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.