Upward Running Podcast

RunClub Episode 306 - Previewing the RunClub Updates

In this special episode, Coach Dean Thompson gives listeners an inside look at the upcoming updates to the Upward Running RunClub experience. With a new version of the RunClub app expected to launch soon, this episode walks through what members can expect in a full week of content, coaching, and community.

Whether you are already part of the RunClub or have been listening from the sidelines, this episode offers a preview of the new features designed to help you grow in your running, your faith, and your connection with others.

What’s Coming to the RunClub

Coach Dean outlines the new weekly rhythm of content that will be available inside the RunClub app.

Monday: Voice of the RunClub

A brand new members-only podcast hosted by Travis Vaughn. Each episode features conversations with RunClub members from around the country, sharing their stories, challenges, goals, and victories. These conversations are designed to build connection, encouragement, and community.

Tuesday: Devotions (Audio Coming Soon)

Weekly faith-based devotions have long been available in text form. Audio versions are currently in development so members can listen during their walk or run.

Wednesday: Running Curriculum (Audio Coming Soon)

Educational content focused on helping runners train safely and improve over time. These lessons cover training principles, injury prevention, and long-term development. Audio versions are on the way.

Thursday: Coach Connect

Thursday Night Live is being replaced with a new, more personal coaching experience. Members can now click the chat bubble on the website to ask Coach Dean their individual running questions directly.

Coach Connect provides direct access to a real coach as part of your membership.

Friday: Kinda Fast Podcast

Hosted by Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn, this weekly show includes:

• “What Does That Even Mean?” (running terminology)
• Weekly running news
• A deep dive into a relevant training or lifestyle topic

Saturday: Coach’s Thoughts

Coach Dean has written over 400 of these encouragement pieces and is working to bring them into audio format. These short messages offer practical wisdom, motivation, and perspective for your running journey.

Sunday: Scripture Sunday

A new short-form podcast featuring scripture readings and reflections from Les Neely. Simple, encouraging biblical content to help you start your training week grounded in God’s Word.

Additional RunClub Features

RunClub membership also includes:

• Training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced options
• Direct access to a coach
• An active and encouraging social community
• Run and walk tracking inside the app
• Garmin integration
• Voice prompts for the 12-week 5K Challenge
• Access to the Upward Running store for gear, books, and journals

The updated app is more stable than ever and continues to grow based on member feedback.

Ready to Join?

If you’ve been listening but haven’t joined, now is a great time to get started.

Visit UpwardRunning.com and use the code:

COACHDEAN

to receive three free weeks of RunClub membership.

On this last episode of The Upward Running Podcast, Coach Dean and Travis Vaughn discuss the future of Upward Running.

Does George have anything to say about our running? Turns out, many Georges did! Coach Dean shares his thoughts on them. And then he asks the question: Would you want all your bad runs to go away? His answer may surprise you!

USATF Club National Championships

Post of the Week - Patricia Adams - Being open to a great day

Run of the Week - Rebecca Wang - Comparing yourself to the former you

Trivia Answer from last week

How to take care of running shoes

Story of the Week - By George - Jerry Snider

Proverbs 15:22 - Ready, Aim, Shoot!

Proverbs 24:5 - Best to be Smart AND Strong

Proverbs 25:11 - The right word at the right time

Do you have any role models named George?

The famous author and runner George Sheehan said, "I have met my hero, and he is me." What does this mean to you?

Comedian George Burns said, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to be old." Do you share this attitude about your running?

Why You Don’t Need to Do a Long Run Every Week

Dean’s Thoughts - Etch A Sketch

Why Running/Walking is so Awesome

World Cross Country Championships

Motivational Thought of the Week

Do you think God hears the prayers we sometimes blurt out in frustration? Today’s story address that very question. And then Coach Dean shares his thoughts on the history of toaster pastries and how it relates to running and faith.

Hang in there on those New Year’s Resolutions

Post of the Week - Richard Ball - A different kind of holiday and New Year’s Resolution

Run of the Week - Greg Chance - Looking forward/Looking back

Answer to last week’s trivia question

Japan’s Ekidens are a hit!

Story of the Week - God is Listening—Always! - Rhonda Williams

1 John 5:14 - Approaching God

Psalms 139:2 - God knows it all before it happens

John 15:7 - What does it mean to “remain in Him?”

How many different ways do you pray?

Have you ever had an experience when God showed you He was listening even when you didn't think He was?

Do you invite Him along in your everyday life?

Sleep patterns today can predict future health issues in the future

Dean’s Thoughts - Toaster Pastry Running

Why Running/Walking is so Awesome

Ethiopians denied entry into US for XC

Trivia Question of the Week

Motivational Thought of the Week

Do you believe in coincidences? Or is there a greater power at work? Coach Dean shares his thoughts on that topic. Then he shares his thoughts on comparing our running to someone else’s. Hint: It’s usually a bad idea!

New Year’s ETA run

Post of the Week - Brooks Wachs - Getting it done

Run of the Week - Stephen Havard - 10-mile trail race

Trivia answer from last week

General Nutrition advice for runners/walkers

Story of the Week - Pointing In the Right Direction - Darian Rowles

Proverbs 3:5-6 - The hardest part of these verses

Psalms 25:4 - The right path is not always the easiest

Psalms 119:105 - First we are guided to the path, then we’re shown the path and then the path is lit

Have you ever wondered about the coincidences in life?

Have you been someone who has seen the same signs over and over, but never put two and two together?

Have you been seeing signs that have always been there, pointing you in the right direction, but you didn't realize it until it was too late?

Doubting the Doubt

Dean’s Thoughts - Two Copper Coins - Don’t compare your running to anyone else’s

Why Running/Walking is so Awesome

What to look out for in 2026

Trivia Question of the Week

Motivational Thought of the Week

Don’t miss Darcy Peckskamp’s incredible emotional story as she describes how God used running to completely change her life’s direction. Then Coach Dean and Mitchell share their thoughts on a kitchen apparatus and how it relates to our physical and spiritual training.

1:13 - Welcome Mitchell back fro the other side of the pond

7:01 - Post of the Week - Alaura Page Adams - “I AM a runner!”

11:11 - Run of the Week - Ashley Daly - 10 Mile Race Winner!

14:16 - Trivia answer from last week

21:21 - Bottled Water or Tap Water?

30:36 - Story of the Week - Running and Giving it to God - Darcy Peckskamp

42:51 - Psalms 56:13 - Looking back, looking forward to

45:03 - Psalms 30:2 - “Crying out to God” only happens when you truly believe

47:56 - Ephesians 6:15 - Peace is foundational to our faith

52:05 - Are you still gripping tightly at something that God has asked you to fully lay at His feet?

54:23 - Are there times that you hear his voice but don't move? or do what he is asking you to do?

59:35 - There are many reasons to run: Fitness, hearing God’s voice, etc. What is the most important reason you run/walk?

1:03:43 - Dean’s Thoughts - Training by Sifting

1:17:16 - Why Running/Walking is so Awesome

1:19:02 - Grand Slam Track

1:20:07 - Athing Mu

1:21:42 - Sinclair Johnson

1:22:34 - Trivia Question of the Week

1:23:12 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Coach Dean has watched hundreds of Christmas movies. As a bonus, he shares his top 10 favorites along with some other comments on some other Christmas films

Coach Dean is joined by Lane Hollis as they share a Christmas story and some things about Christmas traditions. Then Dean shares a second story with a different surprise twist and talks about how it relates to our running and our faith.

1:05 - Catching up with Lane

4:48 - Post of the Week - Macaela Watson - It’s amazing what you can do when you commit to it!

7:17 - Run of the Week - Greg Chance - California International Marathon

12:38 - Trivia answer from last week

18:31 - The lowest marathon on Earth and Rory Coleman

21:41 - Story of the Week - The Night That Changed Everything

50:31 - Discussion of the story

1:04:45 - Dean’s Thoughts - Recognizing the Gift

1:18:26 - Why Running/Walking are so Awesome

1:19:44 - Cutting corners in the NCAA

1:22:20 - Us XC Championships

1:25:28 - More Jane Hedengren

1:26:32 - Suing because shoes caused a stress fracture?

1:29:14 - Trivia Question of the Week

1:29:37 - Motivational Thought of the Week

Join Coach Dean and Mitchell as they share a story that is, at one time, about running and NOT about running. You don’t want to miss it! Then Dean shares his thoughts on Pearl Harbor and what it can teach us.

Back from Thanksgiving

Post of the Week - Brook Carpenter - Drinking and running

Run of the Week - Michelle Sharrett and Jon Sandifer ran marathons

Trivia answer from last week

Training theories on how fast we run our easy runs

Story of the Week - Where Running May Lead You - Melissa Rotarius

Proverbs 16:3 - Who’s plan are we following?

Matthew 21:22 - Do we ask God for things that we SHOULD ask Him for?

James 1:12 - When Melissa’s plan didn’t work, God’s did

Have you ever done something that was completely for God?

Did I have enough faith to trust Him in EVERYTHING I do, every decision, every action? Do you?

Do you take the time to slow down, pause and pray? Do you listen for His response?

Dean’s Thoughts - Running Through Pearl Harbor

Why Running/Walking are so Awesome

USA Cross Country Championships - It may be a mud fest

BU 5,000 - What is it about that track?

Trivia Question of the Week

Motivational Thought of the Week

Darren Lewis joins Coach Dean this week as they share a Jerry Snider story and reminisce about their running experiences. Then Dean shares his thoughts on overcoming adversity as it relates to physical battles as well and spiritual battles.

1:06 - Welcome back Darren Lewis!

2:40 - Post of the Week - Melissa Lagana and Sue Evans - The 5K Challenge Group is ready!

4:49 - Run of the Week - Lydia Gunter - Repping Run Club at the Florida State Meet

6:51 - Trivia Answer from last week

11:09 - What is tougher - a 3:30 marathon or breaking 100 in golf?

18:09 - Story of the Week - More Than One Answer - Jerry Snider

25:35 - 2 Timothy 4:7 - Will we be as confident as Paul at the end of our life?

29:23 - Psalm 119:32 - Are we eager to meet with God?

34:44 - Romans 5:3-4 - Rejoice in our sufferings?

37:35 - Do you have a favorite running experience?

43:03 - Do you have a goofy running experience that turned into a triumph?

52:28 - How can you encourage a non-runner to start running and join the fun?

56:37 - Should we eat dinner earlier in the winter?

1:02:42 - Dean’s Thoughts - Be an Overcomer

1:13:50 - Why Running/Walking are so Awesome

1:15:12 - Another overcomer…

1:16:34 - NCAA XC Championships recap

1:27:58 - Trivia Question of the Week

1:28:24 - Motivational Thought of the Week