Official 2012 Wine and Dine ½ Marathon Thread

[PlutoBaby]

Glad I'm not the only one who hasn't ran since the race. Last week was insane getting back from WDW and getting back to life. And since I don't know when my next race is, there's not a looming race to force me back like there was when I finished the Disneyland 1/2.

Since some people were talking about that, I wanted to chime in with my thoughts about the Coast To Coast. Honestly, the 2012 C2C ranks as one of my best Disney experiences ever. It's fun enough to see both WDW and Disneyland in the same year, but I also really enjoyed the experience of a night race and a morning race. For those concerned about the early morning race, I would suggest Disneyland since it's possible to roll out of bed 1 hour or so before you need to be in your corral since you can easily walk to the corrals.

Having successfully completed a 1/2 and discovering it really is possible, seeing that Coast to Coast medal really gets you thinking. I probably talked with at least 5 runners after the Wine & Dine who asked about my Coast To Coast medal and what the Disneyland course was like. And they all sounded intrigued about it because it is different. Both races were great experiences in different ways. Disney World has nothing like the rush of Angels Stadium along the course and it also has some really fun opportunities to see more Disney stuff along the course.

As great as the feeling is to have the volunteers place the medal around my neck, it was even better when I went over to the Coast to Coast booth and had them cut off that wristband and place the Coast to Coast medal around my neck. While I think that the Coast to Coast medal might have caused me to even try a 1/2 in the first place, having now accomplished it was more rewarding than I could have imagined.

All right, now I'm thinking this is all a conspiracy. Right after I finished the W&D, I swore I wouldn't do another Disney event due to the crowds . Now, not only am I seriously considering next year's W&D, now you've got my brain rolling about the C2C in 2014! What are you people trying to do to me???!!???

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

All right, now I'm thinking this is all a conspiracy. Right after I finished the W&D, I swore I wouldn't do another Disney event due to the crowds . Now, not only am I seriously considering next year's W&D, now you've got my brain rolling about the C2C in 2014! What are you people trying to do to me???!!???

Welcome to a new addiction. I just wanted to run the 2010 Princess. End of Story. Then, the C2C seemed like a great idea so Disneyland got added to the mix. Then, they released the 2011 Marathon Medal...it was cute and a Marathon was even more bucket list worthy, and it just hasn't stopped. They should have a warning on the registration page. "By signing up for this race, you agree that you may develop an addiction to all future Disney races plus some. Disney assumes no responsibility for this addiction."

 

[booth22]

Love the race report! OMG, you guys SMOKED it!!

Thanks! We've come a long way since our first Disneyland 1/2 marathon 5 years ago.... seems like forever ago. Had a blast at W/D and looking forward to Tinkerbell in January!

 

[dis-happy]

All right, now I'm thinking this is all a conspiracy. Right after I finished the W&D, I swore I wouldn't do another Disney event due to the crowds . Now, not only am I seriously considering next year's W&D, now you've got my brain rolling about the C2C in 2014! What are you people trying to do to me???!!???

I think they put someyhing in that "special Powerade" on the course. Just did the math....14,000 W&D runners x $155. minimum entry fee means Disney is raking in over $2 million per race!

 

[jeanigor]

I think they put someyhing in that "special Powerade" on the course. Just did the math....14,000 W&D runners x $155. minimum entry fee means Disney is raking in over $2 million per race!

Don't forget to add on profit from hotels, park admission, dining, souvenirs, party tickets......

Disney wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't good for their bottom line. Let's face it, they are a business.

 

[PlutoBaby]

Welcome to a new addiction. I just wanted to run the 2010 Princess. End of Story. Then, the C2C seemed like a great idea so Disneyland got added to the mix. Then, they released the 2011 Marathon Medal...it was cute and a Marathon was even more bucket list worthy, and it just hasn't stopped. They should have a warning on the registration page. "By signing up for this race, you agree that you may develop an addiction to all future Disney races plus some. Disney assumes no responsibility for this addiction."

Evil...it's all evil.....

 

[mking624]

Welcome to a new addiction. I just wanted to run the 2010 Princess. End of Story. Then, the C2C seemed like a great idea so Disneyland got added to the mix. Then, they released the 2011 Marathon Medal...it was cute and a Marathon was even more bucket list worthy, and it just hasn't stopped. They should have a warning on the registration page. "By signing up for this race, you agree that you may develop an addiction to all future Disney races plus some. Disney assumes no responsibility for this addiction."

OMG YES!! After finishing W&D, I was all, "I am NEVER running again!!" Now I trying to see how many Disney races I can squeeze in over the next couple of years!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

My first 1/2 was the Disneyland 2011 and it was hard, one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. But I did finish and wanted the C2C, so I didn't rule out future races. And then when I didn't get back to exercising after the race, that sealed the deal when I debated about running the 2012 Disneyland 1/2. And since the 2012 Wine & Dine was at a good time of year for me to visit WDW, I figured I'd better go for the C2C.

In the midst of training in August for the Disneyland 1/2 this year, during one of my long runs I came to the conclusion that this would likely be the last year that I ever did a 1/2 marathon. If I DNF the Disneyland 1/2, I would have cancelled my WDW trip, and if I finished the Wine & Dine 1/2, then I would have my C2C and could 'retire' from 1/2 marathons. I was tired, I was sore, and I was wondering why I signed up for this. I figured that I could always do 5Ks.

Then I did the Disneyland 1/2 for the second time. And it was so much more fun than my first. Throw in the Wine & Dine 1/2 and the fun I had with it and I feel very differently now. For logistical reasons, I may not be able to do another WDW race and I feel sad about that. But at least Disneyland is still there for me. Yes, these can be addictive, but exercise is a very good thing.

 

[PlutoBaby]

My first 1/2 was the Disneyland 2011 and it was hard, one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. But I did finish and wanted the C2C, so I didn't rule out future races. And then when I didn't get back to exercising after the race, that sealed the deal when I debated about running the 2012 Disneyland 1/2. And since the 2012 Wine & Dine was at a good time of year for me to visit WDW, I figured I'd better go for the C2C.

In the midst of training in August for the Disneyland 1/2 this year, during one of my long runs I came to the conclusion that this would likely be the last year that I ever did a 1/2 marathon. If I DNF the Disneyland 1/2, I would have cancelled my WDW trip, and if I finished the Wine & Dine 1/2, then I would have my C2C and could 'retire' from 1/2 marathons. I was tired, I was sore, and I was wondering why I signed up for this. I figured that I could always do 5Ks.

Then I did the Disneyland 1/2 for the second time. And it was so much more fun than my first. Throw in the Wine & Dine 1/2 and the fun I had with it and I feel very differently now. For logistical reasons, I may not be able to do another WDW race and I feel sad about that. But at least Disneyland is still there for me. Yes, these can be addictive, but exercise is a very good thing.

I'm never one to quit anything after one try (except for skiing-long, ugly story), and I kind of knew in the back of my brain that I probably wouldn't just do a Disney run one time . Like you, I have the opposite logistical issue - WDW is only 3 hours away for me and DisneyLand seems like a planet away. Plus, since the DH can no longer handle the 1/2 distance anymore, I'd probably be running it alone. But by 2014, who knows what can happen. Isn't that the point of pixie dust???

 

[mking624]

I'm never one to quit anything after one try (except for skiing-long, ugly story), and I kind of knew in the back of my brain that I probably wouldn't just do a Disney run one time . Like you, I have the opposite logistical issue - WDW is only 3 hours away for me and DisneyLand seems like a planet away. Plus, since the DH can no longer handle the 1/2 distance anymore, I'd probably be running it alone. But by 2014, who knows what can happen. Isn't that the point of pixie dust???

I, too, think I kind of knew it wouldn't be my only Disney run (although it technically was my second since I did the Halloween 5K last year)... I think that just being so sore made me temporarily hate the idea of running. But I'm good now and am looking forward to planning my next race.

I am actually in between DL and WDW, though I have only ever been to DL once and it was this past April. I have family in Irvine, but would have to work out when the best time would be to go...because if I did the Tink, it is only a couple months after W&D, but the DL 1/2 is only a couple months before. The best option for me with Coast to Coast would be to do the Princess with the DL 1/2, but then I likely wouldn't be able to do it until 2015. So many things to think about! Although...this may change as DH and I are discussing moving to Florida next year. So it may be easier to plan out a race once I am closer to WDW.

 

[PlutoBaby]

I, too, think I kind of knew it wouldn't be my only Disney run (although it technically was my second since I did the Halloween 5K last year)... I think that just being so sore made me temporarily hate the idea of running. But I'm good now and am looking forward to planning my next race.

I am actually in between DL and WDW, though I have only ever been to DL once and it was this past April. I have family in Irvine, but would have to work out when the best time would be to go...because if I did the Tink, it is only a couple months after W&D, but the DL 1/2 is only a couple months before. The best option for me with Coast to Coast would be to do the Princess with the DL 1/2, but then I likely wouldn't be able to do it until 2015. So many things to think about! Although...this may change as DH and I are discussing moving to Florida next year. So it may be easier to plan out a race once I am closer to WDW.

Move to Florida! Move to Florida! Move to Florida!!!!!! ( Get the idea you should move here??) I moved here from CT 17 years ago and its the best thing I ever did. The traffic sucks, the people are rude, but it is SO much fun!!! PLUS....wait for it....you're so much closer to Mickey World!!! How can you say no to THAT??!!??

 

[mking624]

Move to Florida! Move to Florida! Move to Florida!!!!!! ( Get the idea you should move here??) I moved here from CT 17 years ago and its the best thing I ever did. The traffic sucks, the people are rude, but it is SO much fun!!! PLUS....wait for it....you're so much closer to Mickey World!!! How can you say no to THAT??!!??

Rude people and traffic? I got it covered...I was born and raised in Chicago.

I really hope it can work out! We did live in Gainesville for a year, but a job had us come to Oklahoma. We are ready to leave and return to Florida!! Besides being close to WDW, I am a total water baby and want all that close proximity to the beach. And more trips to St. Augustine...I LOVE it there!!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I think living closer to either WDW or Disneyland would make it easier to plan a C2C if only because you can choose the local race that is easiest for you and then plan for the whichever race on the other coast appeals to you or works out the best. The nice thing with the Disneyland 1/2 is that it's always Labor Day weekend so it's not likely to move dramatically on you ala the Wine & Dine the last few years.

Training for both Disneyland the and the Wine & Dine 1/2 worked great for me. I picked up Galloway's Wine & Dine plan right after Disneyland with the Disneyland 1/2 acting like a longer run during the Wine & Dine training.

As for why the races are so addictive, I'm still trying to figure that one out. Maybe part of it is the fun of running through the parks with so few people in them. I also that Disney being so friendly to slower folks like myself makes it an easier entry point for those who are crazy enough to do this.

 

[Figment1990]

I am totally addicted too. I had just talked myself out of trying for a coast to coast next year and instead just doing more local ones, but then My sister... Who lives in California.... Near DL.... Says "so I might be getting a premier annual pass next year- and so I might be able to do the w&d again next year w you." and I'm all "well why do one race when you can do two and get three medals!?" so we are considering the DL half and w&d. But I don't know if I can logistically work it out for traveling next year. I wish it was a 12 month period not calendar year so we could do the tink in 2014.. I'm a little afraid that I wouldn't recover or would get injured from the DL 1/2. And DH couldn't come with me if it's labor day weekend. Maybe no coast to coast for me this year and I'll plan ahead better and do it by myself in 2014. I'm going to have to examine training plans and see what will fit best. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do the Pittsburgh marathon as a relay or as a half if I can't get enough team members. And I think there's a rock n roll half in Pittsburgh this year too but the details arent really out yet.

So yes, for about the first 2 hours after the race I was all, "ok, check, done, movin on". For the last week and a half before the race i was just so ready for it all to be here and done. And now I'm searching for races to sign up for and wondering if I should have bought a small DVC contract to support my new combined addiction (running AND Disney)!!!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I was concerned about an injury during or after the Disneyland 1/2 that would impact my ability to do the Wine & Dine. Sure enough a week before I was to leave for WDW (and not quite 2 weeks before the race), I came down with a cold, but thankfully it ran its course before the race and I was good to go.

Assuming no injuries, I think the time between the Disneyland 1/2 and the Wine & Dine is sufficient to recover. I was back training at Disney's required pace the Tuesday after the Disneyland 1/2 albeit a little bit slower than my usual training pace. I train at 15 minutes per mile which works out to 3:15, but I wind up racing closer to 3 hours not counting character stops which add roughly 10 minutes for me.

I don't remember how many races everyone here has done, but I was really nervous before my first 1/2 in 2011. Because of my confidence that I could do it because I had once before, I wasn't worried about character stops this time around even though I had more at stake this time around with the Wine & Dine/Coast to Coast hinging on successfully finishing the Disneyland 1/2.

And I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving.

 

[ashysmashy]

Could prove to be quite comical..."excuse me ma'am, I couldn't help but notice you curled up in a little ball on the side of the road. Is there anything I can do?"

Hey Guys! Just checking in. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Pluto, I laughed out loud when I read that! I totally had somebody say that to me at W&D! I was waiting for hubby to get a cab for me and just decided to lie down in the grass. This lady came by and asked so nicely, "Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice you here on the ground. Do you need some help." I said, "No, thank you. I'm just tired after the race." Didn't want to whine about my tummy.

They say during, or right after a race, we may feel one way, but then wait a week and we may feel totally different. After the race, we took two days off and then walked the parks for 3 days. Was only slightly sore, but the walking got it out. I was thankful for Jeff Galloway's method and so happy to meet him and get a pic.

Now, I'm struggling with signing up for Princess. I know, I know. It's 99%. Been watching it for days. I also want to do our local Mercedes half and am struggling so hard with which to do. I also won a Platinum Race Retreat on the Run Disney sweepstakes. That's tugging at me too. Rested this past week and really need to get back in gear. Don't want to lose all the conditioning that took months to earn. Travel for another Disney or do one local and I can sleep in my own bed? That is the dilemma. The Mercedes race is the first 5k that I did last year, and part of me wants to go back and do the half. Who woulda thunk it????!!! A year ago in Nov. I told my hubby that, you-know-what would freeze over before I ran 4 miles. Now, thinking of another half and other races to keep active. I think I drank the running and Disney Kool-Aid! It's SO addicting. I'm afraid I'm going to regret Princess if I don't sign up. Oh, the decisions!

 

[Figment1990]

Ashy you HAVE to do the princess! You won the race retreat! I entered the sweepstakes but didn't win anything thought oh if I win something I'll definitely sign up! You know, fate. Think of running thru that castle! The bling medal! The characters...

It is 99%. I'm so tempted. I was devising a new training plan of getting up super early to run so that I could handle the early start time. It would probably be easier scheduling because no appointments or school stuff or work stuff would interfere. But I'm not a morning person and I really should not fly AGAIN to wdw in feb. so I'm resisting....

 

[ashysmashy]

Ashy you HAVE to do the princess! You won the race retreat! I entered the sweepstakes but didn't win anything thought oh if I win something I'll definitely sign up! You know, fate. Think of running thru that castle! The bling medal! The characters...

It is 99%. I'm so tempted. I was devising a new training plan of getting up super early to run so that I could handle the early start time. It would probably be easier scheduling because no appointments or school stuff or work stuff would interfere. But I'm not a morning person and I really should not fly AGAIN to wdw in feb. so I'm resisting....

I know, Fig! It's killing me not to sign up! Checked out all the perks of the race retreat and thought, "How can I not?!" How about you go, too??!!!!! I'll go through all the registration steps and not click that very last button. SO TEMPTED! Another $$$ trip or run local? The Mercedes is so well organized. Just the right amount of people. Not too big/not too small. Nice medal. Oh, but that Princess medal! OMG! It's gorgeous and I want it so bad! Who knows what all other perks they'll have at the 5 yr. anniversary. Oh, it's such a hard decision. Finished W&D at 3:07, but geez, it was so crowded I knew I'd be slower than usual. I really thought I was going to be right around 2:45ish.

That 3 a.m. wake up call would be tough, but I think the excitement and adrenaline gets everybody up and going.

 

[mking624]

Just wanted to quickly pop in and say Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all of you! You all became my "running family" and all the support and encouragement here definitely helped me cross that finish line and complete my first half!

 

[Figment1990]

Just wanted to quickly pop in and say Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all of you! You all became my "running family" and all the support and encouragement here definitely helped me cross that finish line and complete my first half!

Me too! I'm thankful for my Disney running family too!

Went for my first post race run today finally. It was... Well... Let's just say its done. My ankle was still a little stiff and sore though so I hope I didn't jump back in a little too soon after my injury. At least im not stressing about missing training miles right now.