DFW Running Talk

What does it take to run a 2:13 marathon, break four minutes in the mile, compete in two Olympic Marathon Trials, and set a treadmill half marathon world record? For Jarrett LeBlanc, the journey wasn't a straight line to success. In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Chris Detzel sits down with elite distance runner and coach Jarrett LeBlanc to explore his extraordinary running journey — from growing up in a small Louisiana town and becoming a college walk-on to competing at the highest levels of distance running. But the most interesting part of Jarrett's story isn't just his personal records. It's how he handled injuries, setbacks, disappointment, the decision to step away from running, and ultimately discovering a new purpose through coaching. In this conversation, we explore: Growing up in Hathaway, Louisiana, and discovering running The journey to a 2:13 marathon and sub-four-minute mile Competing in two Olympic Marathon Trials Setting a 1:02:50 treadmill half marathon world record Injuries, setbacks, and rediscovering the motivation to compete Why more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon training Balancing running, family, fatherhood, and recovery Building Levee Breakers and helping other runners succeed Jarrett shares lessons that runners of every ability can learn from: train consistently, respect recovery, embrace the difficult moments, and remember that success is about more than a finish time. Whether you're chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time, preparing for your first marathon, or simply trying to become a better runner, this conversation has something for you. About DFW Running Talk Every runner has a story. We share the people, experiences, training insights, and communities that make running special. Explore running resources, discover upcoming races, and build your free personalized training plan at: Website: https://dfwrunningtalk.com Find upcoming races: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races Subscribe to DFW Running Talk for more conversations with inspiring runners, coaches, and race directors.

What happens when you lose your corporate job during a pandemic, just as the running events you've spent years building come to a halt? For Angela Casavant, founder and race director of AMPT Running, that uncertainty ultimately became an opportunity to turn her passion for running into a full-time career. Angela joins Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk to share how a one-time charity 5K in 2017 eventually grew into a race production company organizing approximately 8–10 events a year. Along the way, Angela shares her personal running journey—from completing her first half marathon with little preparation to chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. She opens up about the emotional toll of training for three marathons in one year, the four-month break that followed, and why learning to enjoy running again mattered more than chasing another personal record. The conversation also goes behind the scenes of AMPT Running. Angela explains what it takes to organize successful 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, why race costs continue to rise, and how a community of approximately 65 ambassadors and dedicated volunteers helps bring each event to life. We discuss the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, the Hot Trot at White Rock Lake, giving back to first responders, and the community that makes running events possible. This episode is about more than running. It's about resilience, reinvention, following your passion, and building something meaningful with the people around you. Learn more about AMPT Running and upcoming races: https://www.amptrunning.com Explore running stories, free training plans and race guides: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/ 🏃 DFW Running Talk Exclusive: Save 20% on Race Day! We're teaming up with AMPT Running to bring you 20% OFF the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K! 📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026 📍 Irving, Texas — Toyota Music Factory Whether you're chasing a half marathon PR, tackling a 10K, or enjoying a 5K with friends, this is a great opportunity to get out and race! 🎟️ Use code DFWRT20 at registration to save 20%! 👉 Register here: https://www.amptrunning.com/toyota-half/ A big thank-you to Angela Casavant and AMPT Running for supporting the DFW Running Talk community!

What happens when you train harder than ever, run 100 miles a week, and still miss the race you were preparing for? In this episode of DFW Running Talk, we explore the journey from bodybuilding and basketball to competitive distance running—and the training mistakes that changed everything. From 100-mile training weeks and 20-mile long runs in the Texas heat to injuries, marathon pacing mistakes, and learning to work with a coach, this conversation is about discovering the difference between working hard and training intelligently. In this episode: Why more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon performance What happens when runners increase training volume too quickly How structured training can help runners recover from repeated setbacks The role of speed work, long runs, and recovery Why pacing and fueling can make or break a marathon How to set ambitious race goals without letting ego control your training What it really takes to become a stronger, more consistent runner With marathon performances around 2:43 and 2:39, and a goal of eventually breaking 2:30, this runner's story offers lessons for everyone from first-time marathoners to experienced competitors. The biggest takeaway: Consistency matters, but learning what your individual body needs matters just as much. Find free marathon, half marathon, and 5K training plans, running calculators, and race guides at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.

What happens when four running moms finally get to tell their side of the story? Their husbands run marathons, chase personal records, log 70–100 miles a week, and spend plenty of time talking about running. But behind every early-morning workout, long run, and race-day finish line, there's another story worth hearing. In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Chris Detzel sits down with four women who are runners, mothers, and wives of competitive marathoners. And they have plenty to say! From running shoes constantly arriving at the door and endless Strava conversations to taper-week anxiety and negotiating whose turn it is to run, the conversation gets funny quickly. But there's a serious side, too. What does it take to raise children, manage careers, support a spouse's demanding training schedule, and still find time to chase your own running goals? The women talk openly about the mental load of motherhood, the sacrifices that often go unnoticed, and the importance of communicating as a family. They also share their own running journeys, including breaking the two-hour half marathon barrier, chasing personal records, overcoming mental obstacles, and discovering the incredible friendships that running creates. This isn't just a conversation about being married to fast runners. It's about motherhood, marriage, ambition, community, and making sure your own goals don't get lost along the way. Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a Boston qualifying time, raising a family, or supporting someone who loves running, you'll find something to relate to in this conversation. Build your own running story. Free 5K, half marathon, and marathon training plans: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/training-plans Find your next race: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races Listen to more running stories: https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com Sponsor All Races apply: Saturday, October 17th, it's the Big Texas Run in Arlington. Grab two friends for the 15K relay. Use code BIGTEX7. Link: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/big-texas-run Then November 21st, the Pumpkin Spice Half in Fort Worth, with a pie for everybody at the after-party. Use code PS7. Link: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/pumpkin-spice-race

Barely able to walk after a car crash. Now chasing a sub-three-hour marathon. This is a story about rebuilding, finding community, and giving the next starting line everything you have. From living in a car in Los Angeles to a 3:25 Dallas Marathon debut, this journey has taken some unexpected turns—including accidentally running a half marathon and completing a 33-mile run from Dallas to Fort Worth. We explore the lessons from hitting the wall at mile 23, how running friends help build consistency, and what’s different heading into the Indianapolis Marathon. The conversation closes with the crash that forced everything to stop—and the gratitude that followed. CHAPTERS 00:00 The road to marathon number two 05:09 Living in a car and finding a new direction 10:05 Finding community through Dallas running clubs 15:11 A 3:25 marathon debut and lessons from the wall 24:23 Preparing for Indianapolis 26:15 A 33-mile Dallas-to-Fort Worth run 29:53 Chasing sub-three 31:05 The crash, recovery, and gratitude Find free training plans, races, and running resources: https://www.dfwrunningtalk.com Get the Monday DFW Running Email: https://dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Looking for a 5k, 1/2 marathon or full marathon training plan? https://dfwrunningtalk.com/training-plans Find most races in all of Texas: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races Follow DFW Running Talk and leave a rating if this story resonates with you.