Kinda Fast Podcast | Episode 45: Kinda Melting: Sub-2 Marathons, Robots and Summer Running

In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, we are talking running, real life, and everything in between.

We kick things off with our “What Does That Even Mean?” segment and break down a term you have probably seen at bigger races but may not fully understand. Corrals. What they are, how they work, and why they matter more than you think on race day.

Then we move into running news, and there is a lot to unpack this week. From a historic sub-2 marathon performance to major results at the London Marathon, we talk through what is happening at the top level of the sport and what it means for the future of distance running. We also cover a record-setting NCAA freshman who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting names to watch.

And yes, we talk about the robot. A humanoid robot ran a half marathon faster than a human world record. Claire has thoughts.

Finally, we dive into one of the most important topics for this time of year. Running in the heat. If your pace has slowed down, your heart rate feels higher, or your runs just feel harder lately, you are not imagining it. We walk through practical ways to adjust your training, stay safe, and continue making progress through the summer months.

This episode is packed with helpful tips, real conversations, and a few moments that will make you laugh and think at the same time.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a race corral is and how it affects your race day experience
• A historic sub-2 marathon and standout London Marathon performances
• Why some world records are debated
• A robot running a half marathon and why it is sparking conversation
• NCAA standout Jane Hedengren and her record-breaking season
• How heat and humidity impact your running performance
• Simple and effective strategies for summer running and hydration

Key takeaways for summer running: Run at the right time of day. Respect heat and humidity. Choose shaded routes when possible. Dress for the conditions. Hydrate with intention. Adjust your effort and expectations. Prioritize consistency and safety.

This podcast is powered by Upward Running, a community built to help you run with purpose, stay motivated, and find your people.

You can join us at upwardrunning.com/kindafast and use the code kindafast to get two weeks free.

We would love to have you running with us.

Welcome to episode 44 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, we’re diving into a mix of Boston Marathon highlights, a relatable runner story, and a deep dive into how to take the next step in your training.

We kick things off with What Does That Even Mean? — and this week’s term is Heartbreak Hill. We break down where it falls on the Boston course, why it’s so famous, and why it’s not actually the steepness that makes it hard—it’s when it shows up. We also share the story behind the name and why it represents a true turning point in the race.

Then we switch things up with a viral video of the week that’s almost too relatable if you’ve been running for any amount of time.

In running news, we cover highlights from the Boston Marathon, including historic performances, deep fields, and some unforgettable moments from race day.

In the deep dive, we’re talking to a very specific type of runner—the one who’s been logging miles consistently but hasn’t taken that next step into a structured training plan.

Using Cousin Jimmy as our example, we walk through what it looks like to go from casual running to intentional training—and how to do it the right way.

Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.

If this episode helped you see what your next step could look like, share it with a friend, send it to someone like “Cousin Jimmy,” or tag us so we can see you putting it into action.

Welcome to episode 43 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week’s episode brings a mix of training insight, running news, and a deep dive that hits right at the heart of why we run in the first place.

We kick things off in “What Does That Even Mean?” with a listener question from one of our RunClub members about tempo runs. We break down what tempo pace actually is, how it’s calculated, and why running it correctly—at a controlled, “comfortably hard” effort—is so important for getting the intended training benefit.

From there, we jump into running news. We cover the latest updates on LA28 Olympic ticket sales and the reality of pricing and availability, recap Des Linden’s incredible performance at the Marathon des Sables where she finished third overall, and revisit the LA Marathon’s mile 18 finish option—where 985 runners chose to stop early, representing about 4.5% of the field. We also preview Marathon Monday, highlighting key storylines, contenders, and athletes to watch at the Boston Marathon.

In this week’s deep dive, we’re talking about something every runner faces at some point: setting a goal that actually scares you.

We break down three reasons these types of goals matter. They force growth by pushing you beyond your current habits, they build real confidence through consistent effort and follow-through, and they give your training purpose when motivation inevitably fades. If there’s a goal you’ve been putting off because it feels just a little too big, this conversation is for you.

We also wrap up the episode with a recap of the Ville to Ville Relay, a 73-mile team race from Asheville to Greenville, and talk about how racing for a team brings a completely different kind of energy and accountability.

If you’re looking to better understand your training, stay connected to what’s happening in the running world, and find clarity in your next goal, this episode is for you.

Join the Kinda Fast community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafast

Use code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.