Rise and Run

The RDMTeam

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.

  1. 233: To Dopey or not to Dopey? That is the Question!

    2D AGO

    233: To Dopey or not to Dopey? That is the Question!

    Tokyo Marathon looks like a postcard until you remember one detail that can change everything: the cutoffs are based on gun time. We sit down with several of our friends fresh off a plane from Japan to get the kind of Tokyo Marathon recap runners crave, the stuff you can’t learn from a highlight reel. They share how they got in (lottery vs charity), how they handled jet lag, what the expo is really like, and the cultural surprises that made Tokyo feel so different from any other World Marathon Majors weekend. Then we get into race morning reality: navigating to the start, corrals, bathrooms that are somehow both legendary and organized, hydration rules, and what it feels like to run with strict checkpoints hanging over your head. You’ll hear the strategies that helped them stay calm, the moments that made the course memorable, and why that final stretch can feel like the longest kilometer of your life. There are PRs, happy tears, and a lot of respect for the planning it takes to finish strong. We also zoom back to runDisney life with Marathon Weekend registration coming up, a candid talk about whether your first Dopey Challenge should also be your first marathon, and a timely charity spotlight with the Special Forces Foundation on how their runDisney charity bibs work plus practical fundraising ideas. If you’re mapping out your next big race goal, this one is packed with travel tips, training truth, and community support. Subscribe, share this with a running friend who’s eyeing a major, and leave a review if the Rise and Run family has helped your journey. What’s the one race you’d fly across the world to run? Send a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    2h 17m
  2. 232: 2026 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap

    MAR 5

    232: 2026 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap

    A weekend of sparkle, sneakers, and shared heart. Princess Half Marathon Weekend brought out everything we love about runDisney—creative costumes, cool-weather miles, and castle magic—but also the kind of community you can feel in your bones. We navigated an expo frenzy as Brooks’ princess-themed shoes sent lines snaking across the building, watched Disney pivot fast to keep characters and bands on course during a misty 10K, and soaked in small moments that turned into big memories: a family’s first 5K together, a triumphant TinkerBob, and the scent of BoardWalk bacon drifting through a fast, happy morning. The half marathon became a quiet masterpiece. Overcast skies, steady breezes, and a surprise wave from Cinderella, the Prince, and Fairy Godmother lifted runners through those famous Magic Kingdom miles. Near the finish, a semicircle of fairy godmothers dusted us with wishes, and the course felt less like a race and more like a rite of passage. Some of us set PRs. Others walked every step on purpose. All of us leaned on run-walk-run, hydration, and patience—the essentials Jeff Galloway taught us so many times. And then the finish line gave us a moment we’ll never forget. A chair where Jeff once stood filled with Mickey gloves, ribbons, and a lone Gymboss. Pacers gathered with flags, cheering wave after wave just as Jeff would, offering thumbs-ups and “you did it” to faces still catching their breath. When the sun finally broke through, it felt like a blessing on a weekend that was both hard and healing. We also check in on races from Tel Aviv to Seattle and Atlanta, sharing wins, decade PRs, and lessons that carry beyond the parks. If you ran, cheered, or simply needed a reminder that miles can mend, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us: What’s your favorite Princess Weekend moment—or your best Galloway memory? We’d love to hear it. 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 a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 58m
  3. 231: Joffrey's, Dr. Pepper, and Chaos Oh My! A Chat with Running in Makeup

    FEB 26

    231: Joffrey's, Dr. Pepper, and Chaos Oh My! A Chat with Running in Makeup

    The news hit like a thunderclap: Jeff Galloway, the voice behind run-walk-run and a steady light at so many runDisney start lines, has passed away. We pause to honor the coach who made marathons feel possible, share early thoughts through the shock, and invite everyone at Princess Weekend to carry his legacy in the miles ahead. From there, we shift into a packed, upbeat show that keeps community at the center. We break down the new Marathon Weekend artwork and what Donald’s 30th half marathon anniversary might mean for medal design and race-day energy. Then we revisit Springtime Surprise medals—initially “simple,” until we spot the glitter and fluid movement that will pop in person. On the expo front, we debate the Brooks Princess releases: Rapunzel braids on laces, bold character palettes, why specific IP sells better than weekend branding, and where a Merida colorway could still shine. It’s practical talk for anyone timing their expo line or eyeing limited drops. Our spotlight guest, Kristen of Running in Makeup, returns with real-world wisdom. After an injury and a purposeful pause from filming, she details how stepping back sharpened training, improved form, and delivered a 30-minute marathon PR. We trade chaotic race-morning tales (forgotten insoles!), celebrate inventive costumes (a Joffrey’s coffee cup for the win), and lean into her post-long-run Dr Pepper ritual rooted in Baylor and Waco lore. The heart of it: how runners balance creativity, goals, and recovery without losing joy. We close with a sweeping Princess roll call and a coast-to-coast race report: Vegas lights and PRs, a gritty urban ultra in Ocala navigating painted horse statues, and the beloved Gasparilla challenges with donuts, sprinklers, and rainy-day grit. Whether you’re chasing a first 5K or stacking a multi-race weekend, you’ll find tips, laughs, and a reminder of why we show up for one another—especially now. If this moved you, subscribe, share with a running friend, and leave a review. Tell us: how will you honor Jeff in your next run? Running in Makeup YouTube Channel Running in Makeup 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 Send a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 53m
  4. 230: Hope Is Always Possible, and Miracles Are Real: with Amanda Ferrin

    FEB 19

    230: Hope Is Always Possible, and Miracles Are Real: with Amanda Ferrin

    What if every step you took felt like a small miracle you could share? That’s the energy running through this episode as we move from Princess Weekend prep into one of the most inspiring stories we’ve ever hosted. We kick things off with training touchpoints, expo strategy, and course notes for the Run Disney Princess 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon—plus our meetup details, virtual queue tips, and the can’t-miss Main Street moment for first-timers. If you’re mapping out corrals, merch runs, or yoga logistics, we’ve got your plan. Then we sit down with Amanda Ferrin—The Walking Miracle—whose life with a rare autoimmune disease didn’t end her story; it sharpened it. Amanda shares how a spontaneous 7K in Denver led to a last-minute Disneyland 10K, a Dopey bib through charity, and a season of marathons from London to New York. She explains scleroderma’s impact with honesty and warmth, talks about living with constant pain, and how moving—often dancing—through miles brings relief, dopamine, and community. Her signature sequin jacket isn’t a costume; it’s a choice to celebrate every day she gets. This conversation holds more than race talk. When Amanda needed specialized surgery and IV antibiotic therapy, the runDisney community rallied overnight to fund it—turning hope into action and a bill into a lifeline. We hear what recovery looks like now, the races she’s eyeing next (Rome, Paris, London, and the New York City Half), and why joy, presence, and kindness matter more than pace. Along the way, we share a polished Princess Weekend guide—expo hours, Brooks drops, transport windows, photo tips—and a lively Race Report packed with PRs, scenic routes, runway 5Ks, and hot chocolate finishes. Subscribe for weekly stories, race guides, and real talk from a community that runs on heart. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend and leave a review—what moment will you carry into your next run? Amanda’s Fundraising Site 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 a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 46m
  5. 229: Adaptive Strength: Heather’s Record‑Setting Donna 110 Story

    FEB 12

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

    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? 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 a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 42m
  6. 228: 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Recap

    FEB 5

    228: 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Recap

    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 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 Send a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 53m
  7. 227: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Matt Hensley

    JAN 29

    227: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Matt Hensley

    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  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 a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    1h 33m
  8. 226: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Brittany Charboneau

    JAN 22

    226: 2026 WDW Marathon Winner Brittany Charboneau

    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 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 Send a text 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 Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded

    2h 2m
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

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