Episódios
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we deliver a comprehensive update on everything happening in our running world, starting with Kyle's volunteer experience at this morning's Going the Distance 5K & 10K where he witnessed the race from the other side of the finish line. We then dive into a sobering reality check about the true physical toll of back-to-back racing, using Kyle's recent calf injury from the Fly Over Challenge as a real-world case study of how consecutive half marathons can lead to serious muscle strains or tears that sideline runners for weeks. Drawing from medical expertise and personal experience, we break down the warning signs, recovery protocols, and prevention strategies that every ambitious runner needs to understand before attempting back-to-back endurance events. We also catch up on our recent guest highlights, reflecting on the impactful conversations we've shared from Libby Davis and the Fighting Fentanyl 5K's life-saving mission, to the inspiring multi-generational spirit of Village Shalom's Father's Day races, and our groundbreaking on-location episode at Rendezvous Climbing Gym. Whether you're recovering from your own racing injury, planning future challenges, or simply want to stay connected with the diverse Kansas City running and fitness community, this episode offers honest insights, practical wisdom, and the reminder that sometimes the most important finish line is the one that gets you home healthy.
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we break new ground with our very first on-location recording at the incredible Rendezvous Climbing Gym in Leawood, Kansas! Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with owner Mark Messner, whose fascinating journey from educator to runner to climbing gym entrepreneur will inspire anyone chasing their passion. Mark expertly draws the surprising connections between the running and climbing communities – from the mental toughness required to push through challenging moments to the supportive atmosphere that welcomes athletes of every level. Get an insider's tour of this state-of-the-art bouldering facility, where no ropes or harnesses are needed, just your determination and chalk-covered hands. Whether you're intimidated by the idea of climbing or consider yourself a seasoned athlete, Mark showcases how Rendezvous offers something for everyone – from beginner-friendly walls easier than climbing a ladder to the ultimate V9 challenge that will test even elite climbers. Located at 13124 State Line Road and open Monday-Saturday 10AM-10PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM, this isn't just a gym – it's a community where runners can discover their next adventure and cross-training opportunity. Don't miss this unique episode that might just inspire you to trade your running shoes for climbing shoes and discover muscles you never knew you had!
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate the perfect Father's Day gift – a community run with purpose. We're joined by an inspiring panel from Village Shalom retirement and memory care facility in Overland Park, as they prepare for their annual Father's Day 5K & 10K on June 15, 2025. Board Chair Bob Gerson shares the heart behind this tradition, while we're treated to wisdom and wonderful stories from 95-year-old running legend Alan Poisner, whose presence alone proves that movement truly is the fountain of youth. Representatives Hope Howe and Ben Heisler complete our roundtable, offering insights into Village Shalom's mission, the race's evolution, and what makes this course uniquely special. From the facility's rich history of compassionate care to the inclusive nature of this multi-generational event, our conversation highlights how this isn't just another 5K or 10K – it's a celebration of fathers, families, and the joy of movement at every stage of life. Whether you're looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Father's Day, curious about racing well into your 90s, or simply want to support a worthy cause, this episode will inspire you to lace up and register for this June 15th tradition that brings the Kansas City running community together across all ages.
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we bring you a conversation that transcends running and touches on an urgent public health crisis affecting our communities. We sit down with Libby Davis, founder of "Keepin' Clean for Coop" and the Cooper Davis Memorial Foundation, who shares the heartbreaking story behind her mission after losing her son to fentanyl poisoning. Libby reveals the shocking reality that Kansas leads the nation in fentanyl-related deaths per capita among 15-19 year olds, and how a lethal dose is small enough to fit on a pencil tip. We discuss the upcoming Fighting Fentanyl 5K on June 14th at Mill Valley High School – not just a race, but a powerful movement combining fitness with life-saving education. Learn how last year's event helped put awareness ads in front of Kansans over 9 million times, and how the new team registration option is building community support. This episode goes beyond typical race coverage to address a crisis every parent, educator, and community member needs to understand. Whether you're joining the 5K or simply want to protect your loved ones, this conversation about youth mental health, deceptive social media drug sales, and prevention strategies could literally save lives in your circle.
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we dive into the exciting world of local multisport events with special guests Josh and Katy from Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department (JCPRD). These race directors extraordinaire pull back the curtain on organizing some of the Kansas City area's most beloved endurance events, including the Kill Creek Triathlon, Shawnee Mission Park Triathlon, and Heritage Park distance races. The spotlight shines especially bright on their groundbreaking new initiative – Team Tri913 – a youth triathlon program launching this summer designed to introduce the next generation to the joys of swimming, biking, and running. Get the inside scoop on this innovative program's structure, goals, and how it's creating accessible pathways for kids to experience the transformative power of endurance sports. Plus, hear the exclusive announcement about how The Back of the Pack Podcast will be partnering with JCPRD at this year's Shawnee Mission Triathlon to enhance the experience for participants and spectators alike. Whether you're a triathlon enthusiast, a parent looking for youth athletic opportunities, or simply curious about the people behind your favorite local races, this conversation showcases the passionate community builders making multisport magic happen in Johnson County.
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we tackle the grueling "Fly Over Challenge" - an ambitious weekend of back-to-back half marathons across two states in just 24 hours. Join us as we recount our journey from the rolling hills of the Top City Half Marathon in Topeka, Kansas on Saturday morning to the spirited streets of the Lincoln Half Marathon in Nebraska on Sunday. We break down every aspect of this double-header weekend: from navigating the capital city courses and managing the three-hour interstate drive between races, to the mental and physical battle of waking up with 13.1 miles already in the legs and facing another starting line. You'll hear unfiltered insights about course conditions, crowd support, medal quality, and the unique characteristics that make each race special, along with the reality of what it takes to complete 26.2 miles split across consecutive days. Whether you're considering your own back-to-back challenge or just enjoy the vicarious thrill of extreme running adventures, this comprehensive race review delivers the complete Fly Over Challenge experience from start to finish(es).
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This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we roll out the red carpet for special guest host Karin Velez, the award-winning creator behind the "Just Grow Something Podcast." In this nutrition-focused episode, Karin brings her expertise to tackle one of running's most misunderstood rituals – carb loading. Far beyond the simplistic "pasta party" approach the night before a race, Karin delivers a comprehensive FAQ-based breakdown that transforms how runners should think about strategic carbohydrate consumption. She expertly navigates the science behind proper carb loading, dispels common myths that may be sabotaging your race performance, and offers age-specific approaches that acknowledge how our nutritional needs evolve throughout our running journey. Whether you're preparing for your first 10K or your twentieth marathon, Karin's practical, evidence-based strategies will revolutionize your pre-race nutrition plan and potentially unlock performance gains you never thought possible. Don't miss this essential episode that finally answers the question: "Am I really carb loading correctly, or just eating extra pasta?"
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind dives into the legendary Barkley Marathons this week, an ultramarathon so brutal it's been dubbed "The Race That Eats Its Young." Join us as we explore this mysterious 100+ mile event through Tennessee's unforgiving Frozen Head State Park, where runners navigate by compass through briar-filled terrain with 65,000 feet of elevation change. Discover the eccentric traditions created by founder "Lazarus Lake," from the unpredictable cigarette-lit start to the somber playing of "Taps" for fallen runners. With only 22 finishers since 1986, this isn't just an ultramarathon—it's an almost mythical challenge that represents the outer limits of human endurance. Whether you're an aspiring ultrarunner or just fascinated by extreme sporting events, you won't want to miss this deep dive into one of running's most notorious and captivating challenges.
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Join us for a special anniversary episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast as we celebrate three years of running adventures! Host Kyle recaps the festive Westport St. Patrick's Day 4 Mile race while expressing heartfelt gratitude to the friends from "The Happy Pace Podcast" who traveled from St. Louis to join the celebration. This milestone episode offers a nostalgic look back at the podcast's humble beginnings and most memorable moments, paired with exciting glimpses into what's ahead for the show. The biggest revelation? Kyle's announcement that he's taking on his most ambitious challenge yet – a 50 mile Ultra Marathon this September! Whether you're a loyal listener or first-time tuner, this episode captures the authentic community spirit that has kept this podcast going strong for three years, proving that the journey truly is better at the back of the pack.
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Join Kyle on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind as he finally unpacks his unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas weekend from February. From touchdown in Sin City on his birthday to crossing two finish lines over two days, Kyle delivers an unfiltered account of what happens when birthday festivities collide with racing ambitions. Experience the thrill and challenges of Vegas's iconic nighttime races as Kyle navigates the world-famous Strip during the 5K and Half Marathon while battling the aftermath of birthday celebrations. This episode offers a candid look at destination racing, complete with course insights, travel tales, and the ultimate lesson on balancing vacation indulgence with race performance. Whether you're planning your own race-cation or simply enjoy vicarious running adventures, Kyle's Vegas double-header story proves that what happens in Vegas... makes for an entertaining podcast episode!
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Join Kyle on this poignant episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast as he unpacks the bittersweet second annual B.E.A.R.D. Run 10K – a race created to honor local running legend Scott Green's 300th career race while battling terminal cancer. What began as a powerful community celebration with 500+ runners last year dwindled to just 156 participants this year, raising difficult questions about how we honor our fallen running comrades. Kyle doesn't hold back in addressing the race's organizational challenges, including the unmarked turnaround that sent runners off course, but focuses more pointedly on the Kansas City running community's fading commitment to Scott's legacy. With next year marking the third and final B.E.A.R.D. Run – as Scott himself requested – this episode serves as both reflection and rallying cry. Listen as Kyle shares his personal disappointment and issues a heartfelt challenge to runners everywhere: How will we show up for the final chapter of a race that meant everything to a runner who gave so much to our community? This isn't just about a race – it's about remembering why we run together in the first place.
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Join us for an episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast that tackles a surprisingly common runner's nemesis – dogs on the chase! Host Kyle dives into "When Good Runs Go Ruff," inspired by a listener's harrowing experiences with canine pursuers during her training runs. This entertaining yet practical episode unpacks why dogs chase runners in the first place and equips you with a complete survival guide: from mapping "danger zones" and perfecting the "stop and stand" technique to exploring whether treats might turn foes into friends. You'll hear real stories from fellow runners who've faced everything from terrifying pack encounters to unexpected canine friendships. Whether you're a dog lover who just wants peaceful runs or someone whose heart races at the sound of barking, this episode delivers the perfect blend of science, strategy, and humor to help you navigate the unpredictable world of four-legged encounters on your running routes. Remember, at The Back of the Pack Podcast, "I make the mistakes, so you don't have to" – even when those mistakes involve accidental dog races!
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