Training: Week 1 – And So It Begins...

Maggie O
Jun 30
2 min read

Well friends, it’s officially happening. The Dopey Challenge training plan has kicked off—and like a confused tourist at rope drop, I’m already wondering where the heck I’m supposed to be and how fast I need to move.

Week 1 Recap: The Basics

Plan: Jeff Galloway’s Dopey Challenge Training (Run-Walk-Run Method)Goal: Finish smiling... and upright

Actual Training This Week:

Tuesday: 30-min run-walk (I remembered how to sweat. Victory!)
Thursday: 30-min run-walk (A mosquito rowing on Wednesday. Yoga on Sunday-ish.

What I Learned This Week:

joined me for the full workout.)
Saturday: 3 miles long run (Every step was uphill. Even the downhills. How?)
Cross-training: Weights on Monday and Starting is the hardest part. Not because of motivation, but because my legs forgot what “running” feels like.
Run-walk intervals are life. My 3:1 ratio gave me permission to breathe, sip water, and avoid full-blown regret.
The weather is rude. Training in summer heat makes me feel like Olaf dreaming of winter. Hydrate or die-drate.

Fueling Wins:

Prepped overnight oats and chicken burrito bowls to stay on track.
Swapped post-run chips for watermelon. Felt smug for 8 seconds.
Coffee still counts as hydration if you drink it with ice. Right?

Gear Check:

Tried new socks. No blisters = minor miracle.
Realized my shoes are at least two half marathons old. RIP cushioning.
Sports bra survived the bounce test. She’s a keeper.

Recovery:

Foam rolled. Hated it. Did it again.
Did yoga with a YouTube instructor who told me to “smile through the stretch.” Rude, but effective.

Magical Moment of the Week:

I made a new training playlist with every Disney villain anthem I could find. Nothing makes hill repeats feel more powerful than running to “Be Prepared” from The Lion King. Scar was clearly a runner.

Training Tip of the Week:

“Run slow enough that you could have a full conversation... with a Disney character in full costume.” This isn’t about speed—it's about stamina. Build the base. Finish the race. And trust the process.

📆 Next Week’s Goal:

Stick to the plan
Stretch more than I complain
Eat like I care about future me at Mile 22 of the marathon

Want to follow my journey? I’ll be back every Tuesday with real talk, training progress, and enough Disney references to keep it magical.

Until then… may your water bottles be full and your chafing be minimal. 🏰✨