? For those who have done the Princess 1/2 before?

[mommy2lt]

Let me start off by saying that I am one of "those" people that like to know exactly what to expect (in this case WAY ahead of time) or it really bothers me.

In reading I have learned that you need to try to catch the 1st bus from your hotel (3:00 am!!!!)in order to make sure you get to the race on time.

It is a good 20 minute walk to the corral, there are no bathrooms near the corral, and you could be in your corral for a few hours.

When do you sleep??? What time do you wake up and what are options for breakfast? Do I need to pack food?

These are just the beginning of things buzzing around my head (and it's still 8 months away)

I just like to get as much info ahead of time so I can plan accordingly and I am pretty sure that I am not the only newbie that has questions. So.... if you have done this race before, feel free to fill us in

 

[steph0808]

In reading I have learned that you need to try to catch the 1st bus from your hotel (3:00 am!!!!)in order to make sure you get to the race on time.

Not really true - though you should be at the bus stop early. I was at the bus stop for the marathon (same bus times/starting times/etc.) at 3:20 and didn't get picked up until 4, and we hit traffic. We still made it in plenty of time.

It is a good 20 minute walk to the corral, there are no bathrooms near the corral, and you could be in your corral for a few hours.

Depending on your corral, I'd say more like maybe 10-15 minutes. Really you don't even notice. There are tons of portapotties before you make your way to your corrals and also on the walk to the corrals. In the corrals, not so much. I'd say I was only there for maybe 30 minutes before starting though.

When do you sleep??? What time do you wake up and what are options for breakfast? Do I need to pack food?

Sleep the night before the night before the race. Because the night before the race, you won't be sleeping much. I went to bed around 8:30 and got up around 2:45.

I ate my usual long run breakfast - a peanut butter sandwich. I also took a bottle of water, a pack of sport beans, and PopTarts with me to the start.

 

[kappyfamily]

I agree with the last comments. You are so pumped up on adrenaline trust me you will get thru just fine! Don't lose too much sleep over these details, there will be TONS of people to follow out of your hotel that will help you out. I'm in Oregon so I lose three hours during the wdw races, so I go to bed extra early, if I can.

You will do great!

 

[joan4mickey]

Let me start off by saying that I am one of "those" people that like to know exactly what to expect (in this case WAY ahead of time) or it really bothers me.

In reading I have learned that you need to try to catch the 1st bus from your hotel (3:00 am!!!!)in order to make sure you get to the race on time. I like to get to the bus stop around 3:30. I have everything layed out the night before and it only takes me about 10 min. to get ready in the morning.


It is a good 20 minute walk to the corral, there are no bathrooms near the corral, and you could be in your corral for a few hours.
I have no shame. About 20 minutes from race start, I jump the fence and use the bushes/trees
When do you sleep??? What time do you wake up and what are options for breakfast? Do I need to pack food?
Many have trouble sleeping the night before. Not me. I am in bed around 8pm and asleep before 9 and set a couple of alarms to wake about 3:10am
These are just the beginning of things buzzing around my head (and it's still 8 months away)

I just like to get as much info ahead of time so I can plan accordingly and I am pretty sure that I am not the only newbie that has questions. So.... if you have done this race before, feel free to fill us in

I like to be prepared too. I also have my breakfast packed in a plastic bag...small juice box, a banana and special K breakfast crisp.

 

[mommy2lt]

Thanks
I hate to feel unprepared, so and info I can gather these next few months will greatly help me out !

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

I just like to get as much info ahead of time so I can plan accordingly in

You are not alone.....my sister and I joke that we are going to get t-shirts printed that say:

"I Plan To Be Spontaneous Tomorrow!"


Kathy

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[mommy2lt]

Glad to know I am not the only one

I need in on that shirt deal too !

 

[mommy2lt]

Do you run with a camera or just depend on your phone for photo ops ?

 

[joan4mickey]

Do you run with a camera or just depend on your phone for photo ops ?

I have run with a camera. Many use their phones. And there is also on course camera people. A few days after the race the photos are posted by bib number, wear your bib on the front. I find the photos are expensive and not very good. If you carry your own camera or phone there are cast members with characters that will take a photo for you. I have even asked spectators to take my picture with my camera.

 

[mommy2lt]

Thanks !

 

[BlazerFan]

I agree with the last comments. You are so pumped up on adrenaline trust me you will get thru just fine! Don't lose too much sleep over these details, there will be TONS of people to follow out of your hotel that will help you out. I'm in Oregon so I lose three hours during the wdw races, so I go to bed extra early, if I can.

You will do great!

Adding in the time difference is what worries me. The only WDW race I've done is Wine and Dine at night. I don't have a problem getting up at 3:30 or 4:00 for local races but I will still be on Pacific time so it will be harder. Any tips

 

[kappyfamily]

Adding in the time difference is what worries me. The only WDW race I've done is Wine and Dine at night. I don't have a problem getting up at 3:30 or 4:00 for local races but I will still be on Pacific time so it will be harder. Any tips

I went to bed at 9pm the night before and actually slept really well until 2:30am for my wake up. I think I was so pumped up by adrenaline I didn't really feel it. Also this is where the race retreat came in handy. I just found a corner, curled up just relaxed before I saw the herd of tutus leave the tent for the corals. I was however exhausted by 7pm that night......

 

[BlazerFan]

I went to bed at 9pm the night before and actually slept really well until 2:30am for my wake up. I think I was so pumped up by adrenaline I didn't really feel it. Also this is where the race retreat came in handy. I just found a corner, curled up just relaxed before I saw the herd of tutus leave the tent for the corals. I was however exhausted by 7pm that night......

I am thinking about the race retreat since I'm solo for the race. I will probably wait to see if I can book my room with my DVC points at 7 months or if I will need to pay cash first.

 

[bumbershoot]

I will probably wait to see if I can book my room with my DVC points at 7 months or if I will need to pay cash first.

From my experience doing that for the WDW Marathon weekend, be prepared for very little availability. It's not a problem for me, because I like the bigger resorts and was able to get a studio at SSR, but others are more particular about their resorts.


Be sure to check the rundisney site to see what resorts are "host" resorts for your race.

 

[kmorganj]

For breakfast, I've trained myself on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Then, when you are at Disney, just get an Uncrustables kids meal (~$5) the night before the race at any quick service food location. They even come with a little bottle of water! Throw in a banana and you're all set. I usually nibble mine on the bus.

Sleeping is tough, but the entire experience is so surreal that you will forget to feel sleepy or tired. And the first few miles breeze by in the dark. My sister and I joke that the parking lot at Epcot is like a refuge camp when the runners are all arriving - busses pulling up in the dark morning mist, thousands of people huddled in groups everywhere... you won't be sleepy! We've made it from the 2am wake-up call straight through the Extra Magic Evening hours at MK on adrenaline alone after some races!

In terms of the bus, I've been on the first bus, the last bus, and everywhere in-between. It's different every time, and there's always a different perspective. I have heard runners get off the same bus and one says "I can't believe that took 25 minutes!" and the person behind them gets off and says "I can't believe that ONLY took 25 minutes." If you jump on the first bus, be prepared to sit on the ground in the parking lot for a while until they call you to the corrals. This year at the marathon they started calling specific corrals at a time to alleviate the congestion on the walk to the start line.

The race retreat is nice, but not necessary as long as the weather cooperates - bring a cheap fleece blanket or a towel to sit on and then donate to the "trash" bin and you'll be fine.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Bookwood]

You've already gotten the answers I'd give you to your questions- except I have a different take on the bus situation. I try to be on the last bus out of my resort (never happens as I leave my room about 10 min to 4 am do be inline by 4 though.) I take my breakfast and either eat in line or on the bus.

 

[1MCSCROOGE]

You've already gotten the answers I'd give you to your questions- except I have a different take on the bus situation. I try to be on the last bus out of my resort (never happens as I leave my room about 10 min to 4 am do be inline by 4 though.) I take my breakfast and either eat in line or on the bus.

Can u give reason for taking last bus?

 

[mommy2lt]

Looks like it's going to be one crazy exhausting weekend ! We will fly in Friday, have to get to the Expo to pick up my packet, get to sleep, wake up at a crazy hour to get to the 10k and do it all over again 24 hours later for the Princess then fly home that afternoon

So glad we are not bringing the kids this trip, I don't think I could deal with the added stress.