Épisodes

  • From 26.2 to 2026: Running and Sports in KC

    From 26.2 to 2026: Running and Sports in KC
    Sep 22 2025
    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, community, and the way big events put KC on the global stage. Whether you’re gearing up for 26.2, running one of the shorter distances, or just proud to call Kansas City home, this episode will get you hyped for race day and beyond.
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    38 min
  • The Stress Effect, Week 3: Skeleton & Muscles

    The Stress Effect, Week 3: Skeleton & Muscles
    Sep 19 2025
    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 it out, we share real-world strategies: mobility work, active recovery, nutrition, and the importance of rest. Whether you’re logging miles or just trying to get through the workweek, this episode shows how stress literally makes you feel heavy.
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    25 min
  • Running the Good Life: Inside the Halfsy

    Running the Good Life: Inside the Halfsy
    Sep 15 2025
    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 race day in Lincoln is always something special. Whether you’ve run it before or it’s still on your bucket list, this episode has all the Halfsy energy you need to get excited for November 9th.
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    36 min
  • The Stress Effect, Week 2: Lungs & Stomach

    The Stress Effect, Week 2: Lungs & Stomach
    Sep 12 2025
    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 throw off training fuel and everyday meals.Whether you’ve ever felt butterflies before a race or found yourself winded just walking up stairs on a stressful day, this episode unpacks how stress steals your breath and ties your stomach in knots.
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    29 min
  • Ambassador Stories: Katie A. & the Garmin KC Marathon

    Ambassador Stories: Katie A. & the Garmin KC Marathon
    Sep 8 2025
    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 can win a free entry into the race! Packed with personal stories, future goals, and a little marathon magic, this episode is all about celebrating milestones on and off the course.
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    32 min
  • The Stress Effect, Week 1: Head & Heart

    The Stress Effect, Week 1: Head & Heart
    Sep 5 2025
    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 hits everyone, not just athletes.

    If you’ve ever wondered why your easy runs feel hard, or why your heart pounds at the wrong times, this episode unpacks the physical toll stress takes on your head and heart.
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    26 min
  • Laboring Through the Miles

    Laboring Through the Miles
    Sep 1 2025
    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 the back of the pack didn’t take this holiday off!
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    33 min
  • Beyond 200: Gratitude in Motion

    Beyond 200: Gratitude in Motion
    Aug 29 2025
    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 since episode one or just joined us recently, this one’s for the community that keeps us running forward together.
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    24 min