We saddle up for a journey through Disney's Frontierland, exploring its rich history, hidden details, and Western-inspired magic that can transform your next run into a frontier adventure for runDisney's Big Thunder Mountain Virtual Summer Series.

• Frontierland was one of Walt's original lands when Disneyland opened in 1955, designed to transport guests back to the 1800s
• The wooden fort walls at the land's entrance were made from real ponderosa pine trees
• Mark Twain's riverboat was technically the first working Disneyland attraction, hosting Walt and Lillian's 30th anniversary four days before opening
• Tom Sawyer Island was the only Disneyland attraction designed entirely by Walt himself
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in 1979, replacing the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland
• Look for hidden details like upside-down horseshoes in the dynamite scene representing bad luck in the "cursed" mine
• Disney's Western films include classics like Davy Crockett, Old Yeller, and The Apple Dumpling Gang
• Frontierland dining options include Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn, Golden Horseshoe Saloon, and Thunder Mesa's Cowboy Cookout
• Western-themed running costume ideas include cowboy/cowgirl runner, sheriff runner, rodeo rider, and gold prospector
• Our special Wild West Strides Spotify playlist is available here to keep your feet moving during your run

Check out our podcast Facebook group for themed challenges, costume ideas, and to connect with other Extraordinary Striders.

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The countdown to race day brings a unique cocktail of nerves, excitement, and questions. What's really happening to your body during taper? Should you squeeze in one more long run? How do you handle those phantom pains that suddenly appear?

Drawing from decades of experience and my personal journey completing all six World Marathon Majors, I've created the ultimate 30-day race countdown guide that transforms pre-race anxiety into your secret weapon for success. This comprehensive roadmap breaks down exactly what happens physiologically and psychologically during each phase of your final month before race day.

We begin with the "Peak and Polish" phase (days 30-21), where you'll execute final key workouts while learning why your aerobic fitness adaptations peak 10-14 days after your hardest efforts. Then we navigate "Taper Town" (days 20-14), revealing why tapering can improve endurance by up to 11% and those heavy legs are actually a good thing (hint: each gram of glycogen stores 3-4 grams of water—that's not bloat, it's your race-day fuel!).

The journey continues through "Prep and Protect" (days 13-7), where you'll discover the critical Day 10 threshold—the point after which additional hard workouts can only hurt, never help. Finally, we reach race week itself, your time to "Calm and Conquer" with carefully rehearsed routines and visualization techniques that transform nervous energy into race-day power.

This episode isn't just a timeline; it's your companion through the physical and mental rollercoaster that defines this magical window between peak training and your victory lap. Whether your goal race is your first or your fifteenth, these science-backed strategies and practical tips will help you arrive at the start line not just hoping for the best, but truly ready to celebrate the culmination of all your hard work.

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We’re lacing up for a sweaty sleigh ride through Christmas in July, a 30-minute express workout that brings festive fun and fierce intention to your training. Whether you're chasing a PR or just showing up in the middle of summer chaos, this workout proves that short can still be extraordinary.

Coach Christine leads you through a power-packed interval session built around effort-based training that blends endurance, strength, and mental grit, plus just enough sparkle to keep it fun.

🎄 Here’s what you’ll experience:

• A structured 30-minute run with four rounds of strategic intervals:
  • 3:00 Conversation Pace (RPE 3–5)
  • 2:00 Tempo Effort (RPE 6–7)
  • 1:00 All-Out Blitzen Mode (RPE 8–10)
• Coaching cues that keep your form strong and your mindset sharper than Santa’s sleigh rails
• Why these express-style workouts matter when life is busy (and how they build speed, endurance, and resilience)
• Permission to stop chasing perfection and start chasing progress—with purpose

✨ Whether you’re an Extraordinary League athlete or new to this space, this bonus run gives you a sneak peek at what happens when we mix strategy, fun, and a little seasonal spice.

🎁 Ready for more?

The Extraordinary League Fall & Holiday Challenge Series kicks off soon, and it’s going to be our boldest season yet. But the themes and perks? They’re top secret (for now).

💌 Join the Early Bird Notification List to get first access, early bird pricing, and behind-the-scenes details before doors open to the public.
👉 Join here to Unlock YOUR EXTRAordinary Season!

🎅 And hey, text me what’s on your Christmas wish list this year! I’d love to hear your goals and how you're showing up for yourself this season.

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.