Kinda Long Run Season

In Episode 55 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, Claire and Travis recap one of the biggest track meets of the year, discuss Josh Kerr's unique quest for the mile world record, celebrate an incredible Western States performance, and answer a question many runners ask: Can you actually become a morning runner? Plus, they break down glycogen in this week's "What Does That Even Mean?" and explain why slowing down on your long runs may be the key to racing faster. In This Episode: What Does That Even Mean? -What glycogen actually is -Why it's your body's primary fuel source for running -How long your glycogen stores typically last -Why runners "hit the wall" and how proper fueling helps prevent it Running News -Cameron Myers stuns the field to win the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic -Nikki Hiltz snaps Faith Kipyegon's five-year unbeaten streak -Josh Kerr transforms his bedroom into an altitude chamber while chasing the mile world record -Jennifer Lichter wins the Western States 100 in her first-ever 100-mile race while breaking the course record Can You Actually Become a Morning Runner? -Why becoming a morning runner is more about habit than personality -How consistency helps your body adjust to early runs -The unexpected benefits of running before work and before the summer heat -Why the hardest part is simply sticking with it long enough Deep Dive: Running Your Long Runs the Right Way -The true purpose of a long run (and why it's not about speed) -How running too fast can hurt the rest of your training -What the "gray zone" is and why so many runners get stuck there -Why easy effort builds better endurance than constantly chasing pace -How heat and humidity should change your expectations -The best ways to recover after your weekly long run Key Takeaways ✅ Long runs are designed to build endurance—not test your fitness every weekend ✅ Most runners should complete 70–80% of their training at an easy effort ✅ Running slower today helps you recover, stay healthy, and race faster later ✅ Fueling, hydration, and sleep are just as important as the miles themselves ✅ You don't get stronger during your long run—you get stronger while recovering from it Ready to run with purpose and find your community? Join us at: https://upwardrunning.com/kindafast Use code KINDAFAST for 2 weeks free!