Episode #144 In this week’s blog/podcast we will discuss Running, Yoga, and Shannon Connelly. Who is Shannon Connelly? Learn how runDisney put our worlds together. At the end of our show we will dive into the week that was! Our Organization had another huge week as we did A run/walk for Faces 4 Autism. We also had two members crushed another 5 miler on back 2 back weeks.

My name is Coach Tadris Parker, I have a passion for helping people become healthier one step at a time. My podcast is designed to help share stories of everyday people that are doing amazing things with their health through running, walking, and following a whole food approach. My blogs are my shorthand notes for the podcast. The notes may not always be complete, but they are short and to the point for a quick read. Continue to scroll down for a quick read and check out this week’s photos.

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Today we introduce ourselves to Shannon Connelly from upstate NY, who now resides in Champions Gate FL. Shannon loves two things: Disney & Yoga! Just like I love: Running & Disney

I stumbled upon a beautiful post by Shannon on the runDisney Facebook group. Shannon posted a video of the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom when one of her friends asked about how the morning flow went. Shannon shared a time-lapse video of the morning practice in front of the Castle. I immediately was in awe. I know how I feel, running past the castle during marathon weekend. I instantly felt like I needed to ask Shannon to share her morning flow experience with us. With that, we introduce you to Shannon Connelly.

Coach: How did that video pop up in my timeline?

Shannon: Thanks so much for having me on the show. You saw it on the runDisney Facebook group.

Coach: Shannon, what do you do for a living?

Shannon: I'm a recruiter for a national trucking company. Before Covid-19, I was a supervisor in the hospitality industry.

Coach: That's awesome. With those heavy responsibilities, do you find that yoga helps you handle them?

Shannon: Absolutely! I use it to give me balance. Yoga is so forgiving. I have been practicing on and off for ten years now.

Coach: How did you find yoga?

Shannon: My cousin was getting married and she had her bridal shower stay in the mountains. The morning we started our morning with a yoga practice. I had no idea what I was doing. I felt so good afterward and fell in love with the practice.

Coach: That is such a great idea that your cousin had. Mountains and yoga what a great combination.

How did you get to do yoga in front of the Magic Kingdom like that? Does Disney host yoga retreats like they put on runDisney events?

Shannon: I found out about the morning practice through the Spring Surprise runDisney events. I registered to do a 5k and one of the days they offered the yoga flow. I loved every second of it. Every time I think about it, it just makes me happy.

Coach: That’s what it’s all about, putting ourselves in a position to create memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to coming to Disney now to run races every year. Would you say that your yoga helps your running?

Shannon: Oh, for sure! I can say that when I’m running at my best is when I’m consistent in my yoga practice as well. I also know a lot of runners who also practice yoga.

Coach: Shannon, does it matter how long you practice? Can it be as short as ten minutes or does it need to be a full forty-five minutes to an hour?

Shannon: I don’t want to mislead anyone, I’m not a yoga instructor, so I can only speak from my own experience. Anytime you can put in and align your body, you will benefit. Sometimes I find myself at work getting a pose in. I have a lot of friends that practice both running and yoga.

Coach: That’s awesome Shannon. I pride myself on interviewing everyday people doing great things. From the video that I saw of you and your famous dancer’s pose, you look like a pro to me! Speaking of running, would you like to join me for the Dopey Challenge in 2023?

Shannon: I would love to join you guys in some form. I never ran more than a 5k, I have a goal of running a 10k someday. I must admit, that’s a little scary because it’s double what I’ve ever done before.

Coach: Listen, I hear you. I just did my first marathon back in January 2022. Previous to that, I only ran half marathons. 13.1 is much different than 26.2! Shannon, I can help you get to a 10k by the fall, and a half marathon by January 2023. I teach our members how to train for these long races without putting a lot of strain on their bodies. Using strategies like run, walk, run combined with heart-rate training to get the job done.

Shannon: Wow, I’m interested in sure.

Coach: runDisney race events go on sale Tuesday, April 19th, 2022! Race events sell out fast so, please set your alarm for 10 am, pick your race distance and let’s do this.

Step 2. Sign up for my Run/Walk Club and start training with us virtually.

Shannon, thank you so much for coming onto our podcast and sharing your runDisney yoga experience with us. This was a lot of fun to talk with you. Please give us one piece of advice for any beginners out there that are ready to start either yoga or running today?

A Journey of 1,000 miles, starts with the first step!

“So take your first step or begin with your first pose”

-Shannon Connelly

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The Week That Was:

Addie and mother Joanna Robbins runs another 8k on back-to-back weeks.

For the second time in two weeks Addies brings home a first place medal!

Congratulations Addie!

Jessica Young also runs another 8k in back-to-back weeks!

Great Job!

Keep Calm And Run To The Best You taught the community the run, walk, run @ the Faces4Autism run/walk for Autism @ Stockton University on April 9th.

Thanks for having us, it was so much fun!

Thanks for reading this week's show. 

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