First Marathon, Sub-3:10 Finish: How Ski Bum Kevin Hebert Shocked Everyone (Including Himself)
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.
Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Detzel
As a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in building and nurturing thriving communities both running and technical
Guest
Kevin Hebert
Kevin Hebert is a 46-year-old runner from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who has become one of the most inspiring transformation stories in the local running community. A former ski bum from Colorado who once avoided running at all costs, Kevin didn't start taking running seriously until 2023 when he committed to his first marathon training cycle. After years of casual running with Dallas Running Club—typically just twice a week—Kevin made a dramatic lifestyle change that included quitting caffeine and alcohol, hiring coach Greg Rankin, and building his weekly mileage from 35 to 70 miles. His dedication paid off spectacularly when he ran 3:08:58 in his marathon debut at the 2024 California International Marathon, easily qualifying for Boston. Kevin followed up his breakthrough performance with a second marathon at Eugene in 2025, where despite dealing with leg pain, he ran another Boston qualifier. When not chasing personal records, Kevin enjoys running with groups like White Rock Running Co-op and Pegasus City Running. He lives in the DFW area with his wife Brooke (also a runner) and their two children. His story proves that with the right mindset, coaching, and community support, remarkable athletic breakthroughs can happen at any age—even for former ski bums who used to hide in pickup trucks to avoid cross country practice.