From 4:28 to 2:52: Traci Duty's 20-Year Marathon Journey

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."

Traci Duty - Runner Bio Traci Duty is a Dallas-based distance runner whose remarkable journey from recreational marathoner to elite-level athlete proves that breakthrough performances know no age limits. Over her 23-year running career, she has transformed from a 4:28 first-time marathoner to a 2:52 sub-3:00 runner, achieving her fastest times in her mid-40s. Athletic Background: Traci's running roots trace back to her high school track days in Midland, Texas, where she specialized in the 800m and mile relay, earning third place at regionals her senior year. After a brief hiatus from competitive running, she returned to the marathon distance in college and has been chasing personal bests ever since. Career Highlights: Personal Best Marathon: 2:52:XX (Houston Marathon 2023) Personal Best Half Marathon: 1:20:07 (Big Star Half Marathon 2022) Boston Marathon Qualifier multiple times, with a Boston PR of 2:57 Four-time Boston Marathon finisher (2012, 2015, 2021, 2023) Elite athlete status at Indianapolis Marathon and Cowtown Half Marathon Age Group achievements across multiple race distances Training Philosophy: Known for her methodical approach to training, Traci credits her success to three key elements: community-based training, comprehensive strength work, and dialed-in race nutrition. She found her greatest breakthroughs while training with Dallas's elite running groups, particularly the Sloths, where she developed the confidence to chase ambitious goals alongside athletes 10+ years younger. Personal Life: Married to Jay for 22 years, Traci is the proud mother of 11-year-old Nash, a talented drummer who has inherited his mother's dedication to his craft. When not running, she enjoys group fitness classes, particularly cardio dance, which serves as her cross-training. Current Focus: After achieving multiple personal bests through 2023, Traci is currently navigating a comeback from osteoarthritis in both knees. True to her determined nature, she's working with specialists to develop a comprehensive return-to-running plan, embodying the resilience that has defined her entire athletic journey. Traci's story continues to inspire runners of all ages, proving that with the right community, training approach, and mindset, your fastest days don't have to be behind you.