She Can Go The Distance - Guest Meaghan Swope Discusses All Things DOPEY CHALLENGE! - Living Magically Podcast
Mon Jan 19 2026
In this engaging conversation, Shelby and Courtney chat with runDisney lover Meghan Swope about her journey into running, particularly her experiences with completing her second Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. They discuss the challenges of running in extreme weather (Florida sun!!), the importance of training, and the sense of community that comes with participating in races. Meghan shares her motivations for running, the significance of medals, and how her goals have evolved over time. The conversation highlights the joy and camaraderie found in the runDisney community, making it an inspiring listen for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. In this conversation, Meghan Swope shares her journey through marathon training, emphasizing the discipline required and the balance between social life and running. She discusses her philosophy on training distances, the mental barriers runners face, and her experiences in international marathons. Meghan highlights the importance of community and support in achieving personal goals, encouraging others to embrace challenges and find their own paths in running and life.
Takeaways
Meghan started running in 2012 after a bad breakup. The Dopey challenge includes running multiple races over a weekend. Extreme weather can significantly impact race conditions and outcomes. Training is crucial for building endurance and mental strength. Running events create a sense of community and celebration. Medals serve as tangible rewards for hard work and achievement. Motivation can fluctuate during training and races. The camaraderie among runners enhances the experience. Completing a race is a significant accomplishment, regardless of distance. Future goals can evolve based on experiences and themes of races. New York was the most disciplined I've ever been with training. I don't think you should ever go above 20 miles in training. Tapering is crucial before a marathon. Training for a marathon is like a part-time job. You have to commit to your training schedule. You can shift your long runs around social events. You hold yourself back more than circumstances do. Meeting new people during races can lead to great friendships. Fueling strategies can vary by country. It's important to enjoy the journey and the community.
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In this engaging conversation, Shelby and Courtney chat with runDisney lover Meghan Swope about her journey into running, particularly her experiences with completing her second Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. They discuss the challenges of running in extreme weather (Florida sun!!), the importance of training, and the sense of community that comes with participating in races. Meghan shares her motivations for running, the significance of medals, and how her goals have evolved over time. The conversation highlights the joy and camaraderie found in the runDisney community, making it an inspiring listen for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike. In this conversation, Meghan Swope shares her journey through marathon training, emphasizing the discipline required and the balance between social life and running. She discusses her philosophy on training distances, the mental barriers runners face, and her experiences in international marathons. Meghan highlights the importance of community and support in achieving personal goals, encouraging others to embrace challenges and find their own paths in running and life. Takeaways Meghan started running in 2012 after a bad breakup. The Dopey challenge includes running multiple races over a weekend. Extreme weather can significantly impact race conditions and outcomes. Training is crucial for building endurance and mental strength. Running events create a sense of community and celebration. Medals serve as tangible rewards for hard work and achievement. Motivation can fluctuate during training and races. The camaraderie among runners enhances the experience. Completing a race is a significant accomplishment, regardless of distance. Future goals can evolve based on experiences and themes of races. New York was the most disciplined I've ever been with training. I don't think you should ever go above 20 miles in training. Tapering is crucial before a marathon. Training for a marathon is like a part-time job. You have to commit to your training schedule. You can shift your long runs around social events. You hold yourself back more than circumstances do. Meeting new people during races can lead to great friendships. Fueling strategies can vary by country. It's important to enjoy the journey and the community.