This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you behind the scenes and onto the course of the celebrated Rock the Parkway Half Marathon weekend! Join us as we recount our adventures at the bustling expo where we connected with fellow runners at our podcast table, and then follow along for our comprehensive review of this iconic Kansas City race - from the rolling hills to the fantastic crowd support that makes this event a regional favorite. After breaking down the course, organization, and our personal experiences, we dive into a timely discussion about age-appropriate recovery for runners in their 40s and 50s. Having just completed our third half marathon in three consecutive weekends, we share essential insights on why recovery needs change as we age, optimal rest periods between races, the most effective recovery modalities for masters runners, and how to avoid the common recovery mistakes that can derail your running journey. Whether you're considering Rock the Parkway for 2026 or looking to maximize your longevity in the sport, this episode delivers race-tested wisdom for the back-of-the-pack community.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dive into the mental battlefield of endurance running after surviving the brutal El Dorado Half Marathon in Kansas. Join us as we recount our harrowing experience battling the unholy trinity of running conditions: 40-degree temperatures, punishing 50mph winds, and relentless rain that left us questioning our life choices by mile nine. After breaking down the race itself, we explore powerful mental strategies that can save your race when your brain is screaming to quit - from segmenting the course into manageable chunks and employing mindfulness techniques to using visualization, positive self-talk, and even strategic distraction methods. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers practical mental tools to transform your approach to difficult races, terrible weather conditions, and those inevitable dark moments when finishing seems impossible. Discover how to rewire your thinking and find strength when your body and mind are ready to surrender.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of virtual races and challenges, inspired by a listener request! We explore how these accessible alternatives to traditional racing evolved from niche events into a global phenomenon during the pandemic, and why they've maintained their popularity even as in-person events return. From single-day virtual 5Ks to year-long distance challenges that take you across continents, we break down the different formats, highlight successful platforms like The Conqueror Challenges and Lazarus Lake's Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee, and discuss both the benefits and criticisms of this racing style. Whether you're a medal collector, a runner seeking flexibility, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping the running community, this episode unpacks everything you need to know about participating in races and challenges from anywhere in the world. Join us as we lace up virtually and explore this innovative approach to running events that's here to stay.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we tackle the highs and lows (quite literally) of the Liberty Half Marathon in Missouri, sharing our unfiltered experience with those notorious hills that tested every runner's resolve. From course highlights to post-race celebrations, we give you the complete rundown of this challenging event. Then, inspired by some race day struggles, we dive into a powerful discussion about the runner's sphere of control - distinguishing between what we can meticulously prepare for and what we simply must accept on race day. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or a 5K enthusiast, this episode offers practical wisdom to reshape your approach to training, racing, and the inevitable obstacles that come with pursuing finish lines. Join us for an honest conversation about finding peace with the uncontrollables while maximizing your potential through the aspects of running you can influence.

This week, The Back of the Pack Podcast brings you the colorful world of Andrew, better known throughout Kansas City as the KC Cosplay Runner. From 5Ks to half marathons, Andrew transforms the race course into his personal runway, sporting a different themed costume and curated playlist for every event. Discover how this unique approach to running began, how Andrew crafts his elaborate outfits, and the meaningful impact he's making by turning heads while raising funds for charity. Whether he's dashing through downtown Kansas City or logging solo miles, Andrew brings joy to spectators and fellow runners alike with his creative spirit. Join us for this inspiring conversation about combining passion for running with cosplay creativity and community service, proving that not all heroes need to run at the front of the pack to make a difference.

The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind dives into the legendary Barkley Marathons this week, an ultramarathon so brutal it's been dubbed "The Race That Eats Its Young." Join us as we explore this mysterious 100+ mile event through Tennessee's unforgiving Frozen Head State Park, where runners navigate by compass through briar-filled terrain with 65,000 feet of elevation change. Discover the eccentric traditions created by founder "Lazarus Lake," from the unpredictable cigarette-lit start to the somber playing of "Taps" for fallen runners. With only 22 finishers since 1986, this isn't just an ultramarathon—it's an almost mythical challenge that represents the outer limits of human endurance. Whether you're an aspiring ultrarunner or just fascinated by extreme sporting events, you won't want to miss this deep dive into one of running's most notorious and captivating challenges.

Join us for a special anniversary episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast as we celebrate three years of running adventures! Host Kyle recaps the festive Westport St. Patrick's Day 4 Mile race while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the friends from "The Happy Pace Podcast" who traveled from St. Louis to join the celebration. This milestone episode offers a nostalgic look back at the podcast's humble beginnings and most memorable moments, paired with exciting glimpses into what's ahead for the show. The biggest revelation? Kyle's announcement that he's taking on his most ambitious challenge yet – a 50 mile Ultra Marathon this September! Whether you're a loyal listener or first-time tuner, this episode captures the authentic community spirit that has kept this podcast going strong for three years, proving that the journey truly is better at the back of the pack.

Join Kyle on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind as he finally unpacks his unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas weekend from February. From touchdown in Sin City on his birthday to crossing two finish lines over two days, Kyle delivers an unfiltered account of what happens when birthday festivities collide with racing ambitions. Experience the thrill and challenges of Vegas's iconic nighttime races as Kyle navigates the world-famous Strip during the 5K and Half Marathon while battling the aftermath of birthday celebrations. This episode offers a candid look at destination racing, complete with course insights, travel tales, and the ultimate lesson on balancing vacation indulgence with race performance. Whether you're planning your own race-cation or simply enjoy vicarious running adventures, Kyle's Vegas double-header story proves that what happens in Vegas... makes for an entertaining podcast episode!

Join Kyle on this poignant episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast as he unpacks the bittersweet second annual B.E.A.R.D. Run 10K – a race created to honor local running legend Scott Green's 300th career race while battling terminal cancer. What began as a powerful community celebration with 500+ runners last year dwindled to just 156 participants this year, raising difficult questions about how we honor our fallen running comrades. Kyle doesn't hold back in addressing the race's organizational challenges, including the unmarked turnaround that sent runners off course, but focuses more pointedly on the Kansas City running community's fading commitment to Scott's legacy. With next year marking the third and final B.E.A.R.D. Run – as Scott himself requested – this episode serves as both reflection and rallying cry. Listen as Kyle shares his personal disappointment and issues a heartfelt challenge to runners everywhere: How will we show up for the final chapter of a race that meant everything to a runner who gave so much to our community? This isn't just about a race – it's about remembering why we run together in the first place.

Join us for an episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast that tackles a surprisingly common runner's nemesis – dogs on the chase! Host Kyle dives into "When Good Runs Go Ruff," inspired by a listener's harrowing experiences with canine pursuers during her training runs. This entertaining yet practical episode unpacks why dogs chase runners in the first place and equips you with a complete survival guide: from mapping "danger zones" and perfecting the "stop and stand" technique to exploring whether treats might turn foes into friends. You'll hear real stories from fellow runners who've faced everything from terrifying pack encounters to unexpected canine friendships. Whether you're a dog lover who just wants peaceful runs or someone whose heart races at the sound of barking, this episode delivers the perfect blend of science, strategy, and humor to help you navigate the unpredictable world of four-legged encounters on your running routes. Remember, at The Back of the Pack Podcast, "I make the mistakes, so you don't have to" – even when those mistakes involve accidental dog races!