Kinda Scared: Des Linden, Olympic Tickets & Why Big Running Goals Matter

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/kindafastUse code KINDAFAST for two weeks free inside the RunClub App.