In this special episode of New Blood: DFW's Young Gals Raising the Bar, Chris sits down with three remarkable athletes who proved that the best training partners are sometimes the ones you never actually train with.
Sisters Maddie Stier (32, Allen, TX) and Grace Chow (29, Washington, DC), along with their close friend Melanie Lassen (34, Casper, WY), came together at the California International Marathon to achieve something extraordinary—all three broke 2:50, finishing within minutes of each other after training separately in three different states.
Maddie stayed rooted in the DFW community, training with the Sloths Running Club by "chasing people faster than her" without a formal plan. Grace hired her first coach, Jordan Hogan (formerly Jordan Hassay), and navigated solo training in the cold, dark mornings of Washington, DC. Melanie moved to Casper, Wyoming, trained at 5,000 feet elevation, and struggled through nearly every workout—barely hitting a single target pace.
But when they reunited in Sacramento for a girls' weekend (no husbands, no kids, just chicken quesadillas and Zootopia), something magical happened. They ran their races separately but together, supporting each other from different parts of the course before meeting at the finish line for a core memory they'll never forget.
Finish times:
This episode captures what makes running special: the power of community that transcends geography, the magic of shared goals, and what happens when you find your people—even when they live 1,500 miles apart. You'll hear about the Mile 20 declaration, the ultra-runner named Jesus who became their hype man for 22 miles, and why Maddie's brother's quote—"If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room"—drives everything they do.
This is the future of running. This is New Blood. And it's happening right now.
Welcome to The OGs: DFW's Running Pioneers - a series dedicated to the runners who built the DFW running community from nothing. These are the originals. The ones who ran when nobody cared, when the shoes were garbage, when there were no gels, barely any water, and definitely no fanfare. They did it because they loved it, and they created the foundation we're all standing on today.
Kerry Little launches the series with an incredible journey: growing up as a swimmer in Illinois, moving to Texas in the early '80s, and discovering she could run - really run. Her first marathon? A 3:15 that would still turn heads today. Multiple Boston qualifiers, Ironman Hawaii, coaching with Luke's training programs, and a current streak of over 3,700 consecutive days of running. Now working at Luke's Locker Dallas (Mockingbird/75) for 17 years, Kerry connects the past to the present, sharing what it really took to be a runner when running was still finding its identity.
New Blood: DFW's Young Guns Raising the Bar
The bar just got raised in Dallas.
Steven Fahy, a 29-year-old NCAA steeplechase champion and Brooks Running employee, just won the Dallas Marathon in his debut with a time of 2:23:28 - making him the fastest marathoner in DFW at this moment. But this isn't just a story about natural talent crushing a race. It's about rediscovering why you run in the first place.
This episode kicks off New Blood, a special DFW Running Talk series spotlighting the next generation of elite runners who are redefining what's possible in North Texas. These aren't your average weekend warriors - they're 20-somethings running sub-2:25 marathons, breaking 3:05 on their debuts, and proving that the future of competitive running in DFW is already here.
After an accomplished collegiate career at Stanford (2019 NCAA steeplechase champion, five-time All-American, two-time Pac-12 champion), Steven moved to Dallas in 2023 and spent two years running solo. It wasn't until summer 2024 that he connected with the Sloths and local running community, transforming his training and reigniting his competitive fire.
Steven shares what it's like to win a marathon on the same routes you train daily, surrounded by the people who pushed you all season. He opens up about the mental shift from collegiate pressure to post-collegiate joy, why he's eyeing Eugene Marathon next, and what "bottle service for elites" really means.
This is the new generation of DFW running - fast, humble, and here to stay.
What You'll Learn:
Perfect for: Young competitive runners, post-collegiate athletes looking for direction, anyone curious about what elite-level marathon training looks like in DFW
Brent Woodle didn't run competitively in high school or college—he was too busy playing World of Warcraft. But after moving to Dallas at 25 with no friends and a bucket list goal to run a marathon, he joined every running club he could find. Fast forward to today, and Brent is one of the fastest masters runners in DFW, with a 2:28 marathon PR.
In this episode, recorded before the Dallas Marathon (where Brent would go on to run 2:39:05), we dive deep into what it takes to run at an elite level as a masters athlete. Fresh off running 2:28:26 at the Indianapolis Marathon, Brent shares his high-volume training philosophy—100-mile weeks, running twice a day six days per week, tempo-focused workouts over VO2 max intervals, and the importance of making running a daily habit. He opens up about the mental battles of goal-setting, recovering from burnout after Houston Marathon, and the sacrifices required—giving up alcohol during training cycles and prioritizing eight hours of sleep every night.
Whether you're chasing your own PR or curious about what separates good runners from great ones, Brent's story offers candid insights into the discipline, routine, and mental approach needed to compete at the highest level while balancing a 16-year career as a software engineer and raising two young kids.
Episode Highlights:
Ruth Atkinson is helping runners of all levels achieve their own breakthroughs as a coach with McKirdy Trained.
In this episode, Ruth shares her unconventional path to running, starting with a spontaneous decision to go for a run instead of watching Grey's Anatomy one night in 2018. With a background in music education and drum corps, Ruth brings a unique perspective to coaching that emphasizes patience, curiosity, and building durable runners through strength training.
We dive deep into her coaching philosophy, including why new marathoners shouldn't set time goals for their first race, the critical importance of fueling (hint: one gel isn't enough), and why single-leg strength training is essential for injury prevention. Ruth also shares practical advice for runners at every level and her powerful message about not counting yourself out, no matter your pace or experience.
Whether you're a beginner contemplating your first 5K or an experienced runner chasing a PR, Ruth's insights will inspire you to stay curious and keep pushing your limits.
Connect with Ruth: McKirdy Trained
Subscribe to DFW Running Talk on your favorite podcast platform and https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com/ for more content!
Paul Box is the embodiment of running as adventure. Starting his serious running journey at age 30 with a 3:29 marathon, Paul has become a 12-time Boston Marathon finisher, ultrarunning enthusiast, and two-time World Marathon Challenge finisher (7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 days).
As a board member of the Dallas White Rock Marathon, Paul is helping elevate the race by bringing in approximately 150 NAIA Championship athletes and restarting the partnership with Sendai, Japan. He shares his passion for FKTs (Fastest Known Times), running from the Caribbean to the Pacific in Panama, organizing the Waxahatchee 50-miler for 500 runners, and why the 50-mile distance might be the perfect ultra.
Whether you're chasing a BQ, curious about ultras, or dreaming of your next running adventure, Paul's philosophy is simple: go out and find your adventure in this beautiful world.
In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Shirley Barbaro, founder of Plano Running Club, to hear one of the most remarkable late-bloomer running stories you'll ever encounter. Shirley didn't run a single mile until 2010, and what started as a reluctant journey at Russell Creek Park in the freezing dark turned into something extraordinary—she won her age group and Boston qualified in her very first marathon just a year later.
But this episode isn't just about personal achievement. Shirley shares the heartwarming story of how she built Plano Running Club from 12 people in 2013 to over 5500 members today, all founded on the same kindness and community support that kept her going as a brand-new runner. From their signature early morning coffee runs to traveling across the country as mobile cheer squads, this club embodies what running community is all about.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or someone who's never laced up running shoes, Shirley's story proves it's never too late to start—and that the best reason to build a running club might just be selfishness (you'll have to listen to understand!).
This is a special episode of DFW Running Talk! Host Chris Detzel sits down with Marcus Grunewald (Executive Managing Director) and Jodi Jordan (Operations Director) of the Dallas White Rock Marathon Organization for an announcement you don't want to miss.
BREAKING NEWS Hosted by TUPPS Brewery: The Dallas Marathon organization is launching the McKinney Historic Half Marathon presented by BMW on March 28, 2026!
Starting at McKinney City Hall and finishing at Tupps Brewery, this inaugural event will feature a half marathon, 5K, and Kids 100M Dash, with proceeds benefiting Scottish Rite for Children of Frisco. Expect around 4,000 runners and the same world-class organization that's made the Dallas Marathon a 54-year tradition.
In this conversation, you'll also learn:
Whether you're planning to run the BMW Dallas Marathon this December or considering the new McKinney Historic Half in March, this episode gives you the inside scoop from the people who make it all happen.
McKinney Historic Half registration is now OPEN: Register here
In this powerful and candid conversation recorded just weeks before her wedding, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Cait Keen Harris opens up about a journey that goes far beyond the finish line. Fresh off major surgery for an 11-centimeter fibroid—a condition that took seven years and four doctors to diagnose—Cait shares her story of advocacy, resilience, and what it means to be sidelined from the sport you love.
From her early days running cross country in high school (always the bridesmaid, never the bride at Texas state championships) to qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, Cait traces her evolution as a competitive runner. But this conversation goes deeper than PRs and race strategy. She discusses the physical and mental toll of undiagnosed health issues, the frustration of being dismissed by medical professionals, and how symptoms like extreme fatigue and low iron were too often chalked up to "just being a female runner."
Three weeks post-surgery and juggling wedding preparations, Cait reflects on canceling the Berlin Marathon, navigating recovery without her running community, and learning to slow down for the first time in her life. She shares insights on the psychological effects of major surgery, the importance of finding doctors who listen, and why 2026 might be her year of rebirth—focusing on health, stress management, and running without the gas pedal to the floor.
Whether you're dealing with your own health challenges, training for your next race, or simply love stories of perseverance, this episode offers hope, humor, and a reminder that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is rest.
In this inspiring episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Dr. Cornetta Mosley, Run Captain for Run It Up Dallas and professor of audiology at UT Dallas.
Dr. Mosley takes us through her evolution as a runner—from her days as a sprinter and hurdler at Lake Highlands High School, to discovering the meditative power of distance running around the lakes at LSU, all the way to becoming a marathon runner and community leader in Dallas.
But this conversation goes far beyond personal PRs. Netta opens up about the radical work Run It Up is doing to create space for Black and Brown runners in a sport that has historically lacked diversity. She shares the philosophy behind what she calls "the beautiful bait and switch"—attracting people with the energy and community, then watching them fall in love with running itself.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, this episode will remind you why running is about so much more than miles—it's about building community, creating opportunity, and transforming lives.
Connect with Run It Up Dallas on Instagram and join a movement that's changing the face of running in DFW.
In this refreshingly honest episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Madeleine Rouse, a runner whose story defies every typical running origin story you've ever heard.
Forget soccer. Madeleine's athletic background includes figure skating (where she admits she wasn't very good), horseback riding, swimming, and playing third-string field hockey while "running aimlessly up and down the field" to look busy. She never touched a soccer ball growing up and was "painfully uncoordinated in every area of my life."
Fast forward to adulthood, and Madeleine pulled off one of the most dramatic marathon progressions you'll hear: 3:25 to 3:19 to 2:50 in just three marathons. That's a 35-minute drop that she describes as her "magical season" - a breakthrough that seemed almost impossible.
But this isn't just another "I got really fast" story. Madeleine opens up about what comes after the breakthrough - the pressure, the expectations, and the reality of trying to maintain elite performance after having twins. She candidly discusses feeling like she's been "running into a brick wall," the temptation to retire after achieving her PR, and the slow process of rediscovering her motivation.
From choosing theater over track in middle school to training with "The Sloths" in Dallas, Madeleine's journey is equal parts inspiring and relatable. Whether you're chasing your first PR or struggling to recapture past glory, this conversation about resilience, self-compassion, and finding joy in running again will resonate deeply.
Tune in for an authentic discussion about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
In this episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Kendall Rose, a rising star in the Dallas running community who's quickly making her mark as both an elite marathoner and certified running coach.
Kendall shares her inspiring journey from a burned-out college athlete who barely ran during her time at Texas A&M to a sub-3:05 marathoner with her sights set on breaking 3 hours at the 2025 California International Marathon (CIM). Along the way, she opens up about:
Running Highlights:
Coaching & Community:
Race Strategy Insights: Kendall provides fascinating insights into her strategic approach to racing, including how she studied the CIM course, executed a nearly perfect race plan, and made a bold mid-race decision at mile 13 to test her sub-3 hour potential. She discusses the art and science of coaching, the importance of trial and error in racing, and why sometimes you need to blow up at a 5K to learn how to pace properly.
Whether you're chasing your first PR, looking for coaching insights, or trying to find your running community in Dallas, Kendall's story offers valuable lessons about smart training, strategic racing, and the power of showing up consistently—even when you're shy and don't know anyone yet.
Connect with Kendall Rose: https://www.runstrongwithkendall.com/
In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Dustin Darakhshan, a Richardson-based runner and coach whose transformation story is nothing short of remarkable. After a 20-year hiatus from competitive running, Dustin went from 235 pounds and unable to run a mile in February 2020 to running a 2:34 marathon at St. George just three years later.
Dustin opens up about his early running career in high school, his journey through college and young adulthood where fitness took a back seat, and the pivotal moment after his son's birth that sparked his return to running. He shares the emotional connection to his late father, a Boston Marathon finisher, and how honoring his memory drove him to chase—and ultimately achieve—his own Boston qualifying time.
Throughout the conversation, Dustin discusses:
This episode is perfect for anyone looking for motivation, whether you're just starting your running journey or chasing your next PR.
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.