Wife Mother Runner WDW Marathon weekend Archives

runDisney Marathon Weekend Prep

December 16, 2016

It’s that time of year…no, not the holiday season, it’s taper time for the WDW marathon weekend! What does that mean? It means it’s time to do something with your crazy mind which is missing putting in the miles and use that energy to start designing your costumes if you haven’t done so already. This year my children, husband and parents are joining me for the 5K. Last year my mother and I did the 5K together as it was her first runDisney race.

So far I have three out of four of my costumes designed for the 2017 Dopey Challenge. For the 5K the entire family will be wearing costumes representing the Mickey Mouse Club. For the half marathon, I am recycling my Donald Duck costume from last year with some enhancements since it is the 20th anniversary of the half marathon. My friend PK, who ran with me in the 10K last year, is running his first full marathon. So I am going to support him and wear Patriots apparel. I have one more costume to work on for the 10K but I have a few ideas in my head for it.

As we are getting closer to the race weekend I had to start preparing these costumes in secret because my children don’t know we are going to Florida. I was hiding in my closet ironing our names on our shirts for the Mickey Mouse Club costumes. As I was putting the feathers on my Donald costume, leaving feathers all over the house, I told the kids I was going to be running a race dressed up like snow.

I now have to start secretly stealing their warm weather clothes from their rooms and making piles to begin packing without them knowing. This is going to require me to start making some lists. It’s a busy time of year with the holidays and lists for the gifts, lists for the hosting we are doing at our house and now the packing list for the trip. I love podcasts, and Chalene Johnson had a good podcast to discuss how to travel stress free. Check out the podcast episode and templates of her packing list to use for your packing needs. Do you use lists for your packing?

When I pack for the races I use zip lock bags to organize each race costume in its own bag so when we arrive to Florida I have everything already organize and I can quickly pull them out each night before the race. I also include these items in my carry-on bag so if anything were to happen with my luggage I have it all with me. Do you have any special travel and packing tips to share?

2016 WDW Marathon Weekend 10K Now Known As the PK10K

January 16, 2016

The 10K took place on Friday, January 8th. PK and his daughter Katie were running it and it was their first runDisney race! There were many first for my friends and family this year! We talked on the phone a week before the race because they didn’t know what to expect. They weren’t sure if you ran the race for time or what time you had to be there. They were staying at the same hotel as us so I told them I would drive them to the race and that they didn’t have to get up at 3:00 a.m. because we are staying close to Epcot and it only takes less than 10 minutes to drive there. I explained to them that the Disney races are races for fun and that there are character stops along the way that you take photographs with. They weren’t aware of the character stops. I also told them that the Disney races are far different from the races back home. I also told them that costumes are welcome and recommended. Katie said she would put something together and PK said he wanted to wear his Patriots gear. Come to find out, the Patriots jersey got the most complements out of all of us that day!

Since I hadn’t seen PK in over a year and Katie in many years, I wanted to run the race with them. I told them that I use the walk/run method but we could play it by ear on race morning. Since the 5K and 10K are early in the Dopey Challenge series, you can run those races with little issue for the full marathon on Sunday. I couldn’t wait to see them. We planned to meet up at the Expo after they land on Thursday, run the race together on Friday and then spend the day at Magic Kingdom on Friday afternoon after the kids races.

The morning of the race, I set my alarm for 3:30 and met them at the hotel lobby at 4:30. I was a few minutes late because I had to dig through my luggage to find extra rain ponchos. It was raining pretty heavily and I saw the radar wasn’t looking too good for the race either. I told PK and Katie I’d bring them a poncho. I picked them up in the front and drove us to the parking lot at Epcot. We were there at a good time because the rain was picking up and we didn’t want to stand too long out in the rain. We used the porta potties and then had to resort to the ponchos to stay dry.

PK and Katie’s 1st runDisney Race!

In our corral waiting to start

Once we started running it was getting warm with our ponchos on. We started taking them off within the first mile and I stuck mine in my race belt. We didn’t do walk run at that point in the race. This section of the 10K is the 3 miles out on the road leaving the Epcot parking lot and running on the road to head towards the backstage entrance to Epcot. My legs felt fine to do a constant run. PK is a faster runner, but he had his leg wrapped because he was having an issue with his calf. So he said that taking it slower in the beginning saved him from having trouble with his leg issue. We ran to the first area where a character stop would have been at the turning point toward the overpass but because of the rain there was just a plane prop there without a character. We walked up the hill on the overpass and ran the downhill. On the downhill there is usually a character stop with Lilo and Stitch; but again, because of the rain there wasn’t a character there for photos.

We did start a run/walk ratio around mile 2.5 and then entered the back of Epcot at mile 3. I was getting excited to enter this area because I love the way Epcot looks in the early morning hours with the torches lit and the music playing. We did our first character stop as we entered Epcot. Mulan and Mushu were there and it was perfect! Katie and PK reminisced about when Katie used to ask for her “Mulan Sheets” when they were camping and PK and his wife Lori would make the bed for her in their camper. I enjoyed knowing that the character stop was something that had relevance to them. Diana texted me and told me she was at character stops up ahead so I figured we would meet up eventually at a stop.

The next character stop was a new set of characters that haven’t been out for the races yet. Remy and Emile from Ratatouille were there so a new joke with PK, Kevin and I is the Rat-Stinkin Ratatouille Bastard (long story). We met up with Diana at that point so it was perfect timing. We did our group photo there and then proceeded to run over the bridge to the International Gateway and towards the Boardwalk and Beach Club Resort area. Mike and Sully from Monsters University were at ESPN, then we saw Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum around mile 5 but didn’t want to stop for their picture. We went backstage in Epcot and then headed towards Spaceship Earth towards the finish line.

We had such a great time at the race! They are planning on doing it again next year. Katie wants to do the 10K and the half marathon as well!

After the race we went to ESPN for the kids races. It was pouring rain and my son was still fighting a bad cough. He didn’t want to run the race but I brought his bib with him just in case. Just as I suspected, as soon as we were at the race start he changed his mind and wanted to run. I had him carry his bib in his hand and he shot off like a rocket! I couldn’t keep up with him. Then he looked back to find me and waited and we ran together to the finish. Adrienne had already taken off with my husband and she sped ahead as well. She had her eye on that finish line!

Adrienne in the purple sweatshirt

After the kid races we went to the Magic Kingdom to play with PK and Katie and my parents. The weather cleared up and it turned out to be a very nice evening. We had so much fun! We went on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Then we waited in line for the Mine Train. This was Adrienne’s and my mom’s first time ever! After that we rode the people mover while PK and Katie had fast passes for SpaceShip Earth; and then we all went over to ride Big Thunder Mountain. After we rode the rides we went to the Columbia Harbor House for dinner. I had a great meal of Salmon, cous couse and broccoli. This was the perfect pre-race meal choice for the half marathon. After dinner PK, Kevin and the kids went on Splash Mountain and then we hit Pirates before heading back for the night. I needed to get to bed for the half marathon the next morning. PK and Katie were staying to watch the fireworks.

It was a great day! I had so much fun running the race with them and it was so good to see them again. I have exposed two more friends to the runDisney club and can’t wait to run more races with them!

2016 WDW Marathon Weekend 5K

January 16, 2016

My mom and I were walking the WDW Marathon weekend 5K together. My mom had a knee replacement in March of 2014 and the recovery was hard. I kept reminding her that her recovery was her marathon and that she was going to achieve it. After her recovery and physical therapy she was able to walk. Last Spring she participated in her first non-runDisney 5K with the Hartford Marathon Foundation O’Putnam, O’Niantic and O’Hartford races. She walked the races but she got them done! Then during the year she entered in other races as well. She had a goal, she wanted to register for a runDisney 5K. She watched me finish my first marathon four years ago and happened to talk to a woman who had a knee replacement and it inspired her to want to do a runDisney race. She saw the energy and excitement that gets generated at runDisney events and wanted to be a part of it.

This January was her year! She and I were going to walk the 5K and my dad was going to spectate. After a night out at Hollywood Studios the night before and a busy day with travelling we had to get into bed because we had to set our alarms for 4:00 a.m. I had cinnamon toast and tea for breakfast and was dressed and ready to leave for 5:00 a.m. We arrived around 5:15, took pictures as we entered the runners area, and I stood in line to get my picture taken with Dopey. I hadn’t had the chance to do that last year so I was glad I was taking the opportunity to do it then. It was close to 6:00 and volunteers were warning runners that they were risking a chance of getting to the start if they remained in line. Since I knew we were going to be in Corral E I wasn’t concerned about the time. I took note from my Garmin Connect account of what time we started our race in 2015 so I knew what I had for a reference to start. I tried to find Diana. She said she was going to run ahead on her own.

We had decided to wear the same outfits and purchased Sparkle Athletic Skirts and ordered matching tops from Etsy that said “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes”, and wore matching Mickey ears with a white feather boa. We got a lot of compliments on our outfits! The temperature was just right for this race. As we were turning the corner after the start and heading towards Epcot, the runners who were in corral A were already finished and were standing in their bus pick up area! I found some of my team members from the Mickey Milers and Team Shenanigans in the Corral and we hung together for a little bit and I took pictures with both them and my mom.

The first character stop was Chip and Dale. Then when we entered Epcot we took a picture with Rafiki. We got some photos with the scenery of Epcot along with the ball in the background and then went to the next character stop which was Mittens from the movie Bolt, outside the Americas. Then outside of France we got a picture with Marie the cat from Aristocats before heading to mile marker 2. After mile 2 and heading to the finish we stopped for a photo with Spaceship Earth in the background and then went towards the Land. We were lucky to get a picture with both Lilo AND Stitch there because Lilo was about to switch out with Stitch but she decided to stick around! After that there were no other character stops. So we walked towards the Nemo ride, back towards Spaceship Earth and around the corner to the Finish Line where my dad was waiting past the finish line.

It was a very fun race and I am glad my mom had a great experience with it for her first runDisney race. The weather was good, we got every character along the way and we were not in any danger of not finishing the race.

After finishing the race, we went back and showered and the kids were just waking up. I wanted to go back to the Expo because I didn’t get to see all of the vendors when I was there the night before. So I went there around 11:00 and everyone else hung out at the hotel and my husband took the kids to the pool again. At the expo I ran into Jennifer Hall and talked to her for a bit and then I listened to Jeff Galloway’s seminar about best strategies to survive the Dopey Challenge. The advice I liked was when he mentioned to walk the first few miles of the half marathon and then do the walk/run for a mile. Then walk a mile, then do the walk/run for a mile. That will help keep your legs fresh for the next day.

After the Expo we were heading to Magic Kingdom for the afternoon. It was so much fun. My daughter had her first experience with roller coasters and went on Big Thunder Mountain. I was so nervous for her but she LOVED it! She couldn’t wait to do it again so we had her move to the middle of the train for her next ride. Once again, no fear and she wanted to ride in the back next!

We had dinner at the Columbia Harbor House. I wanted to eat something safe the night before the 10K so I ordered a kids meal of chicken nuggets and fries. My dad ordered their pot pie, and my mouth was watering for it once I saw it! I knew that the night of the marathon that would be the meal of choice to celebrate with! After dinner we went on the Haunted Mansion and rode more Big Thunder Mountain. We had to call it a night at that point, because I had to get to bed for the 10K the next morning. We were back to the hotel by 9:30 and I was asleep before 10:30.

After the races mom was on the hunt to get some memorabilia and an official picture with Pluto!

It was a fun day and I was looking forward to running the 10K with PK and Katie and Diana. Stay tuned for the recap of the 10K!

Watch the video of the 5K Race:

Disney Dumbo Double Dare Airport Recommendations

August 13, 2014

Last year was my first time flying to Anaheim to participate in the Inaugural Dumbo Double Dare race weekend. I watched the flights for that race for several months. I chose to fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) because it was closer to Anaheim and LAX. Considering I was flying there alone and renting a car (for the first time at the age of 41), I didn’t want to have to drive from LA to Anaheim. I was lucky that all of my flights were on time.

I arrived on schedule to California and got off the plane (with carry ons only) and headed down to the car rental area. I learned a few lessons about car rentals. It is best to sign up for the Express check-out where you just have to find a car in your price level and then you can take it from the lot and sign out without having to go to the main car rental desk and the whole process of checking out a car. I also learned that you DON’T need all the extra insurance they offer to you.

Next, when you get into the car, set up your GPS ahead of time so you are all set to hit the road with the navigation system telling you where to go right away. As I drove out of the airport I was sitting on the entrance to a highway and I had NO idea where I was going. I pulled over and fumbled through my papers to get the address of the hotel and get my phone working with the GPS and the car charger and Bluetooth so that I could call home to my family while travelling to my destination. That’s another bad idea. Get settled and comfortable with where you are going before you start making your phone calls! I was sitting there sweating, in a little Fiat with huge airplanes flying over head while I was getting myself oriented.

Once I started driving it was ok, The route to Disneyland is pretty easy and quick. The trip back to the airport was even quicker. It felt more direct and was much less traffic on Sunday of Labor Day weekend as opposed to Friday at 5:00 on a holiday weekend. I planned on returning home the same day as the race so that I could spend the Labor Day holiday with my family. I took a 1:00 flight home so I had to rush back to my off-site hotel to shower, eat and finish packing up the last of my things. I did have enough time and plan on taking a flight home the same day of the race this year as well. I don’t have to rush as much because I will be staying on property at the Disneyland Hotel and my flight is also at 3:00 p.m. I wanted to have time after the race this year to shower and enjoy a meal with my friends before heading out.

I really enjoyed this race. Out of all the Disney races I think this was my favorite so far. I have done the marathon in 2013 as my first marathon, Dumbo Double Dare (2013), Tower of Terror (2013), The 10K and full marathon (2014), Glass Slipper Challenge (2014). Out of all of those races, I liked The Dumbo Race Weekend because of the race course. Out of all the races I did in Disneyland and Disney World these races had the most time in the park. I had awesome photo opportunities at these races and got to see the parks. I hadn’t purchased a park pass for this trip but was totally ok with that. I loved seeing what I had seen while in the parks for the races and enjoyed the races thoroughly (except for the last 4 miles of the half marathon because of the terrible heat and humidity).

Besides the heat, this event was a great time for me. I loved travelling alone to a far off city, having some quiet time to myself, venturing out to Downtown Disney and participating in several meetups. Hooking up with my friends Mandy and Kenn Remo and their two sons for dinners and the races. And I also enjoyed shopping for my family at Downtown Disney. Each runDisney event has its own unique characteristics. I would like to one day participate in the Tink, Avengers, or Star Wars races out West, but for now I’ll stick to Dumbo.

Tag: WDW Marathon weekend

runDisney Marathon Weekend Prep

2016 WDW Marathon Weekend 10K Now Known As the PK10K

2016 WDW Marathon Weekend 5K

Disney Dumbo Double Dare Airport Recommendations