When does a running group become family? The #runDopey crew joins us to celebrate their sixth anniversary, sharing how they've grown from a small accountability group to a 6,000-member community transforming the runDisney experience through positivity, unforgettable costumes, and what they call "shenanigans."

As official Dopey Challenge training kicks off this week (27 weeks until Marathon Weekend!), their timing couldn't be more perfect. The group's moderators Chris, Paula, Leslie, and Idalis offer invaluable wisdom for both first-timers and veterans facing the daunting training schedule ahead. Their advice resonates whether you're tackling your first 5K or your fifth Dopey Challenge: stay present in each training week, understand progress isn't linear, and never underestimate your own strength.

Beyond training tips, the crew reveals the elaborate planning behind their legendary costumes (including those Soarin' flight attendants that caught Disney's attention), their race-weekend traditions involving green bows and dance floors, and heartwarming stories of how strangers became lifelong friends through shared miles. They even drop hints about an aviation-themed group costume coming for Marathon Weekend 2025!

The episode wraps with our Race Report Spotlight featuring John's experience at the Tom Fleming Sunset Classic, plus a roundup of races from across the country – including a ventriloquist-themed 5K that has Jack and Greg plotting their next costume. Whether you're just beginning your running journey or counting down to your next Disney race, this episode captures the magic that happens when we rise, run, and support each other along the way.

Share your story for Episode 200 by calling 727-266-2344, and join our Zoom call this Thursday!

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Summer is here, and it's time to adapt your running strategy to the heat. Coach Chris Twiggs, Chief Training Officer for Jeff Galloway and Perfect Disney Marathoner (gearing up for his 33rd consecutive event!), joins us to share invaluable wisdom that will transform your warm-weather training.

The conversation goes beyond just beating the heat. Coach Twiggs addresses returning from injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and the mental challenges of staying motivated when progress feels slow. His most powerful insight? "If you can't find joy in the moment when you're running, then no race result is going to make you happy."

For those tackling Disney challenge races like Dopey or Goofy, Coach shares critical mistakes to avoid, including setting time goals for these multi-day events and walking too much in the parks between races. We also explore the benefits of his customized training approach, which helps runners navigate life's inevitable interruptions without derailing their goals.

In our Race Report Spotlight, we travel to Alaska with Courtney and Lance for the scenic Anchorage Half Marathon, complete with moose sightings and breathtaking landscapes along the airport trail system.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just beginning your running journey, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you embrace summer training while setting yourself up for success in your fall and winter races. Remember, as Michelle from Erie reminds us in our intro: "Your slow summers make for fast falls."

Chis Twiggs’s Links
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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.

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Professional trail runner Brittany Charbonneau joins us for a heartfelt, inspiring, and fun conversation about her journey through pregnancy, motherhood, and returning to competitive racing. Four months after giving birth to her son Hugo following a 27-hour labor and C-section, Brittany shares the emotional and physical realities of balancing elite athleticism with new motherhood.

What makes this episode particularly special is Brittany's candid discussion about how her sponsor, North Face, defied outdated industry standards by renewing her contract during pregnancy and providing exceptional support for her comeback. "They signed me for multiple years," Brittany reveals, noting that they've even helped ensure her family could travel with her to competitions. This represents a powerful shift in how female athletes are supported through motherhood.

Brittany offers practical wisdom for expecting or new mom runners, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body rather than adhering rigidly to training plans. Her decision to stop running at five months pregnant initially felt like failure, but she now recognizes it as one of her wisest choices. "Having that time off gave me perspective," she explains, describing how pregnancy hiking actually built strength that's benefiting her current mountain racing.

Perhaps most compelling is Brittany's discussion of how motherhood has transformed her mindset as a competitive athlete. After years of "imposter syndrome," she's approaching races with newfound confidence and joy, even planning banana tattoos for an upcoming race as a nod to her "little monkey" at home. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest performances come when we release our grip on perfectionism and embrace the journey.

Could you use some inspiration for balancing running with life's challenges? This conversation with Brittany will leave you motivated to lace up your shoes, whatever season of life you're navigating.

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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.

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Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel

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GoGuarded