In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we’re talking electrolytes, race day chaos, and why some runs just feel terrible...even when your training is going well.

We kick things off with a breakdown of electrolytes in our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment. What they are, why they matter, and how they impact your performance—especially in the heat. If you’ve ever dealt with cramping, fatigue, or mid-run crashes, this is something you need to understand.

In running news, we cover:

-A London Marathon petition that’s trying to change the lottery system, and why it probably won’t make a difference

-Chaos at the Houston Astros 5K, where runners were stuck at the finish line due to poor course design

-A wild story from the Flying Pig Marathon, where a runner missed her turn and accidentally ran a full marathon… finishing in an impressive 3:30

-A dominant performance at the Cocodona 250, where Rachel Entrekin became the first woman to win the race outright

Then in the deep dive, we answer a question every runner has asked: Why do some runs feel so hard for no reason?

We break down what’s really going on, including:

-Daily performance fluctuations -Sleep and recovery

-Hidden fatigue from previous workouts

-Stress outside of running

-Fueling and hydration

-Weather and environmental factors

If you’ve been feeling off in your runs lately, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.

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