What does it take to run a 2:13 marathon, break four minutes in the mile, compete in two Olympic Marathon Trials, and set a treadmill half marathon world record?

For Jarrett LeBlanc, the journey wasn't a straight line to success.

In this episode of DFW Running Talk, Chris Detzel sits down with elite distance runner and coach Jarrett LeBlanc to explore his extraordinary running journey — from growing up in a small Louisiana town and becoming a college walk-on to competing at the highest levels of distance running.

But the most interesting part of Jarrett's story isn't just his personal records. It's how he handled injuries, setbacks, disappointment, the decision to step away from running, and ultimately discovering a new purpose through coaching.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Growing up in Hathaway, Louisiana, and discovering running
• The journey to a 2:13 marathon and sub-four-minute mile
• Competing in two Olympic Marathon Trials
• Setting a 1:02:50 treadmill half marathon world record
• Injuries, setbacks, and rediscovering the motivation to compete
• Why more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon training
• Balancing running, family, fatherhood, and recovery
• Building Levee Breakers and helping other runners succeed

Jarrett shares lessons that runners of every ability can learn from: train consistently, respect recovery, embrace the difficult moments, and remember that success is about more than a finish time.

Whether you're chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time, preparing for your first marathon, or simply trying to become a better runner, this conversation has something for you.

About DFW Running Talk

Every runner has a story. We share the people, experiences, training insights, and communities that make running special.

Explore running resources, discover upcoming races, and build your free personalized training plan at:

Website: https://dfwrunningtalk.com

Find upcoming races: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/races

Subscribe to DFW Running Talk for more conversations with inspiring runners, coaches, and race directors.

What happens when you lose your corporate job during a pandemic, just as the running events you've spent years building come to a halt?

For Angela Casavant, founder and race director of AMPT Running, that uncertainty ultimately became an opportunity to turn her passion for running into a full-time career.

Angela joins Chris Detzel on DFW Running Talk to share how a one-time charity 5K in 2017 eventually grew into a race production company organizing approximately 8–10 events a year.

Along the way, Angela shares her personal running journey—from completing her first half marathon with little preparation to chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. She opens up about the emotional toll of training for three marathons in one year, the four-month break that followed, and why learning to enjoy running again mattered more than chasing another personal record.

The conversation also goes behind the scenes of AMPT Running. Angela explains what it takes to organize successful 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, why race costs continue to rise, and how a community of approximately 65 ambassadors and dedicated volunteers helps bring each event to life.

We discuss the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, the Hot Trot at White Rock Lake, giving back to first responders, and the community that makes running events possible.

This episode is about more than running. It's about resilience, reinvention, following your passion, and building something meaningful with the people around you.

Learn more about AMPT Running and upcoming races: https://www.amptrunning.com

Explore running stories, free training plans and race guides: https://dfwrunningtalk.com/

🏃 DFW Running Talk Exclusive: Save 20% on Race Day!

We're teaming up with AMPT Running to bring you 20% OFF the Toyota Music Factory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K!

📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026

📍 Irving, Texas — Toyota Music Factory

Whether you're chasing a half marathon PR, tackling a 10K, or enjoying a 5K with friends, this is a great opportunity to get out and race!

🎟️ Use code DFWRT20 at registration to save 20%!

👉 Register here: https://www.amptrunning.com/toyota-half/

A big thank-you to Angela Casavant and AMPT Running for supporting the DFW Running Talk community!

What happens when you train harder than ever, run 100 miles a week, and still miss the race you were preparing for?

In this episode of DFW Running Talk, we explore the journey from bodybuilding and basketball to competitive distance running—and the training mistakes that changed everything.

From 100-mile training weeks and 20-mile long runs in the Texas heat to injuries, marathon pacing mistakes, and learning to work with a coach, this conversation is about discovering the difference between working hard and training intelligently.

In this episode:

• Why more mileage doesn't always mean better marathon performance
• What happens when runners increase training volume too quickly
• How structured training can help runners recover from repeated setbacks
• The role of speed work, long runs, and recovery
• Why pacing and fueling can make or break a marathon
• How to set ambitious race goals without letting ego control your training
• What it really takes to become a stronger, more consistent runner

With marathon performances around 2:43 and 2:39, and a goal of eventually breaking 2:30, this runner's story offers lessons for everyone from first-time marathoners to experienced competitors.

The biggest takeaway: Consistency matters, but learning what your individual body needs matters just as much.

Find free marathon, half marathon, and 5K training plans, running calculators, and race guides at https://dfwrunningtalk.com.