What drives someone to document their first marathon journey? In this captivating episode, we dive deep with filmmaker Andres Vargas who created a professional documentary about training for and completing his first marathon at Walt Disney World. Despite having no prior filmmaking experience, Andres crafted a compelling story that captures both the physical demands and emotional rollercoaster of marathon preparation.

Andres shares the raw moments behind his training - the doubts, breakthroughs, and why he felt compelled to document the entire process. His story resonates whether you're a seasoned runner or someone contemplating your first long-distance event. The conversation explores the unique magic of Run Disney races, from the overwhelming energy of the expo to the emotional experience of running through the parks.

The team also discusses training updates as marathon season approaches, with valuable insights about tracking shoe mileage, strength training benefits, and recovery strategies. Bob opens up about his recent spinal surgery and lessons learned about listening to your body and working with medical professionals during recovery.

As Disneyland's Halloween race weekend kicks off, we present our first Rise and Run roll call of the season, recognizing over 130 podcast listeners participating in the various events. The episode concludes with inspiring race reports, including Ashley's story of completing her first 50K ultramarathon after losing 80 pounds on her health journey.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or fiftieth marathon, this episode offers both practical advice and the emotional fuel to keep you moving forward on your running journey.

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What does it take to rise from refugee to Olympic medalist? Marathon legend Meb Keflezighi reveals his extraordinary journey from war-torn Eritrea to becoming the only American to win Boston, New York, and an Olympic medal in the marathon.

Meb's story begins with a father who walked 225 miles to escape persecution, a family separated for five years, and a young boy who discovered his talent by simply trying to earn an A in PE class. From his surprising 5:20 mile as a seventh-grader to his dramatic silver medal in Athens and unforgettable 2014 Boston Marathon victory, Meb shares the mental strategies, training philosophies, and life perspectives that fueled his historic career.

What makes this conversation special is how Meb connects with runners of all abilities. Despite his elite status, he understands the universal challenges we face – bad training days, race disappointments, and the mental battles we fight. When he talks about walking during marathons or falling at the Olympic finish line, we're reminded that greatness isn't about perfection but perseverance.

For those preparing for upcoming Disney races, Meb offers practical training advice: space out your runs, keep long runs significantly slower than race pace, and prioritize recovery. His emphasis on balancing quality over quantity provides a refreshing perspective for runners at any level.

The podcast also features a spotlight on Megan, who transformed from a back-of-pack runner to discovering new speed at the Panerathon 10K, plus race reports from across the country showing how summer training is leading to fall PRs. With Disney Halloween weekend just days away, this episode delivers the perfect blend of inspiration and practical wisdom to fuel your running journey.

Join us for this unforgettable conversation with a true running legend who reminds us that "running to win doesn't mean getting first place, but getting the best out of yourself."

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Every finish line moment you've celebrated was made possible by someone who showed up before dawn, prepared water stations, or cheered when you needed it most. In this heartfelt episode, we pull back the curtain on race volunteering with insights from experienced volunteers who've supported events from local 5Ks to the Boston Marathon.

Our volunteer panel—Ilyana, Steve, Kay, and Mike—share what motivates them to give their time, the behind-the-scenes work few runners see, and the special connections formed with participants during races. From setting up thousands of water cups hours before runners arrive to finding creative ways to encourage struggling participants, these stories will transform how you see the smiling faces along your race route.

"I want any runner that interacts with me to know that I'm there to help them in any way I can," explains Steve, capturing the generous spirit that defines the volunteer experience. Kay reminds us that volunteers are often the first to arrive and last to leave, asking nothing in return but the joy of supporting others' achievements.

We're also joined by Mark Lane-Holbert, who shares his profound experience guiding a blind runner at the Boston Marathon and discusses his upcoming handbook on running therapy. His work with Achilles International highlights another dimension of the running community's supportive nature.

The episode features a delightful conversation with five women who formed the "Joyful Runners" relay team for the Centennial 100K in Washington after meeting through our podcast community. Their story of strangers becoming teammates exemplifies how running creates meaningful connections.

Whether you're a seasoned racer or preparing for your first event, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the volunteers who make our running journeys possible. Next time you pass a water station or cross a finish line, remember to share a smile or word of thanks—it means more than you know.

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Pack your running shoes and Mickey ears—it's time to prepare for the upcoming Run Disney race season! This episode dives into all the exciting events on the horizon, with just three weeks until the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend and ten weeks until Wine and Dine.

Magic Bound Travel's Brad and Maggie join us to share valuable insights about upcoming Disney parks events, including the opening of the new Beacon Barrel lounge, available Eat to the Beat concerts, and Halloween festivities. But the highlight of our conversation revolves around the first-ever Rise and Run Podcast Cruise, setting sail April 20-24, 2025, on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. With 99 "happy haunts" already booked, we discuss cabin availability, onboard activities, and transportation options to and from the port. This celebration cruise offers the perfect way to cap off your Run Disney season with fellow podcast listeners and running enthusiasts.

What makes a perfect runDisney race weekend resort? Our hosts and travel experts engage in a lively debate, ultimately crowning Beach Club as their top pick, followed by Pop Century, Port Orleans French Quarter, Polynesian, and Coronado Springs. Each resort offers unique advantages for runners, from hot tubs for recovery to easy transportation to the starting line.

The spotlight shines on Melissa, who conquered her first 50K ultra marathon through mud, rain, and challenging trails. Her inspiring story of perseverance reminds us why we push ourselves beyond comfortable limits. Plus, our weekly race reports showcase accomplishments from across the globe, celebrating runners of all levels.

Whether you're planning your next Disney race weekend, considering joining us on the podcast cruise, or simply seeking motivation for your training, this episode delivers practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. Lace up your shoes and join our community as we rise and run together!

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Have you ever wondered how a simple cheek swab could save someone's life? In this deeply moving episode, we're joined by representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program who explain how their registry connects blood cancer patients with life-saving donors. Our guest Abby shares her powerful personal journey of receiving a stem cell transplant that cured her cancer, reminding us that sometimes the most profound acts of heroism come from anonymous strangers willing to donate.

The heart of this episode centers on the Loopy Looper relay ultramarathon in New Jersey, where three teams of Rise and Run and Will Run For community members gathered to honor their friend Erin. Their stories of perseverance, camaraderie, and celebration showcase what makes our running community so special. From sharing hoagies Lady-and-the-Tramp style to completing the final 3.75-mile loop together while some wore weighted vests, these runners demonstrate that the miles we share mean more than the ones we run alone.

We also dive into exciting runDisney news, including a thorough breakdown of the Disneyland Halloween race weekend event guide (just four weeks away!) and spirited discussion about the newly announced Muppets-themed 12Ks of Christmas virtual races. Greg's passionate reaction to the Muppets finally getting runDisney recognition – and his mild disappointment they didn't use the Muppet Christmas Carol – highlights the deep connection many of us feel to these beloved characters.

Whether you're training for an upcoming Disney race, considering ways to give back through running, or simply looking for inspiration from fellow runners, this episode reminds us that running creates connections that transcend the miles. Join our community where every step, every mile, and every finish line is celebrated together.

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What's it like to be the voice that gets you up that brutal hill during a runDisney race? In this milestone episode, we pull back the curtain with Disney entertainer Jodi Chase, who reveals the method behind the "annoying" character she portrays alongside her race course partner Angie. "We're trying to be as annoying as possible so that you will not want to stop," Jody laughs, explaining how this strategy actually helps distract exhausted runners from their pain.

Beyond her hill-side encouragement, Jodi takes us through her fascinating 30-year Disney career spanning iconic experiences from Citizens of Hollywood to World Showcase storytelling. She shares how she met her husband (fellow runDisney announcer John Pelkey) at Universal's Horror Makeup Show, and details her unexpected journey into race announcing. The conversation reveals the remarkable stamina required to keep high energy for hours while motivating thousands of runners in all weather conditions. "When it's sideways rain, we've got to go in, no ifs, ands, or buts about it," she explains about typical protocol, "but we felt so bad... we were just yelling at people as they're running by, making hopefully people laugh in those little moments where they were just like 'this is the worst thing ever.'"

We also explore Jodi's passionate work founding A Better Life Pet Rescue, a foster-based organization she ran for two decades, saving countless animals from euthanasia. Meanwhile, the hosts share their Springtime Surprise registration experiences, summer training challenges in record heat, and welcome Jake and his 8-year-old son Teddy for a heartwarming Race Report Spotlight about their Fenway Park 5K benefiting veterans.

Whether you're curious about the people behind those encouraging voices on course, looking for motivation to push through summer training, or simply want to feel connected to the broader running community, this episode bridges the magic of Disney entertainment with the heart of the running experience. Join us for the kick-off of our third century of podcasts as we continue rising and running together!

Better Life Pet Rescue

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For our landmark 200th episode, we're joined by a running legend who needs no introduction—Jeff Galloway, Olympian, author, coach, and the revolutionary mind behind the Run-Walk-Run method. 

Jeff takes us back to his humble beginnings as an overweight eighth-grader who could barely run half a mile before "hitting the wall." From those inauspicious starts, we follow his journey through collegiate running alongside peers like Bill Rodgers and Amby Burfoot, through military service, and ultimately to the 1972 Olympic Games. What's most revealing isn't just Jeff's athletic accomplishments, but the character behind them—like selflessly pacing his teammate to Olympic qualification while stepping back at the finish line himself.

The heart of our conversation explores how Jeff developed his famous Run-Walk-Run method in the early 1970s. What started as a practical solution for beginning runners blossomed into an approach that has helped countless people cross finish lines they never imagined possible. Jeff shares fascinating insights, including that the very first Olympic marathoners all "walked significant portions of the race," and how his method has evolved through data from over 500,000 runners.

We also discuss Jeff's special relationship with runDisney from its inception, his remarkable recovery from a heart attack, and his goal to run the Honolulu Marathon at age 80—potentially becoming the first person ever to run marathons across eight decades of life.

Throughout the episode, we take time to reflect on our own 200-episode journey, sharing memories, listener messages, and thoughts on how this podcast has grown from a simple idea into a global community. The Rise and Run family now spans 127 countries, with over 5,200 members sharing friendship, support, and a mutual love of running.

Join us for this special celebration of resilience, community, and the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other—whether you're running, walking, or using Jeff's proven combination of both.

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In episode 199, we visit with runDisney royalty Alan and Grace Young, who share their remarkable 30+ year journey with Walt Disney World Marathon. Alan holds the incredible distinction of running every single Walt Disney World Marathon since its 1994 inception—a legacy he's maintained through strokes, surgeries, and countless challenges. "I never consider not finishing as an option," he explains, offering a masterclass in perseverance. Together, he and Grace chronicle the evolution of runDisney from its humble beginnings—when merchandise was sold at the airport instead of expos and costumes were nonexistent—to the celebration it's become today.

Perhaps most touching is the story behind their famous friendship bracelets. What began as therapy following Alan's stroke has blossomed into over 4,000 handcrafted tokens of community that have traveled to all seven continents. This beautiful gesture perfectly captures the spirit of the running community they've helped foster.

The episode wraps with our Race Report Spotlight featuring Michelle from Erie, Pennsylvania, who shares her North East Cherry Festival 5K experience and how seeing runners who looked like her at Disney inspired her to begin her own journey.

Ready to rediscover your running motivation or connect with fellow Disney runners? Subscribe now and join our Zoom meetup this Thursday—details in our Facebook group!

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The iconic Balloon Ladies return to the podcast, sharing the story behind runDisney's most recognizable pace team. Molly and Kathleen pull back the curtain on what it really means to maintain the critical 16-minute pace that determines whether runners complete their Disney race journey or face the dreaded sweep.

Their fascinating origin story begins with dollar store balloons and evolves into a runDisney institution that combines precision pacing with compassionate support. Discover how they sync watches with race officials, navigate crowded courses, and use everything from dad jokes to Disney songs to keep struggling runners motivated. You'll learn why they're not the ones who sweep runners (contrary to popular belief) and gain invaluable advice for staying ahead of them on race day.

The episode also breaks down the newly revealed Springtime Surprise Weekend themes featuring Zootopia, Winnie the Pooh, and Inside Out. The hosts debate costume ideas and race strategies for this unique April event that culminates in the inaugural Rise and Run Cruise.

We spotlight the Dragon Master Initiative charity team, which funds pediatric cancer research through runDisney charity bibs, and share an extensive roundup of July 4th race reports from listeners nationwide—including a memorable flooded course in St. Petersburg where runners waded through knee-deep water while lightning flashed overhead. This episode delivers essential runDisney insights you won't find anywhere else.

Dragon Master Initiative 

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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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