254: Miles Shared, Memories Made: Loopy Looper 2026 Recap

One loop. One river. A whole lot of miles. What happens when a runDisney community takes over a relay event in New Jersey and decides the real finish line is friendship, not pace? We’re joined by Greg, Jack, Chrissie, Ilyana, and Stephen to recap Loopy Looper weekend, where teams rack up loops, tents turn into mini HQs, and every lap feels like a mix of training run and backyard party. We talk through the details that make a looped relay and ultra event work: simple course navigation, timing-bib handoffs that do not waste energy, and the heat management basics that matter most in August humidity. You’ll hear what people actually ate and drank, why salt and pickle juice became MVPs, and how run-walk-run plus strength training can leave your legs surprisingly OK after big mileage. Then Stephen drops the kind of story that makes you sit up straight: a first ultramarathon that’s also a 100-miler, finished inside the 30-hour cutoff, with tight aid-station discipline and a clear goal of staying healthy. We also share the glow loop night run, family finish moments, and why so many runners say the solo miles are great but the relay “party” is the point. If you’re training for runDisney, curious about relay races, or wondering how to keep motivation high in the offseason, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share the show with a running friend, and leave a review telling us: would you ever try a loop event like Loopy Looper? Rise and Run Links Rise and Run Podcast Facebook Page Rise and Run Podcast Instagram Rise and Run Podcast Website and Shop Rise and Run Patreon Runningwithalysha Alysha’s Run Coaching (Mention Rise And Run and get $10 off) Send us Fan Mail 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 Affiliate Links The Start Line Co. Fluffy Fizzies Mona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza Apparel GoGuarded