What if collecting your stars didn’t require juggling hotel hunts, expo lines, and start-time puzzles? We sit down with Destiny2Sport founder Victor Ortiz to unpack a smarter way to run the world; from Berlin’s fast streets and Chicago’s walkable logistics to New York’s electric maze, Tokyo’s quiet precision, Boston’s legendary grind, London’s all-out roar, and Sydney’s shiny new major status.

As a former soccer player turned triathlete and marathon tour operator, Victor shares the practical moves that save energy when it matters most: stay near the start in Tokyo, arrive by Thursday in Berlin to beat jet lag, fuel for NYC’s long pre-race wait, budget for Boston’s premium finish-zone hotels, and time the London expo so you can enjoy the Tower Bridge crescendo without missing aid stations.

We get tactical about course profiles, pacing traps, and on-the-ground choices that make or break the weekend. You’ll hear how room blocks close to finish lines change everything, why a Friday shakeout is more than a photo op, and how flexible group itineraries let introverts and social butterflies thrive. Sydney’s expo lessons, smarter merch runs, and those finish-line photos by the Opera House? Covered. Plus, a peek ahead at Cape Town and Shanghai as likely new majors, and what that means for entries, pricing, and planning your next racecation.

If you want your training to show up on race day, cut the logistics noise and protect your focus. Tap into Victor’s blueprint, choose hotels that serve your legs, and surround yourself with a community that knows the route from lobby to start corral to the medal. Want to learn more about a tour package with Destiny2Sport? Head to their website here.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend chasing their stars, and leave a quick review to help more runners find us.

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

Support the show

Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

Ready to start 2026 on your terms—with movement, magic, and a community that actually feels like you belong? We’re hosting a curated Central Florida retreat built around three themes: epic adventure, extraordinary movement, and pure celebration with fellow Extraordinary Strides podcast listeners!

Think flexible dates, thoughtful resort choices on the Skyliner, and a weekend you can shape to your energy: group yoga, a medal-earning 5K, Epic Universe thrills or relaxed resort time, and a flat, friendly race in the town of Celebration.

We brought in Ashley from Mystical Dream Travel to make planning easy and personal. She walks through value, moderate, and deluxe resort options (Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera), organizes group transportation for our outings, and helps you customize park days without the guesswork. Deposits are straightforward, travel protection is available, and dietary or accessibility needs can be noted in advance. You can reach Ashley at ashleyl@mysticaldreamtravel.com for more information on how to secure your spot for this magical celebration.

Whether you’re a runner, walker, or elite cheer squad captain, we’ll help you craft an itinerary that fits your budget, schedule, and vibe.

The crowning event of the weekend is Sunday’s Celebration Half/Full Marathon—a flat, PR-ready race that’s welcoming for first-timers and back-of-the-pack legends alike. We share why this course is ideal if you’re chasing a personal best or working on a new Proof of Time for better runDisney corral placement, plus a discount code (EXTRA2026) that saves $15 before tier pricing rises.

After the finish, we reset at Epcot to toast milestones, maybe a champagne in France, maybe that famous moonshine sour in America, before Monday’s mellow goodbyes.

If you want a training plan that can deliver an extraordinary & celebratory experience, our 16-week half-marathon program starts October 6, with community support through the Extraordinary League. Fill out your training interest form here or reach out at christine@extraordinarystrides.com

If your New Year’s momentum needs warmth, guidance, and good company, this is your weekend.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

Support the show

Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

Sydney Marathon beckoned as the newest World Marathon Major, and I couldn't resist answering the call after earning my six-star medal in Tokyo. This Australian adventure would become my seventh major—a milestone I never expected to reach when I started this journey.

The electric atmosphere at the expo set the tone for the weekend, with volunteers and organizers proudly showcasing Sydney as the latest "world wonder" in the marathon circuit. Abbott created special photo opportunities for seven-star finishers, and I was thrilled to see strong female representation among participants. While the expo ran smoothly on day two, some logistical challenges emerged on race morning—most notably a 75-minute porto potty wait that left me rushing to my corral!

Let me be crystal clear: Sydney offers the most challenging course among the majors, with significant hills in the later portions. The spectacular route winds through beautiful landscapes with perfect weather, culminating in that iconic finish at the Sydney Opera House. What Sydney currently lacks in crowd support compared to Chicago or New York, it compensates for with stunning scenery and strategic entertainment stations. Fellow runners considering this race should incorporate hill training at the end of long runs to prepare for those climbs on fatigued legs.

Managing the 14+ hour time difference presented its own challenge. I fully committed to time-shifting protocols—even giving up caffeine despite Australia's amazing coffee culture! While not a perfect solution, these strategies helped me avoid illness despite extensive travel. The experience reinforced valuable lessons: you get the race you train for, preparation matters, and finish lines aren't endings but transitions to what comes next in our running journeys.

Ready for your own extraordinary challenge? Join our October "Ghoul-Friend Gauntlet" in the Extraordinary League for accountability, connection, and a bit of spooky season fun. Drop into the Stride Collective to share what you're training for next, and keep making those extraordinary strides!

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

Support the show

Join the newsletter list for updates, special offers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Join fellow pod and running enthusiasts at The Stride Collective community on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.