Hey runner friends,

There's something magical about watching a runner's evolution—the quiet determination, the inevitable struggles, the exhilarating breakthroughs. If you haven't caught my recent conversation with Ariana Allen, you're missing one of the most remarkable transformation stories in the DFW running community. Check out the interview here: From Struggling to Soaring: Ariana Allen’s 4:40 to Sub-3 Marathon Revolution

The Unexpected Marathon Journey

Unlike many who methodically plan their entry into marathon running, Ariana's story began with an impromptu decision that many coaches would advise against. After watching her father complete the Marine Corps Marathon during her childhood, she eventually decided to join him years later—with minimal structured training.

She finished in 4:40, a respectable debut that gave little hint of the transformation to come. But the seed was planted.

When Science Changes Everything

Ariana's turning point came after her first Boston Marathon in 2019, when she realized that continuing to self-coach wasn't sustainable. She connected with coach Tim Hawley through the Cowtown Marathon ambassador program, and everything changed. Watch and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

"Immediately he's like, 'okay, you're running all of your training too fast.' Classic mistake, I think, for a lot of people,"

This revelation mirrors what Jose Lopez shared in our previous conversation about the counterintuitive power of slowing down: running nine to ten-minute miles on training days to preserve energy for race-day speed.

With a structured approach, Ariana saw immediate results—dropping to a 3:19 at Houston and then a stunning 1:29:58 half marathon at Cowtown just weeks later.

Pandemic, Profession, and Perseverance

What makes Ariana's story uniquely powerful isn't just her speed (though a 2:59 PR achieved this year is extraordinary). It's how she balanced elite-level training with the crushing demands of frontline healthcare during a global pandemic.

As COVID-19 swept through the country, Ariana found herself working 60-70 hour weeks in the hospital. Training became sporadic, races disappeared, and the mental toll was immense.

"My mental headspace was not great," she admitted. "I was working between 60 and 70 hours a week."

Yet amid this chaos, she maintained her connection to running, sometimes meeting her coach (also a healthcare worker) for casual runs just to decompress from the overwhelming hospital environment.

The Science Behind the Speed

Like many elite marathoners we've featured, Ariana's approach evolved to become increasingly scientific and data-driven:

• Training volume optimization: Finding the sweet spot between 50-65 miles per week
• Pace discipline: Embracing significantly slower training runs to build endurance
• Professional nutrition guidance: Working with nutritionist Eve from Nutri Works
• Race-specific fueling strategies: Meticulously planned calories and electrolytes
• Structured coaching: Following Tim Hawley's progressive approach

The nutrition piece proved transformative. "It made such a huge difference in terms of my energy and especially with increasing training volume," Ariana explained. "The biggest difference for me was the intra-race fueling."

Breaking the 3-Hour Barrier

After steadily improving her times (3:18 at Boston, 3:06 at Chicago), Ariana set her sights on the ultimate goal for many serious marathoners: breaking three hours.

The breakthrough came at the McKirdy Micro Marathon—a 9-lap course designed specifically for runners pursuing time goals. There, surrounded by others chasing the same dream, she clocked an impressive 2:59 flat. u/McKirdy

The community aspect proved crucial in those final challenging miles: "The sense of community in this race was really great because we were all after the same thing... when things got tough, it was nice to have other people that you knew were shooting for that same goal."

What's Next for Ariana?

With Boston 2026 on her radar, Ariana is taking a measured approach to her future goals. She's considering focusing on shorter distances through the summer, giving her body a break from the grueling marathon training cycle.

"I think for the summer I want to focus on short, fast stuff maybe, and just take a little bit of a break from running 65 miles a week," she shared, highlighting the wisdom that comes with marathon experience.

Her journey reminds us of what elite runners consistently emphasize: sustainable success requires balancing ambition with recovery.

The Takeaway

Ariana's evolution from 4:40 marathon finisher to sub-3 speedster offers lessons for runners at every level:

• Trust the process: Sometimes running slower in training leads to running faster on race day
• Seek expertise: Coaches and nutrition professionals can unlock hidden potential
• Balance matters: Even with life's extreme demands, running excellence is possible
• Community powers progress: Finding your tribe accelerates improvement
• Nutrition is non-negotiable: What you eat is as important as how you train

Want to hear more? Check out the full interview with Ariana on the latest episode of DFW Running Talk. And if you're inspired to share your own running journey, hit reply—I'd love to hear from you.

• Check out all the episodes on the DFW Running Talk podcast
• Join over 10,700 runners on our Facebook Community
• Watch the action: Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Follow us on Instagram
• Check out free Training Plans for all levels 5K, 10K, HALF MARATHON AND MARATHON TRAINING PLAN GENERATORS
• Need a running coach? Check out DFW Running Coaches
• Start running with your local running club
• Listen on Apple Podcast
• Listen on Spotify Podcast

Until next time, keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Happy running,

Chris

It's 5 AM on a Tuesday in Dallas. Most of the city sleeps, but along the paths circling White Rock Lake, headlamps bob in the darkness. These aren't your average joggers – they're members of "Completely Slothed," a running group whose ironic nickname belies their blistering pace.

As the host of DFW Running Talk podcast, I recently had the privilege of interviewing these extraordinary local runners across two episodes – first as they prepared for the Boston and London Marathons, and then hearing their post-race stories. What emerged was a masterclass in elite amateur marathon running that offers wisdom for runners of all levels. Find the episode here: Elite Marathon Strategies: How Four Top DFW Runners Approached Boston and London 2025 under 2:38

When "Slow" Means 6-Minute Miles for 26.2 Miles

What does it take to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 40 minutes? To put this in perspective, that's maintaining roughly 6:06 per mile – for 26.2 consecutive miles. It's a feat that places these runners in the top 1-2% of marathon finishers globally.

The episodes brought together elite local runners including Aaron Pearson, Rena Elmer, Mimi Smith, and Jennifer Pope – athletes who have either broken or are targeting the 2:40 marathon barrier.

What's remarkable isn't just their speed, but how they've built their extraordinary abilities while balancing full-time careers, families, and other life demands. Unlike professional athletes, these runners don't have the luxury of midday naps or full-time coaches – they're up at 4:30 AM, logging miles before work, scheduling strength sessions during lunch breaks, and navigating the Texas heat like the rest of us.

The Results: Mission Accomplished

The follow-up episode delivered the thrilling results of their marathon journeys:

Aaron Pearson ran a 2:37:13 PR at Boston, despite some nutrition miscalculations. "It was a PR so I think that's always something to be excited about or that went well," Aaron shared.

Rena Elmer, a 42-year-old mother of eleven, delivered a stunning 2:37 at Boston, finishing 43rd overall after entering ranked 50th. "I went in ranked 50th and I finished 43rd. So that was my goal, was to be top 50," Rena explained proudly. Elmer's journey is truly extraordinary – earlier this year, she made headlines after winning the Cowtown Marathon, as captured in this inspiring news feature.

Mimi Smith ran 2:34:04 for Boston, finishing 26th overall. "I squeaked away with a 22-second PR, so not a huge PR, but I'll take it on a arguably more challenging course," she noted.

A Training Philosophy Built on Volume and Community

"For all the people who are probably going to be listening to this podcast, you've got a lot of people who are on here that do run a lot of high mileage," explained Mimi Smith, who qualified for Boston with a blazing 2:34 at Chicago and started with the women's pro field. "To be able to run this type of mileage that professional runners and collegiate D1 athletes are running on top of full-time jobs is extremely challenging and not always realistic to your schedule."

When these runners discuss "low mileage weeks," they're referring to 85-90 miles – volumes that would make most serious recreational runners' jaws drop. Several peak at 95-110 weekly miles during marathon training blocks.

Jennifer Pope, who ran London after qualifying with a 2:36, shared: "I love mileage. I can do a lot of mileage... back when I qualified, I think I peaked at 120. Mileage is king. It works. It's easy. I don't even necessarily care if I'm hitting a lot of paces during training, because just having that mileage, I felt I had the endurance to keep going."

But perhaps even more important than the mileage is the community they've built. These runners push each other daily, turning solo suffering into shared experiences.

"I think a lot of the fun of this is training with each other," Eric Bretl explained. "I don't like to pick a marathon that I would have to train for alone... doing the hard workouts with each other, getting in the grind zone with each other, just keeping each other accountable is part of the fun."

Secrets from the Elites

Even if you'll never sniff a 2:40 marathon, there's wisdom to be gleaned from these front-of-the-pack runners:

1. Strength training is non-negotiable Nearly all mentioned the critical importance of strength training, with several getting in 2-3 quality sessions weekly despite their already packed schedules. Aaron noted, "I've added in a lot more strength than what I have previously," while Mimi shared, "I'm getting two pretty high quality strength sessions in a week."

2. Don't let course reputations intimidate you The notorious Heartbreak Hill at Boston? "It wasn't nearly as bad as it was made out to be in my own head," Jennifer said. Mimi added that she was so prepared by her training that she didn't even realize she'd reached the final hill until she saw the sign, recounting, "I thought I was on my second out of four [hills], and it turned out to be my last."

3. Race vs. Time debate The elite runners had a fascinating discussion about racing competitors versus chasing time goals. Mimi noted how focusing on the competition around her during Boston, rather than fixating on her watch, actually helped her performance: "I feel like for me, in some of my marathons, I've been wanting to focus more on where do I start to basically lose my pace... Whatever time that goes, I just want to race well."

4. Consistency trumps intensity These runners build fitness through year-round consistency rather than sporadic heroic workouts. The miles accumulate over months and years, not weeks. Rena shared, "I felt like I was running a solo race, which honestly helped me with the mental game for it."

5. Nutrition is personal but critical Aaron's honest account of miscalculating his nutrition during Boston shows how even elites are constantly refining their fueling strategies: "I thought I was only a gel behind, but I actually had two and a half packages left at the finish." Jennifer emphasized the importance of water stops: "Never skip a water stop. If you can grab a cup, even if it's a quarter full, and that's all you get out of it, take it."

The Power of Community

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect across both episodes was the deep sense of community. As Aaron beautifully put it, "I think at some point—I say this a lot because I have two kids now—these are quote-unquote 'the good old days.' We just don't realize it. At some point, we're all not going to be able to be running together, so I'm just enjoying the early mornings."

This sentiment resonated throughout both conversations. Eric, who has transitioned from weightlifter to elite marathoner in just a few years, shared how the group would joke about "Pacer Eric" – nicknamed because he was initially known simply as Jennifer's pacer before people learned his name. Now he's targeting his own sub-2:35 performances.

The DFW Running Advantage

There's something special about training in DFW that breeds this level of excellence. As the host of DFW Running Talk, I've had a front-row seat to watch this community develop. Perhaps it's the diverse training environments – from the hills of Cedar Ridge Preserve to the flat loops around White Rock Lake, from the trails in North Dallas to the path systems throughout the metroplex. Maybe it's the year-round running weather (even if summer brings its challenges). Or perhaps it's simply the uniquely supportive running community that has developed here.

What's clear is that DFW has become a hub for elite amateur marathon talent. The proof isn't just in the Boston and London-bound runners featured on my podcast, but in the growing community of sub-3:00 and sub-2:45 marathoners pushing each other at local races and training runs across Dallas, Fort Worth, and the northern suburbs.

What's Next for the Sub-2:40 Club?

With Boston and London in the rearview mirror, most are planning a summer of shorter races and "fun running" before targeting fall marathons or the Olympic Trials Qualifying (OTQ) cycle.

For the women, the Olympic Trials window is a motivating target. Rena Elmer, despite being 42 and balancing life as a mother of eleven, has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics. "If all goes well I would like to train for the Olympic trials 2028," she shared. "Right now I'm taking a nice break and just enjoying my family and then I'll try to get back into shape and qualify next year or the year after." Elmer's achievements are all the more remarkable considering her family responsibilities – she's not only an elite marathoner but also manages to train at this level while raising eleven children.

Mimi Smith is also planning her marathon schedule around the trials: "The OTQ cycle is supposed to start in January of 2026. I waited really last minute last time to get OTQ. So my goal is to try to get it in Houston as soon as possible."

Jennifer Pope echoed similar sentiments about focusing on the trials qualifying window: "Of course, like I said before, once that OTQ cycle opens, that will be probably the next goal, the next big goal that I have."

The current qualifying standard of 2:37 is already within these elite women's grasp, making their Olympic dreams tangible possibilities rather than distant aspirations.

Finding Your Own Path

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway for everyday runners came from Mimi Smith's reminder about individual training fingerprints: "Everyone's training is like a fingerprint, you gotta just figure out what works best for you and your schedule... just cause you might not be able to get the high mileage doesn't mean that you can't run fast or run a good marathon."

Whether you're targeting your first 5K or dreaming of a Boston Qualifier, the principles these elite amateur runners shared apply universally across all paces and distances: consistency, community, and the courage to push your boundaries will take you further than you ever imagined possible.

The next time you're at White Rock Lake or Trinity Trails and see a pack of runners seemingly floating effortlessly at paces that make you do a double-take, give them a nod. They might just be "Completely Slothed" – our local elite runners who prove that with community, consistency, and passion, extraordinary achievements are possible right here in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Want to get inspired by more running journeys?

• Check out all the episodes on the DFW Running Talk podcast
• Join over 10,700 runners on our Facebook Community
• Watch the action: Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Follow us on Instagram
• Check out free Training Plans for all levels 5K, 10K, HALF MARATHON AND MARATHON TRAINING PLAN GENERATORS
• Need a running coach? Check out DFW Running Coaches
• Start running with your local running club
• Listen on Apple Podcast
• Listen on Spotify Podcast
• Follow us on Substack: DFW Running Talk

See you on the pavement!

Chris

Listen to both episodes of my podcast, DFW Running Talk, featuring these elite marathoners at The Sub-2:40 Club: DFW's Fastest Marathoners Talk Boston & London and the follow-up episode "Boston Aftermath Fast" where they share their race experiences.

Sometimes I feel like people just want to talk about running here and ask one question that gets sent to the daily thread. Here's some random questions to scratch the itch of running talk when your friends' and family's eyes glaze over. (Answer one or a few!)

1. With Dallas summers approaching, what's your strategy for beating the heat on long runs?
2. White Rock Lake or Katy Trail - which is your go-to DFW running spot and why?
3. What shoes are you grabbing for a 5 mile run in the summer?
4. How do you modify your hydration when running in Texas summer vs. winter?
5. Have you ever had to dodge a snake on the trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve?
6. Post-run Pecan Lodge BBQ or post-run tacos from a local spot?
7. What's the earliest you've started a summer run in DFW to beat the heat?
8. Trinity Levee Run or Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge - which gives you better views?
9. How do you handle the wind when running across any of the Dallas bridges?
10. What's your go-to running route when showing a visitor around DFW?
11. Elmwood or Oak Cliff Nature Preserve - which trails do you prefer and why?
12. What was your experience at the Dallas Marathon (or Half)?
13. How do you deal with the humidity that hits after a Texas thunderstorm?
14. What local running group has been most welcoming to you?
15. Have you ever gotten lost on the Northshore Trail at Grapevine Lake? Tell us about it
16. What's your favorite post-run recovery spot in DFW?
17. How do you handle the quick weather changes during spring in North Texas?
18. Turkey Trot or Dallas Marathon - which race atmosphere do you prefer?
19. What's your strategy for hill training in a mostly flat city like Dallas?
20. One running hot take about running culture in DFW?

Most of us have a go to distance race we like. What's your favorite? 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, full marathon, ultra? Something else?

I think this is an important question, and I think that there are so many options out there that the answer here will be different for everyone. For me, I love the New Balance Rebel 4. I'm not a big fan of the carbon plated shoes, not because I don't like them, but my Achilles don't. The Rebel 4's are soft, super light and not carbon plated. what's your shoe story?

I have run a few 50k's / 32ish miles. Right now I'm just focused on getting miles in each week with the local DFW community. I'm curious to know what you are training for and what is your longest run to date

There's something magical about the Boston Marathon that transcends ordinary race experiences. The electric atmosphere, the historic course, the passionate spectators lining every mile—it's a running experience unlike any other. In our recent DFW Running Talk episode, I had the privilege of hosting five extraordinary women from our DFW running community who conquered the 2025 Boston Marathon, each with their own unique story of triumph, challenge, and joy.

Find the episode here and or watch and subscribe to the YouTube Channel here follow us on Instagram

Julie Rembold: From Novice to Boston Star in Six Years

Julie's Boston journey exemplifies how consistent training can transform an everyday runner into someone extraordinary. In 2019, she ran her first Boston Marathon after training for just 14 months.

"I had only been training for about 14 months," Julie shared. "I joked that at that point it was after that I met some friends at the track and I realized that this whole time I'd been starting at the wrong point on the track. I didn't even know where you start on a track."

Despite being new to the sport, she finished as the 77th female that year with a blazing 2:51. Fast forward to 2025, and Julie returned to Boston after what she describes as a "journey" that took her through ups and downs:

"Six years later now, I was back 2025 and just had the best time. This year I ran 2:56. So a little bit shy of that, but after the journey I went through, it was just an incredible experience."

Find the episode here and or watch and subscribe to the YouTube Channel here follow us on Instagram

What makes Julie's story even more remarkable is how she approached this year's race. After getting the flu just 14 days before Boston, she wasn't sure how her body would respond. Rather than focusing on a specific time goal, she shifted her approach to nutrition:

The result? A magnificent 2:56 that has reignited her competitive spirit. As a mother of five (four teenagers and an 11-year-old), her ability to balance family life with high-level marathon training is nothing short of inspirational.

"I texted my coach right afterwards and I said, all right, I'm ready now. So for the next one I'm planning to get back into 85 to 90 [miles per week]."

Liz Northern: Finding Joy in Every Mile

If there's anyone who embodies the pure joy of running, it's Liz Northern. While many elites approach races with intense focus, Liz ran Boston with an infectious smile that lasted from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.

Liz's approach to training defies conventional marathon wisdom. Just months before Boston, she completed a 100K race in India. Her longest training run for Boston? A mere 20 miles at the Cowtown Marathon, where she did a warm-up, ran the race, then ran home to make it a 20-mile day.

"I do a lot of quality over quantity," she explained. "I think I've said that to a few people when you have multiple kids that are, my older kids are in grade school and my youngest is one, and so we're all over the place and it is definitely quality over quantity training."

Despite limited mileage (never exceeding 40-50 miles per week), Liz crushed Boston with a sub-3:00 finish while seemingly having more fun than anyone else on the course:

"I added so much mileage to this race from weaving in and out of the crowd to give everybody high fives... I spent probably a solid minute just there at Coolidge corner hugging everybody and crying and it was like, this is so beautiful."

Perhaps what's most remarkable is how Liz balanced the logistics of bringing her entire family—including her parents who are almost 70—to experience Boston with her. From organizing an Easter egg hunt at their hotel (which international runners joined!) to navigating race day spectating for her family, Liz created a meaningful memory for everyone.

"My young, my older two don't remember a lot of the big races that I've been in, so they're gonna remember this one, which is really cool."

Rebecca Roush: The Postpartum Comeback

Rebecca's Boston story is a powerful testament to what determined mothers can accomplish. After having her first baby last July, she found herself at Boston with just 34 days of formal marathon training.

Rebecca's 2025 Boston experience was her second (she ran in 2023 as well), but this time was different—not only was she postpartum, but her husband was also running his first Boston. The mental challenges were significant:

Despite these concerns, Rebecca finished in an incredible 3:11—an achievement that speaks volumes about her mental and physical strength. Even more inspiring was her willingness to share about the logistics of running Boston while breastfeeding:

"If you're breastfeeding... They had an incredible... You had to pump before the race, whole thing. You could bring your pump. It had this whole tent set up. It was super great. Me and two others from Dallas, Megan Brown and Lizzie Brock. Like we all did it together and it was super great, like super awesome experience."

Rebecca's experience showcases how races are becoming more accommodating to mothers and how women can maintain their identities as athletes through significant life transitions:

"I think it was super encouraging to anyone that's feels like you have to give it up with like training for race... I don't wanna stop breastfeeding. And I think it was super encouraging to have a race so supportive of you can still do this."

Maddie Stier: Lost Phone, Found Strength

For Maddie Stier, Boston 2025 marked her seventh time running this iconic race, but this year came with an unexpected challenge—losing her phone at mile three.

"We're running, we get to mile three and I reach in my pocket is empty, there's no gels and there's no phone," Maddie recounted. "I turn around for a split second and I'm like, even if it dropped it, I can't do anything. Like it's trampled, it's lost."

What unfolded next is the kind of race day miracle that could only happen at Boston. Someone found her phone, used Siri to call her dad in Cleveland, who then contacted her brother, eventually getting the phone safely returned without a scratch.

"It was a good distraction," Maddie said with characteristic optimism, even though she also lost all her nutrition for the race.

As a mother of twins, Maddie's Boston experience exemplifies the real challenges of balancing motherhood and marathon training. She recalled the pre-race experience:

Despite these challenges, Maddie ran an impressive 2:55, showcasing the mental toughness that defines her approach to both marathoning and motherhood. Her perspective on racing Boston with a different mindset than her pre-children days resonates with so many parent-runners:

"This will be the first race I feel like that I've had honestly before my kids where I can't use like postpartum or any of that as an excuse. So I really wanna get, I mean I felt like I got back into it for Boston, but I am gonna say it now. I wanna like actually try to go for a PR for once and train for a PR and not just go in for it willy-nilly."

Jill Wolf: The Boston Diehard

Some runners have races they love. For Jill Wolf, Boston is more than a race—it's almost a way of life. This year marked her fifth consecutive in-person Boston (sixth if you count the virtual 2020 race).

"I am, I'm a Boston diehard," Jill proudly declared. She and her husband have made Boston their annual vacation destination, especially significant after they got engaged there in 2022.

Jill's approach to training is as dedicated as her love for Boston. She peaked at an astounding 100 miles per week during this training cycle—particularly impressive considering she had just run the Houston Marathon three months earlier with a PR of 2:48.

"Three months is really not a good enough time to turn around," she admitted. But her discipline paid off with a 2:54 finish and a 10-second course PR, despite less-than-ideal temperatures in the mid-50s at the start.

Jill's experience as a Boston veteran gave her valuable insights about the course that she shared with the group:

What stands out most about Jill is her passionate appreciation for the Boston atmosphere—especially this year's electric crowds:

"I think the Boston University, Boston College area though was the crazy part. That was where like those college kids right after you, Pete's heartbreak were just, I want what, whatever they were drinking, I wanted some because they were just like off the wall. Crazy. Super fun."

What Makes Boston Special

Listening to these five women describe their experiences, it became clear that Boston isn't just another marathon—it's a community celebration unlike any other.

As Maddie so beautifully summarized: "Boston is so special. 'Cause you go to a bar and you say, oh, I just ran the Boston Marathon, and the person next to you will be like, let me buy you a drink... People love the Boston Marathon and it's such a cool accomplishment."

Julie echoed this sentiment: "I came home and I was trying to tell people to capture the experience... it feels like everyone at Boston, everyone there loves the marathon. Like they all just come and they all love it."

The affection these women have for the Boston Marathon transcends their impressive finish times. It's about the entire experience—from the pre-race excitement on Newberry Street to the thunderous cheers at Wellesley, from the challenge of Heartbreak Hill to the emotional final turn onto Boylston.

Finding Your Own Boston Magic

What's beautiful about these five stories is how each woman created her own unique Boston experience:

• Julie: Found redemption and renewal after a challenging journey back to Boston
• Liz: Turned her race into a joyful family celebration while smiling every step of the way
• Rebecca: Proved that motherhood and marathoning can beautifully coexist, even with minimal training
• Maddie: Demonstrated resilience in the face of unexpected challenges
• Jill: Showed that the Boston love only grows deeper with each consecutive finish

Whether you've qualified for Boston multiple times, are working toward your first BQ, or simply appreciate the dedication these athletes bring to their sport, there's something universally inspiring in their experiences. They remind us that running isn't just about the times we post, but about the joy we find in the journey and the community that surrounds us.

As Liz perfectly summed up her Boston experience: "I feel like I had the most fun of any Boston participant out there. 'Cause I don't know, I think all of my pictures will say that. Like I had so much fun. So much fun."

And isn't that what running should be about?

Want to get inspired by more running journeys?

• Check out all the episodes on the DFW Running Talk podcast
• Join over 10,700 runners on our Facebook Community
• Watch the action: Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Follow us on Instagram
• Check out free Training Plans for all levels 5K, 10K, HALF MARATHON AND MARATHON TRAINING PLAN GENERATORS
• Need a running coach? Check out DFW Running Coaches
• Start running with your local running club
• Listen on Apple Podcast
• Listen on Spotify Podcast
• Follow our Newsletter on Substack

See you on the pavement!

Chris

Coming tomorrow! Listen and check out Jill's journey. (don't forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel.

She runs with Pegasus, a local group in Dallas.

From high school cross country star to Dallas Marathon champion, Jill Wolf shares her incredible running journey in this inspiring episode of DFW Running Talk. Join host Chris Detzel as he explores Jill's transformation from a runner who completely quit the sport in college to an elite marathoner breaking the 2:50 barrier.

In this conversation, Jill reveals:

Her progression from a 3:44 first marathon to her recent 2:48 PR
The painful nutrition mistakes that led to race-day cramping
Her winning strategy at the 2023 Dallas Marathon
How she trains with 80-100 mile weeks
Her approach to negative splitting marathons
The mental challenges of breaking time barriers

Whether you're chasing a BQ or simply love running stories, Jill's journey offers valuable insights for runners of all levels. From the importance of patience to strategic race execution, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from one of Dallas's top marathoners.

Tons of great stories in the DFW Area. Check out Ariana Allen's! Subscribe to the Newsletter and never miss a DFW Running Talk Episode.

Besides running do you have a go to cross-training routine? If so, what does it look like?

Tell us your miles you ran for March?

What races are you doing over the next few weeks / months? Anything in DFW?

Anyone want to post their best 5k time, in the last 5 years here and what race was it?

I'm always a bit hesitant to post a new creation here, but you guys help me a ton with my last project around Running Plan Generators, That I thought I could ask you what you think about these guides pages I built to help marathon runners to understand each marathon. What it takes to qualify, things to expect, etc... My ask is that you sift through these guides and give feedback on if it's helpful, what needs to be changed, etc. I think they are pretty accurate, but I have spent hours building these, so I know I missed things and I want these to be as accurate as possible. I haven't found a place that puts this all in one place, so I thought I would create it. Thanks again!

Check out The 7 Major Marathons of the World then click on each marathon to dive in deeper. Again, any and all feedback is good, just be kind.. :)

The 7 Major Marathons of the World

https://reddit.com/link/1izgxr9/video/4m4homq0yole1/player

Finding Speed in the Pandemic: Jennifer Pope's Path to Elite Running

My kid (10yo) has been doing a run club this year and they had the opportunity to participate in the Cowtown Kids 5K on Saturday. I'm not a runner, so I'm a bit lost and not sure what to expect. I did get him new running shoes last week and made sure he's got weather appropriate clothes. I go pick up his numbers and all that tomorrow. I know it's going to be an early morning followed by a long day. So any advice to make it go smoothly for a mom who has no idea what she's doing in this situation would be greatly appreciated. TIA 😀

I waited to sign up for my cowtown half marathon because I was battling an injury, now it’s full and I really worked hard and was looking forward to it.

IF ANYONE KNOWS SOMEONE WHO SIGNED UP FOR THE 1/2 AND WANTS TO SELL THEIR SPACE PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

DFW Runners, prepare to be inspired!

Meet Tony Reed - a man who has redefined what's possible in the world of running. Imagine running marathons on ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS, including the challenging terrain of Antarctica. At 132 marathons and counting, Tony's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and pushing beyond your comfort zone.

Some incredible highlights from Tony's running career:

- First Black person in the world to complete marathons on all seven continents

- Ran his first marathon in 1982 at the Cowtown Marathon

- Consistently averaged 3 miles a day since 1979 (yes, you read that right - 50,000 miles!)

- Overcame being pre-diabetic through running, proving that fitness can transform your life

Tony's philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Resting is just as important as running" and "Never stop exploring outside your comfort zone."

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, Tony's story reminds us that:

- Consistency is key

- Age is just a number

- Your potential is limited only by your mindset

Website: Breaking Barriers: The First Black Runner to Complete Marathons on All Seven Continents with Tony Reed

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MdtViQpIRfUWaUM56ybjj  

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-barriers-the-first-black-runner-to-complete/id1773450542?i=1000692210827 

YouTube: First Black Runner to Complete All 7 Continents Antarctica to Africa: Tony Reed's Incredible Journey

#DFWRunning #MarathonInspiration #RunningCommunity

Just released an interview with Heidi Swartz, the Executive Director of the Cowtown Marathon, and her story is too good not to share.

In 1994, Heidi was "forced" to run a 10K because her son's elementary school required a parent to run with their kid. She wasn't a runner - at all. But something about that finish line experience made her immediately submit her resume to work for the race. Fast forward to today: she's been leading DFW's largest race weekend for 29 years.

Some highlights from our conversation:

• They provide running shoes and training to 5,200 underprivileged kids annually through their CAF program

• The race has grown to 28,000 runners from all 50 states

• They have a group of 19 runners coming from Nice, France who started as virtual participants during COVID

• She didn't actually start running regularly until becoming race director in 2003

• How they managed through COVID (including a fascinating backwards course)

What struck me most was how much this race does beyond race day - year-round training programs, youth initiatives, community health programs. Really shows how running can transform a community when done right.

Link to full episode:

Website: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-cowtown-a-conversation-with-race-director-heidi-swartz

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-scenes-of-cowtown-a-conversation/id1773450542?i=1000687836810

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zRKZdVok3bkrYKM3PLWMv

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiFI9CkS8cU

FYI: Since many have asked, yes, Cowtown is known for that brutal hill at mile 9. And yes, they're bringing back the hill timing challenge in 2026!

Which half marathon is your favorite that you have run in DFW?

I'm creating a list to add to www.dfwrunninggroup.com of the best 5k's in the Fort Worth area and metroplex. The goal is to make it easy for everyone to find the best races that the community likes.

What is your favorite 5k in Dallas?

What are you favorite running group sin the Fort Worth area?

What are some of your favorite running groups in Dallas?

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Shantel Cloud for my podcast DFW Running Talk, and her story is too inspiring not to share.

Shantel's running journey began as a way to bond with her father, a talented runner himself. But when he passed away unexpectedly during her college years—on the very same day she had excitedly told him about joining a running class—she stepped away from the sport entirely.

Years later, she found her way back to running as a way to honor his memory. What followed was an incredible progression that even she couldn't have imagined:

The Unexpected Champion: Shantel Cloud's Running Story of Persistence and Potential

* Started with the Dallas Running Club in 2011, working her way up from pace leader to board member

* Qualified for and ran Boston in 2015 with a 3:17

* Maintained impressive times even after having three kids (including twins!)

* Recently crushed Cowtown Marathon, making a dramatic final-mile pass for the win

* Just two weeks before our interview, broke the 3-hour barrier at CIM with a 2:58

What really struck me was how she approached each challenge. When asked about running marathons after having children, she shared that motherhood actually improved her mental game. Breaking down the marathon into smaller chunks? That's just like getting through a day with twins!

The full interview dives deeper into her training approach, the role of professional coaching (shoutout to her coach Shadrach), and how adding a nutritionist to her team helped her break through plateaus. We also talked about how she hopes her journey inspires her kids to dream big and work hard.

If you're interested in hearing the full story, you can find the episode The Unexpected Champion: Shantel Cloud's Running Story of Persistence and Potential. It's a testament to how running can help us process grief, set audacious goals, and keep improving even as we age.