Going Dopey to Going G-EAU Bigger: How Disney Marathon Weekend Inspired a New Eau Claire Marathon Challenge
Every now and then, one decision changes everything.
For me, that decision happened during Disney Marathon Weekend, when I signed up for the Dopey Challenge — four races, four days, one unforgettable experience.
At the time, it felt a little… well… Dopey.
But looking back, it was one of the most meaningful running weekends of my life — not because of the miles, but because of what each race represented.
Four Races. Four Stories.
That weekend looked like this:
5K — run with my entire family
10K — run side-by-side with my son, Greyson
Half Marathon — shared miles with my husband, Jeff
Marathon — just me, the course, and a whole lot of belief
Each race felt different. Each start line carried a different emotion.
Together, they created something far bigger than a single finish line.
I didn’t realize it then, but that weekend planted the seed for what would eventually become G-EAU Big and G-EAU Bigger at the Eau Claire Marathon.
The Lesson Disney Taught Me
What the Dopey Challenge showed me wasn’t just endurance — it was progression.
The joy of a 5K.
The growing confidence of a 10K.
The respect demanded by a half marathon.
And the grit required to finish a marathon.
None of those races stood alone. They built on each other.
And that’s when the idea clicked:
What if we created something at the Eau Claire Marathon that encouraged runners to build — not just race?
Not just one day.
Not just one distance.
But a journey.
Introducing G-EAU Big & G-EAU Bigger
That’s exactly how the G-EAU Big and G-EAU Bigger Challenges were born.
These challenges are designed for runners who:
Want to do more than just check a box
Believe progress is worth celebrating
Love the idea of stacking accomplishments over time
G-EAU Big is about stepping outside your comfort zone.
G-EAU Bigger is about leaning into the belief that you’re capable of even more.
They’re not about pace.
They’re not about placement.
They’re about showing up, committing to the process, and letting one finish line lead you to the next.
Why This Matters So Much to Me
Running has always been about more than miles for me. It’s about:
Community
Shared experiences
Moments you remember long after race day
I wanted runners in Eau Claire to feel the same pride I felt during that Disney weekend — whether they’re running with family, friends, or tackling something big on their own.
Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is sign up.
And sometimes, the thing that feels Dopey at first…
turns out to be the most G-EAU BIGGER decision you ever make.
Big Goals Start with One Step
Whether you’re starting with G-EAU Big or going all-in on G-EAU Bigger, remember this:
You don’t have to do it all at once.
You just have to take the next step.
One race can turn into another.
One finish line can open the door to something bigger.
And before you know it, you’re doing things you once thought were impossible.
And that’s exactly the kind of magic worth chasing.
