When Summer Jowers started running, she quickly realized something was missing — a space where women in DFW could feel supported, encouraged, and connected through the sport. So she created it. Girls Who Run DFW began as a simple idea and has grown into a vibrant community built on showing up for each other, no matter the pace.

In this episode, Summer shares the heart behind starting the group, the impact it’s had on the women who join, and how her own path — from making a life-changing decision two years ago to completing her first marathon — has shaped the community along the way. This is a story about finding your people, building what you wish existed, and discovering just how far you can go when you don’t run alone.

Apply to run with Girls Who Run DFW at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2015218772624855/

🎧 Listen on throughtheirstride.com wherever you get your podcast!
💬 Comment below with your favorite running tip or ultra story!
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell so you don’t miss new episodes every week.

#Running #Ultramarathon #MarathonTraining #TexasRunners

This week on Through Their Stride, I sit down with Lauren McGettrick, an elite coach and ultramarathon runner, to talk all things running, from marathon training to pushing your limits in ultra-distance races.

In this episode, Lauren shares:

- How ultra running can actually improve your marathon performance
- Her experience training for and running ultra races
- Tips on pacing, mental toughness, and enjoying the process
- Insights from her military background that shaped her approach to running and life

Whether you’re a casual runner, a seasoned marathoner, or just love hearing inspiring stories from athletes, this episode has something for you.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast wherever you get your podcast!
💬 Comment below with your favorite running tip or ultra story!
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell so you don’t miss new episodes every week.

#Running #Ultramarathon #MarathonTraining #TexasRunners

In this episode, I sit down with Jackie Mancuso — vineyard manager, marathoner, and a runner currently training for the California International Marathon after a few years away from the sport.

Jackie opens up about her long struggle with negative self-talk around training: feeling like she wasn’t capable, feeling like a failure during hard workouts, and battling imposter syndrome despite being a Boston Qualifier with a PR from the New York City Marathon.

This time around, she’s flipping the script.

Jackie’s CIM build is all about patience, joy, and letting the running come to her — and the shift has changed everything.

We talk about:• returning to running after time away• how negative thoughts shape training• finding joy and fun in the process• her renewed mindset heading into CIM

A real, honest conversation about pressure, identity, and the freedom that comes from choosing joy.

In Through Their Stride, I talk with runners in the Lone Star State to share the stories of why they run. Whether it's just taking on their first race or setting records, what they do is incredible and their story is worth telling.

Know a Texas runner who you think should be on the podcast? Send them my way in a message to ThroughTheirStride@gmail.com. See y'all out there!

When Brian Vote took up running, it was purely just to help his mental health after his mother had passed away. His wife was a runner, and he felt like it could be something they could do together.

He took on his first marathon in 2022, and suffered his way to a 4:30-plus time. But his running journey wouldn't end there. He qualified for Boston after coming second in Marathon2Marathon in 2023, and ended up running 2:58:22 at the Boston Marathon in 2024.

In the fall of 2024, he won the Lubbock Marathon, and defended his title in 2025.

While winning big races is fun, victory isn't what Brian is after. He shares his journey of running to inspire people and show them that they can and should do hard things. Whether it's running or something else, finding a productive hobby that you're passionate about will only better your life.

In Through Their Stride, I talk with runners in the Lone Star State to share the stories of why they run. Whether it's just taking on their first race or setting records, what they do is incredible and their story is worth telling.

Know a Texas runner who you think should be on the podcast? Send them my way in a message to ThroughTheirStride@gmail.com. See y'all out there!

Also, big shoutout to Kristian Warwick of The Marathon Podcast for some great editing tips and inspiration. Listen to his podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EYFxkoe1Fk1DlIptEvWo4

Running across any state is no small feat, but running across Texas? That is a story worth telling.

Chase Junell, a Fredericksburg native and a longtime runner, took up the challenge to run across the state of Texas from El Paso to Galveston in February of 2025. He and his dad loaded a van, hit the road, and traveled for just over 19-plus day adventure. Hear the highs, lows, and ways he prepared on this episode of Through Their Stride.

This series combines sit-down interviews with real running footage of each guest — filmed at their favorite spot.

Drop a comment with your favorite moment or a Texas Hill Country runner you think should be featured next!

Subscribe and join the journey — one stride at a time.

Music track: Wild Emotions by Dagored

Source: ⁠freetouse.com/music

Music for Videos (Free Download)

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @SamRunsTX.⁠

#running⁠ ⁠#runningpodcast⁠ ⁠#fitness⁠ ⁠#storytelling⁠ ⁠#bostonmarathon⁠ ⁠#texashillcountry⁠

This is the hardest episode I’ve ever shared.

My mom, Angela Grannan, has been living with cancer since 2013. She’s a two-time Boston Marathon finisher, Hotter’n Hell 100 cyclist, and one of the toughest people I’ve ever known.

After years of remission, treatment, and relentless perseverance, she continues to face each day with the same strength that carried her through every mile.

This is her story — her stride — and her legacy.

This series combines sit-down interviews with real running footage of each guest — filmed at their favorite spot.

Drop a comment with your favorite moment or a Texas Hill Country runner you think should be featured next!

Subscribe and join the journey — one stride at a time.

Music track: Wild Emotions by Dagored

Source: freetouse.com/music

Music for Videos (Free Download)

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @SamRunsTX.

#running #runningpodcast #fitness #storytelling #bostonmarathon #cancer

When Victor Mills (formerly Victor Glenn) decided to run a half marathon with me, he wasn't much of a runner. He just knew he wanted a challenge. And generously, he wanted to help me get out of my funk after dislocating my knee.

In this episode, Victor and I talk about what happens when you willingly step into discomfort: the discipline, the setbacks, the small victories that change who you are. From long runs to showing up on days when the "why" feels blurry, this conversation is about building character through doing hard things.

This series combines sit-down interviews with real running footage of each guest — filmed at their favorite spot. Drop a comment with your favorite moment or a Texas Hill Country runner you think should be featured next!

Subscribe and join the journey — one stride at a time.

Music track: Wild Emotions by Dagored

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Music for Videos (Free Download)

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @SamRunsTX.

#running #runningpodcast #fitness #storytelling #bostonmarathon #texashillcountry

From become a Houston Marathon Veteran, taking on multiple ultra marathons like the Rocky Raccoon 100, earning first place in the Masters division at his latest trail race, and inspiring the next generation of runners through coaching the Heritage School cross country team in Fredericksburg, Brett Davis' running story has it all.

I've been following Brett on Strava for a while, and was glad he said yes to coming onto this podcast. Brett and I could have talked for hours and I know his story was barely told in just the hour we had, but I'm glad I got to share what I could.This series combines sit-down interviews with real running footage of each guest — filmed at their favorite spot.

Drop a comment with your favorite moment or a Texas Hill Country runner you think should be featured next!

Subscribe and join the journey — one stride at a time.

Music track: Wild Emotions by Dagored

Source: https://freetouse.com/music

Music for Videos (Free Download)

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @SamRunsTX.

#running #runningpodcast #fitness #storytelling #bostonmarathon #texashillcountry