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 it
• Running news highlights: the 5th Avenue Mile, a 102-mile ultra in Boulder, a tribute to Sister Marion “The Flying Nun” Irvine, and an inspiring half marathon inside a Utah prison
• Kinda Fast Feedback — Listener questions on race course previews and how running changes across decades
• A faith tie-in from Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, dreaming of Boston, or grinding through your own peak week, this episode will help you trust the process, train with purpose, and keep running your race.

👉 Powered by Upward Running — a community where faith and fitness meet. Use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free at upwardrunning.com/kindafast.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us out more than you know!

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 Mitchell
• Running news: Sydney Marathon crowned a World Major, Diamond League Final highlights, Eliud Kipchoge, Sifan Hassan, and Sara Hall’s new book For the Love of the Grind
• Community spotlight: A thoughtful story from Upward Running member Rebecca Wang
• A fun Fall Running This or That game to celebrate the best season to be a runner

Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5K or chasing down a new PR, this episode will give you confidence, perspective, and encouragement for race day.

🎧 Join the Upward Running community at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free on the RunClub App.

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, hallucinations, and yes…a giant baby clown).
• Community Spotlight — Meet Todd, a RunClub member balancing duathlon training with studying for his IRS exam.
• Deep Dive — Claire shares 10 lessons running has taught her: from consistency and fueling to comparison, community, and celebrating milestones.
• Game Time — Marathon Myth or Fact: busting and confirming some classic marathon beliefs.

Key Takeaways:

• “The wall” isn’t inevitable—fueling, pacing, and mental strategies can help you avoid it.
• Running history is shifting: Foot Locker is out, NXN and RunningLane are in.
• Women are setting new standards in ultra-endurance, and Tara Dower’s record proves it.
• Running teaches lessons that mirror faith: discipline, community, setbacks, and joy in the journey.
• Celebrate your milestones—big or small. They matter.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or eyeing a marathon, this episode brings encouragement, strategy, and plenty of laughs.

Join the RunClub: upwardrunning.com/kindafast — Use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free.

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 them
• Yared Nuguse’s big Diamond League performance and what it means for Team USA
• The surprising impact of lead vehicle fumes on race times
• Why runners need to pay attention to vitamin D levels
• Travis’ race recap from the Midnight Flight 5K (spoiler: fast food as rocket fuel)

Whether you’re considering your first marathon, already training for a fall race, or just curious about what Couch to Marathon looks like, this episode has something for you.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Couch to Marathon program: upwardrunning.com/kindafast (Use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free)
• Learn more about Upward Running: upwardrunning.com

Giveaway: We’re giving away Tailwind “Dwaltermelon” flavor and an Upward Running T-shirt. To enter, subscribe and leave a comment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Instagram. Winner announced next Friday.

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 running lingo skills.
• Giveaway – Your chance to win Dauwaltermelon Tailwind, inspired by ultrarunning legend Courtney Dauwalter.

Whether you’re mid run, on your commute, or just here for the laughs, this one’s packed with tips, stories, and plenty of ridiculousness.

Links & Resources: 🎯 Play Mad Gab bonus round: upwardrunning.com/kindafast 🎁 Enter the Dauwaltermelon Tailwind giveaway: Like, subscribe, and leave a review telling us you did! 🏃 Join Upward Running: www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast (use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free)

Follow Us: Instagram: @kindafastpodcast Facebook: Upward Running

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 Track and Field Championships, learn what the term tempo actually means, and get a peek into each host’s current training week.

Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned marathoner, this episode will help you run smarter, with purpose, and as part of a faith-fueled community.

What You’ll Learn

• The 5 foundational training principles of Upward Running
• What “tempo pace” actually is and how to use it in your training
• Highlights from the 2025 U.S. Track & Field Championships (including a 16-year-old shocking the 800m field!)
• Why recovery is just as important as mileage

A Few Highlights

• Claire professes her love for Dino Nuggets (yes, the T-Rex-shaped ones)
• Mitchell shares why Couch to Marathon is the challenge you don’t want to miss
• Dean explains how every single run has a purpose
• Shoutouts to Josette Andrews, Taylor Roe, and an epic finish from Cooper Lutkenhaus

Upward Running’s 5 Core Training Principles

1. Consistency is Key
2. Every Run Has a Purpose
3. Recovery Is Where You Improve
4. Volume Matters
5. You Can Do It, We Can Help

This Week in Training

From post-sick shuffle miles to marathon prep, the whole team checks in on what they’re training for and how their running weeks are shaping up.

Final Encouragement

"As always, this journey is more than miles. God is in every step." – Claire “At Upward Running, this is where faith and fitness meet—and we’d love to run with you.” – Travis

Listen + Subscribe

💻 Join the movement: upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free!

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 wisely and walk (or run) with purpose.

You’ll hear:

-The difference between injury signs and tough-it-out days

-What Women’s Running says about calling it early

-Coach Dean’s advice on mental toughness, timing, and redirection

-Claire’s hot take on Puma and race-day shoes 👀

We’re also introducing a new segment featuring listener shoutouts...this week with wisdom from Rebecca and a mic-drop moment from Joshua: “You can’t compete if you don’t complete.”

Plus, don’t miss the scoop on our Couch to Marathon program starting September 29—a 54-week journey to the finish line at the Cannonball Running Festival in Greensboro, NC. 🎯 Sign up at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST so Claire can check in on your progress!

TikTok Credit & Fair Use Note: This episode features a TikTok clip from creator @ohheychantal, used with her full permission. All rights to the original content belong to the creator. Shared with gratitude and proper attribution under agreed use. Video Link: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHpGVhfUPSy1-0lcGb/

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, perspective shifts, and motivation to keep moving forward.

In this episode:

• 5 Signs You're Burned Out (and what to do about it)
• What “DNF” really means and why it’s not always failure
• Ruth Chepngetich’s suspension and clean sport controversy
• Trail Runner Magazine article on the science of overtraining
• Faith-based encouragement for runners in hard seasons
• Why rest is part of training, and how to give yourself grace
• Upward Running Church Groups, now in 30+ churches!

Bonus: Learn how your church can launch a beginner-friendly 5K training group through Upward Running. Join our free info webinar on Tuesday, July 29. 🔗 Sign up at: upward.org/runcoach

Key Quotes:

“There’s no medal for burnout—but there’s so much reward in longevity, joy, and actually loving the sport you’re in.”

“Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is not finish the race.” “The plan is never set in stone. It’s meant to be adjusted.”