Rise and Run
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.
Episodes
195 episodes
194: From Bathroom Breaks to Flat Tires: The Gang Answers Your Questions
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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 194
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1:46:50
193: From Starting Line to Executive Suite: Leadership Lessons from the Running Trail
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 conquerin...
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Season 5
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Episode 193
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1:54:55
192: Vella Shpringa With Bird In Hand Race Director Lowell Ladd
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 organiz...
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Season 5
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Episode 192
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1:49:02
191: "So Here's the Thing..." The Pelkey Running Club Story
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.
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Season 5
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Episode 191
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2:01:54
190: Going Ballistic With Award-Winning Journalist Henry Abbott
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 Sci...
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1:41:44
189: Deep Dish or Thin Crust: Vern Runs on Pizza
"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 ...
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Season 5
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Episode 189
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2:11:22
188: Dr. Michelle Quirk - Coach and Host of the Mindful Marathon
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 a...
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Season 5
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Episode 188
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1:48:19
187: The Disneyland Hiatus and the Flying Fenglers
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 F...
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Season 5
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Episode 187
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1:41:42
186: 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Recap
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 cost...
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Season 5
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Episode 186
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2:12:29
185: Listener Questions: Rise and Run Host Edition
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 take...
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Season 4
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Episode 185
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1:18:53
184: The Culinary Crown Showdown: Who Takes Home the Golden Whip?
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 ho...
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Season 4
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Episode 184
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1:51:16
183: The Appetizer to the Sweet 16
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, contagio...
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Season 4
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Episode 183
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2:04:20
182: March Madness Comes to Disney Dining
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 182
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1:56:16
181: Inside the 501st Legion: The Bad Guys Doing Good at runDisney
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 side...
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Season 4
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Episode 181
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2:08:52
180: Setting Sail With Rise and Run
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.
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Season 4
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Episode 180
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2:05:04
179: 2025 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 179
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2:04:36
178: Race Alerts and More with Matt Marcella of Team #runDis
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 meet...
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Season 4
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Episode 178
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1:27:42
177: Paralympian and runDisney Champion Brian Siemann
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 177
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2:12:41
176: 2025 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Recap
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 176
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2:07:19
175: Mayra's Big Surprise
The Rise and Run podcast has always celebrated our runDisney family, and Episode 175 is no different. The latest episode showcases how running is not just a sport but a way to forge deep and meaningful connections among friends. Through a colle...
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Season 4
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Episode 175
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2:09:16
174: Walt Disney World 2025 Marathon Weekend Recap
This episode encapsulates the magic of Marathon Weekend at Disney, highlighting the experiences, camaraderie, and challenges faced by runners throughout the event. Listeners hear personal anecdotes and insightful reflections on the races, showc...
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Season 4
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Episode 174
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2:17:33
173: Live from the RunFitFab Pop Up!
Join us as we celebrate the excitement of Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World during the inaugural RunFitFab Pop Up. We delve into the joys of training, share memorable stories, and tackle race day nerves with insights from runners in the com...
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Season 4
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Episode 173
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35:32
172: Running the Great White Way to Main Street USA: A Conversation with Broadway Star Caesar Samayoa
Prepare to be entertained and inspired as Broadway sensation and runDisney aficionado, Caesar Samayoa, graces our latest episode of the Rise and Run podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you Caesar's unique blend of theatrical charm and running pass...
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Season 4
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Episode 172
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1:12:42
171: She's "Pop"ular! Mayra the runDisney Support Superstar!
Join us for a visit with the unforgettable Mayra, your spirited bus stop superstar from Pop Century, who injects humor and joy into your morning race commutes. And stick with us as we gear up for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. With Mar...
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Season 4
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Episode 17
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2:15:13
170: Marathon Weekend Prep with RunFitFab
Curious about how six months of dedicated training culminates into a thrilling Marathon Weekend experience? Get ready to feel the rush as we explore the final countdown to race day, just two weeks away.Ever imagined joining a Disney-the...
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Season 4
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Episode 170
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1:37:43
