Back of the Pack Podcast

After a long layoff, Kyle laced ‘em up for a doubleheader weekend and brought back two fresh race reviews. First up: the second annual Nolan Davidson Champions Run 10K in KCK—solid organization, community heart, and plenty of course character to wake up the legs. Then it’s holiday cheer at the Jingle Bell Run 5K for the Arthritis Foundation, where costumes, cowbells, and a great cause turned miles into momentum. We talk start-line vibes, course flow, aid and finish experience, and the little moments that make local races worth showing up for. No time goals, just honest effort—and a reminder that racing with friends might be the best comeback plan of all. If you’re hunting for late-season events to circle next year, this episode puts two on the shortlist and spotlights a mission worth supporting.

We’re kicking off our December–January interview series with two familiar faces from the KC running scene: Kody & Katie. Newly engaged and endlessly energetic, they joined Kyle in studio for a wide-ranging, laugh-filled hour built around our ten signature questions. We talk origin stories, toughest days and biggest lessons, community, comeback moments, and the weird/wonderful things you only see on the run. It’s equal parts heart and hustle—two everyday runners sharing why this sport keeps pulling them back. You’ll hear about the people who shaped them, the moments that changed them, and the goals that keep them lacing up. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just need a nudge to get out the door, this conversation feels like a group run with friends. Settle in—this is runners talking running, the way it’s meant to be.

No races? No problem. Today Kyle flips the script and teaches you how to Spectate Like a Pro—the art of being a runner’s MVP on race day. From picking perfect cheer spots and timing your moves, to clutch sign ideas, smarter tracking, and the right words at the right mile, this episode turns sideline chaos into smooth, fun support. You’ll get real-world tips for hand-offs, finish-line aftercare, and capturing great photos without blocking the course. We cover group tactics, kid jobs, and the unspoken etiquette that keeps race day positive for everyone. Whether you’re crewing a PR attempt or cheering first-timers, you’ll walk away with a game plan that makes you the hero of someone’s big day.

For our Run the Reset finale, Kyle takes Second Wind on the road to Restore Hyper Wellness in Overland Park—and the vibe is all recovery, all optimism. We tour the studio, meet the team, and dig into how personalized, science-backed therapies can help runners recharge smarter through the winter. Kyle hops in the whole-body cryo chamber (hello, sub-zero!) and kicks back with compression therapy, sharing what it feels like and how these sessions can fit into a real runner’s week. From red light and infrared sauna to IV support and biomarker testing, we explore tools designed to boost recovery, consistency, and confidence. The staff’s energy is welcoming, the studio is spotless, and the menu of options makes “taking care of yourself” feel exciting—not like a chore. If you’re ready to rebuild after a long season (or you’re simply curious what a modern recovery studio is all about), this episode is your green light. Huge thanks to our friends at Restore Hyper Wellness – Overland Park for opening the doors and showing the Pack some next-level recovery love.

What happens when running—the thing that centers you, defines you, grounds you—gets ripped away? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Kyle opens up about the brutal reality of injury: two weeks sidelined, three races missed, and the anger that comes with watching your running crew cross finish lines without you. This isn't a "everything happens for a reason" pep talk. It's about the jealousy of scrolling through race photos, the guilt of letting your nutrition slip, the fear that you're losing everything you've worked for, and the mental warfare of wondering if you'll make it to Tokyo. If you've ever been injured, if you've ever felt like your body betrayed you at the worst possible time, or if you've ever had to sit on the sidelines while everyone else runs—this one's for you. No sugar coating. Just the truth about what injury actually feels like for runners who don't have time for setbacks but are facing them anyway.

This week we turn November’s Run the Reset lens toward something every runner needs when the temps drop: a workable winter routine. Kyle lays out simple, time-based templates that keep you consistent without chasing peak-season mileage, plus the “Rule of 3” anchors—one key run, one strength day, one easy session—to define a win even in chaotic weeks. We’ll talk Plan A/B/C thinking for outdoor, treadmill, or strength-only days so missed runs don’t snowball into lost momentum. You’ll get habit hacks (prep the night before, anchor pairing), boredom busters for the treadmill, and a quick safety checklist for dark, cold miles. We also cover strength moves that pay the biggest durability dividends and a dead-simple green-yellow-red system to know when to push or pull back. If winter usually knocks you off rhythm, this episode gives you a flexible blueprint to keep the streak alive—and your sanity intact.

This week isn’t a pity party—it’s a playbook. Kyle shares a candid knee update and then flips the script: how to stay a runner when you can’t log miles. We lay out a bench-time training plan (knee-friendly strength, core, and cardio), the recovery foundations that actually accelerate healing, and simple PT markers to track progress without obsessing over pace. You’ll get a quick checklist of smart questions to ask your surgeon or PT, plus practical ways to stay plugged into the running community even while sidelined. We wrap with a micro-goal scorecard to keep your head right and your comeback intentional. If you’re benched, burned out, or just between seasons—this episode hands you the roadmap.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we continue our Run the Reset series by taking on one of the hardest parts of recovery — the mental side. Kyle dives into the “post-race hangover” that so many runners feel once the medals are hung and the adrenaline fades. We talk about why it’s normal to lose motivation, how to quiet the negative voice in your head, and how to rediscover your why when running feels more like work than joy. From practical tools like journaling and unplugging from tracking apps, to learning to run just for fun again, this episode reminds us that resting the mind is every bit as important as resting the body. It’s not about giving up — it’s about remembering why you started.

We hit the road to Lincoln for the Good Life Halfsy and… let’s just say the weekend had range. From an expo with unexpected vibes to a race morning that felt like winter crashing the party, nothing went quite by the book—in the best “you had to be there” way. Kyle shares the little pre-start misadventure that nearly derailed his calm, the mid-race surprise that changed his game plan, and the finish-line moment that still made it all worth it. There’s talk of medals, community, and a frozen twist you won’t see coming. Plus, a quick peek at what’s next for The Pack (including a challenge weekend and a very intriguing themed race tip). Bundle up and press play.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off a brand-new November series called Run the Reset — and it all starts with the body. After months of racing, training, sweating, and chasing goals, it’s time to slow down and rebuild. Kyle dives into why rest isn’t weakness, how active recovery keeps you healthy, and the mindset shift that turns “taking time off” into an essential part of progress. We’ll talk about listening to your body, fueling for repair instead of performance, and how to find balance between motion and maintenance. If you’ve been pushing hard all year and need permission to hit pause, this episode gives you exactly that — with the reminder that rest isn’t quitting; it’s the comeback phase.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we go global! Kyle takes listeners on a tour of the Abbott World Marathon Majors — the legendary lineup of races that make up every runner’s dream circuit. From the streets of Boston to the bright lights of Tokyo, from the speed of Berlin to the energy of New York, we break down what makes each race iconic, how many runners they draw, and the fascinating stories behind them. We also talk about Abbott, the health company that sponsors the series, and TCS, the tech giant powering several of these races. Whether you’re chasing a Six-Star medal, dreaming of running your first Major, or just love hearing about big-time running culture, this episode celebrates the best finish lines in the world — and the everyday runners who make them magical.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Run if You Dare October series with a Halloween Special packed with spooky fun and runner-friendly frights! Kyle dives into some of the scariest running myths we’ve all heard — and busts them with a playful Halloween twist. We share eerie, funny, and downright bizarre running stories that could only happen in the dark, on the trails, or in the middle of a race. From the real “boogeymen” runners fear, to costume mishaps and the nightmare fuel of race-day porta-potties, this episode brings laughs, chills, and a whole lot of Halloween spirit. Whether you're running in costume, handing out candy, or hiding from zombies on a night jog, this one will get you in the spooky running mood. Happy Halloween, Pack — run safe out there… if you dare.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we get real about an emotion runners aren’t “supposed” to talk about: being mad at ourselves. We’re always told to “stay positive” and “don’t beat yourself up,” but sometimes frustration is the spark that finally pushes us to change. Kyle breaks down the difference between destructive self-talk and motivational anger — the kind that comes from self-respect, not self-hate. We talk about how to use that fire in a healthy way, how it can lead to better habits, and why being honest with yourself is sometimes the most powerful form of self-care. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror, at a race photo, or at your recent habits and thought, “I deserve better than this,” this episode will hit home. Anger isn’t the enemy — staying stuck is.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we take the Run if You Dare series into the night—literally—with an episode all about running after dark. From peaceful nighttime miles and cooler fall temperatures to the unique focus and freedom that comes with running under the stars, we explore why so many runners love lacing up after sunset. We also dive into the safety essentials every night runner should know, plus the science behind nighttime performance and how your body responds differently in the dark. Then we shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting night races in the U.S. and beyond—from the neon lights of the Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon to glow-run parties and eerie vampire-chase 5Ks. Whether you're a night-run veteran or someone who’s always been a little hesitant, this episode will help you embrace the dark with confidence, caution, and maybe a little thrill.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, it’s all about the biggest race weekend in Kansas City — the Garmin Kansas City Marathon! With more than 10,000 runners filling the streets, it was a celebration of endurance, community, and pure running joy. Kyle recaps an incredible couple of days, from setting up at the expo and meeting listeners to race-morning excitement and those powerful final-hour finishes that remind us why we love this sport. Whether you ran the full, the half, or cheered from the sidelines, this episode captures the electric energy that makes the KC Marathon the crown jewel of Midwest running. It was a big weekend for The Back of the Pack Podcast and the Chasing Rabbits Run Club — and a perfect way to open Season 4 with gratitude, grit, and celebration.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we close out Season 3 in style — and in stride — with our season finale! As we head into Garmin Kansas City Marathon weekend, Kyle reflects on the road that got us here: a season full of growth, great guests, and some unforgettable races. From mental health and community building to miles logged and lessons learned, we revisit the moments that defined this chapter of The Pack. Kyle also looks back on some of his most memorable races of the past season and takes a moment to thank the many voices who helped make Season 3 the best one yet — from guest hosts to podcast collaborators, race directors, and friends of the show. It’s a heartfelt, energetic send-off to a season full of running, learning, and community.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we’re getting into the holiday spirit early as we welcome representatives from the Arthritis Foundation — the organization behind the annual Jingle Bell Run 5K, happening December 7th, 2025! We learn about the Foundation’s mission to support those living with arthritis and how this festive race helps turn miles into meaningful impact. From jingling costumes to the joy of running for a cause, our guests share what makes this event so special, including how it connects the running community to a bigger purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a casual holiday jogger, this episode will inspire you to lace up, spread cheer, and make every step count toward a cure.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we’re diving headfirst into spooky season with our Creepy & Fun Fall Races edition. Think haunted halfs, costume 5Ks, zombie chases, and races that turn running into an experience you won’t forget. We’ll share fun stories, listener favorites, and a curated top-10 list of the most legendary Halloween-themed races across the U.S. and beyond. You’ll hear what makes each event special — whether it’s ghosts on the course, character runs, or eerie finish-line setups. We also talk about why these themed races bring a whole new type of joy to running, both on the streets and in everyday life. If you’ve ever dressed up to run or thought a 5K should have candy stations, this one’s for you — and it might just inspire your next fall race adventure.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we’re going the distance — literally — with a full slate of race recaps! Kyle dives into the Heartland 30K Series, covering the Plaza 10K, Woodstock 10K, and Boulevard 10K, sharing the highs, lows, and lessons learned from each stop along the way. Then, it’s on to new terrain with Kyle’s first-ever trail race, the Wilderness Trek 5K — a run that proves the dirt hits different. Finally, we close things out with the Martin City Wine Run 5K, where miles meet merlot in true Back of the Pack fashion. Plus, stick around for an important update on how to watch and listen to the podcast! It’s a jam-packed, fun-filled episode that celebrates the variety of running — from pavement to trails and everything in between.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off our brand-new October series, Run if You Dare. In Episode 1, we break down why fall is considered “PR season” for runners. From cooler temperatures to lower humidity and perfectly timed race schedules, autumn sets the stage for some of the fastest miles of the year. Kyle shares his own experiences with setting personal records during fall races, and we connect how conditions impact not just performance on race day but also motivation in everyday life. Plus, we run through a list of the top fall marathons and half marathons — from Chicago to New York — that inspire runners everywhere to lace up and chase big goals. Whether you’re going for a PR, enjoying the fall air on a family run, or just watching the big city races unfold, this episode is the perfect kickoff to spooky season.