13.1 Miles of Disney Magic - A Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Trip Report

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hi everyone!

This past Labor Day weekend I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon. This was my first race ever and I had a blast! I have never written a trip report before but I want to share my experience and pictures with everyone so here goes nothing…

For the past 3 or 4 years I have wanted to run the Disneyland Half Marathon but I never signed up because 13.1 miles seemed like so much I wasn’t sure I could finish in the 3 ½ hour time limit. My aunt ran it the very first year (2006). Here she is after finishing the inaugural race:
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n128/MotoXPrincess99/li.gif

After I told her that I had finally decided to run it this year she hopped right on her computer and signed up too! I was excited to have someone to run with.

My mom (VintageDisneyRules) decided to come with us to cheer us on. Here is a picture of her and I:
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n128/MotoXPrincess99/tie.gif

[MotoXPrincess99]

On Saturday, September 4, 2010 my mom and aunt came to pick me up and we were off to Disneyland. We stayed at the Red Lion. I booked this hotel through Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” option and ended up getting it for $70 per night. The Red Lion is about a 10 minute walk to Disneyland. It’s on the south east corner of Harbor and Katella.
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/53/6c/ea/anaheim.jpg

We got to the hotel around 11:30am and luckily they had a room ready so were able to check in early. We had a 2 queen room. I had asked to be upgraded to a Disney view but none of those rooms were ready.
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After we unpacked, we hung our door sign up and headed to Downtown Disney for lunch.
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[MotoXPrincess99]

We headed to White Water Snacks in the California Grand Hotel where we met up with Rochelle (eatmypixiedust). My mom, aunt and I all had the nachos and Pix had a chili dog and chili cheese fries. I love the nachos here! I can never eat them all.
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After we ate my aunt and I headed to the Disneyland Hotel for the Sports Expo where we needed to pick up our Bib, t-shirt and goodie bag. My mom and Rochelle headed into the parks.

We tried to take a picture of ourselves but it didn’t quite turn out.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp4344%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E369% 3E247%3C94%3A45%3A235ot1lsi

So then we asked someone to take if for us.
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They had a backdrop set up for people to take pictures in front of.
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There was a big sign for all the runners to sign.
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After we got our stuff we walked around the Expo for a bit and then headed back toward the parks to meet up with my mom and Pix. We each bought a shirt that says "I Did It" that we planned to wear on Sunday after the race.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43454%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E365%3E 247%3C94%3A456235ot1lsi

We saw Goofy in the hotel.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B%3A%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E36 7%3E247%3C94%3A458235ot1lsi

I’m not sure what all my mom and Pix did while we were at the Expo but I know they did Animation Academy and I think they saw The Aladdin Show.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C2%3Enu%3D3393%3E3%3B6%3E3%3C4% 3E24843%3B64%3B5235ot1lsi

[staley7580]

I love, love LOVE your pics!

[canadadisney]

Great Work!!! I have put this run on my, "To Do List"!

[where's_my_prince]

LOVE your pics :thumbsup2

[tinkermell]

Sarah!!

Great start!:thumbsup2

Looking forward to hearing much more! :goodvibes

[MotoXPrincess99]

Whoo Hoo! People are actually reading my TR! :rotfl:

I love, love LOVE your pics!

Thanks!

Great Work!!! I have put this run on my, "To Do List"!

You should definitely run it next year. :thumbsup2

LOVE your pics :thumbsup2

Thank you. I've got a bunch more to come. :)

Sarah!!

Great start!:thumbsup2

Looking forward to hearing much more! :goodvibes

I plan to get the rest of Day 1 finished today.

[MotoXPrincess99]

Ok, so after the Sports Expo I had plans to meet up with my mom and Rochelle at 4:30pm in front of Gibson Girl Ice Cream where we were going to meet up with some other DISer's for a little mini meet. My aunt had only bought a 1 day park hopper ticket that she was going to use on Sunday so she decided to walk around Down Town Disney while I ran in to Disneyland for the meet.

I do Pin Trading so I gave my aunt my bag of traders and told her to look for some Tinkerbell pins for me so she would have something to do. She also wanted to go back to the Expo at 5:00pm to exchange our shirts. The shirts that they gave us in our goodie bags were HUGE and they wouldn’t let us exchange them for a smaller size until after 5:00pm.

The first person I saw was MaryJo. We talked for a bit and then we saw my mom and Rochelle outside talking to someone. It was Jen (Mrs.PinUp). We decided to move to a table down Main Street. A few ladies that post on the WISH boards and who were running the ½ Marathon also met up with us.

From left to right standing:
MaryJo (MaryJo), Trudi (VintageDisneyRules), Sarah (MotoXPrincess99), Jen (jbucci), Joan (joan4mickey)
And sitting:
Rochelle (eatmypixiedust), Jen (Mrs.PinUp), Corrina, Laurie (hockeygirl)
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C5%3Enu%3D3393%3E3%3B6%3E3%3C6% 3E24843%3B64%3B7235ot1lsi

After we chit chatted for a bit Rochelle and I went to get Dole Whips and my mom and MaryJo stayed at the table to talk. The line for the Dole Whips was so long! I took a few pictures while we waited. Luckily the weather wasn’t too hot on Saturday.
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After we got our Whip and our Float we headed back to meet my mom and MaryJo. It was almost 6:00pm and we had to meet my aunt outside the gates so we could all walk over to California Pizza Kitchen in the Anaheim Garden Walk where we had 6:30 dinner reservations.

As we walked over my aunt told us about her two hours in DTD. She was able to exchange her shirt for a small but they were all out of X-Smalls for me. :sad1: She traded almost all of my pins and had so much fun doing it. :) She hung out at the UVA Bar and some guy bought her a beer. :rotfl: She really didn't mind being on her own for the time.

[VintageDisneyRules]

This is great Sarah ! I get to re-live the weekend all over again !!!:banana:

[mommaU4]

popcorn:: I'm here and going to read what you wrote so far later tonight once the kiddos are in bed.

[wendypooh22]

:thumbsup2 Great TR Sarah!!!
I can't wait to read more!

[Belle Ella]

Great way to start it off! Do you mind if I link to it in the September Check in thread?

Can't wait for more!

[MotoXPrincess99]

Great way to start it off! Do you mind if I link to it in the September Check in thread?

Can't wait for more!

Nope, not at all. :thumbsup2

[MotoXPrincess99]

Okay, so we headed over to the Anaheim Garden Walk for our 6:30 reservations at CPK. I had never been to the Garden Walk. There are so many stores and restaurants there. There’s even a bowling ally. Some day I would like to look in all the stores but it would take half the day. Here’s a link to the website if you want to check it out: Anaheim Garden Walk (http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/)


We stopped to take some pictures in front of a HUGE picture of the Disney Villains.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43453%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E377%3E 247%3C94%3A468235ot1lsi

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There was a man that was making balloon animals for people that were waiting to eat. They were so cute!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43447%3Enu%3D3393%3E492%3E232%3E2484 492323235ot1lsi

There was a long wait to be seated but luckily I had made a reservation a few weeks in advance so we didn’t have to wait too long.

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My mom and MaryJo shared a pizza, I had ravioli, I think Rochelle had pizza and my aunt had spaghetti. I didn’t take any pictures of the food but here’s one of the dessert my mom ordered. It’s called a Butter Cake.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C2%3Enu%3D3393%3E492%3E238%3E24 84492329235ot1lsi

It was around 8:30 by the time we were all finished. Rochelle and MaryJo headed back to the parks and my mom, aunt and I headed back to the hotel to go to bed since we had to be up at 4:00am the next morning for our race.

By the time we walked back to the hotel, finished un-packing and got our things together for the race it was probably 10:00pm before we actually got to bed.

[where's_my_prince]

oh my gosh those balloon characters are so cute!!!!

[MotoXPrincess99]

oh my gosh those balloon characters are so cute!!!!

I know! I've never seen anyone make Disney ones before. We looked for him after we got done eating to see how much they were but he was gone. :sad1:

[tinkermell]

Look like everyone is enjoying themselves to so much! :goodvibes

[VintageDisneyRules]

There was a man that was making balloon animals for people that were waiting to eat. They were so cute!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43447%3Enu%3D3393%3E492%3E232%3E2484 492323235ot1lsi



.

Sarah, Aunt Toni said it looks like Tinkerbell is pole dancing.
What IS that pink balloon supposed to be?:confused3

[sameyeyam]

Sarah, Aunt Toni said it looks like Tinkerbell is pole dancing.
What IS that pink balloon supposed to be?:confused3

I'm not sure, but I think that Ariel needs to schedule her yearly mammogram. She's looking a bit lumpy up on top.:rotfl2: Those are awesome.

Great TR Sarah!

[MotoXPrincess99]

Sunday, September 5th, 2010 – RACE DAY!!!!

On the day of the Half Marathon we had to get up at 4:00am! We got dressed and headed to the ART stop at the front of the hotel. They had the ART busses running very early that morning. There were so many people out walking to the Disneyland Hotel (where the starting line was) but we opted to ride the bus. We would be doing enough walking/running later.

We got dropped off at the usual bus stop so we still had to walk through DTD.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C3%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E389% 3E247%3C94%3A47%3A235ot1lsi

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We made our way to the staging area which was in the parking lot of the Disneyland Hotel. We stopped for a picture:
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A%3A%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E39 3%3E247%3C94%3A484235ot1lsi

It was pretty cold out at the time of the morning so my aunt had brought some disposable lab coats from work that kept us warm until the race started.

There was a stage set up with a DJ and an announcer who was trying to get everybody pumped up for the race. He told us that 14,000 people were signed up to run. There were more women than men. The oldest person running was 83. All 50 states were represented…stuff like that.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43332%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E395%3E 247%3C94%3A486235ot1lsi

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If you look close you can see my aunt and I in our lab coats. These pictures were taken by the company that was taking pictures during the race. I ended up purchasing the CD.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B%3A%3Enu%3D3236%3E478%3E%3A58% 3EWSNRCG%3D3393584287326nu0mrj

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[sameyeyam]

Wow, that was early! Awesome idea with the lab coats, makes you so easy to pick out in the photos.:thumbsup2

[MotoXPrincess99]

We pretty much stood around for half an hour before they started sending people into the corrals. There were a lot of people dressed in costume. We took pictures with some of them.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E39 %3B%3E247%3C94%3A48%3C235ot1lsi

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There were 7 corrals with 2,000 people each. The fastest people were in Corral A and they would get to start first at 6:00am. Corral B would start at 6:05am and so on. I was supposed to be in corral E and my aunt in G but since we wanted to run together I dropped down to G since they wouldn’t let her move up to E.
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It was probably around 5:00am when they started calling out the letters for people to head toward the corals. I have never seen so many port-o-potties in a row. There were probably 50 or 60. This would be the last chance to use the bath room until you were out on the course (that is if you wanted to stop and wait to use it).
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Headed toward Disneyland Drive
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Looking back up Disneyland Drive toward the Mickey and Friends parking structure. We were at the very front of our coral, right at the fence.
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After standing in the corral for an hour the sun started coming up as the different corals started the race. This is when we ditched our lab coats. I don't know what people did with their jackets and sweaters. :confused3 I had heard that people go around and pick-up all the clothing left at the start and donate it to charity so maybe people brough old jackets and stuff.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B8%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E3%3B 9%3E247%3C94%3A4%3A%3A235ot1lsi

Another picture looking back toward the parking structure.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43449%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E3%3B%3 B%3E247%3C94%3A4%3A%3C235ot1lsi

This guy’s outfit played Elvis songs the whole race. :rotfl:
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Finally it’s our turn to start! :banana: They made us walk behind the fencing toward the starting line.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43445%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E3%3C5% 3E247%3C94%3A4%3B6235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B2%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E3%3C 9%3E247%3C94%3A4%3B%3A235ot1lsi

The tail end of Corral F headed down Disneyland Drive toward Katella.
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On your marks, Get set, GO!!!!!
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[MotoXPrincess99]

Wow, that was early! Awesome idea with the lab coats, makes you so easy to pick out in the photos.:thumbsup2

Yep, and we didn't have to worry about carrying a jacket with us the whole race. We tossed them when the sun came up.

[MotoXPrincess99]

We headed down Disneyland Drive. We took a left on Katella and then another left to head up Harbor. This is where we passed the Mile 1 marker. It’s a little blurry but I was running after all. :lmao:
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C2%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E735%3E 247%3C965826235ot1lsi

We headed left at Disney Way into the parking lot. The Incredible’s were out posing for pictures.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C3%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E737%3E 247%3C965828235ot1lsi

We ran around the lot and into California Adventure. We entered the park through a gate right next to the Tortilla Factory. From there we headed left. Some of the puppets from the World of Color pre-show were out.
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Next was another left onto the bridge and under the Paradise Pier sign.
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Then we ran past the Mile 2 marker.
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We ran down past California Screamin’ and Toy Story Mania and continued around past Mickey’s Fun Wheel (of death). Lilo and Stitch were out right across from the Silly Symphony Swings.
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We continued around and back up the middle toward Grizzly River Run. The sun still wasn’t up all the way and it was kind of foggy.
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Another World of Color puppet.
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We continued around past the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and past the entrance to the California Grand Hotel. Right before we got to Soaring Over California we were sent out a side gate and into Down Town Disney.
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We headed right and through the security check point area.
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Up next: Running through Disneyland

[magichusky]

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A%3A%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E94%3A%3E39 3%3E247%3C94%3A484235ot1lsi


Hahaha OMG love those lab coats! What a great idea! I ran the 1/2 marathon in 2008 and pretty much just freezed my butt off for an hour. :cool1:

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hahaha OMG love those lab coats! What a great idea! I ran the 1/2 marathon in 2008 and pretty much just freezed my butt off for an hour. :cool1:

My aunt runs alot of races so she has it down. :thumbsup2 They really did keep us warm, arms and legs since they were so long, and then we just tossed them over the fence of the corral when it started to warm up.

[VintageDisneyRules]

I'm really enjoying the report and seeing all the pictures. It's almost like being there !:thumbsup2

[MotoXPrincess99]

Running through Disneyland

After we ran through the bag check area it was on to Disneyland! We ran through the gates in the middle of the fence. My aunt and I stopped here for a picture in front of the Mickey Head flowers.
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Then we headed toward the right and under the train tracks. There was a float with the Penguins from Mary Poppins and some Chimney Sweeps dancing around.
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Next we headed up Main Street.
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Then it was left toward Frontier Land.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43336%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E763%3E24 7%3C965854235ot1lsi

We headed right and ran past Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road and passed the Mile 3 sign.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43446%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E765%3E24 7%3C965856235ot1lsi

Woody and Jessie were out in front of the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ area. Next we took a right just after the Village Haus Restaurant and ran past Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Dumbo was going round and round with no body on it. Snow White’s Step-mother and Step Sisters were riding the Carousel.

Next we headed through the Castle. There were some Villains’ off to the left but I’m not sure which ones were out. Maleficent was on top of the Castle!
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp4344%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E767%3E 247%3C965858235ot1lsi

Here we are coming through the Castle.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A%3B%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E6%3B9% 3E24843787%3A%3A235ot1lsi

After running through the Castle we headed left toward Tomorrow Land. The Princesses were outside of the Castle but the line was SO long.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43447%3Enu%3D3395%3E4%3A8%3E3%3B8%3E 24864%3A84%3A9235ot1lsi

We went to the left of the Astro Orbiters. They were also going round and round with nobody on them. We ran past Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and then headed left toward the Finding Nemo Ride. The Star Wars music was playing in Tomorrow Land and there were some Storm Troopers out.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43454%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E769%3E24 7%3C96585%3A235ot1lsi

After we reached Nemo we headed left and passed the Matterhorn.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43447%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E76%3B%3E 247%3C96585%3C235ot1lsi

We ran past the Alice ride and the Tea Cups (which were spinning) and headed toward It’s A Small World. Here’s my aunt posing with a float.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43336%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E773%3E24 7%3C965864235ot1lsi

Then we headed out through some gates to the right of Small World. Here’s me in front of a train that was parked back-stage. This is where the 2nd water stop was.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C3%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E775%3E 247%3C965866235ot1lsi

Next it was around the back of Small World were we saw these guys.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B6%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E777%3E 247%3C965868235ot1lsi

We continued behind Toon Town and past the stables. Then it was back on to Disneyland Drive as we passed Mile 4.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43453%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E779%3E24 7%3C96586%3A235ot1lsi

[VintageDisneyRules]

So far so good.Waiting to hear more !popcorn::

[MotoXPrincess99]

So far so good.Waiting to hear more !popcorn::

I'm going to try to add more today. :)

[MotoXPrincess99]

Okay, I am back to add some more to my trip report.

So, when I left off we had just passed Mile 4. We then continued north on Disneyland Drive and made a right on to Ball Road. There were bands and spectators cheering us on.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C9%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E77%3B% 3E247%3C96586%3C235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E783% 3E247%3C965874235ot1lsi

The third water station was located between Mile 4 and 5.

Look, it’s Lilo and Stitch:
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C7%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E785%3E 247%3C965876235ot1lsi

We continued down Ball Road and then made a right onto Anaheim Blvd where we passed Mile Marker 5.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43335%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E787%3E24 7%3C965878235ot1lsi

We ran south down Anaheim Blvd and made a left onto Cerritos Ave. There was a Spanish dance group on the corner.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B3%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E789%3E 247%3C96587%3A235ot1lsi

We then made a left on to Lewis Street and made a stop at the Port-O-Potties. This was also where the 4th water station was located as well as a first aid station. The line wasn’t too long maybe 2-3 minutes. This was our only bathroom stop. Then we passed mile 6.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C3%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E78%3B% 3E247%3C96587%3C235ot1lsi

We passed a dance group and my aunt ran out and started dancing with them. I didn’t get a picture of her though.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43453%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E793%3E24 7%3C965884235ot1lsi

We hit Ball Road again and went right. Then it was another right onto State College Blvd and we passed Mile 7.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B4%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E795%3E 247%3C965886235ot1lsi

We ran past some Hula dancers.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43449%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E797%3E24 7%3C965888235ot1lsi

We hit Cerritos Ave again and went left. We passed the 5th water station. As we ran under the 57 Freeway we passed Mile 8.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43446%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E799%3E24 7%3C96588%3A235ot1lsi

Then we took a right on to Douglas Road. We headed left into the Honda Center parking lot and made our way onto the Santa Ana trail next to the Santa Ana River but there was no water running in it. This part of the course was dirt and it got very dusty and narrow. I was glad we only ran on the trail for a short time. You can see Angeles Stadium in the distance.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B4%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E79%3B% 3E247%3C96588%3C235ot1lsi

We entered into the parking lot of Angeles Stadium. There were people there cheering us on.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B2%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3A3% 3E247%3C965894235ot1lsi

We passed mile 9 but I guess I didn’t get a picture of it. This is also where they had the 6th water station and they were handing out Cliff shots.

We passed the 15K mark and headed through the tunnel into Angeles Stadium.
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp4344%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3A5% 3E247%3C965896235ot1lsi

[VintageDisneyRules]

Very nice report and pictures !:banana:

[justliketink]

Your report is so detailed! I almost feel as if I were running in the half-marathon myself - well, except that I would probably start walking after the first mile :rotfl:

Thanks for taking such great pics during the race

[MotoXPrincess99]

Your report is so detailed! I almost feel as if I were running in the half-marathon myself - well, except that I would probably start walking after the first mile :rotfl:

Thanks for taking such great pics during the race

I'm glad you're enjoying it. I've got more pictures too add. :)

[JDBlair]

Really loving your report. I'm signed up to run the Disneyland 1/2 marathon in September. I'm really excited.

[VintageDisneyRules]

I think Sarah has forgotten to finish her report.
I'll remind that DD of mine.:)

[JDBlair]

I think Sarah has forgotten to finish her report.
I'll remind that DD of mine.:)

:thumbsup2

[MotoXPrincess99]

I didn't forget...our home computer broke and I don't really have time at work. But here's a little bit more...

[MotoXPrincess99]

We pasted the 6th water stop as we headed into Angeles Stadium. We got to run around the outside of the field.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43452%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3A7%3E 247%3C965898235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43449%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3A9%3E 247%3C96589%3A235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A%3B%3Enu%3D3398%3E5%3B4%3E949% 3E24895%3B4%3A3%3A235ot1lsi

Look! We're on the jumbotron!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C%3A%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3A %3B%3E247%3C96589%3C235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B%3A%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3B 3%3E247%3C9658%3A4235ot1lsi

We headed out of the stadium and into the parking lot where the Sweeper Buses were waiting. :scared1: Luckly we were right on track and were not in danger of getting swept.

Here we passed mile 10 and the 7th water stop.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C9%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3B5% 3E247%3C9658%3A6235ot1lsi

We headed west on Gene Autry Way, south on Santa Cruz, west on Standford and then north onto Anaheim Way where we passed the 8th water stop and Mile Marker 11.

Now the most I had run during training was 10 miles and this is where I started to lag. No pictures again until Mile 11 beacuse all I wanted to do was finish. I was tired and my feet were starting to hurt.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B%3B%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3B 7%3E247%3C9658%3A8235ot1lsi

We continued up Anaheim Way crossing Katella and continued on to Disney Way where we passed the 4th medical tent and the 9th water station.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C9%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3B9% 3E247%3C9658%3A%3A235ot1lsi

We were getting close to the finish!
http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43453%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3B%3B% 3E247%3C9658%3A%3C235ot1lsi

[MotoXPrincess99]

We crossed back on to Disney property.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C5%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3C3% 3E247%3C9658%3B4235ot1lsi

And made it to Mile 12.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C4%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3C5% 3E247%3C9658%3B6235ot1lsi

We ran behind where they are now building Cars Land and the Incredibles were still out.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B9%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3C7% 3E247%3C9658%3B8235ot1lsi

We ran around the outskirts of DCA, over Disneyland Drive, behind the Paradise Pier Hotel, by the Disneyland Hotel and then we could see the finsh line!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A8%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E697%3E24 84378788235ot1lsi

I was so done but my Aunt grabbed my hand and made me keep running. She said I couldn't walk across the finish line, I had to run!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C4%3Enu%3D3393%3E4%3B6%3E%3A35% 3E24844%3B6%3B26235ot1lsi

We did it!!!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp4344%3B%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E6%3A5%3E 2484378796235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B9%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E6%3C7%3E 24843787%3B8235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B2%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E6%3C%3B% 3E24843787%3B%3C235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43334%3Enu%3D3393%3E4%3B6%3E%3A33%3E 24844%3B6%3B24235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B2%3Enu%3D3394%3E74%3B%3E884%3E 248574%3B975235ot1lsi

[MotoXPrincess99]

After we crossed the finish line they were handing out bottled water and PowerAid, ice and wet towels but all I wanted was my medal!

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43332%3Enu%3D3448%3E594%3E557%3E2539 594648235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43334%3Enu%3D338%3B%3E965%3E7%3C9%3E 247%3C9658%3B%3A235ot1lsi

Did we really finish in front of this many people?

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3A8%3Enu%3D3236%3E478%3E%3A58%3E WSNRCG%3D338%3B9%3B939%3B326nu0mrj

We then got our pictures taken with our medals.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3B8%3Enu%3D3394%3E74%3B%3E888%3E 248574%3B979235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43333%3Enu%3D3393%3E378%3E67%3B%3E24 8437876%3C235ot1lsi

We made our way through the bag claim tents where we got fruit and bagels.

My mom was waiting for us in the Family Reunion area.

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp432%3C%3A%3Enu%3D3393%3E492%3E246%3E 2484492337235ot1lsi

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43336%3Enu%3D3393%3E492%3E24%3A%3E24 8449233%3B235ot1lsi

My officials results:

http://images.photos1.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp43445%3Enu%3D3236%3E478%3E%3A58%3EWS NRCG%3D3448738%3A%3B%3A326nu0mrj

[MotoXPrincess99]

We all headed into DTD. My aunt and I were going back to the hotel to shower and my mom headed into the parks.

This year I plan to take some advil probably around mile 9 or 10 so I can finsih strong. I also plan to use the bag check and check my Crocs so I can change out of the running shoes as soon as I'm done. I felt like I was getting a blister on the bottom of my foot and we still had to walk all the way back to the hotel.

We made it to the shuttle area and sat down on a bench and waited for a bus that never came so we decided to walk back to the Red Lion.

I found out later that the buses were taking an alternate route due to people still running on the streets. My mom had jumped on the ART outside of the hotel earlier and thought she was taking it to Disneyland but then the bus got on the freeway and she started thinking she was headed to the airport or something and was going to miss us finish. :rotfl:

We showered put on our "I Did It" shirts and our medals and headed to meet my mom in Disneyland.

[jodeja]

Great job to you and your Aunt for finishing the Half!
And thank you for doing such a detailed trip report! I loved reading it. It really was like being right there, mile by mile. And that is so cool that you got a photo of each mile marker – it looks like you kept a really consistent pace. I really want to run the DL Half or the new Tinker Bell Half, but I will have to settle for dreaming and reading trip reports for now :upsidedow

[DizNee Luver]

Sarah, I'm so glad you got back on & finished the report! Congrats to you & your aunt!!!! That is so awesome! I wish I could run......blew out knee before I was 20 & running just doesn't seem to be in the cards. I imagine it's easier to do when you have someone running side by side with you.....you can encourage each other thru the process!!!

Love the medals.....what a neat experience!!!

[MotoXPrincess99]

Sarah, I'm so glad you got back on & finished the report! Congrats to you & your aunt!!!! That is so awesome! I wish I could run......blew out knee before I was 20 & running just doesn't seem to be in the cards. I imagine it's easier to do when you have someone running side by side with you.....you can encourage each other thru the process!!!

Love the medals.....what a neat experience!!!

Thank you!

I was the one that needed the encouragement. :rotfl: My aunt is a runner and has run the LA Marathon (26.2 miles) several times.

She's running this race again with me and we are hoping for a better time.

The whole begining of the race I kept telling her to go ahead with out me becasue I felt like I was slowing her down. She finally said "if you say that one more time I'm going to hit you!" :rotfl:

[VintageDisneyRules]

I'm glad you finished your report !!!:cheer2:
Can't wait to cheer you on again in Sept !:cheer2:

[MotoXPrincess99]

I'm glad you finished your report !!!:cheer2:
Can't wait to cheer you on again in Sept !:cheer2:

There's more but it may take me another few months. :lmao: I still have all the pictures from Disneyland after the race and WOC.

[anewmac]

Oh that is awesome. Great Job. Ur pics are amZing how much was the cd and how many pics were included? And was it a pain running with ur camera that's what I plan on doing lol! Can't wait to read more and maybe even see ya on the course lol

[MotoXPrincess99]

Oh that is awesome. Great Job. Ur pics are amZing how much was the cd and how many pics were included? And was it a pain running with ur camera that's what I plan on doing lol! Can't wait to read more and maybe even see ya on the course lol

I think the CD was $79.00. When you first log on the photo website they will show you pictures of your self based on your bib number but I went through each picture from the whole race and if I found even my arm in it I aksed for it to be added onto the CD. :lmao: For that much money I wanted EVERY picture of me! :rotfl: The photo company was fine with it too.

I think I ended up with about 40 pictures.

I have a SPI belt that I used to carry my camera. It's what I use to carry my iPhone while I train (I listen to music when I run). It doesn't bounce around at all.
http://www.spibelt.com/

[skiingfast]

I didn't forget...our home computer broke and I don't really have time at work. But here's a little bit more...

Awsome wrapped it up with lots of pictures. Very Nice!

[zanzibar138]

What a great TR! Well done to you and your aunty for finishing the race, and getting so many great photos along the way too!

Mum and I have just decided that we are going to do a half at DLR - we're aiming for the Tink half in 2013, assuming that it will go ahead and be at a similar time of year. Mum is currently in training for a half iron man, so it will be easy for her. I'm very unfit though so I've just started my training :)

It's great to see the type of thing we'll be up for! And I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip too.

[MotoXPrincess99]

Awsome wrapped it up with lots of pictures. Very Nice!

Thank you!

What a great TR! Well done to you and your aunty for finishing the race, and getting so many great photos along the way too!

Mum and I have just decided that we are going to do a half at DLR - we're aiming for the Tink half in 2013, assuming that it will go ahead and be at a similar time of year. Mum is currently in training for a half iron man, so it will be easy for her. I'm very unfit though so I've just started my training :)

It's great to see the type of thing we'll be up for! And I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip too.

I'm already signed up for the next Disneyland Half in September as well as the Tinkerbell Half in January. These races are so much fun.

I am running the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in San Diego on June 5th so I'll see how it compares. There's supposed to be bands along the course and a big free concert at the finish line.

[Disfan11]

Yah. I'm running the San Diego R&R 1/2 in June too. And then the Seattle R&R 1/2 at the end of June. Then I'm doing the DL 1/2 in Sept.
I did the Princess 1/2 in Feb. And I loved it! Now I'm thinking of doing the Tinkerbell too!
So much fun! I love the Disney races.

[indiesgirl4ever]

Thank you for doing this TR I'm so excited for Sep 4th 2011!!!

[Saylan]

This is really helpful. I did the Princess in Feb but I've never been to DL so I'm nervous about running this race in Sept.

Did you find you liked the Priceline name your price site? I was nervous about using them since it's a little blind-faith based.