Ray Nicholas: Building Running Community in North Dallas

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."

Ray Nicholas - Runner, Community Builder, and RTC Founder Ray Nicholas is a passionate distance runner and the founder of RTC (Ray's Track Club), one of North Dallas's premier training groups that has helped dozens of runners achieve breakthrough performances and Boston qualifying times. Athletic Background: Ray's running journey began in high school in Orange County, California, where he evolved from a casual cross country participant to a standout athlete. After initially joining the team to support a friend, Ray discovered his talent for distance running and made the difficult decision to leave basketball - his first love - to focus entirely on running. His dedication paid off as he achieved remarkable times including a 15:32 5K and 4:18 mile, helping his team reach third place at the California state championships. Ray also holds a California high school record as part of the 4x1 mile relay team. The Comeback Story: Following a successful high school career and two years of collegiate running, Ray stepped away from the sport for 15 years, during which he explored basketball leagues, Olympic-style weightlifting, and other athletic pursuits. His return to running began serendipitously when a military veteran friend asked him to help train for a half marathon. What started as casual coaching quickly reignited Ray's own competitive fire. Marathon Excellence: Ray's marathon progression is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with a 3:42 debut at the Dallas Marathon in 2014, he systematically improved through dedicated training and strategic race selection. His breakthrough came at the 2019 Houston Marathon, where he ran 2:48 - a stunning 15-minute personal record that he attributes to his best training block ever, surrounded by elite DFW athletes including Melanie Lawson, Jennifer Pope, and Brett Whittle. Community Impact: Recognizing the lack of competitive training options in North Dallas, Ray co-founded RTC (Ray's Track Club) with fellow runner Melanie Lawson. What began as informal track sessions has grown into a 60-member organization that consistently produces Boston qualifiers and sub-3-hour marathoners. The club's success reflects Ray's philosophy that surrounding yourself with faster, dedicated athletes elevates everyone's performance. Current Goals: Now in his early 40s, Ray continues to chase ambitious goals while balancing his running with family commitments - he and his wife Laura actively volunteer with their local high school's award-winning marching band program. His next marathon target is 2:43, as he aims to maximize his remaining years of peak competitive running. Ray's story exemplifies the power of community, consistent training, and never giving up on your dreams - proving that remarkable breakthroughs are possible at any stage of life.