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…
In this episode, Jill Bartholomew hosts Cheryl Bergeron and Jen Done, both Ironman competitors who recently participated in the Ironman World Championships in Kona. They discuss their experiences leading up to the race, including the challenges of traveling with bikes, the unique atmosphere of Kona, and the emotional and physical…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Tri podcast, host Jill Bartholomew engages with triathletes John Sherman, Jeff Dorril, and co-host Troy Theodosiou as they share their personal journeys into the world of triathlon, particularly focusing on their experiences at the Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. The conversation…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Tri podcast, host Jill Bartholomew and guests Elizabeth, Angela, and Cheryl discuss their experiences preparing for and participating in the Ironman Canada race. They share insights on training, nutrition strategies, swim conditions, and the challenges of split transitions. The conversation highlights the…
In this special episode of the Be Fierce and Tri podcast, host Jill Bartholomew engages with the Ironman Foundation team to discuss their impactful community initiatives, youth sports programs, and the importance of coaching for triathletes. The conversation highlights the Foundation's commitment to giving back, the challenges athletes face, and…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Tri Podcast, Jill Bartholomew and Troy Theodosiou discuss the essential elements of preparing for endurance races, including setting realistic goals, the importance of structured training plans, and the mental preparation required for success. They emphasize the significance of saddle time, race day…
In this episode of the Be Fierce and Tri Podcast, Jill Bartholomew of Be Fierce Multisport is joined by Thomas Skelton of Merge Multisport to discuss their experiences at the 2025 IRONMAN Lake Placid event held on July 20, 2025. In this, they will discuss unique weather of the day,…
In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri podcast, host Jill Bartholomew interviews John Kenny, a pro triathlete and coach, who shares his journey from a swimming background to becoming a full-time triathlete and coach. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, the importance of injury…