From 'Running Sucks' to Running Ultras: Greg Sisengrath's Dirt-y Journey in DFW
Ever wonder how someone goes from thinking "running sucks" to voluntarily running 100 miles through the mountains? Meet Greg Sisengrath, the mastermind behind Team Dirt and Vert, who traded basketball shorts for ultra shorts and never looked back. In this episode, Greg shares how he went from barely running around the block (and his wife not believing him) to crushing Western States after a 7-year waiting game (talk about patient training!).
But this isn't just another "how I became an ultra runner" story. Greg spills the dirt on building DFW's trail running community, where post-run craft beers are just as important as mile splits. He breaks down why he thinks marathon training is harder than ultra training (yes, you read that right), and why he prefers mountains where you can "take breaks" during 35-hour races (we see what you did there, Greg).
From coaching newbies to veterans, dodging copperheads at Rowlett Creek (nature's interval training), to building a community that turns road runners into trail lovers, Greg shares how he's helping shape DFW's running scene. Whether you're a seasoned trail warrior or someone who still thinks running sucks, this episode proves that sometimes the best journeys start with just making it around the block - and maybe a post-run beer or two.
Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to sign up for ultra marathons, buy trail shoes, and join Tuesday night runs in Plano. Side effects may include an inexplicable desire to run up mountains and a new appreciation for snakes as training partners.
Here's Greg Sisengrath's contact information:
Social Media:
- Instagram: @ultraninjarunnr
- Facebook: Greg Sisengrath
Groups:
- Facebook Group: Team Dirt and Vert
Website:
- www.GregSisengrath.com (mentioned for race calendar)
For anyone interested in joining Team Dirt and Vert group runs:
- They post their weekly runs every Monday on their Facebook page
- Runs are free and open to anyone
- Locations typically include:
- Tuesday: Plano (Oak Point)
- Thursday: Plano (hill repeats)
- Friday: Rowlett Creek (ladies' group run)
- Sunday: Erwin Park ("Struggle Bus Sunday")
But this isn't just another "how I became an ultra runner" story. Greg spills the dirt on building DFW's trail running community, where post-run craft beers are just as important as mile splits. He breaks down why he thinks marathon training is harder than ultra training (yes, you read that right), and why he prefers mountains where you can "take breaks" during 35-hour races (we see what you did there, Greg).
From coaching newbies to veterans, dodging copperheads at Rowlett Creek (nature's interval training), to building a community that turns road runners into trail lovers, Greg shares how he's helping shape DFW's running scene. Whether you're a seasoned trail warrior or someone who still thinks running sucks, this episode proves that sometimes the best journeys start with just making it around the block - and maybe a post-run beer or two.
Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to sign up for ultra marathons, buy trail shoes, and join Tuesday night runs in Plano. Side effects may include an inexplicable desire to run up mountains and a new appreciation for snakes as training partners.
Here's Greg Sisengrath's contact information:
Social Media:
- Instagram: @ultraninjarunnr
- Facebook: Greg Sisengrath
Groups:
- Facebook Group: Team Dirt and Vert
Website:
- www.GregSisengrath.com (mentioned for race calendar)
For anyone interested in joining Team Dirt and Vert group runs:
- They post their weekly runs every Monday on their Facebook page
- Runs are free and open to anyone
- Locations typically include:
- Tuesday: Plano (Oak Point)
- Thursday: Plano (hill repeats)
- Friday: Rowlett Creek (ladies' group run)
- Sunday: Erwin Park ("Struggle Bus Sunday")
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
Greg Sisengrath
Husband and father of 3 girls. Trail runner extraordinaire, occasional cyclist, yogi, outdoor enthusiast and endurance coach.