Can You Do runDisney Without Being a “Runner”?

Woman in purple athletic wear looking toward Cinderella Castle at sunrise with the message "Can You Do runDisney Without Being a Runner?"

I hear this one all the time. “I’d love to do runDisney…but I’m not a runner.” My answer? Good. Because neither are a whole lot of people standing in those corrals. You do not have to be fast. You definitely do not have to be a super athlete. And you certainly do not have to … Read more

How Slow Is Too Slow When Running After 50?

Running shoes and water bottle beside a trail for an article about slow running after 50

Introduction So you’ve started running after 50. You’re feeling pretty good. Then you finish your run/walk/run, glance at your watch, and look at your pace. And there it is. “That was really slow.” If you’re anything like me, the temptation is to compare yourself to everyone else. Open Instagram and suddenly it feels like every … Read more

You Don’t Have to Love Running to Become a Runner

Running shoes, coffee, and a water bottle with the message "You Don't Have to Love Running to Become a Runner" for women over 50.

Introduction Here is where I need to be honest. I don’t like to run. When I’m out there hitting the pavement, I question what I’m doing. Wouldn’t I rather be taking a cardio class? Or, better yet, curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee? Absolutely. And since it’s summer in Texas, … Read more

Why Walking Is the Best Way to Start Running After 50

Woman walking on a tree-lined path while beginning a running journey after age 50.

Introduction Like so many of us, I was scrolling through Instagram before bed when a video made me stop. It was another runDisney runner talking about her training. I don’t remember which race weekend she was training for, but one thing she said caught my attention. She had completed races before but had never tried … Read more

I Still Wonder If I Can Do It | Dopey Challenge Training at Almost 60

Woman training for the Dopey Challenge after 50 while overcoming self-doubt about marathon training.

The Moment This week marks the official start of Dopey Challenge training. That means I have 28 weeks until I attempt one of the biggest goals I’ve ever set for myself. If you aren’t familiar with the Dopey Challenge, it’s 48.6 miles in one weekend. Thursday – 5K Friday – 10K Saturday – Half Marathon … Read more

Why I Keep Coming Back to runDisney

Why I Keep Coming Back to runDisney article

(It’s More Than the Medals… But Yes, It’s Also the Medals) People ask why I keep going back to runDisney. They tell me… It’s expensive. It’s halfway across the country. You’re too old to be running that far. You’ve already done it before. If they’ve run a runDisney race themselves, they usually ask a different … Read more

5 Beginner Running Mistakes I Made After 50 (And What I Wish I’d Known)

A woman over 50 in purple running gear stands confidently on a trail beside the headline "5 Running Mistakes I Made After 50."

When I started running again in my early 50s, I thought the hardest part would be the running itself. I was wrong. It wasn’t my legs that challenged me the most. Getting out the door was the hard part. It wasn’t even the early mornings. The hardest part was the expectations I put on myself. … Read more

Reinventing Yourself After 50: Why It Feels So Hard

Featured image for What to Pack for Your First runDisney Weekend (Without Overpacking) showing a neatly packed suitcase with running shoes, clothing, and race weekend essentials.

I have a tendency to pack everything for a runDisney weekend. And I do mean everything. I usually drive to Florida because I spend time with family and do a little extra traveling while I’m there, so it’s easier for me. My goddaughter usually flies down, though, so I’m very aware of what fits in … Read more

Your First runDisney Expo: What to Expect (Without the Overwhelm)

Featured image for Your First runDisney Expo: What to Expect (Without the Overwhelm) showing a race bib, running shoes, and an expo checklist.

Walking into your first runDisney Expo can feel overwhelming. The crowds are huge. The noise level is high. There are runners everywhere, vendors calling out specials, Disney merchandise tempting you in every direction, and signs pointing to multiple buildings. If it’s your first race weekend, you may be wondering: Where do I go first? What … Read more

Am I Too Old for runDisney? What I Wish I Knew Before My First Race

Purple running shoes resting on a park bench beside a race bib at sunrise, representing the journey to a first runDisney race after age 50.

I’ll be honest. Before my very first runDisney race, I was convinced I had made a terrible mistake. I had signed up during registration day adrenaline. My heart was racing, the virtual queue was moving, and when I finally got in, I clicked whatever I could get. I didn’t get the challenge. I managed to … Read more