Extraordinary Strides

We take you on a satirical journey through Taper Town, a psychological landscape every runner visits during the final weeks before race day. Through humor and relatable anecdotes, we map the strange mental territory where reduced mileage creates increased anxiety.

• Exploring the "Weather Bureau" where runners obsessively check forecasts and compare contradicting weather apps
• Visiting the "Taper Diet D...

Coach Christine shares how she tackled Sydney Marathon training during a chaotic summer filled with caregiving responsibilities, relocation, and constant travel, discovering that romance novels became her unexpected training partner and source of resilience.

• Trading structured training schedules for flexibility and adaptability
• Finding companionship in audiobooks during solo runs in unfamiliar places
• How to p...

We saddle up for a journey through Disney's Frontierland, exploring its rich history, hidden details, and Western-inspired magic that can transform your next run into a frontier adventure for runDisney's Big Thunder Mountain Virtual Summer Series.

• Frontierland was one of Walt's original lands when Disneyland opened in 1955, designed to transport guests back to the 1800s
• The wooden fort walls at the l...

The countdown to race day brings a unique cocktail of nerves, excitement, and questions. What's really happening to your body during taper? Should you squeeze in one more long run? How do you handle those phantom pains that suddenly appear?

Drawing from decades of experience and my personal journey completing all six World Marathon Majors, I've created the ultimate 30-day race countdown guide that transforms pre-...

We’re lacing up for a sweaty sleigh ride through Christmas in July, a 30-minute express workout that brings festive fun and fierce intention to your training. Whether you're chasing a PR or just showing up in the middle of summer chaos, this workout proves that short can still be extraordinary.

Coach Christine leads you through a power-packed interval session built around effort-based training that blends endurance, strength, a...

Summer running presents unique challenges, but with Coach Christine's comprehensive survival guide, you can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.

• Protecting yourself from bugs with appropriate repellents and permethrin-treated clothing
• Conducting thorough tick checks post-run to prevent complications like Lyme disease
• Avoiding poisonous plants by staying centered on trai...

Ready to take the plunge with a race day proposal? This special bonus episode offers everything you need to create an unforgettable finish line moment without the potential pitfalls that could turn your romantic gesture into a viral disaster.

Coach Christine delivers eight essential tips for crafting the perfect race proposal, starting with perhaps the most crucial advice: timing is everything. Before planning that finish ...

A true Disney fairytale unfolded at this year's Run Disney Springtime Surprise weekend, as Cole orchestrated a finish line proposal to Ashley that will leave you believing in happily-ever-afters. Their story perfectly captures why Run Disney events are so much more than just races – they're moments where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and sometimes, lifelong commitments begin.

Cole shares every hea...

Step aboard our adventure-filled podcast as we navigate the fascinating world of Disney's Jungle Cruise—from its humble beginnings as one of Disneyland's opening day attractions to its global status as a beloved cultural icon.

You'll discover how Walt Disney's original vision for a realistic wildlife experience transformed when Imagineers like Harper Goff and Bill Evans created a convincing jungle throu...

Ever wonder what it takes to run 300+ marathons in full costume? Meet Charlotte, the runner who's redefining what's possible in both endurance and race day fashion.

Charlotte brings a refreshing perspective to ultra running that blends serious mileage with joyful celebration. Unlike many elite runners, she didn't start until her mid-30s after making lifestyle changes for better health. What began with simple...

Grab your running shoes and pirate hat as we embark on a swashbuckling adventure with our Pirates of the Caribbean-themed, totally unofficial companion podcast to the runDisney Virtual 5K Summer Series!

This treasure-filled episode takes you deep into the history of one of Disney's most beloved attractions, the last one Walt Disney personally supervised before his passing. Our first mate, Lynn, charts the course throu...

We celebrate National Classic Movie Day with a runner's twist, exploring must-watch running films that capture what makes our sport so transformative and inspiring.

• Inspirational narrative features including classics like Chariots of Fire and personal favorites like Brittany Runs a Marathon
• Running documentaries that showcase real stories from Spirit of the Marathon to the cult favorite Barkley Marathons
•...

Ever wondered what the Met Gala would look like if it were designed for runners instead of celebrities? Picture the World Marathon Majors as fashion houses, each with their signature aesthetic—Boston's traditional navy and gold, New York's urban grit, London's royal elegance. This playful reimagining opens the door to something deeper: how what we wear impacts how we run and feel.

Welcome to the world of &qu...

What belongs on every runner's bucket list? From triumphant finish line moments to the not-so-glamorous reality of forgotten anti-chafe, Coach Christine counts down 100 running experiences worth having at least once.

This episode celebrates the full spectrum of running life – the magical, the messy, and everything in between. Whether you're searching for racing adventures, travel opportunities, gear recommendatio...

There's a powerful truth about running that rarely gets discussed: getting older doesn't mean getting slower – it means leveling up differently. As our bodies change, we unlock new capabilities that can make running even more rewarding in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Coach Christine, your "fairy run mother," breaks down exactly what changes with age (like that 1% VO2 max decline annually after 30) and...

The TCS New York City Marathon stands as the crown jewel of marathon experiences, combining breathtaking urban scenery with unparalleled cultural immersion across all five boroughs. Coach Christine and travel expert Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel break down this iconic event from every angle - revealing why it's simultaneously the most coveted and logistically challenging marathon in the world.

From its humble beginn...

Transitioning from winter's cozy layers to spring's sunny miles demands more than just switching your wardrobe—it requires understanding how your body adapts to rising temperatures. This comprehensive guide unpacks the science of heat acclimation, revealing how your body undergoes physiological changes that take 7-14 days to complete, from increasing plasma volume to developing more efficient sweating patterns.

F...

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the fastest, most iconic races in the world, and today, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know! Whether you’re racing this year, working on your six-star journey, or just love a good marathon breakdown, this episode is packed with insights, logistics, and fun Chicago history.

Joining Coach Christine is Ashley Lucas of Mystical Dream Travel, an expert in runcation planning an...

🎙 Willkommen to another edition of the Extraordinary Strides podcast! I'm your host, Coach Christine, along with Ashley of Mystical Dream Travel here to guide you through one of the most legendary races in the world: The Berlin Marathon.

Berlin is where records are shattered and PR dreams come true. But this race is more than just speed—it’s a historic journey through one of Europe’s most iconic cities. In this episode we’ll b...