From Little Mexico to NCAA: Dr. Jose Lopez's Running Journey
In this inspiring episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Dr. Jose Lopez, who shares his remarkable journey from immigrant child to accomplished runner and mental health professional. The episode dives deep into Dr. Lopez's early years after arriving in Dallas's Little Mexico neighborhood (now Uptown) with his family, where his natural inclination toward movement and physical activity first emerged.
Dr. Lopez candidly discusses his experience as a hyperactive child who found solace in movement, particularly during recess and PE classes. He describes his transition through different Dallas neighborhoods, from Little Mexico to Pleasant Grove, where street sports with neighborhood kids became his first introduction to organized physical activity. Without access to formal youth sports programs, these informal games became his training ground.
The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Dr. Lopez shares how he discovered running in middle school and high school. He details the influential roles of two key mentors: Coach Estelle, who recognized his raw talent and encouraged him despite starting as the slowest runner on the team, and Coach Bert Williams, who introduced him to structured training and the possibility of collegiate running.
A particularly poignant aspect of the episode is Dr. Lopez's discussion of running as both an outlet for his struggles and a path to opportunity. He speaks openly about running with "rage" as a young immigrant athlete, competing against more privileged schools, and how this emotional fuel, while effective, wasn't necessarily healthy. As a licensed professional counselor today, he importantly distinguishes between running as a coping mechanism and the necessity of proper mental health care.
The episode concludes with the beginning of his post-collegiate running journey, specifically his first marathon experience in San Antonio, where his college racing experience met the harsh reality of marathon distance - a story that leaves listeners eager for part two.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Lopez weaves in valuable insights about immigrant experiences in sports, the importance of mentorship, and the intersection of mental health and athletics. His story particularly highlights the untapped potential in many immigrant communities and the impact of accessible sports programs.
The episode serves as both an inspiring personal narrative and a thoughtful commentary on broader themes of immigration, education, athletics, and mental health in the running community. It's particularly relevant for runners, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of sport.
Dr. Lopez candidly discusses his experience as a hyperactive child who found solace in movement, particularly during recess and PE classes. He describes his transition through different Dallas neighborhoods, from Little Mexico to Pleasant Grove, where street sports with neighborhood kids became his first introduction to organized physical activity. Without access to formal youth sports programs, these informal games became his training ground.
The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Dr. Lopez shares how he discovered running in middle school and high school. He details the influential roles of two key mentors: Coach Estelle, who recognized his raw talent and encouraged him despite starting as the slowest runner on the team, and Coach Bert Williams, who introduced him to structured training and the possibility of collegiate running.
A particularly poignant aspect of the episode is Dr. Lopez's discussion of running as both an outlet for his struggles and a path to opportunity. He speaks openly about running with "rage" as a young immigrant athlete, competing against more privileged schools, and how this emotional fuel, while effective, wasn't necessarily healthy. As a licensed professional counselor today, he importantly distinguishes between running as a coping mechanism and the necessity of proper mental health care.
The episode concludes with the beginning of his post-collegiate running journey, specifically his first marathon experience in San Antonio, where his college racing experience met the harsh reality of marathon distance - a story that leaves listeners eager for part two.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Lopez weaves in valuable insights about immigrant experiences in sports, the importance of mentorship, and the intersection of mental health and athletics. His story particularly highlights the untapped potential in many immigrant communities and the impact of accessible sports programs.
The episode serves as both an inspiring personal narrative and a thoughtful commentary on broader themes of immigration, education, athletics, and mental health in the running community. It's particularly relevant for runners, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of sport.
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
Dr. Jose Lopez
Dr. Jose Lopez is a licensed professional counselor and accomplished runner who has contributed significantly to both the running and mental health communities in DFW. His unique perspective as both a mental health professional and competitive runner offers valuable insights into the intersection of athletics and mental wellness.