From Dallas Marathon Winner to Chairman: Logan Sherman's Running Journey

DFW Running Talk

This engaging episode of DFW Running Talk features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Logan Sherman, current Chairman of the Board for RunDallas and former Dallas Marathon champion. The interview reveals Sherman's remarkable journey from an overweight child nicknamed "Jelly Roll" to becoming a significant figure in Dallas's running community.

Key storylines from the episode include:

Early Life and Running Origins:
- Born in Dallas to a runner father who was motivated by his own father's cardiac-related death
- Started as an overweight kid who discovered running through a memorable punishment from his PE teacher, Coach Holiday, who made him run two miles
- Developed under coach Terry Jessup, who initially questioned what to do with "this fat little kid" but helped shape him into a serious runner

Athletic Development:
- Dealt with heart arrhythmia issues throughout high school and college
- Won state championships in high school, including a dramatic story about being added as an unprecedented ninth runner in a state meet
- Attended Texas A&M, where he achieved a notable 29:41 10K time but struggled with various personal challenges
- Won his first Dallas Half Marathon in 2003 after his father literally pulled him out of bed to race

Professional Career:
- Inspired by his college chiropractor to pursue chiropractic medicine
- Attended Parker University for his chiropractic degree while continuing to race
- Won the 2015 Dallas Marathon after 16 years of pursuing that goal
- Finished second to Keith Pierce in 2016 in another memorable race

Leadership Role:
- Joined the Dallas Marathon board in 2017
- Currently serves as Chairman of the Board
- Works with a small but effective team of four people who manage an event drawing over 30,000 participants
- Emphasizes the marathon's connection to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

The episode provides intimate details about Sherman's personal struggles and triumphs, including his battle with heart issues, academic challenges, and the mentorship he received throughout his journey. It also offers insight into the current state of the Dallas Marathon and its significance to the local community.

The conversation feels particularly timely as it was recorded just before the upcoming Dallas Marathon, with Sherman now serving in a leadership role for the event he once won as an athlete. Throughout the interview, Sherman's passion for running and his commitment to the Dallas running community clearly shines through, making it a compelling listen for both runners and community members interested in local sports leadership.

The episode effectively balances personal anecdotes with insights into race organization and community building, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable information about one of Dallas's premier sporting events.