SHOW NOTES
Episode 18 — Kinda Qualified for the Boston Marathon
New episode every Friday | Powered by Upward Running — Where Faith and Fitness Meet
Welcome back to the Kinda Fast Podcast — where we talk running, real life, and a little bit of everything in between. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a big BQ like Travis just did, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and celebration. We break down the Event Alert System (EAS), debate the Cape Town Marathon cancellation, cheer for an 80-year-old Ironman finisher, and end with Claire’s three game-changing lessons from her training cycle.
In This Episode
- What Does That Even Mean? — The EAS system explained: color codes, weather alerts, and what each warning really means for runners.
- Running News: Cape Town Marathon canceled 90 minutes before the start, plus an 80-year-old grandmother completes the Ironman World Championship.
- Main Story: Travis’s full Boston Marathon qualifying race recap from Columbus — training, weather, faith, and finish-line emotions.
- Training Takeaways: Claire’s three lessons from following a structured half marathon plan for the first time.
- Faith-Fueled Finish: Every second matters — and so does every step with God.
What Does That Even Mean? — The EAS System
The Event Alert System (EAS) is a color-coded safety system used by many major races to help runners adjust pace and expectations based on conditions.
- 🟢 Green – Normal conditions: Run as planned.
- 🟡 Yellow – Moderate risk: Proceed with caution; conditions may worsen.
- 🔴 Red – High risk: Dangerous conditions; slow down and monitor for updates.
- ⚫ Black – Extreme risk: Race stopped or canceled.
Born from the 2007 Chicago Marathon heat cancellation, the system helps race directors communicate safety in real time. Travis faced a “yellow” alert at Columbus this year and used it as a reminder to stay steady, smart, and grateful through the wind and rain.
“When the wind is behind me, make me a sail. When it’s in front of me, help me pierce through it.” — Travis’s race-day prayer
Running News
- ❌ Cape Town Marathon Canceled: High winds led organizers to call off the race just 90 minutes before start time for 24,000 runners. Travis and Claire debate whether the decision was justified — and why it’s a huge setback for Cape Town’s World Marathon Majors hopes.
- 🏊♀️ 80-Year-Old Ironman Finisher: Natalie Garbo became the oldest woman to finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona (16 hours 45 minutes). She didn’t start swimming until age 59 — and now calls herself “proof that it’s never too late to start.”
Main Story — Travis Qualifies for Boston
Time: 3:07:59 (7+ minutes under his BQ standard)
Conditions: Rain, 70°F humidity, 20 mph winds with gusts to 50.
After seven years of injuries, setbacks, and grit, Travis finally qualified for the Boston Marathon in Columbus, Ohio. He shares the full journey — from signing up for his first New York lottery marathon in 2018 to the final stretch where he prayed Psalm 23 and followed a 6’5″ “angel in a white shirt” through the headwind.
The episode captures the mental grind of the middle miles, the faith-filled finish line moment (yes, he almost plowed into someone after closing his eyes in gratitude), and the emotional prayer of thanksgiving that followed — all culminating in his statement: “Every second matters.”
Claire’s Training Cycle Recap — 3 Lessons Learned
- Variety Builds Strength: Intervals, long runs, and recovery days each serve a purpose. It’s not just about mileage — it’s about balance.
- Trust the Paces: Going faster isn’t always better. Stick to the plan to maximize adaptation and recovery.
- Train Your Mind Like Your Legs: Learn how to hurt (in the good way). Growth happens in the discomfort. Mantra of the week: “Figure it out. Get it done.”
Claire wraps up her segment with a powerful reminder that discipline and faith go hand in hand — and that running has made her more resilient in every area of life.
Faith-Fueled Finish
Every run is a reminder that our strength comes from God — not our splits. He is with you in every mile — in the headwind, in the hurt, and in the victory moments too. Run with purpose. Run with gratitude. Run with Him.