Episodes

  • Beautiful Chaos in Jackson: A Rainbow Marathon Story

    Beautiful Chaos in Jackson: A Rainbow Marathon Story
    Mar 23 2026
    We head south to Jackson, Mississippi for the Run the Rainbow Marathon, a race with a powerful mission supporting the state’s only children’s hospital. From the moment we arrive, it’s clear this event is fueled by heart, kindness, and a community that truly cares about its runners. The weekend kicks off with an eventful expo experience, complete with great swag and memorable conversations with runners from all over. Race prep takes an unexpected turn with a late-night food delivery adventure that adds a little extra character to the trip. On race morning, we toe the line with a unique and intimate marathon field, setting the stage for a different kind of race experience. The early miles bring a steady rhythm and a relaxed mindset, especially coming off the mental grind of Tokyo just weeks prior. As the course unfolds, we’re treated to stunning neighborhoods, historic homes, and some of the most beautiful scenery you could ask for in a marathon. The race also delivers a challenge with rolling hills and rising temperatures, reminding us to stay present and keep moving forward. Even through the toughest miles, the spirit of the event and the people behind it continue to shine. In the end, Run the Rainbow proves to be a meaningful and memorable race experience, blending purpose, community, and the joy of running into one unforgettable journey.
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    47 mins
  • Survey Says: A Better Race!

    Survey Says: A Better Race!
    Mar 20 2026
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we welcome back the team from The Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, Nebraska for a conversation we have somehow never had before in nearly 300 episodes: post-race surveys. Instead of just sending out feedback forms and letting them disappear into the void, the Good Life Halfsy team breaks down how they actually use runner input to improve the race year after year. We dig into what runners loved about the 2025 expo, from the layout and flow to the family-friendly atmosphere and easy packet pickup process. We also talk about some of the areas runners wanted improved, including parking challenges and finish line congestion. The team explains why they are bringing back wave starts for 2026 and how that decision is meant to create more space on the course and a better overall experience for everyone. They also share plans to expand indoor warm-up space at the start line in case Nebraska weather decides to get dramatic again. On the finish line side, the Good Life Halfsy is rolling out new ideas like post-race recovery bags, more photo booths, expanded celebration areas, and an even smoother flow for runners meeting family and friends. We also get a preview of the new pre-race “Big Halfsy Energy Pack,” which will include fueling items runners can actually use before and during race weekend. Along the way, the Pink Gorilla team gives a behind-the-scenes look at just how seriously they take continuous improvement and why listening to runners is one of the biggest reasons this race keeps getting better. It is a fascinating look at how one of the Midwest’s best half marathons goes from survey results to real-world action. If you have ever filled out a race survey and wondered whether anyone actually reads it, this episode is your answer. And if you are thinking about running The Good Life Halfsy in 2026, this conversation will make it pretty clear why so many runners keep coming back to Lincoln year after year.
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    36 mins
  • The Back of the Pack Fights Back

    The Back of the Pack Fights Back
    Mar 16 2026
    This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we settle back into a more normal Monday after finally putting Tokyo in the rearview mirror. We open with a few updates from around the Kansas City running community, including a heartfelt recap of Scott’s Extra Mile and the incredible turnout for a run honoring the memory of Scott Green. From there, we also look ahead to the Run the Rainbow Marathon in Jackson, Mississippi, where rising temperatures could make for a tough spring race day. But the heart of this episode centers on a controversy that lit up the running world after the New York City Marathon lottery results were released. We break down the now-deleted viral post that suggested slower runners, charity runners, and lottery runners were somehow less deserving of a place in a World Marathon Major. From a true back-of-the-pack perspective, we dig into why that mindset misses the entire point of what makes running special. We talk about the value of charity runners, the dedication it takes for runners of every pace to reach a marathon start line, and why speed alone does not determine worth in this sport. We also explore how major marathons like New York are built on more than talent alone, with fundraising, community, personal transformation, and inclusivity all playing a massive role. This episode is a defense of the everyday runner, the charity bib runner, the lottery hopeful, and anyone who has ever wondered if they truly belong in this space. We make it clear that the running world is at its best when there is room for everyone, from the front of the pack to the very back. Along the way, we also reflect on why harmful elitism still stings so deeply when it shows up in a sport that is supposed to bring people together. If you have ever felt looked down on, underestimated, or dismissed in running, this episode is for you.
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    40 mins
  • Still on the Course: Celebrating Four Years of The Back of the Pack Podcast

    Still on the Course: Celebrating Four Years of The Back of the Pack Podcast
    Mar 13 2026
    Four years ago, on March 13, 2022, The Back of the Pack Podcast released its very first episode. What started as a simple idea to talk about running, races, and the everyday runner has grown into something much bigger over time. Today we celebrate four years of the podcast and roughly 260 episodes along the way. In this special anniversary episode, we take a moment to look back at how the show began and where the journey has taken us. Along the way, we explore some fascinating statistics about the podcasting world and just how rare it is for a show to last this long. Many podcasts fade out after only a handful of episodes, making longevity in this space a real accomplishment. We break down the numbers behind the show and what it takes to keep a weekly podcast going year after year. We also look at how the podcasting industry itself has grown and evolved since 2022. Most importantly, we reflect on the incredible running community that has supported the show from the very beginning. From race recaps and interviews to group runs and listener stories, this podcast has always been about the people who make running special. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and a sincere thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. The Back of the Pack may not always be the fastest runners on the course, but four years later, this podcast is still out there running strong.
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    36 mins
  • Tokyo Marathon Review: Stress, Sweat, and Star Number Five

    Tokyo Marathon Review: Stress, Sweat, and Star Number Five
    Mar 9 2026
    This week, The Back of the Pack Podcast is finally back in studio as we unpack the full experience of the 2026 Tokyo Marathon and the unforgettable trip to Japan. From navigating Tokyo’s massive train system and the marathon expo, to the friendship run, race morning chaos, strict cutoff pressure, crowded course conditions, and the emotional relief of crossing the finish line, we break down the entire adventure with honesty, humor, and plenty of hard-earned perspective. Beyond race day, we also share stories from the rest of the trip, including Kyoto, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, sumo, knife-making, and the culture shock of life in one of the biggest cities on Earth. It is a full race review, travel recap, and post-marathon debrief all rolled into one, as we celebrate finally earning World Marathon Major star number five and turning the page toward what comes next.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Lisa Watkins from Behind the Bib | Every Woman’s Marathon Review

    Lisa Watkins from Behind the Bib | Every Woman’s Marathon Review
    Mar 6 2026
    While Kyle is off in Tokyo chasing World Major dreams, guest host Lisa Watkins (The Behind the Bib Podcast out of Huntsville, Alabama) grabs the mic for a full review of the Every Woman’s Marathon, a traveling marathon built to make runners feel seen, supported, and wildly welcomed, especially first-timers. Lisa breaks down what makes the event unique, from year-long communication and pop-up runs to an expo that’s basically a runner-care theme park (Rabbit gear everywhere, free coffee, yoga, braiding, and “they thought of everything” amenities). Then she gets real about race day in Scottsdale: bus gridlock drama, a “net downhill” course that turned wet, concrete-heavy, and surprisingly hilly, a brutal late climb, rising temps into the 80s, and cramps that made miles 20+ a survival story. She also dishes on the finish-line layout (a little chaotic), the difference in crowd energy compared to Savannah, and why the afterparty absolutely shines with recovery stations, PT help, food, and a legit concert. Lisa wraps with what the race stands for, a generous 7:45 cutoff, the next destination ******** in February 2027, and a handful of race recs that deserve a spot on our calendars.
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    37 mins
  • Going the Distance 5K/10K: Run for the Brain Injury Association of Kansas

    Going the Distance 5K/10K: Run for the Brain Injury Association of Kansas
    Mar 2 2026
    This week, while we’re overseas, we’re still showing up for the Kansas City running community with a spotlight episode on the Going the Distance 5K & 10K at Loose Park on Memorial Day (May 25), benefiting the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. Heather Carbaugh shares what the organization does as a statewide resource hub for brain injury survivors and families, from advocacy and education to support groups and connecting people with services, emphasizing that brain injury is a lifelong journey and far more common than most of us realize. Retired KC Running Company race director Brad Ziegler explains why this event is a true KC classic, a reunion race with a uniquely great location, long history (39 years), and a volunteer-powered mission that deserves bigger attention. We also break down race-day basics (5K, two-loop 10K, one-mile option, kids run), how the proceeds stay local to support survivors, how to get involved as a volunteer, and a special listener discount code for 15% off through St. Patrick’s Day.
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    31 mins
  • The Long Run: The Runner We Became

    The Long Run: The Runner We Became
    Feb 27 2026
    In the final chapter of The Long Run: Aging and Athletes, we step back and reflect on what it truly means to keep running as the years go by. The finish lines may look the same, but the reasons we chase them evolve. Running stops being about proving something and starts becoming part of who we are. We talk about longevity, perspective, and the quiet pride that comes not from speed, but from simply continuing to show up. This episode is about honoring the miles behind us, embracing the uncertainty ahead, and recognizing that the real victory was never a personal record. It was the decision, over and over again, to keep going.
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    34 mins