Ever wondered if you can just add more miles to cancel out late-night pizza and gas station snacks? Spoiler: you can’t — and that’s exactly what we’re tackling this week on The Back of the Pack Podcast. We kick things off with a quick rundown of the Sunglasses 5K from this past Saturday — sun, fun, and a few shady characters (pun intended). Then we get real about that classic saying: “You can’t outrun a bad diet.” No lectures here — just one back-of-the-pack runner admitting we’ve all tried to cheat the system with junk food and extra miles. From surprise mid-run stomach disasters to the energy crashes we pretend are just ‘bad days,’ we talk about why what we eat really does show up in our shoes. And don’t worry — we keep it real with simple, realistic ways to do just a little better, without turning your life into a kale salad cult. Lace up, grab a snack (maybe not a whole pizza?), and join us for some honest talk about fueling the miles we love.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run the Nation series heads to the birthplace of American road racing — the East Coast. From the roaring bridges of New York City to the heartbreak hills of Boston, we’re diving into what makes East Coast running so iconic, gritty, and fiercely proud. Kyle breaks down ten must-run races, from massive urban marathons with tens of thousands of runners to legendary hill climbs and historic routes through America’s oldest cities. We’ll look at what it takes to train through brutal winters and humid summers, and why East Coast runners wear their weather like a badge of honor. You’ll hear about the tight-knit club scene, the roaring crowds, the charity runners, and the traditions that turn every finish line into a celebration of American spirit. We’ll shout out a few East Coast legends like Des Linden and Shalane Flanagan — proof that tough conditions make tough champions. So lace up and come run the crowded streets, cobblestones, and centuries-old trails that keep the heart of American running beating strong.

What do pit bulls, frozen hurricanes, and minus-14 wind chills have in common? They’re all part of the wild ride that’s been the first half of 2025 for The Back of the Pack Podcast. In this episode, we lace up to break down the Stars and Stripes 5K in Overland Park — the race that let us run off the BBQ calories just in time for fireworks. But we don’t stop there. We’re rolling out our very first Packy’s: the official, totally unserious mid-year awards for the best, worst, weirdest, and coldest running moments so far. From surprise PRs to regrettable sign-ups (looking at you, double hill climbs) and heartwarming heroes who remind us why we keep showing up — it’s all here. Pour yourself a post-run drink (maybe not a giant Vegas Hurricane at 9 a.m.) and come celebrate six months of sweat, stories, and back-of-the-pack glory. Stick around — your own Packy might be waiting in December!

This Fourth of July, The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind kicks off its Run the Nation series by heading out West — where the freedom to run wild is as big as the coastline itself. From misty coastal boardwalks to rugged mountain trails, the West Coast running scene is all about adventure, grit, and epic scenery that makes you grateful to lace up in the land of the free. Kyle breaks down iconic bucket-list races like Big Sur, Western States 100, and the legendary Hood to Coast Relay. We’ll dig into how the terrain, climate, and laid-back surf-and-trail culture shape a community where ultramarathons, mindful miles, and post-run beers go hand in hand. You’ll hear stories about West Coast running legends like Jim Walmsley, Sally McRae, Ann Trason, and Dean Karnazes — athletes who show what American endurance is all about. Whether you dream of running under the Golden Gate Bridge or climbing mountain passes in the high Sierras, this episode will stoke your wanderlust and remind you that running is one of the best ways to celebrate the freedom we have. So on this Independence Day, let’s hit the road, the trail, and the coast — and honor America, one mile at a time.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle takes you to the start line of the All-American 8 Miler in Independence, MO, with a full breakdown of hot miles, hometown vibes, and a celebration of what makes small-town holiday races so great. Then, he pulls back the curtain on how this podcast picks races—controversies and all—and reminds everyone that Back of the Pack stays true to itself and the listeners who keep the miles (and mics) moving. Finally, Kyle answers a heartfelt listener question about getting back into running after years away—covering the mindset shifts, the ego checks, and the stubborn belief that it’s never too late to lace up again. Come for the fireworks, stay for the real talk—this episode is for every runner who's ever needed a nudge to start over.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Mental Health Awareness Month series with an episode rooted in resilience, reflection, and finding your “why.” After exploring men’s mental health, women’s mental load, and the emotional weight of recovery, we’re ending with a motivational reminder that running is often born from struggle—and becomes a powerful tool for purpose. Host Kyle Walker shares personal stories of comeback and reinvention, revealing how movement became more than therapy—it became identity. Whether you're running from something, toward something, or simply trying to keep it together one mile at a time, this episode will remind you that you're not alone. From heartbreak to heart health, Kyle explores how the slowest steps often lead to the deepest growth. No medals required—just meaning. This is the one to play when you need to remember why you started in the first place.

While Kyle is out of town, The Back of the Pack Podcast welcomes a first-time guest host to the mic—Lisa Watkins from the Behind the Bib podcast! Broadcasting from Huntsville, Alabama, Lisa brings a fresh voice and Southern perspective to this week’s episode. She shares her personal running journey, what inspired her to launch Behind the Bib, and how her show highlights races throughout the Southeast. Lisa also gives us a deep dive into the Rainsville Freedom Run 10K & 5K, known as “The Best Small Race in America.” Now in its 17th year, this event may be set in a small town, but Lisa promises it delivers big race energy. She also gives northern runners a glimpse into what it’s like running in Alabama weather this time of year. Whether you're tuning in from Kansas or the Deep South, this episode celebrates running communities of all sizes.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we tackle the quieter, tougher side of the comeback: recovery. Whether you're healing from injury, surgery, burnout, or a personal storm, the mental game can be the real mountain to climb. Kyle opens up about his own recovery journey after two open-heart surgeries and explores how running—and not running—affects our identity, confidence, and hope. From lost pace to rediscovered purpose, this episode is for anyone who's had to start over, slow down, or sit on the sidelines wondering if they'd ever feel like themselves again. Recovery isn’t just about getting back on your feet—it’s about finding your footing in a whole new way.

Week one of ultramarathon training is in the books—and it was a sweaty one! In this episode, we kick things off by checking in on how training is feeling so far, especially as the summer heat settles in. Then we dive into two weekend race recaps, starting with Saturday’s Fighting Fentanyl 5K in Shawnee, KS—a meaningful event with a powerful cause. Sunday brought the Village Shalom Father’s Day 10K, where the course was fast, but the humidity was faster. Let’s just say… it wasn’t my finest race performance. We close out the episode by talking about how humidity messes with your running—from elevated heart rate to that feeling of running through soup. If you struggled in this weekend’s weather, you’re not alone. Lace up and tune in for some honest race reflections, training talk, and weather wisdom from the back of the pack.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we’re flipping the script and handing the mic to the women. Kyle is joined by special guest Hillary Burgess—a San Antonio-based runner, influencer, wife, and mom of two—who opens up about the wild mental marathon of motherhood, burnout, body image, and invisible labor. From emotional load to lacing up, we dive into how running offers not just endorphins, but escape routes. Hillary gets real about mom guilt, the pressures of social media, and why sometimes the strongest thing you can do is admit you're struggling. It’s heartfelt, it’s honest, and yes—there may be some laughter!. Whether you’re a runner, a parent, or just trying to keep it together, this one’s for every woman carrying more than miles on her back.