Ep 264 John Pelkey Start Line Magic And St. Jude Motivation
The RunDisney season is about to kick off, and the energy in the Rise and Run community is unmistakable. With Wine and Dine right around the corner, the conversation centers on smart race preparation: taper week, realistic expectations, and staying healthy when excitement is high.
The episode begins with an introductions from our friend Troy from the Chicago Marathon. If you’d like to introduce an upcoming episode, please reach out to us on our social media. You can also email us, or leave us a message on our hot-line (727-266-2344).
Marathon Weekend 2027 Medals
Race Announcer John Pelkey
runDisney race announcer John Pelkey stops by. John shares his evolution from seeing running as punishment to taking on the St Jude Memphis Half Marathon with the Pelkey Running Club. He compares treadmill-only training to outdoor training in Florida heat, emphasizing uneven pavement, pacing discipline, and the importance of a support system. He talks about learning to start slower, making fewer fueling mistakes, and setting a clear goal for his second half marathon: running smarter and shaving time without turning the day into a misery contest. The discussion also covers “mature runner” realities: injury prevention, longer rehab timelines, and why getting properly fitted running shoes can change everything. John also shares what it’s like to flip the script from being the voice that motivates thousands to being the runner who needs that extra push.
The Race Report Sponsored by Stoked Metabolic Coaching
Shivani officially wrapped up her NYRR 9+1 and 4/6 programs at the Staten Island Half locking in her path to the 2027 NYC Marathon and NYC Half. Even with a tropical storm warning across the region, the race went on, and she showed up ready. Worried about losing a key marathon‑training weekend, she actually ran a solo half marathon in Central Park the day before, making this a true back‑to‑back challenge worthy of runDisney energy.
It was her first time ever racing in nonstop rain, and it didn’t let up for a single second. The Verrazzano views gave her a taste of the NYC Marathon start, but the second half brought brutal winds and freezing, soaked feet. Still, she pushed through and finished strong a huge confidence boost heading into her marathon. Shivani said getting a rainy race under her belt felt like a milestone, and she credits Jeff Galloway’s method for helping her stay steady through the storm. Next stop: The Marathon, just weeks away.
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