153 Days, 153 Half Marathons: Pierce Showe's Treadmill World Record and Journey to Ultra Running Glory
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153 Days, 153 Half Marathons: Pierce Showe's Treadmill World Record and Journey to Ultra Running Glory

Pierce Showe is 24 years old and has already broken a world record, completed three 200-mile races in 90 days, and become the youngest person to finish the ultra marathon triple crown. But his journey started with struggling through a 5K in high school.
In this episode, Pierce shares the Navy SEAL mental strategy that kept him from quitting at mile 60 of his first 200-miler, the brutal moment on day 98 when a camera malfunction forced him to run a full marathon in one day, and why he believes consistency is harder than extreme distance.

We dive into his progression from first half marathon to 240-mile races, his approach to coaching athletes twice his age, the role of faith in his running journey, and his unconventional training philosophy that doesn't require 100-mile weeks.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or contemplating an ultra, Pierce's story proves that incremental progress and mental toughness can take you further than you ever imagined.

Guest: Pierce Showe - Ultra Marathon Runner, World Record Holder, Running Coach

Creators and Guests

Chris Detzel
Host
Chris Detzel
Chris Detzel is the passionate host and creator of "DFW Running Talk," the premier podcast dedicated to showcasing the vibrant running community across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since launching the show in October 2024, Chris has established himself as a central voice in North Texas running culture, conducting in-depth conversations with elite athletes, coaches, race directors, and inspiring everyday runners who define the region's diverse running scene. As both interviewer and active participant in the DFW running community, Chris brings an authentic perspective shaped by years of personal running experience. While he describes himself as primarily a half marathon runner rather than a marathoner - citing the extensive training commitment and unpredictability of marathon race day - his deep knowledge of running culture spans the full spectrum from 5Ks to ultramarathons. His preference for half marathons stems from their balance of challenge and accessibility, allowing him to race monthly without the intensive training demands of longer distances. Chris's connection to elite running runs through his family - his wife Lea Ivy is an accomplished marathoner who has completed the Boston Marathon 12 times consecutively, achieving a personal best of 3:14 at age 45. This personal connection to high-level competition, combined with his own running journey, gives Chris unique insight into both the elite and recreational sides of the sport. He often travels to Boston to support Lea's racing and has become part of the broader running community that gathers around major events like the Boston Marathon. Through DFW Running Talk, Chris has created more than just a podcast - he's built a platform that celebrates the depth and diversity of North Texas running talent. His interviews reveal the stories behind local legends, from sub-3:00 marathoners to innovative coaches, from race directors creating memorable experiences to everyday runners achieving extraordinary personal transformations. The show has featured conversations with accomplished athletes like Shantel Cloud (sub-3:00 marathoner), Travis Dowd (Dallas Marathon winner), and Mimi Smith (Olympic Trials competitor), alongside community builders and running industry professionals. What sets Chris apart as a host is his ability to connect with guests on multiple levels - as a fellow runner who understands training cycles and race strategy, as a community member invested in the local running scene, and as a skilled interviewer who draws out both technical insights and personal stories. His approach prioritizes authentic conversation over surface-level inspiration, resulting in episodes that offer genuine value to runners of all levels. Based in the Dallas area, Chris continues to grow DFW Running Talk's reach across multiple platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, while maintaining strong connections to local running organizations like Dallas Running Club and participating in the broader Texas running community. His work documents and celebrates a running culture that he believes is "way more badass than it has any right to be."
Pierce Showe
Guest
Pierce Showe
Pierce Showe is a 24-year-old ultra marathon runner and running coach based in Dallas, Texas. He holds the world record for running a half marathon every day for 153 consecutive days on a treadmill and is the youngest person to complete the 200-mile ultra marathon triple crown—finishing the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240 within 90 days. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Pierce completed his first 100-mile race at age 19 and has since become a leading voice in the Dallas running community. He founded Run With Christ, a Saturday morning run club on the Katy Trail, and coaches runners of all levels for marathons and ultra marathons. Pierce has competed in prestigious races including Leadville 100, Keys 100, and is training for the Houston Marathon with a goal time of 2:45. His coaching philosophy emphasizes progressive training, mental resilience, and sustainable consistency over extreme mileage. When not running or coaching, Pierce shares his journey on YouTube and Instagram, inspiring thousands to push beyond their perceived limits while integrating faith into his athletic pursuits.