rundisney wine and dine half marathon weekend

You guys! It's here! One of my favorite race weekends of the year. The 2017 Wine and Dine Half Marathon will be my sixth year here, AND, it's the race that got me into running and runDisney (and honestly, Disney too – yes, I loved the movies when I was a kid, but I was too busy traveling for Irish Dancing to go to Disney as a kid, so now I'm feeling like a kid when I'm here to make up for it haha).

While I'm still sad it isn't a 5k and half marathon all in one day, with the half marathon at night (I LOVE night running. It's my favorite.), I do enjoy that there is a challenge and I can earn an extra two medals now. Now that I'm older, I really need my naps post-races with those super early morning wake up calls, so having to do that three days in a row really eats into my park time. It used to be just one day 'wasted'  – wake up early, run the 5k, nap and rest all day, run half marathon, party, sleep in Sunday, and rock out the rest of the days. Now it's wake up early, run, nap, park time, bed early. Repeat. Repeat. So I feel like I spend too much time napping rather than having fun at the parks. I'm just so tired these days haha.

Anyway, the expo starts tomorrow and I'm excited to see what all of the merchandise is; runDisney just revealed the race shirts. I really want the kids one with Figment on it! How cute. I like Mickey and all, but I wish the 5k, 10k, and half marathon shirts had just a little more variety to them. I'll make my final decision on them when I see them in person. I'm really hoping that orange is more neon than it seems, but I really like the other colors.



Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (remember to print, sign, and bring your waivers):
Thursday, November 2, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 3, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 4, 2017 - 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Check out the event guide here for all the information you need.

The courses look interesting too. Different than last year. I'm a little nervous about the 10k and half you don't get to anything good until mile 4 or so. Plus, starting so close to Magic Kingdom, but not actually running through it kind of stinks. I know this race never has, but with the course changes, and starting in a MK parking lot, it's like why not? haha. I'm really glad the 5k is back at Animal Kingdom and that the half goes through AK, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot like the good old days (though I'll be missing the dancing lights!). 







Regardless of good course or bad course, runDisney races are always a ton of fun, and I'm sure this year will be no different. Who else will be here? Any fun costumes? What are you most excited for? Any social meet ups happening that I'm unaware of and should go to?

spring marathon training: week 2

Monday, October 31: Rest/Stretch & Roll
Tuesday, November 1: 6 miles (50/30) --> Skipped
Wednesday, November 2: Rest/Stretch & Roll
Thursday, November 3: Rest/Stretch & Roll
Friday, November 4: Mickey's Holiday 5k (3.16)
Saturday, November 5: Wine and Dine 10k (6.44)
Sunday, November 6: Wine and Dine Half Marathon (13.03)

Total Miles for Spring Marathon Training: 48.53 miles

It was another strange week for training as I was traveling to Florida for Wine and Dine weekend at Disney World. I ended up skipping my run on Tuesday because when I got home from work the rest of the night was spent packing. The usual. I knew I'd be walking around a ton at WDW, so I wasn't too concerned. I have my spring marathon narrowed down, but still deciding between two. I'll keep you posted.

Friday was the 5k, I think my mom and I ran 45/30 intervals. We had plenty of time to rest when we stopped for photo ops. I tried to remember to pause and un-pause my watch at each stop to get an accurate reading of what the time we were running was. I meant to compare to my mom's watch (since 5k isn't timed) to see how much of our time was spent waiting for photos. My watch had us at 43:55, which for a crowded Disney race isn't too bad. The one problem with the course is the out and back towards the end, where it's so narrow that you get caught behind a wall of people and can't go anywhere. I doubt there is any way for that to be changed, but it did get frustrating, especially if you are starting farther back in the corrals (I went back to D with my mom and we were near the front of the corral, and even at the start, we got caught by people just walking from the get go... not even an attempt at running through for a minute or two. Oy.), when you stop for photos, you just get farther and farther back with more walkers which makes it hard to navigate. Nothing against walkers of course, as part of my routine is walking, just saying it can be tough to get back up to the pace you want. 

Saturday was the 10k. Early morning number 2. I definitely missed just the 1 early morning and then the late night. Much easier for me to handle than 3 early mornings. Woof. I do believe at this race I forgot to pause my watch for one of the stops, as our 10k is usually around a 1:20 lately. My watch had me at 1:29:57 with 6.44 miles. I think we tried the 45/30 intervals again.

Sunday was our last early morning. Again I tried to pause and start my watch, but I think there was one stop I forgot to pause, and one other one I forgot to re-start after going, so my watch only had me at 13.03 miles, but we all know it is over that from the weaving.

Anyway, Disney was a ton of fun, though I was extremely tired with having to wake up so early three days in a row. I had to take naps in the afternoon to try and make up for it. Woof. I'll hopefully have a fun recap of each race (though don't hold your breath as I generally get so backed up on race recaps that I never get to them haha). Some fun photos at least ;)

What are you currently training for?

2016 rundisney wine and dine half marathon weekend

As the registration date looms for the 2016 runDisney Wine and Dine Half, I thought I'd do a quick post on the changes that were made this year.

Photo from runDisney Facebook page.

I've done the Wine and Dine half every year since 2012. It was my first runDisney event, and I fell in love. I loved running at night, getting to go through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. And then enjoyed some special late night time at Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival. Yummy treats.  It was only my second time to Disney World, my first being when I was a teenager and my parents and I only had time to make it to Magic Kingdom for a day. I've become a tad obsessed with runDisney and Disney in general since running there in November 2012.

Photo from runDisney Facebook page.

As most of you know, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights had its final season in late 2015 to early December, with a final goodbye on January 6, 2016. With no lights in Hollywood Studios and all of the construction going on, it seemed a likely decision that HS would be taken out of the Wine and Dine course. So sad. I'm not sure about you, but I was not expecting the amount of changes they ended up making.

As Annual Passholders began to have anxieties over early registration on March 8, when an announcement came on March 7 that registration would be delayed while they put the final touches on the weekend. Most people were speculating as to what the changes would be. I was pretty annoyed that the registration date had changed, as it takes some special scheduling to make sure I'm able to be at a computer at 11 ready to register. Anyway...

Luckily, we didn't need to wait TOO long to find out. They announced the New Items on the Menu on March 10.

runDisney added a new challenge to the weekend (Lumiere's Two Course Challenge = 10k and half marathon), but with this change came a disappointing news. The Wine and Dine Half would no longer be a night race. Womp womp. I know a lot of people hate night races, but it was one of the things I loved most about this race. I am not a wake up early and run kind of person – I much prefer running at night. But I digress.

Also, with the night race being gone along with Hollywood Studios construction and no more Osborne Lights, there will be a course change. There isn't a map up yet (those come usually pretty close to the event), but it does mentions the 13.1 mile course through ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (does this mean something similar to the marathon? That was my least favorite part of the race... I almost could have managed more highway instead if you can believe it), Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. I imagine the 10k will be similar to the 10k course for Marathon and Princess weekend. 

With the challenge meant that the race weekend would begin on Thursday with the expo, Friday morning would be the 5k, Saturday morning the 10k, and Sunday morning the half. Don't worry – there's still an after party. This is one change that ends up being good for me and I'll explain why.

The After Party now takes place Sunday night from 8pm–1am at Epcot. From what I understand, the After Party was for runners only, and for friends and family that purchase a ticket. On the runDisney website it mentions after-hours at Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, so that's what I'm taking from it. 

Anyway, with your exclusive entry (either from being a half marathon runner or purhcase a ticket) you get early entry into Epcot at 8pm, can purchase indulgent offerings from more than 30 Global Marketplaces at the International Food and Wine Festival, ride select Epcot attractions, enjoy character meet and greets, and listen to musical performances.

Why is the After Party a better deal for me than it was before? Because I'll be able to enjoy it the entire time! Being a slower runner meant quite a bit of my After Party time was spent running, with only maybe 2 hours left to enjoy the party (once taking photos, getting through security, etc). So, though I am very disappointed it's a morning race now, I'm excited to enjoy all 5 hours of the After Party.

Photo from runDisney Facebook page.

Schedule of Events:
Expo: November 3–5 at ESPN WWoS
Mickey's Holiday 5k: Friday, November 4 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. 6:30am
Wine and Dine 10k: Saturday, November 5 at Epcot. 5:30am
Wine and Dine half marathon: Sunday, November 6 at 5:30am. Start at ESPN WWoS, Finish at Epcot. 
Post Race Party: November 6 at Epcot from 8pm–1am

Entry Fees:
Lumiere's Two Course Challenge: $330
Wine and Dine Half Marathon: $190
Wine and Dine 10k: $120
Mickey's Holiday 5k: $70

If you plan on registering, take note that only you can pick up your race packet. 

If you are an Annual Passholder, get ready for early registration beginning Tuesday, March 22 at 11am CT. Regular registration opens a week later on March 29 at 11am CT.

Photo from runDisney Facebook page.

While disappointed with a few changes, generally I'm still excited for this race. Not all the changes are bad, and it is Disney, so it'll still be lots of fun. As long as I can score a registration spot... Keep those fingers crossed for me, would you?

Who's registering for the 2016 Wine and Dine? Which races? Are you disappointed in the changes? Thoughts?

preparing for rundisney wine and dine weekend

I cannot believe that runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is already here! Where has the year gone? It seems like I was just feverishly registering yesterday. This will be my fourth Wine and Dine Half Marathon! Can't believe it.

I've got to get myself packed, which means I have to figure out what I want to wear. Not always an easy task, and I'm sure many of you have seen the forecast where rain is possible (though currently it seems more afternoon than evening, but you never know). It also seems to be quite hot and humid down in sunny Florida. The low isn't below 60, which means shorts and a tee or tank for me. If it rains, it might actually feel nice with that heat. I'm not going to worry myself over it, just bring some clothes in gear check to change into post-race. I failed to do this last year, thinking it would be a pain to change and I would just get wet again, but regretted that when my mom and I were walking around Epcot shivering.

Anyway, here's a hodge podge of information and tips that will help you have a fun, relaxed trip.

Download and print your race waivers prior to leaving.

On your half marathon race waiver, you'll find your bib number. You can check what corral placement that is here.

Download the Wine and Dine 2015 Official Event Guide.

The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo is at ESPN Wide World of Sports. If you are staying at a host resort (listed below), transportation is provided to and from EPSN WWS. Buses run on Friday from host resort to expo 9:30am–6:30pm, and concludes from expo to host resorts at 7:30pm; Saturday from host resort to expo 8:30am–2:30pm, concludes from expo to host at 3:30pm.

Host Resorts:

• Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All Star Music ResortDisney’s All Star Sports Resort 
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn 
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort 
• Disney’s Polynesian Resort 

Transportation Hours for Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K

• 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• 5K participants must board buses no later than 5:30 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 6:15 a.m. 

Transportation Hours for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon & Finish Line Party

• Transportation begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and concludes at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday
• Half Marathon participants must board buses no later than 8:00 p.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 9:15 p.m.
• Transportation will continue throughout the evening for spectators
• Finish Line Party admission to Epcot® begins at 7:00 p.m. and a party
• ticket is required. 

A few tips for the race:

• Rest up on race day. I know, you're in Disney World and want to play, but you'll want to rest your legs and feet. There's quite a bit of standing around before the race even begins, so save up some energy. Plus, you'll want it for the finish line party at Epcot that goes until 4am :)
• If you want to run with a friend that is in a different corral, the faster friend moves back to the slower corral.
• If you are doing gear check, make sure to use the clear gEAR check bag given to you at the expo and attach your bib number to it (there's a tear off on the bib that is for your gEAR check bag). Also, there is security before going into the race area, so you'll have any bags on you checked. If you have no belt or bag, there'll be a separate, quicker line for you to enter. I personally have never had any problems with the security lines – there are plenty of officers checking bags, and the lines move quickly.
• Pack a drawstring bag in your gEAR check, so that post-race it's easier to carry around all of your stuff. Those gEAR bags are a bit of a pain.
• Pack extra clothes in a ziplock bag – if it's rainy, it can help keep your post-race clothes dry in your gEAR checked bag.
• Run or walk NO MORE than two abreast. I know you want to run with all of your friends, but there are places that are cramped, and you have to make sure, for your safety and others, that other runners can safely pass.
• Make sure at water stops to grab your cup and keep moving. If you need to stop to drink, move over to the side. I don't know how many aid stations I've been to where I've bumped into other people because they stop dead in their tracks to grab water. It's ok to stop running, but keep moving forward and go to the side if you have to stop completely.
• If you are running and decide to walk, raise your arm for a few seconds or say 'walking' so runners behind you know you'll be slowing to a walk. Also, make sure it move to the side, and look behind you before stopping so that if there's someone close behind you, you can move over more so they won't run into you. You'll help avoid injury to yourself and other runners this way.
• Hydrate! There are 9 water/Powerade stops – use them wisely. It's going to be hot and humid, so you'll want to make sure you are prepared. This also means starting the hydration process days before the race.
• Celebrate your accomplishment at the after party!! Grab some post-race eats at one of the Wine and Dine Festival kiosks. There's plenty of options.
• Bring your Wine and Dine gift card to use after the race. Depending on how much you'd eat/drink, you might not even need money (I personally bring some in case, but I know others that don't).

Mom and I at Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2014,
lovingly dubbed 'Splash and Dash 2014'.
Despite the rain, we had a blast.

I'm super excited that I'm able to participate in Wine and Dine weekend again. It's my favorite race, party because of the theme and finish line party, and partly because it's a night race. I'm much more of a night race person than I am morning. I'll be at the expo in the morning Friday, and then at both Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5k and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Saturday. If you see me, please say hi! I'm a little shy myself, so understand the desire to stay quiet when you see someone you might know, but have never met, but I never regretted speaking up and saying hi to someone new – it's how new friends are made!

Have a great trip and amazing race, everyone!

friday five: fall preview

Hey guys! It's time for another installment of Friday Five! I am linking up with the lovely ladies of DC for Friday Five: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run. This week's theme is "Fall Preview". I believe fall begins on September 22, so I'm going off that date haha.

1. BibRave Pro Ambassador. If you didn't see my post yesterday (or my Twitter announcement), I was accepted as a BibRave Pro Ambassador this week :) You can read more about it here. I'm looking forward to spreading the BibRave love over the next few months, and sharing my race reviews on BibRave.com. 

2. Wine and Dine Half Marathon. As of now, my only fall half marathon is this one at Walt Disney World. This could change, but I'm pretty certain this will be my favorite ;)

3. Dopey Challenge Training amps up. The miles begin to increase starting in the fall, as well as some high mileage back-to-back days. I'll have my longest run to date in early October (15 miles! Ahhh!). I get nervous just thinking about it haha. I still question my decision to register for this bad boy, seeing as it'll also be my first marathon. I have confidence (or at least I tell myself I'm confident) that with the training I'm putting in, I'll be ok. I think I'll have to switch up a few weeks to accommodate races, weddings, and other events. I mean, life just really gets in the way of training sometimes ;)

4. Chicago Marathon. While I am not running in the Chicago Marathon, I do plan on going to cheer on some friends, family, and Twitter/Blog pals.

5. Thanksgiving. I do love Thanksgiving (I much prefer turkey over ham like at Easter) and all of the food and family time. I run a 4 mile Turkey Trot the morning of, which makes me feel a lot little less guilty about eating all. the. food.

What's your fall schedule looking like? Anything you're excited for?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun. Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups – there are always so many great ones!