Kinda Fast Podcast

What does it take to make an incredible comeback in running? This week on the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis are talking about resilience, determination, and some of the greatest comeback stories in running history!

First, in "What Does That Even Mean?", we're breaking down the difference between a surge and a kick. Learn how runners use these racing strategies and when to put them into action.

Then, we're catching up on the latest running news, including Courtney Dauwalter's pursuit of an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying time, a 5:09 mile completed while solving Rubik's Cubes...

Kinda a Stress Fracture, Kinda Not? | Chicago Marathon 2026 Recap

This week on the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis are talking all things Chicago Marathon 2026, including record-breaking performances, surprising training methods, and some unforgettable finish-line moments. Plus, we're diving into an injury every runner should know about: stress reactions vs. stress fractures.

We kick things off with "What Does That Even Mean?" and explain what a sweep car is, how marathon cutoff times work, and why you definitely don't want Disney's famous Balloon Ladies catching up to you on race day!

Then we're...

What do Taco Bell, pot-bellied pigs, and 6,800 miles of running have in common? This week's episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast!

Claire and Travis welcome special guest Keith Storm, a runner who accomplished something pretty incredible: running every road and trail in Greenville County, South Carolina!

Over nearly four years, Keith covered approximately 6,800 miles, encountering everything from loose dogs and a pot-bellied pig to a baby bear along the way. He joins us to share what inspired this enormous challenge, the adventures that came with it, and what it takes to stay committed to a...

What do the Berlin Marathon, $500 racing shoes, 30,000 burpee broad jumps, and tendon strength have in common? Somehow, they all made it into this week’s Kinda Fast.

Claire and Travis kick things off with What Does That Even Mean?, breaking down eccentric vs. concentric muscle contractions and why both matter for runners.

Then, it’s time for running news. Tigst Assefa runs an incredible 2:11:04 at the Berlin Marathon, setting a new course record before suffering an Achilles injury in the final kilometers. Plus, Adidas unveils the new Adizero Adios Pro 5 with a completely different carbon desi...

Is your running form holding you back? In Episode 66 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis talk heel striking, the myth of “perfect” running form, and four practical ways to become a more efficient runner over time: build consistency, add strides, use drills with a purpose, and strength train.

In running news, they discuss research on the benefits of a 10-minute easy run, Keely Hodgkinson’s unusual Nike speed suit, Alphafly 4 resale listings reaching $1,400, and an update on last week’s HYROX story.

The Kinda Fast Podcast is powered by Upward Running, a Christian running...

Episode 65: Kinda Fast Case Files: Mysteries, Scandals, and Controversies

The evidence has been collected, the files have been reopened, and Travis has not been told the official rulings.

In this special true crime-inspired episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis investigate four of the strangest mysteries, scandals, and controversies in running history. We are talking suspicious split times, missing photographs, an unexplained wind reading, and a marathon that may never have happened,

Before opening the case files, we explain the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship and how the fast-paced, three-night event...

How did running go from a survival skill to one of the world’s most popular sports?

In Episode 64, Claire and Travis travel through the history of running, from early humans hunting for food and ancient messengers delivering critical news to the first Olympic footrace, professional pedestrianism, and the creation of the modern marathon. They also explain why a marathon is exactly 26.2 miles and how the running boom made the sport accessible to everyday athletes.

In What Does That Even Mean?, learn about the ancient Greek stadion and how it gave us the modern word “stad...

Do runners actually love running...or do we just love proving we can do hard things?

This week, Claire and Travis explore why runners willingly choose discomfort, complain through every mile and then wake up and do it all over again. They break down how the brain interprets pain, why running with friends makes suffering easier and how to stop a difficult run from turning into a mental spiral.

Plus, they explain eccentric loading, test their knowledge of college football speed, cover a professional runner’s dog-assisted 4:31 mile and recap Ben Dhiman’s incredible UTMB vict...

This week on the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis are talking about something runners hear a lot less about than overtraining: undertraining.

How do you know if you’re actually doing enough to reach the goal you’ve set? We break down some of the biggest signs you may not be training enough, why adding more miles is not always the answer, and how to make sure your training actually matches what you’re trying to accomplish.

Before the Deep Dive, we get into some wild running news, including the Sydney Marathon’s major medal mi...

In Episode 61 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis are answering a question every runner eventually asks: When is it actually time to increase your mileage?

But first, they kick things off with What Does That Even Mean? and finally settle the question of what exactly a running singlet is—and whether it’s really any different from a tank top.

Then it’s time for running news! The Tokyo Marathon 2027 lottery is officially open, and Claire and Travis break down the important dates, entry fees, and just how tough it is to land a bib...

It’s Episode 60 of the Kinda Fast Podcast! 🎉

This week, Claire and Travis celebrate with 60 Seconds of Running Mad Gab, break down the difference between a niggle and an actual injury, and remind you that Upward Running’s 12-Week Back-to-School Challenge kicks off August 17.

In running news, they dive into the growing conversation around drug testing in professional trail running as prize money and sponsorships continue to grow. Plus, they share the incredible story of Paralympian Mohamed Lahna, who completed a 3,300-mile Triathlon Across America—including a 300-mile run on a prosthetic leg.

Then, it’...

Episode 59: Heat Acclimation, Cheese Rolling, Garmin's New Cirqa & Sauna Training for Runners

What exactly is heat acclimation, and can sitting in a sauna actually make you a better runner?

In Episode 59 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis explain how your body adapts to running in the heat, introduce Upward Running's new 12-Week Back-to-School Challenge, and dive into some of the biggest stories in the running world. From the wild Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Race in England to Garmin's brand-new Cirqa fitness band and the return of the Commonwealth Mile, there's plenty to catch...

Episode 58: Running for Weight Loss Myths, Boston Marathon Changes & What It Means to Get Out-Kicked

Can you lose weight and still fuel your running well? In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis separate fact from fiction as they tackle some of the biggest myths about running for weight loss.

They also explain what it means to get out-kicked in a race, break down the Boston Marathon's new qualifying lottery beginning in 2027, discuss the recent conversations surrounding runner safety after a Central Park e-bike crash, and celebrate Claire's exciting announcement that she'll...

Episode 57 of the Kinda Fast Podcast is here! Travis is back on the mic, sharing one of the biggest lessons he learned during his time away from running: running isn't just something he does...it's something that makes him a better version of himself.

Claire and Travis also discuss Josh Kerr's historic mile world record, celebrate Connor and Kylie Mantz welcoming their son, explain what a waterfall start is in track racing, and talk about Strava's new partnership with Adidas that rewards runners for staying active.

In this episode: • What is a waterfall start? • Why long...

Episode 56: Running Shoe Foam Explained, Josh Kerr's World Record Chase & Courtney Dauwalter's Hardrock Victory

Travis is away on a mission trip this week, so Claire takes the mic solo to dive into one of the biggest topics in running right now: running shoe foam.

What exactly is stack height? Do carbon plates really make you faster? Why do some running shoes cost $300? And are they actually worth it?

Claire breaks down the technology behind today's running shoes, explains the surprising role foam plays in performance and recovery, and busts several common myths about...

One of the biggest track meets of the year delivered...and we're breaking it all down.

This week, Claire and Travis recap the incredible performances from the Prefontaine Classic, including Cameron Myers' stunning Bowerman Mile victory, Nikki Hiltz ending Faith Kipyegon's five-year winning streak, and the American distance runners making a statement heading into championship season.

They also discuss Josh Kerr's unique pursuit of the mile world record (yes, he sleeps in an altitude chamber), Jennifer Lichter's historic win at the Western States 100 in her first-ever 100-mile race, and whether anyone can actually become a...

In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis talk Fourth of July running, the Peachtree Road Race, major NCAA eligibility changes, Parker Valby’s comeback, a 14-year-old running phenom, and the wild $1 Ultramarathon in Times Square.

Then they dive into practical tips for getting back into running after a long break, including how to rebuild safely, why walking counts, how to check your ego, and why patience matters more than pace.

Whether you’re coming back from injury, burnout, busyness, or just a long season away from running, this episode is all abou...

In this special first-ever solo episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire shares a personal story about returning to the roads that shaped her as a runner and a person.

After traveling to Gaffney, South Carolina for a recent race, Claire spent the morning running through the campus where she attended college. What began as a nostalgic trip down memory lane quickly became an opportunity to reflect on how much God has changed her life over the years.

From difficult memories and past mistakes to an unexpected reunion with a former college teammate, Claire shares...

Episode 52: The Coach Dean Episode

In this special one-year anniversary episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis sit down with Upward Running's own Coach Dean Thompson. From state championships and national titles to marathon victories and coaching thousands of runners, Dean shares the story of how running became both a lifelong passion and a ministry.

Along the way, the team discusses Cooper Lutkenhaus' incredible Diamond League victory, ongoing Puma shoe lawsuits, new research showing runners in their 50s are logging more miles than any other age group, and the addition of the Cape...

Vacation season is here, and in Episode 51 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis tackle one of the biggest questions runners face this time of year: Should you keep training while you're away?

They kick things off by breaking down the term "Run-Cation" and why so many runners plan vacations around races, scenic routes, and new running adventures. Then they dive into the latest running news, including the Run Disney registration meltdown, a 90-year-old runner completing his first marathon, and a controversial high school track championship ruling that sparked debate across the running community.

...

Episode 50 is here, and Claire and Travis are celebrating a major milestone with a packed episode full of running news, injury insights, and plenty of fun along the way.

First, in "What Does That Even Mean?", they break down Baxter's Nerve Entrapment, a commonly missed cause of heel pain that is often mistaken for plantar fasciitis. Travis shares his own experience dealing with persistent heel pain and what he's learning about the condition.

Then it's time for the latest running news. The duo discusses American runner Tyler Andrews' record-setting climb of Mount Everest in under 10...

Welcome to episode 49 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week’s episode gets a little wild. We break down elimination races, talk about wildlife encounters on runs, and dive into some fascinating endurance research that has the running world talking.

In What Does That Even Mean?, we’re talking elimination races…what they are, how they work, and why being the last runner across the line can instantly end your race.

In running news:

Welcome to episode 48 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week’s episode is a fun one. We break down a simple running term, share a wild multi-sport story, and sit down with a special guest whose journey proves it’s never too late to start.

In What Does That Even Mean?, we’re talking tailwinds...what they are and how they can impact your pace, effort, and race day performance.

In running news:

In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we’re talking electrolytes, race day chaos, and why some runs just feel terrible...even when your training is going well.

We kick things off with a breakdown of electrolytes in our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment. What they are, why they matter, and how they impact your performance—especially in the heat. If you’ve ever dealt with cramping, fatigue, or mid-run crashes, this is something you need to understand.

In running news, we cover:

-A London Marathon petition that’s trying to change the l...

Welcome to episode 46 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, we’re diving into heart rate training, some absolutely wild London Marathon world records, Boston Marathon talk, and a deep dive into running drills that can help improve your form and efficiency.

We kick things off with What Does That Even Mean? and this week’s topic is heart rate training. We break down heart rate zones, why easy runs should actually feel easy, and how learning to run by effort instead of pace...

Kinda Fast Podcast | Episode 45: Kinda Melting: Sub-2 Marathons, Robots and Summer Running

In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we are talking running, real life, and everything in between.

We kick things off with our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment and break down a term you have probably seen at bigger races but may not fully understand. Corrals. What they are, how they work, and why they matter more than you think on race day.

Then we move into running news, and there is a lot to unpack this week. From a hi...

Welcome to episode 44 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, we’re diving into a mix of Boston Marathon highlights, a relatable runner story, and a deep dive into how to take the next step in your training.

We kick things off with What Does That Even Mean? — and this week’s term is Heartbreak Hill. We break down where it falls on the Boston course, why it’s so famous, and why it’s not actually the steepness that makes it hard—it’s when it...

Welcome to episode 43 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week’s episode brings a mix of training insight, running news, and a deep dive that hits right at the heart of why we run in the first place.

We kick things off in “What Does That Even Mean?” with a listener question from one of our RunClub members about tempo runs. We break down what tempo pace actually is, how it’s calculated, and why running it correctly—at a controlled, “comfortably hard” effort—is so i...

Welcome to episode 42 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, we kick things off with a big announcement: our Couch to Half Marathon Nationwide Challenge is launching April 20th. This program takes you from the very beginning all the way to completing a half marathon, with the opportunity to graduate alongside the Upward Running community at Big Beach Marathon Weekend in January 2027. If you’ve been looking for a bigger goal than a 5K...but not quite a full marathon...this is for you.

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Welcome to episode 41 of the Kinda Fast Podcast!

This week, we’re diving into a super practical topic: what to expect at your first 5K — especially if you’re coming from a Couch to 5K training plan. With so many runners in our community gearing up for their first race, this episode is your simple, no-stress guide to feeling confident on race day.

We kick things off with What Does That Even Mean? and break down the term fartlek — what it is, how it works, and why it’s a great way to introduce speed into your...

Welcome to episode 40 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, we’re doing something a little different.

We’re breaking down last week’s strength training episode with Travis, turning it into simple, practical takeaways you can actually apply to your running.

If you listened to last week’s episode, this is your “now what?” And if you didn’t, this is the simplified version you can start using right away.

We’re focused on one simple goal: helping you train smarte...

Welcome to episode 39 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Claire is brought in a special guest: Jon Beasley, owner and founder of Mind and Body Strength.

Together, they dive into a topic a lot of runners avoid: strength training. They break down what hypertrophy actually means, why lifting won’t make you bulky, and how strength training can make you a faster, more efficient, and more injury-resistant runner.

Plus, Claire brings the running news with one of the most unhinged tr...

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Kinda Fast Podcast. In this episode, Claire and Travis break down the running term maximum heart rate and explain why it matters for training, pacing, and understanding your effort zones. They also share a simple way to estimate your maximum heart rate and talk about how runners can use that information to train smarter.

They also cover several major stories from the running world, including Jacob Kiplimo reclaiming the half marathon world record, the dramatic finish at the LA Marathon, and new updates from the U.S. Half Marathon Championships after Jessica...

Episode 37: Kinda Unmotivated: How to Run When You Don’t Feel Like It

Welcome to Episode 37 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Travis and Claire break down the training term “time on feet” and explain why many coaches measure long runs by time instead of distance. They discuss how this approach helps runners build endurance, adjust for hills or heat, and safely prepare for longer races.

Then they dive into a wild weekend in the running world. The U.S. Half M...

Episode 36: Down Weeks, New Balance’s Big Year, Provisional Stars, and “Am I a Runner?”

Welcome to episode 36 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Travis and Claire break down down weeks and why pulling back is part of getting better, not falling behind. Then they hit the running news with a big New Balance growth story (including $9.2B in 2025 global sales and U.S. manufacturing expansion), plus an absurd but hilarious attempt to lunge an entire marathon.

Next, Claire goes on a p...

Episode 35: Kinda Fast, Kinda Efficient: Super Shoes, Running Economy & Record-Breaking News

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Claire and Travis break down one of the biggest trends in running right now: super shoes. What makes them different? How do carbon plates and high-performance foam work? And do they actually improve performance...or just come with a hefty price tag?

Then it’s a packed week of running news:

Welcome back to the Kinda Fast Podcast....the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Claire and Travis break down cadence...what it really means, why the 180 steps-per-minute rule isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how small adjustments can improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.

In the news, they cover:

In episode 33 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Travis and Claire break down one of the most common runner complaints: dead legs. They explain what dead legs actually are, why they happen, and how to respond without overreacting or forcing intensity when your body is asking for recovery.

They also recap highlights from the 2026 Millrose Games, including standout performances from Cam Myers, Nikki Hiltz, and Cole Hocker, and discuss a major Team USA update involving a $100 million pledge designed to provide long-term financial support for U.S. Olympians and Paralympians. What sounds great on the surface comes with...

In episode 32 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis break down heart rate variability (HRV)...what it actually measures, why runners see it on their watches all the time, and how to use it without spiraling or overthinking your training.

They also hit the latest running news, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s pregnancy and what it means for women’s track in 2026, plus an inspiring story of a 60-year-old runner who just broke an indoor world record.

Then, they answer a real listener question about surviving treadmill training during brutal winter weather (including how to use...

Episode 31 | Kinda Under-Fueling: Low Energy Availability (LEA) in Running

In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Travis and Claire break down a workout term every runner should know: progression runs...what they are, why they work, and how they teach you to finish strong on tired legs.

Then it’s running news you didn’t see coming: a race that includes Ferrari’s private test track, how to enter the LA 2028 Olympic ticket lottery, and a breakdown of the 26 most influential people in running for 2026.

For the deep dive, we tackle a topic...