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, 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 expo day strategically so you protect your legs, your nervous system, and your confidence before the races even begin.

You’ll learn how to:

Treat the expo as a logistics stop, not an endurance event
Avoid common mistakes like over-walking and impulse gear purchases
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 video is part of the Countdown to Dopey, a daily race-week series designed to help Dopey Challenge athletes arrive at the start line calm, confident, and ready to execute.

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