runDisney can look effortless on Instagram: a castle photo, a medal shot, a costume selfie, and done. Then reality hits at 1:30am when the alarm goes off again, you’re juggling corrals and buses, and there are still miles of dark highway between the highlight reel moments. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome back Lisa Dinoto Glassner after four years to talk about her new book, The Run Disney Companion: Your Race Day Guide From Fantasy To Finish Line And Beyond.

We get into what the guide is really built for: helping first-time runners pick a race, register, train, pack, fuel, sleep, and actually enjoy the weekend without feeling overwhelmed. Lisa shares the misconception she wants to correct most often: these are real races, even when there are characters and tutus. Her most underrated tip is also the simplest: protect your sleep, because you cannot out gel bad sleep. We also talk why the history of runDisney matters, how veterans can still find meaning in the “lessons learned” side of the book, and what moments are almost impossible to explain until you experience them, especially cheering the final finisher.

Along the way, we keep it classic Rise and Run: training updates (including Greg’s Wawa-themed 50K plan), a fun “What Would Alysha Do” segment with the Merlin Bird ID app, and a race report spotlight from the Jack and Jill downhill half marathon with its famous tunnel and gravel pacing curveballs. If you’re chasing a proof of time, planning Wine and Dine, Princess, Marathon Weekend, or dreaming about Dopey, this conversation gives you a clearer plan and a better mindset.

Listen now, then subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share the episode with a runDisney friend, and leave a review to help more runners find our running family.

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The Castle Run
The Castle Runner on Instagram

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