2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[keahgirl8]

My DIL is registered for the 5k, 10k and half. This will be her first runDisney experience. I have knee issues so I'll just be her support team -- no husbands or grandkids, just an adult girls trip. ADRs are opening in a couple of weeks.

Do you think she'll want to nap or eat after each of the races?

I usually eat and then nap, but I just grab breakfast from the food court at my resort. Three early mornings in a row can be rough, and she might be wiped out.

What would be reasonable times for ADRs after each of the races?

Honestly, since I don't know how I'll feel after a race or what I'll feel like eating, I don't make ADRs until afternoon or evening. Also, I don't know about her, but I am very specific about what I eat when I run, so I can't just eat anywhere.

Any suggestions for good places to eat the night before or the mornings after? I've heard about carb loading. Is this a good idea for all these races?

Personally, I don't carb load. It is way too much heavy food for me the night before a race. I just make sure that I eat a balanced meal, which includes protein and carbs. Has she been running long? It's really best to try and replicated what she eats at home the best she can.

Does the race pick-up/drop-off bus go to all the usual park bus stops or to the front of the resort like ME?

I think it depends on where you're staying. For example, POR's race buses pick up at every stop, but they stop at the front first. Since that is where most people go, it often fills up before it gets to the others. When you hear horror stories about full buses passing crowds of people, that is often why.

I'm thinking about treating her to a spa visit on one of the race days. Good idea? Which day would be best? Any thoughts on which spa?

Thanks!

I haven't done this, but if it were me, I'd go with Monday if you'll still be there. A lot people like a massage after a race, but as I said, I don't like to be tied to anything on a race day.

 

[princessbee]

Is anyone else staying off-site for this, or have you in the past? What was your experience like? (I'm only* doing the 5K so I'm really not that worried but I'd still love to hear opinions!)

(*I say "only" but it's a big deal for me! I wish there was a better way to phrase it... I know I can feel kind of discouraged when people say they're "only" doing a half or something. It's all an accomplishment!)

 

[runalarm]

Hi! I've been lurking for a little while and thougth I should finally go ahead and post

I am signed up to run the 5K as well as the Glass Slipper Challenge. This will be my 5th time running Disney Princess, I can't wait!

 

[runalarm]

Is anyone else staying off-site for this, or have you in the past? What was your experience like? (I'm only* doing the 5K so I'm really not that worried but I'd still love to hear opinions!)

I stayed off site the first time I ran it and didn't think it was bad at all. Driving and parking was easy, and I don't think I left much earlier than than I would have if I had taken the bus (we were about 10 minutes away from Disney).

 

[princessbee]

Thank you @runalarm! I just wanted to be sure I wasn't signing myself for some kind of terrible hell. (By the way, I won my spouse all the way over to my side--she'll be doing the 5K with me! We officially registered this morning! I'm so excited!)

 

[keahgirl8]

Is anyone else staying off-site for this, or have you in the past? What was your experience like? (I'm only* doing the 5K so I'm really not that worried but I'd still love to hear opinions!)

(*I say "only" but it's a big deal for me! I wish there was a better way to phrase it... I know I can feel kind of discouraged when people say they're "only" doing a half or something. It's all an accomplishment!)

I know what you mean! I have done two GSCs, but this year I did the 5K and next year I'm doing the 5K and the 10K. Still an accomplishment, and I'm lapping anyone on the couch! I usually say the race I'm doing, or I say "5K only." It's the same words, but it doesn't sound like I'm saying it isn't a big deal.

 

[Ariel484]

Is anyone else staying off-site for this, or have you in the past? What was your experience like? (I'm only* doing the 5K so I'm really not that worried but I'd still love to hear opinions!)

(*I say "only" but it's a big deal for me! I wish there was a better way to phrase it... I know I can feel kind of discouraged when people say they're "only" doing a half or something. It's all an accomplishment!)

I never have, but I know some do every year and love it. Like they sit in their car for a bit before heading to the starting area, which sounds pretty nice.

Big thing is to get sharp on road closures.

 

[bek]

:-

I have booked adrs around 9-9:30 after 5k,
10k I'd do later like 10-11
Half No idea but I plan to take easy than go out for celebration dinner.
I ate at Tony's this past year night prior to 10k, Any place she can get pasta dish is best and not a place with weird foods such as Boma or Sanna IMO. I've also done Hollywood and Vine in past. Make early so she can get to bed/chill time at resort.

I never napped after races but plan to after half. Spa day might be nice after half or before races start.

Buses picked up more in ME zone At poFQ, POP it was at end of bus stop line.


Hope this helps some.

Thank you this helps a lot!

 

[bek]

@Fire14 did a great job answering questions, but I thought I'd jump in too.

For nap/eat - yes. Runners love sleep and food - she'll probably be pumped after the 5K and not need a nap, but the 10K is a bit more draining, and the half is exhausting. So if you want to do an ADR for breakfast, shoot for the 5K. I'd be apprehensive for the others only because of buses and times to get around. But an early lunch and dinner? totally fine!

Places to eat - definitely places that serve pasta or pizza. Simple meals that won't sit heavy. You'll probably not want to eat after 6pm so that it has time to settle and make sure to stay hydrated! If you can, Amazon Pantry a palette of water to your hotel so she can chug water and be properly hydrated. That is what we're doing.

For spa visit - do it after the 10K or the half marathon. Soaking in a hot tub after the 10K will feel amazing. Muscles may be a little sore after running, especially in the legs. It'd be fun to do after the half as a congrats and she can get her toes done too!

Thank you for the additional information! She'll love the idea of getting her toes done.

 

[bek]

I usually eat and then nap, but I just grab breakfast from the food court at my resort. Three early mornings in a row can be rough, and she might be wiped out.



Honestly, since I don't know how I'll feel after a race or what I'll feel like eating, I don't make ADRs until afternoon or evening. Also, I don't know about her, but I am very specific about what I eat when I run, so I can't just eat anywhere.



Personally, I don't carb load. It is way too much heavy food for me the night before a race. I just make sure that I eat a balanced meal, which includes protein and carbs. Has she been running long? It's really best to try and replicated what she eats at home the best she can.



I think it depends on where you're staying. For example, POR's race buses pick up at every stop, but they stop at the front first. Since that is where most people go, it often fills up before it gets to the others. When you hear horror stories about full buses passing crowds of people, that is often why.



I haven't done this, but if it were me, I'd go with Monday if you'll still be there. A lot people like a massage after a race, but as I said, I don't like to be tied to anything on a race day.

My DIL has run off-and-on for exercise. She was registered for the Princess a couple of years ago but injured her foot. She had surgery that January, so had to cancel her registration. My granddaughter is very interested in running. So they've both been running a 5k once a month for a few months now. Originally my granddaughter was going to join us and do the 5K and maybe the 10k. But, like all kids these days, she has so many thing she's involved in and her soccer team is going to be competing in Arizona that weekend. My DIL is planning to do the coast-to-coast and sign up for the Tinkerbell, so my granddaughter may do that if soccer doesn't interfere.

Thanks for all the great comments! It'll make it easier to try and schedule a trip that will give her lots of support.

 

[princessbee]

I know what you mean! I have done two GSCs, but this year I did the 5K and next year I'm doing the 5K and the 10K. Still an accomplishment, and I'm lapping anyone on the couch! I usually say the race I'm doing, or I say "5K only." It's the same words, but it doesn't sound like I'm saying it isn't a big deal.

That's much better wording! Even if (someday, somehow) I make it to a half or even a full marathon, I'm pretty sure the 5Ks I'll do now will be no less of an achievement.

I never have, but I know some do every year and love it. Like they sit in their car for a bit before heading to the starting area, which sounds pretty nice.

Big thing is to get sharp on road closures.

That part DOES sound nice... plus from what I've read, there always seems to be SOME kind of bus drama. It'll be nice to avoid that, since we'll have our car anyway!

 

[keahgirl8]

I never have, but I know some do every year and love it. Like they sit in their car for a bit before heading to the starting area, which sounds pretty nice.

Big thing is to get sharp on road closures.

I just don't want to hassle with it. I know a lot of people do it, but it's not for me.

My DIL has run off-and-on for exercise. She was registered for the Princess a couple of years ago but injured her foot. She had surgery that January, so had to cancel her registration. My granddaughter is very interested in running. So they've both been running a 5k once a month for a few months now. Originally my granddaughter was going to join us and do the 5K and maybe the 10k. But, like all kids these days, she has so many thing she's involved in and her soccer team is going to be competing in Arizona that weekend. My DIL is planning to do the coast-to-coast and sign up for the Tinkerbell, so my granddaughter may do that if soccer doesn't interfere.

Thanks for all the great comments! It'll make it easier to try and schedule a trip that will give her lots of support.

So she might know what she needs to eat then. Try to find restaurants that have food similar to that.

You're welcome! That's what we're here for! I think it's great that you are being so supportive of her and what she needs. I know there are a lot of people who can't say the same.

 

[Ariel484]

@keahgirl8 you and I are on the same page!

 

[Ariel484]

Not the race Dooney, but...

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...iere-on-shop-disney-parks-app-in-august-2016/

I am so glad I've broken my Dooney addiction. With the race Disney/D&B is releasing patterns lately, I would be in serious trouble otherwise!!

 

[courtneybeth]

I wish I was in WDW to buy the bag so I could pick out the pattern! GORGEOUS BAG!!!!

Buying it blind via the app makes me so nervous.

 

[abbybeth]

I wish I was in WDW to buy the bag so I could pick out the pattern! GORGEOUS BAG!!!!

Buying it blind via the app makes me so nervous.

I'm going to have to hope that they're still in stock in the parks in February - BATB is my favorite and I am going to be SO picky on placement with these ....

 

[Ariel484]

I wish I was in WDW to buy the bag so I could pick out the pattern! GORGEOUS BAG!!!!

Buying it blind via the app makes me so nervous.

I'm going to have to hope that they're still in stock in the parks in February - BATB is my favorite and I am going to be SO picky on placement with these ....

There's been no mention of a parks release! A lot of the comments on that blog post are asking about that and the author (who is really good about interacting with commentators and actually getting answers for people) has said a few times and he's "only aware of the release dates for the Shop Disney Parks app at this time." I'd be really surprised if they had an app-only release, and they have literally been hyping up this BATB bag for MONTHS now and a lot of people will want to pick their own placement...if I were buying I sure would.

 

[keahgirl8]

@keahgirl8 you and I are on the same page!

A lot of people do it, and I get it in theory, but I'm not interested!

Not the race Dooney, but...

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...iere-on-shop-disney-parks-app-in-august-2016/

I am so glad I've broken my Dooney addiction. With the race Disney/D&B is releasing patterns lately, I would be in serious trouble otherwise!!

It's beautiful! I'm going to try to hold off though. I'm in love with the PHM bag from this year, and I think I'll hang in there to see what next year's looks like. I really don't need another Dooney.

I wish I was in WDW to buy the bag so I could pick out the pattern! GORGEOUS BAG!!!!

Buying it blind via the app makes me so nervous.

Agreed! I am super picky about placement!

 

[courtneybeth]

Agreed! I am super picky about placement!

Relevant question -- do they let you choose your bag at the Dooney pre-order pick up station when you get your orders at Princess?

I think they let us do so at the Disneyland Half last year, but I haven't done a Right Coast race to know.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Relevant question -- do they let you choose your bag at the Dooney pre-order pick up station when you get your orders at Princess?

I think they let us do so at the Disneyland Half last year, but I haven't done a Right Coast race to know.

They have one held with your name on it, but they will let you pick from other ones if they have them available. I suggest getting there early so that you have the best chance of switching.