From 2024 Olympic Trials to BMW Dallas Half Three Peat Champion: A Conversation with Mimi Smith

DFW Running Talk

In this engaging podcast episode, host Chris Detzel interviews elite runner Mimi Smith, who shares her journey through competitive running and recent accomplishments. The episode covers her experience at the 2024 Olympic Trials in Orlando, Florida, where she finished 65th overall despite challenging hot conditions. Smith discusses her qualifying time of 2:34 at the Chicago Marathon that earned her spot at the trials.

A significant focus is placed on Smith's dominance in the BMW Dallas Half Marathon, where she's won three consecutive years. She details her training approach for the most recent victory, maintaining 60-mile weeks while scaling back from her usual 80-mile marathon training weeks. Smith shares her race strategy, including how she mentally prepared for competition from other Olympic Trial qualifiers.

The conversation explores Smith's involvement in the Dallas running community, highlighting her participation in groups like Train Pegasus and Oak Cliff Run Crew. She emphasizes the importance of community in maintaining consistency with early morning workouts and training partnerships.

Looking ahead, Smith outlines her plans for 2024-2025, including the Boston Marathon and a half marathon in Miami. She discusses her long-term goals, particularly focusing on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Trials, with plans to attempt the qualifying time in early 2026, possibly at the Houston Marathon.

The episode also includes a memorable anecdote about stealing track signs during her college racing days, adding a personal and humorous element to the conversation. Smith concludes with valuable advice for runners at all levels, emphasizing the importance of patience in training progression and building proper foundations before focusing on speed.

Throughout the interview, Smith demonstrates her expertise as both an elite athlete and a physical therapist, offering insights into proper training progression and the importance of building volume before intensity.