In this episode of Running on Pixie Dust (Ep 42), I’m recapping the 2026 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend—aka my fourth Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles across the 5K, 10K, half, and full). I share the full play-by-play from expo day (virtual queue, Dopey merch line, bib pickup, and why the whole thing is overstimulating but still worth it) through each race morning, plus the very real “this is expensive but I love it” tension that comes with marathon weekend. The biggest theme this year was managing injuries and still finding the magic. I talk through the calf/soleus issues that started back in June, how it spiraled into Achilles/ankle/foot tightness and hamstring/back-of-knee seizing, and what PT taught me about my form (overstriding on one side, understriding on the other, weak glutes/hips, alignment issues). Marathon weekend became a full-on recovery routine: red light therapy mat, foam rolling, stretch board, massage gun, KT/OK tape “witchcraft,” Biofreeze, anti-inflammatories, and a very intentional fueling plan. I also get into what worked: walking the 5K, run-walking the 10K and half, planning big breakfasts/big early dinners, and marathon fueling (drink mixes, gels every ~3 miles, and yes—bananas on course). Going into the marathon, my goal was honestly just to finish, and I share the mindset shift that helped me get it done.