Kinda Fast Podcast
Kinda Fast. Kinda Not. Either way—we’re always either running or talking about it.Whether you’re a beginner runner training for your very first 5K or a fun seasoned runner who’s been around the block, this podcast is for you. We share tips, encouragement, and plenty of laughs along the way.Join us at www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast
Kinda Cold: 5 Tips for Cold-Weather Running
Episode Summary (short version for RSS feed listings): Claire and Travis dig into the NYC Marathon, Kipchoge’s seven-star milestone, and a few wild running stories before breaking down how to thrive in cold-weather training. Learn the five key tips for layering, safety, and motivation when temperatures drop.
Full Episode Description (paste in your RSS show notes section): In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis cover everything from marathon milestones to surviving the winter miles.
This week’s discussion includes:
What Does That Even Mean? — The difference between chip time and gu...Kinda Got a PR, Kinda Need a Nap: Post-Race Recovery
Claire and Travis are fresh off their fall races — and this week, they’re talking all about what happens after the finish line. From post-race highs to the recovery slump, this episode dives into how to rest, refuel, and reset the right way.
Claire shares her Spinx Half Marathon recap from Greenville, South Carolina, where she ran her smartest race yet, complete with negative splits and a 47-minute PR. Travis talks about what he’s learned from his own marathon weekend and why real progress happens in the recovery phase — not just during the race itself.
In “Wh...
Kinda Qualified for the Boston Marathon
Kinda Qualified for the Boston Marathon
Whether you’re a beginner runner training for your very first 5K or a seasoned runner who’s been around the block, this podcast is for you. We share tips, encouragement, and plenty of laughs along the way.
This week, Travis is officially Boston Marathon qualified — and we’re getting the full race recap: from the highs and the pain cave moments to almost plowing over people at the finish line. Claire shares what her half marathon training cycle has taught her, including three lessons that completely changed how she trai...
Kinda Race Ready: What Goes Into the Perfect Race Plan
Need a race day plan—but not sure where to start? This episode breaks down everything that goes into the perfect race plan so you can show up confident, fueled, and ready to run your best race yet.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, Travis walks through his full Columbus Marathon plan—covering nutrition, pacing, mindset, and gear—and shows you how to build your own.
Plus: a recap of Connor Mantz’s new American record, the Paris Marathon’s no-cup controversy, and a listener’s inspiring duathlon story.
📲...
Kinda Fast...But Why You’re Not Getting Faster (Pt.2)
Episode 16: Kinda Fast...But Why You’re Not Getting Faster (Pt.2)
Whether you’re a beginner runner training for your very first 5K or a fun seasoned runner who’s been around the block, this podcast is for you. We share tips, encouragement, and plenty of laughs along the way. In this episode, Claire and Travis unpack the final three reasons you’re not getting faster—straight from Coach Dean.
From ignoring weaknesses to winging it on race day, they break down what’s holding you back and how to fix it. Plus, the Viral Video of the...
Kinda Fast...But Why You’re Not Getting Faster (Pt.1)
Whether you’re a beginner runner training for your very first 5K or a seasoned runner who’s been around the block, this podcast is for you. We share tips, encouragement, and plenty of laughs along the way.
In episode 15 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we dive into cadence—what it means, why it matters, and how it affects your running efficiency and injury risk. We’ll also cover the latest Boston Marathon cutoff drama, Nike’s new recovery slides, and the unbelievable story of the world’s longest run streak.
And in our deep dive, Coach...
Kinda Learning to Mentor a New Runner
Whether you’re a beginner runner training for your very first 5K or a fun seasoned runner who’s been around the block, the Kinda Fast Podcast is for you. We share tips, encouragement, and plenty of laughs along the way.
In this episode…
Episode 7 – Kinda Learning to Mentor a New Runner
Ever heard runners talk about “negative splits” and wondered what the big deal is? Or maybe you’ve thought about helping someone new to the sport but weren’t sure where to start. This episode of The Kinda Fast Podcast packs in race recaps...
Kinda Gear Obsessed: The Running Stuff We Can’t Live Without
Episode 13: Kinda About Running Gear - The Virtual Race Debate, Tokyo Drama, and Our Top 3 Gear Essentials
This week on Kinda Fast, Claire and Travis are breaking down the ins and outs of virtual races — what they are, why people do them, and whether they’re actually worth it.
In the news:
A shocking DQ at the World ChampionshipsClaire’s chaotic race-day warm-up (spoiler: it involves a volunteer and a vehicle)Remembering Legend Jack DanielsPlus, we each share our Top 3 pieces of running gear, from Goodr sunglasses to Garmin watches to Wolaco shorts...
Kinda Learning How To Peak For A Race
Episode 12 - How do you time your training so you’re ready to perform your best on race day? In this episode, Claire and Travis break down the phases of a training cycle—Base, Strength, Speed, and Taper—with guidance from Coach Dean on how to approach each one. You’ll also get a single “focus word” for each phase to help you stay consistent and confident as race day approaches.
We also dive into:
What Does That Even Mean? — VO₂ Max explained in plain language and how to improve itRunning news highlights: the 5th Avenue Mile, a 102-mile...Kinda Ready, Kinda Not: Am I Race-Day Ready?
Fall race season is here, and we’re asking the big question: Am I actually ready for my race? In this episode, Claire and Travis break down how to know if your training prepared you, what to do if life got in the way, how to manage taper nerves, and the biggest mistakes to avoid on race day.
Plus:
“What Does That Even Mean?” segment featuring Brick Runs explained by triathletes Coach Dean and MitchellRunning news: Sydney Marathon crowned a World Major, Diamond League Final highlights, Eliud Kipchoge, Sifan Hassan, and Sara Hall’s new book For the...Kinda Historic: 10 Episodes, The Wall, and a Baby Clown
We made it—Episode 10! Double digits. To celebrate, we packed this episode with running news, a deep dive into “the wall”, a brand-new game called Marathon Myth or Fact, and more. Plus, Claire shares 10 lessons running has taught her—lessons that connect to faith and life well beyond the miles.
In This Episode:
What Does That Even Mean? — Deep dive into “the wall,” why it happens, and how to fuel smart on race day.Running News — The end of the historic Foot Locker Cross-Country Championships, and Tara Dower’s record-shattering FKT on Vermont’s Long Trail (273 miles, hallucination...Kinda about Couch to Marathon
Show Notes: This week on the Kinda Fast Podcast, we’re talking all things marathon prep and the journey from the couch to 26.2. With our next Couch to Marathon program kicking off September 29, Claire and Travis break down what makes the training unique, why community is so important, and share their best marathon tips for beginners.
We also cover:
The role of pacers in races—and whether you should trust themYared Nuguse’s big Diamond League performance and what it means for Team USAThe surprising impact of lead vehicle fumes on race timesWhy runners need to pay at...Kinda the Shoe Episode
Episode 8 - We’re feeling better this week… which means you’re getting the full-speed version of us. Buckle up!
In this episide of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we’re covering:
What Does That Even Mean? – Listener-submitted term: “Maintenance Plan” (and why you might need one).Running News – From the “party pace” stats to a blistering 10K in jeans, plus a marathon 4,300 feet underground.Deep Dive: The Great Shoe Debate – How many pairs should you have, why shoe rotation matters, and the biggest myths about finding the right fit.New Game! Mad Gab: Running Edition – Play along and test your runn...Kinda Sick, Kinda Meeting the Team
Episode 7 - This week, things get kinda switched up as Travis steps into the host seat while Claire recovers from being sick (spoiler: she’s back... and will not stop talking about Dino Nuggets).
This episode is packed with great convo, special guests, and a deep dive into the foundation of the Upward Running training philosophy.
We’re introducing the full Upward Running team...Mitchell Hollis (National Director) and Dean Thompson (National Coach)...and unpacking the 5 Core Training Principles that guide every challenge and plan we offer. You’ll also hear about the latest from the US...
Kinda Quit My Workout
Episode 6 - When stopping early doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Have you ever hit pause on a workout and immediately questioned everything? Like—“Am I being smart or am I making excuses?” Yeah… same.
In this episode of The Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis dive into the mental battle of knowing when to call it in, and how to tell the difference between pushing through and burning out. From red flags that mean stop now to those "meh" days when you just need grace, we're covering the full spectrum of what it means to train wis...
Kinda on Fire, Kinda Burned Out
Episode 5 - The burnout episode.
Feeling overwhelmed by training, life, or both? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis dive into runner burnout—how to spot the signs, what causes it, and how to recover without giving up on your goals.
They unpack what’s happening behind the scenes in your body, share real stories from elite athletes, and offer faith-filled encouragement for those in a tough season. Whether you're training for a race or just trying to stay consistent, this episode is packed with running tips, perspe...
Kinda Fueled by Gummy Bears: The Ultra Episode
Episode 4: What do mashed potatoes, the Barkley Marathons, and a woman dominating 240-mile races have in common? This episode.
In this episode of The Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn take a deep dive into the wild and inspiring world of ultrarunning. They spotlight the legendary Courtney Dauwalter, known for her laid-back style, unconventional fueling (yes, mashed potatoes and Coke), and her unbeatable grit. The episode unpacks the concept of the pain cave, shares practical nutrition strategies from national coach Dean Thompson, and plays a fun round of “This or That” based on Courtney’s real-l...
Kinda Crushed It, Kinda Over It: When the Race Doesn’t Go as Planned (Plus: Meet Travis)
Episode 2: In Episode 2 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis break down common race distances, explain key running terms, and share Travis’s personal story—from football player to long-distance runner. They tackle tough topics like injury setbacks and toxic positivity in the running community, and why empathy, not fake optimism, is the real fuel we need. Whether you're just starting or coming back from a setback, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode and subscribe for more conversations about running, training, and the journey that’s more than miles. The Kinda Fast Podcast is powered by Upwar...
Kinda Starting Over: Grace, Guts, and Gas Station Burritos
Episode 3: In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis dive into what it’s really like to start over in running—whether you’re coming back from injury, burnout, or just life. They talk about how to rebuild both your fitness and your mindset, why warm-ups and cool-downs actually matter, and how fueling choices (like gas station burritos and chicken tendies mid-run) can go hilariously wrong. Coach Dean also weighs in with practical nutrition tips that actually work. Real talk, real grace, and real encouragement for anyone hitting reset. New episodes drop every Friday. Listen wherever you ge...
Kinda Our First Episode: Zone 2 and Why We’re Here (Plus: Meet Claire)
Episode 1: In the very first episode of the Kinda Fast podcast, hosts Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn share what this show is all about—real talk about running, training, and the power of community. Rooted in Upward Running, they explore why running with others matters, how to stay motivated no matter your pace, and why Zone 2 training might be the secret sauce in your fitness journey. Whether you’re just starting or chasing a PR, this episode brings insight, laughter, and encouragement to help you run smarter—not just faster.
Kinda Wondering What This Podcast Is?
Kinda wondering what this podcast is? You’re not alone—and honestly, same. In this trailer for Kinda Fast, Claire breaks down what this podcast is, who it’s for (walkers, runners, and everyone kinda in between), and how faith and fitness come together here.
Whether you’re marathon training or trying to make it to mile one without crying, you’re in the right place.