Zero to Boston in 8 Months: The Insane Running Journey of Dr. Matt Campbell
In this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Dr. Matt Campbell, a pediatric oncologist who transformed from an out-of-shape medical fellow to a sub-2:31 marathoner and running coach. Matt shares his remarkable journey from struggling to run two miles to qualifying for Boston Marathon in his second race ever.
The conversation explores how Matt found his running community with the "Sloths" - a semi-formal running collective in Dallas that balances serious training with a fun, supportive atmosphere. Matt candidly discusses his marathon experiences, including a humbling Boston debut, his coaching philosophy, and his current goal of breaking the 2:30 barrier.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is Matt's authentic perspective on running as something that should "restore energy" to your life, his insights on the mental game of marathon racing, and his vision for elevating Dallas's running scene by creating a community where runners inspire each other to reach new heights. Both recreational runners and serious marathoners will find valuable takeaways from Matt's thoughtful approach to training, racing, and building running communities.
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.