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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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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