Matt Campbell's Race Day Formula: Control, Flow, and Commitment
In this compelling follow-up episode, Matt Campbell returns to share his evolved approach to racing and the mindset shifts that have transformed his competitive strategy. From his dominant performance at the Velvet Hammer 5K to his ambitious sub-2:30 marathon goals, Matt breaks down how he's learned to race the competition rather than chase times.
Matt opens up about his tactical approach to the Velvet Hammer 5K, where he brought his Completely Sloth teammates and executed a perfectly planned race strategy—breaking the 5K into kilometers with specific mantras for each segment. He reveals how letting go of time fixation and focusing on execution has actually made him faster and more confident on race day.
Beyond racing tactics, Matt dives deep into the challenge of balancing elite-level training with family life and a demanding career. He discusses his "three pillars" philosophy—family, work, and running—and how he's learned to periodize his life while keeping family as the top priority. From skipping Boston Marathon to be present for his family to the reality of 5 AM training sessions, Matt shares honest insights about making sacrifices and finding sustainable balance.
The conversation also covers the often-overlooked importance of strength training for runners, injury prevention through experience, and the mental game that separates good runners from great ones. Matt candidly discusses his upcoming California International Marathon goal, his transition into speed season, and his growing role as both a coach and community builder in the DFW running scene.
Whether you're chasing PRs or simply trying to fit running into a busy life, Matt's perspective on racing smart, training purposefully, and maintaining balance offers valuable lessons for runners at every level.
Topics Covered:
- Race strategy and execution over time goals
- Balancing elite training with family and career
- The importance of strength training for runners
- Building and leading running communities
- Mental approaches to competition and goal-setting
- Upcoming race plans and sub-2:30 marathon goals
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
Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell: Physician, Runner, Coach Dr. Matt Campbell is a pediatric oncologist who discovered his passion for running later in life. After breaking his hip playing basketball in eighth grade, which ended his early running aspirations, Matt focused on swimming through high school before becoming sedentary during his medical training. Six years ago, following the birth of his second daughter, Matt decided to transform his health and fitness through running. Starting with a struggle to run two miles, he rapidly progressed to complete his first half marathon in 1:48, improving to 1:29 just months later. After moving to Dallas in 2020, Matt connected with the White Rock Running Co-op and eventually helped form "The Sloths," a community-focused running collective that balances serious training with a fun, supportive atmosphere. As his running improved dramatically, Matt progressed to marathon running, despite initially promising his wife he'd never attempt the distance. Today, Matt boasts a personal best marathon time of 2:30:59 and has completed Boston Marathon among his numerous racing achievements. His scientific background and passion for understanding the physiology of endurance training led him naturally into coaching, where he now guides other runners while continuing to pursue his own goal of breaking the 2:30 marathon barrier. Matt's philosophy centers on running as an activity that should "restore energy" to one's life, and he's committed to elevating the Dallas running scene by creating a community where runners inspire each other to reach increasingly ambitious goals.