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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Grab your running shoes and pirate hat as we embark on a swashbuckling adventure with our Pirates of the Caribbean-themed, totally unofficial companion podcast to the runDisney Virtual 5K Summer Series!

This treasure-filled episode takes you deep into the history of one of Disney's most beloved attractions, the last one Walt Disney personally supervised before his passing. Our first mate, Lynn, charts the course through the fascinating evolution of Pirates of the Caribbean, from its 1967 Disneyland origins to its unique variations across global Disney parks. Did you know the ride was initially conceived as a walk-through wax museum? Or that Tokyo Disneyland features a 15-minute "director's cut" version?

Film enthusiast Sally dives into the blockbuster movie franchise that transformed a theme park ride into a global phenomenon. Learn how Johnny Depp's Keith Richards-inspired Captain Jack Sparrow revolutionized the pirate genre and discover behind-the-scenes secrets from all five films. From gold teeth controversies to Penelope Cruz's pregnant stunt double (her sister!), we uncover the treasures that made these movies legendary.

Ultra-marathon champion Charlotte Corriher, aka @marathoncostumechic, rounds out our crew with practical pirate fashion advice for runners, Caribbean-inspired snack suggestions, and rum-based drink recipes that would make Jack Sparrow proud. Whether you're looking to bedazzle your hydration vest or mix the perfect post-run Painkiller cocktail, her expert tips will elevate your themed running experience.

Complete your Pirates-themed bingo treasure card during your run this weekend and share your progress in the Stride Collective Facebook group by June 8th to enter our prize drawing. And mark your calendars, our next episode sails on July 11th with a Jungle Cruise theme!

Find the Disney Day Drinkers Running Team Facebook group page here.

And, join the Stride Collective to drop in your bingo treasure card here.

Whether you're joining us from far-flung shores or right here in Florida, remember: not all treasure is silver and gold, mate. Sometimes it's the joy of movement, the magic of Disney, and the community of fellow adventurers that makes the journey worthwhile. Yo ho, yo ho, a runner's life for me!

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We celebrate National Classic Movie Day with a runner's twist, exploring must-watch running films that capture what makes our sport so transformative and inspiring.

• Inspirational narrative features including classics like Chariots of Fire and personal favorites like Brittany Runs a Marathon
• Running documentaries that showcase real stories from Spirit of the Marathon to the cult favorite Barkley Marathons
• Ultra and trail running films that capture the extreme side of endurance sports
• Films that highlight running as a tool for social change, redemption, and personal transformation
• Movies that capture both the physical and mental journey of becoming a runner regardless of pace or distance

Join our six-week running program "Main Character Miles" starting June 2nd. Choose from three empowering training tracks tailored to your experience level, with structured workouts, strength training, mindset prompts, and community support. Use this link to learn more and grab your spot and start the next chapter of your running journey.

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Ever wondered what the Met Gala would look like if it were designed for runners instead of celebrities? Picture the World Marathon Majors as fashion houses, each with their signature aesthetic—Boston's traditional navy and gold, New York's urban grit, London's royal elegance. This playful reimagining opens the door to something deeper: how what we wear impacts how we run and feel.

Welcome to the world of "dopamine dressing," where bright colors, bold patterns, and joy-sparking outfits can genuinely transform your running experience. This isn't just fashion advice—it's grounded in the psychology of how visual cues affect our brain chemistry and mood. Those neon shorts aren't just making a statement; they're potentially pulling you out of a training slump by triggering positive emotional responses. Whether you're adding a pop of color to your usual black ensemble, sporting a mantra tee, or embracing full "sparkle therapy" with sequined accessories, these choices can disrupt monotonous routines and multiply joy during your miles.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to explore these connections between appearance, performance, and wellbeing. For mother runners navigating what Coach Christine calls "Maycember"—that overwhelming season of recitals, graduations, and end-of-year chaos—finding ways to maintain running routines requires particular creativity and self-compassion. The practical strategies shared here (shortening runs without eliminating them, stacking exercise with existing commitments, focusing on mental benefits over performance) offer permission to embrace imperfection while still honoring your needs. Remember that showing up for yourself, however that looks today, sets a powerful example of self-care and sustains your wellbeing during high-stress periods.

Ready to add more sparkle to your running life? Join the Stride Collective Facebook group for themed virtual run weekends inspired by the Run Disney Summer Series. Because ultimately, running isn't about going the furthest or fastest—it's about celebrating how far you've come, one joy-filled stride at a time.

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What belongs on every runner's bucket list? From triumphant finish line moments to the not-so-glamorous reality of forgotten anti-chafe, Coach Christine counts down 100 running experiences worth having at least once.

This episode celebrates the full spectrum of running life – the magical, the messy, and everything in between. Whether you're searching for racing adventures, travel opportunities, gear recommendations, or mental milestones, this comprehensive list covers it all. You'll find suggestions for racing in costume, volunteering at a race, running in different countries, and discovering your perfect fueling strategy.

Coach Christine highlights those powerful firsts that shift a runner's journey: the first "I'm a real runner" moment, your first proper running shoes, or that first time completing a distance you never thought possible. She doesn't shy away from the less Instagram-worthy moments either – the blisters, bonks, and bathroom emergencies that every seasoned runner knows all too well.

The most meaningful items focus on the connections, personal growth, and mental breakthroughs running creates: making lifelong friends, pacing others to their goals, silencing your inner critic, and finally tackling that hill you once had to walk. There are lighthearted challenges too, like naming your running shoes, pretending you're in a music video mid-run, or perfecting your mid-run selfie game.

Whether you're just lacing up for the first time or have dozens of medals hanging on your wall, this bucket list will inspire you to make running more adventurous, meaningful, and uniquely yours. How many items have you already checked off? Which ones speak to you the most? The true magic of running happens when you show up and make the journey your own.

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There's a powerful truth about running that rarely gets discussed: getting older doesn't mean getting slower – it means leveling up differently. As our bodies change, we unlock new capabilities that can make running even more rewarding in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Coach Christine, your "fairy run mother," breaks down exactly what changes with age (like that 1% VO2 max decline annually after 30) and what actually improves (hello, mental grit and endurance capacity!). She presents ten game-changing practices for older runners, from prioritizing strength training to hydrating smarter as our thirst response dulls. For female athletes navigating perimenopause and menopause, she offers specific strategies to work with hormonal fluctuations rather than fighting against them.

The episode features Dennise, a remarkable two-time cancer survivor returning to the Chicago Marathon twenty years after her first attempt. Her goal? Completing all six World Marathon Majors – a challenge she embraced after beating cancer twice.

"Why can't I have the six stars?" she asks, perfectly capturing the "why not" attitude that makes running in our later years so powerful. Dennise shares how her 83-year-old father still runs daily and how he inspired her journey, and she shares her creative fundraising effort of making marathon-themed gnomes for charity. Get yours here!

Whether you're already in your "wisdom runner" years or approaching them, this episode reframes aging as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. As Coach Christine reminds us, "You're not slowing down, you're evolving," and extraordinary has no expiration date. Ready to discover running's secret power that only comes with age? Your next breakthrough awaits.

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The TCS New York City Marathon stands as the crown jewel of marathon experiences, combining breathtaking urban scenery with unparalleled cultural immersion across all five boroughs. Coach Christine and travel expert Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel break down this iconic event from every angle - revealing why it's simultaneously the most coveted and logistically challenging marathon in the world.

From its humble beginnings in 1970 as a Central Park loop to today's massive five-borough celebration drawing over 2.5 million spectators, we explore what makes this race truly special. You'll discover the dramatic Verrazano Bridge start, the electric energy of Brooklyn that can make or break your race, and the notorious silence of the Queensborough Bridge that tests even the strongest mental game.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from strategic spectator locations to post-race recovery tips, including the "hidden ultra marathon" of getting around NYC on race day. We share insider secrets about securing your entry through various methods - from the challenging lottery system to charity fundraising, qualifying times, and even the virtual marathon option that guarantees next year's entry.

Whether you're dreaming of your first NYC Marathon or returning to conquer the five boroughs again, this episode delivers practical advice alongside inspiring stories from the race's rich history. Learn about iconic moments like Grete Waitz's nine victories and Shalane Flanagan's breakthrough American win that inspired a generation.

Ready to take on New York? Join our Stride Collective or Women of World Marathon Majors communities where we support each other's extraordinary journeys toward marathon success. Share your NYC Marathon dreams, questions, and experiences - we're here to cheer you every step of the way!

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Transitioning from winter's cozy layers to spring's sunny miles demands more than just switching your wardrobe—it requires understanding how your body adapts to rising temperatures. This comprehensive guide unpacks the science of heat acclimation, revealing how your body undergoes physiological changes that take 7-14 days to complete, from increasing plasma volume to developing more efficient sweating patterns.

For runners facing the classic spring dilemma—training through cold months only to race on unexpectedly hot days—we provide actionable strategies that could save your race. Rather than blindly pushing through heat, learn to pivot with grace: run by effort instead of pace, create tiered race goals, strategically use water stations for both hydration and cooling, and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness before they become dangerous.

The spotlight then shifts to an insider's view of Run Disney's Springtime Surprise weekend through a delightful conversation with Ashley, a Run Disney veteran who completed a "perfect season" of Disney races, and her partner Cole, who's lacing up for his first-ever Disney race experience. Their dynamic reveals both the infectious enthusiasm of experienced runners and the nervous excitement of first-timers stepping up to a 10-miler.

Through personal stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of pixie dust, this episode illuminates how running becomes magical when shared with those we love—whether that's tackling Disney parks together or supporting each other's fitness journeys. By the final mile marker, you'll be equipped with strategies to make your spring running both safer and more joyful.

Want to make Spring running your best season yet? Hit subscribe to continue receiving training tips that blend science with sparkle, and join our community where every stride can become extraordinary.

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