Rise and Run

2d ago

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. Send us 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

Dec 11

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. 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 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

Dec 4

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of the most misunderstood parts of the runDisney experience—the Dead Last Start. Often seen as a disadvantage, the DLS is actually a unique community filled with resilience, camaraderie, and surprising benefits. We’ll break down what the Dead Last Start really is, clear up common misconceptions, and hear firsthand stories from runners who’ve embraced starting at the very back. From the balloon ladies to the pacing challenges, from the data and graphs shared in Facebook groups to the laughter and costumes that make DLS special, this conversation uncovers the magic behind the miles. Whether you’re a front‑of‑the‑pack runner or someone who’s ever worried about being placed in DLS, this episode proves that every start line has a story and every finish line is worth celebrating. From Crunchwraps to Chalupas, we hear from Divya who ran the Taco bell 50tk where runners cover 31 miles, stopping at nine Taco Bell locations to eat a menu item at each. With an 11-hour limit, 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 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

Nov 27

A rainy run outside Tokyo Disneyland. A Thanksgiving table full of training plans, inside jokes, and hard-won wisdom. And a milestone we never imagined hitting: 500,000 downloads. This one brings the energy, the honesty, and the practical tools you need heading into Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Dopey simulation. We walk through the training calendar and get tactical about the big Dopey sim: why long-run pace matters, how to use Galloway-style intervals without overreaching, and a smart twist called “Gwinning” to speed up walk days without burning out. You’ll hear recovery must-dos, fueling tests to try now, and flexible options for tough conditions—like splitting long runs with short breaks or moving indoors with race videos for motivation. We also talk watches, data, and mindset: hiding lap alerts, switching to time-of-day screens, and how one host found a surprise 5K PR by ignoring the numbers. The heart of the episode is gratitude and resilience. We share setbacks—from surgery and caregiving to a beloved dog’s vestibular scare—and the choice to keep showing up. That spirit echoes through our Race Report Spotlight: a cramp-riddled marathon that still lands an age-group win, and a slow, courageous finish with a police escort blasting Eye of the Tiger. It’s funny, it’s real, and it’s exactly the reminder you need that progress isn’t linear—but it’s worth it. We round it out with Space Coast meetup info, cruise running routes, island 5K notes, and a stack of listener race highlights from Norfolk to Silverstone. Whether you’re chasing a PR, a proof of time, or just a joyful finish, you’ll find clear steps and a community that has your back. If this helped your training or lifted your spirits, tap follow, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us your Marathon Weekend “why” and join the conversation. 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 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

Nov 20

A game show rivalry meets runner wisdom in a rubber match that’s equal parts chaotic, helpful, and heartfelt. We pit Team Rise and Run against Team Will Run For in a custom Family Feud built from real Run Disney life: favorite expo merch, the best post‑race resort pools, the cleanest, quietest in‑park bathrooms for that urgent corral P‑stop, and the most energizing on‑course entertainment that isn’t a character. Along the way, you’ll hear how tiny choices—like a mug over a pin, a quiet pool over a volcano slide, or Norway over the TTC—add up to a calmer, faster, happier race day. We also shine a light on community. Michael shares details for the Virtually Live 5K supporting Unite For Her and the scholarship created in Erin’s honor at Rowan/Cooper for medical students focused on oncology. After a nail‑biting Fast Money, we cap the show with a surprise donation to Erin’s fund—a reminder that this sport is bigger than split times and park playlists. Beyond the feud, we dig into practical takeaways you can use immediately: which expo vendors are worth the stop (Sparkle Athletic, Fit2Run, and more), how to plan bathroom strategy on Walt Disney World race courses, and which non‑character entertainment—gospel choirs, marching bands, live actors—can carry you through late miles. We round it out with training updates, medal reactions, and a packed race report loaded with PRs, tips, and laughs. Press play for a smart, lively tour through Run Disney culture that balances fun and function. If you enjoy the episode, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review. What’s your top on‑course bathroom or favorite expo buy? Tell us—we might just feature it next time. Will Run For Podcast Unite for Her Charity Erin’s Charity Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Erin’s Scholarship Fund Stride Sister Podcast 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 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

Nov 13

The miles are getting long, the holidays are closing in, and motivation is wobbling—so we get honest about what actually works. We talk through the head game of marathon training: patience over pace on long runs, how to break the distance into chunks that calm your mind, and why comparing speeds on social media can derail your best week. You’ll leave with simple mental cues, smarter pacing targets, and a healthier way to handle missed miles without nuking your confidence. Then we fly to Hong Kong Disneyland for a runner’s guide you can actually use. Registration quirks, pricing, and why it’s cheaper than you think. Corrals with no proof of time, last‑minute gate openings, and back‑to‑back race tactics when a 5K and 3K are minutes apart. Expect fewer characters, more selfies, and shirts that genuinely outshine many U.S. race tops. The routes weave outside the park and along the waterfront before Main Street and the Castle of Magical Dreams. Community stories bring the heart. The Rocky Run in Philly brought heat, crowds, and Mount Drago—a hill that humbled big goals and reminded us how to pivot mid‑race and still finish strong. Across the map, listeners logged PRs, first halves, charity 5Ks, and holiday light runs. We also spotlight a small business comeback from Fluffy Fizzies, with recovery goodies, expo preorders, and a reminder that resilience is built the same way as endurance: steady, honest, and supported. Hit play if you need a reset on training mindset, you’re curious about international Disney races, or you just want a boost from runners who get it. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a training buddy, and drop a review so more runners can find us. 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 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

Nov 6

The sunrise hits the Staten Island Ferry and everything changes. We go from small talk to big miles fast—unpacking 2026 Coast to Coast qualification, why Wine and Dine is sticking to October, and how that choice ripples into Marine Corps and New York City plans. If you’re eyeing runDisney weekends or plotting a world major, the booking and timing intel here will save you stress and money. We dive into medal craft and course design, celebrating Disneyland’s cohesive 70th set and a Coast to Coast slider that moves without breaking. Then the conversation gets honest about training: long-run fatigue, proof-of-time attempts, and the mindset of A-through-D goals that still end in a PR. Safety takes center stage with clear, calm advice on being vigilant, from alarms and tracking to GoGuarded, especially with darker evenings. Emily from Hollarhype returns with more than hype and a few friendly randos—it’s connection that lands when the hill shows up. Real-time voice encouragement now includes Tags that broadcast who you are and what you’re chasing—Dopey training, first marathon, getting back to it—plus new Communities for early birds, night owls, cancer survivors, and recovery. You choose where your signal goes every time, and it’s free to join with code “Rise and Run.” The heart of the episode belongs to New York City. Hear ferry-to-bridge logistics, the quiet drum of footsteps on Queensboro, First Avenue’s endless stretch, and a finish pulled through by crowds that never quit. A sub-4 PR, an ankle that held together on will and Advil, a fall saved by a handheld, and a medal that reveals the course profile when you tilt it on its side. We close with final-finish fireworks after midnight and a race report tour across the country, packed with PRs, proof-of-time builders, and community wins. Hit play, plan smarter, and feel less alone on the hard miles. Subscribe, share with a running friend, and leave a review to help more runners find the show. hollarhype 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 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

Oct 30

Start with a sunrise 5K in costume, add a social 10K with better photo flow, then stir in a half marathon that put course design under the microscope. That’s the arc of this Wine and Dine weekend—equal parts magic, logistics, and heart. We walk you through the expo’s new rhythms , a refreshed core runDisney merch line with some questionable shirt cuts, and the small tweaks that make or break a big weekend when sleep is scarce and plans are tight. From Moana-and-Maui family fun to smart walk-run comebacks, the 5K and 10K reminded us why these miles feel so welcoming. We share how the 10K’s streamlined finisher photos and steady water stops kept the vibe smooth, even without electrolytes on course. Then we get candid about the half: the narrow out-and-back to Blizzard Beach that packed two-way traffic on one side, frayed tempers, and raised safety concerns. We talk heat, hydration gaps inside the parks, and where an extra aid station near Tower of Terror could change the day. Along the way, we spotlight wins that matter—stomach issues managed with grit, an age-80 finish powered by training and belief, and PRs earned in sticky weather. What tied it all together? Community. Our Disney Springs meetup turned buttons and cookies into new friendships, and Myra’s legendary bus energy somehow wrangled a flawless group photo. Out on the course, familiar cheers, shared pacing, and quick humor turned long miles into memorable ones. If you care about runDisney tips, course strategy, expo intel, and how to build a better race weekend, you’ll find plenty here to steal for your next start line. If this recap helped, follow the show on your favorite app, share it with a runDisney friend, and drop us a quick rating or review. Then tell us: keep this half course, or time for a rethink? 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 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