Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[mbwhitti]

Just threw my themed running idea out the door and will be going with a tech shirt and shorts, along with a basic dri fit ballcap. Socks will be low cut instead of longer. I may do the calf sleeves for the half, depends on how I feel after the 10K Saturday. A furry chewbacca hat/outfit isn't happening in 80-90 degree heat. One thing with doing Disney races, while they start when it's dark, that pavement gets very hot quickly once the sun rises. Anything after about 8:00 becomes brutal. Unfortunately with a mix up between our son and my entries, I'm in the dead last corrals for both.

Try visiting runner relations at the expo. If there was something that rundisney mixed up, they are usually willing to fix it.

 

[opusone]

The Event Guide says "we ask that all Dark Side Challenge participants have their photo taken at the Expo with their race bibs. This photo will be used at the Challenge Tent to expedite the finish line experience".

I'm guessing this will be obvious? Is this just for the Dark Side Challenge or the C2C/Kessel Runs?

Last year, it was at the same place as the Challenge bib pick-up. So, right after they gave you the race packet, they told you to step aside for your picture. I assume it will be the same this year.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

I'm guessing this will be obvious? Is this just for the Dark Side Challenge or the C2C/Kessel Runs?

You only get your picture taken if you are doing the challenge.

 

[Caboosey]

I'd say dragging because normally my runs were in the 13.30 range- I felt like I STARTED at 13.45 and then according to Runkeeper I slowed to 14.05 at the end. So actually I suppose I WASN'T slowing significantly. And HELL no was I planning on running below a 12 in my marathon. I'm not planning on a PB, I just want to FINISH! I figured my half time would be around 14 min/mile.

At this point I was thinking more MENTAL, since the closer we get to the race (my first) the more panicked I get.

I think I'm just gonna go out tomorrow, run REALLY slowly and just do what I can do, not put pressure on myself. Thank you for the advice!!!

Andrea! We are going to have a great weekend and stay way ahead of those balloon ladies! I'm so excited for another Disney adventure with you!

 

[jaxonp]

I wanna see the merch!!!

 

[DisSconnie]

Does anyone run with Frog Toggs? I was thinking about cutting off a square and sticking it in my pocket for later on in the race.

 

[PrincessV]

I know folks are concerned about the weather - mind if I share a little wisdom I've picked up from living in west-central FL for 20+ years?

1. Yes, the forecast highs are HIGH, and 90* is darned warm, even for Floridians. But the high is not going to be our race temp! The low temp the night before is likely to be your starting temp, and temps aren't rising as quickly as they do in summer, so expect maybe a 10-12 degree rise from start to around 10am.

2. The sun is pretty intense down here. That can make your skin feel hot, even when the air temp isn't bad. Pouring water over your arms/legs/shoulders/head can help quite a bit. And don't forget to use sunscreen! I saw some gnarly burns late in the half last year.

3. Yes, you need to hydrate. But don't over-hydrate! Too much water is as bad - often worse - than too little. Google "hyponatremia" and be careful. Use your product of choice to replace electrolytes lost to heavy sweating.

4. Back to those daily high temps... while they don't directly impact race conditions, they can if you're not careful about sun exposure, hydration, and/or overheating between races! Do as the Floridians do and take time to cool down in the AC, sip fluids all day, keep up with applying/reapplying sunscreen. Because starting your race with a bad sunburn and dehydration is no fun.

5. About costumes... go for cool and comfortable above all else! If you can make a race costume out of running apparel you'd normally wear in warm weather, you're golden. If your costume is more appropriate for temps in the 40s, I wouldn't.

6. I'm often asked "how" I manage to run throughout our brutal summers, when the heat index is over 100 nearly every run, and it's a very simple answer: I slow down. Really, more than any other things you can do to handle the heat, slowing your pace I think works best.

 

[DisSconnie]

I know folks are concerned about the weather - mind if I share a little wisdom I've picked up from living in west-central FL for 20+ years?

1. Yes, the forecast highs are HIGH, and 90* is darned warm, even for Floridians. But the high is not going to be our race temp! The low temp the night before is likely to be your starting temp, and temps aren't rising as quickly as they do in summer, so expect maybe a 10-12 degree rise from start to around 10am.

2. The sun is pretty intense down here. That can make your skin feel hot, even when the air temp isn't bad. Pouring water over your arms/legs/shoulders/head can help quite a bit. And don't forget to use sunscreen! I saw some gnarly burns late in the half last year.

3. Yes, you need to hydrate. But don't over-hydrate! Too much water is as bad - often worse - than too little. Google "hyponatremia" and be careful. Use your product of choice to replace electrolytes lost to heavy sweating.

4. Back to those daily high temps... while they don't directly impact race conditions, they can if you're not careful about sun exposure, hydration, and/or overheating between races! Do as the Floridians do and take time to cool down in the AC, sip fluids all day, keep up with applying/reapplying sunscreen. Because starting your race with a bad sunburn and dehydration is no fun.

5. About costumes... go for cool and comfortable above all else! If you can make a race costume out of running apparel you'd normally wear in warm weather, you're golden. If your costume is more appropriate for temps in the 40s, I wouldn't.

6. I'm often asked "how" I manage to run throughout our brutal summers, when the heat index is over 100 nearly every run, and it's a very simple answer: I slow down. Really, more than any other things you can do to handle the heat, slowing your pace I think works best.

Thanks for sharing these tips!

 

[Chasing Dopey]

I'm glad I went with the stormtrooper shirt and sport kilt for my outfit! (breezy )

For those who haven't done the challenges or C2C and wondering how that works, they are really good about telling you where to go and what to do. Just remember to pay attention! I tend to get distracted by my own excitement.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

The Event Guide says "we ask that all Dark Side Challenge participants have their photo taken at the Expo with their race bibs. This photo will be used at the Challenge Tent to expedite the finish line experience".

I'm guessing this will be obvious? Is this just for the Dark Side Challenge or the C2C/Kessel Runs?

For the Wine and Dine challenge, they took your picture right next to the Challenge bib pick-up. They pointed me right there after they handed me my bib.

I know folks are concerned about the weather - mind if I share a little wisdom I've picked up from living in west-central FL for 20+ years?

1. Yes, the forecast highs are HIGH, and 90* is darned warm, even for Floridians. But the high is not going to be our race temp! The low temp the night before is likely to be your starting temp, and temps aren't rising as quickly as they do in summer, so expect maybe a 10-12 degree rise from start to around 10am.

2. The sun is pretty intense down here. That can make your skin feel hot, even when the air temp isn't bad. Pouring water over your arms/legs/shoulders/head can help quite a bit. And don't forget to use sunscreen! I saw some gnarly burns late in the half last year.

3. Yes, you need to hydrate. But don't over-hydrate! Too much water is as bad - often worse - than too little. Google "hyponatremia" and be careful. Use your product of choice to replace electrolytes lost to heavy sweating.

4. Back to those daily high temps... while they don't directly impact race conditions, they can if you're not careful about sun exposure, hydration, and/or overheating between races! Do as the Floridians do and take time to cool down in the AC, sip fluids all day, keep up with applying/reapplying sunscreen. Because starting your race with a bad sunburn and dehydration is no fun.

5. About costumes... go for cool and comfortable above all else! If you can make a race costume out of running apparel you'd normally wear in warm weather, you're golden. If your costume is more appropriate for temps in the 40s, I wouldn't.

6. I'm often asked "how" I manage to run throughout our brutal summers, when the heat index is over 100 nearly every run, and it's a very simple answer: I slow down. Really, more than any other things you can do to handle the heat, slowing your pace I think works best.

Thanks for these tips!

I'm going to have to figure out what to do about sunscreen. I don't really want to carry it with me the whole race, but putting it on at 3:00 am before going to the buses would probably be way too early.

 

[opusone]

For those who haven't done the challenges or C2C and wondering how that works, they are really good about telling you where to go and what to do. Just remember to pay attention! I tend to get distracted by my own excitement.

Right after you finish on Sunday, you first get your half medal, some water, and then walk past medical, but after that, there will be a Challenge tent. There are people with computers, and they type in your bib number, pull up your expo picture, and give you your challenge medal. I have never done C2C, so I don't know if that's at the same place or not.

 

[BDK33]

hey all.

Do we have any idea what the 10k corrals look like?

Im doing the challenge and my wife is only doing 10k. Curious where we match up.

Thanks.

 

[cavepig]

From RunDisney social media-

 

[bryana]

hey all.

Do we have any idea what the 10k corrals look like?

Im doing the challenge and my wife is only doing 10k. Curious where we match up.

Thanks.

No, not yet - I don't think we find out until the expo starts.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm going to have to figure out what to do about sunscreen. I don't really want to carry it with me the whole race, but putting it on at 3:00 am before going to the buses would probably be way too early.

Will you have a pocket/pouch/belt? I buy the itty-bitty sunblock sticks to bring with me on long runs for reapplication- small enough to fit in pockets, etc. I'll bring one of those to the race to apply shortly before starting. Another thing I've done for liquid sunscreen is pour the amount I'll need into a snack-size Ziploc - pretty easy to open just a corner to squeeze out and apply! (I've gotten creative, running down here in FL lol!) If you're one of those lucky folks who can wear any ol' brand, some companies sell little tubes, too, that are about enough for a one-time application. Check your local drugstore/Target.

 

[Chaitali]

Yikes, good question about the sunscreen! I'll have to look for the little ones this week so I can bring some with me. I hadn't even thought about it and I probably would have just put some on as I left the room, not even realizing that was way too early with all the waiting around.

 

[hipporina]

3. Yes, you need to hydrate. But don't over-hydrate! Too much water is as bad - often worse - than too little. Google "hyponatremia" and be careful. Use your product of choice to replace electrolytes lost to heavy sweating.

This happened to me at my first half - the inaugural Wine & Dine when it was held the beginning of Oct. I drank Powerade and water at every stop and it was too much water. I ended up in the medical tent at the finish. I stick to only Powerade now except with my gels.

 

[zgirls]

Very excited to leave in 2 days Expo will be taken in on Friday, will still probably be dealing with massive crowds and luckily I do not have that 1 thing I must have. Did the Challenge last year and decided to do it again this year, planned on doing the 10K as yoda, makeup and head gear included, but did a practice run and makeup runs way too much, even with all the special acting makeup to prevent it smearing from sweating. It will still be a blast and I cannot wait to meet fellow Star Wars nerds who love Disney and run to stay thin (well almost). And as a bonus no work for 3 days (not counting weekend)

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

I'm going to have to figure out what to do about sunscreen. I don't really want to carry it with me the whole race, but putting it on at 3:00 am before going to the buses would probably be way too early.

I put on the No-Ad sport spf 50 at about 0230 both days of W&D last fall, and was fine. It is more of a physical barrier. I think there are 4-5 different active ingredients. It is thick and seems quite sweat resistant (doesn't drip into my face). I use the Coppertone sport spray for the top of my head and back of neck. I've never gotten burned when wearing it. YMMV.

One tip I learned: apply sunscreen prior to dressing, if possible. It decreases the possibility you don't cover all you want to. Like thinking you got lotion high enough on your arms for where your sleeves end, only to find the sleeves ride up just a tad when running.

 

[Dopey Devon]

Costumes all sorted! Me, my boyfriend and lil sis will go as droids for the 5k (r2d2, c3p0 and bb8), luke, hans and leia for the 10k and then the half me and sis will be space themed - we had space tops and glittery hair for space coast half and got a lot of love for it!

Leave for the states on wed morning, I've got my final shift at work tomorrow and we're all so excited! Spare a thought for us brits coming over to run in your temps - its not even double figures (in centigrade) here in scotland yet!! Our plan is to go slowwwww, walk if we need to and just enjoy it. We're not gonna set any Pb's in those temps!