Extraordinary Strides
Welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast that celebrates the spirit of running and the inspiring stories of those who lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Here, we dive into the heart of what makes running an extraordinary adventure.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, Extraordinary Strides is your go-to source for expert tips, motivational stories, and the camaraderie of the running community.
Our episodes feature seasoned runners, coaches, and everyday athletes sharing their triumphs, challenges, and the joy they find in every run.
Join us for casual, uplifting conversations that will leave you excited to put on your running shoes and hit the road. We believe that every run, no matter the distance, is a step towards something greater.
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At Extraordinary Strides, we're here to inspire, motivate, and celebrate with you every step of the way!
Extraordinary Strides
What Happens When Besties and runDisney Collide at Springtime Surprise? Fairytales Bloom!
A true Disney fairytale unfolded at this year's Run Disney Springtime Surprise weekend, as Cole orchestrated a finish line proposal to Ashley that will leave you believing in happily-ever-afters. Their story perfectly captures why Run Disney events are so much more than just races – they're moments where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and sometimes, lifelong commitments begin.
Cole shares every heart-pounding detail of his proposal planning, from timing the ring delivery perfectly to the nail-biting decision to run the entire 10-mile race with the precious jewelry secured on his pinky finger. The tension builds as he calculates exactly when and where to pop the question, eventually choosing the reunions area where Ashley could be surrounded by her Run Disney community. When she finally crosses the finish line, flag bobbing in her visor for easy spotting, the magic unfolds in a moment neither will ever forget.
What follows is equally enchanting, as the newly engaged couple celebrates at Magic Kingdom with castle photos (eventually featured on their wedding invitations) before building droids together. It's the perfect Disney day – a blend of romance, adventure, and pure joy that exemplifies why these race weekends hold such special meaning for so many runners.
But this episode isn't just about one couple's magical moment. Ashley, a Disney Travel Advisor, and Coach Christine deliver a masterclass on securing your runDisney spot and registration tips for the highly anticipated 2026 Springtime Surprise weekend (featuring friendship-themed races from Zootopia, Winnie the Pooh, Inside Out, and Lilo & Stitch). From registration strategies to accommodation tips, these Run Disney veterans share everything you need to know to make your race dreams come true – whether you're planning a proposal or simply chasing that perfect medal.
Ready to create your own extraordinary Disney running memories? Take these insider tips, mark your calendar for July 29th, and prepare to experience the magic of transforming miles into milestones. Whether you're a seasoned runner or first-timer, this episode proves that with Disney, every finish line can be just the beginning.
Want to book your very own magical trip? Find Ashley here.
Ready to kick off your extraordinary training? Join Coach Christine's waitlist here.
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Hey friends, welcome to Extraordinary Strides, the podcast designed to help you chase your dreams one stride at a time.
Speaker 1:I'm your host, coach Christine, and today we have a very special episode for all the runners and romantics out there. We're going to kick things off with an unforgettable love story featuring not just lovebirds, but also besties, ashley and Cole, who got engaged at Run Disney's Magical Springtime Surprise weekend earlier this year. However, after we get to hear their love story, we're also going to want you to stick around, because Ashley and I are going to share our best insider tips and strategies for successfully scoring your registration and spot at 2026 Run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend, because registration is a common, my friends and we know you want to get your hands on those tickets, along with chasing some miles with your own besties. So lace up, settle in and let's dive into this magical journey together. Let's welcome our special guests. We have Ashley, our friend and official travel advisor from Mystical Dream Travel, and her now fiance, cole, who recently had a magical race day proposal at Ren Disney's Springtime Surprise weekend. Ashley and Cole, welcome back to Extraordinary Strides, thank you for having us.
Speaker 3:Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 1:I'm so excited because we got a chance to speak to you guys before Springtime Surprise and it's been a little bit of time, but well, a lot has happened since then. So, Ashley, before we get too far into it, let's go ahead and remind our listeners who you are, what you do with Mystical Dream Travel and how you help all of our extraordinary strides listeners with their fabulous travel plans, and a little bit about both of y'all's running journey.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, um, I have been working in the travel industry for about three years now. Just started because I was uh really just enjoyed traveling. People were asking me about travel already, so just kind of like felt it was right to help everybody officially. So I'm certified in several different areas cruise lines, disney, universal. Now, like European travel a lot of fun stuff there happening. So always follow along on my social media pages. I'm on Instagram and Facebook and I'm sure Christine will link those, so if anybody needs anything help upcoming, I'm happy to help. All of my services are complimentary, so if you choose to work with me, that kind of planning and concierge service is always included. Um, and then met coat Christine. Uh, what was it? It's now springtime surprise.
Speaker 1:Yeah, springtime is a big one for us. Like, it has a lot of special meaning for everybody here on on the microphone today. Um, yeah, and then your running journey has just been incredible to watch. Um, yeah, and then your running journey has just been incredible to watch. Yeah, there's been a lot of miles since then. There have been a perfect season and, of course, a super magical proposal, which brings us to cole. Who cole just got his great opportunity of running run disney at springtime surprise. So, cole, what'd you think? Did you like? Like it?
Speaker 3:Uh, yeah, it was. It was definitely entertaining.
Speaker 1:Okay, um, but that particular race day was a different one for you because you had a whole other layer besides just running the race. So can you maybe give us a scoop a little bit of how that springtime surprise weekend was from your perspective?
Speaker 3:It was stressful Okay.
Speaker 1:Just a little bit. Tell us a little bit why.
Speaker 3:Well, I had plans to propose to Ashley. At least I had plans in my head.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 3:But I had to make sure that the ring showed up before I left, but after she left.
Speaker 1:Ooh, which is tough. So Ashley came out for the entire Springtime Surprise Challenge weekend, so she left a few days before you. You were coming out specifically for the 10-miler right Cole.
Speaker 3:Yes.
Speaker 1:Okay, so you had like a three-day, if even.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. So yeah, that that right out of the gate is kind of stressful. So how did that work out?
Speaker 3:It actually worked out good. It it? I think I got the ring on the day she actually left, so I got it with plenty of time. That worked out good.
Speaker 1:Okay, okay, okay. So we had a little pixie dust to help us with that aspect and then, um, I I assume there's a lot of different facets with then you have to travel with the ring, you have to hide the ring while you guys are together, um, and then of course, you still have to get prepared for your race and all of that. So how did that all work out?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I had. I had the ring in my backpack safe and sound, didn't leave my view at all. I had it with me essentially at all times and I had to make sure it was hidden in there well enough that she, if she went prying, she wouldn't have found it. So it was deep down into a pocket.
Speaker 1:That leads me naturally to the next question how in the world did you manage to plan this proposal and keep it hidden from Ashley?
Speaker 3:I had a couple of different ideas going into the weekend on what I could do, ideas going into the weekend on on what I could do. Um, when we got to our room, uh, our, it was both of our last names on the screen, like the welcome, welcome screen. And I thought, well, maybe if I want to do it just by our, by ourselves, I'll just set my phone up to record and have them change the welcome screen to just my last name.
Speaker 1:Okay, that's a good one. So I have to ask what made you decide like what was the final decision of I'm going to make this more of a public proposal versus a private proposal, or did you have any idea how that was going to roll out into like the very last minute?
Speaker 3:uh, honestly it I felt like, uh, she would love to tell people that she got proposed to after the the 10 miler at springtime. I I thought that she would definitely enjoy that and I I was more worried about the crowd around us than actually asking her.
Speaker 1:Oh, I could see that. I mean because it is, it's. It is something where you know that there's going to be folks around. They're going to kind of gawk or ooh and a little bit. So I have to ask now, ashley, did he get it right? Did you really prefer, like that finish line proposal? Is that what your heart wanted?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think either one of them were like great ideas, you know, so it's. It's always now going to be special. That Springtime Surprise was my first ever run Disney race, the first long distance race that I got to share with somebody. I know my mom ran prior with me but the 10 miler kind of with me, even though he left me. But now adding things to do. This is a celebration too.
Speaker 1:So did you have any inkling? Did you have an idea at all?
Speaker 2:I did because he's terrible at hiding things Just for the record.
Speaker 1:we don't really want, like our significant others, to be fantastic at hiding things, by the way. So OK, so you kind of had a general idea. Yeah, ok, cole, did you kind of? Did you know that, or are you learning that right now?
Speaker 3:cole did you kind of do you, did you know that or are you learning that right now?
Speaker 1:oh no, I, I she knew well in advance that it was going to happen eventually sometime not maybe not necessarily at springtime, but definitely sometime in the near future got it and of course you know, we know, um or folks, if you guys remember back to our previous conversations with Cole and Ashley, that Disney, specifically Ren Disney, has a really special place in her heart. So it makes sense that, Cole, you would want to pop the question there. I'm curious you tell us the story because I guess we kind of we've started to paint the picture a little bit. Ashley and you start the 10 miler together. Is that when you decide I'm going to like run to the finish line and propose to her there? Did you think of like asking her on the course at some point at the start line? Tell us kind of like what you're thinking through that entire process.
Speaker 3:Well, the first thing was getting the ring to the starting line, which was not difficult, but it was more nerve wracking to make sure that I had it at all times, constantly checking my pocket.
Speaker 1:Okay, I have to ask real quick Were you scared to use the Porto Potty before the race? With the ring A little bit, because I'd be terrified.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, a little bit. Okay. Okay, well, good, we just we got that out of there, so we know that there was. I mean truly. So, folks, again, if you have not done RIMDISI, we're getting there super early. I don't know about you, cole, but specifically I'm not necessarily thinking on firing on all cylinders that early anyway and then having that extra valuable piece on me and being a little nervous about the amount of time we're waiting. So you're not nervous about running with it, you're just nervous about having it on your person before the race, or are you nervous?
Speaker 3:about the whole thing. I was nervous about the whole thing. I I thought it might be inappropriate to try to propose on the course, given that you know there's people running. Um, so that was definitely definitely a and uh. As much as ashley uh is frustrated by I am much faster than her. I cannot run the distance that she does, but I am. I am much faster than her. So, uh, I knew I was gonna finish ahead of Okay, but I didn't know how far ahead, so I wasn't going to just like stop at the finish line Because, again, inappropriate, not really the place to do that If she was right behind me maybe I would have done that Right.
Speaker 3:So I was like, well, the next best place is in the parking lot after the race Around. You know her friends and people that she's gotten to know over the years from doing Run Disney and you know just Disney people in general. So the plan was to do it afterwards.
Speaker 1:Okay. So, friends, it's the finishers reunion area and Run Disney, like most big races, will have the finish line, which, by the way, cole, cole, major kudos. You're absolutely right, I think, from a conscientious standpoint, while it's a really powerful, poignant moment for you guys, everybody else is also wanting to have their own finish line experience. I think you're absolutely dead on right of not interrupting the flow of other runners. So there's the finish line and then, um, run Disney has you going through a really long shoot. You pick up some of your post race refreshments, your metal, um, I would say probably, at least would you guys say like a quarter to half a mile of that finish line shoot until you get out into the reunion area. It feels, it feels more of when you're there that morning. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:It's like when are we getting out of here? Um, and then everybody kind of convenes at the reunions the runners reunion area, and that's where you would meet up with family and friends, and it's actually a very festive environment because there's a DJ, they've got photo opportunities. It's really fun. I actually love that part of it because we get to connect with folks. So I think at that point I'm almost positive. Paul, you were one of the first folks to finish, right, I think you may have been there waiting for all of us, or was I? I don't remember if I was there, but I do remember that you were pretty. You were definitely quite fast in your, in your finish time. Um, so then, what's going through your head as to? Are you tracking Ashley? How are you knowing, like, when she's going to come through into that finish line shoot?
Speaker 3:well, we have to talk about the best part, the fact that I ran all 10 miles of that race with her ring on my pinky, and you can see it in all of the pictures shut the front door.
Speaker 1:We can. We can see it in the pictures. I don't think I've noticed. Ashley, have you posted these photos?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's very visible on his finger.
Speaker 1:Oh, my goodness, that's amazing. Now I want to go to her profile and like zoom in really quickly.
Speaker 2:Um, okay, he should have posed with it. It would have been very hysterical.
Speaker 1:So did you realize that that was going to happen, cole? Or you just don't care? You just figure my pinky is going to be safe because it won't fall off of it and that's a good place for me to run with it.
Speaker 3:I had a death grip on my phone and my wallet to make sure that ring stayed on that entire 10 miles.
Speaker 1:Can I just say I think you caused yourself a whole lot of stress for this specific race, my friend. I mean that seems like for 10 miles. You had a lot of additional stressors for it, no doubt about it. So that is I love that. I love that you were so focused on it so you run the full 10 miles. It sounds like you wouldn't advise folks for doing that, though, would you? Or if they were, how would they? Would you suggest that that's actually the best way of doing it?
Speaker 3:I don't know. I thought it was the best way at the time.
Speaker 1:Okay, I feel like what else could there be? You don't want to put it in your pocket? Um, that really makes sense to me. So at what point does it start to click to you that it's becoming more and more real she's going to be coming through the finish line shoe, or are you tracking her like? Tell me what's going through your mind at this process where, like, you're getting closer to actually proposing?
Speaker 3:so I I was tracking her. Uh, I believe, I believe you were tracking her on the disney run, disney uh page website, whatever it is. But I was tracking her because we share location. I was tracking her on my phone. This is part of the reason we share location. So I was tracking her on my phone and got to tell when she was getting close and I started to get a little nervous about it and I think I turned to you and asked if you were going to record it.
Speaker 1:Which I was incredibly anxious about for the record. So I think next time we need to get the if this happens ever in the future, I'm going to suggest that we get a Disney photo pass videographer or something of the sort, cause I was like this incredibly special moment, but I think at this point there was a couple of helpers um, right, because it was myself, and Kristen, another friend of extraordinary strides. Ashley, you're on the course actually with Christina, right, so you're just living your best life. We had a blast.
Speaker 2:You have zero stress.
Speaker 1:Meanwhile, cole's been stressing for like 72 hours throughout this entire process. Talk about the love that he has for you. Okay. So, cole, you're getting a little anxious, though. We're starting to track her. We know she's coming through, we're still not a hundred percent sure of when she's going to, from crossing that finish line, getting through the shoot to the reunions area. What are you thinking at that point, like what's going through your mind?
Speaker 3:Uh, first thing was was, once she comes through, just getting eyes on her and making sure we find her, we, we find each other, essentially and and just making sure that you know there's there's no issues, making sure she's okay, you know, everything like that. And then, uh, it was pretty easy to find her. She was wearing a flag in her visor, so that was that made it really easy to find her. Um, but then it was the nerves of everybody around too, of like, oh, I got to do this in front of everybody.
Speaker 1:Yes, literally everybody. I think I remember Kristen saying that like, well, you need to be prepared, the people are going to definitely circle around and kind of watch. I don't know if that helped or not, but I do recall her saying that kind of watch. I don't know if that helped or not, but I do recall her saying that Ashley, you're finishing up, You're having your best 10 miles ever. You just joked your way through it with Christina. Are you thinking is it going to happen? Is this potentially happening here? What's going through your mind?
Speaker 2:Oh, most definitely. I did not think it was going to happen there.
Speaker 1:Are you excited to know that he's finished and you're going to be seeing him soon and reuniting with him after he did his first run Disney 10 miler yeah, so we kind of took our time like getting through the finish line shoot.
Speaker 2:Christina saw her family right after the finish in the stands there. We got all of our stuff, walked along and as we come out of the area, coming between the gear check trucks to officially kind of enter in that reunion area. Um, I looked at Christina. I was like we need to like hoot and holler and be as loud as we can because it's going to embarrass him that he did his first run Disney race.
Speaker 1:Oh, we did. So you're congratulating him for his incredible first run Disney race. Meanwhile, he wants to like he's trying to figure out how to make this happen with the least amount of eyes on the entire proposal. When did it click to you that he was going to propose, or that he was proposing? Not until literally like as it's happening. Cole, at any point are you thinking she might say no?
Speaker 3:No.
Speaker 1:That was not a concern whatsoever. Okay, are you thinking, though, like what do I say? What's kind of going through your mind as you're actually saying the like, proposing the big question?
Speaker 3:Well, she came to me a little quicker than what I was expecting because I was planning to be down on one knee and ready for her. But she, she came up really fast and hugged me and we kissed and then I was just showed her the ring and asked her do you want to get married?
Speaker 1:And Ashley. Of course, he said yes, that's why we're here. If not, it'd be a very awkward conversation to have you both in the same podcast, but at this point it's. It's actually happening. What's going through your mind, um?
Speaker 2:just excitement. Um, cause we, if we had talked about it and obviously knew it was coming at some point, just wasn't really wasn't expecting it at that moment. Um, because coming into that morning I was like oh, maybe. And then we got there and I was like there's no way like that it's happening today because how is he gonna run with the ring?
Speaker 1:like it's just not going to work, right? Yeah, so I was not expecting anything.
Speaker 2:So when it finally kind of happened, I was like, oh my gosh.
Speaker 1:Super exciting. So I mean I think so many things went right. For the record, cole, giving you tons of kudos because I think this was not easy to pull off by any strict imagination I'm curious what you guys think went like. What was it that you feel like was the most perfect aspect of how it went down? And by that I mean like logistically, cole, what would you say you would definitely, or what you would suggest somebody else who's considering it to take into consideration or to do?
Speaker 3:I would never run with the ring again. I would find somebody that's going to be at the finish line to hold it Somebody trustworthy.
Speaker 1:Seriously like. Who would it have been? I don't know who we would have had at the very like most of the people there were running. So really, who would we have had?
Speaker 3:I don't know, but that was the most stressful 10 miles. I know I feel so bad for you.
Speaker 1:My heart literally feels bad for you, because I can only imagine Okay, so you would suggest to folks don't run with something valuable. That's actually the whole, like the whole shebang for the proposal. What do you think you did really well, though, that you would advise others to consider?
Speaker 3:I think doing it around a group of people honestly was cool. Just to have you know people were clapping, you know people that we don't know clapping and saying congratulations, which wasn't the idea. Again, I had a plan to do it in private, but I think just the whole atmosphere everybody's pretty positive at that point. You know everybody just finished running 10 miles. You know we're all excited about it, so I think that was definitely, uh, probably I'd say that's the best part of my entire plan was doing it, when I did it and how I did it.
Speaker 1:I love it. I mean, honestly, I think, so many things that you did really well for the record in terms of doing it at the reunion area, in an area that is safe you don't have to worry about runners running past you or into you or having an issue in that regard. The fact that you did it with a group of people who are near and dear to Ashley's heart, that she's met through the run Disney life um, I think the entire thing was just absolutely beautiful to be able to witness, absolutely amazing, actually. What would you say that you would suggest to folks that are considering this kind of proposal?
Speaker 2:oh boy, um, I don't know. I mean, like you said, everything really was like perfect, like yeah, either way, like a private proposal would have been nice too, but it was really nice doing it with, like, my people there you know, I run.
Speaker 2:dis Disney is obviously a big part of my life. A lot of my friends were there that we were running with Um, so I w I was really happy to be able to share that with everybody. Um, because I had been waiting. Um, I don't know. Um, I don't know, I don't know. I think um my best piece of advice to to contradict Cole if you run with a ring, like do funny photo, pass pictures, because that would have like I would have died seeing some of those. I also still like he passed you at some point and you're both in a picture together and have no idea.
Speaker 1:Neither one of us. Yes, yes, that is, that is absolutely true. So I don't I mean, and the ring was in that picture, it was. I'm going to have to go back and look at my Disney photo pass now. Ok, so long story short. Folks, it's two o'clock in the morning. The man did not lose the ring. He proposed to her. It was beautiful. This is as good as it gets If we're going to do a proposal at Run Disney.
Speaker 1:I honestly think, cole, you did a fantastic job. So many things could have gone wrong and because you did plan as well as you did, because you were so protective over that ring, I think it went through super flawlessly. Which, of course, leads me to how did you guys celebrate afterwards? Cause it has to be super exciting still at that point. And and also, mondo, kudos to Cole and Ashley, because, while it was a very big moment for them, they still took time to congratulate other runners, other friends. They were still there for myriad of other different celebrations and achievements that people were doing throughout that entire race weekend. But how did you guys choose to celebrate? Maybe did you go have a special brunch? Did you have specific Disney parks that you hit up?
Speaker 2:I mean, we, we went to Disney. You know what do you do when you win the Superbowl and you go to Disney world.
Speaker 2:So we went and had a normal vacation. We went back and got showered and ready to go and went over to magic kingdom um for some pictures around there, like classic in front of the castle, and we had one photo pass photographer. That was actually um part of the college program and we submitted kudos to her for the cast compliment because she did amazing, went out of her way and made us a just engaged button and really the pictures that we took are actually on our wedding invitations because they were just great. So went and did that and then went to build droids.
Speaker 1:There you go. That's as fantastic as it gets. So a couple things that kind of come to mind for friends that are considering doing a big race proposal if you're doing run disney, because there are so many fantastic run disney photo spots even there, like actually at the reunion area, um, I think you guys did at some point make your way over to the disney photo pass photographers there, um, to get some special shots and, of course, taking advantage of being at the parks and the PhotoPass photographers there as well. It seems like, again, just so many wonderful ways to celebrate. But any final advice that either of you would have, like Ashley, for somebody who's potentially thinking they may get proposed to after a race like would you say, like, put a flag in your visor so they can find you relatively easily. Like what would you suggest? Get your nails done. Tell me, tell me what kind of advice you guys would give people.
Speaker 2:I mean definitely have your nails done, but the flag, just that was probably the funniest. But that was definitely like hands down, probably the funniest like Disney bound that I've done, because even throughout the race like that was definitely like hands down, probably the funniest like Disney bound that I've done, because even throughout the race like that thing came in handy. So it's funny that even through the reunion areas how he ultimately was able to see you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah and Cole, any like words of advice that you would have or any things that you think that we should know from that experience?
Speaker 3:um, like I said, uh, if you're gonna run with the ring, just make sure it is secure, make sure you're not gonna lose it. Um, I'd say, make sure you're in a, a nice area, that if you have somebody recording you don't have the porta potties like in the background, like right next to you, or uh, you know anything like that. That. That could have been just not bad. But you know, just when you look back at the picture, you just you're not the happiest with yourself.
Speaker 1:It would have been a little stinky too, so that's always not fun but my advice is just do it.
Speaker 3:And I think the reunion area is the best place. Unless you are at an even pace with your partner. Then I say maybe somewhere on the course that is not as crowded and has plenty of room. But because again, I was a little quicker, it worked out really well that I was able to have time to kind of set up plan in my head and make sure you know everything should go okay. But yeah, my best advice is just just do it. If you're thinking about it, just do it.
Speaker 1:So get past the nerves of folks kind of watching or gawking and just kind of embrace the moment and make it happen. Make the magic happen Okay.
Speaker 1:I love that Well, I want to thank you guys so much and I do want to also thank you for letting us share letting myself and others within the training group share in on your really magical special moment. It was seriously so heartwarming and so beautiful to see you guys decide to move forward in that way, and we wish you the very, very best as you continue to plan on your wedding and can't wait to see you guys again for a future run Disney race. So, cole, thank you for sharing your extraordinary moment with us. Ashley, I need you to stick around, my friend, because we've got more information to share for the listeners. So, cole, thank you.
Speaker 3:Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1:All right, friends, I can't stress enough how special that springtime surprise weekend was. But with all the magic that is, all things from Disney, and whether or not folks are planning on getting engaged at the finish line, the very first thing that has to be planned is scoring that magic registration, which is akin to a golden ticket and with a new springtime surprise 2026 themes out. Well, we know that it's going to sell out very quickly, probably a little faster than you can even say pixie dust. So let's break down exactly how listeners can snag their spots, because Ashley and I maybe know a thing or two about registering for Run Disney, and we do know that Club Run Disney can score their registration a full week ahead of general registration. But for the sake of this podcast, this information, we're going to focus on mere mortals that have to play the Hunger Games during general registration. So let's get to it. Let's chat all things springtime surprise. It is a very special weekend for us, isn't it Ashley? It really is.
Speaker 2:That's, like I said, was my start into run Disney. That's how we met. There's so many wonderful things that come out of Springtime Surprise and it's such a nice distance weekend. It's not the chaos of all the other ones. It has a really unique vibe.
Speaker 1:That's just laid back it is, seriously, it's probably my favorite weekend because I mean I feel like there's a great buzz with Wine and Dine with the kickoff of the season. But Marathon Weekend can feel a little bit overwhelming. Princess is definitely overwhelming and spring time surprise just feels a little bit more laid back. So it's got so many great things. And then I love these themes. So tell me what themes are like. Calling to you, girlfriend, oh they all are, but like, let's start.
Speaker 2:5k kick off to everything is utopia. So we got judy hops and Nick Wilde in there, so it's going to be so much fun. I really, really, really hope that they have Giselle like songs all over the course.
Speaker 1:You know they will. Yeah, I mean come on Like.
Speaker 2:Epcot needs to be a dance party for this specifically.
Speaker 1:I cannot wait specifically for that as well. I think what I love and we should definitely pull it back a little bit is that this is all about besties. They're themed all about friendship and besties and that's what I feel springtime surprise does bring that vibe anyway, because people have connected or met throughout the run Disney season and they're able to go back and kind of reunite with all of their best friends. So I'm excited about Zootopia for sure. Um, I think that the 10k theme winnie the pooh and all of our favorite pals from 100 acre woods I can already imagine the cute costumes run disney can as well, because they're asking everybody to wear pants. Um, also, it seems like that one might be a super popular one.
Speaker 2:I know, I know it's gonna be so much fun um it, I can. I can only imagine the costumes and I'm very glad that run Disney put that little disclaimer out there to please wear pants, because people were literally losing their poo over it yeah, yeah, we don't really want to see that, yeah but let's not forget about the 10 miler. Now, christine, I think we kind of like put this out into the universe, because last year's springtime surprise we talked about the emotions.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and we talked about how this was what we wanted to do regardless. So now that it's going to be the 10 miler with Inside Out, I have to ask which character do you really want to dress up as? Oh, my Lord, I don't remember what we said. Well, it's not what we said. What would you want If your heart could choose? We will play for the sake of the team and whatever the team decides, but what really is calling to you If you could bound for the 10 miler? As one of the inside out emotions? Who speaks to you? Who do you resonate most with?
Speaker 2:I don't know out emotions, who? Who speaks to you? Who do you resonate most with? I'm lonely. There's so many. I'm trying to think of all of them and like which one I fit in best with.
Speaker 1:I love that, like inside out is a run Disney race weekend, like from every aspect of it you feel all of those emotions it really is.
Speaker 2:I mean, if I had to pick one, oh gosh, I mean, joy is definitely something I'm definitely not like anger there is no anger, um. But then they have so many new emotions with inside out too that like I don't know, I mean, I think it's probably gonna be. Joy is the most that I resonate with. Um, I just like to always be like happy and yeah, bouncing around. You know, I could also do a little bit of of anxiety, like when you're walking into a new situation but, like immediately.
Speaker 2:Joy is your top favorite list, yeah.
Speaker 3:How about you.
Speaker 1:Oh man, I love all the emotions. What I love about Inside Out is that literally they talk about the fact that, like there is no real bad emotion. So you could choose any of them and absolutely enjoy that weekend to its fullest. But I do love Disgust. Has a little bit of like a panache with her outfit that I would love, and Ennui just makes me giggle. I could never pull it off, but I would love Ennui as well. But with that, of course, the challenge theme is going to be Aladdin and Jeannie, which is positively perfect because those are best buds for sure and that's such a great way to tie together that whole weekend of racing.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And then we have Ohana for you.
Speaker 1:So I have to ask are you going to do it?
Speaker 2:Oh, I don't know. I feel like I need to do it. Oh, I don't know, I I feel like I need to. I'm trying to convince my mom to come down and I think once she finally learns the um themes, I think she's probably gonna do this one, because she really loves Lilo and Stitch and we saw the new movie and it's so so did you cry?
Speaker 1:I bawled. I bawled with the like animated one back in the day and I bawled the new live action one. I just bawled, yeah.
Speaker 2:So sweet. It's a really great wrap up of the weekend because this is still on Monday.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So let's talk a little bit about that before we get into registration. Registration is going to be and what we're going to talk about registration and how to register through general registration will apply across the board, Um, unless if run Disney changes something which could always happen. But as of right now, we're going to use the best tips. But before we get into that, let's talk about run Disney.
Speaker 1:Springtime surprise weekend is right now slated for April 16th through the 20th, which includes that 5k, the 10K, 5K on Friday, 10K on Saturday, 10 miler on Sunday, and yoga is on Mondays Generally. Traditionally is kind of how they always roll through that, and that seems to be the case for this as well. Again, Expo. So we're going to advise that if you are planning for that run Disney weekend, do know that you're likely going to want to go experience all things, expo, um, the very first day, and that's usually held on the Thursday before the race kicks off. All those details can be found at run Disney. But now we are going to get into what it takes to actually score that golden ticket, because I do think this race is going to be super popular based off those themes. So kick it off for me, Ashley, what would you say? Just that people really be prepared for?
Speaker 2:So the first things first, always, always, always, create a run Disney account If you don't have one already. If you do have one, make sure it's up to date with any of your current information, address change. Anything that you can think of that needs to be in there. Even if you think it's up to date, go in and check it, because you don't want to be scrambling when the registration's live and things sell out as you're checking out, sometimes, unfortunately. So make sure that's all in there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, I would agree. I think it's super important as well that not only do you have a run Disney account, that it's all up to date, is to make sure that you are also able to log in, because again, some people forget their login details and they're scrambling for that last minute. So mark it on your calendar. Registration for Springtime Surprise 2026 is going to be Tuesday, july 29th, at 10 am Eastern time. We highly recommend that you block time on your schedule. If you've got a lot of meetings and you're going to try to just casually log on around 10.05 or 10 to 15 and see if you can score, your registration likely is not going to happen. So what is your typical registration morning setup? Walk me through. How does Ashley register during general registration?
Speaker 2:So I always like to have my phone and, like my laptop, set up usually about 20, 15 minutes before registration opens, just to make sure it's up, it's working, everything's charged, there's no little bugs of like connecting to the internet or something like that. So I always make sure I have those set up a little bit early and just kind of like get in that little queue because before registration. You can sit there and look at it and it stays you until time opens. Yes so what do you do?
Speaker 1:Um, I try to plan a run that morning for the record, just because I feel like it'll give me like good juju, like for the registration day, and give me, put me in the right. You have to bring your patients, you have to pack your patients and you have to pack your Zen, and the best way of doing that for me is to have a little bit of an early morning run. But then, as same as you, I like to get set up early. I do block my schedule. I usually like my iPad and my phone, um, and I usually try to use a couple of different browsers. I actually have tried to use like, use like the Safari browser on my phone. So that's, it's just, it's go to default and then I'll use the Chrome browser on my iPad.
Speaker 2:Now, I know folks talk about how, like they have like a preference, do you have a preference with your browser? I think I've always used Safari for my registrations and it's worked well for me.
Speaker 1:Used Safari for my registrations and it's worked well for me. Um, and that's like just what I've stuck with. Yeah, now I know that too. People will talk about using multiple devices, and they have a laptop and a desktop and an iPad and an iPhone and like two or three other different devices. Do you find that that works for you or do you find that a little overwhelming? What do you have? What is your personal opinion on the multiple devices?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I don't think it's ever worked for me. If I've logged into something a little bit later than the others, it is truly later in the line than the others. It's too much to kind of coordinate. At the most I'll do is like to one on my phone, one on my iPad, because you're sitting there trying to make sure your screen doesn't dim and what is this one out? And what is that?
Speaker 1:Right. Right, I mean, and let's be honest, we need a device to be able to text each other as well, because let's, there's lots of that going on on Disney race mornings texting folks to find out where they're at in the queue and just to reassure themselves, or popping onto social media. So what else do you think is really absolutely necessary to prepare for run Disney morning or run Disney registration morning?
Speaker 2:The most important part is having your payment method ready, like knowing what card you're using. Do you have it saved Like, is it pre-fill on your phone or whatever device? Is the card sitting in front of you? Because we know again, technology does weird things and sometimes that doesn't work. So making sure how you're paying for it is ready to go, because if you can't pay for it and you're scrambling trying to find that there's a good chance, you could lose it during that process.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. I think it's also important. If you tend to have, like your bank set up with security measures where you have to kind of like text back a yes or whatever the case may be, maybe you have like a certain spending limits on it. You definitely want to make sure that you've either made them aware or you have changed the spending limits for that specific morning, not because we're all trying to get your credit card and buy our run Disney registrations, but because you don't want anything that's going to hold you up as an obstacle.
Speaker 1:I think it's also really important is to don't get hung up on all of the extras during that registration time, so that's an opportunity to pre-order your purchases to get into your proof of time. I wouldn't bother with any of that until actually you've secured your registration. The only other thing is like have some of these things already either memorized or in a document that you can copy and paste. Like for me, emergency contact is something that I will just copy and paste over really quickly, or anything that you knew you're going to need during submissions process. I would definitely have that ready to go.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so anything of that alike is super, super important. But the most important thing, I think, is having your confirmation, because if you don't have that confirmation, you're not registered. So like I always make sure I have that screen and then immediately go check my email and refresh it, and refresh it until I have that confirmation that, yes, it went through, because there's a chance sometimes that it doesn't go through right um and people unfortunately have gone away and thought they had registration and they never did so.
Speaker 2:So, make sure you have that charge, you have that email, like. Don't just rely on the web browser to say that you're confirmed.
Speaker 1:Yes, absolutely agree, and don't even really rely just on that pending charge either, because if you don't have that confirmation that's come through, so of course check all of your folders and filters and all of that, but if you don't see it in your account, on your own Disney account, or have that confirmation email come through, um, it's really important that you either log back into double check or start reaching out to the run Disney contact group, which, by the way, on registration day, it's going to be very difficult to get through to them. So I would try to do all of those steps that Ashley just said screenshot and save those confirmations. I think the very next important thing that people need to take into consideration and I actually kind of wonder if they should do it even before they register is to maybe get set up with those accommodations. What do you think?
Speaker 2:I have some people do both. I typically will do my travel or rather my hotel accommodations pre-registration, to make sure I have something that's the lovely part about staying on property with Disney. When you book a hotel package, it's only $200 for the deposit to get that room secured and it's yours.
Speaker 2:but you can also cancel it and get that money back, as long as you cancel more than 30 days before check-in well, that's good to know you book it with the 200, you try to get in and unfortunately don't get a bib and you don't want to go through the charity route, then you can get that back. So it's not like you're dead in the water trying to scramble around for hotels, because hotels tend to start selling out. We typically see the more popular hotels sell out first. I know Port Orleans French Quarter is a popular resort for runners, riverside and some of their Royal state rooms, um, or Royal state rooms, royal rooms, um, tend to sell out. And then we do see a pop century typically go next, um, as well as like the all-stars and whatnot. So definitely make sure you get the hotels secured, I would say before, in my personal opinion, so that way you're not running around scrambling and fighting with everybody else.
Speaker 1:So, friends, what you're basically hearing is that we've got registration coming up.
Speaker 1:If you're listening to this before registration day for all of the extra tips, this is probably the perfect time for you to go ahead and use that link in episode notes to reach out to Ashley to have her help you get these hotels booked, have her get your actual trip in the works so that when you do secure your bib, you're able to kind of just know that you've got all of those really important details, like where you're staying, in your race bib.
Speaker 1:Those are the most essential, and then you can work with Ashley on the next steps of planning out the entire trip. I think those are super essential to make sure that you have as less of a stressful process as possible when registering for Run Disney. Now I will also say that, friends, while you may not necessarily need to start training for springtime right now when you register because we do register so far ahead if you do want personalized training guidance, I'm going to ask you to hop on over to the episode links and to use my form to jump onto my one-on-one coaching waitlist Because, again, you want to feel your best for that race weekend.
Speaker 2:And you definitely want to pick coach Christine. She is tried and true. She is a little magical wizard waving her wand at you, for lack of a better word. She's our fairy godmother. She is always there when you have a question, have self doubt anything. Christine is definitely the coach that you want because she is always on the runner side. We have such a blast at any of these race weekends and any. Any event that we are all involved in is always fabulous when you have coach Christine there.
Speaker 1:Oh, I so appreciate that. I mean, at the end of the day, I want to reiterate to guys whoever you choose to train with is fine. Whoever you choose to book your travel with Ashley, it will say the same thing. We totally understand.
Speaker 1:But Ashley and I are run Disney runners. We are really big Disney fans aficionados, so we definitely are there to help navigate that world. That is a little overwhelming for first timers, for 10 timers I mean. It changes from Run Disney weekend to weekend within the season. The registration process we've seen it change over the years as well. So again, if you want someone to help kind of guide you through all of those changes, that's where we both come into play. But I will say there is something super important to take into consideration. If, by any chance, you do not snag that Run Disney registration on the 29th, don't lose hope. There's still other fantastic ways to still get in, and my personal favorite is how I met Ashley in the first place is through charity bib options. Um, so do you want to tell us a little bit about charity bibs, ashley, since I know that you have navigated that way of racing your runs as well?
Speaker 2:Yeah, charity bibs are a great way to do some good in the world, um, and also do the race that you wanted to. That's how I uh successfully completed the perfect season. Did not do it just by luck of the draw. Um, some of them were definitely just charity bibs because I didn't want to deal with the stress of registration day. Um, because that's what ruined my first attempt at it. I was not getting in for dopey, so, um, definitely check out the run Disney website. There is a charity partners page, uh, that you can see all of the uh charities that are associated with run Disney.
Speaker 2:Um, make sure you're not going out to some random website trying to get them because, yeah, runney does have to authorize them as a true charity partner. So make sure you check that page out, reach out to them and get on lists if they have them. Some of them are open, I think, now for bibs for springtime surprise so that you can get access to that see kind of like their fundraising goals for the different levels. But it's a great way, um, and you meet a lot of awesome people, hence how I met coach Christine. But a lot of them have support groups, fundraising assistance.
Speaker 2:You know, they are really there to support you as much as you're supporting them. So it's a great way to do something and give a little bit back, to also gain some time for yourself.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. We have some favorites of the podcast, but all of the charities that are partnered with the friend Disney are fantastic, so I can't speak highly enough of those. With that said, there have been some really great tips. We know that we're just scratching the surface because this process can be super overwhelming. So if you want more details, if you have specific questions that you want to reach out to either of us for, use those links in our episode notes. We're here to help you navigate the entire process.
Speaker 1:Again, we also set up communications with folks that are registering these general registration days to kind of just be able to bounce back any questions that may come up during that registration process as well. So we're happy to help. I want to thank you, ashley, for every aspect of helping people to navigate the travel and accommodations and all the run Disney world, even the charity questions that you help answer, because I do know that, again, it takes a village to be able to run Disney and it takes a village of having that great support through the entire process. So thank you so much.
Speaker 1:Absolutely Thank you for having me. Well, my friends, that is an official wrap for today's episode of Extraordinary Strides. A huge thank you again to Ashley and Cole for sharing their incredible engagement story and to Ashley for her amazing insights and insider tips on those REM Disney registrations. Again, if you're ready to make your next race weekend the most magical yet, be sure to connect with Ashley for your travel needs or join my wait list for personalized training. All of those links are provided in the episode notes or you can join us over at the stride collective community. Now I want to wish you the very best of luck securing your registration. I want to ask you to keep chasing those dreams and I want to thank you for joining us here today. Until next time. I'm Coach Christine and I'm wishing you magical miles and extraordinary strides.
