Kinda Fast Podcast

Episode 52: The Coach Dean EpisodeIn 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 Town Marathon as a World Marathon Major.Plus, Coach Dean and Travis build their dream running teams in a fun fantasy draft featuring famous runners, celebrities, Bible characters, Upward Running members, and historical figures.Whether you're training for your next race, considering your first 5K, or simply looking for encouragement in your faith and fitness journey, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and plenty of laughs.Topics Covered:Cooper Lutkenhaus stuns the track worldPuma injury lawsuits and super shoe debateWhy runners over 50 are thrivingCape Town Marathon becomes a World Marathon MajorFantasy Running Team DraftCoach Dean's running and faith journeyLessons learned from decades of coaching runnersLearn more at UpwardRunning.com.

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 passionate rant about Cape Town’s “provisional star” and what that means for the World Marathon Majors conversation. After that, they debut a brand new segment: Would You Rather: Running Edition.Finally, they settle a question runners hear all the time: “When do you actually become a real runner?” (Spoiler: if you run, you are one), and close with an important faith-based reminder about where our deepest identity really comes from.In this episode, we cover:What a down week is (and how it’s different from a taper)How much to reduce mileage during a down week (and why you may still feel tired)New Balance’s momentum and what’s driving their growthThe “lunge marathon” attempt (and why starting with a 5K is way more realistic)Cape Town’s provisional star and why it’s controversialWould You Rather: Running Edition (race-day chaos, no explanations allowed… kind of)The truth about being a “real runner” and how to fight runner imposter syndromeA faith-centered reminder: running is something we do, but our identity is in ChristWho this episode is for:Runners who feel beat up and wonder if they need a down weekAnyone building consistency and trying to train smarter (not just harder)People who say “I’m not a runner” even though they run all the timeRunners who love news, hot takes, and fun debatesAnyone who wants a segment to play with their run groupBelievers who want a running podcast that keeps perspective in the right placeLiterally anyone and everyoneYouTube Chapters:01:51 What Does That Even Mean? Down Week08:33 Running News: New Balance growth + U.S. manufacturing15:11 Running News: the guy who tried to lunge a marathon17:21 Running News: Cape Town provisional star rant20:25 Would You Rather: Running Edition24:57 Deep Dive: “I’m not really a runner” (4 truths)38:10 Training check-in: Claire’s 5K + Travis’s down week + upcoming half marathon40:01 Wrap-up and how to support the podcastJoin the Kinda Fast community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDA FASTFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.If this episode helped you rethink recovery weeks, runner identity, or your own self-talk, leave a review, drop a comment with your Would You Rather picks, and share this with a runner who needs the reminder that they belong.

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:New data showing major marathons are now matching (and sometimes exceeding) the economic impact of the Super BowlJacob Kiplimo’s historic half marathon performance being ruled ineligible for a world recordThe 2026 New York City Marathon lottery, including key dates and what your chances really look likeThen they dive into finite vs. infinite goals...why runners need both race-specific targets and long-term purpose to stay motivated and consistent for the long haul.This episode is for runners who want to train smarter, stay motivated, and keep running for the long game.Join the Kinda Fast community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafastUse code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

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 incline wisely), before wrapping up with a deep dive into running and mental health...six science-backed reasons running supports mood, stress, sleep, resilience, and mindfulness.Whether you’re training through winter, watching your HRV trend dip, or just trying to feel a little more human again, this episode is full of practical insight and encouragement.In This Episode, We Cover:What HRV (heart rate variability) really is...and what it’s actually telling youWhy HRV reflects stress, recovery, sleep, illness, and life load (not just training)Why HRV trends over time matter more than one daily numberSydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s pregnancy announcement and how 2026 reshapes women’s trackA 60-year-old breaking the indoor mile world recordHow to survive treadmill running when it’s your only optionTreadmill incline tips to better mimic outdoor runningSix ways running supports mental health, including mood, stress regulation, sleep, focus, and resilienceThis Episode Is For:Runners who see HRV on their watch and aren’t sure how seriously to take itAnyone training through winter who hates the treadmill but still wants to stay consistentRunners navigating stress, burnout, or mental fatigueAnyone stepping back into running after time awayRunners who want practical, real-life advice without overcomplicating training https://rss.com/podcasts/kindafast" target="_blank">Podcast Home https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDhh-KAKvb6RineWB4FmOHqJFJGXlgom2" target="_blank">YouTube Playlist https://open.spotify.com/show/3MrjmDsa5xFkadlxGSUGVB?si=fe869c096fdd4ff5" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify @upwardrunning">https://www.instagram.com/upward.running/">@upwardrunning on Instagram

Welcome to Episode 30 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.This week, Travis and Claire have a stacked running-news episode...from Disney Marathon weekend drama (including a course that was shortened mid-race), to the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, to huge performances at the Houston Marathon + Half.In our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment, we break down a term you’ve probably heard but may not fully understand: training block. We explain what it is, what it’s not, the most common types of blocks (base, speed/strength, race-specific, recovery), and why training blocks help runners progress without burning out.Then for the deep dive....because it’s Episode 30, we’re reintroducing ourselves. You’ll hear more of Travis and Claire’s running backgrounds, one lesson running taught each of us this past year, plus some fun “get to know us” questions (family life, favorite snacks, surprising runner facts, and more).And yes… we also settle the very important question: did Taylor Swift really run 8 miles during every show? 😄In this episode, we cover:What a training block is (and why it matters)Disney Marathon weekend recap + “does it count if it’s shortened?”World Cross Country Championships highlights (mud, water, obstacles, and standout finishes)Houston Marathon winners + what those results mean for Team USAThe Houston Half: four Americans under 60 minutes in one raceTaylor Roe’s huge half marathon + Dot McMahan qualifying again at age 49Taylor Swift mileage math + the Taylor vs. Travis Kelce 5K debateJoin the Kinda Fast Community: 👉 https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafastUse code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

Kinda Fast Podcast - Episode 28What does it really mean to train through pain? When should runners push through discomfort… and when is it time to stop?In Episode 28 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we’re joined by Drew McAbee, DPT, a runner and Doctor of Physical Therapy with Promotion Rehab & Sports Medicine. Drew works with runners every day and helps break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to train smarter to stay healthy.This episode covers:What “prehab” actually means, and why runners should careThe difference between pain vs. discomfortThe #1 cause of most running injuries (too much, too fast)The most common injuries runners face, including runner’s knee, Achilles issues, hip pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitisHow to avoid injuries before they start, and what to do if you’re already dealing with oneDrew’s journey from high school offensive lineman to marathon runnerWhy writing down your goals and finding your “why” matters in training and lifeWhether you’re starting fresh this year, coming back from injury, or trying to stay consistent without breaking down, this episode is packed with practical advice and runner-to-runner wisdom.👉 Learn more about Drew and Promotion Rehab & Sports Medicine: https://physiosc.com/locations/spartanburg?utm_source=KindaFastPodcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Spartanburg&utm_id=KindaFastPodcast👉 Join the Kinda Fast community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.New episodes drop every Friday. If this episode helped you, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with a runner who needs it.