2:51 Marathon and 2 Kids: Melanie Lassen's Speedy Motherhood Adventure

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."

Melanie Lassen: Elite Runner & Mother of Two Melanie Lassen is an accomplished long-distance runner with over 20 years of competitive running experience. Originally from Tennessee, she began her running career in middle school, continuing through high school and into college where she competed at the Division I level for UNC Asheville. Throughout her impressive running career, Melanie has completed eight marathons with remarkable times, including a personal best of 2:51 at the 2023 Boston Marathon. She's a multiple marathon winner, having won the Nashville Marathon twice (2015 and 2016) and has maintained elite-level performances while navigating the demands of work and family life. Currently residing in Wiley, Texas with her husband (who works in medicine) and their two young children, Melanie exemplifies the dedication required to balance competitive athletics with motherhood. Despite the challenges of training around her husband's demanding schedule and caring for her children (including a 9-month-old who has never slept through the night), she continues to pursue ambitious running goals, including breaking 2:50 in the marathon and 1:20 in the half marathon. Known for her resilience and adaptability, Melanie's running journey has included dramatic race experiences, including a last-minute pivot to qualify for Boston when her original race was canceled due to weather. She trains primarily with the Completely Sloth running group when her schedule allows and is a respected member of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community, inspiring other mother-runners with her ability to maintain elite performance through different seasons of life.