Kinda Chasing Goals: Cadence, Kiplimo, and the Infinite Game

Описание: Welcome to episode 34 of the Kinda Fast Podcast, the show where we talk running, real life, and everything in between.

This week, Travis and Claire break down one of the most talked-about running metrics: cadence—what it actually means, why the old “180 steps per minute” rule isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how small adjustments can improve efficiency, form, and injury risk. Then they dive into the running news, including new data showing major marathons are now matching—and sometimes exceeding—the economic impact of the Super Bowl, a major elite running update as Jacob Kiplimo’s historic half marathon performance is ruled ineligible for a world record, and a reminder that the 2026 New York City Marathon lottery is officially open (along with what your chances really look like). Finally, they take a deeper look at goal setting through the lens of finite vs. infinite goals—and why runners need both to stay motivated for the long haul.

This Episode Is For Anyone Who’s Wondered:
-What is cadence, and does it really need to be 180 steps per minute?
-How does cadence affect running efficiency, form, and injury risk?
-Should you try to change your cadence—or leave it alone?
-Are marathons really as big economically as the Super Bowl?
-Why was Jacob Kiplimo’s incredible half marathon time rejected as a world record?
-How hard is it to get into the New York City Marathon lottery?
-What’s the difference between a finite goal and an infinite goal?
-How do we stay motivated in running beyond the next race?

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
-Cadence explained: what steps per minute actually means and how GPS watches measure it
-Why cadence varies widely based on pace, height, and stride length
-How slightly increasing cadence (about 5%) can help reduce overstriding and joint stress
-Practical tools to adjust cadence: music, metronomes, and quick-step drills
-Marathon economic impact: NYC Marathon generated $692 million and why multi-day participation events drive long-term city revenue
-Global marathon growth: $5.2 billion in economic impact and $425 million raised for charity in 2024
-Jacob Kiplimo update: why drafting behind a pace vehicle led World Athletics to reject his record
-NYC Marathon lottery details: application window, acceptance rate (~4%), and alternative entry options
-Finite goals: SMART, time-bound targets like races, mileage plans, or training consistency
-Infinite goals: long-term motivations like health, longevity, community, mental clarity, and faith
-Why combining both types of goals builds long-term consistency and “grit”

Who This Episode Is For:
-Runners trying to improve form or understand their running data
-Anyone who’s been told they “should” run at 180 cadence
-Runners setting goals for a new season or long-term progress
-Anyone dreaming about running the NYC Marathon
-Runners who want motivation that goes deeper than the next race
-Anyone trying to stay consistent, healthy, and running for life

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If this episode helped you rethink cadence, your goals, or your long-term running mindset, leave a review, drop a comment with your current cadence or your next goal, and share this with a runner who’s in it for the long game.