From 232 Pounds to 2:46 Marathon: Greg Rankin's Incredible Transformation

DFW Running Talk

Join host Chris Detzel for an inspiring conversation with Greg Rankin, a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth running community whose journey proves it's never too late for a comeback. From earning a pink fourth-place ribbon in his first high school track meet to running a 2:46 marathon, Greg's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of community.

In this episode, Greg shares his three distinct "running careers" - from a college scholarship runner who walked away from the sport, to a Young Country radio team member getting back into racing, to becoming one of DFW's most respected marathon coaches. You'll hear about his dramatic transformation from 232 pounds and struggling to tie his shoes to qualifying for Boston, his harrowing experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and how he's helped dozens of runners achieve their goals.

Greg opens up about the role running played during his divorce, his decade-long Boston Marathon streak, and his transition from corporate IT to coaching elite marathoners. He also discusses the evolution of the DFW running scene, where sub-3-hour marathons have become increasingly common and the community continues to push each other to new heights.

Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or an experienced runner seeking insights from a seasoned coach, Greg's story offers valuable lessons about persistence, smart training, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right community.

Topics covered:

• Early running career and college scholarship
• Three major comebacks to the sport
• Boston Marathon bombing experience
• Coaching philosophy and approach
• The evolution of DFW's running community
• Training for sub-3-hour marathons
• Balancing family and running goals

Recorded live in Dallas, Texas