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, and overstimulation all add up, especially when you’re preparing for four consecutive race mornings.
In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew explains how to approach the runDisney expo strategically so you protect your legs, your nervous system, and your confidence for the days ahead.
You’ll learn how to:
Treat the expo as a logistics stop, not an endurance event
Avoid common mistakes like over-walking, impulse gear purchases, and staying too long
Manage time on your feet, hydration, and sensory overload
Preserve energy for the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon
Make decisions that support execution instead of draining it
The expo is part of the experience — but it’s not the race. The strongest Dopey athletes are the ones who save energy early so they can execute when it matters most.
🎧 This episode is part of the Countdown to Dopey, a daily race-week series designed to help runDisney athletes arrive at the start line calm, confident, and ready to execute.
