Pete Johnson: 1:05:11 Half Marathon Debut, Steeplechase Success and a 2:16 CIM Goal

Pete Johnson ran 1:05:11 in his first half marathon , averaging roughly five-minute-mile pace at the Houston Half Marathon. Now, the former University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas runner is preparing for his marathon debut at the California International Marathon , where he hopes to begin chasing the 2:16 Olympic Trials qualifying standard . In this episode of DFW Running Talk , Pete joins host Chris Detzel to share his complete running journey—from discovering cross country at Plano West to competing in NCAA track, cross country and the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Pete explains how an honest conversation with a college coach changed his mindset, pushed him to take training more seriously and helped him recognize his potential. He also discusses running 90–100-mile weeks, recording an 8:49 steeplechase, completing an 8K cross-country race in 23:39 and making the transition from collegiate racing to elite-level half-marathon and marathon training. The conversation covers: How Pete ran 1:05:11 in his half-marathon debut His Houston Half Marathon race strategy Training at the University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas The impact great coaches had on his development Steeplechase, cross-country and track racing High-mileage training and staying healthy Preparing for his first marathon at CIM His long-term Olympic Trials ambitions Balancing a physical therapy career with competitive running This episode is for runners interested in half-marathon training, marathon preparation, elite running, NCAA cross country, steeplechase, high-mileage training and the California International Marathon . Follow DFW Running Talk for conversations with runners, coaches, race directors and the people shaping the Dallas–Fort Worth running community. Website: www.dfwrunningtalk.com Newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @dfwrunningtalk