Welcome to an exciting journey through the Dopey Challenge at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend! In this episode, we will explore the ins and outs of this grueling yet rewarding event, designed for those who dare to push their limits. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, our insights and strategies will help you navigate this unique challenge with confidence and joy.

Understanding the Dopey Challenge: The Dopey Challenge is an extraordinary test of endurance that takes place during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, typically in the second week of January. Participants tackle four races in four consecutive days: a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday. This ambitious challenge not only requires physical stamina but also mental resilience.

Since its inception in 2014, the Dopey Challenge has attracted runners from across the globe. Prior to the Dopey Challenge, the Goofy Challenge was introduced, which involved completing a half marathon followed by a full marathon. However, the Dopey Challenge raised the stakes by adding a 5K and a 10K, making it a true test of endurance. Kevin Harrison, a veteran of the Dopey Challenge, humorously refers to it as "the dumbest thing" he does each year, yet his dedication and passion shine through.

Preparing for the Challenge Preparation is crucial for success in the Dopey Challenge. According to Kevin, consistency in training makes the challenge manageable, though not easy. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, advising participants to visualize their training days and maintain a positive mindset. Training should include a balanced mix of long runs, recovery, and tapering to ensure you're physically ready.

The Mental Game As you stand at the starting line of the marathon after three days of racing, it's natural to feel apprehensive. Kevin suggests focusing on the journey rather than the distance ahead. Techniques like visualizing successful training runs and breaking the marathon into manageable segments can help. He encourages runners to tackle the race mile by mile, reminding them that if they want to quit, they should wait until they reach the next mile marker.

The Race Day Experience Race day begins early, with the starting gun firing at 4:30 AM. The challenge lies in maintaining energy and motivation as you navigate through the parks. The first few miles can be mentally challenging, especially in the darkness before dawn. However, passing landmarks like the Magic Kingdom can provide a much-needed boost. As you leave one park and head to another, the excitement builds, pushing you closer to the finish line.

Tips for Race Day 1. Stay Hydrated: Keep your body fueled and hydrated throughout the weekend. 2. Embrace the Experience: Enjoy the atmosphere of running through Disney parks, interacting with fellow participants, and soaking in the magic. 3. Listen to Your Body: Recognize when to push through and when to take a break. It's okay to adjust your pace if necessary. 4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge each milestone, whether it's running the first mile or crossing the halfway point.

Completing the Dopey Challenge is not just about crossing the finish line; it's about the journey, the friendships made, and the triumphs over adversity. As participants reflect on their experiences, they learn valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of doing hard things. So lace up your running shoes, embrace the challenge, and remember: every mile is a step toward achieving your goals.

Today's Do Hard Things Today podcast provides a look at the key characteristics that enable individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. By establishing standards, minimizing distractions, embracing lifelong learning, welcoming adversity, and maintaining consistency, anyone can cultivate the mindset and habits of successful people.

The key is setting high personal standards and refusing to compromise, even when it is difficult. Jed Blackwell shares his experience as a journalist, where he established strict journalistic standards early in his career and was unwilling to deviate from them, even when it meant walking away from a job. Successful people apply this principle across all areas of their lives - physical, professional, spiritual, and personal.

The podcast discusses the challenge of managing the constant distractions and "noise" that modern life presents, such as emails, social media, and other digital stimuli. Successful people are able to minimize these distractions and focus on what is truly important. This may involve setting boundaries, such as closing the door to avoid interruptions, and limiting time spent on non-essential activities.

The hosts emphasize the importance of being a lifelong learner, constantly seeking to expand one's knowledge and skills. Successful people are humble enough to learn from others, even those in different fields, recognizing that there is always room for growth and improvement. The podcast cites statistics showing that the average millionaire reads significantly more non-fiction books than the general population.

The podcast argues that successful people view adversity as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than something to be feared. They understand that overcoming challenges is essential for reaching one's full potential. The hosts use examples from sports, such as Kobe Bryant's response to his Achilles injury, to illustrate this mindset.

The hosts conclude that the "secret sauce" of success is consistency - the disciplined execution of fundamental tasks and routines day in and day out. They contrast this with the misconception that successful people achieve extraordinary feats, emphasizing that it is the consistent application of the basics that truly drives success.

Keith Troutman is a former professional baseball player who spent eight years in the minor leagues after playing collegiately at Spartanburg Methodist College. He joins us on the Do Hard Things Today podcast to talk with Coach Katie and Jed about his journey in baseball - and in his faith.

Are you headed for the Dopey Challenge or the RunDisney Marathon? There are some BIG changes in store!

On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, join Perfect Dopey Kevin Harrison as he takes you through the course, breaking down the changes that might be causing runners some anxiety. What's good, what's bad, and most of all what's new on the course, on today's episode.

How many times have you heard it? "I'm just so stressed out."

On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, we'll take a look at what causes stress in your day-to-day life, and some ways to help you deal with it.

On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, join Kevin and Coach Katie as they talk to Kamilla Whitney, franchise owner of Lean Kitchen in Spartanburg and Boiling Springs. She'll tell you about the importance of meal planning and the availability of nutritious, balanced, ready-to-eat products for athletes, people getting into fitness, and much more.

Lean Kitchen offers 25-30 options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even allows customers to build their own eal packages. And Kamilla isn't just a business owner, she's an athlete, having completed the Alcatraz Triathlon.

Whether you're stuck in your progress or just branching out to try something new, growth is the key to success. On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, Coach Katie will give you a quick look at five ways to grow in our Five for Friday series.

On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, join Kevin, Coach Katie, and Dr. Stephanie Machacek, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and Certified Nutrition Specialist, as they discuss the importance of nutrition.

Dr. Stephanie discusses her background and her approach to nutrition and nutritional training, including specific needs for female athletes, needs for teams, inflammation, gut health, and how everything ties in together.

You can learn more about Dr. Stephanie - and schedule a free 20-minute consultation - at foodfactornutrition.com, and you can find her on Instagram and Facebook at foodfactornutrition.

Want to feel more confident? On today's Do Hard Things Today Podcast, we'll tell you five ways to boost your confidence, including the way you walk, the friends you keep, the rest you get, and even how you talk to yourself. Join Kevin and Coach Katie as they tell you how to increase your confidence today!

On today's Do Hard Things Today podcast, we continue our conversation with Dr. Stephanie Morgan. Today, she'll talk to us about her career and particularly her specialization in pelvic health - what it is, and why it's important.