The Dopey Diaries

In this episode of the Dopey Diaries, Brittany shares an honest, emotional account of training for and tackling the infamous Dopey Challenge. She discusses the mental and physical hurdles, the importance of preparation, and the magic of race weekend, offering invaluable insights for first-time participants and seasoned runners alike.Key topics:The emotional rollercoaster of prep and race weekend & the anxiety she never could have prepared herself forHow mental health impacts endurance training and marathon performanceThe significance of training miles: physical readiness versus mental resilienceThe role of community, support, and personal relationships during race weekendInsights into the physical and emotional shifts from training to race dayPractical tips: why long runs matter, even when motivation is lowHow training builds confidence to handle race-day The power of pushing through discomfort and self-doubtThe tangible benefits of consistent training, both body and mindResources & Links⁠EMIÉ Activewear⁠ — Women's running and performance activewear- designed by an average female runner, for the average female runner⁠Instagram⁠Mile Markers:00:00 - Introduction to the episode & what the Dopey Challenge really entails 00:29 - Why the expo was unexpectedly overwhelming for Brittany 01:12 - Balancing the roles of runner and business owner leading up to race weekend 02:09 - The physical and mental shifts during 11 months of training 03:24 - The emotional breakdown before the expo and the importance of self-compassion 04:51 - The significance of community and shared experiences at the expo 06:48 - The mental health struggles and personal growth through running 08:42 - How training prepares not just the body but the mind for race day 09:35 - Brittany’s experience running 26 miles alone on a treadmill during a depressive episode 11:33 - The transformational power of completing challenging runs 12:29 - The importance of emotional resilience alongside physical fitness 13:21 - Encouragement for first-time Dopey challengers & managing race-day expectations 14:49 - Amplifying training through the magic of race weekend and the role of preparation 16:26 - The importance of deposit miles: trust in your training when the race starts 16:55 - The key question for race weekend: how your training will manifest in the actual race 17:22 - Overcoming fears and embracing the race day with confidence

The Dopey Diaries is back - and Season 2 has a lot to catch you up on. Since we last spoke, Brittany completed the Dopey Challenge, PR'd the half marathon distance, and launched EMIÉ - a women's running activewear brand built in the middle of the hardest training cycle of her life. This season you're getting all of it: the Dopey recap, the brand origin story, and what it actually looks like to build something while everything else is also on fire. If you're training for your first big race - or you just need someone to tell you that the hard miles are worth it — pull up a chair. We saved you a spot. Hit subscribe so you don't miss Episode 1. 🎙️

After a big run, it’s easy to panic. A sore knee turns into a Google spiral. Fatigue starts to feel like failure. And suddenly you’re asking the question every runner has asked at least once:“Am I actually injured… or am I just exhausted?”In this episode of The Dopey Diaries, I’m breaking down what happened after my recent 26-mile training run — including why one short, easy run sent me into worry mode — and how I’m learning to tell the difference between injury, fatigue, and fear.We’ll talk about what post-effort soreness really means, why recovery doesn’t always look like full rest, and how anxiety can be louder than actual pain during marathon training.This episode is not medical advice — it’s lived experience, decision-making, and science-backed reassurance for runners navigating long miles.🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:Why soreness after a 26-mile run is often normal adaptation, not damageThe difference between post-run soreness and true injury painHow walking and movement can support recovery — and when they quietly become too muchWhy Googling symptoms often increases anxiety (and what to do instead)The fear that shows up after big milestones (“don’t mess this up” energy)How to tell the difference between anxiety and intuitionWhy resting, modifying, or continuing are all valid training choicesHow elite runners approach recovery — including insights from Jane Hedengren’s record-breaking 5K seasonWhy you don’t lose fitness overnight — and why panic adjustments can backfire🧠 Key Takeaways:Not every ache is a warning sign.Sometimes it’s just information.Learning to tell the difference between fatigue and injury — without letting fear drive the decision — is one of the most important skills you’ll develop as an endurance runner.🔗 Research & Resources MentionedThese are the studies and concepts referenced throughout the episode if you want to go deeper:🦵 Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)Overview of DOMS, recovery timelines, and muscle adaptation:⁠⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_onset_muscle_soreness⁠⁠🏃‍♀️ Post-Marathon Recovery & FatigueResearch on physiological recovery and readiness after marathon-distance efforts:⁠⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12174218/⁠⁠🚶‍♀️ Cumulative Load & RecoveryDiscussion of cumulative fatigue and prolonged low-level activity after intense exercise:⁠⁠⁠https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435910/⁠⁠⁠🧠 Cyberchondria & Symptom AnxietyHow symptom searching increases anxiety rather than reassurance:⁠⁠⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberchondria⁠⁠⁠⚠️ Anxiety, Stress, and Decision-MakingHow anxiety amplifies threat perception and impacts judgment:⁠⁠https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/03/brain⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573739/⁠⁠🏆 Elite Training & Recovery PhilosophyJane Hedengren collegiate 5K record and post-race commentary on rest, fueling, and training balance:⁠⁠https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a60628764/jane-hedengren-collegiate-5k-record/⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by Even More Magic — a shop for runners who believe every mile has the potential for magic.👉 ⁠⁠https://evenmoremagic.com⁠⁠

On this episode of The Dopey Diaries, I’m sharing one of the wildest plot twists of my marathon training so far: the week I quit my training plan… and then ran 26.28 miles.We’re diving into why letting go of pressure can actually improve your running, how burnout affects your brain and body during Dopey Challenge training, and the powerful role your nervous system, mindset, and identity play in endurance.You’ll learn:✨ The science behind burnout and marathon training fatigue✨ How stress and the sympathetic nervous system make running feel harder✨ Why shifting into the parasympathetic nervous system boosts endurance✨ What Atomic Habits teaches us about identity-based habits (“I am a runner”)✨ How removing pressure can lower perceived exertion and unlock better performance✨ Why joy, ease, and emotional relief are legitimate training tools✨ How a spontaneous long run can reveal more about your fitness than a rigid planIf you’re training for the Dopey Challenge, a marathon, or you’re simply hitting a mental wall in your training cycle, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on inside your body — and how giving yourself a break might be the breakthrough you actually need.Whether you’re feeling burnt out, stuck, or doubting your ability to get to race day, this episode will remind you of one truth:You are a runner — and runners keep going, imperfectly but powerfully.⭐️ RESOURCES MENTIONEDThese studies and books informed the science in today’s episode:📚 Books:Atomic Habits by James Clear — Identity-based habits and sustainable behavior change.🧠 Nervous System & Performance Research:Harvard Medical School – Research on chronic stress and sympathetic nervous system activation during prolonged training.Frontiers in Physiology — Studies on parasympathetic activation improving endurance and lowering perceived exertion.University of Cape Town – Research on relaxed states improving oxygen efficiency and delaying fatigue.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance — Flow state and performance under reduced cognitive load.Journal of Applied Physiology — Dopamine’s role in endurance, pain perception, and motivation.University of Birmingham – Positive emotion increasing time-to-exhaustion in endurance athletes.🧩 Psychology & Behavior:Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin — Identity-based behavior and motivation.Studies on decision fatigue and role identity from the University of Minnesota.

If you’re deep into Dopey training and feeling totally overwhelmed, exhausted, or on the edge of burnout… this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.This week, I’m breaking down something every marathoner faces — the dreaded Wall.And specifically, what happens when you hit The Dopey Wall:the moment your training plan says “simulation week,” and your brain and body say “absolutely not.”In this episode, I’m sharing:✨ What happened when I hit my own Dopey Wall during simulation week✨ Why burnout is normal in marathon training — especially right now✨ What sports science + psychology say about overtraining, hormones, and motivation✨ Atomic Habits principles that can help you shift your mindset✨ Practical, research-backed tools to survive the next month of training✨ How to adjust your plan without losing progress, fitness, or confidence✨ Why these hard weeks actually make you mentally stronger for race dayThis is a raw, honest, slightly unhinged, but deeply hopeful episode for every runner who’s ever questioned,“Can I actually do this?”Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why 62% of runners hit burnout during peak trainingHow overtraining impacts your brain before your bodyWhat to do when anxiety skyrockets during long runsWhy flexibility is a strength — not a setbackHow to use James Clear’s identity-based habits to stay consistentWhy small, imperfect runs still “cast a vote” toward your marathon identitySeven research-backed strategies to get through the hardest month of Dopey trainingHow taper becomes your reward for pushing throughThis episode will help you:- feel less alone- understand why training feels so hard right now- stop beating yourself up for adjusting your plan- find motivation when you’re mentally drained- reconnect to your WHY- see the light at the end of the tunnel-keep going with compassion, not pressureIf you’re training for RunDisney, Dopey, a marathon, or anything pushing your limits - this one’s for you. 💛✨ RESOURCES MENTIONEDJournal of Sports Medicine — Marathon burnout statisticsAmerican Thyroid Association — Symptoms of hyper/hypothyroidismACSM — Research on overtraining and mental fatigueUniversity of Bangor — Perceived effort studiesUniversity of Essex — Resilience research“Atomic Habits” by James Clear — Identity-based habitsRunDisney official training guidance

When your “forever” running shoes suddenly stop working… now what?In this episode, Brittany shares how her tried-and-true running shoes betrayed her during RunDisney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend, how her toes went numb, and why she ended up testing 12 pairs of shoes (and spending over $1,000) to find her perfect Dopey Challenge lineup.You’ll learn why running shoes can feel amazing in the store but awful during real miles and long runs, how model updates can completely change a shoe, and how your body and gait evolve with training. Brittany breaks down the real signs it’s time to switch running shoes-even if you’ve been loyal to one brand for years.What you’ll hear in this episode:The Princess Weekend toe-numbness disasterWhy “forever shoes” stop workingWhy running store tests don’t tell the full storyHow to know when it’s time to switch brandsThe truth about tired gait (and why it matters)Brittany’s Dopey shoe picks: Asics Novablast 5 (half marathon) + Adidas Evo SL (full marathon)Plus: a big EMIE update✨Follow along:Follow the magic: @EvenMoreMagic (on Instagram & Tik Tok)

“Congrats on Your Half Marathon… Now Run 4 More Miles?" How to Balance Races With Dopey TrainingTraining for the Dopey Challenge is chaotic, magical, emotional… and sometimes wildly confusing — especially when your race calendar doesn’t line up with your training plan.In this episode of The Dopey Diaries, we dive into one of the biggest questions runners have during high-mileage training:👉 If I’m already running a race this weekend… do I really need to tack on the extra miles from my training plan?Whether you're training for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, prepping for a half marathon during Dopey training, or just trying to understand how to adjust long runs without burning out, this episode gives you permission to breathe, adjust, and train like a real human being.Why your training plan won’t line up with your race schedule — and why that’s completely normalHow to safely replace a long run with a race during Dopey trainingWhat happened when I finished the Wine & Dine Half Marathon and still had 4 miles left on my planThe science behind why organized races feel easier than solo long runsWhat research says about burnout, flexibility, and long-term consistencyWhy forcing every mileage number can sabotage your trainingHow to adjust your long runs without guilt (or injury)Why “consistency over perfection” is the real secret to Dopey successHow training can get isolating — and why races helpHow to know when it’s smarter to move miles, cut miles, or let the race countThis episode is packed with real talk, relatable chaos, and a whole lot of evidence-based reassurance.Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (2017): Long-distance training + isolation & perceived effortEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology (2020): The “collective motivation effect” that makes races feel easierInternational Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance (2019): Flexible training = better long-term consistencyJournal of Behavioral Medicine (2020): Group running improves mood + reduces stressProduction has officially kicked off, the rollout for the full line is finalized, and pre-production samples are on the way. Once approved… it’s go-time. Send good vibes as we race the calendar ahead of spring festival closures!Runners training for the Dopey ChallengeFirst-time marathonersRunDisney athletesAnyone balancing racing + trainingRunners who feel guilty moving training runs aroundAnyone who’s ever Googled “should I add miles after a half marathon?”Even More Magic shop: evenmoremagic.comFollow @EvenMoreMagicResearch sources listed aboveShare this one with a running friend who needs reassurance that adjusting their long runs is not failing it’s smart training and Hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Let’s be honest - fueling is one of the most confusing parts of running. Between gels, electrolytes, hydration, and stomach drama, it can feel like you need a science degree just to get through your long run.In this episode, I’m sharing the real fueling lessons I wish I knew before my first half marathon - and the ones I finally learned (the hard way) during Dopey training. From that infamous treadmill run with no plain water to my Taco Bell the night before a 20-miler mistake, we’re breaking down what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to build a fueling plan that helps you run stronger and feel better.Whether you’re training for your first half-marathon, a marathon, or the full Dopey Challenge, this one’s packed with tips (and a few “learn-from-my-fails” moments) to help you fuel early, fuel often, and train your gut - because no one wants to hit the wall at mile eight.Resources MentionedSIS Gels: my go-to fuel - thinner texture, easy on the stomachNUUN Hydration Tabs: my favorite for electrolytes without being too sweetSaltStick Caps: electrolyte backup for humid daysTailwind Nutrition: perfect for long runs or hot-weather milesACSM Endurance Fueling Guidelines: 30–60g carbs per hour + 6–12oz fluid every 20 minutesResearch on Gut Training: Journal of Applied Physiology, 2014 – “Carbohydrate availability and training adaptation”Runners World: How to Fuel for Your First Marathon

You signed up for the Dopey Challenge (or a marathon or half marathon)… and now the panic’s setting in. 😅When are you supposed to start training for those miles - tomorrow? Next month? Yesterday?!In this episode, I’m breaking down what my training timeline looked like, why I started early, and how I built a hybrid plan that actually worked. We’ll talk through the official Jeff Galloway RunDisney plan, Hal Higdon, Pfitzinger, and Runna - what works, what doesn’t, and how to choose a plan that fits your goals (and your real life).Whether you’re six months out or still hovering over that “register” button, this episode will help you figure out when to start, how to start, and why the perfect time might just be right now.

What started as a random Disney trip, a spark of curiosity, and a fanny pack… quickly escalated into signing up for 19.3 miles — and eventually, 48.6.In this first episode of The Dopey Diaries, Brittany takes you back to the moment that started it all - how a little bit of Disney magic, a dose of imposter syndrome, and a streak of stubbornness turned into her first marathon journey.You’ll hear:How one impulsive decision became the catalyst for running and personal growthWhy readiness is a myth - and how confidence is really built through consistencyThe science behind self-trust and why showing up for yourself mattersHow doing hard things changes the way you see yourself - on the run and in lifeWhether you’re training for the Dopey Challenge or just dreaming about your first 5K, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to feel ready - you just have to show up.Resources + ReferencesBandura, A. (1977). Self-Efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.Draganski, B., et al. (2004). Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature, 427(6972), 311–312.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.Robbins, M. (2017). The 5 Second Rule. Savio Republic.Hardy, D. (2010). The Compound Effect. Vanguard Press.Mentioned in This EpisodeEven More Magic — accessories that remind runners that magic lives in every mile@EvenMoreMagic on Instagram@EmieActive for behind-the-scenes updates on the activewear line

Imposter syndrome and a fanny pack somehow led me to my first marathon. Welcome to the podcast for every runner who’s ever thought, “Why on earth did I sign up for this?” Here, mindset meets miles as we learn to chase big goals and build a life that feels just as good as crossing the finish line.You signed up for your first marathon because you wanted a challenge… but between the early alarms, fueling fails, and endless long runs, you’re starting to wonder what you got yourself into.You love the magic of running — the community, the growth, the feeling of crossing a finish line — but real talk? Balancing training with work, life, and everything in between can feel impossible.The truth is, running isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and full of moments that test you. It’s not about perfection - it’s about discovering what you’re capable of.Join first-time marathoner and small business owner Brittany as she shares the real, unfiltered journey to completing the RunDisney Dopey Challenge — 48.6 miles of lessons, laughter, and mindset shifts. Together, we’ll talk about training, business, balance, and believing in yourself (even on the miles that feel impossible).