SHOW NOTES
Episode 2 – Kinda Fast Podcast: Kinda Crushed It, Kinda Over It: When the Race Doesn’t Go as Planned (Plus: Meet Travis)
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Welcome back! In our second-ever episode we put Travis in the hot seat…his origin story (a coach who saw something he didn’t), college running, a decade long break, injuries, comebacks, and the “Win Today” mindset.
We also launch our mini segment (What Does That Even Mean?!) with a quick primer on race distances, react to a very viral take on NBA free throws, and dig into a Runner’s World piece on toxic positivity…how to spot it and what actually helps after a rough race.
In This Episode:
- “What Does That Even Mean?”: Common race distances (from 1-mile fun run to ultras)
- Travis’ story: from football to 10:19 two mile (thanks, Coach), college miles, 10 year break, and the comeback
- Viral video: “Should pros hit 100% of free throws?” (basketball, but the mindset applies)
- Toxic Positivity: why “But you did great!” can land wrong…and what to say instead
- Faith & perspective: learning from misses (hello, world record mile + unfinished business)
Highlights:
- Travis’ origin: a coach moved him from sprints to the 2-mile on race day…life changed.
- Break & return: from 230 lbs to first marathon (then truly falling back in love with running years later).
- Injuries happen: meniscus, stress fracture, calf tears… and the decision to keep coming back.
- Win Today: focus on the next right step; process over perfection.
- Hot take: many (not all) ultras are more about completing than competing—know your why.
“You can’t hit the big goal without winning the small days. Win today.” – Travis
What Does That Even Mean? (Race Distances 101)
- 1-mile Fun Run: usually untimed & family-friendly.
- 5K: 3.1 miles — the most common U.S. race distance.
- 10K: 6.2 miles — a tougher tactical jump from 5K.
- 10 Miler: growing popularity; easy pacing math.
- Half Marathon: 13.1 miles — great milestone after 10K.
- Marathon: 26.2 miles — iconic, demanding, deeply personal.
- Ultras: anything beyond 26.2 (common: 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M; plus backyard/last-runner-standing formats).
On the show: we chat rough percentages/participation and why certain distances feel harder than the number suggests (Travis has words for the 10K!).
Viral Video of the Week
Basketball tangent! “Pros should hit 100% of free throws.” We use it to talk about execution under pressure, skill ceilings, context (hi, Shaq-sized hands), and how that mindset crosses over to race-day “gimmes” that aren’t actually gimmes.
Toxic Positivity: What Actually Helps After a Bad Race
We discuss a Runner’s World essay and why “At least you finished!” can feel dismissive in the moment.
- Feel first: “Yeah, that really sucked” can be the most healing sentence.
- Reflect later: when emotions settle, ask what happened…no rush to “the lesson.”
- Find the right support: listeners over fixers. Presence over platitudes (Clayton Young post-race example!).
- Set expectations: tell your people what you need after the race (and what you don’t).
“You’re either winning or you’re learning. Feel the feels, then move forward.” – Coach wisdom we love
We also chat about chasing big, round-number goals (like a sub-4:00 mile) and holding space for both incredible achievement and unfinished business.
Training Check-In:
- Travis: Base-building for a fall marathon (about 16 weeks out); sprinkling in early workouts.
- Claire: Half marathon build for late October; on the Upward Running Maintenance Plan (≈40 mpw).
Got a running term you want explained—or a spicy take you want us to react to? Drop it at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and we might feature it on-air.
Remember: this journey is more than miles. God is in every step—the good runs, tough days, and quiet moments. You’re not running alone.
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