In this episode, we’re joined by the legendary Jim Ryun, one of the most famous names in American middle-distance running, to talk about the coach who redirected his life, the moment he understood what breaking the 4-minute mile really meant, and why “ownership” is the skill that outlasts talent. Jim takes us from being a teenage Olympian to racing at Mexico City altitude, then back to the quieter memories of Tokyo that still shape how he views people and competition.

Because we’re the Rise and Run crew, we also bring it home to runDisney. Jim shares his connection to the first Walt Disney World Marathon, why he leaned on run-walk strategy, and what events like runDisney races do best for brand-new runners: education, community, and a reason to keep showing up.

Then we shift into Springtime Surprise mode with a listener-friendly logistics rundown, including expo timing, virtual queues, transportation notes, corrals, spectating limits, and key course changes so you can pack your “patient pants” and actually enjoy the weekend.

With Earth Day around the corner, we spotlight Sneakers4Good, a sneaker reuse and recycling organization that helps keep used running shoes out of landfills while supporting microenterprise partners around the world. You’ll learn what kinds of shoes to donate, how the mail-in bag works, and why one simple closet cleanout can create real impact.

If you like the mix of running history, practical race planning, and community vibes, hit subscribe, share the episode with a running friend, and leave a quick review. What’s one goal you’re taking ownership of this season?

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A half marathon through Hobbiton sounds like pure fantasy until you hear what it’s really like underfoot. We’re joined by Kerry Flynn, a lifelong Lord of the Rings fan and seasoned half marathoner, to break down the Middle Earth Halfling Half Marathon in New Zealand: the small-field logistics, the afternoon start, the trail terrain on a working farm, and the very real elevation that turns “cute themed race” into an earned finish. She also shares what surprised her most, how photo ops and characters work outside the Run Disney machine, and why the post-race celebration feels like a perfectly on-brand reward.

Before we head to Middle Earth, we do a Springtime Surprise training check-in and cover community announcements, including Jeff Galloway memorial run details and our plans for a special tribute show. Then we tackle fresh Run Disney news with reactions to the Summer Virtual Series themes, the medals, the extras in the box, and the big question of virtual races versus saving for a live weekend at Walt Disney World.

We wrap it all up with our Disney Movie March Madness finale and a stacked race report from the Rise and Run community, plus a spotlight chat with Tom Stokes on what most runners miss when they hit a plateau: underfueling, skipping strength work, and training without a year-round plan that matches your race calendar. If you’re into Disney running, destination races, run-walk-run strategy, and real-world training talk, this one has it all. Subscribe, share with a run buddy, and leave a review, then tell us: what’s the most “impossible” race you’d actually train for?

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Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor Links
Magic Bound Travel
Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel

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The Start Line Co.
Fluffy Fizzies
Mona Moon Naturals
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You know that moment late in a runDisney race when your legs are toast, your brain is negotiating, and then you turn a corner and hear a choir lifting the whole road? We sit down with director Zach and students from the East River High School Choir, one of the groups that brings big, joyful sound to the final mile at Walt Disney World. They share how the runDisney relationship started, what Disney Entertainment actually means when they ask for a “gospel choir,” and how song choices are designed to push runners to the finish line.

We get into the real logistics too: a 2:45 AM school call time, warming up before sunrise, performing for hours, and timing the start of singing to runner flow. The students tell us what shocks them every time, from elaborate costumes and selfie stops to the emotional shift when a tired runner perks up, smiles, and starts moving again. If you have ever called the choir your “last-mile fuel,” you will hear exactly why that impact is real.

Then we pivot into pure community fun with Round 2 of our Disney animated features March Madness bracket, complete with debates, surprises, and Patreon tiebreakers. We also bring back Podcast We Listen To with a great chat featuring Peter and Kelly from The Lowdown On The Plus-Up, a theme park podcast packed with deep history, wild connections, and stories that get way darker than you’d expect from an attraction deep dive.

We wrap with updates, challenge results, and a loaded race report spanning first races, PRs, tough-weather wins, and even a 100-mile attempt. If you’re training for Springtime Surprise or just need a reminder that community can carry you farther than you think, hit play, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more runners can find us.

East River HS Choir
The Lowdown On The Plus Up

Rise and Run Links
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Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop
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Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor Links
Magic Bound Travel
Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel

Affiliate Links

The Start Line Co.
Fluffy Fizzies
Mona Moon Naturals
Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page
Kawaiian Pizza Apparel
GoGuarded