From 232 Pounds to 2:46 Marathon: Greg Rankin's Incredible Transformation
Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Greg Rankin, a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community whose journey proves it's never too late for a comeback. From earning a pink fourth-place ribbon in his first high school track meet to running a 2:46 marathon, Greg's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of community.
In this episode, Greg shares his three distinct "running careers" - from a college scholarship runner who walked away from the sport, to a Young Country radio team member getting back into racing, to becoming one of DFW's most respected marathon coaches. You'll hear about his dramatic transformation from 232 pounds and struggling to tie his shoes to qualifying for Boston, his harrowing experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and how he's helped dozens of runners achieve their goals.
Greg opens up about the role running played during his divorce, his decade-long Boston Marathon streak, and his transition from corporate IT to coaching elite marathoners. He also discusses the evolution of the DFW running scene, where sub-3-hour marathons have become increasingly common and the community continues to push each other to new heights.
Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or an experienced runner seeking insights from a seasoned coach, Greg's story offers valuable lessons about persistence, smart training, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right community.
Topics covered:
- Early running career and college scholarship
- Three major comebacks to the sport
- Boston Marathon bombing experience
- Coaching philosophy and approach
- The evolution of DFW's running community
- Training for sub-3-hour marathons
- Balancing family and running goals
Recorded live in Dallas, Texas
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
Greg Rankin
Greg Rankin is a respected marathon coach and longtime pillar of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community. With a personal best of 2:46 in the marathon, Greg has qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon 9 times out of 10 attempts, including surviving the 2013 bombing. After earning a cross country scholarship to Southwest Texas State (now Texas State), Greg experienced three distinct "running careers" - overcoming a divorce that saw his weight balloon to 232 pounds before staging a remarkable comeback that led to sub-3-hour marathons in multiple age groups. Currently coaching runners of all levels toward their marathon and half-marathon goals, Greg has helped dozens of athletes achieve personal bests and Boston qualifications. His coaching philosophy emphasizes smart training, community support, and the long-term development that comes from consistency and patience. When not coaching, Greg continues pursuing his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states (currently at 20+) and remains an active member of the White Rock Running Co-op. He's also coached at the high school and college levels, including a stint coaching his son's college cross country team. A former corporate IT professional, Greg now dedicates his time to helping others discover what's possible when you combine proper training with the support of a strong running community.