Creators and Guests

As a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in building and nurturing thriving technical communities, driving data-driven strategies, and fostering executive engagement. Currently, I'm leading ZoomInfo's community-building efforts from the ground up, developing innovative programs to enhance user engagement and drive business growth.

Aaron Pearson is an accomplished marathoner from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a valued member of the elite running group "The Sloths." Preparing for his third Boston Marathon, Aaron qualified with a strong 2:40 performance at the 2023 Chicago Marathon and is targeting an ambitious sub-2:35 finish in Boston. Despite being relatively new to competitive distance running—having previously focused on football and basketball—Aaron has quickly established himself as a formidable marathon competitor. With a training philosophy that emphasizes quality over quantity, Aaron incorporates three weekly strength training sessions alongside his running regimen, drawing from his athletic background. Though he maintains a lower weekly mileage (around 70 miles) compared to some of his training partners, he compensates with higher-intensity workouts and strategic long runs. A dedicated family man with two children, Aaron balances his athletic pursuits with his professional and family responsibilities. His approach to running is characterized by his enjoyment of the process and appreciation for the running community. As he puts it, "These are the good old days. We just don't realize it." Beyond his athletic achievements, Aaron has expressed interest in documenting his running journey through vlogging and photography, capturing the memorable moments with his training partners for years to come.

Alfonzo Gonzalez is the founder and head coach of Train Pegasus, a prominent running group in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Starting his running journey in 2009, Alfonso transformed from struggling to complete a six-mile run to becoming an accomplished marathoner with a personal best of 2:42:40. While maintaining a 20+ year career at AT&T, he coaches over 75 runners of all abilities, from beginners to Boston Qualifiers. Alfonso has completed 33 marathons, including New York Marathon as part of his quest to finish all six World Marathon Majors. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the "80/20 rule" with recovery as important as speed work. Known for his inclusivity and community-building, Alfonso has created a welcoming environment where runners of all paces feel supported, focusing on helping others achieve their goals while fostering a vibrant running community.

# Background of Andy Wang Andy Wang is the Executive Race Director of the Fort Worth Marathon, bringing a wealth of running experience and community involvement to the role. His journey in the running world began around 2007 when he joined friends training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, initially focusing on triathlons before transitioning more toward running. With nearly 15 years of involvement with the Fort Worth Marathon organization, Andy stepped into the race director position in 2023 after years of volunteering and supporting the event in various capacities. His dedication to the running community extends beyond this single event - he also directs the Hell's Half Acre Marathon and Half Marathon, a unique night race in Trinity Park, as well as the Pi Day 5K. Andy's personal running accomplishments are impressive. At the time of the podcast recording, he was on day 975 of a consecutive running streak, averaging an extraordinary 10 miles per day and logging over 3,650 miles annually for the past four years. He's also an accomplished marathon runner who has completed four of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, with Tokyo and New York scheduled to complete his collection. Beyond his own running achievements, Andy is dedicated to supporting other runners as a regular pacer for approximately 15 races annually with Beast Pacing. His approach to running and race organization focuses on building community and creating positive experiences for participants of all levels. # About The Fort Worth Marathon The Fort Worth Marathon is a premier running event offering Half, Full, and 20 Mile distances! Participants enjoy numerous benefits including: - Supportive pace groups for achieving time goals - Free comprehensive training plans - Custom-designed finisher medals - Personalized race bibs - The region's best post-race celebration featuring delicious food, craft beer, live music, and prize drawings Under Andy Wang's leadership, the event has expanded to a two-day format, with 5K and 10K races added to the weekend lineup, creating more opportunities for runners of all abilities to participate in this celebrated community event.

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.

Canadian Long Distance Runner of over 30 years with multiple Guinness World Records. Business Owner: Coach (Hardloop Endurance) and Race Director (Trail Racing Over Texas). Competitive endurance athlete from one mile to ultramarathon, mountain, trail, road, track, XC, Canadian National 50k Record Holder (2:51), Marathoner (2:19), Elite Pacer (paced Sara Hall and Keira D'Amato for 2 of 4 Fastest American Women's Marathon Times). Canadian Mountain/Ultra/Trail National Team at 6 World Championship, Guinness World Record Holder - Fastest Marathon with a Stroller (2:31), Fastest Half Marathon with Stroller (1:11), and Fastest 10k with Stroller (31:43). Brand & Product Ambassador. Social Media & Marketing. Brand & Product media production and talent: video and stills. Product testing and development. Race consultant. Coach (NCCP Level 1 Sport Coach, RRCA, USATF) youth-to-elite. Motivational and Educational Speaker. Professional 15+ years experience in oilfield: drilling and completions operations at the wellsite, operations technical management, logistics, real-time data, acoustic telemetry method for measurement while drilling and completions with along-string measurements, software product owner, QHSE officer. Volunteer experience in fundraising, youth athletics, and non-profit board and participation including Search and Rescue

Carlos Para is a dentist and competitive runner from Spain who now resides in Dallas, Texas. Originally a field hockey player in Spain, Carlos only began running seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, though he had casually participated in a few races prior. His running journey showcases remarkable progression. Carlos qualified for the Boston Marathon in his first-ever marathon attempt, finishing with an impressive time of 2:55. He went on to complete seven marathons in 2022 alone, with his personal best time of 2:37 achieved at the St. George Marathon in Utah. Carlos holds a specialty in periodontics and dental implants, having completed his dental education in Spain before moving to Boston for his residency. Since 2015, he has been living in Dallas where he teaches at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Beyond road marathons, Carlos has expanded into ultratrail running, participating in prestigious UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) series events including a 110K race in the Pyrenees with 21,000 feet of elevation gain. He regularly creates personal training camps in mountainous regions like Colorado, Utah, and Flagstaff to prepare for these challenges, as Dallas lacks significant elevation. Carlos combines his passion for running with travel, making it a point to run in every new place he visits. He meticulously plans his racing calendar around key goals: typically Boston Marathon in the spring and an ultratrail race in the summer, while still finding time for competitive 5Ks (his PR is 16:59) and half marathons (PR of 1:16:34).

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.

Dr. Mani Alavi is a faculty physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center and an accomplished marathon runner in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His running journey began in high school, where he competed in track events, particularly excelling in the two-mile distance. He was also a football player who, in his own words, "wanted to be Dion Sanders" and even wore gold chains to prove it. During his time in law school, Dr. Alavi trained with a group preparing to become JAG officers, which helped develop his middle-distance running abilities. He could run a sub-35 minute 10K and sub-17 minute 5K during this period. His first marathon experience came at the Austin Marathon, where, despite being undertrained and running too fast at the start, he finished in 5:23. This race, while humbling, led to meeting his future wife, with whom he now has two children. About eleven years ago, following the birth of his daughter, Dr. Alavi experienced a significant setback when he developed a serious knee injury from improper treadmill training. Despite being a medical professional, his attempt to self-treat extended his recovery from what should have been three weeks to nearly two years. During this period, he gained 30 pounds and struggled with the loss of his running identity. However, Dr. Alavi made a remarkable comeback over seven years, returning to competitive running and achieving impressive marathon times, including a personal best of 2:55. He regularly participates in the Boston Marathon and is preparing for the Tokyo Marathon, which will be his fifth World Marathon Major. His current goal is to achieve a sub-2:50 marathon. Beyond his personal running achievements, Dr. Alavi is deeply embedded in the Dallas-Fort Worth running community, training with various groups including the "Slots" and maintaining close connections with local runners and coaches. He combines his medical expertise with his running experience to advocate for proper training approaches and dispel common running myths, particularly about joint health and heat adaptation. Dr. Alavi's story exemplifies the intersection of medical knowledge, athletic perseverance, and community engagement in the running world. His journey from injury to achievement serves as an inspiration while his medical background provides valuable insights for runners at all levels.

Eric Lindbergh is the Chief Running Officer at On Your Left Marketing & Events, a company specializing in organizing and marketing running events across Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond. With a background in sports marketing, including experience with the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks, Eric transitioned into the running industry, helping to grow and manage over 50 races annually. His expertise lies in race logistics, sponsorship development, and event branding, ensuring that each event delivers a fun, engaging, and well-organized experience for runners. Known for his high-energy approach and commitment to making races more than just a run, Eric has played a key role in shaping the DFW running scene.

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

Heidi Swartz's remarkable journey in the running world began unexpectedly in 1994 when she was "forced" to run the Cowtown 10K alongside her son's elementary school team. That transformative experience at the finish line sparked a passion not for running itself initially, but for the magic of race production. Within weeks, she submitted her resume to the Cowtown Marathon organization, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career that would shape North Texas' running community for decades to come. After joining Cowtown in 1996 as an assistant to the executive director, Swartz immersed herself in every aspect of race management, from timing systems to event coordination. Her dedication and comprehensive understanding of race operations led to her appointment as Executive Director in 2003. Recognizing the importance of understanding runners' needs firsthand, she took up running herself and progressed from finishing last in her first 5K to winning her age group the following year. Under Swartz's visionary leadership, Cowtown has grown into the largest multi-event race in North Texas, attracting participants from all 50 states and numerous countries. However, her most significant impact extends far beyond race day. She pioneered the CAF (Children's Activities for Life and Fitness) program, which provides running shoes and training to over 5,200 underprivileged children annually. The program exemplifies her belief that running should be accessible to everyone and that early exposure to fitness can transform lives. A passionate advocate for community health and youth fitness, Swartz has expanded Cowtown's influence beyond race events to include year-round training programs, summer camps, and wellness initiatives. Her innovative approach to race management and community engagement has earned Cowtown national recognition, including hosting the USA Track and Field Half Marathon Championships. From Montana's ski slopes to Fort Worth's running trails, Swartz has created an enduring legacy that combines athletic excellence with community service. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation of runners while ensuring that Cowtown remains not just a race, but a cornerstone of Fort Worth's commitment to healthy living and community engagement.

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

Jennifer Pope: Runner Bio Jennifer Pope is an elite marathoner from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who discovered her exceptional running talent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not having a traditional competitive running background, Pope transformed from a recreational soccer player to an Olympic Trials qualifier in just a few years. After beginning serious training in 2020, Pope rapidly progressed to achieve remarkable results, including a personal best marathon time of 2:36:20 at the Houston Marathon in 2022, which secured her Olympic Trials qualification. She won the Indianapolis Marathon in challenging conditions and recently claimed victory at the 2025 Cowtown Half Marathon with an impressive time of 1:18:00. Pope trains with a local running group called "Completely Sloth" and emphasizes the importance of community in her success. Despite facing setbacks with plantar fasciitis and hamstring tendinopathy, she continues to compete at an elite level while maintaining her passion for the sport. Her extraordinary journey demonstrates how untapped potential can emerge at any point in life with dedication, proper training, and a supportive community.

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

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.

Matt Barron is a sub-elite marathoner based in the DFW area and a member of the local running group known as "The Sloths." He qualified for the 2025 Boston Marathon with an impressive 2:38 finish at the Houston Marathon. A dedicated runner with a strategic approach to training, Matt balances his intense 75-80 mile training weeks with family life and a demanding career. After experiencing a minor injury during training, he's adjusted his Boston goals but remains focused on enjoying the process and community aspect of running. Beyond Boston, Matt plans to run the Dallas Marathon later in the year while continuing to participate in local races. His balanced philosophy toward running emphasizes finding harmony between family, fitness, community, and personal goals.

Megan Smyth is an accomplished ultra runner and former collegiate track athlete based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her running career began as an 800-meter specialist in college, but after a five-year break, she found her way back to running through a local social running group in 2010. What started as a return to fitness evolved into an impressive distance running career, highlighted by four Boston Marathon finishes and multiple ultra-distance achievements. Smyth has completed six 100-mile races and is known for her exceptional endurance, most recently demonstrated by her victory at the 2024 Summit Backyard Ultra where she ran 175 miles in 42 hours. Her accomplishments include tackling challenging mountain races like the Tahoe Rim 100 and qualifying multiple times for the Boston Marathon. Her versatility as a runner spans from road marathons to trail ultras, showcasing her adaptability and strength across different terrain and distances. When not pushing her own limits in races, Smyth balances her training with family life and continues to be an active member of the DFW running community. Looking ahead to 2024, she is set to compete in a 24-hour track race and will toe the line at the prestigious Western States 100-mile Endurance Run.

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

Sharon Lindberg is the VP of Happy Running at On Your Left Marketing & Events, where she brings her passion for fitness, event management, and community engagement to the running industry. With a background in marketing and large-scale event planning, Sharon has helped shape some of the most popular races in Dallas-Fort Worth, ensuring they are well-organized, fun, and memorable. She plays a key role in branding, sponsorship coordination, and race logistics, helping clients create standout events that attract thousands of runners each year. Sharon’s enthusiasm for making running events more than just races—by incorporating great swag, post-run celebrations, and a welcoming atmosphere—has made her an integral part of DFW’s running community.

Tony Reed made history as the first Black person to complete marathons on all seven continents. Starting his running journey to manage a pre-diabetic condition diagnosed in childhood, he transformed into one of the most accomplished marathoners in the world, completing 132 marathons across the globe. A member of the elite Marathon Hat Trick club (completing 100+ marathons, running all seven continents, and all 50 states), Reed has logged over 50,000 miles since 1979, maintaining his goal of averaging 3 miles per day. His running adventures include tackling glaciers in Antarctica, racing the Great Wall Marathon in China, and finishing his continental quest in Kenya. Beyond his athletic achievements, Reed is an accomplished business executive, CPA, and author of six books. He's also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, directing "Breaking Three Hours" and "We Are Distance Runners," which highlight the untold stories of African American distance runners. His work earned recognition from Runner's World and multiple international film festivals. Currently serving on the Dallas Marathon advisory board, Reed continues to inspire the running community while preserving and sharing the history of African American distance runners through his creative works and community involvement. Notable Achievements: 132 marathons completed First Black person to run marathons on all 7 continents 50,000+ miles logged Marathon Hat Trick completion Multiple award-winning documentaries Author of six books Former Dallas Marathon board member

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.