Building Community Through Kindness: The Plano Running Club Story with Shirley Barbaro
In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Shirley Barbaro, founder of Plano Running Club, to hear one of the most remarkable late-bloomer running stories you'll ever encounter. Shirley didn't run a single mile until 2010, and what started as a reluctant journey at Russell Creek Park in the freezing dark turned into something extraordinary—she won her age group and Boston qualified in her very first marathon just a year later.
But this episode isn't just about personal achievement. Shirley shares the heartwarming story of how she built Plano Running Club from 12 people in 2013 to over 5500 members today, all founded on the same kindness and community support that kept her going as a brand-new runner. From their signature early morning coffee runs to traveling across the country as mobile cheer squads, this club embodies what running community is all about.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or someone who's never laced up running shoes, Shirley's story proves it's never too late to start—and that the best reason to build a running club might just be selfishness (you'll have to listen to understand!).
Creators and Guests
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."
Guest
Shirley Barbaro
Shirley Barbaro is the founder of Plano Running Club and a proud "late bloomer" who proves it's never too late to discover your passion. She didn't run a single mile until 2010, when a casual visit to Luke's Locker turned into a life-changing journey. In her debut marathon at the 2011 Dallas White Rock Marathon, Shirley shocked herself by winning her age group and qualifying for Boston—a feat she accomplished while thinking "I'm never doing this again" as she ran through freezing rain. But Shirley's greatest accomplishment isn't her personal PRs—it's the vibrant community she's built. In 2013, she founded Plano Running Club with just 12 runners, driven by what she calls "selfish" motivation: she hated running alone. Today, the club has grown to over 400 members and is known throughout the DFW running community for its genuine warmth, early morning coffee runs, and commitment to celebrating every runner's milestones. Under Shirley's leadership, Plano Running Club has become more than just a place to log miles—it's a family that travels the country to cheer each other on, volunteers at local races, and embodies the same kindness that kept Shirley running after that first brutal training run at Russell Creek Park.