Strides Through H-Town, Ep. 1: Taco on Chasing Big Goals and Honoring Where He Came From (Ep. 21)

In the first episode of Strides Through H-Town, I sit down with Taco (@tacoxrun), a Houston-based runner whose journey is rooted in patience, growth, and belief.

Taco is a two-time marathoner, with his first marathon taking place at the Mexico City Marathon and his second right here on home turf at the  Houston Marathon. In this conversation, we talk about how his approach to running has evolved step by step over the years — and how that same steady growth has shaped his life beyond the road.

One of the driving forces behind Taco’s pursuit of big goals is his desire to honor his parents’ decision to move from Mexico to Texas in hopes of giving him a better life. That gratitude fuels his mindset, his work ethic, and his willingness to chase dreams that once felt out of reach.

We also talk about self-doubt, starting before you feel ready, and how Taco uses his platform to encourage others to believe in what’s possible — even when they don’t yet believe in themselves. Looking ahead, he shares his goal of one day taking on an Ironman, not out of pressure, but out of curiosity and confidence built over time.

This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once — it happens one step, one mile, and one decision at a time.

#marathonrunning #houstonmarathon #houston #texasrunners