Official 2011 Wine & Dine Half and Relay Thread

[John VN]

PSA for #2 relay runner....personal recollection from last year's W&D

Chances are that everyone being past by you will be tired and you will be approaching them very quickly. Since it is late and dark in some areas, extra care must be taken when moving by on the grass and past the traffic cones. I found out the hard way that the cones do not move when clipped by your foot. Can we say "face plant"!

HS is twisty and narrow at times and the path from HS to BW has a good slope on the right that makes for uncomfortable footing.

Enjoy and watch out for others.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

PSA for the full 13.1 runners: the relay #2 people are going to seem VERY FAST. That is because they are running on fresh legs, and most of them run a different pace than you. Do not get swept up in their excitement. You will blow up. Run your own race.

 

[29apr00]

well I ran my 1st ever race yesterday......the Sunburst 5K. first time running outside as all my training has been inside on the treadmill. WOW so didn't expect that much of a difference!! my calves were on fire during the race! and HILLS! wow.....i was so completely unprepared for this. Yet somehow, I did manage to beat my goal of finishing it in 40 minutes!! Chip time was 35:13!! I couldn't believe it! I ended up walking a lot more than I expected to and still had a good finishing time. THen i enjoyed the best popsicle of my life!! the heat was a big concern, and they ended up black flagging the whole event 1-1/2 hours earlier than they were supposed to close it because of the heat advisory posted. They had to send buses around to pick up the last marathon and 1/2 marathon runners.

So......i'm wimping out. I hate running and it is so completely boring!! And i have no desire to work to run for 2-1/2 hrs straight! My running partner and I are thinking of either doing the 1/2 relay, or just doing the 5K in Animal Kingdom in the morning. I'd much prefer doing the 5K thru AK.......I think that would be cool, and the whole family could come watch me. If we do the relay, because it'll cost $125 to get a sitter, my husband won't be able to watch any of it. and there is no way we'd fininsh in a time fast enought to justify the $60 after party ticket. so yeah.....I'm bowing out and wish everyone else the best of luck!!!

 

[cewait]

well I ran my 1st ever race yesterday......the Sunburst 5K. first time running outside as all my training has been inside on the treadmill. WOW so didn't expect that much of a difference!! my calves were on fire during the race! and HILLS! wow.....i was so completely unprepared for this. Yet somehow, I did manage to beat my goal of finishing it in 40 minutes!! Chip time was 35:13!! I couldn't believe it! I ended up walking a lot more than I expected to and still had a good finishing time. THen i enjoyed the best popsicle of my life!! the heat was a big concern, and they ended up black flagging the whole event 1-1/2 hours earlier than they were supposed to close it because of the heat advisory posted. They had to send buses around to pick up the last marathon and 1/2 marathon runners.

So......i'm wimping out. I hate running and it is so completely boring!! And i have no desire to work to run for 2-1/2 hrs straight! My running partner and I are thinking of either doing the 1/2 relay, or just doing the 5K in Animal Kingdom in the morning. I'd much prefer doing the 5K thru AK.......I think that would be cool, and the whole family could come watch me. If we do the relay, because it'll cost $125 to get a sitter, my husband won't be able to watch any of it. and there is no way we'd fininsh in a time fast enought to justify the $60 after party ticket. so yeah.....I'm bowing out and wish everyone else the best of luck!!!

First, great job on finishing the 5k on a really tough day!

Sorry to hear the rest of the news but endurance running is not for everyone. It's better to realize now rather than later that you do not enjoy running. However, I would challenge you to keep running outdoors for a few weeks to see if you are reacting to a seriously tough day or your feelings are true. Many of my newer runners come off a tough event and say No More, Never Again! We talk and I try to keep them engaged in recovery runs for a week or so, then the mental focus changes for most. I would counsel to keep an open mind before saying no entirely.

As far as spectating, the W&D is not a spectator friendly race. A brief view at the start then along the Yacht & Beach and it's over. But that is not a lot different from many other Disney races. The January and Princess halves have a few more viewing possibilities but it's really a spot them, yell, see them go thing. Note that even if you could get to other parts of the W&D course it is dark and the likelihood of seeing each other is remote. If spectating is high on the priority list, then I would suggest one of the other events.

Finally, I do not want to be a breaker of bad news, but the 5K is not a spectator friendly event, either. Your DH will see you at the start then at the finish. There are no in-park opportunities for viewing.

Good Luck

 

[Twinklee]

My dh is running the Wine and Dine half marathon, but since he won't post here, I thought I would.

I have questions about the finish line and spectators. Are there buses from the Sports complex to Epcot that run after the race starts? What I'm asking is, can I watch the beginning of the race, then catch a bus over to Epcot to see my ds finish?

No biggie though if I can't. I'll just head to Epcot before 9:00 pm and stay in the park as long as I can after Illuminations, then head out to the parking lot to see my dh finish.

Does Disney provide any seating for spectators at the finish line? Dh has run many marathons that finish inside some sort of sports arena where there are plenty of seating for spectators and I was wondering how Disney handles this.

 

[cewait]

Based on last year, yes busses run from the start back to Epcot after the start. They drop you back in the parking lot. As far as finish line seating, yes they had a really small area l sat year. I would expect a little larger arrangement this year sone the finish moves from the international gate to the front parking lot. Getting to the bleachers earlier rather than later would be a good plan.

 

[daleed77]

One step closer today - I booked the plane tickets for the Half! I love the fact that JetBlue gives you credit if the price drops.

Now I need to figure out if it will be cheaper to use the race resort discount or wait for the annual pass discounts to come out.

Oh, and I have to run tomorrow!

 

[TMcDwyer]

Last year were able to find each other before we went to our corrals due to the amount of people wearing WISH shirts. So a pre-race group hug/last bit of encouragement is totally feasible.

What is a WISH shirt?

 

[jeanigor]

What is a WISH shirt?

A race shirt with the WISH mantra (DLF>DNF>>DNS {Dead Last Finish is better than Did Not Finish which is significantly greater than Did Not Start} and stuff on it. Kind of shows our team spirit/support. Heard a lot of "Go WISH" in the races I've done (as well as shouted it out to everyone I saw)

Here is a shot of firedancer, myself and mouseskywalker before the Wine and Dine last year. There was a sticky about ordering shirts when it was time to order.

 

[TMcDwyer]

Okay...I read the whole thread and I have to say THANK YOU for all the great tips! I am not a runner, but my husband is and this will be his first 1/2 Marathon. He is not as into Disney as I am, but when he told me he wanted to run a 1/2 this year I instantly thought of this race and he agreed!!!

I am thinking of maybe doing the 5K, but I have not decided yet. I have plantar faciatis (or however you spell it) and I am not sure I am up for it.

We are either staying at Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. (Since the trip is kind of last minute we just can't swing BC this year.) Which would you suggest? Can I still get the race room rates if I book through Dreams Unlimited Travel?

Dining plan...Yeah or Nay?

I am sure I will think of more questions...

 

[TMcDwyer]

A race shirt with the WISH mantra (DLF>DNF>>DNS {Dead Last Finish is better than Did Not Finish which is significantly greater than Did Not Start} and stuff on it. Kind of shows our team spirit/support. Heard a lot of "Go WISH" in the races I've done (as well as shouted it out to everyone I saw)

Here is a shot of firedancer, myself and mouseskywalker before the Wine and Dine last year. There was a sticky about ordering shirts when it was time to order.

LOVE IT! How do you join the team?

 

[jeanigor]

Okay...I read the whole thread and I have to say THANK YOU for all the great tips! I am not a runner, but my husband is and this will be his first 1/2 Marathon. He is not as into Disney as I am, but when he told me he wanted to run a 1/2 this year I instantly thought of this race and he agreed!!!

I am thinking of maybe doing the 5K, but I have not decided yet. I have plantar faciatis (or however you spell it) and I am not sure I am up for it.

We are either staying at Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. (Since the trip is kind of last minute we just can't swing BC this year.) Which would you suggest? Can I still get the race room rates if I book through Dreams Unlimited Travel?

Dining plan...Yeah or Nay?

I am sure I will think of more questions...

Last year my friend and I rented points and stayed at OKW and rented a car to drive, so I can't advise on which resort is better. There may be a chance that Dreams Unlimited may be able to get you a better rate than the race discount, but mention it in the comment section when you request a quote.

As for the dining plan, I found doing the 5K in the morning and the Half in the evening really screwed with our appetites and eating clocks. (Not to mention my insulin regiment.) And with it being the beginning of the Food and Wine Festival, that presents some great alternative food options. That being said, we are staying longer this year and getting the CS DP and utilizing the snack credits at Food and Wine.

LOVE IT! How do you join the team?

Ummm....I never took an official pledge or anything. I just started posting here on the WISH Board and was welcomed with warm open arms. So I think you kind of already did.

 

[FireDancer]

well I ran my 1st ever race yesterday......the Sunburst 5K. first time running outside as all my training has been inside on the treadmill. WOW so didn't expect that much of a difference!! my calves were on fire during the race! and HILLS! wow.....i was so completely unprepared for this. Yet somehow, I did manage to beat my goal of finishing it in 40 minutes!! Chip time was 35:13!! I couldn't believe it! I ended up walking a lot more than I expected to and still had a good finishing time. THen i enjoyed the best popsicle of my life!! the heat was a big concern, and they ended up black flagging the whole event 1-1/2 hours earlier than they were supposed to close it because of the heat advisory posted. They had to send buses around to pick up the last marathon and 1/2 marathon runners.

So......i'm wimping out. I hate running and it is so completely boring!! And i have no desire to work to run for 2-1/2 hrs straight! My running partner and I are thinking of either doing the 1/2 relay, or just doing the 5K in Animal Kingdom in the morning. I'd much prefer doing the 5K thru AK.......I think that would be cool, and the whole family could come watch me. If we do the relay, because it'll cost $125 to get a sitter, my husband won't be able to watch any of it. and there is no way we'd fininsh in a time fast enought to justify the $60 after party ticket. so yeah.....I'm bowing out and wish everyone else the best of luck!!!

I did the Sunburst 10K the last two years but didn't make it out this year and it was brutally hot (or humid I guess) and hilly. Most races are not as hard as that one and I've run probably close to 200 at this point. You might want to try again in the fall when the weather is not as bad and find a flatter course. I've had plenty of bad races and I would hate for you to give up because your first happened to be bad. As Charles said though endurance sports aren't for everyone.

LOVE IT! How do you join the team?

I can PM you the address to mail the registration fee.

Actually there is no joining. There are teams that you can join for motivation or just post here on the threads and come find the WISH group at the events. There are always meets prior to the events (last year we had a group that met for dinner at Boma Friday night before the race). Any meets will be posted to the event thread and before or after the race you can't really miss the big group of lime green or bright yellow standing around.

We are either staying at Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. (Since the trip is kind of last minute we just can't swing BC this year.) Which would you suggest? Can I still get the race room rates if I book through Dreams Unlimited Travel?

I don't think there is any advantage or disadvantage to either as far as the race goes and both are host resorts so just go with the one that you think you'd like better. I would think DU could get the race rate but you could ask your agent or do a rate quote and add the question into the comments. I think there are usually alternative discounts to the race rate that they might be able to get to make the room just as cheap or cheaper but you'd have to ask them.

Dining plan...Yeah or Nay?

I would say nay but I am really not a fan of the dining plan. Setting my bias against it aside I think that I'd be spending so much time at the kiosks that I would not do the plan during food and wine even if I normally did. I think it just comes down to how long you'll be there, how much time you'll spend at Epcot, and how your budget works out. I don't think the race would have any bearing on whether you do it or not, at least not as much as the festival so just like with the resort set aside the fact you are doing the race and make the decision as if it were a regular trip down during food & wine.

 

[OregonGirl]

TMC - Hi from the other thread! My party of 6 (3 couples with me as the 1 runner... or 5 spectators and 1 runner as the Disney reservation people called it), are staying at the POFQ. I have always been a Boardwalk girl but with a larger party the vote was for a moderate and 2 of our party honeymooned at POFQ and just loved it. I recall on the other thread the point was made that POFQ is small enough that you're never that far from your room, which at 3 AM after the party and the run, I think I will appreciate. Also, on the dining plan, I say nay - but that's mostly because we are only in Disney for 3 days before heading off on a week long cruise, and each couple wants to have the freedom to eat how they please without being tied down to credits. But when I have gone in the past with my folks, we have also not ever done the dining plan. It just never seemed to fit our style.

29apr00 - I agree with Frank and Charles; maybe give another outdoor run a shot? Funny enough, I started training outside on hilly ground and then over the winter I transitioned into the treadmill at Ballys and BOY what a difference. I could barely do 3 miles when outside at the time I was entering into 4-5 miles per run. I don't know why the difference was so profound but clearly there was a difference. Nowadays I alternate between 2 outdoor routes that are 7 and 7.5 miles (going to give a 9 mile route a try today, I think), and a 60 minute solid run on the treadmill which gains me a little over 6 miles. They seem to work different muscles, the pacing is different, and the inclines are different. I agree that if fundamentally distance running is not for you, that's one thing - but if you are discouraged by the change in outdoor vs. indoor (especially given the heat), maybe try again! You can do it!

All - I consider myself a WISH member! I want a shirt! Are those lime green shirts for running or are they just tees and tanks? Were they unisex or men/woman? Is someone going to handle ordering for this year? Design? I WANT ONE!! I have t-shirt, printing and design connections if someone needs to step up for the ordering.

- Carey

 

[TMcDwyer]

TMC - Hi from the other thread! My party of 6 (3 couples with me as the 1 runner... or 5 spectators and 1 runner as the Disney reservation people called it), are staying at the POFQ. I have always been a Boardwalk girl but with a larger party the vote was for a moderate and 2 of our party honeymooned at POFQ and just loved it. I recall on the other thread the point was made that POFQ is small enough that you're never that far from your room, which at 3 AM after the party and the run, I think I will appreciate. Also, on the dining plan, I say nay - but that's mostly because we are only in Disney for 3 days before heading off on a week long cruise, and each couple wants to have the freedom to eat how they please without being tied down to credits. But when I have gone in the past with my folks, we have also not ever done the dining plan. It just never seemed to fit our style.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Now the question is to 5K or not to 5K?

 

[princessbride6205]

PSA for the full 13.1 runners: the relay #2 people are going to seem VERY FAST. That is because they are running on fresh legs, and most of them run a different pace than you. Do not get swept up in their excitement. You will blow up. Run your own race.

Thank you for this PSA! I need to save this somewhere so I remember at the race!

It is 102 here in Minnesota today - wonder how my run this evening will go? Haha. Lots of water and lots of walking, I'm guessing!

 

[kaj1436]

One step closer today - I booked the plane tickets for the Half! I love the fact that JetBlue gives you credit if the price drops.

Now I need to figure out if it will be cheaper to use the race resort discount or wait for the annual pass discounts to come out.

Oh, and I have to run tomorrow!

I didn't realize that Jetblue does that? I thought onlyl Southwest honored price drop in the form of future flight credits. Good to know and I will keep an eye on our flights aswell.

 

[sunshine269]

Love the W.I.S.H. shirts

Jennifer

 

[29apr00]

I did the Sunburst 10K the last two years but didn't make it out this year and it was brutally hot (or humid I guess) and hilly. Most races are not as hard as that one and I've run probably close to 200 at this point. You might want to try again in the fall when the weather is not as bad and find a flatter course. I've had plenty of bad races and I would hate for you to give up because your first happened to be bad. As Charles said though endurance sports aren't for everyone.

29apr00 - I agree with Frank and Charles; maybe give another outdoor run a shot? Funny enough, I started training outside on hilly ground and then over the winter I transitioned into the treadmill at Ballys and BOY what a difference. I could barely do 3 miles when outside at the time I was entering into 4-5 miles per run. I don't know why the difference was so profound but clearly there was a difference. Nowadays I alternate between 2 outdoor routes that are 7 and 7.5 miles (going to give a 9 mile route a try today, I think), and a 60 minute solid run on the treadmill which gains me a little over 6 miles. They seem to work different muscles, the pacing is different, and the inclines are different. I agree that if fundamentally distance running is not for you, that's one thing - but if you are discouraged by the change in outdoor vs. indoor (especially given the heat), maybe try again! You can do it!

Thanks for the support guys!! my running partner is not ready to throw in the towel just yet, so we're discussing the Relay. I'm not planning on giving up running, in fact i'm looknig at doing another 5K in early September! But 13.1 miles just seems soooooo long!

we'll see.

 

[ColumbiaMommy]

Hi Everyone!
I just went through and read the whole thread. This is my first HM, actually it's my first race. I am doing it to help lose the rest of my baby weight, and provide my family an excuse to go to WDW twice in one year .
I was wondering what the WISH group is exactly and how to become a part of it. And if there is a group of slow runners, currently I am running a pace of 14 mins. But I am still training and hope to improve my time. Is there anyone else here that would like to keep me company during the race ??

Thanks Bunches,
Amanda