Running, Community, and Mimosas: A Conversation with Julie Lanaux of White Rock Co-op
In this delightful episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel sits down with Julie Lanaux, one of the administrators of the White Rock Co-op running group, for a conversation that perfectly captures the beautiful balance between serious training and social enjoyment that makes the Dallas running community special.
Julie's journey into running began unexpectedly - she was actually a ballet dancer who thought running wasn't for her due to side stitches in high school (if only someone had told her those go away!). Her entry into running came through her father-in-law's Ironman race in Kona, which inspired her and her then-fiancé to attempt a five-mile turkey trot with zero training. Despite finishing so slowly the timing clock was turned off, Julie stuck with it, and that decision changed her life.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Julie discusses how White Rock Co-op differentiates itself from other running groups. Rather than just being about the miles, they've created what she calls a "running party" atmosphere. They deliberately choose post-run venues with long tables instead of individual seating to avoid the dreaded "high school cafeteria" effect where newcomers might feel awkward asking to join a table. The group celebrates accomplishments with mimosas and tacos after tough Saturday morning runs, proving you can train hard and still enjoy life.
What makes this episode particularly engaging is Julie's candid discussion about receiving two contrasting complaints in the same week - one person said the group was "too serious and fast," while another complained they "partied too much." Julie saw these opposing views as the perfect compliment, confirming they'd struck the right balance between dedicated training and social enjoyment.
The health benefits of running weave naturally throughout the conversation, but what stands out is how the social aspects actually enhance the fitness journey. As Julie explains, having friends waiting for you at 5:30 AM makes it much easier to get out of bed and log those miles. The group includes everyone from serious runners hitting impressive race times to casual joggers just enjoying the community, showing how running can be a path to both physical and social wellness.
One of the most charming moments comes when Julie describes their Christmas lights run, where it took an hour to cover just 2.5 miles because everyone was stopping to take photos and enjoy the spectacular decorations at "Electric Lizzy Land." The run ended, as many of their events do, with beers and conversation, perfectly exemplifying their philosophy that running doesn't have to be all business.
The episode masterfully illustrates how running can be both a serious athletic pursuit and a gateway to lasting friendships, proving that you can chase PRs (Personal Records) and still chase them with a mimosa afterward. It's a refreshing reminder that health and happiness often go hand in hand, especially when you find the right community to share the journey with.
Through Julie's stories and insights, listeners get a warm invitation into a world where fitness goals meet friendship, where hard work meets happy hour, and where everyone - regardless of pace - has a place at the (long) table. It's an episode that will make you want to lace up your running shoes and join the party... just maybe not during the Dallas summer heat!
Julie's journey into running began unexpectedly - she was actually a ballet dancer who thought running wasn't for her due to side stitches in high school (if only someone had told her those go away!). Her entry into running came through her father-in-law's Ironman race in Kona, which inspired her and her then-fiancé to attempt a five-mile turkey trot with zero training. Despite finishing so slowly the timing clock was turned off, Julie stuck with it, and that decision changed her life.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Julie discusses how White Rock Co-op differentiates itself from other running groups. Rather than just being about the miles, they've created what she calls a "running party" atmosphere. They deliberately choose post-run venues with long tables instead of individual seating to avoid the dreaded "high school cafeteria" effect where newcomers might feel awkward asking to join a table. The group celebrates accomplishments with mimosas and tacos after tough Saturday morning runs, proving you can train hard and still enjoy life.
What makes this episode particularly engaging is Julie's candid discussion about receiving two contrasting complaints in the same week - one person said the group was "too serious and fast," while another complained they "partied too much." Julie saw these opposing views as the perfect compliment, confirming they'd struck the right balance between dedicated training and social enjoyment.
The health benefits of running weave naturally throughout the conversation, but what stands out is how the social aspects actually enhance the fitness journey. As Julie explains, having friends waiting for you at 5:30 AM makes it much easier to get out of bed and log those miles. The group includes everyone from serious runners hitting impressive race times to casual joggers just enjoying the community, showing how running can be a path to both physical and social wellness.
One of the most charming moments comes when Julie describes their Christmas lights run, where it took an hour to cover just 2.5 miles because everyone was stopping to take photos and enjoy the spectacular decorations at "Electric Lizzy Land." The run ended, as many of their events do, with beers and conversation, perfectly exemplifying their philosophy that running doesn't have to be all business.
The episode masterfully illustrates how running can be both a serious athletic pursuit and a gateway to lasting friendships, proving that you can chase PRs (Personal Records) and still chase them with a mimosa afterward. It's a refreshing reminder that health and happiness often go hand in hand, especially when you find the right community to share the journey with.
Through Julie's stories and insights, listeners get a warm invitation into a world where fitness goals meet friendship, where hard work meets happy hour, and where everyone - regardless of pace - has a place at the (long) table. It's an episode that will make you want to lace up your running shoes and join the party... just maybe not during the Dallas summer heat!
Creators and Guests
Guest
Julie Lanaux
Julie Lanaux's journey into running defies the typical athlete's story. Before becoming a prominent figure in the Dallas running community, she was actually a dedicated ballet dancer, spending six nights a week with a ballet company - much to her sports-loving father's chagrin. Ironically, the daughter he wished would play softball would later become the one making headlines in the sports pages for her running achievements. Her transformation into a runner began in 2006 when she attended her father-in-law's Ironman race in Kona. Inspired by the energy of the event, she and her then-fiancé (now husband) Andre jumped straight into a five-mile Thanksgiving race with zero training - a decision that left her barely able to walk downstairs for days afterward. Despite this challenging start, Julie persevered, gradually progressing from local 5Ks to half marathons, and eventually to marathons, completing her first full marathon at the Dallas Marathon (then White Rock) in 2009. In 2011, Julie joined the White Rock Running Co-op, where she would later become one of its most influential administrators. Under her leadership, the group has become known for successfully balancing serious training with social enjoyment, famous for their post-run gatherings featuring everything from tacos to mimosas. Her approach to running community leadership is notably thoughtful - she even considers details like choosing venues with long tables to ensure newcomers feel welcome. Julie continues to set personal records (PRs) well into her running career, challenging the conventional wisdom about progression in the sport. While she's an accomplished runner who can complete a half marathon in the low 1:30s, her true passion lies in building community and helping others achieve their running goals. She's known for her approachability and her talent for making the sport accessible to runners of all levels. Beyond running, Julie has built deep friendships through the sport, traveling the world with fellow runners and turning what started as a fitness activity into a lifestyle that combines athletic achievement with social connection. Her story demonstrates how running can be both a serious athletic pursuit and a pathway to lasting friendships, showing that you can chase race goals while still enjoying life's celebrations along the way. Copy Retry