Kinda Fast Podcast

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

After a few weeks off the mic together, Travis and Claire are back with life and office updates, a race recap, a fresh round of running news, and a deep dive into how to actually stick with your New Year running goals (without burning out by the second Friday of January).

They break down the basics of foot strike in the “What Does That Even Mean?” segment, talk Strava stats and PRs, and get real about consistency, choosing the right plan, listening to your body, and building habits that last beyond January.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Foot strike explained (heel vs. midfoot vs. forefoot...and why there’s no one “right” way)
• Claire’s official official 5K PR from New Year’s Day
• A Strava year-in-review showdown (miles, elevation, segment records)
• Running news and current events
• How to approach New Year goals without burnout
• Why consistency beats intensity every time
• Listening to your body early (before injury hits)
• Warm-ups, strength training, and staying healthy long-term

This episode is for:

• New runners starting fresh
• Runners coming back after time off
• Anyone chasing a PR without getting hurt
• Runners who want to train smarter and stay consistent
• Faith-rooted runners looking for purpose and community
• Anyone who wants a realistic plan for staying in the game past January

Join the Kinda Fast community: 👉 https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

Couch to Marathon Kickoff Call: 👉 https://riverside.com/webinar/registration/eyJzbHVnIjoiY2xhaXJlLWJveWNlcy1zdHVkaW8iLCJldmVudElkIjoiNjk0NzBkYmVjNmNjZWU0ZmZjNzI0ZWZkIiwicHJvamVjdElkIjoiNjk0NzBkYmUzN2M0NDA0OWI4OGM0OGM2In0=

If this episode helped you, made you laugh, or gave you a better plan for January, like, subscribe, and share it with a runner who needs it this week.

Kinda Fast Podcast - Episode 28

What 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 care
• The difference between pain vs. discomfort
• The #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 fasciitis
• How to avoid injuries before they start, and what to do if you’re already dealing with one
• Drew’s journey from high school offensive lineman to marathon runner
• Why writing down your goals and finding your “why” matters in training and life

Whether 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.

In this special episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire welcomes her very first guest...her mom, Karen Huminski...for an honest, hope-filled conversation about running, faith, and starting again.

Karen shares her journey of returning to running later in life, learning to trust a training plan, and preparing for the Chicago Marathon at 65. From rediscovering confidence after a long break, to navigating comparison, health challenges, and big goals, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to do hard things, and that God is not finished yet.

Together, Claire and Karen talk about why having a plan matters, how running can become deeply connected to faith, and what it looks like to run your own race with gratitude instead of comparison.

Whether you’re just getting started, returning after time away, or standing on the edge of a new goal, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and the reminder that every step still counts.

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Claire and Travis break down one of the most important—and misunderstood—phrases in running: “Hold Your Line.” We explain what it actually means, why it matters, and how this one habit can make running safer and more enjoyable for everyone sharing the road, trail, or track.

We kick things off by changing up the format with a holiday-themed running This or That, covering everything from Christmas morning runs and festive gear to treadmill debates, cold-weather struggles, and post-run treats.

Then it’s time for NEWS, and the running world is busy.

We dive into major running trends coming in 2026, straight from The Running Event (TRE), including the rise of gravel shoes, a renewed push for durability, the growing overlap of fashion and performance, and why small brands are leading the most interesting innovation in the sport right now.

Next, we break down a huge Boston Marathon announcement: both American marathon record holders—Conner Mantz and Emily Sisson—are set to race the 2026 Boston Marathon. It’s a rare and historic moment that’s already shaping Boston into one of the most compelling fields in recent memory.

And finally, we unpack the ongoing World Athletics Athlete of the Year debate, discussing Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Mondo Duplantis, and the growing controversy around whether marathon dominance, distance records, and cultural impact are being fully recognized.

In the deep dive, Claire and Travis cover the unwritten rules of running etiquette—the things no one teaches you, but everyone benefits from knowing. From holding your line and announcing passes to track rules, race-day courtesy, and shared-space awareness, this conversation is especially helpful for beginners and longtime runners alike.

This episode is practical, informative, and a reminder that while running is an individual sport, the space we run in is shared.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What “hold your line” really means and why it matters • How small etiquette habits prevent collisions and confusion • The biggest running gear and footwear trends coming in 2026 • Why durability and gravel shoes are gaining momentum • What makes the 2026 Boston Marathon historically significant • Why the Honolulu Marathon medal is truly one of a kind • The controversy behind World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year awards • The most important unspoken rules of running etiquette • Why predictable, polite running makes a difference

Who This Episode Is For

• Beginner runners who want to feel more confident • Runners navigating busy paths, sidewalks, or trails • Anyone confused by running “rules” no one explains • Runners interested in where the sport is headed next • Boston Marathon fans and running news junkies • Holiday runners fitting miles into a busy season • Anyone who shares space with other runners

Learn More / Join the Community

👉 https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast

Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

New episodes drop every Friday, covering training, real life, community, and everything that happens between the start line and the finish.

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, where we talk running, real life, faith, and everything in between.

This week, Claire and Travis dive into a conversation every runner needs: why running is hard… and why it’s still worth doing anyway.

We kick things off with our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment, breaking down STRIDES...what they are, how to do them correctly, and why they’re one of the simplest (and most overlooked) tools for building speed, efficiency, and confidence at any level.

Then it’s time for NEWS! Claire's favorite segment!

The California International Marathon (CIM) delivered historic performances at the U.S. Marathon Championships, including unprecedented depth in the women’s field, massive Olympic Trials qualifiers, and standout performances from Molly Born and Sara Hall. We also spotlight Courtney Dauwalter, who shocked the road-running world with an 11-minute marathon PR...and shared one of the most honest reflections from inside the pain cave yet.

Plus, Claire shares exciting news for anyone who has ever thought, “Someday I want to run a marathon.” 👀

In the deep dive, we get real about six reasons running feels so hard, and how runners push through anyway:

• Slow progress
• Fading motivation
• Comparison traps
• Weak days
• Quiet growth
• And why the finish line hurts… but changes everything

This episode is part encouragement, part truth-telling, and part reminder that the hard parts don’t disqualify you...they shape you.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode

• What strides are and how to add them safely to your training • Why CIM remains the premier U.S. marathon for fast times and qualifiers • How Courtney Dauwalter proved the pain cave applies on the roads too • Why progress often happens quietly before it shows up on the clock • The difference between motivation and discipline, and why one lasts • How comparison steals joy (and how to stop it) • Why weak runs still count • What the finish line teaches you long after the race is over

Who This Episode Is For

• Beginner runners wondering if running ever gets easier • Runners feeling slow, behind, or discouraged • Athletes stuck comparing their journey to others • Anyone training for a goal that feels intimidating • Faith-driven runners looking for purpose beyond performance • Runners who need encouragement, honesty, and perspective • Anyone who’s ever crossed a finish line hurting—and smiling • Literally anyone ever

Learn More / Join the Community

👉 www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

New episodes drop every Friday, covering training, real life, faith, community, and everything that happens between the start line and the finish.

Kinda Fast Podcast Episode 24: Kinda Overcoming Disappointment When You Miss Your Goal

This week, Claire and Travis cover four big running stories, including Garmin’s leaked wearable, course-cutting at NCAA Cross Country, and why a runner is suing Nike over the Alphafly. They also break down why easy running is surprisingly hard for beginners and how to finally pace it right.

Then in the Deep Dive: what to do when you miss your race goal. How to process disappointment, rebuild confidence, and use one tough race to fuel the next, with help from Sarah Hall’s post-NYC Marathon perspective.

What You’ll Hear

• What DOMS is + how to manage it • Garmin leak + running tech speculation • NCAA course-cutting controversy • The Alphafly lawsuit explained • Why easy should actually feel easy • How to rebound after a tough race day

Join the RunClub Community

www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Code KINDAFAST = 2 weeks free inside the app.

New Episodes Every Friday

Running. Faith. Real life. A little pain. A lot of progress.

Kinda Fast Podcast | Episode 23 – Kinda The Thanksgiving Episode

In this Thanksgiving week episode, Claire and Travis pause the pace charts and talk gratitude. Instead of focusing on PRs and race goals, they each share three real-life gifts running has given them—from being able to play with their kids, to having a built-in escape and community, to still chasing big goals in their 40s.

You’ll also hear:

• What Does That Even Mean? – “Masters Runner” What it really means to be a Masters Runner (40+), why the term is way cooler than “middle-aged,” and how Masters athletes are quietly dominating finish lines.
• Thanksgiving Running Trivia Claire puts Travis on the spot with holiday-themed running trivia while listeners play along.
• Running News • A new horror film, Ultra, based on the Badwater 135: 135 miles through Death Valley in brutal heat and elevation. • An incredible update on Ali Truwit, who lost part of her leg in a 2023 shark attack and still completed the NYC Marathon with family and friends, raising $220,000 for a prosthetics charity.
• Thanksgiving Special: 6 Things to Be Thankful For Claire and Travis share: • Moving with your kids instead of just watching from the sidelines • Finding a hobby that becomes both an escape and a community • Having space to think, process, and pray on the run • The gift of health and the privilege of being able to move • Staying healthy and grounded through the holidays • Still having big goals to chase in your 40s and beyond

This episode is for anyone who needs a reminder that running is about more than numbers on a screen. It’s about gratitude, community, and seeing every mile as a gift from God.

Learn more at www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

Kinda Fast Podcast | Episode 22: Kinda Off Track: When a Bad Workout Doesn’t Define Your Race

A bad workout doesn’t define your race. In this episode, Claire and Travis break down what happens when training goes wrong, why it doesn’t mean your fitness is gone, and how to stay confident even when your biggest workouts fall apart.

This week’s episode includes:

• How Travis failed two out of three key marathon workouts and still hit his race goal

• Why bad workouts happen and what they actually mean

• The most misunderstood tool in running: KT Tape

• Running news from David Goggins, cross-country in a blizzard, and Kylie Mantz’s marathon debut

• A listener question on when to run at “party pace” vs. “goal pace”

Who this episode is for:

• Runners who have ever struggled through a workout

• Anyone training for a race or building confidence

• New and returning runners

• Marathoners preparing for race day

• Literally any runner ever!

New episodes every Friday covering running, real life, faith, training, and everything in between.

Subscribe and listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Kinda Fast Podcast — the show for beginner runners taking on their first 5K and fun runners out there chasing that next PR!

In this episode, Claire and Travis break down the most common mistakes new runners make and how to avoid them. From going too hard too soon, to wearing the wrong shoes, to skipping recovery, this episode is packed with simple, practical tips to help you run smarter and stay consistent.

We also cover this week’s running news, including:

• A runner who completed a 100-mile ultra fueled entirely by leftover pizza

• The athlete who ran all seven world marathon majors in one year

• A 92-year-old sprinter who continues breaking world records

• Additional stories that show what’s possible at every stage of life

This week’s “What Does That Even Mean?” running term: slogging.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode • The top five mistakes beginner runners make

• Why “too much, too fast, too soon” causes so many setbacks • How the wrong shoes can derail your training

• Why structured training plans matter

• What most runners misunderstand about winter hydration

• Why recovery is just as important as workouts

Hydration Disclaimer: Travis does not believe Claire’s hydration claims, and that is fair. Claire is not an expert, nutritionist, or scientist. The hydration and cold-weather water-loss points in this episode are general observations and not medical advice.

Who This Episode Is For • Brand-new runners • Anyone starting or restarting a running journey • Runners training for their first race • Upward Running members preparing for Couch to Marathon in January • Fun runners working toward consistency or a new PR • Any runner or walker — even if you’re kinda fast, kinda not

Learn more at: www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

TikTok Credit & Fair Use Disclaimer: This episode includes a short clip from TikTok creator ReallyNotWellness for the purpose of commentary, discussion, and education. All rights to the original content belong to the creator. We do not own or claim ownership of the clip. Its inclusion is for transformative commentary and qualifies as fair use. Please support the original creator by viewing the full content on TikTok.

Claire and Travis dig into the NYC Marathon, Kipchoge’s seven-star milestone, and a few wild running stories before breaking down how to thrive in cold-weather training. Learn the five key tips for layering, safety, and motivation when temperatures drop.

Full Episode Description (paste in your RSS show notes section): In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis cover everything from marathon milestones to surviving the winter miles.

This week’s discussion includes:

• What Does That Even Mean? — The difference between chip time and gun time
• In the News: • Eliud Kipchoge’s debut at the New York City Marathon and his seven-star finisher legacy • A dramatic men’s finish in Central Park • New super-shoe tech from Nike, On, and Adidas • The Boston Marathon bib-swapping scandal • Updates on the Strava vs. Garmin data changes
• Deep Dive: Cold-weather running tips to help you layer smart, stay safe, and actually enjoy your winter runs
• Community Shoutout: Celebrating our Couch to Marathon Crew as they hit a huge milestone

Deep Dive Highlights — Five Tips for Cold-Weather Running:

1. Layer Smart — Not Bulky
2. Stay Safe and Sane
3. Be Seen — Reflective Gear Matters
4. Traction and Toes — The Right Shoes and Socks
5. Know Yourself — Comfort is Personal

This episode is packed with news, insight, and encouragement for every kind of runner — from first-time 5K participants to seasoned marathoners training through the cold months.

Powered by Upward Running — a community built to help you run with purpose, stay motivated, and find your people. Join us at www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free in the RunClub App.