Creators and Guests

Chris is the podcast host and has been running for 13+ years consistently.

Founder @TexasOutlawRunning, Texas Outlaw Rides, Holiday Races

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in helping busy people make meaningful changes, even when feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety—like racing thoughts or panic attacks—or healing from trauma, I offer practical, evidence-based support. As an EMDR-trained clinician, I help clients process distressing memories and build resilience. My approach blends attentive listening with proven techniques, guiding you to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll focus on creating measurable improvements and fostering a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Dr. Jose Lopez is a licensed professional counselor and accomplished runner who has contributed significantly to both the running and mental health communities in DFW. His unique perspective as both a mental health professional and competitive runner offers valuable insights into the intersection of athletics and mental wellness.

Husband and father of 3 girls. Trail runner extraordinaire, occasional cyclist, yogi, outdoor enthusiast and endurance coach.

Javier is a South Florida native residing in the Dallas area, near beautiful White Rock Lake. Enticed by beer at the end of a 5K finish line, he started running about ten years ago and was running marathons just about a year later. Primarily self coached over his running career, Javier whittled his marathon time from 3 hours and 43 minutes to his most recent personal best of 2 hours and 50 minutes at the 2023 Boston Marathon. Javier is extremely active in the Dallas running community, and an admin of the White Rock Running Co-op - a grassroots running community that can be found looping around White Rock Lake day in and day out. ​ Javier's current PR's: Marathon: 2:50:56 - Boston '23 Half Marathon: 1:21:40 - Houston '24 10K: 36:53 - Irving '24 5K: 17:20 - Form Follows Fitness '20

From graduating undergrad at Wake Forest University in 2019 to moving to Dallas in 2022, I moved a total of eight times because of school/clinical rotations. It's lonely, constantly uprooting, and this was also the case moving to Dallas as I didn't know a soul in the city. I went to a local running store and asked about local running teams, desperate to meet people right away. I found a group of runners who adopted me immediately, even convincing me to sign up for Boston 2023 the first week I started running with them. What I like about this group is we are all very passionate about running, but we are also all very passionate about our professional careers. It was the perfect mix for me as I was completing a physical therapy residency. If it wasn't for having a network of runners who taught me the importance of consistency, teamwork and community, I would not even imagine running in the 2024 Trials.

Rachael lives and works in north Texas and comes to Higher Running after being an independent coach for two years. During those two years, she took and passed the Revo2Lution Running Certification in 2019. Rachael is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and has passed the NASM Certified Nutrition Course (CNC) exam. Since then, she has coached a handful of area runners while continuing to pursue her running goals: The Marathon Olympic Trials Qualifier and a 75-minute half marathon. Rachael’s athletic performances and coaching started with professional road cycling. She was fortunate to travel the country racing and learning how to be an effective coach to a wide range of people. Her focus transitioned from road cyclist to running when she moved from Virginia to Texas in 2012. Along the way of pursuing her running goals, members of local running clubs inquired about hiring her as a coach. It was an easy yes and has served her well to fine tune her coaching style. Her athletes have had continued success and happiness while picking new goals when original ones have been accomplished. Rachael continues to be a steadfast student of running and is pursuing more certifications and educating herself to provide the best possible service to runners.

Rob is the founder of Trail Racing Over Texas. He is not spending more time with his family and works at Ultrasignup.

Shantel Cloud is an accomplished marathon runner and mother of three from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who recently broke the three-hour marathon barrier with a stunning 2:58 finish at CIM. Her running journey began in the trails of Albuquerque as a way to bond with her father, though it would take years and personal loss before she discovered her true potential in the sport. After having her first daughter in 2016 and twins shortly after, Cloud defied conventional wisdom by getting faster, not slower, after motherhood. She credits her success to the mental toughness gained from raising three young children, along with the guidance of her former high school acquaintance turned coach, and the support of a professional nutritionist. Cloud's recent achievements include winning the 2024 Cowtown Marathon and qualifying multiple times for the Boston Marathon. Beyond her personal accomplishments, she hopes her journey inspires her children to pursue their own dreams with the same determination she brings to every race

Wendi Irlbeck is a registered dietitian nutritionist, Christ-follower, fitness coach, thought leader, writer, speaker, dietetic preceptor, mentor, and entrepreneur who earned her M.S. in Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Wendi provides services virtually via telehealth and on-site. Wendi is based in Dallas, Texas.