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.

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Summer running presents unique challenges, but with Coach Christine's comprehensive survival guide, you can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.

• Protecting yourself from bugs with appropriate repellents and permethrin-treated clothing
• Conducting thorough tick checks post-run to prevent complications like Lyme disease
• Avoiding poisonous plants by staying centered on trails and wearing protective clothing
• Applying and reapplying broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent painful sunburns
• Adjusting pace expectations during extreme heat, potentially running 60-180 seconds slower per mile
• Incorporating run-walk strategies to manage summer heat stress
• Creating personal aid stations with cold drinks, fruit, and electrolytes for long runs
• Protecting electronics during sudden rainstorms with waterproof pouches or improvised solutions
• Making noise on trails to avoid startling wildlife through bear bells or playing audio at conversation level
• Maintaining motivation with post-run rewards like stopping at ice cream shops or getting iced coffee

Need personalized running advice? Coach Christine is just a text or message away to help you navigate your summer running challenges.

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Ready to take the plunge with a race day proposal? This special bonus episode offers everything you need to create an unforgettable finish line moment without the potential pitfalls that could turn your romantic gesture into a viral disaster.

Coach Christine delivers eight essential tips for crafting the perfect race proposal, starting with perhaps the most crucial advice: timing is everything. Before planning that finish line surprise, understand your partner's race goals. Interrupting a Boston qualifying attempt or long-sought PR might transform what should be a joyous occasion into an awkward moment. Instead, learn how to read the room (or racecourse) and choose the perfect moment when emotions are high and accomplishment is fresh.

From selecting the ideal location (hint: stay far away from the port-o-potty zone) to assembling your proposal support team, every detail matters. Discover practical advice on race-day attire that balances looking special without sacrificing comfort, securing that precious ring throughout the race, and capturing the perfect photos without blocking other runners. The episode also covers essential contingency planning for weather challenges and unexpected race day issues – because flexibility is key to proposal success just as it is to race day triumph.

Whether you're a runner looking to combine your passion for racing with your love story or simply someone searching for a unique way to pop the question, this guide provides the perfect balance of practical wisdom and romantic inspiration. With Coach Christine's straightforward tips and cautionary tales, you'll learn how to create a proposal that feels authentic, meaningful, and perfectly tailored to your relationship – no elaborate flash mobs or drone shows required!

Share your own race proposal stories or questions by texting the number in the show notes. And remember – just like a good race strategy, the most successful proposals come from thoughtful preparation, genuine emotion, and keeping your focus on what truly matters: the extraordinary journey you'll be starting together.

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A true Disney fairytale unfolded at this year's Run Disney Springtime Surprise weekend, as Cole orchestrated a finish line proposal to Ashley that will leave you believing in happily-ever-afters. Their story perfectly captures why Run Disney events are so much more than just races – they're moments where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and sometimes, lifelong commitments begin.

Cole shares every heart-pounding detail of his proposal planning, from timing the ring delivery perfectly to the nail-biting decision to run the entire 10-mile race with the precious jewelry secured on his pinky finger. The tension builds as he calculates exactly when and where to pop the question, eventually choosing the reunions area where Ashley could be surrounded by her Run Disney community. When she finally crosses the finish line, flag bobbing in her visor for easy spotting, the magic unfolds in a moment neither will ever forget.

What follows is equally enchanting, as the newly engaged couple celebrates at Magic Kingdom with castle photos (eventually featured on their wedding invitations) before building droids together. It's the perfect Disney day – a blend of romance, adventure, and pure joy that exemplifies why these race weekends hold such special meaning for so many runners.

But this episode isn't just about one couple's magical moment. Ashley, a Disney Travel Advisor, and Coach Christine deliver a masterclass on securing your runDisney spot and registration tips for the highly anticipated 2026 Springtime Surprise weekend (featuring friendship-themed races from Zootopia, Winnie the Pooh, Inside Out, and Lilo & Stitch). From registration strategies to accommodation tips, these Run Disney veterans share everything you need to know to make your race dreams come true – whether you're planning a proposal or simply chasing that perfect medal.

Ready to create your own extraordinary Disney running memories? Take these insider tips, mark your calendar for July 29th, and prepare to experience the magic of transforming miles into milestones. Whether you're a seasoned runner or first-timer, this episode proves that with Disney, every finish line can be just the beginning.

Want to book your very own magical trip? Find Ashley here.

Ready to kick off your extraordinary training? Join Coach Christine's waitlist here.

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Step aboard our adventure-filled podcast as we navigate the fascinating world of Disney's Jungle Cruise—from its humble beginnings as one of Disneyland's opening day attractions to its global status as a beloved cultural icon.

You'll discover how Walt Disney's original vision for a realistic wildlife experience transformed when Imagineers like Harper Goff and Bill Evans created a convincing jungle through innovative techniques—including flipping orange trees upside down to create instant exotic foliage. We explore how the initially serious, educational tone evolved into the pun-filled, skipper-led experience that guests cherish today, sharing some of the most groan-worthy jokes that have become part of Disney lore.

Our journey takes you through the different Jungle Cruise iterations across global Disney parks, each with unique elements—from Magic Kingdom's extended riverways to Tokyo's dynamic lighting effects and Hong Kong's supernatural finale. With special guest Lynn Kinny in full skipper attire, we unpack fascinating behind-the-scenes details that even devoted Disney fans might not know, including how Disneyland's man-made environment officially became a self-sustaining ecosystem after 55 years of growth.

The adventure continues as we dive into the 2021 Jungle Cruise film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, exploring its development, production challenges, and the numerous Easter eggs that connect it to the beloved attraction with co-captain, Sally Weyant. And, to cap things off, our Disney snack expert Kimba Watson rounds out the expedition with delicious jungle-inspired recipes perfect for your 5K celebration—from DIY Dole Whip to tropical hydration stations that will fuel your adventure.

Whether you're preparing for the Run Disney Virtual 5K Summer Series or simply fascinated by Disney history, this episode delivers skipper-worthy entertainment while providing practical tips for making your own jungle adventure extraordinary. Tag us in your Jungle Cruise-themed runs!!!

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Ever wonder what it takes to run 300+ marathons in full costume? Meet Charlotte, the runner who's redefining what's possible in both endurance and race day fashion.

Charlotte brings a refreshing perspective to ultra running that blends serious mileage with joyful celebration. Unlike many elite runners, she didn't start until her mid-30s after making lifestyle changes for better health. What began with simple run-walk intervals around her hometown loop evolved into an extraordinary journey through every U.S. state and beyond. Her approach to marathons—seeing "America 26.2 miles at a time"—reflects her philosophy that the journey matters as much as the finish line.

What truly sets Charlotte apart is her unwavering commitment to costumed running. Her motto—"head to toe, start to finish"—means she never sheds costume pieces, no matter the distance. From a three-tiered birthday cake with PVC pipe infrastructure to a space shuttle costume developed with her mom (an accomplished seamstress), Charlotte transforms races into performance art. When fellow runners inevitably ask at the finish, "Did you wear that the whole race?" she takes pride in always answering "Yes."

Charlotte's signature move happens at the 100K mark of ultras: her "Fireball dance" complete with Pitbull music and shared shots has earned her the nickname "Fireball Fairy" in ultra running circles. This blend of endurance and celebration perfectly captures her approach to the sport. As an UESCA certified ultra coach, she emphasizes proper pacing and mental resilience over obsessing about speed.

Now with her sights set on joining the exclusive "100 100s Club" (only about 32 people worldwide who've completed one hundred 100-mile races), Charlotte continues to embody how extraordinary achievements can come from finding joy in the process. Follow her journey on Instagram @marathoncostumechic or join the community at Disney Day Drinkers Running Team to witness how sparkle and grit can coexist beautifully on the ultra running trail.

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