Extraordinary Strides – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if collecting your stars didn’t require juggling hotel hunts, expo lines, and start-time puzzles? We sit down with Destiny2Sport founder Victor Ortiz to unpack a smarter way to run the world; from Berlin’s fast streets and Chicago’s walkable logistics to New York’s electric maze, Tokyo’s quiet precision, Boston’s legendary grind, London’s all-out roar, and Sydney’s shiny new major status.

As a former soccer player turned triathlete and marathon tour operator, Victor shares the practical moves that save energy when it matters most: stay near the start in Tokyo, arrive by Thursday in Berlin to beat jet lag, fuel for NYC’s long pre-race wait, budget for Boston’s premium finish-zone hotels, and time the London expo so you can enjoy the Tower Bridge crescendo without missing aid stations.

We get tactical about course profiles, pacing traps, and on-the-ground choices that make or break the weekend. You’ll hear how room blocks close to finish lines change everything, why a Friday shakeout is more than a photo op, and how flexible group itineraries let introverts and social butterflies thrive. Sydney’s expo lessons, smarter merch runs, and those finish-line photos by the Opera House? Covered. Plus, a peek ahead at Cape Town and Shanghai as likely new majors, and what that means for entries, pricing, and planning your next racecation.

If you want your training to show up on race day, cut the logistics noise and protect your focus. Tap into Victor’s blueprint, choose hotels that serve your legs, and surround yourself with a community that knows the route from lobby to start corral to the medal. Want to learn more about a tour package with Destiny2Sport? Head to their website here.

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Ready to start 2026 on your terms—with movement, magic, and a community that actually feels like you belong? We’re hosting a curated Central Florida retreat built around three themes: epic adventure, extraordinary movement, and pure celebration with fellow Extraordinary Strides podcast listeners!

Think flexible dates, thoughtful resort choices on the Skyliner, and a weekend you can shape to your energy: group yoga, a medal-earning 5K, Epic Universe thrills or relaxed resort time, and a flat, friendly race in the town of Celebration.

We brought in Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel to make planning easy and personal. She walks through value, moderate, and deluxe resort options (Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera), organizes group transportation for our outings, and helps you customize park days without the guesswork. Deposits are straightforward, travel protection is available, and dietary or accessibility needs can be noted in advance. You can reach Ashley at ashleyl@mysticaldreamtravel.com for more information on how to secure your spot for this magical celebration. 

Whether you’re a runner, walker, or elite cheer squad captain, we’ll help you craft an itinerary that fits your budget, schedule, and vibe.

The crowning event of the weekend is Sunday’s Celebration Half/Full Marathon—a flat, PR-ready race that’s welcoming for first-timers and back-of-the-pack legends alike. We share why this course is ideal if you’re chasing a personal best or working on a new Proof of Time for better runDisney corral placement, plus a discount code (EXTRA2026) that saves $15 before tier pricing rises. 

After the finish, we reset at Epcot to toast milestones, maybe a champagne in France, maybe that famous moonshine sour in America, before Monday’s mellow goodbyes. 

If you want a training plan that can deliver an extraordinary & celebratory experience, our 16-week half-marathon program starts October 6, with community support through the Extraordinary League. Fill out your training interest form here or reach out at christine@extraordinarystrides.com

If your New Year’s momentum needs warmth, guidance, and good company, this is your weekend. 

We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

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Summer running presents unique challenges, but with Coach Christine's comprehensive survival guide, you can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.

• Protecting yourself from bugs with appropriate repellents and permethrin-treated clothing
• Conducting thorough tick checks post-run to prevent complications like Lyme disease
• Avoiding poisonous plants by staying centered on trails and wearing protective clothing
• Applying and reapplying broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent painful sunburns
• Adjusting pace expectations during extreme heat, potentially running 60-180 seconds slower per mile
• Incorporating run-walk strategies to manage summer heat stress
• Creating personal aid stations with cold drinks, fruit, and electrolytes for long runs
• Protecting electronics during sudden rainstorms with waterproof pouches or improvised solutions
• Making noise on trails to avoid startling wildlife through bear bells or playing audio at conversation level
• Maintaining motivation with post-run rewards like stopping at ice cream shops or getting iced coffee

Need personalized running advice? Coach Christine is just a text or message away to help you navigate your summer running challenges.

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Lace-up your running shoes and sprinkle some fairy dust on your headphones because today, you're joining us on an enchanting runDisney adventure! The magic of Disney isn't just for theme parks; it's also for the pavement, and we're chatting with five incredible guests to help inspire your run and answer your questions!

Packed with wisdom, download our FREE Ultimate Run Disney Guide as your companion for everything from registration to optimal race rest to the psychological benefits of breaking down those formidable long runs. Hang on to your magic bands; this episode is a marathon of tips that will have you racing past Cinderella's Castle in no time.

Stay in touch with our incredible guests here: 

Ashley Rose runDisney Travel Specialist of Mystical Dream Travel

Aaron Nool @noolrunnings

Fred Feizollahi @kingcharmingfred

Tricia Carbone @perfectlydopey

Dr. Andrew Strickland @puppet_runner

The finish line is just the beginning as we wrap up with heartwarming reminders that any dream is achievable.

Don't forget your added sprinkle of pixie dust, the Ultimate runDisney guide to ensure your race experience is as smooth as Cinderella's glass slipper. So tune in, be inspired, and remember, when you run Disney, every mile is magic!

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As we wrap up the year and take a breather, we want to take this moment to extend our heartiest thanks to you - our loyal listeners and our vibrant running community. You've run alongside us through miles and moments, sharing in the laughter, the struggles, and the triumphs. Your stories have not just enriched our journey, but they've also made it more meaningful. Our Brunch+  community, our backbone, your unwavering support has let us grow and share inspiring tales from the tracks and trails.

Join us as we tip our hats to our remarkable athletes and clients at TFB training. Your stories of determination and grit continue to inspire us and light the way for future runners. As we welcome the festive season, we hope it brings you happiness, peace, and joy. Don't miss out on new opportunities, fresh challenges, and inspiring narratives as we step into the new year. On December 29th, we'll be back, ready to accompany you on your runs, your workouts, or over a cup of coffee. Until then, rest, recharge and revel in the festivities. Remember, Time for Brunch is not just about running. It's a celebration of community, endurance, and shared successes. So here's to more miles, more smiles, and more stories in the forthcoming year!

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Ready to turn heads during your holiday runs? Shelby and Christine, your trusty running coaches, are here to guide you through the world of fashion-forward, eco-friendly running gear. 

We promise you'll discover a whole new level of style and comfort in your running experience. From trendy headlamps and shoe lights to the latest Shark Tank invention, you'll be the talk of the town on your next run.

We've curated a selection of the most innovative running gear available online and in physical stores. Discussing the pros and cons of each shopping method, we uncover the best deals for you. 

We'll introduce you to the latest running sunglasses from Bose and Goodr, and the ultra-versatile CVG's facial leggings. 

Ever heard of Tifosi's Swank XL sunglasses or CVG's fleece-lined leggings? You don’t want to miss our review on these game-changers, perfect for those chilly winter runs.

To wrap it up, we've rounded up the best running accessories that make the perfect holiday gifts. 

Bring joy to the runners in your life with our picks, from the practical running belts to the stylish Koala Clip. Let's not forget about arm sleeves, perfect for those who prefer to keep their essentials close at hand. This holiday season, give the gift of style, comfort, and safety. 

Run into the holidays with us and happy running!

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Join us, your favorite coaches Shelby and Christine, as we turn the spotlight on the festive spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions. We're going to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling our personal holiday experiences. 

Picture yourself as part of the story, as we paint the canvas with memories of my grandmother during Hanukkah and Christine’s vivid description of the festival of lights. And what’s a holiday celebration without a workout? We've also put together a unique workout to keep you energized during this wonderful season.

Get ready to engage in an entertaining game of "Would You Rather?", infused with a holiday twist that blends celebrations with workouts. Ever wondered what it would be like to partake in a holiday karaoke contest or dance in a Hanukkah flash mob? Or how about living in a gingerbread house versus a sukkah? And what if you had to choose between decorating with Christmas lights or creating an endless buffet of latkes? 

These are just some of the questions we'll be asking, and your answers might surprise you!

We promise, in this episode, it's not just about the questions and the workouts - it's also about the delicious holiday flavors! We're going to whip up some scrumptious holiday recipes featuring garlic rosemary latkes, Puerto Rican sofrito, and a foolproof flan recipe. 

Plus, we'll give you a taste of the vibrant Christmas traditions of Puerto Rico. So, lace up your shoes and fetch your apron. Whether you're celebrating with family or alone, let's make this holiday season filled with happiness and love.

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Struggling to find the perfect gift for the adventurous runner in your life? Let us help you navigate the myriad of possibilities. This episode is chock-full of exciting gift ideas to inspire the explorer within every runner.

We kick off with an in-depth look at GPS running watches, a must-have for every trail-blazer. We're also tipping you off about DC Rainmaker, the ultimate guide to GPS and smartwatches, so you don't have to sweat about choosing the right one.

But we don't stop at watches. We're going off the beaten path to bring you some unconventional, yet equally essential, gift ideas.

From top-notch first-aid kits by Uncharted Supply Co to self-defense classes and the nifty National Park Annual Pass. This pass isn't just your ticket to adventure, but also a trove of handy newsletters and pamphlets to help plan your exploits.

And for those who love penning down their escapades, we've got the perfect companion - the Custom Adventure Run Planner.

As we wrap up this holiday shopping guide, we remind you to take a breather and care for yourself amid the shopping frenzy.

Interested in the Momentum Mountain Asheville Retreat for October 2024? Fill out the interested form here.

 Find all the links at our accompanying blog here.

So lace up, put a smile on your face, and join us as we hit the trail together on this gift-hunting adventure!

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Ever wonder why so many people involved in running also take the time to volunteer? We're diving into the world of running community volunteering and fundraising to answer that question and more! 

From discovering the avenues to get involved, to unpacking the ripple effects of volunteering on mental health and the broader running community, we're here to showcase the altruistic spirit that fuels this sporting community.

Experience an endorphin rush like no other as we highlight the psychological benefits of volunteering. We discuss how cheering on fellow runners, fostering connections, and contributing to race days can lead to reduced stress, elevated happiness, and improved communication skills. 

Not to mention, we discuss how getting involved can offer you a foot in the door to the running industry, all while keeping safety a top priority. We also underline the importance of inclusivity in the running community, and how volunteering can shed light on areas that need improvement.

Ever heard of Girls on the Run, Achilles International, or Back on My Feet? These are just a few of the numerous organizations in need of volunteers. We delve into the many ways you can contribute, and emphasize the value of finding a cause that truly resonates with you. 

Plus, we offer strategies and creative ideas for fundraising for running charities. From hosting restaurant events to creating sponsorship packages and corporate matching programs, we've got plenty of inspiration for your next charity run. 

So, come join us as we discuss ways to inspire inclusivity in sports, give back to the running community, and craft memorable fundraising ventures. 

As the saying goes, “Those who can, do; those who can do more, volunteer.”

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Ever wondered what the perfect gift might be for the runner or self-care enthusiast in your life? Or maybe you're a fan of mindfulness and meditation and you're on the hunt for a new app to incorporate into your daily routine?

Get ready to join us, Coach Shelby and Coach Christine, as we jingle all the way into the world of creative and thoughtful gift ideas perfect for the holiday season. Starting with our personal favorites - compression calf sleeves and compression socks – we guarantee they are a game-changer for everyday wear, especially under running clothes.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll also guide you through the benefits of gifting a meditation app subscription, exploring top picks like Calm, Headspace, and 10% Happier.

Each one is packed with activities ranging from general wellness knowledge to performance-focused meditations. And just when you thought we were done, we'll share our love for runners' essential items like recovery sandals, Epsom salts, and bath bombs, and self-care goodies like gift cards to grocery stores and cooking classes and more.

So, lace up those shoes and let us lead you on a journey of unforgettable gift ideas - fill your miles with a side of smiles with us!

Wanna find all the links we mention here? Check out the accompanying blog post here. 

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