This week on the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, we’re breaking down the 2026 runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend — from expo surprises to rainy race conditions and everything in between. Joining Jill are Tony, Sharon, and Greg to talk about the full race weekend experience: the 5K, the 10K,…
In Part 2 of our conversation with data analyst Brian Davis, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in endurance racing — corrals, course congestion, and what race data actually reveals about performance, safety, and race outcomes. How much does corral placement really affect your time? Is…
What really happens at the back of a runDisney race? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Davis — physics professor, long-time runDisney athlete, and the unofficial statistician behind the Dead Last Start (DLS) movement — to unpack what most runners never see. We talk about: The origin story…
Welcome to another episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast — where endurance sport meets real talk. In this episode, Coach Jill sits down with experienced runDisney athletes to break down the recent Disneyland race weekend — including the final races (for now), expo experiences, corrals, race logistics, and…
n this episode of Be Fierce & Tri, Coach Jill sits down with former professional triathlete and creator Carolyn Carter for a candid conversation about life after racing as a pro. Carolyn shares what it was really like earning her pro card, racing alongside the sport’s fastest women, and eventually…
Countdown to Dopey Day 1 focuses on the final day before the Dopey Challenge begins — and how to approach it with calm, confidence, and intention. The day before your first runDisney start line can feel overwhelming. There’s excitement, nerves, doubt, and a strong urge to do something more. In…
Countdown to Dopey Day 2 focuses on marathon day — and why the marathon doesn’t actually start at the start line. In the Dopey Challenge, the way you recover after the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon determines how your body shows up for 26.2 miles. In this episode, Coach Jill…
Countdown to Dopey Day 3 focuses on the most deceptive part of the entire weekend: the 10K and Half Marathon. After travel, adrenaline, and one race completed, many Dopey Challenge athletes feel confident and strong — and that’s exactly where mistakes begin. In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew explains why…
Countdown to Dopey Day 4 focuses on the most underestimated race of the entire weekend: the 5K. Because it’s short, fun, and full of energy, many Dopey Challenge athletes are tempted to treat the 5K like free miles. But how you approach Friday morning quietly impacts how your legs feel…
Countdown to Dopey Day 5 focuses on one of the most underestimated parts of race week: the expo. The runDisney expo is exciting, social, and fun — but for Dopey Challenge athletes, it can quietly become one of the biggest energy drains of the entire weekend. Long periods of standing,…
Countdown to Dopey Day 5 focuses on one of the most underestimated parts of runDisney race week: the expo. The expo is exciting, social, and fun — but for Dopey Challenge athletes, it can quietly drain energy before the races even begin. Long periods of standing, concrete floors, crowds, noise,…
Carb loading doesn’t have to be stressful. In Day 6 of the Countdown to Dopey, Coach Jill breaks down the science behind carb loading, how much is actually needed, and why scale changes are normal. Based on research from the Journal of Sports Sciences, this episode helps runDisney athletes fuel…
With one week to go before the Dopey Challenge, execution begins with preparation. Day 7 focuses on packing early, organizing race gear, managing travel, and reducing decision fatigue before race week even starts. Smart packing is a performance strategy — especially for multi-day runDisney events. #DopeyChallenge, #runDisney, #RaceWeekPrep, #MarathonPacking, #EnduranceTravel
If your race-week runs feel slow or awkward, you’re doing it right. In Day 8 of the Countdown to Dopey, we explain why race-week runs are check-ins, not tests — and how pushing now can steal freshness later. This episode helps Dopey Challenge runners trust the taper and protect confidence.…
Race week fatigue doesn’t just come from running. In Day 9 of the Countdown to Dopey, Coach Jill explains how stress, travel, and decision overload impact performance — and what to do about it. Ideal for runDisney athletes looking to arrive at the start line with energy to spare. #DopeyChallenge,…
At ten days out, clarity matters. In Day 10 of the Countdown to Dopey, we talk about how to set race-week priorities, reduce distractions, and focus your energy where it actually counts. This episode helps Dopey Challenge athletes avoid overwhelm and protect their readiness. #DopeyChallenge, #runDisney, #MarathonMindset, #RaceExecution, #MentalToughness
Sometimes the biggest performance gains come from what you stop doing. Day 11 of the Countdown to Dopey focuses on behaviors that quietly drain energy during race week — overchecking plans, chasing reassurance, and doing too much. A must-watch for runDisney athletes who want to simplify and execute better.
As race week approaches, nerves and self-doubt often increase. In Day 12 of the Countdown to Dopey, Coach Jill walks through how to manage anxiety, stop mental spirals, and protect confidence leading into the Dopey Challenge. This episode focuses on mindset, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for staying grounded. #DopeyChallenge,…
Taper can feel uncomfortable — physically and mentally. In Day 13 of the Countdown to Dopey, we talk about what taper should feel like, why fatigue can linger, and how to trust the process without second-guessing your fitness. Perfect for runDisney athletes who feel “off” during taper but want to…
With two weeks to go before the runDisney Dopey Challenge, preparation shifts from training to execution. In Day 14 of the Countdown to Dopey, Coach Jill explains what actually matters in the final two weeks — and what no longer does. This episode covers mindset, taper expectations, and how to…
In this episode, Jill Bartholomew and Troy Theodosiou (@troytheodosiou) discuss the intricacies of selecting the right races for triathletes. They explore various factors such as personal goals, race logistics, costs, and the importance of finding joy in racing. The conversation also delves into the challenges of racing in different locations,…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Tri podcast, Jill Bartholomew and Thomas Skelton discuss the importance of the off-season for triathletes. They explore coaching philosophies, the significance of understanding athletes' lives, and the need for flexibility in training. The conversation delves into goal setting for the upcoming season,…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Try podcast, host Jill Bartholomew and her guests discuss their experiences at the recent Run Disney Wine and Dine Marathon Weekend. They share insights on the various races, including the 5K, 10K, and half marathon, and delve into topics such as race…
In this episode, Jill Bartholomew and Thomas Skelton discuss their experiences at the 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain. They cover various aspects of the race, including swim conditions, transition challenges, athlete performances, and the dynamics of the bike and run courses. They also share insights on coaching and the…
