Finding magic in life often comes down to taking a leap of faith before you fully know how the story ends. On this week’s episode of Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff, host Mr. Daps sits down with author, runner, and creator Lisa DiNoto Glassner for an inspiring conversation about passion, community, and her brand-new book, The runDisney Companion: Your Race Day Guide from Fantasy to Finish Line and Beyond.

Lisa—the creative force behind The Castle Run—has a story that resonates far beyond the race course. After graduating from Harvard Law School and spending years practicing corporate law in the intense world of Big Law, she chose to pivot toward a life centered around passion, community, and family. Today, she lives just 1.2 miles from Cinderella Castle.

During their chat, Mr. Daps and Lisa reflect on how distance running became a vital source of mental clarity, healing, and perspective during major life transitions—and how those lessons laid the groundwork for The runDisney Companion.

More Than a Checklist: The Heart Behind The runDisney Companion

While The runDisney Companion provides essential practical advice for navigating race weekends, Lisa emphasizes that the book was written for anyone looking to challenge themselves and embrace a new goal.

“At its core, it’s not just about running,” Lisa notes. “It’s about having the courage to start something new before you know how the story ends.”

Whether you are a seasoned marathoner aiming for a personal best, a first-timer preparing for your very first 5K, or someone standing on the sidelines deciding if you have what it takes to register, the book serves as equal parts race handbook, personal memoir, and love letter to the runDisney community.

Episode Highlights

In this episode of Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff, Mr. Daps and Lisa chat about:

• From Big Law to Cinderella Castle: Lisa’s journey of redefining success and creating a life just steps away from Walt Disney World.
• Surviving Race Weekend: Practical tips for registration morning, corral logistics, costume planning, and avoiding common beginner pitfalls.
• The Magic of the runDisney Community: Why crowds cheer just as loudly for the final finisher as they do for the first, and what makes course moments so unique.
• Handling Post-Race Blues: How to process the emotions that follow crossing the finish line and transition into your next chapter.
• The Fast Five Round: Lisa takes on Mr. Daps’ signature quick-fire questions, revealing her favorite character, top park, go-to elevator music loop, and dream Disney sidekick!

Get the Book

• Get the Book: The runDisney Companion officially releases on August 7th! You can order your copy and learn more by visiting TheCastleRun.com.
• Follow Lisa: Connect with Lisa’s ongoing journey over at @thecastlerunner on social media.