Rise and Run

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 throu...

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,&quot...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 Marat...

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" durin...

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 ex...

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&apo...

What if injuries aren't inevitable, but predictable events with upstream warning signs we can actually address? Henry Abbott, award-winning journalist and founder of True Hoop, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance" that challenges everything we thought we knew about athletic durability. Abbott shares fascinating...

"Why did I ever think this was a good idea?" That 3AM alarm for Disney races is something we all question—but then the magic happens. This episode, we're joined by Vern (@RunsOnPizza), whose vibrant interviews with costumed runners have become a beloved fixture of runDisney events. Vern shares her journey from nervous first-timer in 2018 to the unofficial sideline reporter of the Ru...

Have you ever wondered if you're a "real runner" because you take walk breaks? Dr. Michelle Quirk, pediatrician and running coach, sets the record straight in this episode, sharing why walk intervals are not only acceptable but beneficial for all runners. Her thoughtful advice for beginners—remember your "why," start slow, and focus on effort rather than pace—offers a refr...

When a brother and sister team take on the Springtime Surprise 10-Miler, they don't just participate – they make runDisney history by becoming the first siblings to win both the male and female divisions in the same race. Meet Liz and Stephen Fengler, aptly nicknamed "The Flying Fenglers," whose remarkable running journey began in middle school tracks and culminated in a stunning Di...

The curtain closes on another magical runDisney race season as we unpack the highlights, challenges, and unforgettable moments of Springtime Surprise Weekend. From unexpected fire alarms at Animal Kingdom Lodge to Bob's show-stopping Groot costume that captured runDisney's official attention, this episode brims with stories that showcase why this community continues to thrive. Brooks mad...

Ever wonder what goes on in the minds of your favorite Rise and Run Podcast hosts? Episode 185 pulls back the curtain as we answer your specific questions about our individual journeys, preferences, and experiences. The conversation takes us deep into what makes each host unique in their approach to Disney running. Jack explains why ultramarathons and runDisney challenges scratch different itches...

From Disney culinary champions to running through every town in Connecticut, this episode of Rise and Run serves up a delicious mix of Disney dining discussions and an inspiring look at one of running's most unique communities. As the hosts close out their March Madness tournament of Disney table-service restaurants, passionate debates erupt over beloved dining spots like Beer Garden, Ohana,...

This week's episode opens with a deeply moving tribute to Erin Petz, a cherished member of the running community who recently lost her battle with cancer at just 43 years old. The hosts share personal memories of Erin's vibrant spirit, contagious laugh, and unwavering kindness that touched so many lives through her podcasting work on "Will Run For" and her presence at countless...

March Madness fever sweeps through the Rise and Run Podcast as we launch our multi-episode tournament to crown the ultimate Walt Disney World sit-down restaurant! Using data from TouringPlans.com, our hosts have seeded 68 dining locations into four regions named after runDisney course staples: Plastic Cheese, Banana, Sports Bean, and Cliff's. Blocks. Round one delivers thrilling upsets that w...

What happens when the Empire's finest decide to support runners instead of hunting Rebels? This week we're joined by members of the 501st Legion, a global organization of Star Wars cosplayers who bring movie-quality villain costumes to the sidelines of Disney races. Mai, Marianne, and Tony reveal the intense dedication behind their screen-accurate costumes and share heartwarming stories...

We explore the magic of Disney running and the community that rallies around it, highlighting our upcoming Rise and Run Cruise; inspiring stories from the recent Chattanooga Marathon Weekend; and introducing the innovative HollarHype app. - Magic Bound Travel gives us early insights into next year's Rise and Run Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas - Stories from the Chattanoo...

Join us for a delightful exploration of Princess Weekend, where running converges with magic! In this episode of the Rise and Run podcast, we dive deep into the excitement of participating in Disney races, sharing funny stories, challenges, and triumphs experienced along the way. Our hosts and guests recount the unforgettable moments that make Disney races truly special, from costume malfunctions...

Ever imagine running through the enchanting world of Disney, surrounded by both new friends and beloved characters? We kick off this episode of the Rise and Run podcast with tales of cookies and camaraderie from our recent Marathon Weekend meetup. Get excited as we also chat about Disney's upcoming attractions, including the highly anticipated Villain's Land, and our unique March Madness...

Ever wondered how a world-class athlete prepares for the Dopey Challenge? Join us as Paralympian Brian Siemann shares his incredible journey, from receiving a life-changing invitation from a high school coach to placing on the Paralympic podium. Brian's story of perseverance and triumph in wheelchair racing offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by athletes with disabilitie...

Ever wondered what it's like to be part of the exhilarating Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend? Join us as we step into a realm where magic meets endurance, featuring cherished stories from our friends Lora, Melissa, Tonya, Brandy, Courtney, and Jennifer. Whether you're curious about the joys of running through iconic Disneyland landscapes, this episode promises a vibrant tapestry of tales...