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

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

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.