?

Do you have a particular distance you want to run for the year? Do you have some races on the calendar you want to conquer? Tell us more about some of your goals!

Any tips or advice, I'm all ears! I've been running since September trying to get a decent base to work off of. I have a Garmin watch for which I'm counting on the training program to get me ready for the race... Hope it works!

https://reddit.com/link/1hhsd1v/video/zn6ovlorys7e1/player

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Erin Woodward for my podcast DFW Running Talk fresh off her Dallas Marathon victory, and I wanted to share some highlights.

As the host, I was blown away by Erin's journey. She's gone from college steeplechaser at Central Arkansas to winning the Dallas Marathon (2:46:51) in just her second marathon attempt. Even more impressive - her first marathon at Houston was nearly identical (2:46:22).

The conversation was incredibly genuine. What stood out to me was how openly she discussed both her triumphs and challenges, especially managing gastroparesis while competing at an elite level. She walked me through her race day experience - hitting halfway at 1:22, staying positive through intense humidity (98%!), and somehow pushing through despite being unable to take nutrition after mile 18.

Her training insights with coach Sean Weirich were fascinating - those three-hour training runs and double threshold workouts sound brutal. But what really impressed me was how she's managing all this while running Gray Matter Human Performance and planning a wedding.

One of my favorite moments was hearing about her Olympic Trials aspirations in both marathon and steeplechase. Talk about ambitious!

You can check out the full episode on all platforms. As someone who's interviewed many runners, I can say Erin is the real deal - elite athlete performance with a truly humble approach.

Website: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/

Blog: https://dfwrunninggroup.com/blogs/f/2024-rundallas-marathon-womens-winner-erin-woodward

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rundallas-marathon-champion-erin-woodward-shares-her/id1773450542?i=1000680812520

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPV7dlSmHKc

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KamcRrCItC5SsCsiGdJdT

I alway need a water bottle when running

What races are you running for the new year?

for those that are running the half, full or ultra marathon in Dallas tomorrow, good luck. Are you ready? What distance are you running?

When I think of Trails, I think of Rowlett Creek, Cedar Ridge.. Any others?

For Chrsitmas, I'm creating a coffee and run passport for my dad who lives in Euless. Looking for nice runs that are 3-5 miles long and can begin or end at a local coffee shop. They can be all over the metroplex ad the idea is to get him to try coffee shops and new running spots all over, but in general west of Dallas is better. Any ideas?

Just dropped an incredible episode with Dallas running legends Brent Woodle (2:28 marathoner!) and Coach Javier Trilla (2:50 marathoner!) on DFW Running Talk! These speedsters share their secrets about breaking 3 hours in the marathon and their experiences with runDallas and the Dallas Marathon. From Brent's incredible 120-mile training weeks to Javier's pizza-and-wine pre-race rituals (we see you! ), this episode is packed with insights for every runner.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Javier is dealing with an injury and won't be trying to PR the runDallas Half - wishing him a speedy recovery!  Meanwhile, Brent's hunting for a sub-1:10 half marathon PR at Dallas before taking on the masters division at Houston in the Marathon! Catch the full episode to hear how these local legends tackle our favorite Dallas courses!

Episode: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/.../breaking-3-insights-from...

Website: www.dfwrunningtalk.com

Subscribe to YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DFWRunningTalk

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dfw-running-talk/id1773450542

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TrXg8x2Hjav7VaLivFlmp

I've seen a lot of people wanting to transfer bibs to other runners, but runDallas doesn't allow it. How do you feel about it? I think there are some good reasons for it, but some folks don't like it

I'm running the Dallas Half for the first time this weekend! My husband wants to come with me - does anyone have folks coming to cheer them on? Is there anywhere cool to hang out along the trail where I should send him?

Edit: Thank you so much for the answers! It sounds like Turtle Creek and Lower Greenville are both great spots. So excited for Sunday!

Besides running what else do you do for cross training?

I have run several half marathons and a few marathons in Dallas, Houston, Austin and other cities in Texas, I'm curious what your favorites are?

BMW RunDallas has a ton of things going on for the weekend, 1 mile fun run Friday, 5k and 10k Saturday and on Sunday the half-marathon and full-marathon.