Disneyland ½ Marathon Weekend~2012 Check-in!

[kim3339]

Has the volunteer info come out yet?

Was on the site today and they put up some info. It's at the bottom of the left handside colum ~ there is a lady in a white shirt handed out water. If you click on it, here's what it says:

Volunteer: 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend
Volunteers are needed on behalf of Anaheim Community Foundation for the 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend. The Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California are happy to celebrate the 7th Annual Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend! This event will welcome thousands of runners to the Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim August 31 – September 2, 2012.
Volunteers for the Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo are needed for athlete registration and gEAR bag distribution. Volunteers for the Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K, runDisney Kids' Races and the Disneyland® Half Marathon are needed for the start area, water stops, finish line and family reunion area.

There's also a link to email them. I clicked on it and the email address says for volunteers for the race, but the "Re:" part mentions the Tink 1/2 so make sure you change it before you send off the email.

 

[Bursley2010]

Was on the site today and they put up some info. It's at the bottom of the left handside colum ~ there is a lady in a white shirt handed out water. If you click on it, here's what it says:

Volunteer: 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend
Volunteers are needed on behalf of Anaheim Community Foundation for the 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend. The Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California are happy to celebrate the 7th Annual Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend! This event will welcome thousands of runners to the Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim August 31 – September 2, 2012.
Volunteers for the Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo are needed for athlete registration and gEAR bag distribution. Volunteers for the Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K, runDisney Kids' Races and the Disneyland® Half Marathon are needed for the start area, water stops, finish line and family reunion area.

There's also a link to email them. I clicked on it and the email address says for volunteers for the race, but the "Re:" part mentions the Tink 1/2 so make sure you change it before you send off the email.

If you click on the registration link through the volunteer information page, it appears you can register as a volunteer directly via the active.com website as well. Thanks for posting that information went up- my Mom will be thrilled to sign up!

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

I signed my mom and myself up to volunteer for the 5K. I thought I read somewhere that we get apparal and a meal but now I can't find where I read it.

 

[Jessica_of_FL]

Was on the site today and they put up some info. It's at the bottom of the left handside colum ~ there is a lady in a white shirt handed out water. If you click on it, here's what it says:

Volunteer: 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend
Volunteers are needed on behalf of Anaheim Community Foundation for the 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend. The Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California are happy to celebrate the 7th Annual Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend! This event will welcome thousands of runners to the Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim August 31 – September 2, 2012.
Volunteers for the Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo are needed for athlete registration and gEAR bag distribution. Volunteers for the Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K, runDisney Kids' Races and the Disneyland® Half Marathon are needed for the start area, water stops, finish line and family reunion area.

There's also a link to email them. I clicked on it and the email address says for volunteers for the race, but the "Re:" part mentions the Tink 1/2 so make sure you change it before you send off the email.

thank you! thank you! On my to look now!

 

[kim3339]

I signed my mom and myself up to volunteer for the 5K. I thought I read somewhere that we get apparal and a meal but now I can't find where I read it.

Found it for you!
Volunteer Resources

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

As a volunteer for the 2012 Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo, Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K, runDisney Kids' Races and the Disneyland® Half Marathon, you will receive apparel, snack box per shift, and, if you meet the eligibility requirements, a one-day, one-Park Disneyland® Resort Theme Park ticket.

Theme park ticket distribution is based on minimum volunteer shifts worked. Each volunteer must either work at least two volunteer shifts or one 3:00am or earlier Half Marathon race day shift, to be eligible for the complimentary one-Park admission. Each volunteer must also sign in and sign out for each shift to be eligible for the complimentary one-Park admission. Each eligible volunteer will receive a maximum of one (1) complimentary one-Park ticket.



Were you able to specify where you wanted to volunteer or was a generic this race, that race type of thing?

 

[kim3339]

Okay~ throwing this out there for advice for DL disers. Was talking to my dad earlier about race weekend. I usually come down early Fri. morning and stay until Mon. morning, although this year it's Mon. evening. He made the suggestion that this year, I do Sat through Tues so I can try and get to do Cars Land either Mon. or Tues. when there's less people. I have to go down Fri. b/c I'm doing the 5k on Sat. so I'll need to pick up my race stuff pre-race.

But here's my question. I have almost all of my vacation days left for this year. Should I stay until Tues. or should I just leave Mon. like planned. These are my other DL trips planned for this year a Thurs. - Sat. in Oct. for Halloween and Sat. - Mon. in Dec. for B-day/X-mas. And then in Jan., I'll have Fri.-Sun. for the Tink races.

Now that that idea is in my head, I don't know what to do!! (Of course if I win the AP contest, I won't need to do Cars Land )

So bring on the thoughts!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Well, I always use any excuse to stay a little longer and enjoy a little more. Then again, when I tried to do a few more days at Disneyland after I ran the Tinkerbell I paid for it, lol.

So, I just finished my second half on Sunday! I kicked 10 minutes off my time from the Tinkerbell. I'm hoping I can shave a few more off by the time the Disneyland half comes around. I had a lot of fun (but daaaaaang was it warm in SF). Loving the new bling though!

 

[Bursley2010]

Well, I always use any excuse to stay a little longer and enjoy a little more. Then again, when I tried to do a few more days at Disneyland after I ran the Tinkerbell I paid for it, lol.

So, I just finished my second half on Sunday! I kicked 10 minutes off my time from the Tinkerbell. I'm hoping I can shave a few more off by the time the Disneyland half comes around. I had a lot of fun (but daaaaaang was it warm in SF). Loving the new bling though!

'

Congrats!! Any pics of the new bling? Would love to see!

 

[Belle Ella]

Here's one I posted on instagram afterward My medal, along with the tiara and boa they gave us just before the finish line:

I wanted to see if I could still enjoy myself running a half that wasn't through Disney and I definitely did! It wasn't just a fluke thing, haha.

 

[Bursley2010]

That's awesome! Sounds like a lot of fun, and what great bling! Congrats

 

[OctoberDisney]

Congrats on the SF run! Explain about staying a few extra days after the Tinkerbell run, please? We are planning on be in the park for 5 days after I run the 1/2. Should I be scared?

 

[OctoberDisney]

Oh, also...I did buy the commemorative necklace but not the pin. I hope it's cute!

Anyone else?

 

[Belle Ella]

Congrats on the SF run! Explain about staying a few extra days after the Tinkerbell run, please? We are planning on be in the park for 5 days after I run the 1/2. Should I be scared?

If you've done this before and know what to expect out of yourself post-race and for the recovery period don't be. It was my first half and I just completely over did it between the rides and all the walking I ended up doing. Ended up hurting my hip and it just was not pleasant all around. You live, you learn, haha.

2 days post race this time and I feel great. Still avoiding the Park like the plague for the rest of the week though which is so tempting when I'm off work and live 2 miles away. I will go out for a jog tomorrow though. Probably could have today but I had work so early and came home and passed out for most of the afternoon, lol.

 

[OctoberDisney]

Oh, it's definitely my first 1/2 and I have no idea what to expect. I am very much a beginner.

Someone did tell me to vacation first and go home after the run but I can't imagine that! 5 days of corndogs and staying up too late don't sound like a good training plan for me.

Good to hear you are feeling good today…again, congrats!

And, do you work at DL?

 

[Belle Ella]

Maybe some of the more experienced runners can share their best tips I could still stand to learn a few things. I'm trying to keep hydrated, stay active but not too active (if that makes sense), and stretch and all that. I just know that with the way I like to hit the Parks I would easily overdo it. Next time I want a massage!!

Both the playing in the Parks before and after seem to have their downfalls from my viewpoint, lol.

And yes I do.

 

[kim3339]

Well, I always use any excuse to stay a little longer and enjoy a little more. Then again, when I tried to do a few more days at Disneyland after I ran the Tinkerbell I paid for it, lol.

So, I just finished my second half on Sunday! I kicked 10 minutes off my time from the Tinkerbell. I'm hoping I can shave a few more off by the time the Disneyland half comes around. I had a lot of fun (but daaaaaang was it warm in SF). Loving the new bling though!

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll book Mon. night, and if I get in in June or change my mind, I can always cancel it and leave early.

Congrats on the new PR!! How was the course? Saw it was just south of SFO and that was kind of holding me up from registering?

Congrats on the SF run! Explain about staying a few extra days after the Tinkerbell run, please? We are planning on be in the park for 5 days after I run the 1/2. Should I be scared?

I wouldn't be scared! As long as you train, you should be fine. The nice thing about the courses in DL, is that it isn't hilly. The 1/2 in Sept. has 2 overpasses and 2 underpasses. Tink has I think a total of 7 or 8 over/under passes. But there's not crazy inclines in a short period of time.

I get down to the parks on Friday and do the expo and the parks Friday. Saturday is a little more low key, the 5k in the morning and then I usually stick to DL after the race and go back to the room in the afternoon. For Tink this year, I stuck to one side of the park and Main St. as opposed to trying to go back and forth. We go out to eat around 6 or so and I go back to the room after dinner. B/c I'm walking around more than I normally would for a race, whenever I'm in the room, I have my feet up on the extra pillows, I've found it really does make a difference. I also bring Epsom salt to soak my feet Sat. night and relax them a little more.

Tips for pre-race stuff, make sure you hydrate well starting around Wed., earlier if you're flying more than a couple of hours. By Sat. night, you should have to go to the bathroom a lot and it should be a really pale yellow. Eating is all a personal preference and everyone has their own opinion, but I do the big carb dinner on Fri and a light protein on Sat (usually a grilled chicken sandwich and baked potato. I also bring 2 shoes when I go to the parks ~ my running shoes and a pair to walk around the parks in.

Post race, make sure you don't sit for a long period of time in the first hour or 2. Make sure you get something in your system as well carbs and protein. If you're in a hotel and there's a fridge- chocolate milk is actually one of the best things. I go back and shower and then take it easy on Sunday. Some people take ice baths for their legs as soon as they get back to the room. We either go to a late lunch or an early lunch and then into the parks. But the main thing is to make sure you get something in your system soon after the race and stretch throughout the day, especially when you get back to the room that night.

As for being sore, it's all anyone's guess! I've had races where I'm really sore and races that have gone really well and can go the rest of the day Sun. If you keep in mind that Sun will be slower than a normal day at the park and you'll feel every incline and decline there is in the in the lines and the park. Mon hopefully will be a better and by Tues you'll be back to normal.

But the biggest thing is to remember to enjoy the race and take everything in! It's 1 of the most fun races out there, and you really couldn't ask for a better 1st race. And be on the lookout for the cameras, they're all along the course, but my fave and the 1 to make sure you smile for is the 1 at the castle.

 

[Belle Ella]

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll book Mon. night, and if I get in in June or change my mind, I can always cancel it and leave early.

Congrats on the new PR!! How was the course? Saw it was just south of SFO and that was kind of holding me up from registering?

Sounds like a good plan for it!

The course was actually pretty nice. I was pretty darn happy that it was super flat (flatter than the Tinkerbell was, that's for sure) and the majority of it was literally spent on the water which made for some great views. The airport didn't really play into it. I completely forgot how close we were to it until I was driving back to visit my family afterward.

One thing I will say, however: it was not as well organized as the Tinkerbell was. Some things were easier (like picking up my race packet - took all of 2 seconds, if that) and some things weren't (started a late, mile markers weren't the easiest to see, etc.). But it was not a bad experience by any means.

Right now I'm actually kind of bummed my next event isn't until the Disneyland Half. A 5K or two, or something, would be fun between now and then.

 

[bigsurandrea]

This will be my 2nd RunDisney event!! Im really excited!! I did the Tink in January and now this and Ill be doing the Tink next January!

 

[pilgrimr]

I will be running there for the first time. I have done a couple halfs at WDW. Quick question on the crowd level. How busy will the park be there. I realize with the half and Labor Day Weekend it will be busy, but how busy will it be?

 

[kim3339]

Sounds like a good plan for it!

The course was actually pretty nice. I was pretty darn happy that it was super flat (flatter than the Tinkerbell was, that's for sure) and the majority of it was literally spent on the water which made for some great views. The airport didn't really play into it. I completely forgot how close we were to it until I was driving back to visit my family afterward.

One thing I will say, however: it was not as well organized as the Tinkerbell was. Some things were easier (like picking up my race packet - took all of 2 seconds, if that) and some things weren't (started a late, mile markers weren't the easiest to see, etc.). But it was not a bad experience by any means.

Right now I'm actually kind of bummed my next event isn't until the Disneyland Half. A 5K or two, or something, would be fun between now and then.

Glad the course was nice. I thought it was just south of the airport and I was thinking of the planes flying in. I'll have to look into next year.

If you're looking for 5ks, maybe the Angels do a 5k during the summer? I know the Giants do races so maybe that's the new trends for teams?

I will be running there for the first time. I have done a couple halfs at WDW. Quick question on the crowd level. How busy will the park be there. I realize with the half and Labor Day Weekend it will be busy, but how busy will it be?

There'll be people but it won't be X-mas or middle of summer busy. The waits will be 20-45 minutes or so. The longer waits will be for Indy or Splash, but they have FPs. HM will be down for the Halloween layover, IASW should still be open. Cars Land will probably be really busy, but it'll still be new so that's to be expected. I'm there Fri - Mon morning, and have never had a problem hitting all the rides at some point or more during the weekend.

Restaurant wise, it's not that bad, but ESPN will be crazy all day Saturday b/c college fb start so a ton of people hang out there all day. Naples will be busy Saturday night b/c of the race as well.