DFW Running Talk

Pierce Showe is 24 years old and has already broken a world record, completed three 200-mile races in 90 days, and become the youngest person to finish the ultra marathon triple crown. But his journey started with struggling through a 5K in high school.

In this episode, Pierce shares the Navy SEAL mental strategy that kept him from quitting at mile 60 of his first 200-miler, the brutal moment on day 98 when a camera malfunction forced him to run a full marathon in one day, and why he believes consistency is harder than extreme distance.

We dive into his progression from first half marathon to 240-mile races, his approach to coaching athletes twice his age, the role of faith in his running journey, and his unconventional training philosophy that doesn't require 100-mile weeks.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or contemplating an ultra, Pierce's story proves that incremental progress and mental toughness can take you further than you ever imagined.

Guest: Pierce Showe - Ultra Marathon Runner, World Record Holder, Running Coach

Meet Grace Chow and Maddie Stier—two sisters whose competitive fire has fueled a lifelong running journey that spans from childhood ice hockey rinks in Cleveland to military bases across the globe. Grace, a 7-year Marine Corps veteran and mother of a 1-year-old, embodies the "do what Grace wants to do" mentality that led her to run her first marathon at just 14 years old. Maddie, a Dallas-based mother of three and Sloths running group regular, represents the Type-A planner who thrives on structure and strategic training.

What drives these sisters isn't just sibling rivalry—though Grace admits she originally started running the mile in track simply because Maddie did it first. It's their shared understanding that running is both a personal challenge and a way to maintain identity through life's major transitions. Grace has carried her running through multiple military relocations, deployments to Italy, a CrossFit phase, and new motherhood, always finding ways to adapt without losing the core drive that had her logging 16-mile runs as a teenager. Maddie channels her competitive nature into meticulous training, showing up to track workouts with faster runners and hanging on "for dear life" because she knows that discomfort leads to growth.

Both sisters are currently training for December's California International Marathon—each balancing motherhood with serious training goals. Grace, working with her first-ever coach, hopes to break her 2:57 PR while managing early morning runs around her 1-year-old's schedule. Maddie targets a sub-2:50 breakthrough while coordinating training around three children. Their approach couldn't be more different: Grace thrives on flying by the seat of her pants while learning structure for the first time, while Maddie lives by routine and strategic planning.

Whether it's Grace running cupless marathons in Hawaii while dealing with dehydration, or Maddie maximizing every minute of training time when leaving her husband with the kids, these sisters prove that the drive to run fast comes from embracing challenge, supporting each other across distances, and never losing sight of the competitive spark that started it all in middle school track. They demonstrate that motherhood doesn't diminish athletic ambition—it sharpens the focus and makes every training opportunity count.

In this powerful conversation, Chris Detzel sits down with Theo Murdaugh, founder of Run It Up Dallas, to explore how one man's vision transformed the running landscape for Black and brown communities in Dallas. Starting with just 30-40 runners in March 2023, Theo's movement exploded to 200-300 participants after a single viral video, forcing the group to navigate rapid growth while staying true to its mission.

Theo shares his journey from corporate automotive executive to nonprofit leader, explaining how traditional run clubs often felt intimidating and exclusive to newcomers. Run It Up breaks that mold with DJ music, group stretches, pace groups for every level (including walkers), and a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a family reunion than a serious training session.

But this isn't just about running. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Run It Up tackles cardiovascular health disparities head-on, partnering with organizations like the Black Heart Association to provide free health screenings and education. With heart disease and hypertension disproportionately affecting Black communities, Theo's work extends far beyond fitness into life-saving health advocacy.

The conversation covers the practical challenges of scaling from a solo operation to a 15-person team, the importance of creating inclusive spaces in predominantly white running culture, and Theo's ambitious plans to take Run It Up to HBCU campuses nationwide. Whether you're interested in community building, health equity, or just want to understand how to make fitness accessible to everyone, this episode offers valuable insights into creating meaningful change through movement.

From beginner walkers to Boston Marathon qualifiers, Run It Up proves that running can be both serious training and joyful community celebration.

In this compelling episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Julie Rembold for an in-depth look at one of the most remarkable running journeys you'll ever hear. Julie's story begins at age 37 when she started marathon training with virtually no running background, quickly dropping from a 3:47 debut at Houston Marathon to a 2:51 Boston qualifier in just two years.

But this isn't just a story about fast times. Julie's journey takes a dramatic turn when mysterious health issues began affecting her performance and quality of life. Despite running impressive marathon times, she experienced symptoms ranging from severe fatigue and heart rate irregularities to neurological issues that made her leg feel "disconnected" during runs. For four years, she battled through these challenges while doctors struggled to provide answers.

What makes Julie's story truly extraordinary is how she took her health into her own hands. Using her engineering background and relentless research, she discovered that mineral imbalances—particularly copper and iron deficiency stemming from five pregnancies and breastfeeding—were at the root of her problems. Her recovery involved switching from synthetic supplements to natural nutrition sources, ultimately healing her body completely.

Julie opens up about the challenges of balancing marathon training with raising five children, the support system that made her running possible, and how her husband's leukemia diagnosis affected her first marathon. She also discusses her transition into health coaching, helping others who face similar struggles.

Now at 45, Julie has returned to form with recent marathons under 3 hours and ambitious goals ahead, including a 2:45 target at the Marathon Project in December. Her story is a testament to the power of listening to your body, advocating for your health, and never giving up on your goals.

This episode offers valuable insights for runners dealing with unexplained performance issues, parents trying to balance training with family life, and anyone interested in the connection between nutrition and athletic performance.

Meet Jim Dietz, a 65-year-old retired TI engineer who's been defying age-group expectations with sub-1:20 half marathon times and consistent sub-18-minute 5Ks. In this conversation, Jim takes us back to the golden era of corporate running in the 1980s, when Texas Instruments funded a legendary distance running program that attracted All-Americans and near-Olympic-level talent.

Jim's journey spans 45 years, from watching a New York City Marathon movie in college to becoming part of TI's powerhouse team that could take over entire races at Plano Pacers. He shares the untold story of corporate America's investment in employee wellness through competitive running, complete with national meets, sponsored travel, and workplace cultures that encouraged midday training sessions.

After a 12-year hiatus where he gained 60 pounds, Jim returned to running at 55 and rebuilt himself into one of the most competitive masters runners in the Dallas area. His unconventional training philosophy—running hard every other day at sub-7-minute pace for 50-65 miles per week—flies in the face of traditional coaching wisdom but continues to produce remarkable results.

Beyond the times and training, this episode explores the deep community connections that have sustained Dallas running for decades, from the consistency of Plano Pacers to the enduring friendships formed at White Rock Lake. Jim reflects on retirement, staying injury-free, and why he believes someone breaking the 2:30 marathon barrier locally could inspire a wave of similar achievements.

Whether you're curious about running's corporate history, seeking motivation for masters competition, or wondering how to maintain speed well into your 60s, Jim's story offers both inspiration and practical insights from someone who's truly lived the sport.

Join host Chris Detzel for an extraordinary conversation with Alison Miller, a 46-year-old physical therapist and endurance athlete attempting one of ultra running's most grueling challenges: the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. This rare feat requires completing four iconic 100-mile races—Western States, Vermont 100, Leadville 100, and Wasatch 100—all within a single season, totaling 400 miles in just seven weeks.

Alison's athletic journey began as a scholarship soccer player at Texas A&M, transitioned through 19 Ironman competitions (including five Kona World Championships), and evolved into ultra running where she's conquered races like UTMB, Badwater, and numerous 100-milers. But the Grand Slam represents her biggest challenge yet.

In this candid interview, Alison shares the highs and lows of her quest. From her worst-ever performance at Western States—where she chased cutoffs for 29.5 hours and barely finished within the 30-hour limit—to her redemptive run at Vermont 100, and the leg-crushing reality of Leadville's elevation and cutoffs. She discusses the mental fortitude required when your body is depleted, the challenge of not training between races, and what it takes to "dig deep" when everything hurts.

Beyond the physical feats, Alison opens up about the logistics of crew support, the financial commitment required, the importance of having a supportive spouse, and how she balances this pursuit with her career as a physical therapist. She also shares insights from her extensive Ironman background and what drives someone to continually seek bigger challenges.

With Wasatch 100 and Kona still ahead at the time of recording, this episode captures an athlete mid-journey through an almost impossible challenge. Whether you're a trail runner, road runner, or simply fascinated by human endurance, Alison's story demonstrates what's possible when determination meets preparation.

Featured Topics: Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville 100, Wasatch 100, Ironman World Championship Kona, ultra running strategy, race nutrition, crew support, endurance psychology.

After three years away from race directing, legendary Texas trail running organizer Rob Goyen is officially back with the launch of Rise Racing Co. In this candid conversation with Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk, Rob opens up about his journey from stepping away in 2022 to his current role as a contractor with Ultra Signup, and why the pull to return to race directing became impossible to ignore.

Rob shares the personal struggles that led to his hiatus - from wanting to be present for his young daughter Ruby to dealing with "race director nightmares" that signaled his readiness to return. He discusses his transition from Ultra Signup employee to contractor, ensuring complete separation from company data and operations while maintaining his role helping race directors succeed on the platform.

The conversation dives deep into Rise Racing's inaugural event: the Tex Miss Trail Race at Bucher State Park on December 13th, 2025. Featuring distances from 7 miles to 107K, this Christmas-themed trail party promises to showcase Rob's signature style - big, bold, fun events with serious buckles and a 20-hour cutoff for the ultra distance.

Rob also reveals his broader vision for Rise Racing: 6-8 races annually across Texas, including returns to beloved locations like Surfside Beach and San Antonio. He emphasizes community building over pure competition, discussing plans for ambassador teams, elite support, and collaborative races with other directors. His partnership with longtime colleague Amanda and focus on welcoming the growing "lifestyle trail running" demographic signal an evolution in his approach.

This episode captures both the business strategy and personal passion behind one of Texas trail running's most influential figures as he prepares to re-enter the sport that shaped his identity. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to trail running, Rob's insights into community building, race organization, and the explosive growth of running clubs offer valuable perspective on where the sport is headed.

In this captivating episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Mark Olateju (affectionately known as "Mark O" to those who struggle with his last name), the beloved photographer who has been documenting the Dallas running community for over two decades. Mark's journey from a reluctant 8K participant lured by free breakfast to a sub-3:09 marathoner is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

Discover how a principal's promise of homemade breakfast sparked a running career that would span 640+ races. Mark opens up about his transformation from a "5K expert" who raced every weekend to a dedicated distance runner training at 3 AM with partners like Shaheen Satar. His story takes fascinating turns through trail running and 50-milers, all while maintaining his philosophy that "ignorance is bliss" when it comes to racing.

But Mark's true legacy lies behind the lens. Known throughout White Rock Lake and beyond as "the picture guy," he's captured thousands of moments - from triumphant PRs to those less-flattering mid-race grimaces that runners initially complained about but now treasure as authentic memories. His slow-motion videos helped runners analyze their form, though not everyone appreciated seeing their "jiggly parts" highlighted.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Mark discusses his recent transition from competitive running following a complete knee replacement, his current focus on weightlifting and low-impact training, and his continued dedication to preserving running memories through photography. He shares the mysterious "Twilight Zone" race where runners inexplicably walked through one section of the course, memorable encounters with future Boston qualifiers, and watching his 13-year-old student casually drop a 1:27 half marathon.

This episode captures the heart of running community - the bonds formed at 4 AM training runs, the evolution from beginner to mentor, and how one person's passion for capturing moments has become an invaluable gift to an entire running community.

What happens when strangers become family through the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other? In this heartwarming episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with the leadership team of White Rock Running Co-op (WRRC) to explore how a free running club in Dallas has transformed lives and built an incredible community.

Meet Chet, who moved to Dallas knowing no one and found his people through Wednesday night runs; Craig, who discovered that showing up consistently led to lifelong friendships and invitations to concerts; Vivian, who learned that running with others isn't just more fun—it's safer; and Andy, a late-in-life runner who went from struggling to run 100 yards to completing his six World Marathon Majors, all thanks to the support and knowledge sharing within WRRC.

While we couldn't have everyone on this episode, the team also includes Nick Polito, a long-standing member who's been with the club since its infancy, and Josh Odegard, who hosts the popular Wednesday night social runs and is known for his incredible ability to connect people and build community within the group.

From track workouts on Tuesdays to the famous "Hills Pay the Bills" Wednesday sessions, Saturday long runs with post-run tacos, and Sunday recovery loops around White Rock Lake, discover how this 6,000-member community accommodates everyone from casual 5K runners to Boston qualifiers and ultra-marathoners.

You'll hear inspiring stories about:

• How the club helped Andy qualify for Boston and complete his World Marathon Majors
• The safety and camaraderie that keeps runners coming back week after week
• Why "suffering together" on the track beats suffering alone
• How showing up consistently leads to unexpected friendships and travel companions
• The welcoming culture that makes newcomers feel at home from day one

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or someone who's never run a mile, this episode showcases the magic that happens when running becomes about more than just personal fitness—it becomes about community, friendship, and achieving dreams you never thought possible.

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Greg Rankin, a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community whose journey proves it's never too late for a comeback. From earning a pink fourth-place ribbon in his first high school track meet to running a 2:46 marathon, Greg's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of community.

In this episode, Greg shares his three distinct "running careers" - from a college scholarship runner who walked away from the sport, to a Young Country radio team member getting back into racing, to becoming one of DFW's most respected marathon coaches. You'll hear about his dramatic transformation from 232 pounds and struggling to tie his shoes to qualifying for Boston, his harrowing experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and how he's helped dozens of runners achieve their goals.

Greg opens up about the role running played during his divorce, his decade-long Boston Marathon streak, and his transition from corporate IT to coaching elite marathoners. He also discusses the evolution of the DFW running scene, where sub-3-hour marathons have become increasingly common and the community continues to push each other to new heights.

Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or an experienced runner seeking insights from a seasoned coach, Greg's story offers valuable lessons about persistence, smart training, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right community.

Topics covered:

• Early running career and college scholarship
• Three major comebacks to the sport
• Boston Marathon bombing experience
• Coaching philosophy and approach
• The evolution of DFW's running community
• Training for sub-3-hour marathons
• Balancing family and running goals

Recorded live in Dallas, Texas