A good mantra can change a season, and ours hits different: earn it in the winter, win it in the spring. We start with a candid weather check and slide straight into the nuts and bolts of racing life—updated Wine & Dine registration flows, random queue placement, why sellout times barely budged, and how our community rallied with Zoom rooms, phone trees, and charity backups  We map out Princess Weekend long runs, Springtime Surprise magic miles, and the kind of speed work that shakes off a post-Dopey lull and brings your spring fitness back online.

Then everything sharpens into one story. Heather, a push-rim athlete many of you know, takes us inside the Donna 110—eight laps Saturday and a marathon Sunday—finished in historic Florida cold with frozen hydration lines and sheets of ice. She shares how triple-stack long runs, bike guides, a coach pacing a late lap, and a brand-new custom chair made the difference. The result: the first wheelchair finisher in race history, the only woman finisher this year, and a heady mix of grit, humor, and joy that included communion at mile one and counting dogs to stay present. Her perspective on adaptive sport is powerful and refreshingly inclusive: we’re all out here doing hard things, visible or not, and the win is showing up with purpose.

We round things out with Loopy Looper team interest surging, Tom’s strength challenge for accountability and smarter training, and Fluffy Fizzies returning to the Expo with upgraded foot care, themed bath bombs, and easy preorder pickup. The race report delivers a streak of firsts and PRs—from stadium sprints to donut runs and frigid New England grit—that remind us how many ways there are to measure progress. Subscribe, share with a running friend, and drop your spring goal in a review—what are you earning this winter so you can win in the spring?

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229: Adaptive Strength: Heather’s Record‑Setting Donna 110 Story

Fireworks before sunrise, yoga in the cold, and a finish line that felt like a farewell—this Disneyland race weekend had a different kind of electricity. We open with Miss Piggy’s cameo on the castle screen and roll straight into the expo’s virtual queue scramble, a quick detour through misplaced bib drama, and a check-in with Jeff and Barbara Galloway that left us optimistic and grateful. Between merch scarcity, the Dumbo hoodie frenzy, and smarter PhotoPass ops, the weekend balanced magic with mechanics in classic runDisney fashion.

The 5K reminded us why the west coast course is beloved: quiet fireworks, a park-start and park-finish, and sunrise over Pixar Pier. A surprise “balloon lady” sighting and a late-course cut around Avengers Campus created some confusion, but the joy still landed. The 10K leaned into imagination—Sorcerer Mickey everywhere, Figment looping in our heads, and backstage Easter eggs like the Tower of Terror sign and A Bug’s Life props. Photo lines moved faster, and runners helped each other grab those castle shots when photographers cleared out near the back.

The half marathon tied it all together. Early laps through DCA, then a thoughtful route across Anaheim with out-and-backs that turned the race into a reunion. The 501st brought free hugs and big energy; third-shift custodial cast cheered like pros. We talk pacing with run-walk-run, efficient PhotoPass at small world and Millennium Falcon, and the thrill of a fast finish that also marked a 100th RunDisney medal. The DCA picnic-area meetup overflowed—cookies, bracelets, and the best conversations of the weekend—proof that this community keeps the magic alive long after the medals are hung.

We close with the question on everyone’s mind: will runDisney return to Disneyland? Some of us think yes, but not soon; others felt a real goodbye in Carissa’s voice. Either way, the stories, tips, and friendships from this weekend are here to keep you moving. If you had a favorite moment from the races—or a prediction about what’s next—drop us a note, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a little start line magic.

Manny Runs Disney [https://www.youtube.com/@mannyrunsdisney]

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228: 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Recap

Confetti at the finish is only part of the story. We sit down with Walt Disney World Marathon champion Matt Hensley to trace the path from family running roots and college grind to a smart, tactical win built on adaptation, fueling, and a decisive late-race move. Matt walks us through race-week realities—working the expo, long park days, heavy legs—and explains how dew point data and small early adjustments can save a marathon when heat sneaks in. He opens his playbook on fueling (60–90g carbs per hour), mid-race decision-making, and the difference between racing for time and racing for place, including the surge that sealed the pass near mile 20.

The conversation widens to purpose, mindset, and coaching. As the founder of Boulder Underground, Matt shares how he coaches beginners to elites by aligning big goals with daily habits, calling on a trusted network of PTs, dietitians, and mental performance experts. We dig into his three-part framework for 26.2—body, mind, and spirit—so listeners leave with practical steps: test nutrition in training, find early flow instead of forcing splits, and anchor to a meaningful why when the tough miles arrive. Along the way, you’ll hear a hilarious nearly-Guinness-record family saga, Disney course highlights, and the energizing role of characters, music, and community on race day.

We also spotlight our Disneyland meetup details, roll call an enormous list of racers, and celebrate listener PRs from 5K to marathon. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier, your first half, or a steadier long run, you’ll find tools and motivation to sharpen your next start line. If this conversation helps your training, share it with a friend, follow our show, and leave a quick review—what’s the one strategy you’ll try on your next long run?

Matt's Link
Boulder Underground  Running  [https://www.boulderundergroundrunning.com/]

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227: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Matt Hensley

Start with a grin, stay for the goosebumps. We sit down with marathon winner and runDisney favorite Brittany Charbonneau for a candid, no-filter look at a race that felt hard from the gun, a costume with a story, and the moment she stepped off the fence to encourage the final finisher home. From sleepless nights with a teething baby to Florida humidity after Denver air, Brittany opens up about panic in the early miles, how she reset her mindset, and why a mid-race character stop with Joy was the medicine she needed to run happy again.

We also unpack the new Wine and Dine themes and what expanded 5K start windows could mean for buses, corrals, character lines, and that beloved pre-race hangout vibe. Expect thoughtful speculation, not hot takes—our focus stays on access, flow, and how to make race day feel welcoming for more runners. Then we get practical about blisters: toe socks vs. tape, lube strategies, nail care, and the honest truth that even perfect prep can still lead to hot spots across four days of running.

Brittany brings coach-level wisdom you can use this week. Practice in-run pivots to break negative loops. Accept that progress looks like a mountain range, not a ladder. Take real time off after big goals so motivation can return on its own. And most of all, remember that every story matters—front, middle, or back of the pack. Her finish-line moment with the last runner says everything about the culture we want: inclusive, kind, and loud with encouragement.

We round things out with Disneyland Half Marathon meetup details, Loopy Looper relay plans, and a race report full of coastal sun, frosty miles, and nostalgic roads. Hit play for logistics you can trust, coaching tips you can apply, and community energy that lasts beyond your cooldown. If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a running friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more runners find their people.



Brittany’s Links
Funnyrunner26.2 [https://www.instagram.com/funnyrunner26.2/]Instagram
The Funny Runner [https://www.thefunnyrunner.com/] Website
Brittany’s Coaching [https://www.thefunnyrunner.com/coaching]

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226: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Brittany Charboneau

The kind of weekend that turns runners into storytellers started with lines out the door and ended with smiles wider than Main Street. We dig into the real Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: the Dopey merch experiment that strained patience, a 5K power outage that couldn’t dim the vibe, and shoes, shirts, and sizing choices that had everyone talking. Then we lace up for the races—Epcot-forward 10K joy, half marathon strategy you can actually use, and marathon Sunday’s heat that forced smart decisions and small, lifesaving hacks.

You’ll hear what it’s like to push an adaptive athlete down Main Street USA and orchestrate safe space for fist bumps, and how a community rallied to bring Myra back to the start line—twice. We trade the best on-course tactics for hot weather: drink one cup, pour one cup, stash a wet sponge, eat the banana, and when needed, reset your brain with a ride on Expedition Everest or a vending-machine Coke. We unpack the Blizzard Beach cut, how it reshaped pacing, and why embracing joy can be the difference between finishing and fading. And yes, we celebrate Brittany Charbonneau—dominant on the course, generous at the finish.

Beyond the miles, the Disney Springs meetup proves why this community keeps growing: hundreds of friends, homemade cookies, raffle surprises, and quiet moments of encouragement before the last big push. Medal Monday reflections bring practical park tips and a few cautionary notes about embroidery lines. Whether you ran 3.1 or 48.6, you’ll find yourself in these stories—costumes, castle photos, new marriages, and first-time Dopey's crossing the line with tears and laughter.

Press play for a full recap, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of heart that makes runDisney weekends unforgettable. If this episode lifted you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review to help more runners find our crew.



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225: Walt Disney World 2026 Marathon Weekend Recap

Start lines can carry more than nerves—they can carry whole lives. We kick off Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend with equal parts heart and how-to, celebrating Jack's wedding, sharing practical travel and cheering plans, and diving into two stories that remind us why miles matter.

Wendy opens her journey with honesty about grief’s physical weight after losing her husband; a man who once signed up for a 5K just to support her Dopey dream. She talks about the moment a Thursday Zoom call pulled her back to community, how coaching helped her rebuild a routine from dog walks to long runs, and why she’ll run in hot pinks and hearts to keep love visible on the course. Her insight is clear and kind: grief doesn’t follow rules, so neither should your healing.

We then turn the volume up on community with our annual Rise and Run roll call—Dopey, Goofy, marathon, half, 10K, and 5K—giving first timers and veterans their well-earned spotlight. 

Jon’s story brings purpose into sharp focus. A single dad chasing his first marathon to model dedication for his kids, he speaks candidly about battling old habits, choosing to prioritize time rather than “find” it, and refusing to let imperfect weeks derail the goal. His mantra is simple: hard work works. He’s aiming to finish strong, not chase a hero split, and to show his kids that promises kept to yourself change who you become.

Whether you run to heal, to grow, or to prove you can, there’s room for your reason here. Tap play, feel seen, get the logistics you need, and take your next step toward the start line with us. If this episode lifts you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review so more runners can find their story in our community.



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224: Grief, Grit And The Start Line Ahead. Whats My Story?

A fractured kneecap, a missed flight to Honolulu, and a coaching mindset stronger than ever—Jeff Galloway joins us with candid lessons on healing, pacing, and performing when it counts. We kick off the new year one week from Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and Jeff brings the practical wisdom runners need: how to decide when it’s safe to return from injury, why walking long sessions preserves endurance, and how run-walk-run keeps you moving without adding stress.

We get specific about race-week decisions that make or break your day—starting slower than you think you should, choosing a conservative pace group for built-in support, and fueling in simple, steady doses to avoid GI surprises. Jeff shares a clear rule of thumb: two to four ounces of water and 30 to 40 calories of sugar every two miles, with a smart pre-start snack inside 30 minutes to prevent an energy dip. We also talk character stops, run-by selfies, and the moment to pull back if swelling, pain, or loss of function shows up midrace.

Beyond the logistics, we celebrate what makes Run Disney different: kindness, camaraderie, and the friendships forged at 3 a.m. in a parking lot and on quiet miles after Hollywood Studios. Jeff reframes success to include six-minute miles and sixteen-minute miles, reminding us that progress is personal and community-powered. He previews 2026 plans—from Greece with Dean Karnazes to a Munich race weekend—and shares how mantras and community help quiet the monkey brain during recovery.

If you’re tapering, coming back from a setback, or toeing your first Marathon Weekend start line, this conversation is your calm, clear plan. Listen, share with a friend training for Disney, and tell us: what pace group are you choosing and why? Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Rise and Run family as we cheer you to the finish.



Jeff’s Links
Jeff Galloway [https://www.jeffgalloway.com/]
Jeff’s  Training App [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jeff-galloway-running-coach/id1640776734]
Jeffs Training Hub [https://hub.jeffgalloway.com/share/HWy7K41kb3y8Sobl...]
Galloway Training Groups [https://www.jeffgalloway.com/training-groups/list-of-cities/]

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<

223: Running Into 2026 with Jeff Galloway

A little Christmas magic meets marathon grit. We open with holiday cheer, community thanks, and a few playful ideas—from telethons to extra-big meetup cookies—before diving into a rewind that still gives us goosebumps: the Walt Disney World Marathon story of first-time marathoner and champion, Stephanie Muscat.

Stephanie’s path started in the pool. Years of swimming turned into tentative laps on an indoor track, then into local 5Ks and half marathons that built confidence. She explains why runDisney hooked her—the DJs at 3 a.m., the pre-start electricity, and the promise of sprinting past Spaceship Earth—and why Disney was the perfect stage for a marathon debut. On race day she kept the goal simple: a smart run around three hours. The early lead surprised her, Main Street USA brought tears, and a bike lead quietly guided the way. At mile 19, rain poured at Blizzard Beach, second place loomed a few minutes behind, and Stephanie turned the weather into fuel. By the time she entered EPCOT, the possibility became a pulse, then a certainty: tape up, arms high, a finish line she won’t forget.

We also share practical updates for runners prepping for Marathon Weekend, Princess, and Springtime Surprise—training checkpoints, ADR reminders, and big news from runDisney: Dopey Challenge merchandise access limited to registered Dopey runners on day one, with verification and item limits. Our Disney Springs meetup is set, free, and cookie-powered, with a flag raffle and a group photo at 3:30 p.m. The race report packs in festive wins from across the country: PRs and age-group podiums, costumes and community, and a subzero grind that ended in hot chocolate.

Whether you’re chasing a BQ, jumping into your first 5K, or just here for the Main Street chills, you’ll leave fired up with clear tips, real talk, and a reminder that if you make it to the start, you’re already winning. If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a runner friend, and leave a quick review—what’s your next starting line?

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222: Rise and Run Rewind: 2024 WDW Marathon Winner Stephanie Muscat

The early alarms, the corrals, the castle, the finish line glow—Marathon Weekend is closer than it feels, and we’re tackling the questions you’re actually asking. We dig into the big simulation week and why it’s more about patience than pace, then talk taper calm and how to internalize race pace without burning yourself out. From there, we zoom into the choices that matter: smart carb loading at Disney (yes, fries can be part of a plan), when a hydration vest helps, and how to keep your hands, feet, and head warm with simple gear that won’t slow you down.

We map spectator routes that work for early birds and back-of-packers—TTC for easy mid-race cheers and a monorail return to EPCOT for the finish—plus a cheer squad meetup near Coronado Springs around Mile 20–21 for that late-race lift. Sleep still tricky? We share practical routines, layered alarms, and low-stress morning timelines that get you to security, a character photo, and your corral without rushing. We also break down shoe rotation for challenges and the one rule we never break: nothing new on race day.

Course talk stays honest: which Magic Kingdom approach feels better, why Cone Alley relief matters, and how to segment the marathon into bite-size goals that carry you through the hard miles. If the wall shows up, tuck into a Galloway pace group or lean on the runners beside you; conversation, music, and simple countdowns can turn a tough patch into forward motion. 

We wrap with a race report full of cold PRs, muddy finishes, and a spotlight on Rocket City’s hat trick challenge, proving again how community turns big goals into finish-line moments. If this is your first 5K or your seventh start at 26.2, there’s a plan here to make race day feel doable.

Subscribe, share with a friend gearing up for Marathon Weekend, and tell us your best cold-weather or spectating tip in a review—we’ll feature our favorites on a future episode.

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221: Rise and Run Mailbag: Marathon Weekend Edition

The alarm hits at 2 a.m., the corrals open in the dark, and somehow the magic feels brighter than ever. We bring together Dopey veterans and a first‑timer to unpack the real playbook for Marathon Weekend: how to shop the expo without losing your day, when to join the virtual queue, and which transport options get you to EPCOT stress‑free. From the 5K’s calm walk to the marathon’s 4:30 a.m. start, we map water stops, fuel options, spectating windows, and the course quirks shaped by current construction.

The strategy talk gets honest. Walk the 5K to bank energy. Use shorter run intervals on Saturday if you’re in later corrals. Save character photos for later in the race when lines shrink. Bring two or three pairs of shoes, recovery sandals, and a spare pair of socks for a mid‑marathon reset. Pack Epsom salt, roll your feet, and stash sunscreen and anti‑chafe plans. We compare caffeinated gum to coffee, warn against accidental over‑caffeination, and share the flat‑lay routine that turns chaos into calm. Above all, we keep mindset at the center: pick joy at the bleachers, pace your day, and let Main Street carry you without sprinting the tracks.

You’ll also hear a lively race report from the inaugural San Antonio Marathon—beautiful course, big hills, warm temps, and standout community support—plus quick hits from races nationwide. Whether you’re chasing Dopey, Goofy, or a single distance, this episode gives you the concise, experience‑tested guide to stay ahead of the balloon ladies and finish with a smile. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review so more runners can find the Rise and Run family.

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220: The Dopey Roundtable: First-Timer and Finishers

A Podcast for the runDisney community, Rise and Run is a group of friends united by their love of runDisney events. We discuss our experiences at Walt Disney World and other running events. We recognize the running achievements of our listeners, and frequently invite other members of the runDisney community to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Mostly, though, we're a group of Disney runners who love to have fun and want you to have as much fun as we do.