Kinda the Episode with Coach Dean

Kinda the Episode with Coach Dean

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 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 world * Puma injury lawsuits and super shoe debate * Why runners over 50 are thriving * Cape Town Marathon becomes a World Marathon Major * Fantasy Running Team Draft * Coach Dean's running and faith journey * Lessons learned from decades of coaching runners Learn more at UpwardRunning.com [http://UpwardRunning.com].

Kinda Running, Kinda Not: The Vacation Episode

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. The episode also features a fun round of vacation running trivia before Claire and Travis take a deep dive into training while traveling. They discuss how to adjust your schedule without derailing your goals, when to use vacation as a cutback week, what gear to pack, how to safely explore new places on foot, and why consistency matters more than perfection when you're away from home. Whether you're heading to the beach, traveling for a race, or simply trying to fit running into a busy vacation schedule, this episode will help you stay active, enjoy the journey, and keep your training in perspective. Join the Upward Running community at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free.

Kinda Hurts to Walk: The Plantar Fasciitis Episode

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 hours, a black bear attack involving a runner in British Columbia, the viral "Alphabet Challenge" that's helping runners make long runs more enjoyable, and Chicago Marathon's controversial testing of cupless hydration stations. In this week's Deep Dive, Claire and Travis tackle one of the most common running injuries: plantar fasciitis. They discuss what causes it, common symptoms, risk factors, whether it's safe to continue running through it, and practical recovery strategies. They also walk through seven exercises that may help strengthen the foot and improve recovery. Whether you're dealing with heel pain, training for your next race, or simply looking for ways to make your runs more enjoyable, this episode has something for you. Ready to run with purpose and find your community? Join us at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free.

Kinda Running for Your Life: Dogs, Snakes & Everything in Between

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: * A new endurance study reveals why women may actually outlast men during long races and ultra events * One-armed high school runner Gabriel Lewis is rewriting record books and inspiring runners across the country * Sarah Hall shares her surprisingly simple trick for keeping easy runs truly easy: singing while you run We also discuss: * Why durability matters in marathon training * How recovery and pacing impact performance late in races * Claire’s recent 5K PR and lessons learned from race day * Travis’ injury update and upcoming marathon training plans We also highlight the Summer Lock-In Challenge, designed to help runners and walkers stay consistent this summer through accountability, encouragement, and community. Learn more here: https://www.upwardrunning.com/lockin [https://www.upwardrunning.com/lockin] Then in the deep dive, we’re talking wildlife encounters while running and what you should actually do if you come face-to-face with an animal mid-run. We talk about: * Dogs chasing runners * Snakes on the trail * Coyotes, bears, deer, and alligators * Real wildlife stories from the Upward Running community * The ultramarathon runner who adopted a stray dog he met during a race in China We wrap things up with race recaps, summer training goals, and a reminder that consistency matters more than perfection. Join the Kinda Fast Community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast [https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast] Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App. If this episode encouraged you, made you laugh, or taught you something new, share it with a friend, and let us know what you want to hear next.

Kinda a Runner Now: From Mile One to Marathons (Ft. Margot)

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: * An Illinois athlete played a full softball game… then showed up and won a hurdles race, in her softball uniform * New data reveals the average 5K time (39:02) and why that’s actually encouraging for runners at every level We also highlight the Lock In Summer Challenge, starting June 1st, with weekly Thursday meetups focused on accountability, encouragement, and community. Then in the deep dive, we’re joined by Margot, who shares her journey from never running a mile to completing half marathons, marathons, and even an ultra. We talk about: * Starting later in life and overcoming doubt * The moment she realized she was “a runner” * The highs, lows, and lessons from racing * What it’s like to be a pacer and help others hit their goals * How running has shaped her mindset, discipline, and faith We wrap things up with a fun round of This or That and a reminder to just keep showing up,even on the hard days. Join the Kinda Fast Community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast [https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast] Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend—and let us know what you want to hear next.