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 for the 10K, the Half Marathon, and the Marathon.
In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew explains why restraint — not speed — is the smartest strategy for the first race of Dopey weekend, and how over-racing early can compound fatigue later.
You’ll learn:
Why the 5K feels deceptively easy
How adrenaline and fresh legs can lead to pacing mistakes
How to approach effort and fueling for a multi-day event
Why finishing the 5K feeling controlled is a win
How smart execution on Friday protects the rest of your races
The goal of the Dopey Challenge isn’t to win the first race — it’s to finish all four strong.
🎧 This video is part of the Countdown to Dopey, a daily race-week series designed to help athletes prepare for the runDisney Dopey Challenge with confidence and intention.
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