🍷🏃‍♀️ Running, Wine, and Mickey Ears — Oh My!- Part 5

Mai Smith-Trau
Oct 10, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Our Next Adventure: Disney’s Wine & Dine Run Weekend

Alright, friends — pack your ears and your running shoes because this momma is heading to Disney World! That’s right, it’s time for the Wine & Dine Run Weekend, where we trade our everyday chaos for pixie dust, pasta, and pretending running is fun.

We’re also diving into the Halloween season at Disney, which means spooky snacks, villain vibes, and me sweating through my Haunted Mansion leggings while pretending I’m not out of breath. It’s been since 2017 since I last stepped foot in the parks, so I’m beyond ready to see all the changes — and probably cry when I see Epcot.

Sadly, the fur babies won’t be joining us this time (insert dramatic pug sigh). But don’t worry — they’ll be home living their best spoiled lives with their favorite sitter. I’m sure Bubby will have plenty of opinions about it when we return.

The five races we are participating in.

🏅 From Villains to Wine Glasses

Since the Disney Villains Run, we’ve been training hard. My husband and I decided to squeeze in two more RunDisney events in 2026 — because why not end on a high note (and earn that sweet Coast-to-Coast medal) before Disneyland puts their races on pause for construction?

We’re both creeping up on 50, and let me tell you, staying in shape takes a lot more Disney magic than it used to. But running and Disney? That combo just makes sense. It’s like exercise disguised as a vacation — and I’m totally here for it.

🏃‍♀️ Training: The Struggle Is Real

Between full-time jobs, family life, fur babies, and dinner that doesn’t cook itself (rude), motivation can be… let’s just say a challenge.

But we’ve been sticking to it! I’ve been using Strava and Runna to keep me on track — and yes, they actually sync with my Apple devices, which means I have no excuses left. On cold days, we train on the treadmill (aka “the hamster wheel of doom”). On nice days, we hit outdoor routes that mimic Florida’s flat terrain and humidity — minus the alligators, thankfully.

Whenever I feel like quitting, I remind myself:

“Half marathon. Goal weight. Finish strong.”And sometimes:“You paid for this race, so you better run it.”

It’s all about balance, right?

💬 My Secret Weapon: Facebook Groups

Can we talk about how amazing the RunDisney and Team rundis Facebook groups are? These people are my kind of crazy. We’re all training, complaining, and celebrating together like a big sweaty, sparkly family.

The best part? I can see race routes, costume ideas, and all the hilarious posts about blisters, chafing, and Disney snacks. It’s like group therapy, but with more Mickey ears.

And this year, we’re doing it right. No more fly-in, run, and fly-out nonsense. We’re staying the entire week. Bring on the Dole Whips, people.

✨ Three Weeks to Go — Let’s Do This!

Here’s the thing — I may be an “older” runner (whatever that means), but I’ve shaved a full minute off my pace, and that’s basically Olympic level in my book. I feel stronger, more focused, and totally supported by my family and this amazing Disney running community.

We’ve got three weeks to go, and I can’t wait to share every sweaty, magical, unforgettable moment with you all.

So, if you’ve ever thought, “I’m too old, too tired, too broke, or too busy to chase my goals,” — I’m here to tell you: nope. You can absolutely do this.

Now, excuse me while I go bedazzle my running shoes and pray my sports bra survives another training run.

See you at the finish line — or in line for a Dole Whip. 🍍✨