Kinda Doing Too Much: Overtraining, Burnout & the Track

Welcome to episode 42 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.This week, we kick things off with a big announcement: our Couch to Half Marathon Nationwide Challenge is launching April 20th. This program takes you from the very beginning all the way to completing a half marathon, with the opportunity to graduate alongside the Upward Running community at Big Beach Marathon Weekend in January 2027. If you’ve been looking for a bigger goal than a 5K...but not quite a full marathon...this is for you.More info: Big Beach 1/2 Marathon 2026 Landing Page – Upward RunningIn this week’s What Does That Even Mean?, we’re doing a track edition. We break down how a standard 400-meter track works, why lane one is the shortest distance, what it means to “run the rail,” and how concepts like the bell lap and finishing kick apply to your training. If you’ve ever been unsure how to use the track effectively, this will help you train with more intention and confidence.In running news, we cover:A 62-year-old woman, Claire Elms, running a 17:45 5K and becoming the oldest woman ever to break 18 minutes, with a performance that exceeds elite age expectationsNike hitting an 11-year low in stock price, and what that reveals about the shift in running culture and the rise of competing brandsA five-year doping ban for 2021 NYC Marathon champion Albert Korir after multiple positive tests, and what it means for the integrity of the sportIn the deep dive, we tackle a topic every runner faces at some point: how to know when you need a break.We walk through key warning signs—starting with constant fatigue that goes beyond normal training tiredness—and explain what’s happening in your body when recovery isn’t keeping up with your workload. If you’ve been pushing through every run and something feels off, this conversation will help you recognize when it’s time to step back before you’re forced to.This episode is for anyone who wants to train smarter, avoid burnout, and stay consistent for the long run.Join the Kinda Fast Community: https://www.upwardrunning.com/kindafastUse code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.If this episode helped you better understand your training, share it with a friend or someone in your run group.