DFW Running Talk

In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Libby Jones, founder of The Active Joe and a pivotal figure in the Dallas-Fort Worth running community. With 18 years of experience in race directing and community building, Libby shares her remarkable journey from an untrained 5K runner to becoming a influential force in Texas trail running.Libby's story begins in 2005 with her first race, the St. Paddy's Dash, and evolves through her transformation into the president of the Dallas Running Club, where she grew membership from 1,000 to 4,000 members. She candidly discusses her progression from road races to ultramarathons, completing 38 marathons and ultras before a serious leg injury during the pandemic changed her path.As the founder of The Active Joe, Libby offers insight into creating some of Texas's most beloved racing events, including the New Year's Double and Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of race directing, from losing venues to building inclusive spaces for underrepresented communities in running.The conversation takes an exciting turn as Libby reveals her recent move to Montreal and hints at potential future expansion of The Active Joe into Quebec. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces in trail running for all communities, including women, LGBTQ+, and people of color.Listeners will appreciate Libby's honest discussion about the business and community aspects of race directing, volunteer management, and the evolution of trail running in DFW. Her passion for the sport and commitment to inclusivity shines through as she shares both personal stories and professional insights from nearly two decades in the running community.Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner, a race director, or someone interested in the development of running communities, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership, community building, and the future of trail running in Texas and beyond.

In this captivating episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Rob Goyen, a transformative figure in Texas trail running who revolutionized the sport through his company Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT). The conversation unfolds as an intimate journey through Goyen's remarkable evolution from a 350+ pound alcoholic to a pioneering race director who changed the landscape of trail running in Texas.Key Narrative Threads:1. Personal Transformation- Goyen's battle with alcoholism and journey to sobriety (12 years sober)- Discovery of running as a replacement for addiction- Accidental introduction to trail running through Houston's Memorial Loop2. Business Innovation- Creation of Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT) from informal group runs- Expansion from 2 to 17 races annually- Revolutionary marketing approaches including Facebook Live events and sign-up-a-thons- Strategic focus on social media and community building- Detailed insights into race economics and business operations3. Operational Excellence- Emphasis on volunteer management and appreciation- Development of ambassador programs- Strategic approach to race scaling and growth- Focus on consistent race experiences across events- Innovation in race technology and communication4. Personal Cost & Challenges- Impact of losing a runner at Brazos Bend- Mental health struggles and anxiety- Balance between business success and family life- Decision to step away from race directing- Transition to Ultra Signup role5. Industry Insights- Evolution of trail running community in Texas- Importance of business acumen in race directing- Role of volunteers in race success- Future of race technology and communication- Balance between growth and maintaining community feelThe episode provides both inspirational personal narrative and practical business insights, making it valuable for aspiring race directors, trail runners, and anyone interested in the intersection of business and outdoor sports. Goyen's candid discussion of both successes and struggles offers a rare glimpse into the realities of building and running a successful trail racing company while managing personal challenges and family obligations.This episode stands out for its raw honesty, practical business insights, and the compelling story of personal transformation through trail running. It serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspirational guide for those interested in the business side of trail running events.Duration: Approximately 50 minutesFormat: Interview/ConversationNotable Quote: "My job is to put really big races on that feel like really small races."

EPISODE OVERVIEW:In this enlightening conversation with Briston Rains, founder and CEO of Texas Outlaw Running, we dive deep into the remarkable journey of how a college freshman's bold vision transformed into one of Texas' most successful trail running organizations. At just 24 years old, Briston has defied conventional wisdom by building a thriving race management company that now operates 35+ events across Texas. His story begins in a college dorm room with just $300 to his name and unfolds into a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the trail running community.KEY DISCUSSION POINTS:HUMBLE BEGINNINGS• Started with Apache Running clothing line in high school• Conceived Texas Outlaw Running (originally Texas Devil Running) in a college economics class• Initial funding through creative micro-investments from dorm matesBUSINESS GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT• Evolution from controversial first race to professional race management• Strategic approach to race selection and locations• Innovative marketing strategies using limited resources• Development of multiple revenue streams: races, coaching, and merchandiseOPERATIONAL INSIGHTS• Building and maintaining a dedicated volunteer community• Creating exceptional race experiences through three key principles:  - Best aid stations  - Perfect course markings  - Most encouraging staff and volunteers• Expansion into road racing with the upcoming Gainesville MarathonPERSONAL JOURNEY• Balancing multiple roles: Race Director, CEO, Coach, Teacher, and new father• Near-quitting moment in 2023 before breakthrough success• Current training for Houston Marathon• Integration of faith and business principlesINDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE• Discussion of trail vs. road race dynamics• Strategic decisions behind race distances and locations• Insights into the future of Texas trail runningBUSINESS PHILOSOPHY• "One brick at a time" approach to building the business• Focus on simplicity and user experience• Commitment to reinvesting in the business• Emphasis on genuine connections with the running communityThe conversation provides valuable insights for:• Aspiring race directors• Entrepreneurs in the sports industry• Trail and road runners• Anyone interested in building a community-focused businessThis episode stands out for its raw honesty about the challenges of building a business in the running industry, while offering practical insights into successful race management and community building. Briston's story serves as both inspiration and practical guide for anyone looking to turn their passion into a successful business venture.Running Time: 53 minutes

Join DFW Running Talk host Chris Detzel for an in-depth conversation with Rachel Sanchez, an accomplished runner, police sergeant, and elite running coach whose journey spans from small-town Virginia to training athletes across multiple continents. In this comprehensive 54-minute episode, Rachel reveals her fascinating progression from high school cross country athlete at a single-A school to professional cyclist, and eventually to becoming a sub-2:45 marathoner who narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic trials.Rachel shares intimate details about her athletic evolution, beginning with her high school achievements including a 59-second 400m and competing in state-level cross country. She discusses her transition to professional cycling, including her experience racing for Lee's McRae College and several professional teams, before a pivotal career shift led her to Texas law enforcement. The episode explores how running re-entered her life through police academy training, where she had to rebuild her running foundation despite her cycling fitness.Key segments include:Professional Athletic Career:- Early running achievements in Virginia high school athletics- Transition to professional cycling and collegiate racing- Experience with professional cycling team dynamics and challenges- Return to running through law enforcement career requirementsRunning Achievements and Setbacks:- Detailed account of her 2:44 marathon PR at Houston Marathon- The emotional Olympic Trials qualifying attempt story- Comprehensive discussion of her insertional Achilles tendinopathy- In-depth explanation of her surgical journey and six-month recovery process- The importance of seeking multiple medical opinions for sports injuriesCoaching Philosophy and Experience:- Partnership with renowned coaches Sandy and Sage Kennedy- Transition from cycling coach to running coach- Detailed approach to athlete development and progression- Experience coaching runners across multiple continents- Emphasis on individualized training approaches- Integration of both running and life demands into training plansRunning Community Insights:- Discussion of DFW area running groups and communities- Importance of proper progression for new runners- Balance between competitive goals and long-term health- Real-world examples of athlete success stories- Integration of law enforcement work with running pursuitsTechnical Training Aspects:- Detailed discussion of training periodization- Importance of recovery in training cycles- Approach to helping runners return from injuries- Methods for building sustainable running habits- Tips for balancing high-level training with career demandsWhether you're a beginner runner looking to safely start your journey, an experienced athlete seeking to optimize your training, or someone interested in the intersection of law enforcement and competitive running, this episode provides comprehensive insights from someone who has succeeded at multiple levels of athletic achievement. Rachel's unique perspective as both a law enforcement professional and elite coach offers valuable lessons about balancing serious athletic pursuits with career demands.

Ever wonder how someone goes from thinking "running sucks" to voluntarily running 100 miles through the mountains? Meet Greg Sisengrath, the mastermind behind Team Dirt and Vert, who traded basketball shorts for ultra shorts and never looked back. In this episode, Greg shares how he went from barely running around the block (and his wife not believing him) to crushing Western States after a 7-year waiting game (talk about patient training!).But this isn't just another "how I became an ultra runner" story. Greg spills the dirt on building DFW's trail running community, where post-run craft beers are just as important as mile splits. He breaks down why he thinks marathon training is harder than ultra training (yes, you read that right), and why he prefers mountains where you can "take breaks" during 35-hour races (we see what you did there, Greg).From coaching newbies to veterans, dodging copperheads at Rowlett Creek (nature's interval training), to building a community that turns road runners into trail lovers, Greg shares how he's helping shape DFW's running scene. Whether you're a seasoned trail warrior or someone who still thinks running sucks, this episode proves that sometimes the best journeys start with just making it around the block - and maybe a post-run beer or two.Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to sign up for ultra marathons, buy trail shoes, and join Tuesday night runs in Plano. Side effects may include an inexplicable desire to run up mountains and a new appreciation for snakes as training partners.Here's Greg Sisengrath's contact information:Social Media:- Instagram: @ultraninjarunnr- Facebook: Greg Sisengrath Groups:- Facebook Group: Team Dirt and VertWebsite:- www.GregSisengrath.com (mentioned for race calendar)For anyone interested in joining Team Dirt and Vert group runs:- They post their weekly runs every Monday on their Facebook page- Runs are free and open to anyone- Locations typically include:  - Tuesday: Plano (Oak Point)  - Thursday: Plano (hill repeats)  - Friday: Rowlett Creek (ladies' group run)  - Sunday: Erwin Park ("Struggle Bus Sunday")

DFW Running Talk Episode Summary: Conversation with Javier TrillaEpisode OverviewThis inaugural episode of DFW Running Talk features host Chris Detzel interviewing Javier Trilla, a local runner and coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The conversation covers Javier's running journey, his coaching experiences, and insights into the local running scene.Key Topics DiscussedJavier's Running Background- Started running about 10 years ago- First race was the Plano Balloon Fest 5K in 2015- Quickly progressed to longer distances, including marathonsMotivation and Community- Importance of running groups and community in staying motivated- Discusses various local running groups in DFW areaTraining and Injuries- Talks about the importance of proper pacing in training- Shares personal experience with injuries, including a stress reactionCoaching- Began coaching about a year ago- Discusses approach to new clients and setting realistic expectationsRace Experiences- Favorite local races include DRC Half and YMCA Turkey Trot- Has run Boston Marathon multiple timesTraining Tips- Emphasizes the importance of easy runs and recovery- Discusses incorporating strength training into running routinesNutrition and Lifestyle- Shares insights on balancing running with social life- Favorite pre-race meal is pizzaGear and Technology- Uses various shoes for different types of runs- Prefers Garmin watches for runningFuture Goals- Still focused on chasing PRs- Interested in potentially running more international marathonsAdvice for New Runners- Recommends Couch to 5K program for beginners- Emphasizes patience and consistency in building up mileageClosing ThoughtsThe episode concludes with Javier sharing his contact information for coaching inquiries and Chris encouraging listeners to rate and review the podcast.Connect with JT:Website: https://jtendurance.comInstagram: @JTendurancetraining Email: JTendurancetraining@gmail.com 

DFW Running Talk, hosted by Chris Detzel, covers all aspects of running in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, featuring interviews with local experts, athletes, and enthusiasts of all experience levels.