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Five years ago we hit record with a simple idea: talk running, talk runDisney, and share a few stories. Somewhere along the way, it turned into something much bigger - a real community that trains together, laughs together, and shows up for each other on the hard days and the best days. To mark the fifth anniversary, we open the phone lines and tackle listener questions with our friend Brittany Charboneau. We get honest about motivation when your “why” disappears, how to let go of goals that no longer align, and why giving yourself permission to choose a different race can bring your joy back fast. Brittany also shares practical ways to keep training fresh through novelty, routes, themes, and mindset, plus a smart reality check on carbon-plated running shoes: form, strength training, fueling, and injury prevention come before a $350 “solution.” And, because we cannot help ourselves, we still debate peak runDisney essentials like the best resorts for Marathon Weekend and the most strategic bathroom stops on course. Then we celebrate the five years worth of episodes that shaped us, the guests and moments that stuck, and the listener family that keeps us showing up week after week, race after race. We also spotlight the Chicago Marathon with stories from the expo to the finish line, including PRs, pacing lessons, crowd energy, and what it feels like to earn a World Marathon Major medal.  If you’ve ever trained for a runDisney race, dreamed about a marathon major, or needed a reminder that running is about people as much as miles, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your favorite Rise and Run memory so we can carry it into the next five years. Brittany’s Links Funnyrunner26.2 Instagram The Funny Runner Website Brittany’s Coaching Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

Wine and Dine is almost here, and the combination of nerves, excitement, and last-minute “what if” questions is real. We talk through taper week decisions, how to think about weather in Orlando, and why hydration and fueling should start before you ever reach the corrals. We also dig into Marathon Weekend medals, what stands out, what feels a little too familiar, and why the small design details still end up meaning a lot once that medal is in your hands. Then runDisney race announcer John Pelkey stops by for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about learning to run later in life and training for the St Jude Memphis Half Marathon with the Pelkey Running Club. We get into treadmill training vs Florida heat, pacing mistakes, fueling lessons, injury prevention for “mature runners,” and the surprising power of having the right people next to you on long runs. John also shares what it’s like to flip the script from being the voice that motivates thousands to being the runner who needs that extra push. We round things out with a record-setting Wine and Dine roll call, community meetup reminders, and a packed set of race reports, including Chicago Marathon heat stories and a stormy Staten Island Half Marathon spotlight. Subscribe for the start of the 2026-27 runDisney season, share this with a friend who needs a confidence boost, and leave us a review with your favorite race-weekend lesson. John Pelkey Instagram Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

A marathon on a treadmill sounds like a joke until the weather turns, the schedule collapses, and you still need the miles. We talk through the reality of late-cycle training as Wine & Dine gets closer, including how we handle pacing when humidity spikes, why long runs should follow a speed limit instead of a “prove it” pace, and what it looks like to protect sleep while still getting the work done. Greg shares a detailed breakdown of covering 26 miles indoors by splitting it into two half marathons, stepping off regularly, changing socks, rotating media, and leaning on community content to stay out of his own head. If you’re training for a half marathon, marathon, New York City Marathon, or a runDisney challenge, this is the kind of practical, honest talk that helps you prepare for the mental side as much as the physical side. We also shift into runner safety as darker mornings return, with reminders about visibility, awareness at intersections, and tools like reflective vests, live tracking, and safety apps. On the race weekend side, we cover Wine & Dine after-party tickets, smart ways to use your digital gift card during the party, Disney Springs meetups and discounts, plus a spotlight race report featuring Heidi’s strong weekend at the Milwaukee Lakefront events and her big Dopey plans ahead. If you like these kinds of training stories and runDisney logistics, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so more runners can find the Rise and Run family. Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

Meredith didn’t just “add hills” to her training plan, she went to Tanzania and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,600 foot summit that turns every step into a decision. We talk through what it really takes: building aerobic fitness at sea level, practicing patience with “pole pole” pacing, and showing up with the right gear and the right expectations when altitude is the variable you cannot fully control. If you’ve ever wondered how runners can transition into big hikes and endurance adventures, her play-by-play makes it feel possible and real. We also connect the mountain lessons back to everyday running and runDisney training for Wine and Dine and Marathon Weekend. We share a few very human mishaps, like watch batteries dying mid run, and a bigger takeaway from Bob’s rough 15K: carbs matter, hydration matters, and you cannot “tough it out” when your fueling plan is broken. Alysha breaks down why long runs should be slower than you think, how time on feet builds endurance, and why smart pacing protects the rest of your week. After the Kilimanjaro summit push, Meredith squeezes in a surprise Berlin 5K and comes home to a string of new PRs, not from magic lungs but from confidence earned the hard way. Then we pivot to community notes, HydraPatch talk, upcoming meetups and Zooms, plus a packed race report spotlight including Dollywood, Margaritaville, and Berlin Marathon stories. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review. What’s the biggest adventure you want to train for next? Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

The Wine and Dine countdown just got real, and the details matter this year. We’re four weeks out, training is peaking, and runDisney dropped enough race-weekend updates to change how you plan your expo day, your 5K morning, and even how you think about pacing and character stops. We walk through the newly released Wine and Dine event guide with a runner’s eye for logistics: updated expo hours, the shift to a 7 a.m. virtual queue for race merch and Brooks shoes, and what that earlier timing could mean if you rely on Disney resort transportation. Then we dig into the most talked-about change, the 5K. Start groups are tightly structured, timing chips are in play, and a new tear-off bib tag is designed to manage corral access. We share what the guide says, what it does not say, and the real questions runners are already asking about bathrooms, bag check, course flow, and getting back to the resorts. We also cover the 10K and half marathon notes, plus everything you need for the EPCOT post-race party: ticket delivery, wristbands, the late-night ride lineup, and why the first hour can feel wild before things calm down. Along the way, Alysha gives a timely reminder about cold and flu season before travel, and we close with race reports from the community, including a special spotlight on the Terry Fox Run and the Marathon of Hope legacy in Canada. If you’re getting ready for Wine and Dine, hit play, share this with your running friends, and subscribe so you don’t miss our final prep episodes. After you listen, what’s your biggest concern: the expo virtual queue or the new 5K start group setup? Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

Bird in Hand is the rare race weekend that feels like it was built for more than a finish time, and we’re still riding the high. We’re back with our full Bird in Hand Half Marathon recap from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where Amish country views, rolling hills, and small-town hospitality combine into one of the most joyful race experiences we’ve found. We’re joined by BIH veteran Caroline and first-timer Maegan to relive the whole arc of the weekend: easy packet pickup, a surprisingly fun expo, the pizza and pasta party (plus pretzel wraps, shoofly pie, and whoopie pies), and a race morning that delivered everything from pacing plans to big breakthroughs. You’ll hear what the “mile seven hill” is really like, how run/walk/run strategies played out on the course, and why official pacers and smart intervals can be a secret weapon for a PR or a runDisney proof of time. Then we get into the stuff that makes Bird in Hand unforgettable: cheering that erupts from the picnic tent when runners hit the final stretch, the free chicken dinner hosted by the local fire company, and the post-race community dinner that turns strangers into friends. We also cover HollarHype motivation, the camel selfie saga, and a truly meaningful gift from Tara that left us speechless. If you love race recaps, running community stories, and practical takeaways for runDisney season training, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review. What’s the one race weekend you’d travel for purely because of the people? Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

Your training can be solid and you can still step into the corral feeling unsure and that doesn’t mean you’re broken. This week we go after the part of running that decides how you respond when it gets hard: confidence. We’re joined by Dr. Sindra Kampoff, performance coach and author of The Confidence Habit, to translate sport psychology into simple tools you can actually use during Run Disney training and on race morning. We talk about why runners get trapped in comparison, outcome pressure, and perfectionism, then shift into practical resets like Learn, Earn, Return, building a range of goals (gold, silver, bronze), and using identity based “I am” statements to stop treating confidence like something you’re born with. If negative self talk hits mid race, Sindra shares two go to strategies: pre planned power phrases and her “truth meter” questions that help you replace a spiral with something more useful. You’ll also hear us swap our own stress regulation habits, share community updates, and close with a packed race report including a Sydney Marathon recap with big hills and an iconic Opera House finish. If you want mental skills for runners that are as trainable as your long run, this conversation belongs in your race season toolkit. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share this with a running friend who needs a confidence boost, and leave us a review with the one phrase you want in your head on your next start line. Cindra’s Links Instagram The Confidence Habit Book The High Performance Mindset Podcast Dr. Cindra Kamphof Website Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

A long run can be tough, but this week proves it can also be downright ridiculous: surprise humidity, shaky confidence, and yes, a flying insect that turns one runner into an unwilling protein experiment. We share real training updates for the ramp-up to Wine and Dine and Marathon Weekend, including why “trust the process” is more than a slogan when the miles start to bite. We also talk practical hot-weather strategy, from carrying fluids to testing electrolytes, and what we’re noticing after trying Hydro Patch on long runs (helpful, not magic, and definitely not a replacement for water). Then we bring on our guest, Devin Siebold, the former educator turned stand-up comedian behind the viral Theme Park Comedians content. Devin tells the story of leaving the classroom, what comedy taught him about people, and why laughter is often a signal of safety when life feels heavy. If you love Disney World, Epcot, Broadway references, and sharp Disney-adult humor, his behind-the-scenes look at writing and filming in the parks is a blast. We also dig into Devin’s runDisney journey, favorite race memories, and why fundraising bibs matter to him, including St. Jude's and No Kid Hungry. From a Tower of Terror fear challenge done for charity to the little details that make race weekends unforgettable, this conversation hits both the heart and the funny bone. If you’re enjoying the show, subscribe so you never miss a training-season boost, share the episode with a runDisney friend, and leave us a quick review to help more runners find the Rise and Run community. Devins Links themeparkcomedians Instagram devinsiebold Instagram Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

Dean Karnazes has done things most runners can barely picture, but the lesson he brings to our mic is refreshingly simple: you do not have to go fast, you just have to go. We catch up with Dean on a Greece running tour built around the history of Marathon and a heartfelt tribute to Jeff Galloway, then dig into what endurance really demands when the miles stop being fun and start becoming a choice you make over and over again. We also get practical for the runDisney crowd with training timelines for Wine and Dine and Marathon Weekend, plus the real talk that comes with late-summer running: humidity, dew point, and how to stay consistent when motivation fades. Dean calls heat “poor man’s altitude,” and we unpack what that means for training, racing, and staying safe. You will also hear specific strategies that translate to any goal, from a first 5K to a first Dopey, including how to embrace discomfort, train to your personality, and recover in ways that keep you running for years. On top of that, we react to the newly released Wine and Dine medals, share meetup and community updates, and spotlight runners chasing big dreams, including Arno Tessers’ plan to run all nine World Marathon Majors in one year while filming a documentary. If you want motivation that is not fluffy, plus Run Disney planning you can actually use, this one delivers. Subscribe for more runDisney training help, share this with a running friend, and leave a review if the episode helps you stay consistent. What is one goal you will “just go” after this season? Deans Links Ultramarathon Instagram Ultramarathonman Website Arno Links Run Arno Run Run Arno Run on YouTube Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

D23 always feels like a fireworks show for Disney fans, but we watch it with runner brains: What will all these new lands, refurbs, and construction walls mean for runDisney race weekends? Our friend Amanda from Once Upon a Marathon returns for a deep-dive recap of the D23 Parks Panel, and we do the fun thing we usually avoid: a little course speculation. We break down EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth refurb talk, Animal Kingdom updates like the long-awaited Expedition Everest Yeti fix and Tropical Americas progress, and what Magic Kingdom construction could mean for how we enter and exit the park on marathon day. We also talk Villains Land scope, Hollywood Studios’ Monstropolis timeline, and the Figment reimagining that brings Dreamfinder back into the spotlight. To round it out, we cover race reports from all over and spotlight Brooke’s trip to Alaska for the Anchorage Half Marathon, complete with coastal trails, mountains, and a finish-line spread that will make runDisney runners laugh. Subscribe for weekly runDisney training tips, community stories, and park news through a runner’s lens, then share your biggest D23 takeaway with us and leave a review. Amanda’s website: Once Upon A Marathon Amanda’s IG: @onceupamarathon Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

You can train for a race and still wonder if you’re allowed to call yourself a runner. That quiet doubt shows up in a lot of places, on long walks that feel endless, on crowded courses where you’re watching your footing, and especially when your watch tells a story you do not like. We get honest about those moments, then share practical ways to keep moving as Wine and Dine training hits week eight, including how to schedule back to back days without burning out and a simple run walk interval that can make long sessions feel mentally lighter. Then we sit down with Hildee Weiss, author of Embracing My Inner Athlete, whose story will hit home for anyone who started later, felt self conscious, or carried that “I’m not an athlete” label for years. Hildee talks about the turning point that pushed her to prioritize herself, the early fears that kept her from running, and how one 5K can start a chain reaction of confidence. We also dig into imposter syndrome, why adults struggle to claim the word “athlete,” and how comparison can hijack training even when you’re doing the work. One of the biggest takeaways is a mindset shift that sounds small but changes everything: moving from “I have to run” to “I get to run.” If you’re training for your first runDisney event, worried about pace, or just trying to find joy again, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the podcast, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave us a review. What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received? Hildee’s Links Insatgram Blog Embracing My Inner Athlete Book Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

One loop. One river. A whole lot of miles. What happens when a runDisney community takes over a relay event in New Jersey and decides the real finish line is friendship, not pace? We’re joined by Greg, Jack, Chrissie, Ilyana, and Stephen to recap Loopy Looper weekend, where teams rack up loops, tents turn into mini HQs, and every lap feels like a mix of training run and backyard party. We talk through the details that make a looped relay and ultra event work: simple course navigation, timing-bib handoffs that do not waste energy, and the heat management basics that matter most in August humidity. You’ll hear what people actually ate and drank, why salt and pickle juice became MVPs, and how run-walk-run plus strength training can leave your legs surprisingly OK after big mileage. Then Stephen drops the kind of story that makes you sit up straight: a first ultramarathon that’s also a 100-miler, finished inside the 30-hour cutoff, with tight aid-station discipline and a clear goal of staying healthy. We also share the glow loop night run, family finish moments, and why so many runners say the solo miles are great but the relay “party” is the point. If you’re training for runDisney, curious about relay races, or wondering how to keep motivation high in the offseason, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share the show with a running friend, and leave a review telling us: would you ever try a loop event like Loopy Looper? Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

runDisney can look effortless on Instagram: a castle photo, a medal shot, a costume selfie, and done. Then reality hits at 1:30am when the alarm goes off again, you’re juggling corrals and buses, and there are still miles of dark highway between the highlight reel moments. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome back Lisa Dinoto Glassner after four years to talk about her new book, The Run Disney Companion: Your Race Day Guide From Fantasy To Finish Line And Beyond. We get into what the guide is really built for: helping first-time runners pick a race, register, train, pack, fuel, sleep, and actually enjoy the weekend without feeling overwhelmed. Lisa shares the misconception she wants to correct most often: these are real races, even when there are characters and tutus. Her most underrated tip is also the simplest: protect your sleep, because you cannot out gel bad sleep. We also talk why the history of runDisney matters, how veterans can still find meaning in the “lessons learned” side of the book, and what moments are almost impossible to explain until you experience them, especially cheering the final finisher. Along the way, we keep it classic Rise and Run: training updates (including Greg’s Wawa-themed 50K plan), a fun “What Would Alysha Do” segment with the Merlin Bird ID app, and a race report spotlight from the Jack and Jill downhill half marathon with its famous tunnel and gravel pacing curveballs. If you’re chasing a proof of time, planning Wine and Dine, Princess, Marathon Weekend, or dreaming about Dopey, this conversation gives you a clearer plan and a better mindset. Listen now, then subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share the episode with a runDisney friend, and leave a review to help more runners find our running family. Lisa’s Links The Castle Run The Castle Runner on Instagram Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

runDisney didn’t start as a massive, must-register-in-minutes phenomenon. It grew into that, and Jon Hughes was in the middle of the turning points. We finish our conversation with the Track Shack leader who helped bring the Walt Disney World Marathon to life, then watched it evolve into a global runDisney culture where first-timers, costumers, walkers, and marathoners all belong on the same course. Jon shares when the races first felt “bigger than expected,” why the paper signup era created real confusion about sellouts, and how new weekends and concepts like Wine and Dine’s early night-race vibe reshaped logistics. We also get the origin story of the Goofy and Dopey challenges, including the moment the Dopey name clicked and why well-trained multi-race runners can actually fare better than people who show up underprepared for a single event. Along the way we talk characters, entertainment placement, and the simple reason so many people start running at Disney: they feel safe and welcomed. Back with the hosts, we bring it to the present with summer training honesty: slowing down in heat and humidity, staying consistent through wind and bad air quality, and holding onto the mindset that your current pace might be someone else’s dream. Plus, Julia joins us for the race report spotlight to celebrate her 50th half marathon at Presque Isle and a strong finish as she lines up an ambitious season ahead. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave us a review so more runners can find the Rise and Run community. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

runDisney feels like it’s always been there, but it hasn’t. The real story includes years of pitching, countless meetings, tough operational compromises, and a whole lot of faith that runners would actually show up. We’re joined by Jon Hughes from Track Shack, the first race director of the Walt Disney World Marathon and one of the key voices who helped convince Disney a marathon belonged on property. Jon takes us back to the early days of Track Shack, when running specialty stores were rare and races were often built from scratch just to grow the sport. We dig into what makes a great race director, why course design and logistics matter more than most people realize, and how Disney’s marketing excitement didn’t always match the realities of operations. You’ll hear how the marathon finally got the green light, why the early course didn’t fully match the dream, and what it felt like to face a start line that ballooned to 8,400 runners before the first race ever happened. We also keep things practical and personal: training updates in peak summer heat, hydration lessons, the mental tricks that get us out the door, plus community news like our charity fundraising plans and the first-ever Rise and Run virtual trivia night. Then we roll into race reports from across the Rise and Run family, from local 5Ks and an 8K series with a baked potato finish to truly wild endurance feats. If you love runDisney history, marathon origin stories, or smart training talk that’s honest about real life, hit play. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend training for their next race, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the Rise and Run family. Track Shack Website Track Shack Instagram Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail Support the show Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsor Links Magic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic Coaching Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded