The Earful Runner

We are back in the studio with a great wrap up of Springtime Surprise weekend! In this episode we cover: Courses, characters and new post race party at Typhoon Lagoon Corral changes- what to do when you need to move up and who to talk with Important upcoming 2025 registration dates: hint, they are earlier than you think they are Plus, a dive into the new Disneyland Forward plan, which we *hope* will bring course updates to Anaheim in the coming years. Run time: 32:00

This week, we catch up with Kayla Allene Betz-Swope, an avid RunDisney athlete with an incredible story to tell.  Kayla got her start by running the Haunted 5k on her wedding weekend in 2014 and then the Light Side Half Marathon the following spring. To date, her running career has included over 65 races and 20+ race weekends. This would be quite the accomplishment for anyone, but when you consider that Kayla is also a visually impaired athlete who relies on guides while racing, you recognize how huge this accomplishment is.  In this episode, Kayla talks about the challenges of competing, the joy of running with the Run Disney community, and two of the world's best pacers, Sean and Joe.

We have a wonderful story from the RunDisney community to share this week! Meet Mitch and Shanon, who have achieved Perfect/Perfect status at Wine and Dine Weekend. This intrepid duo has raced every event at Wine and Dine weekend for 13 consecutive years and in this episode they dish about their running journey from the very first Tower of Terror 13k, to Wine and Dine, Dopey and beyond. Mitch and Shanon have great stories to tell about the early years of RunDisney: from trail running at Wide World of Sports and navigating the first Expedition Everest Challenge to keeping up their perfect streak in the face of all life's challenges. This episode is a joy to listen to and we can't wait for you to hear their story. Tune in! Run time: 40:25

What does it take to complete the Dopey Challenge AND the Dumbo Double Dare back to back? Tune in to this week's episode, where we sit down with Ryan Teetz (@ryanontherun) to talk about this incredible feat. Ryan is a RunDisney pro, having raced 62 events in total and we talk about everything from training and preparation to what it takes to convince a group of your friends that a costume strategy that includes raccoons and deceased Disney parents is a cool idea. We also deep dive into some of the coolest RunDisney data that Ryan has amassed in his years of running these events. Want to know who the most likely characters on course will be? Or how many people took on the Dopey to Dumbo challenge this year? We've got you covered! Run Time: 43:03

We've been waiting seven years for this! The Disneyland Race weekend has finally returned and with it, the Coast 2 Coast Challenge, where runners compete in events at Walt Disney World on the first weekend and Disneyland Resort on the second. Lots of ground to cover in this episode including: Super rare characters popping up in WDW The benefits of ordering drinks to go in EPCOT The perils of doing just half of a half marathon What happens when you ride Expedition Everest in a rain storm Working out the kinks in Disneyland And more! Run time: 1:08:28

In this episode we deep dive into event weekend previews for both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland races. We cover the courses for each race in detail and talk strategy for each. Whether you are a first time RunDisney athlete or a Dopey veteran, we think you will find these helpful. Plus we debut a new listener mail segment and share a bit more on how we got to be the RunDisney fans we are. Run time 36:29

It's been a minute! Big life changes for Em and M but we are finally back in the studio to record! In this episode we walk through training tips for folks headed to RunDisney this season, especially those humans who will be tackling Coast 2 Coast and how to get plan for race weekend and pro tips for getting the RunDisney merch you have had your eye on. Plus, we talk about what happens when you decide to move your whole family across the country and train for races at the same time. Spoiler alert, things do not go to plan. Run time: 34:45

We're back with the full scoop on WDW Marathon Weekend, from our Dopey Challenge finish to our favorite (and not so favorite) things about the flagship RunDisney event. In this episode we dive deep on the course, the characters, the merch and more. Plus, we talk about how to successfully manage an After Hours event at the Studios that ends just a few hours before the start of a 5k.  If you are already missing those early mornings in an EPCOT parking lot, this is the episode for you!  Run time: 43:02

We're back and celebrating the return of the RunDisney racing season! In this episode we share the fascinating tale of the one and only (so far) Disneyland Marathon, Em and M's thoughts on recent Disney news and a life update from our intrepid co-hosts. Plus, we share our journey to the 2023 Dopey Challenge, where we are running for the incredible team at the National Down Syndrome Society. We have a great IRL event coming up in New York City in just a few weeks and we would love to see you there.  Check out all the details here: https://www.earfulrunner.com/  Run time: 52:12

We're back with a full run down on our favorite moments from Princess Weekend, a breakout of what the Springtime Surprise courses could mean for Marathon Weekend and a deep dive into the 90's nostalgia that inspired the new Marathon Weekend 2023 designs. Plus, we walk through tips and tricks to make sure your Marathon Weekend registration day goes smoothly!  To top it all off, Em has some fun facts from Encanto and M shares what it's like to plan for a solo WDW adventure.  Run time: 50 minutes

Our guest this week is Brian Siemann, a SIX TIME Dopey Challenge champion! Brian is an adaptive athlete and a 3x Paralympian who has competed in the World Championships and is currently training for the World Marathon Majors. He has an incredible story, a fervent love of all things Disney and a passion for the RunDisney community. In this episode, you will hear from Brian about his journey in sports, from high school track and field, to competing on a global stage, to his epic multi-year Dopey streak.  We want to thank our keen listeners for encouraging us to connect with Brian and we can't wait for you to hear this story.  Run time: 48:57

Professional athlete. Olympic Trials Qualifier. Gifted Improv Teacher. Talented Artist... all of these describe Brittany Charboneau well but this dynamo cannot be categorized so simply. This weekend she managed to do what no one else in the history of the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend has done: win every single race she entered! Brittany absolutely crushed the 2022 Dopey Challenge and she did it all in costume and with a huge smile on her face. In this episode, we talk in detail with Brittany about her record setting wins, her focus on finding joy in each run, performing with Second City, her Disney favorites and more. You don't want to miss this episode! Want to follow along with Brittany? You can catch her here on IG and here on Mercuria Running!  Run time: 58:38 

Our first trip to Disneyland together was epic! In this episode we walk you through our adventure including some incredible character meet ups ( hello Ironman and Black Widow), dozens of rides including Haunted Mansion Holiday and Mission Breakout, where we made it through exactly 50% of the songs and an unforgettable night at Disney’s Very Merriest Christmas party. If you ever wanted to hear what a first trip to Disneyland sounds like, this is the episode for you! Run Time: 37:27

We are so excited to be back in the studio recording! After a busy fall racing season, we are back in action and ready to share a whole host of runderful stories with you.  In this episode, we catch our listeners up on the return of RunDisney at Wine and Dine weekend and recap with M about her finish at the NYC Marathon this year.  Run time: 25 minutes

With registration for the 2022 WDW marathon weekend right around the corner, we have collected our top ten tips for registration day! We talk through all the ins and outs of getting into your goal race and what to do if you can't snag that coveted bib in time. From getting into your first 5k to racing for a charity partner, we walk through it all.  Run time: 24:00 min. 

We are so excited to share our conversation with Devon Harp, co-founder of Zip A Dee Tees with you! Devon is a triple threat: a talented designer, entrepreneur and creative behind @FitFabDisney, who also happens to be a personal trainer. In this episode, we talk with her about her fitness journey, her favorite Run Disney experiences and how she built a successful Disney-inspired business with her best pal Carrie.  If you have ever wondered what it might be like to start your very own shop or take on your first race, this is the episode for you! Run time: 53:20

Our favorite races are back in action this fall, we have all the details for you! RunDisney has announced four race weekends, starting with Wine and Dine this November to a brand new "Springtime Surprise" Weekend in April. From key registration dates to our take on the new themes and events, we cover it all, very enthusiastically. Plus, we have up to the minute travel tips from Meg Keenan at Magical Vacations Travel to help making planning your run-cation a breeze. If you plan on racing in WDW this year, this is the episode for you.  Run Time: 27:12

What does it take to complete the very first run from Disneyland in Anaheim to Walt Disney World in Orlando, a journey of 2,761 miles? Grit, determination, a love of community and a very good sense of humor! In this week's episode, we finish up our interview with Don Muchow, the first ever finisher of the Mouse 2 Mouse run. We cover all the details from his fueling strategy and course design right up through his epic arrival at the Magic Kingdom.  Don is a seasoned ultrarunner, Ironman triathlete and Type 1 diabetic. He's the founder of Type 1 Determined, an organization devoted to connecting and empowering people with Type 1 diabetes to walk, run, ride and play with confidence. Even more incredible, this run was completed within a larger Run Across the US, with a total of 2,845 miles, which Don completed on April 7, 2021. Run time: 40:00

Happy Global Running Day! When we think about the runners that inspire us, our guest for this episode is at the very top of our list. His endurance accomplishments, strength of character and generosity of spirit truly inspire us and we are so excited to welcome Don Muchow to the show. Don is a seasoned ultrarunner, Ironman triathlete and Type 1 diabetic. He's the founder of Type 1 Determined, an organization devoted to connecting and empowering people with Type 1 diabetes to walk, run, ride and play with confidence. This spring, Don captivated our Run Disney community by completing the first ever Mouse2Mouse, a run from Disneyland to Walt Disney World, a journey of 2,761 miles. Even more incredible, this run was completed within a larger Run Across the US, with a total of 2,845 miles, which Don completed on April 7, 2021. We were so excited to talk with Don about his history, his record setting run and his deep love of Disney. This episode is part one of a two week series.  Run time: 46:00 min

In this week’s show we have a full recap of M’s adventures in WDW, a discussion of the Star Wars Virtual Run Medals and in our main segment, how building a lightsaber and a training plan are very similar. Run time: 24:43

We are back from the far reaches of the Galaxy Run with a full recap of the event, plus RunDisney news, a preview of the next Earful Runner live stream (from WDW) and our musings on the latest doings of Marvel. We've even got some great new travel tips from Meg Keenan. Join us in a galaxy far, far away this Batuuesday!  Run time: 29:02

Buckle those seatbelts, friends! We are heading into hyperspace, bound for a galaxy, far, far away in this episode. We are previewing are very first, live, in-person event, plus giving you all the latest RunDisney news and a brand new segment called Magical Travel Tips with Meg, where we bring you up to the minute tips for your next Disney trip.  If you have ever googled "how to make a Mandalorian helmet" or "ways to fly with a lightsaber" this episode is for you! Run time: 37:12 

This episode is, hands down, one of the most fun episodes we have recorded to date. In our main segment, we sit down with Scott Storm and Aaron Robbins, the creative team behind Bobsleds and Banthas, for a little Star Wars inspired Blue Sky Racing. We learn more about what it has been like to host a Disneyland podcast in a year where the park remained closed, how the Bantha Boys are gearing up for an even bigger year in 2021, and then, when we get to the Fast Five questions mayhem ensues. You can catch up with Scott and Aaron on the Bobsleds IG; keep an eye out for their live streams, it is must watch content;-) Special thanks to our friends in TX who spotted the audio problem on the original version of this episode and helped us troubleshoot. A year in and we are still learning and growing; we appreciate your help, friends! 

Grab your favorite tiara and pull up a chair! In this episode we catch up with Joe Bajorek (the DVC Runner), his lovely wife Shelley and our favorite gang of ruffians from the Snuggly Duckling as they recap their adventures on the Virtual Princess Weekend in WDW! After the success of their virtual, in-person, Marathon weekend in January, this lovable crew pulled out all the stops (character stops that is) for an epic adventure.  Expect a little of everything in this episode from heartfelt moments to out and out laughter when we hear why Joe and Steve stopped for ten minutes to get JUST THE RIGHT photo. Plus, we run through the latest Disney parks news and preview our special First Anniversary show.  Special thanks to Joe and Shelly, Renee, Stephanie and Kevin and Megan and Steve for all the fun with this episode.  Run time: 1:24:19 

Break out the tulle and the tiara, Princess Weekend is almost here! Though the event will look a bit different this year, we are very excited to share in the virtual fun this weekend. In this episode we will be bringing you the low down on the history of Princess Weekend and the fascinating story of how the Princess brand rose to prominence with Disney. It all starts with a Disney on Ice Show in the desert... no really, it does.  Plus, we will be following our pal @DVCRunner and his crew as they re-create Princess Weekend as fun run for the community. All this and more coming your way in this third episode of Season 2! Run Time: 43:53

The WDW Marathon weekend is a special time in the RunDisney community; a time to reconnect, run and celebrate with friends new and old. So when the 2021 WDW Marathon Weekend went virtual, Joe Bajorek, known to fans as the DVC Runner, and his pals got busy planning a WDW Marathon Weekend unlike any other. Joe, along with his wife Shelley, and good friends Megan, Steve, Stephanie, Kevin and Renee planned out an entire slate of events on/near property, complete with course support, character stops, and medals!  In this epic interview, the team walks us through the entire weekend from the first event to the celebratory ciders at the end. This is one inspirational and heart warming story; you don't want to miss this! Plus, the episode is perfectly sized for a long run.  Run time: 1:19:02

Welcome to Season 2 of the Earful Runner Podcast! In this episode we take on goal setting for the new year, tips for staying motivated and fun ways to add cross training, from hiking to rock climbing and more. Plus, Em gives us the low down on what it is really like to visit Walt Disney World right now and Mary shares some funny misadventures from the trail.  Run time: 46:00

Celebrate the season with us! We have plenty of treats in store with this episode. We have a full update on all RunDisney news in the RunDown, plus our favorite Disney Holiday films, Great Movie Run stories, and great gift ideas for the runners and walkers in your life. Close out 2020 on a good note with us!  Run time: 30:12

Nothing can stop Bobby Tran! From his early basketball playing years, to running ten miles on a track, to completing the Dopey Challenge for Team NDSS , Bobby is a force to be reckoned with. In this episode, we talk with Bobby about how he got started running, what motivates him as an Athlete Ambassador and fundraiser, and even how to properly take video while riding Expedition Everest in the middle of a marathon.   Bobby is a super talented runner and an even better human, be sure to check this episode out! Run Time 35:31

In this episode, we got the chance to catch up with the Castle Runner herself, Lisa Di Noto! This wildly talented author, photographer and runner "ditched Wall Street for Disney World" and is passionate about inspiring people to live bigger and better.   Lisa shares what inspired her to pursue her dreams and her hopes for the future of Run Disney. She also has some super cool stories to share so if you have ever been curious about the life of a Disney fanatic who turned her passion into her career, this is the episode for you! Run time: 39:58

We are just wrapping up the first week of the Great Movie Run and it's been amazing! Our participants have logged over 300 miles so far and we are celebrating by counting down the top ten Great Movie Run facts and fascinating trivia about your favorite Disney films. Plus, we have a RunDisney update, our very first contest winner and more!  Run time: 26:04

We are excited to be bringing you this special episode, in which we  have a special treat in-store for all of our listeners- The Great Movie Run! The GMR is a fun, free virtual event to help add some magic to your miles over the holiday season, whether you run, walk or ride. Join us for a spectacular journey through 36 Disney film classics. Em and M break down the full details in this week's show.  We also walk through the latest RunDisney updates, share news about where to get a run in NOW in WDW plus some fun gift ideas for the active Star Wars fan in your life. Don't miss this episode! Run time: 29:40

We can't believe that we are up to our 30th episode! For this show, we go back to where it all started and find out the real story behind Em and M starting this podcast. We do a deep dive into our Disney favorites, best loved episodes and more. Find out how Em's family fandom led to her first memories at Magic Kingdom and how Mary's successful campaign to get her folks to take them to WDW led to a decades long tradition of park trips with her mom.  If you are a fan of all things running, animated and park-related, this episode is for you!  Music by Alywn Leow Run Time: 56:09

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the baddest of them all?  That's right, this episode is a tribute to our favorite Disney Villains! We've organized 32 of the most infamous Disney villains into brackets. With the help of our pals Grace and Jeanmarie, we are going to work through the match ups to see who is truly the baddest of them all.  Will Hades, Lord of the Underworld, come out on top? Will the Evil Queen emerge as the one to rule them all? Tune in and find out, on this long run sized episode of the Earful Runner! Run time: 1:06

Cooler temps and shorter days are upon us, which can only mean one thing: winter is on the way. In this episode, Em and M talk training tips for the new season. From gear tips to motivational musings, we walk you through 20 tips to keep moving this winter.  Run time: 50:44

With Wine and Dine Virtual Race weekend on the horizon, this week's episode is all about Disney food! That's right, in this edition of Blue Sky Racing, Em rolls out her plans for the Disney Foods 5k, an Epcot based culinary adventure! Participants will pick their favorite Disney snack to consume while visiting the countries of World Showcase- quite literally, eating their way around the world.  Run Time:  16:50

What a week! From the news that Marathon Weekend and Princess Weekend will now be virtual to massive shifts in the Cast Member community due to lay offs, Em and M cover it all. Plus, we tackle tips to help keep you motivated and ways to help Cast Members in need.  Run time:  34:39

We are big believers in celebrating milestones here at the Earful Runner, and this one is a biggie: Emily turns 25 today! In honor of this momentous occasion, we walk through Em's top 25 must-do's at Disney. From her favorite park (Studios) to her go to snack choice ( Mickey pretzel) we cover all the things that would go into Em's dream birthday at Disney.  Run time: 28:48

In this special edition of our monthly training tips episode, we sit down with Katie Canterbury, a runner and certified trainer who has made it her mission to help folks get up and get moving.  Along with her favorite Disney details, she shares her personal fitness journey, from avoiding gym as a teen to completing her first half marathon. With humor, grace and plenty of insight, Katie walks us through some great tips to help us maximize our Dopey Challenge training and in her words "lift happily ever after".  Want more tips from Katie? You can catch up with her on the website here.  Run Time: 56:12

Expedition Everest Challenge seemed like a race that had it all: great story tied to the namesake attraction, a format that combine running, obstacles and a scavenger hunt and a killer afterparty that went until 3am.  So what happened?  Tune in to Episode 23 of our podcast; the second part of our Brilliant Yet(i) Cancelled miniseries.  Run time: 40:01

We are back in action with Blue Sky Racing, which asks the question" if you could build any racing event in Disney, what would you build"? This month, M has an epic plan (and diagrams) for 2 events featuring your favorite Pixar Pals that take you from Andy's backyard to infinity and beyond.  Running Time: 39:33

There is lots of extra joy coming your way in this show! Em and I are finally able to see each other in person for the first time since February and there is quite a lot of laughter mixed in with our monthly training update.  We are 8 weeks into training for the Dopey Challenge now, and we talk in detail about how to manage your workout schedule, stave off common aches and pains and stay motivated in this decidedly non-traditional training cycle.  Run time: 47:30

In this episode we will be bringing you a preview of this weekend’s Haunted Mansion Virtual 5k!  Since this attraction is one of the few Disney related things that Em is NOT a huge fan of, M thought it would be fun to count down ten fun facts about an attraction that she absolutely loves and cannot wait to ride again. So with that said, please keep your hands and feet inside the Doom Buggy… because here we go! Run Time: 12:37

In this episode Em and M take a deep dive into a new segment where we examine races and events that were brilliant in their day, yet tragically cancelled. First up is the legendary Tower of Terror 13k/ Ten Miler which haunted the Studios between 2007 and 2014.  This superbly themed event laid the groundwork for many events to follow and with its villain centric theming, it proved to be a fan favorite.  Come along for the ride as we investigate the history and fun details of this race!  Run time: 37:21

We are just three weeks into the new Dopey Challenge training cycle and this episode is loaded with warm weather training tips to maximize your miles. Plus, Em has a very thorough update for us on WDW park reopening procedures and things to keep an eye out for when planning your next Run Disney experience.  Run Time: 52:00

Em and M are back in action with a brand new Blue Sky Racing episode; which asks the burning question: " if you could create any running event in Disney, what would YOU build?"  Em rolls out an epic concept for Hollywood Studios and along the way we learn a little bit about the history of legendary MGM movie musicals like Singin' in the Rain, a bit about the original Backlot Tour and we learn how a talented tapper like Em made her way from dancing into running.  Plus, this episode kicks off the first week of Dopey 2021 training! Run time: 40:13

In this episode of the Earful Runner, we catch up with our dear friend Phylicia Cannon, a supremely talented young runner with a passion for all things animated and park related. Phylicia is not your average high schooler. When this avid Disney fan took up running, she decided that the best place for her first event would be Walt Disney World. Since crossing the finish line of her first 5k with her big sister at her side, Phylicia has gone on to complete events at all of the Disney race weekends, including the Tinkerbell Half in Disneyland.  Despite a recent battle with CV-19, Phylicia is back to running and we are very excited to share her story with you. Don't miss this episode! Run time: 41:12

We've got updates on Marathon and Princess Registration, DL Paris Race Weekend and Virtual Racing options plus a deep dive into the evolution of the WDW Marathon course from 1994 to now. Most importantly, Emily is HOME and we are getting close to recording in person!  Run time: 50:17

Do you have Wine and Dine Weekend on the calendar? Are you counting down the days til the 2021 Dopey Challenge? Then this episode is for you! Em and M talk in detail about how to get started with your base training and offer up tips and suggestions for getting into your training routine and rhythm.  We touch on all aspects of your plan from the physical to the mental, as we embark on this first new training cycle in a post COVID-19 landscape.  Run Time: 53:09

This week, Em and M launch a brand new segment called "Blue Sky Racing" where we design a brand new running experience at a Disney park. Taken from the phrase that Imagineers use when brainstorming new ideas for rides, shows and lands, Blue Sky Racing asks the question "if you could build any kind of running race or experience in Disney, what would it be? What would it look like?". Em drastically underestimates how enthusiastic M will be about this and is bowled over by her idea for a pirate themed adventure at the Magic Kingdom, which comes complete with maps and visual aids.  Run time: 36:49