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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Summer is here, and it's time to adapt your running strategy to the heat. Coach Chris Twiggs, Chief Training Officer for Jeff Galloway and Perfect Disney Marathoner (gearing up for his 33rd consecutive event!), joins us to share invaluable wisdom that will transform your warm-weather training.

The conversation goes beyond just beating the heat. Coach Twiggs addresses returning from injuries, fueling strategies for long runs, and the mental challenges of staying motivated when progress feels slow. His most powerful insight? "If you can't find joy in the moment when you're running, then no race result is going to make you happy."

For those tackling Disney challenge races like Dopey or Goofy, Coach shares critical mistakes to avoid, including setting time goals for these multi-day events and walking too much in the parks between races. We also explore the benefits of his customized training approach, which helps runners navigate life's inevitable interruptions without derailing their goals.

In our Race Report Spotlight, we travel to Alaska with Courtney and Lance for the scenic Anchorage Half Marathon, complete with moose sightings and breathtaking landscapes along the airport trail system.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just beginning your running journey, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you embrace summer training while setting yourself up for success in your fall and winter races. Remember, as Michelle from Erie reminds us in our intro: "Your slow summers make for fast falls."

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Professional trail runner Brittany Charbonneau joins us for a heartfelt, inspiring, and fun conversation about her journey through pregnancy, motherhood, and returning to competitive racing. Four months after giving birth to her son Hugo following a 27-hour labor and C-section, Brittany shares the emotional and physical realities of balancing elite athleticism with new motherhood.

What makes this episode particularly special is Brittany's candid discussion about how her sponsor, North Face, defied outdated industry standards by renewing her contract during pregnancy and providing exceptional support for her comeback. "They signed me for multiple years," Brittany reveals, noting that they've even helped ensure her family could travel with her to competitions. This represents a powerful shift in how female athletes are supported through motherhood.

Brittany offers practical wisdom for expecting or new mom runners, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body rather than adhering rigidly to training plans. Her decision to stop running at five months pregnant initially felt like failure, but she now recognizes it as one of her wisest choices. "Having that time off gave me perspective," she explains, describing how pregnancy hiking actually built strength that's benefiting her current mountain racing.

Perhaps most compelling is Brittany's discussion of how motherhood has transformed her mindset as a competitive athlete. After years of "imposter syndrome," she's approaching races with newfound confidence and joy, even planning banana tattoos for an upcoming race as a nod to her "little monkey" at home. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest performances come when we release our grip on perfectionism and embrace the journey.

Could you use some inspiration for balancing running with life's challenges? This conversation with Brittany will leave you motivated to lace up your shoes, whatever season of life you're navigating.

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What happens when you have nowhere to pee during a 4 a.m. training run? Which runDisney half marathon truly delivers the best experience? And does anyone actually know how to change a flat tire without calling AAA? This packed episode delivers answers to these burning questions and many more as we dive into our listener mailbag.

The debate gets heated when discussing whether Wine and Dine or Marathon Weekend offers the superior half marathon experience. Some hosts champion the festival atmosphere and after-party of Wine and Dine, while others can't deny the magic of running through Cinderella Castle during Marathon Weekend. For first-time marathoners, we offer tailored advice on choosing races that accommodate back-of-pack runners, with unanimous agreement that Disney provides one of the most supportive environments for debut distances.

We tackle the very real issue of imposter syndrome in running, sharing personal experiences of feeling out of place on the course. Whether it's being the only interval runner among continuous runners or questioning if you belong in a race at all, our conversation provides reassurance that your running journey is uniquely yours—and equally valid.

Disney Vacation Club members in our crew offer insider advice on securing rooms during race weekends, revealing the crucial difference between 11-month and 7-month booking windows and why "buy where you want to stay" remains the golden rule. For Disneyland runners, we highlight key differences from Disney World races, from sound ordinances to bag check logistics.

Between serious running topics, we detour into delightfully divisive debates about whether the chocolate toppings on ice cream are properly called "jimmies" or "sprinkles," confess our favorite ice cream flavors, and share hilariously desperate tales of bathroom emergencies during training runs.

Join us for this journey through running wisdom, Disney insights, and the everyday moments that connect us as a community of runners. Whatever your pace, distance, or running style—you're home here.

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What can marathon training teach us about effective leadership? In this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by Celia, Executive Director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, who draws fascinating parallels between conquering 26.2 miles and navigating the challenges of executive leadership.

Celia shares how she transformed from someone who "loathed running" during her time at West Point to a four-time Dopey Challenge finisher, and explains how this journey equipped her with crucial leadership skills. Her framework comparing her first month as Executive Director to the stages of a marathon offers brilliant insights into perseverance, mental toughness, and strategic thinking.

"It's 100% mental," Celia explains about both running and leadership. "The hardest barrier to overcome is in your head." From battling imposter syndrome to finding creative solutions during uninterrupted runs, her experiences demonstrate how physical discipline builds professional resilience.

We also welcome back Matt Bowen, known for carrying the American flag during runDisney races. Matt updates us on his fundraising efforts for Operation 300, supporting Gold Star Families, and shares moving stories of connections made along the race course. His passion for honoring military families through running inspires participants and spectators alike.

In our Race Report, we spotlight Tiffany's creative two-state challenge weekend, featuring races in Indiana and Illinois. Plus, we discuss the newly announced Princess Weekend themes for 2026 and explore whether they influence registration decisions.

Whether you're a runner seeking leadership insights or a professional looking for new performance strategies, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning physical challenges into professional strengths.

Matt’s Fundraiser Operation 300
The Most Magical Virtual Race on Earth.

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What does it take to create a race experience so special that runners travel from across the country to participate? Lowell Ladd, race director of the Bird in Hand Half Marathon Weekend, joins us to reveal the behind-the-scenes magic of organizing this beloved event in Pennsylvania's Amish country.

From handcrafted horseshoe medals to running past actual camels at mile 12, this race offers experiences you simply won't find elsewhere. Lowell shares how the local Amish community embraces this event so completely that they regularly turn away volunteer help – a rare challenge in the racing world! We learn about the massive pre-race festival, the beloved community picnic with legendary BBQ that begins cooking at 3:30 AM on race day, and why this event has earned its reputation as "runDisney North" among our listeners.

As summer heat intensifies across much of the country, we discuss essential strategies for adapting your training. We share practical advice for adjusting expectations, modifying workouts, and staying safe while building that valuable heat adaptation that will pay dividends when temperatures cool in fall.

Thomas Stokes drops by to announce the winners of his special scholarships and details about his upcoming transformation challenge starting July 7th. In our race report, we travel from Houston to Ottawa, where Marina shares her experience completing not only the 5K and 10K races on Saturday, but following them with a half marathon PR on Sunday – and capping off her weekend with a surprise King Charles sighting! Plus, we hear from runners in Argentina, Scotland, and across North America completing their Memorial Day weekend races.

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Have you spotted the hats and shirts with "Pelkey Running Club" at recent runDisney events? What began as a one-time costume joke has blossomed into a global running phenomenon, and we're bringing you the full story straight from the source.

We sit down with Grant, the club's founder, and John Pelkey himself—the beloved runDisney announcer who went from joking about runners' early wake-up calls to having his name on gear worn on all seven continents. Their chemistry is infectious as they share how a spontaneous gift of four embroidered hats at the 2023 Princess Weekend sparked something neither could have anticipated. As Grant puts it, the Pelkey Running Club is defined by one word: "community."

Ravi joined us for the Race Report spotlight, and we wrapped up this week's episode by drawing inspiration from our friends Tomi and Chad who completed the grueling Keys 100 race, this weekend.

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