Official 2016 5th Anniversary Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend!

[kim3339]

Ok so I was just talking to DH and I am really leaning towards doing the Half this year and making it a solo quick one nighter. Right now STovalls is about $30 more than Pavillions a few doors down. If you were me, and traveling alone, would you pay the extra $30 to be a block closer?

I just left you a message on the DL side thread about how you have to come. $30 a night or $30 total? If total, I'd stay at Stovall's. I haven't stayed at Pavillions so I can't compare, but it's the last of the hotels before the strip mall and then residential starts. I stayed at the Quality Inn this year across from Denny's and the walk is only about 5 min more from Pavillions than Stovall's so not that much different. However, it was nice at Stovall's last year, I rolled out of bed and left the room at 4:50 to go to the corrals and afterwards, I looked at my watch from the finish line to my room including getting the medals and crossing back across the course it took me 18 min from crossing the finish line and being back in my room. And I'm there and we can finally meet after forever and walk over together.

 

[kirstie101]

I just left you a message on the DL side thread about how you have to come. $30 a night or $30 total? If total, I'd stay at Stovall's. I haven't stayed at Pavillions so I can't compare, but it's the last of the hotels before the strip mall and then residential starts. I stayed at the Quality Inn this year across from Denny's and the walk is only about 5 min more from Pavillions than Stovall's so not that much different. However, it was nice at Stovall's last year, I rolled out of bed and left the room at 4:50 to go to the corrals and afterwards, I looked at my watch from the finish line to my room including getting the medals and crossing back across the course it took me 18 min from crossing the finish line and being back in my room. And I'm there and we can finally meet after forever and walk over together.

ooh I like 18 minutes! Difference for 2 nights would be $50 total. I booked both for now. I have an aunt who usually gives me a couple hundred for Christmas so I'll have that for the hotel. I've actually wanted to try Stovalls for awhile to scope it out for our family trips so its a good opportunity to do that AND getting to walk with you would be a huge bonus! I'm gonna beg you to get me a wine glass again if you can since I wont get to the expo til Saturday. My AP is blocked on Saturday but thats actually good I think. For once I'll get to hang out at the expo and actually listen to the speakers instead of running off to the parks!

So anyone who ran last year, what did the preorder jacket look like? I have to decide if I want to preorder the one for Star Wars or the one for Tink....

 

[VickiHD]

Ok so I was just talking to DH and I am really leaning towards doing the Half this year and making it a solo quick one nighter. Right now STovalls is about $30 more than Pavillions a few doors down. If you were me, and traveling alone, would you pay the extra $30 to be a block closer?

I would pay the extra for Stovalls !!!!!!!!! We stay there a lot and have not had any trouble, I even stayed there by myself a couple of time too.

 

[VickiHD]

So anyone who ran last year, what did the preorder jacket look like? I have to decide if I want to preorder the one for Star Wars or the one for Tink....

I did and I looked at it and returned in promptly at the counter. You can do that. I knew it was something I would not wear. I did feel kind of weird returning it but I did not questions asked. Personally, I did not care for it at all. I did ended up purchasing the 1/2 jacket and the PDC jacket at the expo with I LOVE.

 

[kirstie101]

I would pay the extra for Stovalls !!!!!!!!! We stay there a lot and have not had any trouble, I even stayed there by myself a couple of time too.

I did and I looked at it and returned in promptly at the counter. You can do that. I knew it was something I would not wear. I did feel kind of weird returning it but I did not questions asked. Personally, I did not care for it at all. I did ended up purchasing the 1/2 jacket and the PDC jacket at the expo with I LOVE.

Thanks Vicki!

 

[huggybuff]

Oh I see it's official now, @kirstie101 You have a ticker!

 

[kirstie101]

Oh I see it's official now, @kirstie101 You have a ticker!

Yup! Had to bump down the family trip ticker too and I even feel guilty about that! Oh the mom guilt never ends! But I am very happy I decided to do it! I missed it last year!

 

[kim3339]

ooh I like 18 minutes! Difference for 2 nights would be $50 total. I booked both for now. I have an aunt who usually gives me a couple hundred for Christmas so I'll have that for the hotel. I've actually wanted to try Stovalls for awhile to scope it out for our family trips so its a good opportunity to do that AND getting to walk with you would be a huge bonus! I'm gonna beg you to get me a wine glass again if you can since I wont get to the expo til Saturday. My AP is blocked on Saturday but thats actually good I think. For once I'll get to hang out at the expo and actually listen to the speakers instead of running off to the parks!

So anyone who ran last year, what did the preorder jacket look like? I have to decide if I want to preorder the one for Star Wars or the one for Tink....

Yay!! No problem, I get there on Thurs morning so I'll scope out the merch for you. As for the jackets, like Vicki said you can return it and for the design I think it's a real hit and miss. WDW was ugly this year, SW was awesome and wished I got it, I think Princess was good and Tink looked a lot like WDW. I wanted DL b/c of the anniversary but they sold out before I ordered one so that probably means it'll be awesome.

 

[kirstie101]

Yay!! No problem, I get there on Thurs morning so I'll scope out the merch for you. As for the jackets, like Vicki said you can return it and for the design I think it's a real hit and miss. WDW was ugly this year, SW was awesome and wished I got it, I think Princess was good and Tink looked a lot like WDW. I wanted DL b/c of the anniversary but they sold out before I ordered one so that probably means it'll be awesome.

Thanks Kim!!!! I'm sure you'll find something at the DL expo you'll like

 

[SarahDisney]

Okay, so ... I think I'm going to share a bit of my story here to see if anyone can offer a little advice based on past experience.

A few months ago, my sister and I decided that we wanted to do Disneyland 2016 as our first Half Marathon. I really want to run through Angel Stadium (big baseball fan), and the timing was good - my sister wasn't going to be in school, and it's only a few weeks after my 30th birthday, so we could turn it into a birthday trip (which would be perfect because Disneyland is my favorite place on Earth and therefore the ideal place for a birthday trip).
But we found out this week that my sister will have to take a class in Fall 2016, so she'll start class at the end of August and will be in class in September. We might still be able to do the race (just make it a weekend trip only), but it's no longer definite. And since she'd be in school either way ... we thought about maybe doing Tinker Bell instead (also just a weekend trip). There are definitely some difficulties with doing Tink (including the fact that we haven't finished paying for our January WDW trip yet) ... but there are difficulties with doing Disneyland Half too (including the fact that I hate running in the heat, and doing my last few long runs in August won't be fun).
So that's the background on why I have to make this decision.

I guess my question is ... if all outside factors were equal (which they're not, but let's pretend we're in an ideal world where they are), which would you chose for a first half marathon ... Tinker Bell or Disneyland Half? Has anyone done one of the two as their first half marathon and either loved or hated it?

Any advice/opinions much appreciated!

 

[VickiHD]

Okay, so ... I think I'm going to share a bit of my story here to see if anyone can offer a little advice based on past experience.

A few months ago, my sister and I decided that we wanted to do Disneyland 2016 as our first Half Marathon. I really want to run through Angel Stadium (big baseball fan), and the timing was good - my sister wasn't going to be in school, and it's only a few weeks after my 30th birthday, so we could turn it into a birthday trip (which would be perfect because Disneyland is my favorite place on Earth and therefore the ideal place for a birthday trip).
But we found out this week that my sister will have to take a class in Fall 2016, so she'll start class at the end of August and will be in class in September. We might still be able to do the race (just make it a weekend trip only), but it's no longer definite. And since she'd be in school either way ... we thought about maybe doing Tinker Bell instead (also just a weekend trip). There are definitely some difficulties with doing Tink (including the fact that we haven't finished paying for our January WDW trip yet) ... but there are difficulties with doing Disneyland Half too (including the fact that I hate running in the heat, and doing my last few long runs in August won't be fun).
So that's the background on why I have to make this decision.

I guess my question is ... if all outside factors were equal (which they're not, but let's pretend we're in an ideal world where they are), which would you chose for a first half marathon ... Tinker Bell or Disneyland Half? Has anyone done one of the two as their first half marathon and either loved or hated it?

Any advice/opinions much appreciated!

DL was my first 1/2 back in 2007 and I've been doing it ever since. It's always hot and I think my first year due to the record breaking heat wave they almost "flagged" the race, but they didn't. It's fun and will always hold a special place in my heart, but.......I love running Tink. It is my favorite and it has a completely different race feel than the DL 1/2. The expo and everything is geared toward girls and all things fairy. Since they have moved the race to May...it was warm this past year but nothing like it is when the DL 1/2 happens. You might want to look at the different medals to see if that will help you decide. Although there is a different one for DL this year and probably for next too. It will be the 5th Anniversary in 2016 for Tink so that should make the medal even fancier that usual. Hope that helps.

I'm sure others will chime in and give you more to think about.

 

[kelly 1]

Hi Kelly and Vicki and all the others!

It's nice to have a friendly bunch to say hello to and get to know while we plan! For WDW, I'm DVC, so I have no issues with a room and all that; but DLR is a totally new experience so I feel like all the planning I used to do years and years ago when I was a WDW noob I have to do now. I'm super stoked about this upcoming year. I'm going to Hong Kong and Tokyo (just a quick week, so 3 days in one and 5 in the other) so I'll see HKDL, TKDL, WDW and DLR all in the span of less than 12 months!

You know us Disney freaks- we don't do nothing half way

It seems many of you are Tink veterans. Anyone who is relatively new to running here? I literally was not a runner before March. I started running at the end of March using C25K and just did my first 10K over the 4th holiday. I still do run walk intervals. My mileage is at about 6/7 miles for my long run- so half way there. I took a few weeks off from running because life got in the way, but planning on hitting the trail this evening to get back on the horse. I figure I still have enough time to at least make it to 10 or 11 miles- if not the whole 13- before Halloween. I'm going to taper before the Wine and Dine. Then I'll take a week or so off and go back to training through the winter for the Princess.

I noticed that the cut off for time submission for the Tink is too early to include Princess as my proof of time; which I'm bummed about. It'll be winter in New England so no chance at doing a 10K in that interim. My corral for Tink will likely be based on whatever I do at Wine and Dine; which is my FIRST half marathon. And I'm a new (and kinda slow ~11min/mi) runner. So definitely bummed there. I wonder why they didn't stretch out the time so that those of us who run Princess can use it for our times?

Oh, something else I was wondering that you DLR RDisney vets may have a better idea of- is merchandise sell out at the Expos as big a problem out there? Like the Dooney's and New Balances and shirts and stuff? I really wish Disney would either make more items, or implement a rule so that runners really got first crack. It's disheartening to know that people who aren't even running and just want to flip on eBay are going to have better odds at getting stuff than those of us who've spent months training for the moment are going to have....

Fantasic Girl you go! Great to read your journey! Love intervals that the name of my game. We are all here for any support you need!

 

[sperkins921]

Hey @sperkins921 I started running in March as well (though it was the end of March) and I'm a bit behind you. I don't have my first 10k until September and I'll be running my first half at the Princess 1/2 Weekend.

I started running at the end of March as well. I think it was something like March 25 or what not. The way you are doing it is way better. Slow and steady. I tend to jump in with both feet and overdo it. Lol- I'm type a and a Virgo.

I had to put the July 10K in there because I had signed up for the wine and dine before I had even really started training to run.even now I don't really love running, I'm just not one of those people who seems to be able to go within myself into now and put 1 foot before the other for miles and miles and miles. Honestly? I get a little bored running LOL.

Like right now it's 730 in the morning and I need to go downstairs lace up and run, but I really don't want to. LOL. I am waiting for running to become really fun like others here but it just hasn't really grabbed me like that, if I'm not still in love with it by the time I run the Tink I'm just going to go back to casually jogging when I feel like it.

 

[VickiHD]

I started running at the end of March as well. I think it was something like March 25 or what not. The way you are doing it is way better. Slow and steady. I tend to jump in with both feet and overdo it. Lol- I'm type a and a Virgo.

I had to put the July 10K in there because I had signed up for the wine and dine before I had even really started training to run.even now I don't really love running, I'm just not one of those people who seems to be able to go within myself into now and put 1 foot before the other for miles and miles and miles. Honestly? I get a little bored running LOL.

Like right now it's 730 in the morning and I need to go downstairs lace up and run, but I really don't want to. LOL. I am waiting for running to become really fun like others here but it just hasn't really grabbed me like that, if I'm not still in love with it by the time I run the Tink I'm just going to go back to casually jogging when I feel like it.

I think a lot of us have a love / HATE relationship with running. Personally, I am not a fan of training. I do it and it helps to have some sort of schedule and to write down my miles etc. Training is boring and the wear and tear on body parts hurts at time. Now given that...I LOVE THE RACE itself. The Disney races are FUN. With a sea of green wings and other costumes, the entertainment, and support from the crowds it just fun and makes up for the long boring hours you put on the track or dreadmill. It's just a weekend of fun and anticipation that starts with the expo. Did I mention the shopping at the expo ?? The different venders are geared towards women running, you can always find something new. For me it's running is also a mental game, sure it's physical but sometimes you have to just not let your head get in the way of your feet. One step at a time then one mile at a time. I mentally preparing for my 10 miles I need to run tomorrow. When ever I don't want to run or work out ...when I do I'm always glad I did.

Hope this helps.

 

[kim3339]

Okay, so ... I think I'm going to share a bit of my story here to see if anyone can offer a little advice based on past experience.

A few months ago, my sister and I decided that we wanted to do Disneyland 2016 as our first Half Marathon. I really want to run through Angel Stadium (big baseball fan), and the timing was good - my sister wasn't going to be in school, and it's only a few weeks after my 30th birthday, so we could turn it into a birthday trip (which would be perfect because Disneyland is my favorite place on Earth and therefore the ideal place for a birthday trip).
But we found out this week that my sister will have to take a class in Fall 2016, so she'll start class at the end of August and will be in class in September. We might still be able to do the race (just make it a weekend trip only), but it's no longer definite. And since she'd be in school either way ... we thought about maybe doing Tinker Bell instead (also just a weekend trip). There are definitely some difficulties with doing Tink (including the fact that we haven't finished paying for our January WDW trip yet) ... but there are difficulties with doing Disneyland Half too (including the fact that I hate running in the heat, and doing my last few long runs in August won't be fun).
So that's the background on why I have to make this decision.

I guess my question is ... if all outside factors were equal (which they're not, but let's pretend we're in an ideal world where they are), which would you chose for a first half marathon ... Tinker Bell or Disneyland Half? Has anyone done one of the two as their first half marathon and either loved or hated it?

Any advice/opinions much appreciated!

I agree w/ Vicki about looking at the medals as well as the courses to help you decide. I love the Tink course, but being a huge baseball fan like you, I love running through Angels Stadium. Tink also has the most park time mile-wise. For Tink outside of the parks it's residential and downtown Anaheim whereas for DL aside from the Honda Center and Angels Stadium it's more industrial so less to look at. You have the anniversary of Tink and new medal for DL. Tink also has less runners so less crowded. It's hard to tell crowd-wise for the parks outside of the run b/c there was so much going on at Tink we weren't able to get a true feeling for the crowds this year. But Labor Day weekend hasn't been too too bad crowd-wise in the past, plus you have the extra day off for travel on Mon. For DL, Haunted is always down for the change over and at Tink this year a few were down but that was for maintenance and refurb for the 60th. Not that it really has any impact, but DL was the 1st race at DL so it's the original like DL is to parks, if that makes sense. Going off that, DL doesn't really have a theme per se, the 5k and 10k do but the 1/2 is the castle and Mickey. Tink is Tink, the 5k changes as well and the 10k has been fairies from Neverland.

Do you live close to a baseball team? A lot of teams have runs now and if a team close to you is doing one and aside from the DL factor you could do a more local run that gives you the baseball-ness of DL and you could run Tink.

I hope that helps a little bit. You can't really go wrong either way; they're both really great races to do as your 1st.

 

[sperkins921]

I think a lot of us have a love / HATE relationship with running. Personally, I am not a fan of training. I do it and it helps to have some sort of schedule and to write down my miles etc. Training is boring and the wear and tear on body parts hurts at time. Now given that...I LOVE THE RACE itself. The Disney races are FUN. With a sea of green wings and other costumes, the entertainment, and support from the crowds it just fun and makes up for the long boring hours you put on the track or dreadmill. It's just a weekend of fun and anticipation that starts with the expo. Did I mention the shopping at the expo ?? The different venders are geared towards women running, you can always find something new. For me it's running is also a mental game, sure it's physical but sometimes you have to just not let your head get in the way of your feet. One step at a time then one mile at a time. I mentally preparing for my 10 miles I need to run tomorrow. When ever I don't want to run or work out ...when I do I'm always glad I did.

Hope this helps.

Vicki,
It really helps to hear that others still struggle with the 'head game' of running. Your long run is 10 miles, and yet, you still have to kind of pep yourself up to do it. That makes me feel better. I mean, I know that sounds wrong (chalk up to not being able to see/hear one another) but I meant it more that it makes me feel normal, you know?

So after my post I sucked it up, laced up, and put in my 6.2 this AM. First run in about 3-3 1/2 weeks. Now, remember, I did my last run on 3 July 15 for a local 10k. My time for that was 1:20 (I know, I know, not fast....but not last lol). Today's run?

1:06

Don't ask how the heck I pulled that one off, but I did. That last mile was a mental "come on you got this, you can do this" but I made it. And the last two miles, I would skip a rest interval. I know, bad idea, but I would like to be able to run for about 10-15 mins before resting, so I wondered if I was at that point yet. My intervals are 3:1 or 4:1 depending on my distance (ie more running if it's a short run) so today, I did manage to twice run 10 mins straight, AND I maintained my mileage AND I shaved time off.

I didn't want to do it, but I'm so glad I did

 

[sperkins921]

I forgot to add that I finally booked my hotel. There is a new HI: Express on Manchester (I think it's addy has it at #1411, map shows it being right by the 5) and since I have status with IHG, I was able to secure a decent rate there. At least, the hotel listing says it's new. There's no pictures on TripAdvisor or the IHG website or anywhere else. Anyway, I think it was like $130 a night. PPH and DLH were like 3x that a night. So what I'm saving in hotel I can spend on shopping lol

Now to work on airfare.

After spitting out 1200 for flights to Hong Kong and Tokyo (total, thank goodness, not each) AND all these races AND hotels while in Hong Kong and Tokyo; my wallet is starting to feel a little abused. I'm excited for HKG and TKDL though. The trip was not originally to see Disney at all, but turned into it. These were HUGE items on my bucket list so it's exciting!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[VickiHD]

Vicki,
It really helps to hear that others still struggle with the 'head game' of running. Your long run is 10 miles, and yet, you still have to kind of pep yourself up to do it. That makes me feel better. I mean, I know that sounds wrong (chalk up to not being able to see/hear one another) but I meant it more that it makes me feel normal, you know?

So after my post I sucked it up, laced up, and put in my 6.2 this AM. First run in about 3-3 1/2 weeks. Now, remember, I did my last run on 3 July 15 for a local 10k. My time for that was 1:20 (I know, I know, not fast....but not last lol). Today's run?

1:06

Don't ask how the heck I pulled that one off, but I did. That last mile was a mental "come on you got this, you can do this" but I made it. And the last two miles, I would skip a rest interval. I know, bad idea, but I would like to be able to run for about 10-15 mins before resting, so I wondered if I was at that point yet. My intervals are 3:1 or 4:1 depending on my distance (ie more running if it's a short run) so today, I did manage to twice run 10 mins straight, AND I maintained my mileage AND I shaved time off.

I didn't want to do it, but I'm so glad I did

Nikki....Good for you on getting out there and cutting your time.
Aren't you glad you did it now???

 

[SarahDisney]

Thanks for the advice! We definitely have a lot to think about, but hearing personal experiences and recommendations really helps!

Do you live close to a baseball team? A lot of teams have runs now and if a team close to you is doing one and aside from the DL factor you could do a more local run that gives you the baseball-ness of DL and you could run Tink.

I actually have two teams near me, and both stadiums have 5Ks (although not sponsored by the teams, sponsored by other organizations and at the stadiums). One of them didn't work for my schedule, and the other one is something I'm considering but not sure about. But that's a good idea - I should definitely look into more local baseball runs.

 

[Dis5150]

Well, the money tree failed to produce in time, so no Tink for me this time. My DD25 and I are thinking of doing the Avengers. Would we still get a C2C medal if we are doing Princess?