Getting "Extra" Time to Finish a RunDisney Race

I remember the first time I realized Disneyland has races.  I was thumbing through a magazine at the doctors office and there was an ad.  It was not just any ad.  It was an add with a runner dressed in costume and running through the Disney castle!  My heart stopped.  What is this great experience I have been missing? 

A typical RunDisney ad

 
Now, I do not call myself at runner.  At the time I saw the ad, I had not ran since high school and I was 412 years old.  I was overweight, out of shape, and had tried many times to get in shape but, for various reasons, I had not succeeded.  Then I saw this ad for the Tinkerbell Half Marthon and I wanted to know more.  Run through the castle, in costume, before the park opens?!  Hello, someone take my money!!  A quick internet search came up with the RunDisney site.  As I devoured the information on the races, my heart sank.  RunDisney half marathons have a pacing requirement of 16 minutes per mile.  I could not even run around the block much less run the half marathon.  Sound familiar?  Well, this post will put your fears to rest and provide some guidelines as to how to give yourself a little buffer, especially if you were a beginning runner like me.



What is "Sweeping" and Who Are the "Balloon Ladies"?
The official policy of RunDisney is that you must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace.  If you are unable to maintain that pacing requirement, you are placed on a bus and driven to the finish line. This is what is referred to as "being swept".  What Disney does not tell you is how they know whether or not you are maintaining the required pace. 

The sweeper clock does not begin UNTIL the last person crosses the start line.  The pacers (for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon and Princess Half Marathon it was two ladies) for the 16 minute miles start right after the last person.  They maintain a 16 minute pace throughout the race.  So, how do you know which of the 25,000 participants are the pacers?  The two pacers have a helium balloon and the sweeping brigade made up of the bicyclists and sweeper buses remain behind them.  Because the pacers have balloons and are ladies, they are referred to as the "Balloon Ladies". 

I had the opportunity to talk to these wonderful ladies after the Princess Half Marathon as well as a few of the runners who kept pace with them.  The balloon ladies are very nice and the runners said they were very supportive and motivational. It looked they had a party going on the entire race!

How Do I Know If I Will Be Swept?
The balloon ladies let you know if they are passing you.  The bike riders and balloon ladies also let you know if you are behind pace and how much time you have to reach the next stop.  I am told by people who were swept that you are given ample warning before you are swept.

How Do I Give Myself Extra Time?
There are thousands of people who are running the race at RunDisney events so Disney uses corrals so everyone does not start at the same time (I'm sure this would be chaotic).  For example, at Tinkerbell Half Marathon for 2013, there were corrals A through G (7 corrals) and the corral start times were 5 minutes apart from each other.  If corral A started at 5:00 a.m., corral B started at 5:05 am and so forth.  This means that the higher corrals had an extra buffer of time (remember, the pacers do not begin until the last person crosses the start line). 

So, how do you get assigned to a corral?  Disney assigns corrals based on timed, verifiable race that are submitted by you.  Under each race under "Registration" there is a header for "Proof of Time".  For the Tinkerbell Half Marathon for 2014, it states:

If proof of time is not provided by November 1, 2013, data provided is incomplete or cannot be verified, you will be placed in the last start corral. To provide or update your proof of time, you must email all proof of time data requested above to disneysports@trackshack.com. No corral changes will be made after November 1, 2013.

It is important you do a 10k and submit the time by the deadline to Rundisney.  This will boost your chances of getting assigned a higher corral.  Disney assigns corrals based on your proof of time and estimates your finish time.  The faster runners/walkers are assigned the higher corrals. 

Also, move towards the front of the corral.  This will prevent you from being blocked in when your corral starts.  If you are worried about blocking faster runners, then stay on the right so others can pass you easily.  The further you are away from the back of the pack, the less likely you are to be swept.

The biggest tip I can give you is to train.  If you have trained, you should be fine.  I love the Galloway Method where you do run/walk intervals.  Below is one of the training videos for his method. 

The most important tip of all: have fun!  It's an incredible feeling when the volunteer places the medal on your neck and you realize what you have accomplished!  What Disney race are you training for?

To Retreat or Not Retreat - Princess Half Marathon

There are a lot of add-ons for RunDisney events.  When you register for a RunDisney event, you can add pins, purses, necklaces, meals, kid races and for some races you can even add a race retreat.  Of course, in the immortal words of Mr. Gold from Once Upon A Time, all of these magical items have a price. 

For the Princess Half Marathon, there is a magical event called Race Retreat.  In 2013, it was a mere $99 per person.  This is not cheap especially considering it will be tacked onto other expenses such as race registration, airfare, hotel, meals, and other race costs (costumes, souvenirs, park tickets, etc.).  These all can add up quickly.  The question I hear a lot is "Is Race Retreat worth the price?"

My hubby and I treated ourselves to the Race Retreat in 2013 as part of our Princess Half Marathon experience.  I will share my experience and let you decide.

What is Race Retreat?
Race Retreat is a separate tent set up in the area referred to as "Family Reunion" area.  The tent is exclusively for individuals who have purchased the Race Retreat add on package. 

How Do I enter the Magical Race Retreat?
When you pick up your packet at the expo, there is a magical wristband.  The wristband is checked to obtain access to the Retreat tent. 

Give me the down and dirty~What is Included?
According to the RunDisney website, the following is included:

Pre-Race Amenities

• Pre-race bagels, fruit, coffee, water and PowerAde
• Temperature-controlled tent with lounges
• Private restrooms and bag check
• Padded stretching area

Post-Race Amenities

• Internet access to check live results
• Breakfast with hot and cold beverages
• Changing tents
• Self-treatment station
• 10-minute massage for only $10 (subject to availability)
• Designated location to meet friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment!* 

Other Amenities:

• 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon commemorative item
• Disney Character greetings
• Live video feed from the Finish Line
• Information Station

 In 2013, for participants the Race Retreat tent opened at 3:00 am and remained opened until 10:30 am.  In 2013, the price was $99 per person (the price has been increased for the 2014 race year).  Some levels of ChEAR Squad can enter the Race Retreat after 5:30 am.

The tent is full of small, round tables.  In 2013, there were issues with transportation so the time which I spent pre-race in the tent was very limited.  There was coffee, tea, powerade, and water available as well as fruit and bagels.  If you had a bag, there is a bag check in the Retreat Tent that is separate from the regular bag check.  The Race Retreat Tent has its own separate port-o-potties.  It was nice not to have to wait in line!  We were only in the tent about 5 minutes before we began the long trek to the corrals.

The Tent is climate controlled.  In 2013, it was very warm outside and it was much more comfortable in the tent.  After running the half marathon, it was refreshing to come inside.

After the race, when you entered the tent you were handed lotion, a wet towel, and flip flops (our complimentary Disney Half Marathon commemorative item).  There was also an abundant amount of food that was available including eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, fruit, bagels, water, coffee, tea and powerade.  There was also champagne for those who wanted to celebrate.

There is a medical area inside the tent that includes a self-help area and to seek medical attention.   Also, there is a lounge area that has a live feed to the finish line on a large screen television.  The line for the massage was ridiculously long so, while it was available, my hubby and I both passed.    There is also an area to take pictures with characters.  I saw the mice from Cinderella and the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty rotate in/out.  They were available for pictures before the half marathon and after.

The tent was crowded but manageable.  We sat at a table with another nice couple and had a lovely chat with them. I did enjoy sitting comfortably, chatting to other participants and relaxing in a comfortable atmosphere.  While we ate, I watched participants cross the finish line in a comfortable manner.  I absolutely loved that!

So~the million dollar question~Is It Worth the Price?
Ultimately, it will depend upon what you would like from your race experience.  I liked having a comfortable place to relax, not worrying about the weather outside and not having long lines for the port-o-potties.  It was great being pampered for a year!

For me, I did not feel like it was worth the $99 per person that I paid (2013 prices).  I drive my car to the race so we can leave at any time and I would rather go to the hotel, clean up and have breakfast where it can be made to my specifications.  I have made the decision that I would rather spend the money this year on souvenirs, park tickets and at the expo rather than the Retreat. 




 

Pinterest RunDisney Costume Ideas

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard to keep all of your ideas

I am addicted to Pinterest!  I love the recipes, workouts, and home decorating ideas.  But every now and then, I come across a Pinterest Board which is spectacular.   I love looking at costumes for races and follow a few creative people just for that purpose.  My latest obsession is Nicole Buompseniero's Disney 5k and Half Marathon Costume Ideas.

While I have never met Ms. Buompseniero, I admire her creativity and her ability to come up with creative costume ideas for her pinboard.  I am definitely going to be referring to her board as I come up with costumes for my upcoming races! 

Thursday's Helpful Race Hints: Costume Basics

Snow White and Evil Queen posing for pictures at the Tinkerbell Half Marathon

What separates Run Disney events from other races?  While this can be answered 100 different ways, one of my favorite ways is the costumes.  Grown women and men pay homage to their favorite, pixie, princess, prince, villain and favorite character by creating a costume inspired by their beloved character.  The course is filled with all sorts of Disney characters.

When I was deciding on a pixie powered costume for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, I obsessed over my first race costume.  I was not sure how to create a costume.  I read all blogs related to costumes and looked at the previous year's costumes (to see the race pictures from the 2013 Tinkerbell Half Marathon, visit www.marathonfoto.com).  My favorite blog related to costumes was from According to Kelly.   Kelly has ran many, many Disney races and always comes up with fabulous costumes which she makes herself.  You can also check out etsy, a website for crafters and sewers to sell their hand made creations by searching for your character and adding "running costume".  You can also search google and google images the same way.

After you decide on a character, decide what details symbolize the character.  For example, Snow White, what are the details that let you know it is Snow White?  Yellow skirt, blue top, red/blue short sleeves, white collar or combination of these items?  For Tinkerbell, is it the light green skirt, wings, pom pom on her shoes, strapless top or poofy bun?  Identify the items on the costume that are essential in recognizing the character.  Now, how do you modify that item so it is easy to run in?  For example, look at the picture above.  See Snow White's sleeves?  They are strips of ribbon that are held together at the sewn to an elastic that make the short sleeves.  Very breathable and very runnable.

A Snow White Inspired Costume from www.team-sparkle.com on Pinterest

 Identifying the icons for each costume that make it recognizable as that character is essential in creating the perfect running costume.  There are those that replicate every item on the costume while others create a character-inspired costume.  The best costumes have little details that reflect the characters.  For example, if you saw a disney runner in a yellow skirt, blue tank top, and a red ribbon in her black hair, you would probably still identify her as Snow White?  Why?  The color scheme is Snow White including the red ribbon in her hair (an essential detail in her costume).

When you are putting together your costume, take a minute to ask what are the details which are essential to the character.  Don't forget to include these in your costume.  Happy Costuming!

I"m Going to Disneyland But Where Do I Stay?

Whether planning a vacation or your next run through Run Disney, one of the first of many questions is "where do I stay"?  First, let me say that I am NOT a travel agent or associated with a travel agent or hotel in any way.  I am someone who just visits Disneyland ALOT!  According to my annual pass last year, I made over 50 visits to Disneyland.  Why?  I LOVE this place!

I found this map on the internet (not sure of the source) and have been using it as a reference when I make hotel reservations.  You can also check out google earth street view as an additional resource.  WARNING: I do believe that more of the hotels should be designated as within walking distance.  For example, Anabella Hotel near Katella Avenue and Disneyland Drive is only about a 5 minute walk from the parks and across the street from the corrals used for the Run Disney races.

If you are familiar with Disney World, you will be surprised that the hotels at Disneyland are close to the parks.  Disneyland is surrounded by city streets.  Most hotels will have shuttles going to/from the parks and there are sidewalks so it is easy to get around.

Distance between California Adventure and Disneyland?  Maybe a 5 minute walk turnstile to turnstile if you stop to take pictures.  They are right across a large plaza from each other so you can easily go from one park to the other.  Downtown Disney is also within walking distance of each park.

There are lots of hotels with lots of different price points.  The most inexpensive way I have found to book hotels is through priceline or travelocity.  My hubby and I do not generally plan our trips in advance but rather look at each other on Friday afternoon and decide it's a great day to see fireworks above our favorite castle.  We have a Disney-Go Bag in our trunk so we can leave on a whim.  So, we end up booking a hotel as we drive down to Disneyland.

The rare times we plan our trips, such as family reunion trips or Run Disney events, we still book through Priceline.  Whatever your budget, you can find a hotel near Disneyland.  If you want to spend an outrageous per night price, you can stay at the fabulous Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier or Grand Californian Hotel which are all owed by Disney.  On a budget, well, there is Super 8 Motel.  There are lots of choices and price points to fit everyone's budget and needs.

Here's to your next stay!

I Finished! Now What?

I just finished my first half marathon!  I decided almost 6 months ago that I wanted to participate in Run Disney's Half Marathon.  For six months, I went from not being able to exert myself for even 5 minutes, to being able to exert myself enough to finish a half marathon!  For six months, I focused on the goal of seeing the finish line, obsessed about my Tink inspired costume, and checked the facebook pages for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon daily.

On January 20, 2013, I finished my goal of crossing the finish line!  I wasn't the slowest, I wasn't the fastest.  I had a fabulous time and I crossed the finish line in an upright position with a smile on my face! 

Then, something strange happened.  I was no longer motivated like I had been.  I felt lost the next week and in a fog. 

So, what's a girl to do?  Look forward to another goal!  I have a second half marathon scheduled for February 24, 2013 at Disney World~the Princess Half Marathon!  Since I am doing one race at each Disney resort within one calendar year, I will also be receiving the coveted Coast to Coast disney medal.

Faith, Trust and A Little Pixie Dust

I cannot wait!  The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is almost here!  This combines my love of Disney (and I am a Disney fanatic) with my goal of losing weight.  Ever since I found out that Disney has running events where you run and there is entertainment and character stops along the way, I wanted to do a Disney run.  In 2013, I am running a half marathon in Disneyland and Disney World about a month apart!

The Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend (yes, a whole weekend!) begins this Friday!  There is an expo Friday and Saturday and the half marathon is early Sunday.  I am so excited that I want Friday to hurry up and arrive and them time to slow WAY down so I can savor every minute of my first half marathon experience!

As with any major event in a girl's life...clothing is key!  For the Tinkerbell, my costume is Tinkerbell inspired.  I ordered one of their fabulous fairy inspired shirts from www.rawthreads.com with wings painted on the back and a running skirt from Sparkle Skirts.

My shirt is the black one.  The front and the back are gorgeous and the fabric is SO soft and moisture-wicking!

I cannot wait to pick up my skirt on Friday at the Expo!  Leah, the owner of Sparkle Skirts was so friendly and answered ALOT of questions.  I LOVE this skirt and cannot wait to try it on!

Of course, I will be using pixie dust liberally!  Oh, yeah, my goals for the Disneyland Tinkerbell Half Marathon:

1. Smile!
2. Have a great time!
3. Finish in an upright position.

Seriously, it's Disney where dreams come true!

Princess Half Marathon Inspiration

I LOVE Kate, Maryanne and Sara's Blog, From the Page to the Princess: Race to the Castle.  It has great content and some golden nuggets for those who are training for the Princess Half Marathon. 

I found this webpage on their blog.  It's an inspiration video that Julie and Amy compiled following their Princess Marathon in 2012.  I watch it every morning as it makes me happy and fills me with inspiration!  Thank you for Kate, Maryanne and Sara for having this available on your blog and a HUGE congratulations to Amy and Julie!!

http://fromthepagetotheprincess.weebly.com/1/category/Inspirational%20Quotes/1.html

After being filled with this much inspiration, I know that I can definitely finish the Princess!

From A Pumpkin to A Princess

I learned not too long ago that Disneyland and Disneyworld host running events.  For the last few months, I have been considering signing up for a running event.  Disney just does not only host the event but they do it in Disney Style!  They have fireworks to start each group, characters to cheer you along the way (and take pictures with), and create a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for the participants.  They transform the running course into a magical journey!

Now, mind you, I am not a runner.  At this point I would have more luck rolling my lumpy, dumpy, pumpkiny middle down the course than being a graceful runner.  Disney offers 5k, half marathons and marathons and I was not in any shape to do any!  I could not even do 5 straight minutes at a slow jog on the treadmill without having to stop.  There's no way I can do a running event.

But then I saw the medals.  Last year's medal for participants in the Princess Half Marathon was a shiny princess tiara with a jewel.  And looking at the pictures from my computer, the participants dress up in princess costumes!  Waves of tutus, sparkly running skirts, tiaras and princesses of all shapes and sizes!  Most of the women are not "Victoria's Secret Real Women" model types but women of ALL ages, shapes and sizes.  I read blogs of women who had done the Princess Half Marathon.  Although the reasons for doing it are different, they all ooze over how much FUN it was.  I toyed with the idea of having getting into shape and training to participate in the Princess Half Marathon but it is 13.1 miles and if I had to choose which character I looked like, it would be the pumpkin from Cinderella's story.

I wanted this.  Even pumpkins can turn into beautiful coaches with a girl's wish.  I want to dress up like a princess, run gracefully in the breeze and be able to show off my tiara medallion!  Riding a total wave of spontaneity (which is so unlike me), I signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February 2013, looked at my husband and asked if he wanted to get in shape with me and become my running partner.  Without missing a beat, he said "I'll be your prince charming" (cue corny music).  After registering, all of a sudden I was hit with "What Have I Done?!"  I live in California and this is in Florida!  I can't possibly run/walk/jog/roll 13.1 miles~I struggle to do 5 minutes of fast walking on the treadmill.  I felt like I just wasted the hefty registration fee.  I felt sheer panic began to creep up through my feet and heading toward my head.

Calm down.  Breathe deep.  It's a fun goal and will be a great reward to participate in February.  My goal for the half marathon: Finish!  It is August so I have plenty of time (I keep telling this to myself).

When I signed up, I was asked about my favorite princess.  I love the classic princesses (of course!) but connected with Belle from the instant I saw Beauty and the Beast with my daughter.  Belle loves to read, chooses her own destiny and finds the good in her situation.  So when asked who is your favorite princess, I said Belle.  Ever since that instant, I have been fixated on dressing up as Belle for the event.  Stop laughing and let me be girly!

So, in true princess fashion, I next have to decide what to wear when there is not a thing in my closet!