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A Podcast for the runDisney community, Rise and Run is a group of friends united by their love of runDisney events. We discuss our experiences at Walt Disney World and other running events. We recognize the running achievements of our listeners, and frequently invite other members of the runDisney community to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Mostly, though, we're a group of Disney runners who love to have fun and want you to have as much fun as we do.
215 Episodes
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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-...
The fastest way to upgrade a race weekend isn’t a workout—it’s a conversation. We kick off the 2025 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend with a clear plan to turn nerves into connection, mapping exactly where to find us before each start, how to spark easy chats in the corrals, and why your first bus and first hello can change the whole vibe. If you’re arriving solo, you don’t have to stay that way; we’ll make the introductions and help you find your people. We walk through the training che...
The countdown to Wine & Dine is on, and the energy is real. We swap last‑week training moves, practical travel advice for 2026 bookings, and a surprisingly useful shoe debate: are Brooks’ Stitch-themed Glycerines a smarter buy than limited race-weekend drops? Then we bring in a conversation that will change how you see your run, your city, and your next trip to Disney. Author and advocate Doug Gordon (Life After Cars) joins us to explore a world with fewer cars and more options—walking, ...
Ready to arrive at the start line feeling like a coiled spring instead of a burnt match? Coach Chris Twiggs joins us to lay out a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for the final weeks before race day—why tapering wins races, how to dial in run-walk ratios, and what actually matters for multi-day challenges like Wine & Dine and Dopey. We dig into the simple details that make a huge difference: 30-second walk breaks to avoid late-race fade, practicing your race-day shoes and costume, and treating ...
This week we bring all of it together—training breakthroughs, fandom debates, and the power of community—with NYT bestselling author AJ Wolfe, the voice behind Disney Food Blog and AllEars. We dig into her book Disney Adults asking why the label sparks so much heat online, and how subcultures like DisneyBounding, Dapper Days, and RunDisney become places people actually live. AJ doesn’t sugarcoat it: the same fans who keep the parks humming can be a pain for the company—and each other—yet they...
Costumes transform runDisney races from mere athletic events into moving celebrations of creativity and character. In this lively episode, we welcome back the Rise and Run Council of Costumes – a panel of expert race-day costumers who've turned heads and sparked joy with their elaborate designs. What makes a successful race costume? Our council reveals the delicate balance between showstopping aesthetics and practical functionality. From Tinker Bob to massive VHS tapes, from inflatable dinos...
Episode 208 transports us to the heart of Amish country as we dive deep into the Bird in Hand Half Marathon weekend. "It's like running through a postcard," our friend, Ryan, commented. From camel selfies to cornfield runs, our special guests Ellie, Carrie, Tracy, and Kim capture the pastoral magic that makes this event unlike any other running experience. You'll feel like you're right alongside them as they describe the horse-drawn buggy pacers, the challenge of the rolling hills,...
Running truly connects us across continents, time zones, and finish lines—a truth brilliantly illustrated in this globe-spanning episode. We begin with a comprehensive look at the triumphant return of Disneyland racing through the Halloween-themed race weekend that kicked off the 2025-2026 runDisney season. Our panel of runners shares firsthand experiences navigating the Disneyland expo, enjoying extensive park time during both the 10K and half marathon, and discovering how the California rac...
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, breakthroug...
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 dr...
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 con...
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 festivi...
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 o...
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 encoura...
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 ul...
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 runDisn...
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...
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, an...
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 ...
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, ...
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