Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, who's revolutionizing how runners think about their sport. After signing up for 20 marathons and only finishing 3 due to constant injuries, Michael discovered there's more to running than chasing PRs and collecting race medals.

From his early days attempting untrained half marathons in Brooklyn to building a successful running travel company in Austin, Michael shares his journey of falling out of love with racing and into love with adventure. He explains why he believes the running community has become too focused on competition and how Rogue Expeditions offers an alternative—immersive cultural travel experiences for runners who want to explore the world's most beautiful trails without the pressure of race day.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why most running opportunities feel "too one-dimensional"
• The difference between running a city during a race vs. truly experiencing it
• How running travel compares to cycling tours and yoga retreats
• What it's like to run through Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Iceland's glaciers, and Italy's Dolomites
• Why the "stop racing, start exploring" philosophy resonates with so many runners
• How Rogue Expeditions creates adventures for all fitness levels with expert guides

Whether you're burned out on racing, curious about destination running, or simply love hearing about epic adventures, this conversation will challenge how you think about your running journey. Michael's passion for creating meaningful experiences over competitive achievements offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a runner.

What happens when a former ski bum who used to hide in pickup trucks to avoid running decides to chase a Boston qualifier in his very first marathon? You get one of the most inspiring transformation stories we've ever featured on DFW Running Talk.

Host Chris Detzel interviews Kevin Hebert, a 46-year-old who went from running just twice a week with Dallas Running Club to breaking 3:10 in his marathon debut. In this captivating conversation, Kevin shares his incredible journey from someone who "would never run a marathon" to crossing the finish line at California International Marathon in a stunning 3:08:58.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Kevin transformed from a casual half-marathoner to a sub-3:10 machine in just one training cycle
• The mindset shift that changed everything (hint: it involved quitting coffee and alcohol)
• Why he hired a coach for his first marathon and how it paid off
• The exact training approach that took him from 35 miles per week to 70 miles at peak
• His emotional finish line moment and immediate plans for marathon #2
• The power of running with experienced groups like White Rock Running Co-op

Whether you're a weekend warrior wondering what's possible or a seasoned runner looking for motivation, Kevin's story proves that with the right focus, coaching, and community, extraordinary breakthroughs can happen faster than you think.

This isn't just another running story – it's proof that sometimes the biggest transformations come from the most unexpected places.

In this captivating episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Duncan Cragg, the legendary store manager at Luke's Locker and a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community for over three decades.

Duncan's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, he discovered his passion for distance running in elementary school when he couldn't make the track team as a sprinter. This setback became the catalyst for an incredible journey that would take him from the high altitude training grounds of South Africa to SMU's track team as a steeplechase specialist.

What makes this episode special:

• An inspiring immigration story: How running became Duncan's pathway from South Africa to America, including his recruitment to SMU during the final year of apartheid
• Breaking barriers through sport: Duncan's powerful account of training with athletes across racial lines before it was legal, and how this integrated group elevated everyone's performance to world-class levels
• From competitor to community builder: Why Duncan stepped away from racing marathons to focus on the "mindful journey" of running and helping others discover their own relationship with the sport
• 30 years at Luke's Locker: Behind-the-scenes insights into the specialty running industry, shoe technology evolution, and how the Dallas running boom has transformed over the decades
• Revolutionary family running program: Duncan's innovative approach to bringing parents and kids together through his unique group at White Rock Lake's Norbuck Park

Key topics explored:

• The philosophy of distance running vs. sprint mentality
• How modern shoe technology (carbon plates, super shoes) is changing the sport - for better and worse
• The explosion of Dallas running culture and diverse running communities
• Creating inclusive spaces where families can exercise together
• The difference between performance-driven and journey-focused running

Duncan's perspective on running transcends times and technology. He advocates for "parkour-style" natural movement, mindful running without structured intervals, and staying connected to the pure joy of the sport. His family running group has become a safe haven for kids intimidated by traditional track teams and a bridge for parents wanting to share the running experience with their children.

Whether you're a seasoned runner curious about the evolution of the sport, a parent looking to get active with your kids, or someone interested in how running can build community across cultural and generational divides, this episode offers profound insights and inspiration.

Perfect for listeners who enjoy:

• Stories of athletic achievement and personal growth
• Immigration and cultural integration narratives
• Community building and youth development
• Running industry insights and shoe technology discussions
• Philosophy of sport and mindful movement

Don't miss Duncan's take on why he's never run past a half marathon, his thoughts on the "Labrador with a tennis ball" mentality of race-focused runners, and how a chance meeting in a South African running store led to a 30-year career helping Dallas runners find their perfect fit.