Episode 172: "Find Something That Makes You Dream" with Travis Vaughn

What happens when you find something that makes you dream—and makes you want to pursue something you have never done before?

In Episode 172 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with Travis Vaughn of Upward Sports and Upward Running for a conversation about running, faith, community, mental toughness, and the value of chasing difficult goals.

Travis shares his seven-year journey to earning a Boston Marathon qualifying time. The path was not straight or easy. It included injuries, long stretches of training, disappointment, and moments when it would have been easy to let the goal go. Instead, he learned to focus on the next step, use setbacks as opportunities to grow, and continue moving forward.

The conversation goes beyond running. Coach Matt and Travis discuss the mental side of competition, how community and coaching can help people do things they once thought were impossible, and why our focus matters so much when facing a difficult challenge. When we focus only on outcomes, comparisons, or circumstances outside our control, anxiety often grows. When we focus on attitude, effort, preparation, and the next right step, we give ourselves the best chance to perform well.

Faith is also an important part of this conversation. Travis talks about the way faith and fitness intersect through Upward Running, where runners receive training support, encouragement, community, and faith-based content as they pursue goals ranging from a first 5K to a marathon.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Travis’s seven-year journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
• How to keep moving forward through injuries and setbacks.
• Why running is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
• The role of community, coaching, and accountability in growth.
• How focusing on what you can control changes performance.
• The connection between faith, endurance, and competition.
• Why big goals need small, daily steps.

The biggest takeaway is simple: find something that makes you dream. Find a goal that stretches you, challenges you, and gives you a reason to keep showing up.

Make it hard. Do hard things.

Connect with Travis Vaughn and Upward:

• Kinda Fast Podcast
• Upward Running
• Upward Sports

To learn more about Mental Mettle Coaching, visit mentalmettlelifecoaching.com.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to The Mental Mettle Podcast and share it with an athlete, coach, runner, or anyone who needs a reminder that difficult goals can help us grow.