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 Bartholomew breaks down how to approach recovery, fueling, pacing, and execution so you can finish the weekend strong.

In this video, you’ll learn:

Why recovery between races is an active part of racing
How muscle soreness and stiffness show up after multiple race days
Practical mobility and recovery strategies between the Half and the Marathon
Why excessive walking and park miles can quietly sabotage marathon day
How to think about fueling and hydration when fatigue is already present
Why consistency matters more than aggressive intake
How early pacing and crowd density affect marathon execution
What marathon-morning stiffness really means — and why it’s normal

The Dopey Marathon is not a standalone race. It’s the final chapter of a four-day endurance challenge, and smart recovery and disciplined execution are what allow athletes to finish with confidence.

🎧 This episode is part of the Countdown to Dopey, a daily race-week series designed to help athletes prepare for the #rundisney Dopey Challenge.

#DopeyChallenge, #runDisney, #MarathonTraining, #RaceWeek, #EnduranceRunning