Wife Mother Runner half marathon Archives

runDisney Races Are Coming Back!

July 12, 2021

RunDisney races are coming back! If you haven’t heard already, then you must live under a rock! Not only that, they are coming back this November for Wine & Dine weekend. Do you all know what that means? Registration day is going to be INSANE! It also means it’s time to start training!

Along with the amazing news that RunDisney has finally bestowed to us, after teasing us on social media for the past few weeks, there are some changes for their return. I’ll share with you the changes you can expect in comparison to races prior to Covid-19.

runDisney Race Registration

Those of you who still have your Walt Disney World Annual Pass, or are a DVC member, you will no longer have an earlier registration date. The only people who will be granted early access are the runDisney Club Gold and Platinum members.

If you are not a runDisney Club member and you’d like to join, the registration period to join is currently closed. According to the runDisney Club page, the current membership term ends on September 30, 2022:

Club runDisney Membership is valid October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Benefits listed expire on September 30, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

I am not a runDisney Club member, and at this point, and from what everyone is saying, it is enticing to want to consider it for the benefit of getting a better corral placement and the ability to register a week early for the races. However, the early registration option is only available for the Gold and Platinum memberships. The corral placement option is only available for the Platinum membership.

Silver Membership Benefits $265.43
Gold Membership Benefits $478.63
Platinum Membership Benefits $798.43

Travel Agent Packages

You can no longer book a race package through your favorite travel agent. All registrations have to be done by the individual runner. However, you can still book your rooms and park passes through your favorite travel agent. In fact, I would recommend you get on that ASAP!

From what I am hearing from my podcast friends, that the reason for not having travel agent packages is to entice people to register for runDisney club when it opens again for new members.

Charity Bibs

There is a lot of chatter in the Facebook groups about charity bibs. From what I have learned, there are requirements of the charities that they are unable to commit to at this time, so the charities that used to receive bibs for the races are not getting bibs for the upcoming races and for 2021.

Registration Dates

Registration is going to be a race in itself. With so many people chomping at the bit to get back to these races, the registration process will be similar to what it was back in 2014 and 2015 when registration day would cause as much stress as race day!

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 4-7, 2021:

- - Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens July 6, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for In-Person Races Opens July 13, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for Virtual Races Opens July 16, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Marathon Weekend – January 5-9, 2022:

- - Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens July 20, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for In-Person Races Opens July 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for Virtual Races Opens July 30, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24-27, 2022:

- - Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens August 17, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for In-Person Races Opens August 24, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  - General Registration for Virtual Races Opens August 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Springtime Surprise Weekend – March 31 – April 3, 2022:

- - Registration dates have not been announced at the time of this blog post.

Prices

Seems like the prices haven’t changed too much compared to previous years. Here are the breakdowns for the races:

Wine & Dine Race Weekend:

- - 5K – $95
  - 10K – $135
  - Half Marathon – $215
  - Challenge (10K & Half Marathon) – $360
  - Virtual Races ($79 – $252)

Marathon Weekend:

- - 5K – $95
  - 10K – $135
  - Half Marathon – $195
  - Full Marathon – $195
  - Goofy Challenge (Half Marathon & Full Marathon) – $390
  - Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Full Marathon) – $600
  - Virtual Races ($79 – $480)

Princess Half Weekend:

- - Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga – $95
  - 5K – $95
  - 10K – $135
  - Half Marathon – $210
  - Fairy Tale Challenge (Half Marathon & Full Marathon) $355
  - Virtual Races ($75 – $232)

Proof of Time

This is a big concern for runDisney race participants. And it has been one of the reasons why I thought I had to register for a local half marathon as soon as we heard if runDisney was going to host races again. A proof of time is only required if you are going to run a half marathon under two hours. This was what was written for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend.

The proof of time instructions for the full marathon has been shared in a few Facebook groups. I saw one that was requiring a marathon finish time of less than 4 hours and another showed a requirement of less than 5 hours. Either way, I don’t have the ability to run the races that fast, so my corral placement fate will fall into the hands of runDisney.

New Special Offerings

New Race Theme

There is a new race added to the line up. Instead of the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon weekend that took place in April, there is a new Springtime Surprise Weekend which will take place every March. Each year there will be a different theme for the races. Details are yet to be released for the 2021 races.

Sunrise Yoga!

I love yoga! Yoga in front of Cinderella Castle at sunrise? Sign me up! During the Princess Half Marathon weekend, there is a special event taking place on the first morning of the event weekend. Sunrise Yoga will take place before Magic Kingdom opens, led by a professional yoga instructor to help you get your mind and body prepared for the race weekend.

Photo by Disney Parks Blog

Changes For Race Weekends

Race Day Bib Pickup

Something I used to rely on in case of bad weather or a late flight before the races was race day bib pickup. RunDisney has now published that this option will not be available. Race bibs and shirts must be picked up prior to the day of the race. We are hoping that runDisney has announced that but will still have bibs with them on race morning in case of extreme circumstances, and they just aren’t sharing that the option is available.

Character Stops

The races will still have on-course entertainment; but it won’t be the same as in the past. Word on the street is that there will be “selfie stops” along the course to take pictures of characters from a distance. Very similar to how character interactions take places in the parks now.

Kids Races

The kids races are being modified and are not currently offered during the races posted for 2022. They have published a new experience for kids called the runDisney Kids Adventures; but no details are available at this time.

Spectators

At the time of this blog post, there isn’t a Chear Squad offered for spectators. RunDisney is still evaluating this experience option. One of the questions going around is if spectators will be able to cheer from the parks. I’m sure we will get more info as time goes on.

Which Races Are You Going To Do?

With all of these changes coming back, will you be registering for one of, or all of these races weekends? I plan to run marathon weekend to continue to keep my streak going. I will most likely register for Goofy again. However, I don’t want to miss the Princess Half Marathon weekend and the yoga experience!

Let me know which races you are doing! I can’t wait to see all of my running friends again!

My Running Goals for 2019

February 20, 2019

Now that I already have the 48.6 miles from the runDisney Dopey Challenge under my belt for this year, I am working on my running goals for 2019. Each year I set goals for which races I want to run locally or in different states. I don’t have a Fall marathon on my schedule. I didn’t get into the New York City Marathon this year so I have to consider an option for a different marathon or to decide if I even want to run a Fall marathon. I do know that I am going to participate in several 5K races and a handful of half marathons in Connecticut.

Upcoming Races

My son and I will be running the Hartford Marathon Foundation Lucky Challenge. He told me he wanted to run these races with me again, and he also wanted to see the medals. Looks like he has inherited a little bit of the bling fever from me!

We will run four 5k races in four towns of Connecticut. These back to back race weekends lead up to St. Patrick’s Day for the final race in the state’s capital. These races are a lot of fun and we get dressed up in St. Patrick’s Day accessories.

We don’t run fast but we enjoy the time driving to the races, running the races, the great swag, seeing my friends, and even the post race corn beef sandwiches.

What Are My Goals?

More Half Marathons

I am planning to get a decent proof of time for any future runDisney races. I am training for, and running the Cheshire Half Marathon in April. That is where I have had my best half marathon finish times. It is also the location of my very first half marathon. I’m also planning on doing the Cape Cod and Hartford Half Marathons. I may consider the Hershey Half Marathon as well this year.

Incorporate Speed Work Into My Training

It’s going to take some work and dedication to increase my speed for my next half marathon in April. I want to get a finish time between 2:15 a 2:30. It’s a big push goal for me.

But in order to get faster you have to do the cadence drills like Jeff Galloway recommends. I trained with Jeff Galloway with his e-coaching for my first Dopey Challenge. I found his training plan to be spot on and I successful with finishing my first and now fifth Dopey Challenge.

Hit The Hills

Yea hills are no fun. But it is a nice change for your body to push yourself up the hills. You need the challenge and it will ultimately make you stronger. Here are some tips on how to begin running and including it as a part of your lifestyle.

Hit The Gym

You can also incorporate cross training that includes squats and runner lunges that Fitz Kohler offers. She has great exercise programs dedicated to just runners of all abilities.

How To Register For A Disney Race

Registration for next January’s races opens up on April 19th so I have a little over a month to decide. I don’t know if this year it will sell out. Last year it did not. To register for a runDisney race or to see other runDisney races, visit www.rundisney.com. During the summer runDisney also does a virtual 5K series. I participated in the first year. Last year the theme was on the Incredibles along with the release of their new movie. I wonder what this year’s theme will be!

Will I Do Dopey Again?

I really don’t know how to answer that! I want to…. so I guess between now and when the registration opens I have to make some decisions and do a reality check. I should also talk with the friends of mine that were freaking out along with me just before the race weekend.

I did have such a great race this year. Despite my fears, I surprised myself with my strong finish. I’ll do some soul searching and think about my intentions while I continue to remain consistent with my weekly running and cross training schedule.

What races are you running this year? Share them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Disneyland Half Marathon Medals Released

July 25, 2017

The new runDisney medals were released on Monday for the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. With just over a month left until the race, things are starting to come together in regards to the theme for the race. This means I need to get my head around some costume ideas!

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Sponsored by Cigna Race Themes

Based on the images on each medal the themes for each race is the following:

5K – Incredibles

10k – Monsters Inc.

Half Marathon – Toy Story

Attention Dumbo Double Dare Legacy Runners!

Good news for Dumbo Double Dare legacy runners! I read the fine print and answered a question I had been wondering for a long time. With the change of the theme moving to Pixar, Dumbo Double Dare legacy runners will be recognized with a special medal.

Since I have never done a Pixar theme for a race before this will be fun and interesting to pull together rather quickly. Thank God for Pinterest and Etsy!

Do you have any ideas for me? What will you be dressed up as for these races?

I Have a Decision To Make

September 13, 2016

I have come to a point in my running life where I need to make a difficult decision. This decision is based around the Marine Corps Marathon. I entered the lottery for the marathon this year as a way of tossing my fate out to the universe, and I was chosen. So I accepted the fact that I was chosen and I have been training for it. I am coming to the point in the training where longer runs are required and these runs are intertwining with my family’s busy schedule of Fall softball season and back to school events, along with Fall activities.

If you read my blog you will remember that last year I had a very difficult race for the Marine Corps Marathon. This year, during my training I have been analyzing my stats from last year’s race and mapping out training runs against the elevation map of the existing course map. So I am preparing myself. Also, major changes have been made to the race course this year because of the changes going on with the Metro construction. If there ever is a year to do this race with a lot of leeway, this is the year. BUT, I am just not feeling it in my heart. If I am not feeling it in my heart now, what is going to happen on race day? I already feel like I am setting myself up for failure.

Last year Dimity McDowell, from Another Mother Runner’s spoke at a seminar for Girl’s Night Out during Hartford Marathon weekend. She mentioned that there are sometimes things that happen in our life that get in the way of our training, or can cause a shift in our focus. Changes in work, changes in family, health, etc. I did just start a new job this past summer and my husband has been struggling with pain lately. So there is a lot on my mind.

I finally vocalized my fear of this race to my husband today and told him I am considering deferring my registration this year. He supports my decision either way; but did tell me that sometimes we get burnt out with things we do. And that maybe I would benefit from the time off, or less pressure of getting in the marathon before my third Dopey challenge in January. I believe I will feel a big weight off of my shoulders if I defer this race; but then I will also feel some guilt because of all years to get a “redo” of last year’s race, this is the year to do it.

I have shifted a lot of my efforts and focus this past summer on getting healthier. I am eating better, working out differently and running casually. I wanted to enjoy running and not have it become a chore, which it has now become. When I trained for my first marathon, I enjoyed the training because it was leading me towards something I never did before. As much as I would love to do this race this year; I want to do it when I am strong and looking forward to it. Not as another, get it done for the sake of doing it. Yes, it is a race for redemption to make up for my horrible experience last year; but I want to cross that line having the feeling that I was prepared. Just like I felt after I finished my first marathon.

So I guess I made my decision. Now I have to work on the paperwork. Having said this out loud and writing about it; I can now also focus on getting some better half marathons under my belt as training runs. I have been struggling with those races. They used to be my favorite distance and I would like to also enjoy that distance again.

2016 WDW Marathon Half Marathon

January 18, 2016

The second to last race of the Dopey Challenge is the half marathon. Once again I set my alarm for 3:30. For this race I made oatmeal for breakfast to hopefully hold me over. I was so hungry during the 5K and 10K races; even after having a small breakfast before I went to the races.

Diana and I were running this race together. Mandy would be joining us for the full marathon the next day. I arrived to the Epcot parking lot around 4:45 and met Diana down by the corrals. The crowd size doubles from the 5K and 10K to the half and full marathon sizes. The 5K and 10K have around 7,500 people. The half and full have 26,500 people. That does impact your course time when starting in a later corral.

Thankfully it wasn’t raining for this race, but it was extremely foggy. I wore my Donald Duck costume for this race and Donald sent us off at the start.

Diana and I at the corrals

Since we had run this course several time with the previous year’s Dopey challenge and running the Princess Half marathon two years prior, I was very familiar with the course. Not to mention that the full marathon also runs most of the same route for the beginning of the marathon. I am pleased to say that this year the change in character stops made the race more enjoyable.

I listened to Jeff Galloway speak at the Expo on Thursday and he mentioned that for the 5K and 10K it was ok to run; but he said for the half marathon, plan to walk the first few miles, then incorporate your run/walk intervals for a mile, walk a mile, then do intervals again, etc. So I discussed that with Diana and that was the plan. Well when race day comes around, sometimes plans get thrown out the window. We ran most of the first half of the race. Below shows our splits from the half marathon.

The first two miles of the race we made ourselves run slower. There also weren’t character stops at that point; just props to take photos of along the way. Between mile 3 and 4 is where we started to do the character stops for Wreck it Ralph and Oogie Boogie. Mile 5 lead us into the Magic Kingdom and we did stop for some photos and then miles 6-7 are up cone alley. It was VERY congested up cone alley. This year I think the cones were set up differently and weren’t the tall cones that were lined right up against each other because people were hopping over the cones and running in the lane that was dedicated for car traffic. So we just continued to do our walk/run intervals up cone alley as best as we could with the amount of people in that area. I also found Mike Scopa heading into the Magic Kingdom and played some leap-frog with him during the race. I’d stop for a character stop and then he’d pass me. Then I would spot him and I’d tag him and told him he was it. It helped pass some of the miles along the way! I also found Sid Busch out on the course and gave him some encouragement. He is such a celebrity now among the running community.

Miles 8 and 9 didn’t have anything too exciting so we pushed ahead and around mile 10 we decided to walk the rest of the race in to save our legs for the full marathon. We had gone over the overpass of World Drive at that point and saw the crowd still coming up the road and we knew we weren’t in any danger of being swept. At mile 12 we took a photo with Vacation Genie and that was it for character stops in Epcot for us.

It was a good decision to walk at that point. I was starving, though. I definitely did not have enough fuel with me for that race. All I could think about was making an egg sandwich back at the hotel room when the race was over!

After the race was over I drove back to the hotel and made the egg sandwich my mouth was watering for! Then I showered and wanted to hang out at the pool with my family. PK and Katie were going to be there for a little while so I wanted to spend time with them. After visiting with them I got cozy on the poolside chair and next thing I knew I woke up with my mouth hanging open, my sunglasses smashed against my face and drool going down my chin! I had fallen asleep for a long hard 2 hour nap! I looked around and saw my family’s items around but couldn’t find them anywhere! I finally located them and we noticed the dark skies were starting to roll in.

The plan that night was to go to Disney Springs to have dinner at Wolfgang Pucks and then head back to the room for an early night. We were watching the radar and packed our ponchos. Joe Pardo was also going to join us for dinner there. We arrived at Disney Springs around 5:00 but waited a long time for the boats to take us to from the West Side to the Marketplace side.

The balloon was tethered down because of the storms coming.

Half way to the Marketplace side they stop, which I wasn’t aware of. The kids had to go to the bathroom so we got off the boat there, used the restrooms nearby and put on our ponchos. We ended up walked through the pouring rain to Wolfgang Puck Express and met Joe. I had a cranky moment at this point in the day. I was frustrated with the rain, the boats at Disney Springs and I was hungry. So I had a moment of a mini meltdown. Once we had dinner I was better. We ordered the bar-b-que chicken pizza as a good pre-race meal with the protein and the carbs. After dinner my son wasn’t feeling too well. He had been battling a chest cough for several weeks and there were times during the trip where he just felt funky and wanted his mom.

Always my favorite view at night.

It was nice for Joe to meet my family. I talk about them all the time when Joe and I are at races and when we communicate in our every day conversations. After we said goodbye to Joe and boarded the boat to head back to our car I sat with my son on the boat and it cheered him up. I think it was also hard on him that I was going to be early and then not around when he woke up during the races. Once we got back to the hotel it was time for me to lay out my gear for the morning and call it an early night. I was in bed before 10:00 and I wasn’t feeling too anxious about the race. I did have a harder time falling asleep that night; but I blame that on the nap.

Coming up next, the big finale race of the weekend…the full marathon!

runDisney Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Medals Released

December 4, 2015

Are you running the Inaugural Star Wars Dark Side Challenge in April? I am! I try to run almost every inaugural event that runDisney launches. But then that means I have to keep running them so that I can eventually earn legacy status with their special recognition.

Today runDisney launched their medal designs for the Star Wars races in April and they look awesome! I wish I were running the Star Wars challenge in January in California so that I could also earn the Star Wars Kessel Run Challenge Medal. It’s all about the BLING!!!

Photo by runDisney

There was another teaser in the email which was the announcements for the registration dates and race dates for 2016 and some for 2017. As a fellow Mickey Miler, Eddie McCoy pointed out. There is the caveat at the bottom of the list telling us to stay tuned for 2017 additional race dates. Wonder what that means!

Photo by runDisney

Which races will you be running in 2016 and 2017? I will be running the Dopey Challenge, Princess Glass Slipper Challenge, Star wars Dark Side Challenge, Tinkerbell Half Marathon and the Dumbo Double Dare. With intentions of doing Wine and Dine when registration opens.

runDisney Jingle Jungle 5K

November 24, 2015

This year I did what I considered to be my first runDisney 5K race during the Wine & Dine race weekend. I participated in the Jingle Jungle 5K race Saturday morning. I consider this my first 5K because I typically don’t sign up for 5K races during the runDisney race weekends. The reason for that is because I usually have to fly in the day before the bigger race or the challenge races so I can’t get the time off to participate in the 5K which takes place on the day I am flying. With this race it occurs on the same day as the half marathon. The first 5K race that I did run was during the Dopey Challenge last year, but I considered that different because it was the Dopey Challenge. How does that make sense? I don’t know but it does to me!

I also wanted to participate in this race because it starts at 7:00 a.m. (one of the latest start times of a 5K race in the runDisney series), and because it runs entirely through Animal Kingdom. In most of the runDisney races I participate in we run through Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and ESPN Wide World of Sports. But not as many races go through Animal Kingdom besides the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, a few miles during the full marathon and the Jingle Jingle 5K.

The morning of the race I set my alarm for 5:00 and was ready and in the car before 6:00. Because my flight got in after the expo closed on Friday night I knew I would have to pick up my bib at the information tent at the race start. I had to be sure I brought my license with me or else I wouldn’t be able to pick up my bib. So when I arrived, I got a great parking spot and walked right over to the information booth and signed a waiver and picked up my bib. Then I looked around to connect with my other racing buddies. I spotted the Mickey Milers and their amazing costumes, said hello to them and then found Diana, Christina and Diana’s daughter Kenzie. This was going to be Kenzie’s first 5K.

Since this was Diana’s first race with her daughter and they were in corral C I told them I’d stick with the Mickey Milers and hang back in corral D. She wasn’t sure how long it would take them to get through the race and they were planning on stopping for every picture.

I went to my corral and reunited with the Mickey Milers. The team was easy to find with Bill Taylor’s “Elf” costume! Everyone was so creative with their costumes. I went with my low key approach but should consider stepping it up next time if I decide to do that race again. I also ran into Mike Rahlmann and his family in my corral so we got a picture together of course! I always try to grab a picture with Mike when we see each other at our races.

Jocelyn and her daughter (left), Pam and Mallory, myself and Mike from the Be Our Guest Podcast

The race started at 7:00 and we passed the start line at 7:10. The first section of the race went around the outside edge of the Animal Kingdom parking lot and then we entered in through the front gate. From there we walked towards the Tree of Life, towards Everest and then back stage before we went back to the finish line.

There were several character stops along the course and I was happy with the amount that was out there for the 5K. There was Rafiki, Timon, Chip and Dale, Donald and Goofy, Pluto, and a few others that I didn’t snag pictures of.

It was a very very warm and humid morning so I am glad we took it slow and walked this race. If this was any indication of how the rest of the race weekend was going to be, we were going to be up against some dangerous heat and humidity for the half marathon. I was sure to drink a lot of water after the race so that I would be hydrated for the rest of the day. I finished the race in a little over and hour which was perfect. We were done by 8:15 and I had time to go back to my hotel to shower for our 10:40 Mickey Milers breakfast reservation at Kona at the Polynesian Village Resort.

I was also glad to see that starting in the last corral and walking the entire race I finished in a little over and hour and there are no sweepers at that race. My mom is participating in her first runDisney 5K during marathon weekend and had been worried about not finishing the race in time. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the 5K course through Epcot and even take pictures. This race was a good way for me to estimate the pace and timing for our January race.

I really enjoyed this race and would consider doing it again. The downside to it is that you have to wake up early for the 5K race on the same day that you will be starting the half marathon at 10:00 that same night. If you are good about going back to your room and taking a nap then that works out great. But like me, I enjoy the social events that take place during the short trips that I have there so I generally don’t take the time to go back to my room and rest, let alone nap. So I ended up staying up for 24 hours straight. But again, it’s fun, I see my friends, have a great time and I’m at Disney so sleep isn’t necessary right?!

Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Registration is Now Open

October 14, 2015

Well, the registration for the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon is now open; but I didn’t jump on and register. I checked the prices from what I was reading on social media and it sounds like the cost is coming in around $1300 for hotel and park passes. I have not researched air fare yet.

The average price for the value room is around $270 US not including taxes. If you book a room separately, you can call directly yourself and then plan to purchase a race bib separately when they become available on January 12, 2016. By making a separate reservation through Disney directly, you have a more control on the deposit that is required and the final payment dates.

I did a little research to find out what I would have to pay if I booked a 4 day, 3 night stay at the Hotel Cheyenne. The total came to $1256.00 and this also includes free travel insurance. This price includes super early booking offer at Summer 2015/Winter 2015-2016 prices, 1 night and 1 day FREE + FREE hotel and park tickets for kids under 7. It also includes Disney Parks tickets + breakfast (NB: breakfast is not included at Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch. To be booked on arrival or during your stay).

If you purchase a package from a travel provider like GET Travel, the package will include

Accommodation in a Disney® Hotel
Breakfast (Except at Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch)
Access to the Disney® Parks
One registration per room for one of the races (Half Marathon or 5K race)

When booking through a travel provider, you must make the final payment by December 12, 2015.

As of when I am writing this post I have not heard that the race is sold out. I still haven’t made a decision about what I plan to do and I’m still unsure.

Are you going to Disneyland Paris?

Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Registration Opens In A Week

October 7, 2015

The Disneyland Paris Half Marathon registration is opening up in less than a week and already there is a lot of negative talk about the entire process.

First, if you want to participate in the event, then the registration which includes a race bib along with a travel package is what you need to register for on October 13.

Second, if you choose to purchase one of these packages you are required to pay a 50% deposit at the time of purchase, then 25% on 11/15/15 and the remaining 25% on 12/15/15. This means you are paying for your entire trip before the end of 2015 and the event doesn’t take place until September, 2016! Only 25% of the entire package is refundable if cancelled in writing/confirmed receipt by GET on or before Tuesday 11/15/15.

However, if you choose to not take this approach and purchase a bib through a travel provider, then you do have a chance in January to purchase a bib only, but there will only be a handful of those bibs available to purchase.

I was hoping to register for this event; but now that I know I will need to shell out this much money ahead of time; I don’t think it will be possible.

This race would have been a great opportunity for me to travel to Europe. I have never been to Europe before and I would love to see another Disney park, being I am such a huge Disney Fan. I also wanted to earn a “Castle to Chateau” medal which is something new from runDisney. But with the cost of hotel/race registration package alone, you still have to add air fare. I honestly don’t know if this would be something I am willing to purchase. We will have to wait and see what the prices are on October 13 before making a determination for such an event.

Are you planning on going to the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon?

Dumbo Double Dare 10K

September 24, 2015

The first day of racing for us began on Saturday for the Disneyland 10K. This is one of my favorite runDisney races, if not my favorite. The alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. and I got up and began to get “sparkled” for my Disney anniversary costume. We walked from our hotel to the Disneyland hotel and arrive around 5:00. The crowds for the 10K are not as large as they are for the Disneyland Half Marathon so we had no trouble walking over to our corral and getting right in with very little wait time.

We met a cool girl Stephanie Adams, in the corral and got a few pictures before it was time to run the race. If anyone knows her, I’m trying to connect via Facebook. I know she said she was part of the Double Dare Challenge Team but I can’t locate the group. As we took off running it was the normal rush of people in the beginning so we didn’t begin our intervals right away. We also saw a lot of people tripping over the curbs and falling while trying to pass others or just running out of room.

The first mile of the race takes place on the streets of Anaheim and then we entered the backlot of Disney California Adventure. I couldn’t wait for Diana to see Cars Land while it was still early in the morning and the sun wasn’t fully up yet. We rounded the corner into Cars Land and it was perfect! The lighting was just right and I told Diana to get in line for pictures. This is what the races are all about. I had to remind her that we were going to take as many pictures as we could in the park, then we would run on the streets or between picture stops depending on the time.

The characters at the character stops were villains and they had great characters out on the course! There was DJ from Cars, Lotso from Toy Story 3, Shadow Man or Dr. Facilier from Princess and the Frog and Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas and many, many more! My favorite was The Hun from Mulan! My family and I just watched that movie the week before and I was playing the main song continuously during my runs so it was appropriate to have such a rare character out on the course and actually get a picture with him! While standing in line for them the cast members were warning us that the pacers were about 10 minutes behind us and that if we remained in line we were risking getting swept off the course. Diana started to freak out but I told her we were fine. We could outrun them even if they were right upon us.

After our picture stop with the Hun, we ran towards the Haunted Mansion and got some pictures in front of the mansion and also as ghosts. Then we continued on through Disneyland towards Downtown Disney and the finish line.

As usual, the race wasn’t about time. Our finish time was just under 2 hours. The Disneyland 10K is one of my favorite races because most of the course takes place within the two parks.

After the race, we went back to our room to shower and then worked on the hats for our Sleeping Beauty Fairies for the half marathon the next day. I carried the materials out to California with me in my suitcase to assemble them in our room. I didn’t want the hats to get squished in the suitcase. I also knew that we would be spending most of the day and night at the parks, so I wanted everything in order before we left the room because I assumed we would be collapsing like we did the night before!

We met Mandy at the Expo and I spent a little more time shopping at the Expo, listened to Tara Guidus talk about nutrition and running, and visited Jeff Galloway for pictures and his autograph of my race medal. I usually have him sign my bib; but I forgot to bring that with me. I also took the opportunity to register for the Tinkerbell race next May. I haven’t run that race yet and it was falling at a time that we weren’t going to be on vacation in Walt Disney World so I went for it. It’s the 5 year anniversary of the Tinkerbell races so I’m also happy about getting an anniversary medal as well!

After the Expo we went over to Downtown Disney so I could find some of the anniversary items that I wanted to purchase and to also find some gifts for the kids. Then we went to California Adventure and Disneyland for lunch, rides and dinner with the World of Color to end the night.

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Tag: half marathon