2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend ** Check-In ** May 7-10, 2015

[Belle Ella]

i just made friday night dinner reservations at Naples!
still deciding where to eat on Saturday night before the half?!?!?

Gah! I haven't even thought much about where I'm going to eat. It probably depends on what the people I know who are running decide to do and maybe I'll join them. We used to eat at Marri's, but the last few races I've been grabbing something at Storyteller's.

In order to save $1000 US (our exchange canada dollar is horrible right now so I save more like $1350 CDN) I am considering cancelling paridise pier and going with our hojo reservation! Won't split stay either....too much hassle!
We are staying 8 nights so the extra $$ will come in handy for spending money and expo treats! We are DL regulars so I know the walk route it will be from the hojo to start corrals, is it really that bad so early in the morning?
I figure the only perks for staying at PP is being so close to start and getting early entry -- AP holders so no EE for us -- IMO it may not be worth the extra $$$$
I've never done a disney race nor 19.3 miles in two days -- will I survive not staying on site?
Also no parks for us on Saturday since our APs are blocked so it will be a hang by the pool day (kid loves hojo pool) and stroll DTD

Yes, you can survive not staying on site! My first few (actually, most of) runDisney events were at the HOJO or somewhere else on Harbor and I still had a great experience. The walk is a bit of a pain (mores after running) but completely manageable. If we're already running 13 miles, the walk doesn't kill us. And early in the morning, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. There will be many, many other runners making the walk along with you.

For staying onsite, the proximity is nice for sure, but the EE perk I've always found to be a moot point during race weekend (then again, you said you'll be there 8 nights). When would I have the chance to actually use my EE to begin with? It might just be worth it to go with the cheaper option and use the money for something else (or save it).

Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time regardless.

So - this is what I've got so far! Flying in early Friday to SNA. Staying at Fairfield Inn, though I'm also holding a reservation at the Springhill Suites on Ball. Any thoughts on which is a better location for run-specific activities? Will head straight to the Expo to grab everything I need before checking in.

Friday night, dinner at Blue Bayou. Saturday, dinner at Carthay and celebratory brunch at Steakhouse 55 on Sunday with all my bling! I hope they have mimosas ...

The biggest hurdle I need to cross between now and then is ... breakfast. I don't eat breakfast as it is, and I barely eat before I go on my training runs. After a long run, it generally takes me a couple hours before I want to eat anything. So, I will have to start forcing myself to eat a little something before runs so I will be ready for the challenge.

I can't say that I have much knowledge about any hotels on Ball - maybe someone else can offer some insight there?

All this yummy food talk is making me want to plan some fun meals!

I'm not really a breakfast eater on a day to day basis. When I'm running I'll usually eat half a banana before and the other half when I get back and that's about it. Too much food in the morning doesn't sit well with me. But when it comes to running the half marathons, and especially the challenges I am always so hungry afterwards. For Star Wars we ended up grabbing breakfast at Rainforest after the Half and I think I may just have to do that again.

 

[Belle Ella]

I was trying to piece together my plans for Saturday after the 10K and the FB meet up that I'll be attending is at 3:30 - so does a 2:30 meet up by Trader Sams sound reasonable for anyone?

 

[kelly 1]

In order to save $1000 US (our exchange canada dollar is horrible right now so I save more like $1350 CDN) I am considering cancelling paridise pier and going with our hojo reservation! Won't split stay either....too much hassle!
We are staying 8 nights so the extra $$ will come in handy for spending money and expo treats! We are DL regulars so I know the walk route it will be from the hojo to start corrals, is it really that bad so early in the morning?
I figure the only perks for staying at PP is being so close to start and getting early entry -- AP holders so no EE for us -- IMO it may not be worth the extra $$$$
I've never done a disney race nor 19.3 miles in two days -- will I survive not staying on site?
Also no parks for us on Saturday since our APs are blocked so it will be a hang by the pool day (kid loves hojo pool) and stroll DTD

Good idea lay low on days before race! I did the mistake last year feeling like I'm here got to go do the park. This year I learn from my mistake my legs and body more important.

 

[kim3339]

What is this draft saving you speak of?

Thanks! So much better. The draft thing I noticed last week ~ when I was quoting a post and started writing, a tiny popup came up and said draft saved and then I was going back and hitting the reply on the other message and it was adding it.

If you're doing hotels, I'm at the Quality Inn on Katella. Wanted Stovall's again, but this one was so much cheaper and free parking, so had to go w/ it.

My long run pace on the treadmill so far has been around 14:00. The thing that is stressing me out is mainly that ALL the runs have been on the treadmill, not just the longer ones. This week is the first week I've gotten outside since training started. And those 2 shorter runs felt so hard, what with the hills and the huffing and puffing (which I'm trying to tell myself was partly due to the 25F cold air ). I'm just worried I'm not going to be prepared enough!

You'll be ready! Plus if you keep doing runs in that cold weather, look at it as lung training and running in Anaheim will be a breeze!

Well ... after confirming that I could I defer a travel agent-purchased bib until 2016 if I needed to (I planned on doing Glass Slipper and Pixie in 2016), I went ahead and bit the bullet today. I'm in for Pixie Dust!!

Yay!!!

I just booked my flights yesterday. It's getting real!

2 months to go, it's getting more real with every day!

So excited!! I can't wait for this one.

i just made friday night dinner reservations at Naples!
still deciding where to eat on Saturday night before the half?!?!?

I usually do ESPN the night before. I get the grilled chicken sandwich and baked potato. Sadly, I recognize the bartenders who work there now.

 

[kim3339]

In order to save $1000 US (our exchange canada dollar is horrible right now so I save more like $1350 CDN) I am considering cancelling paridise pier and going with our hojo reservation! Won't split stay either....too much hassle!
We are staying 8 nights so the extra $$ will come in handy for spending money and expo treats! We are DL regulars so I know the walk route it will be from the hojo to start corrals, is it really that bad so early in the morning?
I figure the only perks for staying at PP is being so close to start and getting early entry -- AP holders so no EE for us -- IMO it may not be worth the extra $$$$
I've never done a disney race nor 19.3 miles in two days -- will I survive not staying on site?
Also no parks for us on Saturday since our APs are blocked so it will be a hang by the pool day (kid loves hojo pool) and stroll DTD

Second what Jess said. And I've stayed off site for all but 2 rD races, and while it's nice to be so close, I just look at the walk down DTD as a way to get my muscles warm. It can be a pain sometimes walking back to Harbor after the 1/2 b/c of the security area, but the past couple of times, they've gotten better about letting runners through w/o checking the bag if you do a bag drop. And if it's hot and there's a line at security, that happened to me at the DL 1/2 a few years back it was warm and a line... But aside from that no problems; plus more money to spend on the expo and goodies in the parks are always a good thing!

 

[Belle Ella]

If you're doing hotels, I'm at the Quality Inn on Katella. Wanted Stovall's again, but this one was so much cheaper and free parking, so had to go w/ it.

Yup! I'll be working the hotels in soon

 

[dec2009mama]

i prob won't have a bag with me -- nothing to really carry other than my phone and fuel which all go in my flip belt

i'm looking at the race routes and it looks like we run past the HoJo for both races -- if I am looking at the maps correctly and the route doesn't change this year!
it would be a great and easy way for hubby and 5 year old to see me run!

another reason I am trying to save $$$$ -- i would like to upgrade the park hopper I am using (hubby and kid have vaild APs) to a deluxe AP so I can talk hubby into doing Star Wars in January 2016 and for that trip I would be looking at renting DVC points to stay at GCV

 

[kelly 1]

For breakfast morning of the runs. I get up very early probably 2:30 am I have everything set for my protein shake and banana so I just have to wiz it together and get it in to me as quick as possible. I have a little travel blender. I have a nervous stomach, so I must be near a bathroom. Also an other reason for getting up so early. It's all about getting to know your own body. This year I have picked the DL Hotel so I can be near a bathroom. Hopefully I will not have to leave so early. Last year we stayed off site.I will see how this works this year! I know it's all about my worries! If I don’t have something before I run a long one when I come in I will eat your leg off I'm not picky ! This is where I go wrong, make all bad choices. Because I just want food and now! Yes I do like to reward myself but on my terms not my brain and body over muscling my choices. It is all about know your body and what works for you. I have discovered that pasta doesn't react well for me, it's that bathroom thing. So I carb load with potatoes and I start my carb load about 4 days before my event. My own experiences are trail and error. Then finding something that works and don't change it. I carry my own fuel on the course honey stringers and eload for that very reason . This works for me. I hope staying on site will ease my mind.
Is anyone on this board doing the Disneyland Half in September?

 

[Belle Ella]

i prob won't have a bag with me -- nothing to really carry other than my phone and fuel which all go in my flip belt

i'm looking at the race routes and it looks like we run past the HoJo for both races -- if I am looking at the maps correctly and the route doesn't change this year!
it would be a great and easy way for hubby and 5 year old to see me run!

another reason I am trying to save $$$$ -- i would like to upgrade the park hopper I am using (hubby and kid have vaild APs) to a deluxe AP so I can talk hubby into doing Star Wars in January 2016 and for that trip I would be looking at renting DVC points to stay at GCV

I'm still not sure what my plan is for everything this year, but I'm most likely driving in this time around. Anything else I might need I can pretty much just leave in my car, but I might check a bag to have a few things for post-race close by. I really like having a pair of socks to change into, to be honest.

If the 10K course stays the same, we would definitely be running by the HOJO. All the half courses are starting to blend in my head a little, to be honest! Ooops. I'm getting really antsy for the courses to be officially released.

If you're planning on trying to come back out for Star Wars next year, then I saving the money definitely sounds like a good way to go.

 

[Belle Ella]

Is anyone on this board doing the Disneyland Half in September?

There are usually quite a few. I'm normally one of them, but had to pass on it this year so I could make my C2C dreams a reality. Have you stopped by the Disneyland Half thread yet?

 

[cp11]

This might have been talked about but the thread is sooo long. I know the ART system is free during the marathon weekends (or used to be). Does anyone know when it starts and ends? We will be there Thursday through Monday, and I prepay for everything so I was wondering if I could count on that or not or need to plan on that purchase. Typically we have never had to use it but we are trying different lodging for this race. Thanks in advance.

 

[kim3339]

Is anyone on this board doing the Disneyland Half in September?

I am!! Super super excited to see what's in store for those. I'm doing the 5k and DDD. Are you running any?

This might have been talked about but the thread is sooo long. I know the ART system is free during the marathon weekends (or used to be). Does anyone know when it starts and ends? We will be there Thursday through Monday, and I prepay for everything so I was wondering if I could count on that or not or need to plan on that purchase. Typically we have never had to use it but we are trying different lodging for this race. Thanks in advance.

For race weekend, ART will start on Thursday b/c it's the expo start, and if I remember correctly from the passes, they end Sunday at midnight. When you get on the bus, you just tell them that you're running and they'll give you passes for you and your group.

 

[cp11]

For race weekend, ART will start on Thursday b/c it's the expo start, and if I remember correctly from the passes, they end Sunday at midnight. When you get on the bus, you just tell them that you're running and they'll give you passes for you and your group.

Thank you so much. That is the info I was looking for!

 

[VickiHD]

Hi Tinks
I just saw on the WISH Tink page that you guys had another thread going, more Tink race talk more time on the computer.
How's training going for everyone??

 

[Belle Ella]

Hi Tinks
I just saw on the WISH Tink page that you guys had another thread going, more Tink race talk more time on the computer.
How's training going for everyone??

Always! I'm a homer for the Disneyland boards, so I tend to keep a thread going here for every DLR race. I'm selfish, I know

My training officially started again today. More just to help get me out of a funk I've been in. Then my Garmin battery died on me. Oops. Now I have to remember to charge it before going back out tomorrow.

 

[Chiomaca]

The biggest hurdle I need to cross between now and then is ... breakfast. I don't eat breakfast as it is, and I barely eat before I go on my training runs. After a long run, it generally takes me a couple hours before I want to eat anything. So, I will have to start forcing myself to eat a little something before runs so I will be ready for the challenge.

I had to get over that, too. For races that I travel for, I usually go with a Kind bar or two or a single serve peanut butter container and crackers. Easy to pack and light on the stomach.

I was trying to piece together my plans for Saturday after the 10K and the FB meet up that I'll be attending is at 3:30 - so does a 2:30 meet up by Trader Sams sound reasonable for anyone?

I think that's do-able. Plenty of time to shower and nap after the 10K.

I'm still not sure what my plan is for everything this year, but I'm most likely driving in this time around. Anything else I might need I can pretty much just leave in my car, but I might check a bag to have a few things for post-race close by. I really like having a pair of socks to change into, to be honest.

Flip flops! Or some other sort of cushy footwear that isn't my running shoes. I hate to check a bag so I rarely do, but for the long races, I've found a dry top and flip flops make the return to the hotel more tolerable.

 

[Keels]

I had to get over that, too. For races that I travel for, I usually go with a Kind bar or two or a single serve peanut butter container and crackers. Easy to pack and light on the stomach.

OMG. I basically eat three Kind Bars a day right now! They are my snack, my sweet dessert and my late-night indulgence. I will start adding one in when I wake up! If I could feasibly live off of Kind Bars ... I would!

 

[VickiHD]

Always! I'm a homer for the Disneyland boards, so I tend to keep a thread going here for every DLR race. I'm selfish, I know

My training officially started again today. More just to help get me out of a funk I've been in. Then my Garmin battery died on me. Oops. Now I have to remember to charge it before going back out tomorrow.

Not selfish at all. I'm glad for these active race threads.

I think everyone goes through a funk but I know I always feel better after the workout, especially if I really didn't want to do it in the first place.
I'm following Galloway's PDC training program and this Sunday he wants us to do 9.5 miles and I am already dreading it. Mentally, I'm struggling with it already. I guess my struggle is to STAY motivated.

 

[VickiHD]

OMG. I basically eat three Kind Bars a day right now! They are my snack, my sweet dessert and my late-night indulgence. I will start adding one in when I wake up! If I could feasibly live off of Kind Bars ... I would!

Oh Kind bars. I love them. I also have a couple a day. They make a great breakfast.

 

[Keels]

Oh Kind bars. I love them. I also have a couple a day. They make a great breakfast.

The chocolate-cranberry and the dark chocolate-sea salt are my two favorites. I'm pretty sure I could live off of them if it came down to it!