Tinker Bell ½ Marathon Weekend ~ 2014 Check-in!

[AZlady]

Yep. Sparkle Skirts is the go to place for disney running attire. A lot of women like their Sparkle Tech skirts (http://www.sparkleskirts.com/sparkletech/) as they have the built in shorts. The "You can fly" skirt is perfect for Tink. As I noted before, it will probably (for me at least) be too hot for crops.

too hot~ you make me giggle.....I'm from Arizona (and doing only the 5 & 10K) I am soooo worried about freezing! I'm trying to plan my costumes and worried I will be underdressed and cold.

I will look into the sparkle skirts I hope my DD13 and I can wear the same size...so we can share or mix & match.

 

[kirstie101]

Yep. Sparkle Skirts is the go to place for disney running attire. A lot of women like their Sparkle Tech skirts (http://www.sparkleskirts.com/sparkletech/) as they have the built in shorts. The "You can fly" skirt is perfect for Tink. As I noted before, it will probably (for me at least) be too hot for crops.

Anyone wanna sell me on a pair of the sparkle tech skirts? I love the idea of the shorts under them. They would look much better with the costume I have pictured in my head then wearing a skirt over my running capri's would.
I've never actually run in shorts...but since they're fitted I'm guessing it wouldn't be all that much different than my capris? Thoughts? The price is a bit much to take a game on so any advice is appreciated!

 

[kirstie101]

Hi
I am doing the half (3rd year in a row) and the 10k.

Right now we are booked at HoJos in a kids suite. We usually go to HoJos 5x year (we have APs) and the kids suite is great for race day because I can sleep in a separate room from DH and my youngest daughter (light sleeper) and get up early and leave without waking them up. However, the price is high ($700 for 3 nights) and its about a 15-20 min walk to the start/finish/expo.

I also booked Stovall's Best Western- great price $353 for 3 nights (they still had rooms as of today)! This looks like is SUPER close to the start/finish and that would be really nice for me given i'll be up really early on sat and sun. I'm curious though how long of a walk it is to the DL entrance. It looks like we could cut through the GCH to DTD/CA to save some time. We are used to the walk from HoJos which is about 8 min. We will not take the shuttle- we'd rather just walk even if its longer.

Darcy Forsell

PS for costume ideas check out my two favorite vendors from past Tink Expos:
http://www.sparkleskirts.com/
(Sparkle Lights are great to wear over your own crops)
&
http://www.team-sparkle.com/
(I love their tink "race legs" and "race wings")

Oh, and just keep in mind it is WARM that time of year in Anaheim. The first year I wore short crops and a technical t-shirt and I was TOO hot. Last year I wore a running skirt and tank top and was much better. Be sure and bring sunglasses/hat and put on sunscreen before the races.

Hojo's has a special discount if you call and tell them you're running Tink! Just a thought..could help lower your rate We stayed there last year for the race and are staying there this year as well.

 

[BayAreaMom]

Anyone wanna sell me on a pair of the sparkle tech skirts? I love the idea of the shorts under them. They would look much better with the costume I have pictured in my head then wearing a skirt over my running capri's would.
I've never actually run in shorts...but since they're fitted I'm guessing it wouldn't be all that much different than my capris? Thoughts? The price is a bit much to take a game on so any advice is appreciated!

Yes, they are like running in capris. The shorts stay in place and are snug.
The vendors should be at the Expo, but i realize that is late for "costume selection"! But the sparkle skirts were selling like crazy! They did have a small try on room if you didnt know your size.

 

[BayAreaMom]

Hojo's has a special discount if you call and tell them you're running Tink! Just a thought..could help lower your rate We stayed there last year for the race and are staying there this year as well.

The $700/3 nights in the kids suite at hojos includes a 20% AP discount. Yes, that is super high! I will still call as i think in 2012 they may have had a 25% race discount. But I think I will just stay at Stovall's because of the close proximity to the race start/finish. If I were only doing the half marathon i'd be okay at Hojos, but since i'm doing the half and 10k, plus spending 3 fairly full and busy days in the parks (Fri-Sun), i figure I need to be close to the start. I'm not walking with anyone else which is another reason to stay closer. Plus I know DH and the kids will not bother to come see me finish unless i'm close. Last year they actually almost missed me and I ran right by Hojos and literally saw our room balcony!

 

[Jeffreelancer]

Anyone wanna sell me on a pair of the sparkle tech skirts? I love the idea of the shorts under them. They would look much better with the costume I have pictured in my head then wearing a skirt over my running capri's would.
I've never actually run in shorts...but since they're fitted I'm guessing it wouldn't be all that much different than my capris? Thoughts? The price is a bit much to take a game on so any advice is appreciated!

My wife bought two at the expo this year and is buying a third in Tiffany blue for Nike SF in October. What really sold them for her were the built in pockets in the shorts. They are large enough to carry a digital camera or phone and once they are in the pocket they don't move around at all.

 

[longhorns2]

Kirsten- you need these. sparkle techs rock. I love to see the love for them here! <3

They are guaranteed not to ride up shorts. And they are compression shorts, so yes, just like wearing capris, but shorter! I wear mine all the time- for everything, not just running. Pricy, yes, but worth it if you buy something you will wear more often than just as a costume.

 

[kirstie101]

Kirsten- you need these. sparkle techs rock. I love to see the love for them here! <3

They are guaranteed not to ride up shorts. And they are compression shorts, so yes, just like wearing capris, but shorter! I wear mine all the time- for everything, not just running. Pricy, yes, but worth it if you buy something you will wear more often than just as a costume.

Thanks Patty and everyone else! I want to give them a try. At the very least I can wear it for Nike in October and then Tink in Jan.
Are the size charts on their website pretty accurate? Any sizing tips?

And yes the Tink Hojo's discount is 25% so slightly better than AP.

 

[liesel]

I wanted to give another perspective on the sparkle skirts. I love the company, Leah is wonderful, and that they are made in the USA, but I have had a few issues with them.

I have had my skirt ride up on me during a race, most recently on Saturday. The chafing is not pretty, and I used Body Glide. The first time the skirt rode up during a race in October, I asked around (off the DIS) and heard that it was common and that the skirt needed a few more washings to "break it in." I thought those issues were over and was surprised to have such a bad experience with it once again on Saturday. Also, the fabric still bleeds (I hand wash it) so be careful. I was planning on buying another one at the DL half expo, but I think I will take a pass. I am also rethinking wearing it during Dumbo. I really don't want this to happen again, especially with racing two days in a row. I did get several compliments on how pretty the skirt is. I guess they aren't meant for every body type.

Also, I believe it is common courtesy if you work for a company and endorse their product publicly, you disclose your affiliation.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

I wanted to give another perspective on the sparkle skirts. I love the company, Leah is wonderful, and that they are made in the USA, but I have had a few issues with them.

I have had my skirt ride up on me during a race, most recently on Saturday. The chafing is not pretty, and I used Body Glide. The first time the skirt rode up during a race in October, I asked around (off the DIS) and heard that it was common and that the skirt needed a few more washings to "break it in." I thought those issues were over and was surprised to have such a bad experience with it once again on Saturday. Also, the fabric still bleeds (I hand wash it) so be careful. I was planning on buying another one at the DL half expo, but I think I will take a pass. I am also rethinking wearing it during Dumbo. I really don't want this to happen again, especially with racing two days in a row. I did get several compliments on how pretty the skirt is. I guess they aren't meant for every body type.

Also, I believe it is common courtesy if you work for a company and endorse their product publicly, you disclose your affiliation.

Thanks for the review. Are you referring to the "lite skirt" or the ones with the shorts? (I probably have that name wrong...going off memory...I think there is one with the shorts and one without. Which is the one you had trouble with? And if its the one with the shorts, do you think the other one would work over my own pair of compression shorts ( I have a brand that is awesome that I wear under most things).

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[liesel]

Thanks for the review. Are you referring to the "lite skirt" or the ones with the shorts? (I probably have that name wrong...going off memory...I think there is one with the shorts and one without. Which is the one you had trouble with? And if its the one with the shorts, do you think the other one would work over my own pair of compression shorts ( I have a brand that is awesome that I wear under most things).

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

This was the sparkle tech (the one with the shorts underneath). The shorts don't always stay in place for me. What's funny is that the two races where I did have problems were 10Ks. I also ran the Tinker Bell Half last year with no problems. I think breaking it in with a few wearings and washings before the race would help. I saw many wearing their newly purchased sparkle skirts at the last Tinker Bell half, I can't even imagine!

 

[indygirl99]

Thanks for the review. Are you referring to the "lite skirt" or the ones with the shorts? (I probably have that name wrong...going off memory...I think there is one with the shorts and one without. Which is the one you had trouble with? And if its the one with the shorts, do you think the other one would work over my own pair of compression shorts ( I have a brand that is awesome that I wear under most things).

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

My experience with the Sparkle skirts (I do not work for them I'm a nurse in real life). I am a Biiiig girl, pushing 240 pounds and wear either the XL or XXL.

Last year for Tinker Belle I wore my long running pants and over them I wore the sparkle lite (the one without shorts) and a short sleeve tech shirt. I was not to hot at all during the race and it took me 3 hr 45 min to run it.

I got a sparkle tech (with the shorts) and ran the Nike women's half in DC and the Portland Rock and Roll. I have quite a bit of chub on the thighs and found that the short legs stayed in place and did not ride up. No chaffing on the chub. I had run in the skirt for two 3 mile training runs before I ran the half so the skirt had not been washed but 2 times.

I did find that I spent a lot of time pulling the skirt up on my waist. I'm not used to wearing anything on the "natural" waistline so was uncomfortable with the skirt being a little low.

I bought another skirt in the hickerchic design. The skirt is a 2 inches longer and the legs are 1 inch longer. I also bought it one size larger than the other skirt. This one I have done multiple mid length runs 4-7 mils and I wear it a lot for my bike rides and can say that I do not have the problem with where it sits on my waist or feeling the need to pull it up. The legs also stay in place quite well, no riding up or rubbing on runs or bike rides.

If you are unsure get the sparkle lite and wear it over your compression shorts that you like it see how you feel about the skirt. You can always branch out to the sparkle tech if you decide you like them.

There is a sparkle skirts facebook page where some of the girls are selling their skirts. That might be a way to get one at a lesser cost to try and see how you like them?

 

[DharmaLou]

Thanks for the reviews - I've had my eye on them for some time now and as I'm losing weight (41 lbs gone as of now!) I don't want to buy one until closer to the race. Hoping I can get down to a L. I'd probably be a XL now.

 

[kindakrazy2]

I'm in love with Sparkle Skirts. I have more then I should admit too. They are the best thing ever for running in or even just wearing out and about when its hot because of the moisture wicking fabric the shorts are made out of. Seriously the best thing to wear ever for walking the Disney parks!

Oh, and did I mention the pockets? The big, beautiful pockets?!!! Seriously in love with my Sparkle Skirts!

 

[longhorns2]

Sorry Liesel! I was talking to Kirsten, a personal friend who already knows about my position with Sparkle Skirts. Since I was addressing her on this thread from a personal not official stand point it didn't ping on my radar. I apologize if it came across as something unethical.

BTW folks, I work with Sparkle Skirts.

 

[liesel]

Sorry Liesel! I was talking to Kirsten, a personal friend who already knows about my position with Sparkle Skirts. Since I was addressing her on this thread from a personal not official stand point it didn't ping on my radar. I apologize if it came across as something unethical.

BTW folks, I work with Sparkle Skirts.

No problem! I figured most here knew about your new position (congratulations by the way!) but there may be a few out there reading along who don't know.

 

[kirstie101]

Thanks everyone for all the info! I appreciate it. Its tough ordering stuff online and not knowing what to expect. But thanks to you guys I have a pretty good idea!

Next costume question for you: Has anyone had luck doing an iron on metal design (like from a craft store) on a tech fabric tank or is that impossible?

 

[laurasvwee]

My experience with the Sparkle skirts (I do not work for them I'm a nurse in real life). I am a Biiiig girl, pushing 240 pounds and wear either the XL or XXL.

Last year for Tinker Belle I wore my long running pants and over them I wore the sparkle lite (the one without shorts) and a short sleeve tech shirt. I was not to hot at all during the race and it took me 3 hr 45 min to run it.

I got a sparkle tech (with the shorts) and ran the Nike women's half in DC and the Portland Rock and Roll. I have quite a bit of chub on the thighs and found that the short legs stayed in place and did not ride up. No chaffing on the chub. I had run in the skirt for two 3 mile training runs before I ran the half so the skirt had not been washed but 2 times.

I did find that I spent a lot of time pulling the skirt up on my waist. I'm not used to wearing anything on the "natural" waistline so was uncomfortable with the skirt being a little low.

I bought another skirt in the hickerchic design. The skirt is a 2 inches longer and the legs are 1 inch longer. I also bought it one size larger than the other skirt. This one I have done multiple mid length runs 4-7 mils and I wear it a lot for my bike rides and can say that I do not have the problem with where it sits on my waist or feeling the need to pull it up. The legs also stay in place quite well, no riding up or rubbing on runs or bike rides.

If you are unsure get the sparkle lite and wear it over your compression shorts that you like it see how you feel about the skirt. You can always branch out to the sparkle tech if you decide you like them.

There is a sparkle skirts facebook page where some of the girls are selling their skirts. That might be a way to get one at a lesser cost to try and see how you like them?

I am hoping and praying that I am able to run the tinkerbell 1/2 next time(2015) so I have been watching this thread for tips and info. I am a plus size gal that took up running in hopes to not to be a plus size gal. Well it seems that I am surrounded by fit gym bunnies that can't relate to me at all. I am very close to your weight and am thrilled to hear that you are running 1/2 marathons. I was thinking about doing the portland rock and roll next year. Would you mind if I sent you a PM to pick your brain?

 

[tdashgirl]

The first year we ran Tink we had to take the super long way back to our hotel. This year, they had us walk to about the middle of the parking lot we were in and follow this path that cut down to an entrance that we were able to exit through and out on to Katella. I realize that probably doesn't make a lot of sense but it was definitely easier in 2013 to get back to our hotel than it was in 2012! Hopefully this year they have signs up that direct people where to go instead of relying on the poor CM's to shout out orders to the masses. Signs would be way better and they're possible since I saw them at Princess in February!

Agreed! I don't remember seeing signs anywhere and it was hard to see where to go in the crowds. I'll look for the "path"

Yay! Glad you're coming back down for Tink again!

-------------------------------------

Sparkle Skirts -- I don't know if they've improved since I bought one for the 1st Tink, but I thought they were kind of "cheaply" made for the price? They just didn't seem sewn that well and the band started to separate from the sparkle material. Just my opinion! Last year I went with Tough Girl Tutus (which I actually bought off Etsy) and I thought they were much better made. This year I think I'm going to pass on the skirt/tutu because I find they really bug me. Instead I think I'm going to color-coordinate my running clothes to do some sort of (undecided) theme

Speaking of non-bugging running things -- I found (IMO) the BEST gadget for storing things ala fanny pack... the flip belt! It's so simple but works so well...you can fit just about anything in it and it stays secure and FLAT against your body. Disclosure, not affiliated in any way with any of these companies ... just a customer

Oh ... google image for flipbelt so y'all know what I'm talking about ...

 

[jessicaerv]

Question (I think this has been discussed, but I can't remember where or when, so sorry for the request for regurgitated info):

If I buy the discounted tickets through Get Travel, can those be upgraded to an AP? Their website says any upgrades must be done prior to first use, so that makes me think Yes, but I thought I had read previously (on this thread?) that these tickets were not upgradeable.