Running trends are everywhere right now, from Garmin badge chasing and runDisney friendship bracelets to Strava titles, race-day tattoos, emotional support water bottles, matching outfits, sparkle, DJ run clubs, and yes… people apparently churning butter on the run.

In this fun and wildly relatable episode of Extraordinary Strides, Coach Christine is joined by Shelly Rose to unpack the viral running trends they love, the ones they would happily retire, and the race-day etiquette runners should not ignore. Then they take on the Running Alphabet Challenge, trying to cheer on imaginary runners from A to Z without Googling, cheating, or losing their dignity somewhere around X.

Whether you run, walk, race, cheer, sparkle, badge chase, or simply wonder what on earth runners are doing on social media, this episode is a lighthearted reminder that fitness does not have to be serious to be meaningful, and community really does make the miles better.

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Is Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend the best runDisney race weekend for first-timers? In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, Christine kicks off a four-part guide to the Walt Disney World runDisney race weekends with a deep dive into Wine & Dine.

By the time this episode airs, most current registration dates have passed, so this conversation is perfect for future race planning, charity bib decisions, and runners trying to decide which runDisney weekend actually fits their goals, training season, travel budget, and personality.

Christine is joined by two runners who love Wine & Dine for very different reasons. Allegra shares why Wine & Dine was a joyful first half marathon experience, what northern runners should know about training for Florida humidity, and why this weekend can feel lower pressure than other runDisney events. Wendy brings the perspective of an experienced runDisney runner who has completed every current Walt Disney World race weekend and still chooses Wine & Dine as her favorite.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Wine & Dine may be a great first runDisney weekend
• How it compares to Marathon Weekend, Princess Weekend, and Springtime Surprise
• What northern runners should know about heat, humidity, and Florida weather
• Why the after-party is part of the magic, but also requires a plan
• Who Wine & Dine is best for
• Who may want to choose a different runDisney weekend
• Tips for training, costumes, packing, and race weekend strategy

If you are considering a future Wine & Dine registration, looking at charity bibs, or dreaming about your first runDisney race, this episode will help you decide whether this flavorful fall race weekend belongs on your calendar.

Grab Coach Christine’s free runDisney Challenge Training Guide here:
https://extraordinarystrides.com/rundisney/

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Running can be the most consistent thing in your life, right up until your body forces a plot twist. Shelly Rose is back, and the “first half marathon” version of her has evolved into a runner with multiple half marathons, Ragnar memories, Run Disney miles, and a very real injury chapter that includes a calf strain and plantar fasciitis. That detour sparks a bigger question we all face: how do you keep building fitness when running cannot be the only tool?

We get practical about cross-training for runners, including what actually counts and why the purpose matters more than the label. We talk aerobic capacity and zone 2 work, the role of mobility and strength training, and the surprisingly specific details that make workouts work or fail, like aqua jogging without losing your mind, stationary bike discomfort, and why hot yoga can be approachable even if you do not “flow.” Shelly also shares how dance fitness like Jazzercise and Zumba delivers sweat, joy, and the lateral movement running misses, plus how “wrong and strong” can be a perfect mindset for learning something new safely.

Then we go deeper into the mental side: comparison, perfectionism, and what it feels like to rebuild after time off while your watch keeps reminding you of past paces. We close with a joyful movement draft for stressful days, low impact days, and “I want to feel strong” days, plus a listener challenge to help us pick the next cross-training adventure.

Subscribe, share this with a runner who needs options, and leave a review if the show helps you keep showing up. What cross-training should we try together next?

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Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

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