DFW Running Talk

David Slear shares the training, mileage, and racing decisions behind his 64-minute transformation.David traces his journey from Princeton lightweight rowing through triathlon and into competitive marathon running. We discuss the fueling mistake that destroyed his first Dallas Marathon, how the DFW running community gave him confidence to chase faster times, and what changed when he began running more than 100 miles per week.David also explains why he uses two-a-day runs, how he balances training with work and family, and why he races by effort instead of locking onto a specific pace. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier, building marathon mileage, or trying to break through a plateau, this conversation offers an honest look at what major improvement requires.CHAPTERS(00:00) Meet 2:23 marathoner David Slear(13:38) The 3:27 Dallas Marathon blowup(24:35) Finding the DFW running community(27:29) Winning his second marathon in 2:39(44:00) Building toward 110-mile training weeks(47:43) Running 2:28:41 at the Chicago Marathon(52:05) Breaking the rules at the Boston Marathon(1:01:23) Self-coaching, two-a-days, and staying healthyFollow DFW Running Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.Rate the show—it’s one of the biggest ways you can help new runners find us.Know a DFW runner we should interview? Send us your recommendation.DFW Running Talk—the stories behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s runners.dfwrunningtalk.com · YouTube · Instagram · Substack

Kai Michelle, founder of Sweaty and Steady Curvy Girl Run Club, joins DFW Running Talk to discuss beginner running, body confidence, marathon training, and building an inclusive women’s running community in Dallas.Kai shares how she went from completing casual 5Ks to training for the BMW Dallas Half Marathon, documenting her journey through the Curvy Girl Running Chronicles, and inspiring women who never considered themselves runners. That momentum eventually became Sweaty and Steady—a Dallas run club created for curvy women, slower runners, run-walkers, and anyone who has ever felt left behind.In this conversation, Kai explains why pace-inclusive run clubs matter, how running can support women through major life changes, and what it takes to create a safe and encouraging fitness community. She also talks about running with Strava during New York City Marathon weekend, preparing for her first full marathon, and celebrating every runner from the front of the pack to the final finisher.This episode is for beginner runners, back-of-the-pack runners, women interested in running, and anyone searching for running motivation or a supportive Dallas run club.Learn more at www.DFWRunningTalk.com.

Pete Johnson ran 1:05:11 in his first half marathon, averaging roughly five-minute-mile pace at the Houston Half Marathon. Now, the former University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas runner is preparing for his marathon debut at the California International Marathon, where he hopes to begin chasing the 2:16 Olympic Trials qualifying standard.In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Pete joins host Chris Detzel to share his complete running journey—from discovering cross country at Plano West to competing in NCAA track, cross country and the 3,000-meter steeplechase.Pete explains how an honest conversation with a college coach changed his mindset, pushed him to take training more seriously and helped him recognize his potential. He also discusses running 90–100-mile weeks, recording an 8:49 steeplechase, completing an 8K cross-country race in 23:39 and making the transition from collegiate racing to elite-level half-marathon and marathon training.The conversation covers: How Pete ran 1:05:11 in his half-marathon debut His Houston Half Marathon race strategy Training at the University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas The impact great coaches had on his development Steeplechase, cross-country and track racing High-mileage training and staying healthy Preparing for his first marathon at CIM His long-term Olympic Trials ambitions Balancing a physical therapy career with competitive running This episode is for runners interested in half-marathon training, marathon preparation, elite running, NCAA cross country, steeplechase, high-mileage training and the California International Marathon.Follow DFW Running Talk for conversations with runners, coaches, race directors and the people shaping the Dallas–Fort Worth running community. Website: www.dfwrunningtalk.com Newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @dfwrunningtalk