Rock the Parkway and Rest the Body: A Masters Runner's Guide

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we take you behind the scenes and onto the course of the celebrated Rock the Parkway Half Marathon weekend! Join us as we recount our adventures at the bustling expo where we connected with fellow runners at our podcast table, and then follow along for our comprehensive review of this iconic Kansas City race - from the rolling hills to the fantastic crowd support that makes this event a regional favorite. After breaking down the course, organization, and our personal experiences, we dive into a timely discussion about age-appropriate recovery for runners in their 40s and 50s. Having just completed our third half marathon in three consecutive weekends, we share essential insights on why recovery needs change as we age, optimal rest periods between races, the most effective recovery modalities for masters runners, and how to avoid the common recovery mistakes that can derail your running journey. Whether you're considering Rock the Parkway for 2026 or looking to maximize your longevity in the sport, this episode delivers race-tested wisdom for the back-of-the-pack community.