What can marathon training teach us about effective leadership? In this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by Celia, Executive Director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, who draws fascinating parallels between conquering 26.2 miles and navigating the challenges of executive leadership.

Celia shares how she transformed from someone who "loathed running" during her time at West Point to a four-time Dopey Challenge finisher, and explains how this journey equipped her with crucial leadership skills. Her framework comparing her first month as Executive Director to the stages of a marathon offers brilliant insights into perseverance, mental toughness, and strategic thinking.

"It's 100% mental," Celia explains about both running and leadership. "The hardest barrier to overcome is in your head." From battling imposter syndrome to finding creative solutions during uninterrupted runs, her experiences demonstrate how physical discipline builds professional resilience.

We also welcome back Matt Bowen, known for carrying the American flag during runDisney races. Matt updates us on his fundraising efforts for Operation 300, supporting Gold Star Families, and shares moving stories of connections made along the race course. His passion for honoring military families through running inspires participants and spectators alike.

In our Race Report, we spotlight Tiffany's creative two-state challenge weekend, featuring races in Indiana and Illinois. Plus, we discuss the newly announced Princess Weekend themes for 2026 and explore whether they influence registration decisions.

Whether you're a runner seeking leadership insights or a professional looking for new performance strategies, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning physical challenges into professional strengths.

Matt’s Fundraiser Operation 300
The Most Magical Virtual Race on Earth.

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What does it take to create a race experience so special that runners travel from across the country to participate? Lowell Ladd, race director of the Bird in Hand Half Marathon Weekend, joins us to reveal the behind-the-scenes magic of organizing this beloved event in Pennsylvania's Amish country.

From handcrafted horseshoe medals to running past actual camels at mile 12, this race offers experiences you simply won't find elsewhere. Lowell shares how the local Amish community embraces this event so completely that they regularly turn away volunteer help – a rare challenge in the racing world! We learn about the massive pre-race festival, the beloved community picnic with legendary BBQ that begins cooking at 3:30 AM on race day, and why this event has earned its reputation as "runDisney North" among our listeners.

As summer heat intensifies across much of the country, we discuss essential strategies for adapting your training. We share practical advice for adjusting expectations, modifying workouts, and staying safe while building that valuable heat adaptation that will pay dividends when temperatures cool in fall.

Thomas Stokes drops by to announce the winners of his special scholarships and details about his upcoming transformation challenge starting July 7th. In our race report, we travel from Houston to Ottawa, where Marina shares her experience completing not only the 5K and 10K races on Saturday, but following them with a half marathon PR on Sunday – and capping off her weekend with a surprise King Charles sighting! Plus, we hear from runners in Argentina, Scotland, and across North America completing their Memorial Day weekend races.

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Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Have you spotted the hats and shirts with "Pelkey Running Club" at recent runDisney events? What began as a one-time costume joke has blossomed into a global running phenomenon, and we're bringing you the full story straight from the source.

We sit down with Grant, the club's founder, and John Pelkey himself—the beloved runDisney announcer who went from joking about runners' early wake-up calls to having his name on gear worn on all seven continents. Their chemistry is infectious as they share how a spontaneous gift of four embroidered hats at the 2023 Princess Weekend sparked something neither could have anticipated. As Grant puts it, the Pelkey Running Club is defined by one word: "community."

Ravi joined us for the Race Report spotlight, and we wrapped up this week's episode by drawing inspiration from our friends Tomi and Chad who completed the grueling Keys 100 race, this weekend.

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John’s St. Jude Fundraiser

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Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off)
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Support the show

Rise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsor Links
Magic Bound Travel
Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Rise and Run Podcast Cruise Interest Form with Magic Bound Travel

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Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page
Kawaiian Pizza Apparel
GoGuarded