A First Time Princess Halfer's Thoughts on the Weekend

[appleorchard]

I'm still digesting all this but for anyone considering next year, here are some of my thoughts as a first-time 63 year old Disney runner who just started running in May of last year. I did all three races, because I signed up first for just the 10k. Then I decided, since the 5k was still available, to add that. THEN I found out you could book the half through the charities, and since I'm a pediatric nurse, I signed up through Children's Miracle Network.

I came alone. Best decision(for me). Unless I came with another runner,. it would have been hard to have family with me. Too many early mornings of having to wake people up and I didn't feel like being in the parks much. I loved the Expo, went every day and spent a ton of time there.

I stayed at Pop. This caused me some angst initially--up until the day before I left, I was looking for a way to stay somewhere(anywhere) else. We own DVC, I've never stayed in one of the values and I was worried about hard beds, noise and small rooms.

Well, I loved Pop for this trip. Plenty of space for me alone. Beds were perfectly comfortable. Everything was spotless. Food court was good. I was on the 4th floor (my request) and second-from-the-end of building 10. No noise hardly at all and I used the staircase right near my room to go up and down except for right after the half.

The busses. Pop busses were fine except for being far away at the bus stops. The Expo busses were great--plenty of them but again, Pop and AoA were at the end. The busses to the races and back--great EXCEPT for after the half. The line was not ridiculous-- it was completely insane. Talk about incredibly poor planning on someone's part. The line stretched around nearly the whole parking lot, with a man holding a sign at the end of it. I went back and got a massage until the line went down.

The race retreat. I did this only for the half. Didn't even use it before the race-- I wanted to get to the very front of P-- the last corral -- because I knew I needed all the time I could get. After the race I went in. The porta potties were truly disgusting by this point. The food was unimpressive. The massage thing ran out right before I got up there. I would never do this again.

The volunteers at the race-- they were fine when cheering, before the races, half of them couldn't answer the simplest question-- like, which way are the corrals? This seemed hard to understand-- I thought that was what they were there for! This was also important after the half--I felt very spacy and couldn't understand the simplest things, like how to get to something in plain sight. Volunteers need to perhaps understand that people who just ran in the heat for 3 hours aren't going to be very coherent, so they should explain things slowly-- or even walk the runner a few feet in the right direction.

Other runners-- I loved talking to people on the busses and while waiting in corrals and on the courses. It was so much fun to get to know people. On the course-- people don't, I think, mean to be rude--they just get in a zone or really don't understand about people wanting to pass them. The worst was when you'd come up to pass someone and they'd start to drift toward you right into your path. It reminded me of when you go to pass another car and it speeds up. Even at my slow speed, I did a LOT of weaving in and out.

Soreness --I took cold baths after the 10k and the half and I think it really helped with soreness. Because the race retreat tent stopped offering massages two people in front of me, I went to the massage tent. The guy was fantastic! I was going to go to Epcot that day and came to my senses and realized it was too much walking. I did the MK instead and still came home around 5.

What I wish I had done-- I got very disoriented arriving for the half. I thought the organization and layout would be like the 5 and 10ks and it wasn't-- at all. And the volunteers couldn't tell me which way to go. I wandered needlessly. I wish I'd studies the guidebook more.

What I want others to know-- I agonized over my time endlessly. I'm a slow 15 minute per miler under the best of conditions. What I realized today, looking over the results, was that they close the course, it seems, at 5 hours, because no one's clock finish time exceeds 4:59. So, depending on where you start, you have between 4-5 hours to complete the course.

I started at the front of P and my clock and net time are one hour different. I don't know how long it took the people at the back of P to reach the starting line but it couldn't have been more than 5 minutes. (I was watching how long it took the other corrals) So at the worst, it seemed that you had to finish in 3:55 or so not to get swept. I finished in 3:34 and never saw the balloon ladies at all. And I slowed down a lot in the last two miles, once I knew I was safe from the sweepers.

What I didn't expect -- how little running down Main St. and through the castle would affect me. I was so focused on time, it overran everything else. If I ever do it again, I'll definitely spend more time getting pictures, of the mile markers if nothing else. I stopped for NOTHING lol.

I'd love to the ToT 10 miler but I think my DH would kill me! We have 4 more trips planning with various groups of people this year.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Subscribing so I can add my thoughts as a first timer too. You did a great job breaking it down into sections, mind if I borrow your format?

 

[goofeygirl]

First of all congrats on your Princess half!

I am considering signing up for the first time Princess next year...I would also consider staying at one of the value resorts.

I know you had mentioned that the volunteers didn't know which way to the start...I have only run in the Marathon weekend in January and there didn't seem to be any confusion as to where to go. I am wondering if the starting area is different?

Marathon weekend, well its pitch black but we are confined to an area and the announcer calls each corral by their letter to walk to their corals and you walk through the tent area...

So I wonder if Princess is different?

I think each year they improve on something but then something else goes haywire. The first year I did the half in '12.. the line for my hotel was soooo bloody long and endless that I shared a cab ride back to the hotel so I wouldn't miss breakfast! The year after that '13 and again this year , no lines and plenty of buses that were at the ready.

So I would love for others to share their Princess stories...from the race to costumes to hotels and weather...please share more stories!

I am pretty sure I will sign up for it.

 

[Neesy228]

First of all, congratulations on your awesome accomplishment!

I hope you don't mind adding my first-timer thoughts to yours! I was considering doing a trip report, but this might be a more fitting spot. I ran the Princess for the first time on Sunday.

I also stayed at Pop, so we probably saw each other. I was in building 5 - (60's) on the back side of the building near the main pool. I had booked a preferred room so I didn't have a long walk post-race. I love Pop and I particularly love the bridge over to AoA. I ran a couple of short runs around the resorts and over the bridge at night (I'm a night owl) and it was all well lit and safe. I will say that ANYTIME I have ever stayed at Pop the grounds crew manages to wake me up with a leaf blower. Every. Single. Time.

Transportation to/from the expo was great. I walked around and felt like I saw everything I wanted to see in about 2 1/2 hours. I picked up an "I Did It!" shirt, but a lot of things were sold out in sizes/styles when I arrived on Friday late morning. I loved the wall with all the runners names on it. That was pretty cool.

I also traveled alone and it was a good choice for me as well. I went to bed early on Saturday (at 9:30, but tossed and turned most of the night) and the 2:45 wake up call on Sunday wouldn't have worked out well with a room of sleeping people. (Olaf was my wake up call. Told me it was time to stop chilling in bed!) I was out to the bus at 3:30am and got there shortly ahead of the super long line that formed.

Once I arrived at the race I wandered for a few minutes until I got the "lay of the land" and was able to figure out where to go and what to do. I dropped my gear check bag and started to walk to the corral. I was in M.

I didn't submit proof of time and it hurt me, even though I'm not fast. As we were waiting in the corral I was listening to several groups talking about how they just wanted to get to the castle, then they didn't care if they got swept. Well, I had every intention of finishing! I got stuck in a lot of slow moving crowds. There were areas that I could not run. If I tried to run, people wouldn't move or I had to stop short when someone stepped in front of me. I dodged a lot and that added a half mile onto to my distance.

I didn't stop for anything either. The lines were either really long or not worth it to me. I did get a lot of blurry pictures though! I completely missed the princes somehow. If I had seen them, I may have stopped! I did get pictures of the mile markers as I went by. My best pictures are later in the day, after a shower, with the characters while I was wearing my medal. I don't even want to talk about how awful the marathon pics are. I tried to avoid the photographers at all cost, but they caught me in a few.

I was worried about not having water when I needed it on the course, so I carried a bottle with me, but I only used it once. I felt like the water/powerade stops were perfectly placed for me.

After the race, I grabbed my gear bag and went for the bus. I just wanted to get back to the room and soak in an ice bath! I didn't stop for anything! The line was crazy long, but it moved quickly. They pulled up two buses and loaded simultaneously. I'm not sure what time I got back to the hotel, but I texted my BFF at 11:20am that I was going to sleep! That was after an ice bath, shower and some conversations with family and friends.

A few random comments:

When I went to get my gear bag, everyone in the tent stood up and applauded for me. Since I was alone (and tired) it was such a wonderful thing that I started to cry. They made my day. So, thanks to all of those lovely people in the W gear check tent!

I loved that the monorails were honking their horns for the runners.

I loved some of the funny signs that the spectators held.

I loved that they had the illuminations torches burning at Epcot on the way to the finish.

I loved that we got little peeks of the backstage areas at the parks.

I was completely aghast as the first woman finisher ran by on the other side of the highway -- when I was on mile two. Talk about feeling unworthy! She finished in 1:11! Two hours faster than me! Just wow.

I loved that Sarge from the green army men was yelling, "When did this become a walk-a-thon!? Move it people, move it, MOVE IT!!" People actually listened to him!

After my ice bath and nap, I went to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. I felt great all day and made it until about midnight before I needed to go to bed. I ended my day sitting up at the Main Street train station, watching the world go by. I saw lots of princesses out with their medals even into the late hours.

I just got home tonite. Finally took my medal off at the airport. Overall, it was a fun experience. It was my 40th birthday present to myself. I feel like I accomplished something huge. A year ago, I was pretty sick, so to look back on this past year and see how far I've come has been gratifying.

I'm thinking of maybe the wine and dine next. The hours of that race will gel better with my circadian rhythms!

I want to thank everyone who contributed to the princess threads. I read every page and it helped me feel more prepared. And I want to congratulate everyone on their achievements this weekend!

 

[appleorchard]

Subscribing so I can add my thoughts as a first timer too. You did a great job breaking it down into sections, mind if I borrow your format?

Oh, please do! I'm loving reading everyone else's thoughts and really trying to process all this. It's so trite to say these are "life changing events" but in a way they really are!

After reading Neesy's report a few other things occurred to me:

I carried my own water and didn't need to. I also brought sport beans and honey stingers. I had the sport beans around mile 4, honey stingers around 7 and 10. I don't ever eat before I run and this worked out fine for me.

I loved the monorails honking too! And the signs. I said thanks to as many volunteers and people watching as I could. And I love the person who said to the people touring Epcot, "If you cheer for us, we'll get out of your way faster!" I did take a few pictures of Main St. and there are not very many people behind the ropes cheering. The castle is also barely visible in the mist.

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After the 5K

I made a big mistake not bringing my camera for the half. I just brought my phone and figured I'd use it to take pictures. But my camera is much easier to just point and shoot--with the phone, I've got to look down at it, find the camera app, touch the button, etc, etc, it seemed like too much trouble. I know I would have taken a lot more pictures if I could have just pulled my camera out of my pocket than I did with my phone.

Pockets--I loved my sparkle skirt! It has really big pockets on either side and a zipper pocket in the front. Great for carrying stuff.

Goofygirl --- About the confusion at the half arrival. When my anxiety level is up, I can't think straight. I was expecting it to be just like the first two races, where you could see the corrals. When it wasn't, I was completely disoriented. Spatial relationships aren't my thing-- I'm one of those people who really doesn't quite know where she is in relation to anything else. Other people probably don't have this problem!

I hope more people will add their thoughts and opinions. This was a huge deal to me and I know it was to other people too.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Oh, please do! I'm loving reading everyone else's thoughts and really trying to process all this. It's so trite to say these are "life changing events" but in a way they really are!

After reading Neesy's report a few other things occurred to me:

I carried my own water and didn't need to. I also brought sport beans and honey stingers. I had the sport beans around mile 4, honey stingers around 7 and 10. I don't ever eat before I run and this worked out fine for me.

I loved the monorails honking too! And the signs. I said thanks to as many volunteers and people watching as I could. And I love the person who said to the people touring Epcot, "If you cheer for us, we'll get out of your way faster!" I did take a few pictures of Main St. and there are not very many people behind the ropes cheering. The castle is also barely visible in the mist.

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After the 5K

I made a big mistake not bringing my camera for the half. I just brought my phone and figured I'd use it to take pictures. But my camera is much easier to just point and shoot--with the phone, I've got to look down at it, find the camera app, touch the button, etc, etc, it seemed like too much trouble. I know I would have taken a lot more pictures if I could have just pulled my camera out of my pocket than I did with my phone.

Pockets--I loved my sparkle skirt! It has really big pockets on either side and a zipper pocket in the front. Great for carrying stuff.

Goofygirl --- About the confusion at the half arrival. When my anxiety level is up, I can't think straight. I was expecting it to be just like the first two races, where you could see the corrals. When it wasn't, I was completely disoriented. Spatial relationships aren't my thing-- I'm one of those people who really doesn't quite know where she is in relation to anything else. Other people probably don't have this problem!

I hope more people will add their thoughts and opinions. This was a huge deal to me and I know it was to other people too.

Apple Orchard,
I know exactly what you mean. I was on the phone with my hubby trying to reunite with my family after I finished. The heat exhausted me and I have done the Princess before. My hubby kept telling me they were at the ice tent. I asked 2 volunteers about the ice tent both directed me to the medical tent. My hubby called me twice. I finally yield at him that I was not moving any more that they needed to come find me anyway after I got some ice and literally set it on my head.... I realized I was not in the reunion area but the runners area!!!
You are exhausted, tired and your adrenals are On overload. It takes a minute sometimes to come back to yourself and focus!!
To take up the sport at 63!!! That is a HUGE accomplishment!!!

 

[appleorchard]

Yep, total brain fog! I started running with C25k last May. I couldn't even run the full 30 seconds without gasping when I started! Over the past 2 years I've lost 50 pounds and after a lifetime of yo-yoing up and down-- I literally have clothes from sizes 6 to 16 in my closet -- I decided I was never going to gain weight back again.

Onward to next year! I'm already so sorry I didn't take more pictures and stop more. Now I think I've got the math down-- the race runs for 5 hours total. Even if you start in the last corral, you've got 4 hours to finish. I might have relaxed a little more if I had known that ahead of time.

 

[jbish]

Hopping on to add my first-timer's thoughts!

Appleorchard and Neesy - I loved reading your reports. I echo so many of your thoughts. And Appleorchard - you go, girl! You're an inspiration!

So, my story, not unlike many others here: I have NEVER pictured myself as a runner. In fact, I would say for the most part, I hated running. It's boring. But there's something about the idea of a Disney race that can change a girl's mind, isn't there? I first put this crazy idea in my head about two years ago and said, "You know, IF I were ever to do a long-distance race, I MAY consider doing the Princess Half." And about a year ago, I started with C25K. I was 36, have 3 little ones at home, but I started. By the time I hit 5K on the training, I thought, I can probably do this - low pressure: run/walk, just don't get swept. That was my goal. So I signed up for the race. In the meantime, I found the Dis and I got even more excited and I have really enjoyed keeping up with people here - I learned SO much from everyone!

And now my thoughts on the weekend.

We are DVC members - home resort is Bay Lake. No question I was going to stay there. We didn't bring the kids, DH came along for moral support. And because we didn't have the kids and we had just visited in November, decided not to do any parks except for Pasta in the Park.

We arrived Friday mid-day - got to BLT and settled in. Walked around a bit and then headed over to Epcot. I thought this ended up being a pretty good deal for us since PITP ended up being a "cheap" way to get into Epcot for a few hours. I was pleasantly surprised that the park was not overly crowded. The pasta dinner was decent - plenty of food. Character lines to meet Lady Tremaine w/ step-sisters and Cindy/Charming/mice were long at times, but nothing insane. We did a few rides in Epcot but I was exhausted, so we left around 10 pm.

Saturday, the plan was to get up fairly early so that I would be tired enough to go to bed early. Went to the expo - lot of merchandise was gone, but I got some stuff. Bought a FlipBelt, which I really wanted to try on in person and so glad I got it. Met up with a friend and just generally bummed around the resort. I was also worried about rain on race day as it really poured at times on Saturday. Dinner at California Grill - not something we can do with the kids. I even drank wine! But was chugging water. Also, I drank coconut water with chia seeds throughout the day to help maintain hydration. Went to bed at 8:30 but nerves/excitement really kept me from falling into a deep sleep (and I'm usually a quick sleeper). Then the fireworks woke me up at 10 - I was on the MK side of the building. Be warned.

Woke up at 3:15. I had already laid out everything I would need for the race. My awesome DH, woke up with me and went with me to the start of the race. Thankfully it was warm enough that I didn't take any extra layers with me. Got on the monorail by 4 - no issues. It wasn't crowded at all.

I didn't do any other races, so I had nothing to compare the start area to. I basically just followed the crowds. DH and I were planning on texting throughout the race, but had a backup meeting place in case my phone died (which it had done on several of my long training runs). I did not check any bags but just followed the crowds through the tents and then slowly to the start areas.

I thought there were tons of porta-potties everywhere. The early sets were jammed with people. Of course, I already had to pee but wanted to wait for shorter lines. I had water on me on a fuel belt, which was a comfort to me that I wouldn't be dependent on the water stops - but there were plenty along the way.

It's a long walk to the start. There's a second set of porta-potties partially through the walk - lines were a little shorter, but they moved very slowly. And no toilet paper. But I went anyway. My plan was to hold off any other pee breaks until I got into MK - ended up not needing to go, but that is definitely a nice option.

I had submitted a 10K time of 1:06 - I got placed in Corral G. I weaved my way towards the front half as it was my intent to run for at least the first 5-6 miles. I thought maybe I'd do a character stop here and there if the opportunity presented itself, but I quickly realized that there were just too many people in line. I was also very surprised to pass some walkers within the first two miles - clearly they had gotten themselves placed in an early corral somehow. But I had no crowding issues. I tried to take pictures along the route. I also committed a faux pas by stopping too quickly at one point and didn't realize someone was right behind me. She wasn't too pleased with me and I apologized profusely. But I didn't make that mistake again.

At that point, I just kept running. My split times are crazy consistent - all around 11:41-11:44. DH did not get the text updates until after the race was all done. So that didn't work out so great. He tried to see me at the start (too dark), made it to MK and saw me there. Tried to get to Poly, but he had just missed me. Then saw me at mile marker 13. By the time I made my way through the finish area and passed the bag check tents, he was right there. We hugged. I cried. lol And I ran the whole thing!!! No one is more surprised than me.

Favorite parts: Costumes (I didn't do anything special) - loved Gaston, the runner - he was so funny. The guy with the t-shirt that had on the back "Why are all these princesses chasing me?" So many distractions - I always run to music and put it on between maybe mile 8 to 11. Otherwise, I really didn't need it. Loved going through "restricted/Cast Member only" areas. Loved running through the parks, though they are very quick. Thought everything was really well organized (and I'm sure that has a lot to do with being in a corral towards the front). Loved the monorail drivers who honked along the way. The spectators and volunteers were so great.

Afterwards, we ended up going straight back to BLT - unfortunately, no late check out for DVC so we had to shower and get out fairly quickly. Again, no issues getting on monorail. I was probably back on the monorail by 9ish and saw that there were still many runners on the course.

Thoughts for next time (because there WILL be a next time!): bring the kids and do our vacation after the half. I was surprised at how not crowded the resort felt and, per TP, it was low crowds all week. Would love for the kids to do the kids' races. Definitely don't want to check out the day of the race - quite unsettling rushing to shower and pack when all I really wanted to do was rest! Glad I didn't do the race retreat - don't think I missed anything there.

Overall, I was so happy with my experience. This message board was such a great support system. And I'm super blessed to have had a lot of support at home and even at work. I was worried about crowds after reading about other experiences here. But everything seemed to work out very well for me. I'm dismayed to hear about people who ran into people that didn't seem to be taking it so seriously (i.e. "just make it to the castle and then I don't care if I get swept?" That just seems so weird to me.) I'm proud of the training I did, despite it being one of the coldest and snowiest winters we've had in years. I know I earned my medal and I think all of us who worked for that medal should be so proud. I can't wait to add to my new collection!! GSC? C2C???

 

[cewait]

Congrats princesses!

I love reading first timer experiences as it brings me back to my first few races.

A couple of quick thoughts from an experienced runner.

With the new start corrals and the current course, it is easier for spectators to come with you to the start. Pick out a spot before you part ways to meet. As noted, the reunion area is a zoo. My family once used the two palm trees that are at the entrance to the reunion area. With the new security, that area is now a bottle neck... just know that you do not have to be 'in' the reunion area.

I really did not think about the staging area being disoriented. I dropped my niece and friend off and had to kind of point to the tent and tell them to go through the tent. It's funny as I found the 5 and 10k set up to be not so obvious in January. Prior to the post Boston security the path to the 5k was unencumbered.

As a first time spectator it was fun watching the obvious first time runners make the corner on Main. You were obvious - in a great way. I was unsure about a few making the end as they literally lost it.

Do not let this take away from your victory, but one thing you noticed was that it is becoming widely known that rD hands a medal to all who are swept. That is what you witnessed after the Castle. Sadly, there is a growing number of participants who willingly bail at mile 6.


Glad everyone survived and had a great time.

 

[cewait]

Oh, I ran the 10 and bailed on running the PHM. I have an interesting observation on the tutu factor. First, it seems mandatory that one wear a costume for the PHM weekend events. My only beef with the higher than normal number of tutus is the fact the wearer forgets they have them on and ends up rubbing the runners they pass. I fully understand that this is really only 1-2 out of a hundred but I was beginning to feel like I was at Daytona where 'Rubbing is racing"

 

[jbish]

Do not let this take away from your victory, but one thing you noticed was that it is becoming widely known that rD hands a medal to all who are swept. That is what you witnessed after the Castle. Sadly, there is a growing number of participants who willingly bail at mile 6.


Glad everyone survived and had a great time.

Hi, Coach!! I haven't interacted with you directly here, but I feel like I "know" you. Any chance we would have seen you on the course anywhere? There was a coach or two along the course and I kept wondering if any of them were you.

So, I didn't experience any of the bottlenecks at the castle but I did see the video recap on rD's website and it looks like it was really awful. I would not have enjoyed that kind of logjam to affect my pace. So were people just stopping after the castle, taking pictures, and then just waiting for the sweepers? That's so awful for the people that were waiting to try and get around them with the goal of wanting to finish. I get that not everyone CAN finish, but it's really a shame that there could be a significant number of people that don't even CARE to finish.

 

[emilyindisney]

My sister and I already have a TR in the works, but after reading what ya'll thought I wanted to chime in too.

This past weekend was beyond magical! It was truly better than anything I was expecting. A few thoughts-

Race transpo- Much better than I was anticipating! There are so many horror stories about being late, getting lost, etc. but we had mostly great experiences. For the 5k and the half, we got right on a bus when we arrived at the stop at BWI. For the 10k, we waited about thirty minutes for a bus but the stop attendant was great about calling for one multiple times and we still made it on time.

Race crowds- We started in the front of E and had few problems with crowding on the half course. We did have to weave at some points but nothing unmanageable for a course with 25000 runners on it. The character lines were mostly very short so we were excited to stop frequently on the course.

Spectators- The spectators were great! Please commend your ChEar squad if they brought funny signs with them because those really made my race. Special shout out to the guy on the Boardwalk during the 10k with the sign that said "you look hot when you sweat"- definitely one of my favorites! We saw Peggy Sue outside Epcot which was exciting too!

I'm more interested in trying different runDisney events in the future (ToT in October!) but I think I would definitely recommend this weekend to others, and maybe return one day myself!

 

[Woth2982]

Hi! Congrats on your Princess weekend! Sounds like you had an amazing race plan! I am recovering from more injuries than I can count. In Sept I had a horrible back spasm, finally saw the doctor in January, I have four bulging discs in my back (Don't worry i was cleared to run by both the doctor and PT), then as luck would have it, I fell on some black ice on my parents driveway 9 days before the race.....just call me Grace....I started out this race strong, but I knew immediately it was going to be a tough race. I come from the north east where in Winter we are blessed with dry air and about 28 feet of snow and ice, so most of my recent training was indoors, so the humidity of the day was too much for me, another runner and I couldn't believe the actual temp was only 64, we could have sworn it was in the mid 80s. I decided to go all out to the 5K so I could have an improved time there, but after that I decided instead of going for time, I was gonna go for fun, I stopped for almost all photos after the 5K and really had a great time running from Character to Character. I finished around 3:35 and started in corral I.

 

[cewait]

Hi, Coach!! I haven't interacted with you directly here, but I feel like I "know" you. Any chance we would have seen you on the course anywhere? There was a coach or two along the course and I kept wondering if any of them were you.

********

Actually, yes I was at the Staging area, the entrance to Main and then the just before the bus stops just after mile 12.

 

[Figment1990]

Congrats princesses!

I love reading first timer experiences as it brings me back to my first few races.

A couple of quick thoughts from an experienced runner.

With the new start corrals and the current course, it is easier for spectators to come with you to the start. Pick out a spot before you part ways to meet. As noted, the reunion area is a zoo. My family once used the two palm trees that are at the entrance to the reunion area. With the new security, that area is now a bottle neck... just know that you do not have to be 'in' the reunion area.

I really did not think about the staging area being disoriented. I dropped my niece and friend off and had to kind of point to the tent and tell them to go through the tent. It's funny as I found the 5 and 10k set up to be not so obvious in January. Prior to the post Boston security the path to the 5k was unencumbered.

As a first time spectator it was fun watching the obvious first time runners make the corner on Main. You were obvious - in a great way. I was unsure about a few making the end as they literally lost it.

Do not let this take away from your victory, but one thing you noticed was that it is becoming widely known that rD hands a medal to all who are swept. That is what you witnessed after the Castle. Sadly, there is a growing number of participants who willingly bail at mile 6.

Glad everyone survived and had a great time.

Oh, I ran the 10 and bailed on running the PHM. I have an interesting observation on the tutu factor. First, it seems mandatory that one wear a costume for the PHM weekend events. My only beef with the higher than normal number of tutus is the fact the wearer forgets they have them on and ends up rubbing the runners they pass. I fully understand that this is really only 1-2 out of a hundred but I was beginning to feel like I was at Daytona where 'Rubbing is racing"

I had no idea that was happening after the castle. I'm really super glad I ran for the first 6-7 miles then, gritting through the knee pain. Because I would have not loved a bottleneck at the castle. I started in G and maintained around a 12-12:30 pace and ran through with no one on either side of me. I was worried about that so I felt relieved! I do think its crazy people would sign up and know they aren't planning to make it past the castle. I bet this could prompt Disney to revise some everyone gets a medal rules, maybe everyone who makes it to x miles gets a medal (significantly after the castle) because I don't think this is an issue at some of the other races (wine and dine).

Anyhow, I was pleasantly surprised at how many non costumed runners I saw. I definitely don't feel pressure to wear a tutu next time! I felt fine in mine, but I prefer normal running clothes.

 

[Bookwood]

Congratulations to all the Princesses, I've done Princess before (this was my 4th Princess, 8th runDisney Half and I have a few other run Disney races in my pocket as well,) and this years Princess had more water/PowerAde stops than I've ever seen. I'm so glad Disney did this, I wore a hydration belt and did drink from it but didn't finish "my" bottle until just before the finish (so I could put a fresh bottle from the finish in the belt so I could have a hand free.) I had trouble juggling water, Powerade, and food box after the 10 K.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Still working on my list. It's taking a lot longer than I thought. It should be up tonight or tomorrow though

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Congratulations to all the Princesses, I've done Princess before (this was my 4th Princess, 8th runDisney Half and I have a few other run Disney races in my pocket as well,) and this years Princess had more water/PowerAde stops than I've ever seen. I'm so glad Disney did this, I wore a hydration belt and did drink from it but didn't finish "my" bottle until just before the finish (so I could put a fresh bottle from the finish in the belt so I could have a hand free.) I had trouble juggling water, Powerade, and food box after the 10 K.

I appreciated this and even like the fact that they had bottles to refill your own water bottles!!! I ran with just my spi belt and was happy that water was very adequate!!!

Question, is the wine and dine route different or the same as The Princess half marathon route.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Where we stayed:
We stayed at the Swan, which is kind of our home resort. It’s a nice place to stay and bus access to the races and expo were easily accessible. Nice for the 10K, not so convenient for the 1/2 for DH and the kids.

Busses:
Positives
Lots of busses to the expo and the races. Easy to find compared to the other resorts, At A.S Sports it was around the corner from the building and we didn’t see it at first, signage wasn’t very good.
Negatives – multiple stops on the Epcot resort loop so it took forever to get anywhere. Bus drivers were down right scary at times!!! Some were not safe drivers at all.

Expo:
Packet pick up was easy, just wish the glass slipper challenge pick up was with the 5K pick up, it looked to have plenty of room in that area. Shirt pick up was easy, and went quickly.
I was disappointed in the lack of larger sizes in the official run Disney merchandise. Event he XL 3/4 zip jacket was snug and I usually wear a large. I didn’t get anything. DS17 got me a sticker for my car and I got a glass slipper necklace after the 1/2.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

5K:
Course was good, I wish it was more in the park. Lots of CM’s around the showcase which was nice.
DS17 was in corral A while the rest of us were in E. So we got to see him start and finish before we left the corral.
I wish it were timed, I’m glad I had my watch. Corral E was ok, but very crowded on the course. It was hard to set any kind of pace. Next time I need to try to get into C or D, especially for the kids and DH.

10K:
I was very nervous since I was doing this race on my own. I’m glad we had done the 5K because now at least I knew where to go and what to expect with corrals and security, etc. I was a little worried about being in E and I saw the balloon ladies so I tried to put as much distance between me and them, The course was good, wide in some spots and narrow in others. Lots of things to see along the way. DH texted me that they were right at the beginning of the Yacht Club and I may or may not have cried a little when I got on the Boardwalk because I knew they were just on the other side of the lake. I saw LisaH by the Boardwalk Hotel and that lifted my spirits. Got high fives from the my boys and a kiss from DH and DD.
Mile 4-5 was the hardest, it seemed to go on for forever. I got a good blast of energy after seeing the family so I was cheering the runners coming onto the Boardwalk as I was leaving it. I felt good the whole race and I feel like I could do this length of a race often.

1/2 marathon:
So by day 3 of getting up at zero dark thirty I was getting a little less princessy and a lot more grumpy. I am so not a morning person so this was tough. I was in corral M. I didn’t realize how much the start was going to change and I was glad LisaH was with me. If she wasn’t, I’d still be finding my way to the start!
We skipped the bathrooms near the tents and used the ones before the corrals. Wise choice!!!
My watch took forever to find GPS signal due to the fog and cloud cover. I didn’t get about the first 5-7 minutes of the race.
I was updating DH via text every mile and I was maintaining a 14 mm until mile 7. Miles 7-9 were really hard. My knee was giving me fits because of the banks in the road. I was trying to run on the grass as much as possible because it was flatter. And I was tired too. I did fuel at mile 8 with a honey stinger waffle which helped. But then I got 2 texts, one from LisaH saying she had been swept and one from DS17 that brought on the ugly cry. Did you know it’s really hard to run when you cry?!?!?
8.5 miles was the cliff shots, which I skipped since I had never had them. But I was starting to feel better and I knew at this point I could finish. I walked a lot during miles 8-10. I finished in 3 hours and 26 minutes, about 26 minutes past my goal but hey since it was my first 1/2, I PR’ed! LOL

I met DH at the T-Z flag because that is where the other WISHers were. It worked well and we both got there about the same time.

Walked back to the room through Epcot, the line for the bus was crazy long and I didn’t want to stand still, I felt that that could have been bad for me. It was a nice walk, we took it slow.