In this episode, Jill and Carolyn discuss:

• Carolyn’s path to earning her pro card and racing professionally
• The realities of competing at the pro level
• Managing expectations and race-day nerves
• Imposter syndrome in endurance sports
• How Carolyn defines success today
• Balancing training with a full-time job
• Social media growth, plateaus, and mental health
• Advice for beginner triathletes
• Gear recommendations for new athletes
• Favorite and least favorite workouts
• Mental strategies for pushing through tough race moments

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up in the boardroom — it shows up at the starting line, in training cycles, and anytime we try something bigger than what we’ve done before.

In this episode, Jill is joined by Sharon from Bib and Tiara to talk candidly about imposter syndrome in endurance sports, careers, and life. They explore how comparison, gatekeeping, and external validation can undermine confidence, why women experience imposter syndrome differently, and how environments like runDisney and Ironman create very different feelings of “belonging.”

Along the way, they dive into:

• Why imposter syndrome often appears when growth is happening
• Endurance sports as identity, therapy, and personal challenge
• The role of failure — and why it’s not the opposite of success
• How community, mentorship, and encouragement change everything

Whether you’re training for a race, navigating a career move, or questioning your place in a new space, this episode is a reminder: belonging isn’t earned by perfection — it’s claimed by showing up.

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• What one week post-Dopey recovery should feel like
• Why heavy legs, low motivation, and emotional dips are normal
• The difference between discomfort and pain
• Why movement helps recovery — and when it becomes too much
• How to safely reintroduce running, cycling, or cross-training
• Fueling and hydration for post-race healing
• Alcohol, recovery, and why timing matters
• Disney-specific recovery considerations (feet, swelling, sleep)
• When to resume structured training — and when to wait
• How to rebuild motivation after a major endurance event

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Recorded just hours after the final race concluded
• Panel includes experienced runDisney and Dopey Challenge athletes
• Covers all race distances from 5K through Marathon
• Honest discussion of expo flow, merch availability, and pre-orders
• Crowd management, corral sizing, and character stop dynamics
• Weather conditions and their impact on performance and safety
• Fueling preferences: gels, chews, real food, and what worked (or didn’t)
• Medical support and real examples of heat exhaustion and recovery
• Why expectations matter when approaching runDisney events
• Lessons runners can apply to future Marathon Weekends

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Race-day nerves and butterflies are normal

The 5K is a warm-up, not a test

Conditions may be humid, foggy, or unpredictable — adjust calmly

Ignore comparison and other runners’ bravado

If a mile feels hard, manage this mile only

Adjust pace early if needed — pulling back is smart execution

Stopping too long often makes restarting harder

Run your race, in your body, at your effort

Trust yourself — you did the work

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Shakeout runs should be very easy and optional
• Carb loading is complete — keep food light and familiar
• Avoid excessive hydration to reduce GI and electrolyte issues
• Stay off social media forums on race eve
• Lay out gear once and stop touching it
• Limit walking and standing as much as practical
• Expect imperfect sleep — it will not derail your race
• Set one execution intention (not a pace or time goal)

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Takeaways

Recovery is crucial between races in the Dopey Challenge.

Hydration and nutrition play a key role in performance.

Stretching before the race can alleviate soreness.

Plan your race day routine to include familiar foods.

Pacing should start easy to avoid early fatigue.

Be mindful of cumulative fatigue from walking in the parks.

Stick to your nutrition plan during the marathon.

Listen to your body and adjust as needed during the race.

Celebrate your achievements after completing the races.

Prepare mentally for the early morning wake-up calls.

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Takeaways

You need to have discipline during race weekends.

The 10K is crucial for setting up the half marathon.

It's important to feel controlled during the races.

Starting slow and finishing strong is a proven technique.

Running the tangents can save distance during the race.

Recovery is essential after the 10K and before the half marathon.

Drink electrolytes and feed your body for recovery.

Stretching helps prevent injuries and aids recovery.

Enjoy the race and take in the atmosphere.

The marathon is the most challenging part of the Dopey Challenge.

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Takeaways

There are only four days left until the first start line.

The 5K is an interesting event for Dopey participants.

Get some glycogen into your body before the race.

Treat the 5K more like a fun run than a race.

You should have plenty of time to stop at all the characters.

The finish line is quite a distance from the exit area.

The weather is looking nice for the marathon weekend.

Consider grabbing a cup of coffee at the food trucks post-race.

If you're expecting to finish super early, consider using Uber.

Jill hopes the information shared was helpful for participants.

If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. 

We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!

Click here to schedule a consultation

Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!

Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.