Episodios

  • Running for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby Festival Challenge

    Running for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby Festival Challenge
    Apr 28 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you on our whirlwind adventure to the Bluegrass State for the Kentucky Derby Festival race weekend! Follow our journey as we road trip to Louisville, swing by the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum to see baseball history in the making, and then tackle not one but two races in 24 hours. We break down Friday night's KDF 5K experience, complete with its unique evening atmosphere, before diving into Saturday morning's main event – the miniMARATHON half marathon that puts runners right through the historic Churchill Downs. Hear our unfiltered account of the weekend's highs (beautiful course sections, dual race medals) and lows (aid station chaos and overzealous pacers that left runners scrambling). We'll share our honest assessment of this Derby Festival tradition, practical tips for future participants considering the challenge, and whether the trek to Kentucky was worth it for this racing experience. Whether you're looking for your next destination race or just enjoy hearing about running adventures gone slightly sideways, this episode delivers the complete Louisville racing experience from start to finish line.
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    41 m
  • Derby Dash: Previewing Kentucky's Premier Running Festival

    Derby Dash: Previewing Kentucky's Premier Running Festival
    Apr 21 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we deliver a triple-header of running excitement! We kick things off with our breakdown of the 2025 Boston Marathon results, analyzing the elite performances and standout moments from America's most prestigious road race. Next, we share our experience at the Easter Egg 5K and 10K in Overland Park, Kansas, giving you the inside scoop on this springtime tradition. The main event follows as we preview our upcoming adventure to the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon in Louisville, diving into this iconic race's rich history from its humble 1974 beginnings to today's 15,000-strong field. We explore the unique course highlights – including the thrilling run through Churchill Downs – and share essential Louisville running culture, from popular training routes along the waterfront to the city's vibrant running community. Whether you're considering this race for your calendar, planning a running trip to Derby City, or just curious about one of the Midwest's largest half marathons, we've packed this episode with insider information, local tips, and travel insights to get you as excited about Louisville as we are!
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    30 m
  • Owning Every Mile: Accountability in the Running Community

    Owning Every Mile: Accountability in the Running Community
    Apr 18 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we share a remarkable story of accountability from The Running Well store that transformed a minor expo table mishap into a lesson in ownership and integrity. After mentioning the incident on Monday's episode, the store reached out with an apology, demonstrating the power of taking responsibility in the running community. Inspired by this gesture, we dive deep into how accountability shapes every aspect of our running journeys: from the honesty required in training logs and the ownership of race performances (both triumphant and disappointing), to the responsibility we hold in recovery practices and as stewards of our running environments. We explore how the most respected athletes, races, and brands demonstrate accountability, and why developing this trait might be as important to your long-term running success as any training plan. Whether you're struggling with consistency, managing a running setback, or looking to deepen your connection to the running community, this episode offers practical insights on how taking ownership can transform not just your running, but your relationship with the sport itself.
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    32 m
  • Rock the Parkway and Rest the Body: A Masters Runner's Guide

    Rock the Parkway and Rest the Body: A Masters Runner's Guide
    Apr 14 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you behind the scenes and onto the course of the celebrated Rock the Parkway Half Marathon weekend! Join us as we recount our adventures at the bustling expo where we connected with fellow runners at our podcast table, and then follow along for our comprehensive review of this iconic Kansas City race - from the rolling hills to the fantastic crowd support that makes this event a regional favorite. After breaking down the course, organization, and our personal experiences, we dive into a timely discussion about age-appropriate recovery for runners in their 40s and 50s. Having just completed our third half marathon in three consecutive weekends, we share essential insights on why recovery needs change as we age, optimal rest periods between races, the most effective recovery modalities for masters runners, and how to avoid the common recovery mistakes that can derail your running journey. Whether you're considering Rock the Parkway for 2026 or looking to maximize your longevity in the sport, this episode delivers race-tested wisdom for the back-of-the-pack community.
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    38 m
  • Wind, Rain, and Mental Pain: Conquering El Dorado

    Wind, Rain, and Mental Pain: Conquering El Dorado
    Apr 7 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dive into the mental battlefield of endurance running after surviving the brutal El Dorado Half Marathon in Kansas. Join us as we recount our harrowing experience battling the unholy trinity of running conditions: 40-degree temperatures, punishing 50mph winds, and relentless rain that left us questioning our life choices by mile nine. After breaking down the race itself, we explore powerful mental strategies that can save your race when your brain is screaming to quit - from segmenting the course into manageable chunks and employing mindfulness techniques to using visualization, positive self-talk, and even strategic distraction methods. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers practical mental tools to transform your approach to difficult races, terrible weather conditions, and those inevitable dark moments when finishing seems impossible. Discover how to rewire your thinking and find strength when your body and mind are ready to surrender.
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    31 m
  • Medals by Mail: Exploring Virtual Races and Challenges

    Medals by Mail: Exploring Virtual Races and Challenges
    Apr 4 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of virtual races and challenges, inspired by a listener request! We explore how these accessible alternatives to traditional racing evolved from niche events into a global phenomenon during the pandemic, and why they've maintained their popularity even as in-person events return. From single-day virtual 5Ks to year-long distance challenges that take you across continents, we break down the different formats, highlight successful platforms like The Conqueror Challenges and Lazarus Lake's Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee, and discuss both the benefits and criticisms of this racing style. Whether you're a medal collector, a runner seeking flexibility, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping the running community, this episode unpacks everything you need to know about participating in races and challenges from anywhere in the world. Join us as we lace up virtually and explore this innovative approach to running events that's here to stay.
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    33 m
  • Controlling the Controllables: The Liberty Half Marathon Experience

    Controlling the Controllables: The Liberty Half Marathon Experience
    Mar 31 2025
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we tackle the highs and lows (quite literally) of the Liberty Half Marathon in Missouri, sharing our unfiltered experience with those notorious hills that tested every runner's resolve. From course highlights to post-race celebrations, we give you the complete rundown of this challenging event. Then, inspired by some race day struggles, we dive into a powerful discussion about the runner's sphere of control - distinguishing between what we can meticulously prepare for and what we simply must accept on race day. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or a 5K enthusiast, this episode offers practical wisdom to reshape your approach to training, racing, and the inevitable obstacles that come with pursuing finish lines. Join us for an honest conversation about finding peace with the uncontrollables while maximizing your potential through the aspects of running you can influence.
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    36 m
  • Running in Character

    Running in Character
    Mar 24 2025
    This week, The Back of the Pack Podcast brings you the colorful world of Andrew, better known throughout Kansas City as the KC Cosplay Runner. From 5Ks to half marathons, Andrew transforms the race course into his personal runway, sporting a different themed costume and curated playlist for every event. Discover how this unique approach to running began, how Andrew crafts his elaborate outfits, and the meaningful impact he's making by turning heads while raising funds for charity. Whether he's dashing through downtown Kansas City or logging solo miles, Andrew brings joy to spectators and fellow runners alike with his creative spirit. Join us for this inspiring conversation about combining passion for running with cosplay creativity and community service, proving that not all heroes need to run at the front of the pack to make a difference.
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    45 m
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