With Dopey 2024 in the rearview mirror, the question I keep getting (from others and myself) is, “What Next?” While I don’t have a clear short term goal just yet, I do know that it most likely will not be another Dopey. Don’t get me wrong. Dopey was EPIC. I’m glad I did it. I would recommend the experience to anyone looking to challenge themselves. But for me personally, the thought of doing Dopey again is kind of like the mundane feeling you get playing a video game after you’ve already beaten it. Like, I’ve already done it, so why do it again? Not to mention the $$$. Registration, travel,…

Pre-Race Prep: Similar to the 5K, 10K, and half, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan leading up to the race. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy during the previous days for the marathon. The night before, I nervously laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early. Earlier than the previous days. In fact, I think I beat the Sun to bed. Race Day: Being in the VERY LAST CORRAL, I knew I needed as much buffer as possible between myself and the balloon ladies. So,…

Pre-Race Prep: Similar to the 5K and 10K, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan leading up to the race. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early. Race Day: I remember there being a very somber feeling in the air that morning. Many people were disappointed that the race was shortened due to the threat of inclement weather. I supported Disney’s decision but at the same time, I felt bad for…

Pre-Race Prep: Similar to the 5K, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan leading up to the race. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early. Race Day: I was DETERMINED to rope drop my corral for the 10K. That morning, I got on the bus around 3:00 and was getting off at EPCOT about 10 minutes later. I had gotten there so early that there was a crowd waiting to enter…

Pre-Race Prep: Leading up to the race, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early. Race Day: Being in the last corral didn’t really bother me on 5K day. The 5K isn’t timed, so I didn’t feel the sense of urgency I know I’d feel on the other runs. That morning, I got on the bus around 3:20 and was getting off at EPCOT about…