Back of the Pack Podcast

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.

Sometimes the smartest call is also the one that hurts the most. In this episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle opens up about pulling out of his first planned 50-mile ultra and the Marine Corps Marathon after a freak knee injury derailed training. We talk honestly about why stepping back can feel like failure even when it’s the right choice—touching on identity, sunk costs, community expectations, and that heavy mix of FOMO and grief runners know too well. We also break down how nagging pain and uncertain recovery magnify the mental load, and why “doing less” can actually be the bravest move for long-term health. Then we reframe: replacing shame with strategy, setting new goals that fit right now, and letting community support do what it does best. If you’ve ever DNS’d, DNF’d, or just felt crushed by circumstances, this one’s for you. Strength isn’t only found at the finish line—it’s found in the choice to live to run another day.

In the final week of our Stress Month series, we explore how stress disrupts the hormones, sleep, skin, and even the brain. Stress isn’t just mental—it shows up everywhere, from restless nights to breakouts to brain fog that follows you through the day. We break down how stress hormones like cortisol and testosterone get knocked off balance, slowing recovery, sapping energy, and even raising the risk of bone loss. We look at how stress robs runners of endurance and power while also leaving non-runners drained and sluggish. Add in sleepless nights, skin flare-ups, and mental fog, and stress proves to be a whole-body experience. To close the series, we share strategies for better sleep, balanced hormones, healthy skin, and mental clarity. Whether you’re chasing miles or just chasing peace of mind, this episode helps you recognize the physical toll of stress—and how to start reclaiming your health.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we welcome Dave Borchardt from the KC Sports Commission, race director for the Garmin Kansas City Marathon happening October 18, 2025. Dave gives us the inside scoop on what runners can expect this year, including the expo at historic Union Station and the race-day experience across Kansas City. We also zoom out beyond the marathon to talk about the city’s booming sports scene — from the rise of the KC Current to the excitement building for the FIFA World Cup games coming to Kansas City in 2026. It’s a conversation that celebrates running, community, and the way big events put KC on the global stage. Whether you’re gearing up for 26.2, running one of the shorter distances, or just proud to call Kansas City home, this episode will get you hyped for race day and beyond.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we shine a spotlight on one of the Midwest’s most beloved races — the Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kyle sits down with Chelsea, Linda, and Jared from Pink Gorilla Events, the team behind this iconic half marathon now entering its 12th year. We talk through the history of the Halfsy, what makes it such a unique and community-driven event, and the traditions that keep runners coming back year after year. The crew shares some fun behind-the-scenes stories, gives us a sneak peek at what’s new for 2025, and reminds us why race day in Lincoln is always something special. Whether you’ve run it before or it’s still on your bucket list, this episode has all the Halfsy energy you need to get excited for November 9th.

In Week 2 of our Stress Month series, we dive into how stress wreaks havoc on your lungs and stomach.Stress isn’t just in your head—it changes how you breathe and digest, and for runners, that can mean shorter breaths, harder workouts, and some very inconvenient pit stops. We break down the respiratory system, showing how shallow breathing, chest tightness, and even asthma flare-ups can make your runs (and your daily life) feel harder than they should.Then we move into the digestive system, where stress triggers nausea, IBS flare-ups, reflux, and appetite swings that throw off training fuel and everyday meals.Whether you’ve ever felt butterflies before a race or found yourself winded just walking up stairs on a stressful day, this episode unpacks how stress steals your breath and ties your stomach in knots.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we sit down with local runner, pacer, and race ambassador Katie A. to talk all things running and community. Katie shares her running beginnings, including her very first race at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon in 2019, and how the sport has shaped her journey ever since. We hear about her engagement to fellow runner and pack favorite, Kody, her memorable race weekend at Disneyland, and her upcoming trip to Berlin. Plus, Katie gives listeners her ambassador code KATIEKCM for the Garmin Kansas City Marathon on October 18, 2025, and we reveal how you can win a free entry into the race! Packed with personal stories, future goals, and a little marathon magic, this episode is all about celebrating milestones on and off the course.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kicked off our Stress Month series with a deep dive into how stress affects the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Stress isn’t just in your head—it hijacks your body, too.We break down how constant tension can make runners feel overtrained without the miles, why recovery slows when your nervous system won’t shut down, and how elevated heart rates can sabotage both training and daily life. From poor reaction time on the trails to pounding hearts during morning meetings, we show how stress hits everyone, not just athletes.If you’ve ever wondered why your easy runs feel hard, or why your heart pounds at the wrong times, this episode unpacks the physical toll stress takes on your head and heart.

It was a packed holiday weekend for the Back of the Pack crew! In this episode, Kyle recaps three very different Labor Day weekend races. First up: the debut of the Ottawa Half Marathon, a brand-new event from KC Running Company that steps in where the Lagerhead Half left off. Then it’s on to the Always & Furever 5K at Lexington Lake Park, a family-friendly event supporting a local dog rescue. Finally, we close out the long weekend at the Leawood Labor Day 5K, put on by the Leawood Rotary Club. Three races in three days, it’s safe to say the back of the pack didn’t take this holiday off!

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we close out our “March to 200” series with a celebration of the people who made it possible. After last week’s milestone episode packed with guest messages, we take a moment to give each contributor their flowers—acknowledging the support, encouragement, and fun they’ve brought to the show along the way. From fellow podcasters to Patreon supporters to long-time friends of the Pack, this episode is all about gratitude. It’s short, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the perfect bow to tie around our 200th celebration. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just joined us recently, this one’s for the community that keeps us running forward together.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we had a little bit of everything — racing, community, and even a run fueled by tacos. We kick things off with a breakdown of the Summer Sizzle 10K in Overland Park on a cool'ish August morning. Then we shift gears to celebrate the first official run of the Chasing Rabbits Run Club at Discourse Brewery, where our “no runner left behind” promise came to life. From there, we highlight one of the most bizarre listener-submitted races we’ve ever heard of: the Taco Bell Ultramarathon in Denver — equal parts hilarious and horrifying. And to wrap things up, we preview a packed weekend ahead with the Ottawa Half Marathon, Always & Furever 5K, and the Leawood Labor Day 5K. Whether you’re chasing PRs, chasing rabbits, or just chasing tacos, this episode has something for every runner at the back of the pack.

Two hundred episodes. Three years of stories, races, laughs, lessons, and community. This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate a milestone that belongs to every member of the pack. To mark episode 200, we opened the mic to the voices that have been with us along the way — fellow podcasters, Patreon supporters, friends of the show, and the runners who’ve become family. What started as one guy and a microphone has grown into something so much bigger: a community where every pace is welcome and no runner is ever left behind. This episode is a thank you, a reflection, and a celebration of what we’ve built together. Here’s to the next 200 miles, stories, and finish lines at the back of the pack.

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we recap a packed weekend of racing with two 10Ks back-to-back. First up: the Rexy Run in Lawrence, KS, celebrating its 10th year of supporting Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope and the families it serves. Then we hit the pavement again for the Hearts for Ronald McDonald House Charities 10K, another powerful community race with a meaningful cause. But both events had one major opponent — the weather. With real-feel temps pushing near 100 degrees, sky-high humidity, and dew points in the 70s, it wasn’t just a test of fitness — it was survival mode. We break down how extreme heat affects the body and the mind, and why struggling in those conditions doesn’t mean you’re a weak runner. If you laced up this weekend, you’re tougher than you think — because finishing in those conditions is an accomplishment all its own.