Rise and Run

Fireworks before sunrise, yoga in the cold, and a finish line that felt like a farewell—this Disneyland race weekend had a different kind of electricity. We open with Miss Piggy’s cameo on the castle screen and roll straight into the expo’s virtual queue scramble, a quick detour through misplaced bib drama, and a check-in with Jeff and Barbara Galloway that left us optimistic and grateful. Between merch scarcity, the Dumbo hoodie frenzy, and smarter PhotoPass ops, the weekend balanced magic with mechanics in classic runDisney fashion.

The 5K reminded us why the west coast course is beloved: quiet fireworks, a park-start and park-finish, and sunrise over Pixar Pier. A surprise “balloon lady” sighting and a late-course cut around Avengers Campus created some confusion, but the joy still landed. The 10K leaned into imagination—Sorcerer Mickey everywhere, Figment looping in our heads, and backstage Easter eggs like the Tower of Terror sign and A Bug’s Life props. Photo lines moved faster, and runners helped each other grab those castle shots when photographers cleared out near the back.

The half marathon tied it all together. Early laps through DCA, then a thoughtful route across Anaheim with out-and-backs that turned the race into a reunion. The 501st brought free hugs and big energy; third-shift custodial cast cheered like pros. We talk pacing with run-walk-run, efficient PhotoPass at small world and Millennium Falcon, and the thrill of a fast finish that also marked a 100th RunDisney medal. The DCA picnic-area meetup overflowed—cookies, bracelets, and the best conversations of the weekend—proof that this community keeps the magic alive long after the medals are hung.

We close with the question on everyone’s mind: will runDisney return to Disneyland? Some of us think yes, but not soon; others felt a real goodbye in Carissa’s voice. Either way, the stories, tips, and friendships from this weekend are here to keep you moving. If you had a favorite moment from the races—or a prediction about what’s next—drop us a note, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a little start line magic.

Manny Runs Disney
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Confetti at the finish is only part of the story. We sit down with Walt Disney World Marathon champion Matt Hensley to trace the path from family running roots and college grind to a smart, tactical win built on adaptation, fueling, and a decisive late-race move. Matt walks us through race-week realities—working the expo, long park days, heavy legs—and explains how dew point data and small early adjustments can save a marathon when heat sneaks in. He opens his playbook on fueling (60–90g carbs per hour), mid-race decision-making, and the difference between racing for time and racing for place, including the surge that sealed the pass near mile 20.

The conversation widens to purpose, mindset, and coaching. As the founder of Boulder Underground, Matt shares how he coaches beginners to elites by aligning big goals with daily habits, calling on a trusted network of PTs, dietitians, and mental performance experts. We dig into his three-part framework for 26.2—body, mind, and spirit—so listeners leave with practical steps: test nutrition in training, find early flow instead of forcing splits, and anchor to a meaningful why when the tough miles arrive. Along the way, you’ll hear a hilarious nearly-Guinness-record family saga, Disney course highlights, and the energizing role of characters, music, and community on race day.

We also spotlight our Disneyland meetup details, roll call an enormous list of racers, and celebrate listener PRs from 5K to marathon. Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier, your first half, or a steadier long run, you’ll find tools and motivation to sharpen your next start line. If this conversation helps your training, share it with a friend, follow our show, and leave a quick review—what’s the one strategy you’ll try on your next long run?
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Start with a grin, stay for the goosebumps. We sit down with marathon winner and runDisney favorite Brittany Charbonneau for a candid, no-filter look at a race that felt hard from the gun, a costume with a story, and the moment she stepped off the fence to encourage the final finisher home. From sleepless nights with a teething baby to Florida humidity after Denver air, Brittany opens up about panic in the early miles, how she reset her mindset, and why a mid-race character stop with Joy was the medicine she needed to run happy again.

We also unpack the new Wine and Dine themes and what expanded 5K start windows could mean for buses, corrals, character lines, and that beloved pre-race hangout vibe. Expect thoughtful speculation, not hot takes—our focus stays on access, flow, and how to make race day feel welcoming for more runners. Then we get practical about blisters: toe socks vs. tape, lube strategies, nail care, and the honest truth that even perfect prep can still lead to hot spots across four days of running.

Brittany brings coach-level wisdom you can use this week. Practice in-run pivots to break negative loops. Accept that progress looks like a mountain range, not a ladder. Take real time off after big goals so motivation can return on its own. And most of all, remember that every story matters—front, middle, or back of the pack. Her finish-line moment with the last runner says everything about the culture we want: inclusive, kind, and loud with encouragement.

We round things out with Disneyland Half Marathon meetup details, Loopy Looper relay plans, and a race report full of coastal sun, frosty miles, and nostalgic roads. Hit play for logistics you can trust, coaching tips you can apply, and community energy that lasts beyond your cooldown. If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a running friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more runners find their people.

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The kind of weekend that turns runners into storytellers started with lines out the door and ended with smiles wider than Main Street. We dig into the real Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: the Dopey merch experiment that strained patience, a 5K power outage that couldn’t dim the vibe, and shoes, shirts, and sizing choices that had everyone talking. Then we lace up for the races—Epcot-forward 10K joy, half marathon strategy you can actually use, and marathon Sunday’s heat that forced smart decisions and small, lifesaving hacks.

You’ll hear what it’s like to push an adaptive athlete down Main Street USA and orchestrate safe space for fist bumps, and how a community rallied to bring Myra back to the start line—twice. We trade the best on-course tactics for hot weather: drink one cup, pour one cup, stash a wet sponge, eat the banana, and when needed, reset your brain with a ride on Expedition Everest or a vending-machine Coke. We unpack the Blizzard Beach cut, how it reshaped pacing, and why embracing joy can be the difference between finishing and fading. And yes, we celebrate Brittany Charbonneau—dominant on the course, generous at the finish.

Beyond the miles, the Disney Springs meetup proves why this community keeps growing: hundreds of friends, homemade cookies, raffle surprises, and quiet moments of encouragement before the last big push. Medal Monday reflections bring practical park tips and a few cautionary notes about embroidery lines. Whether you ran 3.1 or 48.6, you’ll find yourself in these stories—costumes, castle photos, new marriages, and first-time Dopey's crossing the line with tears and laughter.

Press play for a full recap, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of heart that makes runDisney weekends unforgettable. If this episode lifted you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review to help more runners find our crew.

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Start lines can carry more than nerves—they can carry whole lives. We kick off Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend with equal parts heart and how-to, celebrating Jack's wedding, sharing practical travel and cheering plans, and diving into two stories that remind us why miles matter.

Wendy opens her journey with honesty about grief’s physical weight after losing her husband; a man who once signed up for a 5K just to support her Dopey dream. She talks about the moment a Thursday Zoom call pulled her back to community, how coaching helped her rebuild a routine from dog walks to long runs, and why she’ll run in hot pinks and hearts to keep love visible on the course. Her insight is clear and kind: grief doesn’t follow rules, so neither should your healing.

We then turn the volume up on community with our annual Rise and Run roll call—Dopey, Goofy, marathon, half, 10K, and 5K—giving first timers and veterans their well-earned spotlight. 

Jon’s story brings purpose into sharp focus. A single dad chasing his first marathon to model dedication for his kids, he speaks candidly about battling old habits, choosing to prioritize time rather than “find” it, and refusing to let imperfect weeks derail the goal. His mantra is simple: hard work works. He’s aiming to finish strong, not chase a hero split, and to show his kids that promises kept to yourself change who you become.

Whether you run to heal, to grow, or to prove you can, there’s room for your reason here. Tap play, feel seen, get the logistics you need, and take your next step toward the start line with us. If this episode lifts you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review so more runners can find their story in our community.

Rise and Run Links
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Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) 
Send us a text
Support the show
Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor Links
Magic Bound Travel
Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel

Affiliate Links
The Start Line Co.
Fluffy Fizzies
Mona Moon Naturals
Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page
Kawaiian Pizza Apparel
GoGuarded