Episode 4: What do mashed potatoes, the Barkley Marathons, and a woman dominating 240-mile races have in common? This episode.

In this episode of The Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire Boyce and Travis Vaughn take a deep dive into the wild and inspiring world of ultrarunning. They spotlight the legendary Courtney Dauwalter, known for her laid-back style, unconventional fueling (yes, mashed potatoes and Coke), and her unbeatable grit. The episode unpacks the concept of the pain cave, shares practical nutrition strategies from national coach Dean Thompson, and plays a fun round of “This or That” based on Courtney’s real-life preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just curious about the ultra scene, this one’s packed with motivation, insight, and community.

Takeaways:

Courtney Dauwalter succeeds with an intuitive, feel-based approach to running and fueling. The “pain cave” is a powerful mental space that every endurance runner encounters.

Proper fueling is essential, and Coach Dean Thompson offers practical advice for every stage of the race.

Ultra marathons aren’t just physical challenges—they’re emotional and strategic journeys.

The Kinda Fast Podcast creates space for runners of all paces, encouraging growth, laughter, and connection.

Keywords: running, ultra marathon, Courtney Dauwalter, pain cave, nutrition, training, podcast, Upward Running, Dean Thompson, marathon

Episode 3: In this episode of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis dive into what it’s really like to start over in running—whether you’re coming back from injury, burnout, or just life. They talk about how to rebuild both your fitness and your mindset, why warm-ups and cool-downs actually matter, and how fueling choices (like gas station burritos and chicken tendies mid-run) can go hilariously wrong. Coach Dean also weighs in with practical nutrition tips that actually work. Real talk, real grace, and real encouragement for anyone hitting reset. New episodes drop every Friday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the video version on the Upward Running YouTube channel.

Episode 2: In Episode 2 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis break down common race distances, explain key running terms, and share Travis’s personal story—from football player to long-distance runner. They tackle tough topics like injury setbacks and toxic positivity in the running community, and why empathy, not fake optimism, is the real fuel we need. Whether you're just starting or coming back from a setback, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode and subscribe for more conversations about running, training, and the journey that’s more than miles. The Kinda Fast Podcast is powered by Upward Running.