Building a Running Community: Alfonzo Gonzalez and the Train Pegasus Journey
In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Alfonzo Gonzalez, the founder and coach of Train Pegasus, one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's most respected running groups.
Alfonzo's Running Journey
Alfonzo shares his humble beginnings in running, starting in 2009 when a coworker invited him to join a Luke's Locker social run. Despite struggling to complete the six-mile route, Alfonso persisted and gradually built his endurance. With a background in boxing, football, and tennis, Alfonso had some athletic foundation but found the transition to distance running challenging.
His first marathon (Dallas Marathon in 2009/2010) finished just under four hours, and Alfonzo candidly recalls sitting against a wall afterward, convinced it would be his last. However, encouragement from friends led him to continue, eventually transforming into an accomplished marathoner with a personal best of 2:42:40 at CIM (California International Marathon).
The Birth of Train Pegasus
Train Pegasus originated in 2019 when Alfonzo, who was already coaching individual runners, recognized the need for a group where his athletes could train together. What began as a small collection of runners has grown into a vibrant community that meets multiple times per week.
Alfonzo deliberately named the group "Train Pegasus" rather than using his own name because he wanted it to feel like a community rather than just his personal coaching business. The group has expanded through word-of-mouth and referrals, with no formal marketing required.
Coaching Philosophy
Alfonzo coaches approximately 75 active runners (and has coached over 200 total), from local Dallas runners to athletes in Canada and Mexico. His coaching philosophy centers on the "80/20 rule" - 80% easy running and 20% hard efforts. He emphasizes recovery and isn't afraid to run at slower paces (10:30-12:00 minute miles) during recovery days.
He works with runners of all levels, from those targeting one-mile improvements to ultramarathoners, and has even coached high school runners looking to break five minutes in the mile. Alfonzo takes pride in tailoring his approach to each athlete's needs and isn't afraid to refer runners to other coaches when he isn't the right fit.
Community Building
What stands out most about Alfonso's approach is his commitment to inclusivity. While Train Pegasus initially gained a reputation for fast runners, Alfonzo has deliberately created multiple weekly runs at various paces:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday runs are more social and relaxed (9:30-10:30 pace)
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday workouts are for "clocking in" (more serious training)
Alfonzo personally ensures that newcomers feel welcome, often sacrificing his own workout to run with someone new to make sure they don't get lost. The group has grown from 4-10 people on social run days to 30+ participants, with workout days sometimes drawing 30-40 runners or more when multiple running clubs join together.
Balancing Life and Running
Throughout the conversation, Alfonzo discusses how he balances his full-time career at AT&T (where he's worked for 20+ years as an account manager) with his coaching responsibilities, which he describes as "a full-time job as well." He mentions that someday he might consider coaching full-time to provide more one-on-one training sessions.
Marathon Accomplishments
Alfonzo has completed 33 marathons, including New York as part of his journey toward completing all six World Marathon Majors (with Berlin scheduled next and hopes for London and Tokyo in the future). He typically focuses on one serious marathon effort per year, with his consistent performance ranging from 2:43 to 2:45.
He also frequently serves as a pacer for both races and his own athletes, including an upcoming 3-hour pacing duty at California International Marathon (Cowtown), which he has paced for the past 4-5 years.
Advice for Coaches
Near the end of the interview, Alfonzo shares wisdom for aspiring running coaches, emphasizing that success doesn't happen overnight. He advises new coaches not to take it personally when runners move to different coaches, comparing it to business relationships that naturally evolve over time.
Throughout the conversation, Alfonzo's passion for the running community shines through, as does his genuine desire to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy the sport for the long term.
Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Detzel
As a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in building and nurturing thriving technical communities, driving data-driven strategies, and fostering executive engagement. Currently, I'm leading ZoomInfo's community-building efforts from the ground up, developing innovative programs to enhance user engagement and drive business growth.
Guest
Alfonzo Gonzalez
Alfonzo Gonzalez is the founder and head coach of Train Pegasus, a prominent running group in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Starting his running journey in 2009, Alfonso transformed from struggling to complete a six-mile run to becoming an accomplished marathoner with a personal best of 2:42:40. While maintaining a 20+ year career at AT&T, he coaches over 75 runners of all abilities, from beginners to Boston Qualifiers. Alfonso has completed 33 marathons, including New York Marathon as part of his quest to finish all six World Marathon Majors. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the "80/20 rule" with recovery as important as speed work. Known for his inclusivity and community-building, Alfonso has created a welcoming environment where runners of all paces feel supported, focusing on helping others achieve their goals while fostering a vibrant running community.