Marathon Dad: How Jonathan Brower Finds Speed Between 3:50 AM Runs and Bedtime Stories
In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Jonathan Brower, a structural engineer and accomplished runner who's known for casually passing other racers while pushing a stroller. The conversation begins with Chris recounting how Jonathan once passed him during a 5K at White Rock while pushing his baby in a stroller and discussing the Stars game.
Jonathan shares his unique running journey, which began not as a passion but as training for tennis. After getting burned out on tennis during grad school in 2012, he discovered running as a standalone activity and quickly found success, running his first marathon in Chicago with an impressive 3:06 despite minimal structured training.
The conversation traces Jonathan's growth as a runner: joining Dallas Running Club, running New York Marathon, and eventually achieving a breakthrough 2:58 in Portland after following a more structured training approach. His running adventures include a rainy Boston Marathon experience where he laughed at the absurdity of the terrible conditions, and a triumphant return to New York in 2023 where he PR'd with a 2:57 despite balancing training with raising two young children.
Jonathan discusses his data-driven coaching philosophy and how becoming a parent transformed his approach to training - emphasizing consistency over perfection and the importance of "getting comfortable being uncomfortable." The episode concludes with Jonathan's involvement in the Form Follows Fitness 5K, which perfectly combines his love of architecture and running, and his role in encouraging colleagues to participate in the event.
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
Jonathan Brower
Jonathan Brower: Quick Bio Jonathan Brower is a structural engineer and accomplished runner based in Dallas, Texas. Starting his running journey in 2012 after transitioning from competitive tennis, he quickly demonstrated natural talent by running a 3:06 in his first marathon in Chicago. Brower has completed notable marathons including New York (multiple times), Boston, Portland, and Chicago, with a personal best of 2:57. He's known locally for casually passing other runners while pushing his children in a stroller during races. Beyond his personal achievements, Brower serves as a running coach, using a data-driven approach that has helped several runners achieve significant PRs. He's actively involved with the Dallas Running Club and serves on the board of the Architecture and Design Foundation, helping organize the Form Follows Fitness 5K that combines his professional passion for structural engineering with his love of running. As a father of two young sons (born in 2020 and 2022), Brower has adapted his training approach, sometimes starting runs at 3:50 AM to balance family responsibilities with his continued pursuit of running excellence.