Elite Runner, Coaching, Stroller Records, and Golden Tickets: The Cal Neff Story

DFW Running Talk: Cal Nef Episode OverviewIn this engaging episode of DFW Running Talk, host Chris Detzel interviews Cal Nef, an accomplished elite runner, coach, and race director based in Houston, Texas. The conversation explores Cal's multifaceted running career and his journey through various aspects of the running world.Background and Running CareerCal shares his lifelong journey with running, starting at age 4 in Louisiana before his family moved internationally for his father's oil industry career. These moves took him to places like Scotland, England, Thailand, Canada, and Australia, with running becoming his constant companion and defining characteristic. After competing at the collegiate level for the University of Little Rock and University of Houston, Cal took a break from running before rediscovering his passion through trail running.Elite Running AccomplishmentsAs an elite athlete, Cal has impressive achievements including:Multiple Houston Marathon finishes (7 full marathons, 3 half marathons)Serving as an official pacer for elite women like Sarah Hall and Keira D'AmatoHelping Keira D'Amato break the American marathon record (2:19)Winning both the Cowtown 50K and Dallas 50KWinning the Marine Corps MarathonSetting world records for running with strollers in the 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distancesCompeting at the prestigious Comrades Marathon in South AfricaTrail Racing Over TexasA significant portion of the interview focuses on Cal's role as owner and race director of Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT). He explains how he acquired the company when it was about to shut down, driven by his passion to preserve the vibrant trail running community in the Houston area. Under his leadership, TROT hosts over 10 events annually, including signature races like:The Habanero 100 (a uniquely challenging race that begins at noon in the summer heat)San Felipe Shootout (where runners compete in 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances back-to-back)Brazos Bend 100 (a Western States qualifier)Big Dog's Backyard Ultra (modeled after Lazarus Lake's famous format)Cal emphasizes how he strives to create unique race formats that challenge runners in different ways, moving beyond the standard "gun start, race to finish" model. He discusses the challenges of race directing, including logistics, safety protocols (drawing on his experience with Texas Search and Rescue), and balancing growth with maintaining quality experiences.Coaching and Training PhilosophyCal discusses his coaching business, Hard Loop Endurance, revealing that he had 50 athletes competing in the Houston Marathon. He explains his personal training approach, noting that despite being an elite runner, he's not a high-mileage athlete (typically running 30-50 miles weekly, rarely exceeding 100), though he coaches athletes across the spectrum, including some who regularly run 110-120 miles weekly.Other Passions and LifestyleThe interview also touches on Cal's other interests, particularly his passion for unpowered flight through hang gliding and paragliding. He lives in a fly-in community where his business operates from a hangar, and he and his wife are working toward their private pilot's licenses.Cal also mentions:His podcast "The Neff Pace" that he hosts with his wife RachelHis volunteer work with Texas Search and RescueUpcoming races including the Black Canyon 100K, where he's seeking a "golden ticket" to Western StatesThe episode provides a comprehensive look at Cal's diverse interests, accomplishments, and approach to running, coaching, and race directing, highlighting his unique position as someone who has succeeded at multiple levels of the running world while creating opportunities for others through his businesses and events.