Training, Trust, and 48.6 Miles Later: My Dopey Challenge Reflection
In this episode, I talk about:
What the Dopey Challenge actually is and why it’s such a unique experience.
What 28 weeks of training taught me about commitment, boundaries, and self-trust.
How fueling, hydration, sleep, and recovery completely changed how my body responded.
The deeper “why” behind running.
How these lessons are now showing up in my life and business in small, meaningful ways
What the Dopey Challenge Taught Me About Trust, Intuition, and Showing Up
Last week marked one week post-Dopey Challenge. I’m still feeling all of it: the soreness, the gratitude, the shift in who I know myself to be.
If you’ve followed me on socials or listened to the podcast lately, you know this originally was a “bucket list” item that turned it to so much more for me. It was a six-month-long initiation. Into a new level of commitment. Into deeper body trust. Into listening, resting, hydrating, & showing up. Not for achievement, but for alignment.
So today, I’m walking you through the five biggest takeaways from this experience. From the physical training to the emotional healing that surprised me along the way. Plus: how I’m carrying these lessons forward into life and business.
First, What is the Dopey Challenge?
Dopey is a four-day race series hosted by Disney during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend each January. It includes:
Day 1: 5K
Day 2: 10K
Day 3: Half marathon
Day 4: Full marathon
Yep, 48.6 miles over four days, starting around 5am each morning. That doesn’t even count the extra miles from walking to the corrals, dinner, Disney Springs, or, on marathon day, three parks afterward. (I clocked 70,000+ steps that day alone.)
I ran Dopey with Team Fox, raising money for Parkinson’s research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in honor of my grandfather who passed away last year. That was one of my "why’s", and it kept me grounded through every hard mile.
Takeaway #1: The Mental Game of Training
I trained for 28 weeks, starting in Europe on July 1, 2025. Was it perfect? No. Did I adjust and improvise? Constantly. Did I show up anyway? Hell yes.
Each week included shorter runs mid-week, longer runs on weekends, and eventually, back-to-back simulation runs to mirror the actual Dopey schedule. In November/December, I was saying no to holiday gatherings, yes to early bedtimes, and more no’s to anything that pulled me away from the training I’d committed to.
And here's the thing: I was terrified that saying "no" would push people away. That they’d stop inviting me or assume I didn’t care. But the opposite happened. I learned that the right people respect your boundaries and that honoring my training was a declaration of self-trust.
Takeaway #2: Fueling, Hydration, & Body Trust
This one was huge. I’ve had a complicated relationship with food and overtraining in the past. So going into Dopey, I was scared I might slip back into restriction or perfectionism.
Instead, I did the opposite. I ate when my body asked for food. I hydrated, consistently, not just when I was thirsty. I hired a performance and recovery coach (Shannon, you're an angel), and she helped me stay nourished, strong, and supported throughout the process. She reminded me no matter what, I am an athlete.
The payoff? I barely got sore after long runs. I recovered faster. And more importantly: I proved to myself that I can trust my body.
Takeaway #3: Learning to Listen to my Intuition
There were weeks when my body needed more rest. There were runs where I adjusted my intervals mid-run based on how I felt. And two weeks before Dopey, I got sick. I had to slow way down, miss a few workouts, and resist the urge to push through.
But because I’d built trust over six months, I knew I didn’t need to cram. I’d done the work. What I needed was rest. So I walked instead of ran. I prioritized sleep. And I showed up on race day energized, not depleted.
Women especially: your cycle matters in training. I learned to honor mine instead of fight against it and that changed everything as well.
Takeaway #4: My Deeper “Why”
Yes, I ran for my grandfather. But I also ran for two more reasons:
To stretch myself. I wanted something uncomfortable. Something that demanded presence, not perfection.
To have fun. Seriously. I rode a rollercoaster in the middle of the marathon (Everest!). I stopped for character photos. I ran with joy in my body. And I felt my grandpa with me every step of the way.
That mix of deep purpose and playful energy was magic. It reminded me that joy and discipline are not at odds. They actually amplify each other.
Takeaway #5: Recovery & Integration
The trust I built during Dopey didn’t disappear after the race. It came with me:
I’m still sleeping 8+ hours.
I’m still fueling and hydrating well.
I’m saying “yes” to what matters and “no” to what doesn’t.
I’m making faster, cleaner decisions in business because I trust myself more now.
What I learned the last 6 months and race weekend, didn’t just come and then go after. Each was a lesson, a habit, even proof that I can do these things. Break old beliefs included. I GET to take all of this with me and integrate it into both my life & business even more now!
Bonus thing I learned during the race weekend….. Is the power of inspiration when you are IN THE ENERGY. I was surrounded by people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, etc. And so many who both ran & spectated made the comment…… How not only running but even spectating is inspiring and the energy is felt by all.
So if you’ve never been to a race, whether that’s a 5K or marathon, I highly recommend to go. You’d be surprised the inspiration and awe that comes from watching!
My husband even got inspired! He ran the 5K with me (his first Disney race), and now he wants to do the full Dopey with me in two years.
This Was Never Just About Running
Yes, this entire podcast & writing is about the Dopey Challenge. But it’s also about honoring your commitments, building trust with your body, choosing aligned support, and letting joy be part of the journey.
Whether you’re training for a race, launching a business, or just navigating your next season, the same principles apply.
Listen to your body.
Stay anchored in your “why.”
Choose discomfort with a purpose.
Protect your energy.
Celebrate the hell out of yourself.
And if you’ve ever been curious about doing a Run Disney race... come with me. I’ll be back in October for the Wine + Dine Half Marathon weekend and Marathon weekend again next year for the 10K and half. And of course, back again in 2028 for Dopey Round Two!
We don’t just run races. We remember who we are while doing it.
Cat Roten
Intuitive Leader & Mentor
January 23rd, 2026
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