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 mix-up, a woman allegedly throwing eggs at runners during the Edmonton Marathon, and Yomif Kejelcha’s incredible 56:51 half marathon in Buenos Aires.

We also explain what “pending ratification” really means when a runner breaks a world record, including the course, drug testing, equipment, and shoe checks that have to happen before a record officially goes into the books.

Plus, we talk about consistency, training plateaus, motivation, and why the goal isn’t to finish every workout exhausted. The goal is to get better.

Kinda Undertrained: Medal Mistakes, World Records, and Not Running Enough

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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.

They also test out a viral running hack involving Aquaphor on your eyebrows to keep sweat out of your eyes. It sounds ridiculous…but apparently there’s actually some science behind it.

And the Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs. Josh Kerr rivalry is back. After returning from 11 months away from racing, Jakob says athletes who skip major championships are “ruining the sport”—and yes, he was talking about Josh Kerr.

Then, in today’s Deep Dive: Kinda Want to Run More Miles?

Claire and Travis talk about how to know when your body is actually ready for more mileage, including:

• Whether you’re consistently handling your current mileage
• How well you’re recovering between workouts
• What your easy pace can tell you about your fitness
• Why mileage increases should support a long-term goal
• How structured training plans can help take the guesswork out of adding miles
• When the 10% rule can be useful
• Why you should spread extra mileage throughout the week
• Why adding mileage AND intensity at the same time can be a mistake
• Why you should never try to “make up” missed miles

The biggest takeaway? More mileage isn’t automatically better mileage.

The goal isn’t to run the most miles you possibly can. It’s to find the amount of mileage you can train from, recover from, and consistently repeat.

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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’s time for the Deep Dive: GROUP RUNS!

Kinda want to join one...but also kinda terrified to show up? Claire and Travis are talking about what to expect at your first group run, how to find the right pace group, the unwritten etiquette you should know, whether you should bring a friend, and why finding the right running community can make a huge difference.

Because at the end of the day, group runs aren't just about the miles. They're about accountability, encouragement, friendships, and finding your people.

In this episode:

• Niggle vs. injury: how to tell the difference
• 60 Seconds of Running Mad Gab!
• The Back-to-School Challenge starting August 17
• Drug testing and anti-doping in professional trail running
• Mohamed Lahna’s 3,300-mile Triathlon Across America
• How to make your first group run less intimidating
• Finding the right pace group
• Group-run etiquette nobody tells you
• Bringing a friend vs. showing up alone
• Finding a run club that fits your personality
• Why running together can make you a better runner
• How group runs can turn into real friendships and community

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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 up on before tackling this week's deep dive.

The episode wraps up with a science-backed discussion on sauna training—how it may improve endurance, recovery, heat adaptation, mental toughness, and overall performance, plus practical tips for safely incorporating sauna sessions into your routine.

In This Episode:

• What heat acclimation is and why it matters for runners
• Upward Running's 12-Week Back-to-School Challenge beginning August 17
• The legendary Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Race
• Garmin's new subscription-free Cirqa fitness band
• Highlights from the 2026 Commonwealth Games
• How sauna training may improve endurance, recovery, and race performance
• Best practices for using a sauna safely as part of your training

Whether you're preparing for fall racing, looking to improve your training, or simply love keeping up with the running world, this episode has something for you.

Ready to run with purpose?

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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 be running the 2027 London Marathon.

In This Episode

What Does That Even Mean?

• What it means to get out-kicked
• Why finishing speed matters in racing
• How runners develop a stronger finishing kick

Running News

• Boston Marathon adds a new lottery for qualified runners beginning in 2027
• What the updated Boston qualifying process means for runners chasing a BQ
• The Central Park e-bike collision and the growing conversation around runner safety
• Claire shares the exciting news that she's officially running the 2027 London Marathon

Deep Dive: Running for Weight Loss Myths

• Should runners cut carbs to lose weight?
• Does running more always lead to more weight loss?
• Why the scale may go up when you start training
• Does a lighter body automatically make you a faster runner?
• Why strength training, recovery, and proper fueling matter
• Better ways to measure progress beyond the number on the scale

Key Takeaways

✅ Fuel your running instead of fearing carbohydrates.

✅ Consistency beats extreme training plans.

✅ Weight isn't the only measure of progress.

✅ Strong, healthy runners perform better than under-fueled runners.

✅ Sustainable habits create lasting fitness and long-term health.

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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 longer track races use waterfall starts • How waterfall starts create a fair and strategic race

Running News: • Josh Kerr breaks the mile world record in 3:42.66 • Connor and Kylie Mantz welcome baby William just days after Kylie's viral 38-week-pregnant mile • NASA's Perseverance rover officially completes a marathon distance on Mars • Strava and Adidas launch a new rewards program for runners

Deep Dive: Why Running Makes Us Better • Travis shares what his injury taught him about life away from running • How running improves sleep, nutrition, and healthy habits • Why training goals provide structure, motivation, and purpose • The mental benefits of time on the road or trail • The friendships and community built through running • Why injuries often remind us how much running means to us

Key Takeaways: • Running transforms more than your fitness—it impacts every area of your life. • Injuries can happen even when you've done everything right. • Healthy habits built through training often carry into everyday life. • Running provides purpose, community, and space to recharge. • Sometimes stepping away from running reminds you just how much it helps you become your best self.

Listen now and join the conversation!

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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 supershoes.

Plus, she previews Josh Kerr's attempt to break the legendary mile world record, recaps Courtney Dauwalter's incredible Hardrock 100 victory after battling through severe stomach issues, and explains stack height in this week's "What Does That Even Mean?"

Whether you're training for your first 5K or your next marathon, this episode will help you better understand the shoes carrying you through every mile.

Topics Covered:

• What stack height really means
• High-stack vs. low-stack running shoes
• Josh Kerr's mile world record attempt
• Courtney Dauwalter's Hardrock 100 win
• The evolution of running shoe foam
• Carbon plates vs. superfoams
• Why softer doesn't always mean faster
• Why rotating your running shoes matters
• How long premium racing shoes stay at peak performance

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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 morning runner—even if you've always hated early alarms.

In this week's "What Does That Even Mean?" segment, they explain glycogen: what it is, why it matters, and how understanding it can help you avoid "hitting the wall" during longer races.

Then they dive into one of the most important marathon training topics: the long run. Why are so many runners exhausted after every Saturday run? Should you be running them faster? And could slowing down actually help you race faster? Claire and Travis explain the purpose of the long run, why easy miles matter, how to avoid the dreaded "gray zone," and how to recover so your training actually makes you stronger.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or your next marathon, this episode will help you train smarter—not just harder.

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