Back of the Pack Podcast

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off a brand-new November series called Run the Reset — and it all starts with the body. After months of racing, training, sweating, and chasing goals, it’s time to slow down and rebuild. Kyle dives into why rest isn’t weakness, how active recovery keeps you healthy, and the mindset shift that turns “taking time off” into an essential part of progress. We’ll talk about listening to your body, fueling for repair instead of performance, and how to find balance between motion and maintenance. If you’ve been pushin...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we go global! Kyle takes listeners on a tour of the Abbott World Marathon Majors — the legendary lineup of races that make up every runner’s dream circuit. From the streets of Boston to the bright lights of Tokyo, from the speed of Berlin to the energy of New York, we break down what makes each race iconic, how many runners they draw, and the fascinating stories behind them. We also talk about Abbott, the health company that sponsors the series, and TCS, the tech giant powering several of these races. Whet...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Run if You Dare October series with a Halloween Special packed with spooky fun and runner-friendly frights! Kyle dives into some of the scariest running myths we’ve all heard — and busts them with a playful Halloween twist. We share eerie, funny, and downright bizarre running stories that could only happen in the dark, on the trails, or in the middle of a race. From the real “boogeymen” runners fear, to costume mishaps and the nightmare fuel of race-day porta-potties, this episode brings laughs, chills, and a wh...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we get real about an emotion runners aren’t “supposed” to talk about: being mad at ourselves. We’re always told to “stay positive” and “don’t beat yourself up,” but sometimes frustration is the spark that finally pushes us to change. Kyle breaks down the difference between destructive self-talk and motivational anger — the kind that comes from self-respect, not self-hate. We talk about how to use that fire in a healthy way, how it can lead to better habits, and why being honest with yourself is sometimes the most powerful form of self-care. I...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we take the Run if You Dare series into the night—literally—with an episode all about running after dark. From peaceful nighttime miles and cooler fall temperatures to the unique focus and freedom that comes with running under the stars, we explore why so many runners love lacing up after sunset. We also dive into the safety essentials every night runner should know, plus the science behind nighttime performance and how your body responds differently in the dark. Then we shine a spotlight on some of the most exci...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, it’s all about the biggest race weekend in Kansas City — the Garmin Kansas City Marathon! With more than 10,000 runners filling the streets, it was a celebration of endurance, community, and pure running joy. Kyle recaps an incredible couple of days, from setting up at the expo and meeting listeners to race-morning excitement and those powerful final-hour finishes that remind us why we love this sport. Whether you ran the full, the half, or cheered from the sidelines, this episode captures the electric energy that makes the KC Marathon the crown jewe...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we close out Season 3 in style — and in stride — with our season finale! As we head into Garmin Kansas City Marathon weekend, Kyle reflects on the road that got us here: a season full of growth, great guests, and some unforgettable races. From mental health and community building to miles logged and lessons learned, we revisit the moments that defined this chapter of The Pack. Kyle also looks back on some of his most memorable races of the past season and takes a moment to thank the many voices who...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we’re getting into the holiday spirit early as we welcome representatives from the Arthritis Foundation — the organization behind the annual Jingle Bell Run 5K, happening December 7th, 2025! We learn about the Foundation’s mission to support those living with arthritis and how this festive race helps turn miles into meaningful impact. From jingling costumes to the joy of running for a cause, our guests share what makes this event so special, including how it connects the running community to a bigger purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a casual h...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we’re diving headfirst into spooky season with our Creepy & Fun Fall Races edition. Think haunted halfs, costume 5Ks, zombie chases, and races that turn running into an experience you won’t forget. We’ll share fun stories, listener favorites, and a curated top-10 list of the most legendary Halloween-themed races across the U.S. and beyond. You’ll hear what makes each event special — whether it’s ghosts on the course, character runs, or eerie finish-line setups. We also talk about why these themed races bring a whole new type of...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we’re going the distance — literally — with a full slate of race recaps! Kyle dives into the Heartland 30K Series, covering the Plaza 10K, Woodstock 10K, and Boulevard 10K, sharing the highs, lows, and lessons learned from each stop along the way. Then, it’s on to new terrain with Kyle’s first-ever trail race, the Wilderness Trek 5K — a run that proves the dirt hits different. Finally, we close things out with the Martin City Wine Run 5K, where miles meet merlot in true Back of the Pack fashion. Plus, stick around...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kick off our brand-new October series, Run if You Dare. In Episode 1, we break down why fall is considered “PR season” for runners. From cooler temperatures to lower humidity and perfectly timed race schedules, autumn sets the stage for some of the fastest miles of the year. Kyle shares his own experiences with setting personal records during fall races, and we connect how conditions impact not just performance on race day but also motivation in everyday life. Plus, we run through a list of the top fall marathons and...

Sometimes the smartest call is also the one that hurts the most. In this episode of The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle opens up about pulling out of his first planned 50-mile ultra and the Marine Corps Marathon after a freak knee injury derailed training. We talk honestly about why stepping back can feel like failure even when it’s the right choice—touching on identity, sunk costs, community expectations, and that heavy mix of FOMO and grief runners know too well. We also break down how nagging pain and uncertain recovery magnify the mental load, and why “doing less”...

In the final week of our Stress Month series, we explore how stress disrupts the hormones, sleep, skin, and even the brain. Stress isn’t just mental—it shows up everywhere, from restless nights to breakouts to brain fog that follows you through the day. We break down how stress hormones like cortisol and testosterone get knocked off balance, slowing recovery, sapping energy, and even raising the risk of bone loss. We look at how stress robs runners of endurance and power while also leaving non-runners drained and sluggish. Add in sleepless nights, skin flare-ups, and mental fog, and stress prov...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we welcome Dave Borchardt from the KC Sports Commission, race director for the Garmin Kansas City Marathon happening October 18, 2025. Dave gives us the inside scoop on what runners can expect this year, including the expo at historic Union Station and the race-day experience across Kansas City. We also zoom out beyond the marathon to talk about the city’s booming sports scene — from the rise of the KC Current to the excitement building for the FIFA World Cup games coming to Kansas City in 2026. It’s a conversation that celebrates running, commun...

In Week 3 of our Stress Month series, we explore how stress weighs down the body’s physical frame—your skeleton and muscles. Stress doesn’t just make you feel mentally drained; it tightens muscles, slows recovery, and even weakens bones over time. We break down how stress-induced muscle tension can lead to injuries for runners and headaches for non-runners alike, why inflammation keeps your body sore and achy, and how elevated cortisol erodes bone density—raising the risk of stress fractures and joint pain. We also talk about fatigue and sluggish movement, where stress makes stairs feel like hill repeats. To round...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we shine a spotlight on one of the Midwest’s most beloved races — the Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kyle sits down with Chelsea, Linda, and Jared from Pink Gorilla Events, the team behind this iconic half marathon now entering its 12th year. We talk through the history of the Halfsy, what makes it such a unique and community-driven event, and the traditions that keep runners coming back year after year. The crew shares some fun behind-the-scenes stories, gives us a sneak peek at what’s new for 2025, and reminds us why...

In Week 2 of our Stress Month series, we dive into how stress wreaks havoc on your lungs and stomach.

Stress isn’t just in your head—it changes how you breathe and digest, and for runners, that can mean shorter breaths, harder workouts, and some very inconvenient pit stops. We break down the respiratory system, showing how shallow breathing, chest tightness, and even asthma flare-ups can make your runs (and your daily life) feel harder than they should.

Then we move into the digestive system, where stress triggers nausea, IBS flare-ups, reflux, and appetite swings that thro...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we sit down with local runner, pacer, and race ambassador Katie A. to talk all things running and community. Katie shares her running beginnings, including her very first race at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon in 2019, and how the sport has shaped her journey ever since. We hear about her engagement to fellow runner and pack favorite, Kody, her memorable race weekend at Disneyland, and her upcoming trip to Berlin. Plus, Katie gives listeners her ambassador code KATIEKCM for the Garmin Kansas City Marathon on October 18, 2025, and we reveal how you...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we kicked off our Stress Month series with a deep dive into how stress affects the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Stress isn’t just in your head—it hijacks your body, too.

We break down how constant tension can make runners feel overtrained without the miles, why recovery slows when your nervous system won’t shut down, and how elevated heart rates can sabotage both training and daily life. From poor reaction time on the trails to pounding hearts during morning meetings, we show how stress...

It was a packed holiday weekend for the Back of the Pack crew! In this episode, Kyle recaps three very different Labor Day weekend races. First up: the debut of the Ottawa Half Marathon, a brand-new event from KC Running Company that steps in where the Lagerhead Half left off. Then it’s on to the Always & Furever 5K at Lexington Lake Park, a family-friendly event supporting a local dog rescue. Finally, we close out the long weekend at the Leawood Labor Day 5K, put on by the Leawood Rotary Club. Three races in three days, it’s safe to say...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we close out our “March to 200” series with a celebration of the people who made it possible. After last week’s milestone episode packed with guest messages, we take a moment to give each contributor their flowers—acknowledging the support, encouragement, and fun they’ve brought to the show along the way. From fellow podcasters to Patreon supporters to long-time friends of the Pack, this episode is all about gratitude. It’s short, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the perfect bow to tie around our 200th celebration. Whether you’ve been here...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we had a little bit of everything — racing, community, and even a run fueled by tacos. We kick things off with a breakdown of the Summer Sizzle 10K in Overland Park on a cool'ish August morning. Then we shift gears to celebrate the first official run of the Chasing Rabbits Run Club at Discourse Brewery, where our “no runner left behind” promise came to life. From there, we highlight one of the most bizarre listener-submitted races we’ve ever heard of: the Taco Bell Ultramarathon in Denver — equal parts hilarious and horrifying...

Two hundred episodes. Three years of stories, races, laughs, lessons, and community. This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate a milestone that belongs to every member of the pack. To mark episode 200, we opened the mic to the voices that have been with us along the way — fellow podcasters, Patreon supporters, friends of the show, and the runners who’ve become family. What started as one guy and a microphone has grown into something so much bigger: a community where every pace is welcome and no runner is ever left behind. This episode is a thank you...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we recap a packed weekend of racing with two 10Ks back-to-back. First up: the Rexy Run in Lawrence, KS, celebrating its 10th year of supporting Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope and the families it serves. Then we hit the pavement again for the Hearts for Ronald McDonald House Charities 10K, another powerful community race with a meaningful cause. But both events had one major opponent — the weather. With real-feel temps pushing near 100 degrees, sky-high humidity, and dew points in the 70s, it wasn’t just a test of fitness — it was surv...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, the Road to 200 takes a big step off the mic and onto the streets. We’re introducing the Chasing Rabbits Running Club, our brand-new community run club in partnership with Discourse Brewery. This isn’t just about logging miles — it’s about building on three years of friendship, laughter, and the “no runner left behind” promise that’s been at the heart of the podcast since day one. We talk about where the idea came from, what you can expect at our first meet-up on August 21st, and why this club is f...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we lace up in Greenwood, MO for the second annual Run to Bless 5K, an event supporting Fellowship Church and the mission trips they fund. We break down the race experience, the course, and the community spirit that made it a great Saturday morning run. Then, we shift to one of our favorite causes: the upcoming Rexy Run 5K, 8K, & 10K in Lawrence, KS. We sit down with Race Director Kristina to talk about this special 10th anniversary event, benefiting Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope — an organization helping families cover expe...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we’re celebrating the voices that have helped our pack grow. Over the years, our guests have brought stories, energy, and whole new communities into the fold — each one leaving their own unique mark. Some inspired listeners to take on new races, others sparked donations or volunteer work, and many became ongoing friends of the show. We revisit some of the most memorable conversations, laugh about moments that still make us smile, and reflect on how these voices helped shape the Back of the Pack into what it is toda...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we lace up for the Spencer C. Duncan “Make It Count” 5K in Gardner, KS — a powerful community event that honors a fallen hero and reminds us why we run. But after crossing that finish line, we shift gears and talk about something a little heavier: what happens when we sign up for a big, exciting goal… and then totally freeze. Yep, we’re talking goal paralysis — that weird brain loop where motivation vanishes and the training plan becomes a ghost you’re afraid to open. Host Kyle shares his own story of signi...

Every journey starts somewhere — and for The Back of the Pack Podcast, that “somewhere” involved closet recording, clunky editing, and the hope that maybe someone out there would listen. In this kickoff to our Road to 200 series, we rewind all the way back to episode one and share how the show began, what inspired it, and the hilarious stumbles along the way. From awkward first recordings to the surprising messages that made it all worth it, this episode is a love letter to starting messy and sticking with it. We talk about the spark that lit the mic, the early listen...

While Kyle is out of town, The Back of the Pack Podcast hands the mic to one of our favorite guest hosts — Karin Velez from the Just Grow Something Podcast. This week, Karin brings her science-based expertise and Marine Corps mindset to explore the power of novel stimulus in your running routine. She explains how runners often hit a plateau — mentally and physically — due to a concept called General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). When your training becomes predictable, your body stops responding. Enter the SAID principle — Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands — which explains why changing things up is key to unlocking progress...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we bring our Run the Nation series home with a celebration of the heartland — the Central States. From the wide-open plains of Kansas to the lakeside charm of Minnesota and the rolling hills of Missouri, we highlight ten essential races that showcase the region’s quiet strength and undeniable running spirit. Kyle reflects on his own roots in this part of the country, where runners are humble, weather-tough, and always cheering for each other no matter the pace. Whether you’re gunning for a PR on a flat Nebraska course...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we head to Buckner, Missouri for one of the most brutal events you’ve probably never heard of — Summer Argo. Calling it a “race” might be generous, since this officially classified “group run” skips the timing mats, aid stations, and course monitors in favor of raw grit and punishing hills. With over 2,200 feet of elevation gain, no closed roads, and a 9:00 a.m. summer start time designed to turn up the heat, this event is less about medals and more about survival. Only 46 runners dared sign up — 44 showed up, and every single one of...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run the Nation series heads south — where the miles are sweaty, the smiles are big, and every finish line feels like a family reunion. Kyle shares his personal stories of running the humid roads of Memphis, Gulf Shores, Biloxi, and more — including the only DNF that still nags at him (and why he’s going back for sweet redemption). We’ll break down ten must-run Southern races, from Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Road Race to the pirate party of Gasparilla and the bourbon-soaked relay through Kentucky’s distilleries. Along the wa...

Ever wondered if you can just add more miles to cancel out late-night pizza and gas station snacks? Spoiler: you can’t — and that’s exactly what we’re tackling this week on The Back of the Pack Podcast. We kick things off with a quick rundown of the Sunglasses 5K from this past Saturday — sun, fun, and a few shady characters (pun intended). Then we get real about that classic saying: “You can’t outrun a bad diet.” No lectures here — just one back-of-the-pack runner admitting we’ve all tried to cheat the system with junk food and extra miles. From surprise...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, our Run the Nation series heads to the birthplace of American road racing — the East Coast. From the roaring bridges of New York City to the heartbreak hills of Boston, we’re diving into what makes East Coast running so iconic, gritty, and fiercely proud. Kyle breaks down ten must-run races, from massive urban marathons with tens of thousands of runners to legendary hill climbs and historic routes through America’s oldest cities. We’ll look at what it takes to train through brutal winters and humid summers, and why East...

What do pit bulls, frozen hurricanes, and minus-14 wind chills have in common? They’re all part of the wild ride that’s been the first half of 2025 for The Back of the Pack Podcast. In this episode, we lace up to break down the Stars and Stripes 5K in Overland Park — the race that let us run off the BBQ calories just in time for fireworks. But we don’t stop there. We’re rolling out our very first Packy’s: the official, totally unserious mid-year awards for the best, worst, weirdest, and coldest running moments so far. From surprise PRs...

This Fourth of July, The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind kicks off its Run the Nation series by heading out West — where the freedom to run wild is as big as the coastline itself. From misty coastal boardwalks to rugged mountain trails, the West Coast running scene is all about adventure, grit, and epic scenery that makes you grateful to lace up in the land of the free. Kyle breaks down iconic bucket-list races like Big Sur, Western States 100, and the legendary Hood to Coast Relay. We’ll dig into how the terrain, climate, and laid-back surf-and-trail culture shap...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, Kyle takes you to the start line of the All-American 8 Miler in Independence, MO, with a full breakdown of hot miles, hometown vibes, and a celebration of what makes small-town holiday races so great. Then, he pulls back the curtain on how this podcast picks races—controversies and all—and reminds everyone that Back of the Pack stays true to itself and the listeners who keep the miles (and mics) moving. Finally, Kyle answers a heartfelt listener question about getting back into running after years away—covering the mindset shifts, the ego ch...

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind, we wrap up our Mental Health Awareness Month series with an episode rooted in resilience, reflection, and finding your “why.” After exploring men’s mental health, women’s mental load, and the emotional weight of recovery, we’re ending with a motivational reminder that running is often born from struggle—and becomes a powerful tool for purpose. Host Kyle Walker shares personal stories of comeback and reinvention, revealing how movement became more than therapy—it became identity. Whether you're running from something, toward something, or simply trying to keep it together on...

While Kyle is out of town, The Back of the Pack Podcast welcomes a first-time guest host to the mic—Lisa Watkins from the Behind the Bib podcast! Broadcasting from Huntsville, Alabama, Lisa brings a fresh voice and Southern perspective to this week’s episode. She shares her personal running journey, what inspired her to launch Behind the Bib, and how her show highlights races throughout the Southeast. Lisa also gives us a deep dive into the Rainsville Freedom Run 10K & 5K, known as “The Best Small Race in America.” Now in its 17th year, this event may be set in a sma...