The Dopey Diaries Podcast: Where Real Runners, Big Dreams, and a Lot of Disney Magic Collide
If you’ve ever signed up for a race - especially something wild like the Dopey Challenge - and then immediately thought, “Wait… why did I sign up for this?” You’re in the right place.
Welcome to The Dopey Diaries, the podcast for every runner who wants to chase big goals without taking themselves too seriously. This is where mindset meets miles, where beginner runners feel at home, and where we talk honestly about what it really takes to balance training with… life.
How Imposter Syndrome (and a Fanny Pack) Turned in to Signing up for my First Marathon
My running story didn’t start with confidence.
It started with imposter syndrome… and a fanny pack.
Back in 2018, I stumbled into the world of RunDisney completely by accident. One magical weekend turned into one questionable impulse decision, and suddenly I was registered for my first-ever half marathon - something I truly never believed “someone like me” could do. At that point, I couldn’t run a full mile without stopping, let alone thirteen. Looking back, I had absolutely no business signing up for the RunDisney Two-Course Challenge (a 10K on Saturday followed by a half marathon on Sunday). But something about that weekend - the energy, the characters, the signs in the lobby, the feeling that maybe I could do something bigger than I’d ever imagined - pulled me in anyway.
Maybe you’ve felt that way, too:
➡️ like you’re not a “real runner”
➡️ like you don’t belong at the start line
➡️ like everyone else knows what they’re doing
➡️ like you’re just trying to survive the long runs without falling apart
Same.
And that’s exactly why this podcast exists.
What You’ll Hear on The Dopey Diaries
This show is for runners who are juggling training with… everything else.
Work. Family. Business. Exhaustion. Life curveballs. Magical Disney chaos.
Inside each episode, you’ll find:
- Beginner-friendly training tips
- Mindset shifts that actually help
- Real talk about fueling, pacing, and motivation
- RunDisney weekend guides and behind-the-scenes stories
- Honest conversations about showing up when it’s messy
- Lessons learned from training for the 48.6-mile Dopey Challenge
Gatekeeping? Not here. Elitism? Absolutely not. And you’ll never hear anything about needing a certain pace to count as a runner.
Just encouragement, education, and the reminder that you’re capable of more than you think.
Who This Podcast Is For
If you’re:
- training for your first marathon
- starting your RunDisney journey
- trying to figure out how to balance life + running
- a “normal” runner who wants support without judgment
- someone who loves a little magic with their miles
…this is your podcast.
And if you’ve ever felt like an imposter at the start line?
You’re my people.
🎧 Be the First to Listen
The Dopey Diaries is launching soon — and you can follow it now:
(More platforms will be added as soon as the show goes live!)
✨ Freebie: Your Dopey Diaries Run Journal
Confidence starts with small steps and intentional reflection.
Grab this free journal page and make every run a little more magical.
Let’s Train, Grow, and Laugh Our Way to the Finish Line
This podcast is more than running tips - it’s a place for everyday runners who crave encouragement, practical advice, and a little Disney magic sprinkled through the miles.
I can’t wait to run this journey with you.
See you in Episode 1!
Learn More About: