From 4:28 to 2:52: Traci Duty's 20-Year Marathon Journey

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Traci Duty, whose 23-year running journey proves that breakthrough performances can happen at any age. From her first cotton-clad marathon disaster in college (4:28) to becoming a sub-3:00 marathoner at 45 (2:52), Traci's story is a masterclass in persistence, community, and smart training.

In this episode, Traci shares:

• Her early days as a high school sprinter who "hated" cross country
• The friends who kept convincing her to run "just one more marathon"
• How joining the Dallas Running Club transformed her training approach
• The power of running with faster groups (hello, Sloths!) and believing in bigger goals
• Her breakthrough season: four consecutive PR half marathons leading to her first sub-3:00 marathon
• Training insights including strength work, nutrition, and race strategy "chunking"
• The reality of running injuries and her current battle with osteoarthritis in both knees

What makes Traci's story particularly compelling is her late-career speed development. At an age when many runners are slowing down, she was running personal bests and keeping pace with athletes 10+ years younger. Her journey highlights the importance of community, proper training, and never giving up on your potential.

Whether you're chasing your first marathon PR or wondering if your fastest days are behind you, Traci's story will remind you that with the right mindset, training partners, and approach, breakthrough performances are possible at any stage of your running journey.

Key Takeaways: The power of training groups, importance of strength training and nutrition, race strategy tips, and maintaining a positive mindset through injury setbacks.