DFW Running Talk

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Chris and Anne Barnwell, the husband-and-wife team behind Blaze Trails Running, one of Texas's most beloved trail racing organizations.

Discover how Chris transformed from a 245-pound tech worker to an ultra-runner whose first 100-miler was the legendary Western States, and how Anne found healing and purpose through running during her own life transitions. Their love story began at a running club, evolved over cake concerts and trail miles, and ultimately led them to create a trail running empire spanning 12 races across Texas.

From taking over struggling races like Grasslands and Rockledge Rumble to building new challenges like the grueling Dana Peak course, the Barnwells share the behind-the-scenes reality of race directing—from permit struggles and weather cancellations to the incredible volunteer community that makes it all possible.

Learn about their philosophy of making trail running accessible to everyone, from 5K newcomers to seasoned 100-mile veterans, and why they believe trail running creates a unique community where elite athletes and back-of-the-pack runners share the same trails and support each other's journeys.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or someone curious about getting into trail running, this episode offers insights into the passion, dedication, and community spirit that drives the Texas trail running scene.

Featured Races: Grasslands Trail Run, Rockledge Rumble, Dana Peak Challenge, Possum Kingdom Trail Run, and more.

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Richardson native Farrell Hedrick, whose remarkable running journey embodies the power of transformation and perseverance. What started as a simple goal to lose 50 pounds after college has evolved into an incredible story of athletic achievement and career reinvention.

Farrell shares his progression from struggling to run half a mile in uptown Dallas to becoming a 2:47 marathoner with 31 marathons under his belt. Along the way, he opens up about the mental challenges of his first Dallas Marathon, the breakthrough race at Woodlands Marathon that changed everything, and how accidentally coaching a friend led him to discover his true passion.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Farrell went from finance and investment banking to becoming an RRCA-certified running coach
• His recent career pivot to Training Program Director at Fleet Feet Dallas
• The exciting new performance-focused training program he's launching across the DFW metroplex
• Training and nutrition insights from someone who's made every mistake and learned from it
• The untapped potential he sees in Dallas's running community

Whether you're a beginner runner, seasoned marathoner, or someone contemplating a major life change, Farrell's story proves that with consistency and courage, extraordinary transformations are possible. Plus, hear about the innovative weekly track nights and community-building initiatives coming to North Texas that aim to elevate the entire Dallas running scene.

What do you get when you mix a guy who got hit by a car at 14, another who abandoned his marathon buddy via 4AM text, and enough curry paste to feed a small army? This episode of DFW Running Talk.

Join Chris as he sits down with Colin Hamilton and Philip Paris, two runners whose friendship was forged through shared miles, questionable life choices, and an inexplicable love of Indian food. Colin's journey starts with getting literally run over by his brother's girlfriend (yes, really) and somehow leads to a brief but legendary ice cream empire that had people offering him business deals while he just wanted to make frozen treats for fellow runners.

Philip's story is slightly less dramatic but equally relatable – from soccer player to cycling enthusiast to the guy who did Couch to 5K, immediately detrained, then somehow convinced himself a 4-mile Turkey Trot was achievable. Spoiler alert: it was.

The conversation takes some serious turns as Colin opens up about mental health, panic attacks, and learning when to say no to opportunities that look good on Instagram but feel terrible in real life. Meanwhile, Philip navigates the beautiful chaos of new parenthood while trying to maintain his sub-3 marathon dreams and wondering if he'll ever sleep through the night again.

From terrible marathon training advice (running every workout at race pace, anyone?) to the wind-battered disaster that was Houston 2025, these two prove that running journeys are rarely linear – and that's exactly what makes them worth sharing.

Topics covered: Injury recovery, marathon training disasters, mental health in running, entrepreneurship burnout, parenting while training, finding your running community, and why your watch doesn't actually tell you how fast to run.

Perfect for runners who've ever questioned their life choices at mile 20.

Join host Chris Detzel as he sits down with Matt Barron, whose incredible marathon journey spans over a decade of ups, downs, and breakthrough moments. Matt shares his transformation from struggling with 3:25 marathons to running a stunning 2:38 at Houston Marathon.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Matt went from "couch to Dallas Marathon" training cycles for 7 years
• The game-changing moment when he joined the Dallas running community
• Why consistency matters more than speed in marathon training
• How running 90 miles per week led to a 21-minute PR
• The mental shift that took him from Boston qualifier to sub-2:40 runner
• Practical training tips for breaking through marathon plateaus

Matt's story proves that marathon success isn't just about talent—it's about patience, consistency, and finding your running tribe. Whether you're chasing your first Boston qualifier or looking to break through a time plateau, this conversation offers honest insights into what it really takes to achieve your marathon goals.

Perfect for: Marathon runners, Boston Marathon hopefuls, running community enthusiasts, and anyone looking for motivation to stay consistent with their training.

Guest: Matt Barron - Sub-2:40 marathoner, Boston qualifier, and active member of the Dallas/Fort Worth running community.

Marathon training at 7,000 feet elevation: Amanda Hicks shares how she's run 16 consecutive Boston Marathons with a 3:01 PR while living in Flagstaff, Arizona. From Dallas Morning News reporter to elite altitude runner, discover her 70-mile weekly training routine, White Rock Lake heat training origins, nutrition strategies for long runs, and race tactics that helped her nearly break the 3-hour barrier. Plus: Sydney Marathon plans, ultramarathon insights, and advice for qualifying for Boston. Perfect for runners seeking elite marathon training tips and Boston qualification strategies. 

Dallas runner Rebecca Roush shares her journey from college injuries to running a 2:57 marathon as a new mom. Discover her low-mileage training approach, cross-training secrets, and how she overcame multiple stress fractures and ACL surgery to achieve consistent marathon PRs. Rebecca reveals why high-mileage training didn't work for her body, how she found her sweet spot at 50 miles per week, and the game-changing role of strength training and cycling. Plus, hear about her dramatic Boston Marathon experience, training with Dallas running groups like Train Pegasus and Completely Sloth, and managing postpartum running with baby George. Essential listening for injury-prone runners, working moms balancing training, and anyone seeking sustainable marathon success 

From devastating stress fractures to a 3:14 marathon PR - athletic trainer and mom Amy Lyles shares her incredible running comeback story with host Chris Detzel. After being sidelined for a full year with pubic bone injuries following her first pregnancy, Amy rebuilt from zero with just 5-minute run/walk intervals.

In this episode, Chris and Amy discuss how she:

• Overcame multiple stress fractures and bone density issues
• Used Peloton training to stay fit during injury recovery
• Worked with coach Neely Gracie to achieve a 7-minute marathon PR at Houston
• Balanced motherhood with Boston Marathon qualifying goals
• Found community through Ray's Track Club and DFW runners

Key topics: Marathon training for moms, stress fracture recovery, postpartum running challenges, athletic trainer insights, Peloton cross-training, bone density issues in female athletes, Ray's Track Club, Houston Marathon, Boston qualifying times.

Perfect for runners dealing with injury setbacks, new moms returning to running, or anyone seeking inspiration for their comeback journey. 

Amy's story proves that with patience, proper coaching, and determination, you can come back stronger than ever.

Guest: Amy Lyles, Athletic Trainer at Plano West High School

Host: Chris Detzel Part of DFW Running Talk - featuring Dallas-Fort Worth running community stories.

In this compelling follow-up episode, Matt Campbell returns to share his evolved approach to racing and the mindset shifts that have transformed his competitive strategy. From his dominant performance at the Velvet Hammer 5K to his ambitious sub-2:30 marathon goals, Matt breaks down how he's learned to race the competition rather than chase times.

Matt opens up about his tactical approach to the Velvet Hammer 5K, where he brought his Completely Sloth teammates and executed a perfectly planned race strategy—breaking the 5K into kilometers with specific mantras for each segment. He reveals how letting go of time fixation and focusing on execution has actually made him faster and more confident on race day.

Beyond racing tactics, Matt dives deep into the challenge of balancing elite-level training with family life and a demanding career. He discusses his "three pillars" philosophy—family, work, and running—and how he's learned to periodize his life while keeping family as the top priority. From skipping Boston Marathon to be present for his family to the reality of 5 AM training sessions, Matt shares honest insights about making sacrifices and finding sustainable balance.

The conversation also covers the often-overlooked importance of strength training for runners, injury prevention through experience, and the mental game that separates good runners from great ones. Matt candidly discusses his upcoming California International Marathon goal, his transition into speed season, and his growing role as both a coach and community builder in the DFW running scene.

Whether you're chasing PRs or simply trying to fit running into a busy life, Matt's perspective on racing smart, training purposefully, and maintaining balance offers valuable lessons for runners at every level.

Topics Covered:

• Race strategy and execution over time goals
• Balancing elite training with family and career
• The importance of strength training for runners
• Building and leading running communities
• Mental approaches to competition and goal-setting
• Upcoming race plans and sub-2:30 marathon goals

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who's revolutionizing how runners think about their sport. After signing up for 20 marathons and only finishing 3 due to constant injuries, Michael discovered there's more to running than chasing PRs and collecting race medals.

From his early days attempting untrained half marathons in Brooklyn to building a successful running travel company in Austin, Michael shares his journey of falling out of love with racing and into love with adventure. He explains why he believes the running community has become too focused on competition and how Rogue Expeditions offers an alternative—immersive cultural travel experiences for runners who want to explore the world's most beautiful trails without the pressure of race day.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why most running opportunities feel "too one-dimensional"
• The difference between running a city during a race vs. truly experiencing it
• How running travel compares to cycling tours and yoga retreats
• What it's like to run through Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Iceland's glaciers, and Italy's Dolomites
• Why the "stop racing, start exploring" philosophy resonates with so many runners
• How Rogue Expeditions creates adventures for all fitness levels with expert guides

Whether you're burned out on racing, curious about destination running, or simply love hearing about epic adventures, this conversation will challenge how you think about your running journey. Michael's passion for creating meaningful experiences over competitive achievements offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a runner.

What happens when a former ski bum who used to hide in pickup trucks to avoid running decides to chase a Boston qualifier in his very first marathon? You get one of the most inspiring transformation stories we've ever featured on DFW Running Talk.

Host Chris Detzel interviews Kevin Hebert, a 46-year-old who went from running just twice a week with Dallas Running Club to breaking 3:10 in his marathon debut. In this captivating conversation, Kevin shares his incredible journey from someone who "would never run a marathon" to crossing the finish line at California International Marathon in a stunning 3:08:58.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Kevin transformed from a casual half-marathoner to a sub-3:10 machine in just one training cycle
• The mindset shift that changed everything (hint: it involved quitting coffee and alcohol)
• Why he hired a coach for his first marathon and how it paid off
• The exact training approach that took him from 35 miles per week to 70 miles at peak
• His emotional finish line moment and immediate plans for marathon #2
• The power of running with experienced groups like White Rock Running Co-op

Whether you're a weekend warrior wondering what's possible or a seasoned runner looking for motivation, Kevin's story proves that with the right focus, coaching, and community, extraordinary breakthroughs can happen faster than you think.

This isn't just another running story – it's proof that sometimes the biggest transformations come from the most unexpected places.