About runDis Dad 🏰🏃‍♂️

The Origin Story

It started the way a lot of good things start — with my kid saying something that changed everything. My son Andrew looked up at me one day and said, "Dad, can we start running together to get in better shape... and then maybe run a Disney race?" I wasn't a runner. Not even close. But when your kid asks you to do something magical, you say yes.

We signed up for the Springtime Surprise Challenge (5K + 10K + 10 Miler) at Walt Disney World, trained together (badly at first), and crossed that finish line side by side. That was it. We were hooked. 🎉

Who I Am

I'm Michael Halbrook — a dad of four boys, a husband of 21 years, and a guy who went from couch to Castle in ways I never imagined. I've run multiple runDisney events including 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

I'm also a tech guy by trade — 30+ years in media, marketing, and technology leadership, including 18 years at Adobe. But this site isn't about that. This is about the magic of running through a theme park at sunrise with your kid. 🌅

Why runDis Dad

There's a ton of great running content out there, but not a lot of it speaks to dads who are just getting started — especially dads who want to do this with their kids. runDis Dad is the blog I wish I'd had when Joseph first asked me to run.

Here you'll find:

• 🎢 runDisney tips, tricks, and insider knowledge
• 🏅 Honest race recaps from someone who's not trying to win — just finish with a smile
• 🏋️ Training plans for every level (especially beginners)
• 👟 Gear reviews focused on what actually matters
• 💪 Motivation for when mile 10 hits different

Other Places You'll Find Me

I also write at Lead & Keep (leadership and navigating the second half of life) and Deacon Michael (I'm also an ordained Catholic deacon), and I run Domus Formation, providing prayer and formation resources. Because apparently I can't stop building things. 😄

Let's Connect

Got a question? Want to share your runDisney story? Drop me a message — I'd love to hear from you.