Bib and Tiara: Run. Walk. Run. Enjoy the Journey.

In this episode I'll share an update after two of my friends recently finished Ironman Lake Placid. Their races made me think about goals, and how different it feels to be focused on your performance vs the type of experience you want. I'll talk about my upcoming race and my intention to focus on having an easy, low stress, low pressure practice "race." If you haven't thought to much about what goals you might set other than "finish" and "PR" this might give you some other ideas!

Today's episode discussed how to builds confidence and learn to perform through practice and experience. I will share some stories of friends of mine who are heading to daunting starting lines. I also share the very impressive story of a 13 year old listener who demonstrated the impressive mental ability to run your planned race in the face of competition. I also share my plans to try and build my own confidence in preparation for my current "A Race" the Chicago Triathlon that's coming up in August. If you've ever shown up to a start-line scared and anxious despite knowing you are prepared for the race, or if you've ever tried to run your race your way with people around you tempting you not to--this one's for you!

In today's episode of Bib & Tiara I give a recap of the Women's Philly Triathlon that I just completed, with a handful of my favorite runDisney friends there to cheer me on! I'll share the details of the race itself and how hard (but fun) it all felt, and talk about why I keep signing up for these events and particularly for runDisney (including the recent Springtime Surprise registration).

Today's episode is a trip/race report from my recent visit to Atlanta, GA to run the Peachtree Road Race. The weekend had some ups and downs, but the race was AMAZING and I was reminded how important it is to accept and move on when things don't or can't go just as you planned. If you enjoy hearing about races and travel adventures, you'll enjoy this one!

Today's show is about feeling like you're at a plateau, in training or in any other thing you are putting effort and energy into. I'll share how I have felt this way recently in my swim training and in the making of the show itself, and how I'm working on my mindset and shifting toward seeing it as something to accept (and perhaps even embrace) versus something that needs to be overcome. I will also share a bit about how I approach and enjoy traveling and training or racing when I do. This includes my recent family beach vacation and how I incorporated triathlon training while I was there, and several upcoming events that I'm traveling to. If you have ever felt stuck in a state of stagnation, like you aren't making progress, this episode will resonate.

This week, I'm recapping my first big gravel cycling adventure, sharing thoughts about the newly announced Springtime Surprise themes (and dates?!) from RunDisney, and talking about a lesson that's been on my mind lately; sometimes training is about so much more than race day. Whether it's a steep gravel climb you didn't expect or a challenge in life that shows up without warning, endurance sports have a way of teaching us how to keep moving forward when things get hard. In this episode, I'm reflecting on the confidence that comes from trying new things, the mental skills we build through training, and why every mile might be preparing us for more than we realize. We'll talk gravel, Disney, mindset, and the surprising ways our riding, running, and racinghelp us navigate life's unexpected twists and turns.

This week's episode recaps the many big adventures of the recent week. We'll discuss how the take-2 attempt at registration for Princess Half Marathon Weekend went. Then I will share a detailed race report from my FIRST triathlon. And lastly discuss my newest new adventure--gravel riding! The theme of it all is how embracing and challenging yourself to do new things or new adventures makes life exciting and fun, and I hope it encourages you to try something new in your own life, whether it's a race or a run or something else entirely.

The Princess Half Marathon registration day was a mess, and like a lot of runners, I found myself on a roller coaster of excitement, frustration, and uncertainty. This week I'm talking about how I try to handle those moments when plans change unexpectedly--and why disappointment doesn't always have to be the end of the story. I'm also sharing highlights from my recent Disney trip, including a fun "Disney run" adventure, trying the new attractions, and discovering a trip without race weekend chaos (and with actual sleep!) has it's own kind of magic.Plus, with my first triathlon right around the corner, I'm reflecting on nerves, excitement, and what it means to stay open to new possibilities even when things don't unfold as we expected.Sometimes a closed door really does lead somewhere interesting.

This week, I'm sharing a story about taking baby steps to get to and through an open water swim when my anxiety was trying very hard to convince me not to. We'll talk about the difference between confidence and courage, why having my husband come with me made all the difference, and how a group of strangers reminded me that people are often kinder and more welcoming than our fears expect them to be--particularly in a new place where we aren't sure if we belong. If you've ever been nervous to try something new, worried you wouldn't fit in, or needed a little help borrowing courage from the people around you, this episode is for you. Sometimes growth doesn't come from giant leaps, sometimes it comes from one small step into the water.

This week I found myself wrestling with a question many of us face: Am I changing my mind....or am I chickening out?With an open water swim on the calendar, a healthy does of anxiety, and plenty of second-guessing, I started thinking about the difference between avoiding something because we're afraid and choosing not to do something because it simply isn't worth it to us. As someone who has spent years learning to live alongside anxiety, I've discovered that facing fears matters--but so does knowing when you don't need to prove anything. In this episode, I share some of my own experiences with anxiety, why I intentionally seek out challenges that stretch me, and how practicing courage in everyday life can make it easier to face the things that truly matter. Whether you're training for a race, considering a big decision, or simply trying to figure out what your gut is telling you, this conversation is for you. Because sometimes courage means doing the scary thing. And sometimes courage means giving yourself permission not to.

Sometimes the hardest part of a goal isn't the training--it's staying encouraged when things stop going the way you hoped. In this episode of Bib & Tiara, I talk honestly about something I've been struggling with lately: discouragement, comparison, and the temptation to wonder if all the effort is even worth it when growth feels slow...including with this very podcast.Whether you're training for a race, chasing a dream, building something creative, or just trying to keep showing up in a hard season, this episode is about circling back to your why instead of getting lost in outside validation.I also share a quick race recap after running a 4-miler with my now-faster-than-me 13-year-old son--which, honestly, is both humbling and kins of awesome.

This week on Bib & Tiara, I'm talking about doing hard things before you fully feel ready. After an emotional and exhausting weekend, I lined up for a windy 10K just hoping to hold it together--and somehow ended up running one of my strongest races in a long time, almost setting a PR and locking in my proof of time for runDisney.We're talking about racing on empty, beginner energy, and what it feels like to step into new spaces where your confidence suddenly disappears a little...including my newest adventure into triathlon training and the nerves leading up to my first group bike ride. If you've ever felt excited and intimidated at the exact same time, this one's for you.

How does one continue to pursue a big goal when something derails you? In today's episode I interview a good friend of mine who was in the middle of seriously training to run the Boston Marathon when he suffered from a frightening and (initially) mysterious injury. We discuss what he went through, how he stayed positive, and how he made it to get that unicorn! Hope you enjoy it.

What do you do when your plans are foiled by a setback in life or in training or in general? I have learned through my life and specifically this runDisney season how to navigate through an unexpected and unwelcome setback. How do you move forward? How do you refocus? Often in the end you might discover something you never went looking for but find yourself really grateful for. In this episode of Bib & Tiara we discuss this theme of adjusting when life has plans that derail our own. I'll also share some general plans for the show in the in-between season until our next race weekend. If you've ever (or might ever) had to deal with life throwing a curveball at you when you are focused on a goal or have an expectation for your life, this one's for you.

This episode gives a recap of the events of Springtime Surprise Weekend--the final event of this runDisney season--and how it all played out in real time. I went into the races feeling great...but somehow along the way, it became clear this wasn't going to be a "race." That opened up a bigger question: how do you decide when to push, when to pull back, and when to just enjoy the day?I'm also sharing some thoughts on the recent Boston Marathon "scandal," Nike's questionable messaging, and the bigger conversation around how we define success in endurance sports--for ourselves and for others. If you love runDisney, race weekends, and honest conversations about running, this one's for you.

It's finally time for my favorite race weekend--Springtime Surprise! Whether you are racing or just love some fun magical miles, this one is for you. I'll be sharing a few quick runDisney race weekend tips to get you ready and excited for the weekend!Then, I'm join by coach Jill Bartholomew for a conversation I've been really excited to share. We talk about what got her into coaching, what a coach can do for you, and what kind of runner or athletes most benefit from the support of a coach. Whether you're gearing up for your race or just curious about coaching, I think you'll get a lot out of this one.

In this episode I discuss the upcoming Springtime Surprise race weekend, and explain why I personally love it (and why so many people don't seem to!). I'll give you a preview of what to expect at this race weekend, a few helpful tips, and discuss what to expect in the upcoming months on the show. If you are heading to Springtime Surprise, you don't want to miss this one!

Ever feel like an expert in one area of your life...and a total beginner in another?In this episode, I explore what it's like to live in both spaces at once--and why both roles matter more than we think. I share a quick pre-trip look at my upcoming Walt Disney World vacation (when I'm playing expert guide for my brother's family), an update on my triathlon training and race planning, and answer a listener question about using the event guide and planning a runDisney race morning. If you've every found yourself switching between being the guide and needing one, this conversation is for you.

While going through the always daunting process of runDisney registration for Marathon Weekend, I realized something about myself. I do want to be a part of things, and I also need to do things my own way and have space for myself within them. In this episode, I talk about how that idea shows up in training, racing (including which races you even sign up for), and in finding joy and peace in community--without losing yourself in the process. If you have ever felt torn between going along wth the crowd or doing things your own way--this one's for you.

In this week's episode I talk about how two moments from the weekend--a swim lesson and a bike ride-- left me feeling surprisingly proud of myself. Not because they looked impressive, but because they were hard, new, and meaningful to me. I'll talk about how those things have lead to the way I'm heading into Marathon Weekend registration day this week. It got me thinking about how our "why" for training can change over time. For a long time my run goals were about big milestones--podiums, BQs, pushing performance. I'm incredibly proud of that version of myself. But right now the things that make me proud look a little different. Triathlon training has brought back the excitement of being a beginner again. Small improvements feel huge. Learning new skills is fun. And maybe most importantly, I love that my kids get to see me still trying new things, still learning, still growing. In this episode I talk about:-Finding pride in progress -How our relationship with sports evolves over time-Marathon Weekend registration and choosing races that align with what matters to you-Why sometimes the most meaningful accomplishments are the ones no one else seesBecause maybe the goal isn't to keep proving ourselves forever, maybe it's just to keep finding new ways to be proud of ourselves.

After a busy few months (Marathon Weekend, Disneyland, then Princess...), my legs are still a little sore and my race calendar is finally quiet for a few weeks. With my next race not until Springtime Surprise in six weeks, it feels like the perfect moment to pause on reflect on something that matters more than any race, medal, or finish line: the why. In this episode, I'm talking about why I run--the love of movement, feeling more alive, the challenge of learning and growing, and the connection and community that I have found in the running community that means so much to me.I'm also sharing about my why for starting the Bib & Tiara Podcast in the first place; not to prove anything, go viral, or chase numbers, but to build a space where runners can feel seen, heard, and connected. When the race calendar gets quiet, it's a good time to ask ourselves the question that matters most.: What is your why right now?

In this reflective episode about the Princess Half Marathon Weekend we talk about contradictions. In ourselves. This weekend held a lot for me. Joy and Sadness.Grief and Gratitude.Anxiety and Perspective.Annoyance and Appreciation.I went into the weekend with a chatty quad and a heavy heart. I left with quiet muscles, three race medals, and a big reminder that we are complicated. Life is complicated. You can feel it all, all at once. You can care about performance and still protect your peace. You can feel reflective and playful. Soft and strong. Both can be true.

It’s Princess Half Marathon Week, and we’re talking about prioritizing love of the sport and support for each other over comparison and competition.Princess weekend has always carried a different energy. With a field that’s roughly 80% women, it’s a unique space in sport—one that can feel empowering… or overwhelming.Inspired by the recent women’s figure skating competition at the Olympics, I reflect on what it looks like to compete with joy, security, and generosity—and what happens when we stop trying to prove and start focusing on the love of the process.If you want to approach racing (especially at Disney) as a space for connection and celebration—even when your own performance isn’t what you hoped—this one’s for you!

You got in. You hit register, your heart raced, your credit card survived… and suddenly the emotions hit.In this episode, I’m talking about the post-registration rollercoaster — why the upset and disappointment posts hit me so hard (and why I see myself in them). We chat about gratitude, perspective, and how quickly “I just want to get in” turns into “this weekend has to be PERFECT.”Then we shift into some happy real-life updates (hello sunshine and outdoor runs 🙌) before diving into the real topic: planning your runDisney race weekend without turning it into a stress factory.Because here’s the truth: every race weekend is a balancing act between race goals, park fun, and real-life logistics.We break down the three race weekend “princess” archetypes:👑 The Race Performance Princess👑 The Park Warrior Princess👑 The Balanced Beauty PrincessWhich one are you? And how do you plan a weekend that actually matches your goals and your life?If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make race weekend perfect, this episode is your permission slip to choose your priorities and enjoy the weekend you worked so hard to get to.✨ Run. Walk. Run. Enjoy the journey.

Registration day for runDisney races can feel like an Olympic sport. The waiting room, the queue, the sell-outs-it's exciting, stressful, and sometimes heartbreaking when you don't get the race you hoped for. In this episode, we're talking about how registration day works, why it can trigger so much anxiety and FOMO, and how to shift your mindset when things don't go the way you planned. While we can't control the queue, we CAN control how we respond to it. This episode is about trading FOMO for gratitude, focusing on the experiences you ARE having instead of the ones you're not, and remembering that your running journey is bigger than any single race weekend. If registration day makes your heart race more than race day, this one's for you.

For decades, the Olympics taught us one version of strength: push trough pain, sacrifice the body, and win at all costs. In this bonus episode of Bib & Tiara, I look at three iconic Olympic moments that show how that definition has evolved--from Kerri Strug's unforgettable vault at the 1996 Atlanta Games, to Lindsey Vonn's relentless, risk-embracing career, to Simone Biles's decision to step back at Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) to protect her health. The stories aren't about medals. They're about how we define courage, toughness, and self-worth. And for everyday athletes-especially runners-this questions matters more than we realize: When do we push through..and when do we protect ourselves? This episode is an invitation to rethink what strength looks like-not just on the Olympic stage, but in our own lives.

This Disneyland weekend had its fair share of stress, uncertainty, and exhaustion--but it also delivered an unexpected lesson in connection. In this episode, I share my experiences in Disneyland for the last race weekend there (for the time being) along with my almost-teenaged son. I also reflect on how the presence of supportive people can turn difficult moments into meaningful ones, and why who you're with matters more than how perfectly things go.

This episode was inspired by a long, cold, chaotic weekend — the kind that disrupts plans, routines, expectations, and your nervous system. I’m sharing reflections on how to cope when things don’t go as planned, why preparedness is really about flexibility (not control), and how learning to pivot can bring more peace than trying to force outcomes. If you’ve felt frustrated, disappointed, or thrown off lately, this one’s for you.

Dumbo weekend is almost here--and this episode is all about being prepared without being rigid or stressed. In this episode, I walk through how Disneyland races actually work, what makes Dumbo weekend its own kind of challenge, and why preparation isn't about controlling every outcome--it's about giving yourself options when things change. we talk about the pivots you ight need to make around weather, travel, race day nerves, or how your body feels, and the importance of. accepting what you can't control while staying grounded in what you can.Whether you're heading into Dumbo, another race weekend, or just a big moment in life, this episode is a reminder that flexibility is a strength--and that sometimes the win is showing up with kindness toward yourself. Link here to the event guide for all the nitty gritty details I may have gotten mixed up:https://www.rundisney-expo.run/expo

What do you do when one race weekend in over....and the next one is coming fast-but you're not sore anymore, not training hard yet, and not quite sure what mode you're supposed to be in? In this episode, I talk about that awkward in-between space--physically, mentally, and emotionally. The quiet season after the finish line and before the next start, where structure loosens and feelings sneak in.I also reflect on heading to Disneyland with my almost-teen, and how parenting in this season mirrors running in transition--letting go of what was, adjusting to what's changing, and learning to sit with uncertainty instead of rushing through it. This one is slower, more personal, and about honoring the in-between--because sometimes that's where the real growth happens.

Marathon Weekend didn't unfold the way I imagined--and that's exactly why this episode exists. In this recap, I walk through the highs, the hard moments, and the decisions I made alone the way, and share the biggest lesson I took with me. This episode is for anyone who's ever had a race go sideways, faced a DNS or a DNF, or wondered whether they're "still a runner" when things didn't go the way they hoped. It's about finding the joy in the journey and redefining success. New episodes of Bib and Tiara drop every Tuesday. Real talk, real running, no perfection required.

Marathon Weekend can feel overwhelming-multiple races, early mornings, crowds, expectations, and a lot of pressure to push through no matter what. In this episode, I walk through what Marathon Weekend actually looks like, what to expect logistically and emotionally, and where of a lot of unnecessary stress tends to creep in. We talk about how to simplify the weekend, what really matters, and how to give yourself permission to adjust your plans in real time. I also share my personal plan for the weekend-including why I'm intentionally choosing to stop early, take care of my body, and feel proud of that decision. Finishing isn't the only measure of success, and honoring yourself counts just as much as crossing a finish line. If you're heading into Marathon Weekend feeling excited and nervous, this episode is your reminder hat you get to define what a good race looks like.

It's check-in pass Monday, and suddenly everyone is stressing over their corral placement and bib numbers, spiraling a little more than they need to. In this episode, we talk about what runDisney check-in passes and corrals actually mean-and what they don't. We talk about why comparison sneaks in so fast, and why none of that defines your race or whether you belong at the start line. More importantly, we zoom out and talk about starting-in running, racing, and honestly anything in life. You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. You don't start because you're ready-you get ready because you started. This is your reminder if you are feeling nervous or second-guessing yourself to take a breath, trust where you are, and keep showing up.

In this first episode of Bib and Tiara, I share why run-walk-run is not a backup plan, a failure, or "less than" but a smart, sustainable way to train, especially for runDisney events. This podcast is about training without ego, balancing real life, and being honest about what it actually takes to show up and finish. If you've ever felt like you don't fit the typical runner mold, you're in the right place.