Runners World Challenge for runDisney

[mrsdrake625]

Anyone done it?

http://www.rundisney.com/blog/articles/2014-runners-world-challenge/

I see it for several big races and I wonder if it's as great as it sounds. It could be cool to have access to the coaches when you have specific questions, and would like them to actually take a look at your training, but that's highly dependent on how accessible they actually are. The special walkout to the corrals... meh. Entrance to the pasta party and cool down party, could be nice...

Anyone have experience with it?

 

[cewait]

Well, you have me - for free. That is one negative (not aying if the cost of their coaches and I am the negative). Actually, I know Bart and a couple of the other coaches and the way this is structured you are in the ‘bronze’ or lower level support of an on-line coaching service. It’s basically a plan and the opportunity for feedback via email. They will respond, maybe not as readily as you wish.

I am with you on the other perks, nice but what is the unbundled cost? Though, you missed the largest and in my mind the most controversial perk. That is the “Preferred corral placement” perk. Basically, you are buying a B, possibly a C corral start (under the old corral structure); even if you are a legitimate 7 hour runner. While I have been flamed for my thoughts and beliefs on this perk, I still say it is a very unsafe perk for the participants and those who are forced to go around. I am not saying do not do it, but do expect to have an evil eye and possibly terse "coming around" yelled from passing runners if one does go that route.

 

[Ariel484]

Though, you missed the largest and in my mind the most controversial perk. That is the “Preferred corral placement” perk. Basically, you are buying a B, possibly a C corral start (under the old corral structure); even if you are a legitimate 7 hour runner. While I have been flamed for my thoughts and beliefs on this perk, I still say it is a very unsafe perk for the participants and those who are forced to go around. I am not saying do not do it, but do expect to have an evil eye and possibly terse "coming around" yelled from passing runners if one does go that route.

Agree with the part in bold. I hate that they do this...I think it messes up the corral placement system already in place (though perhaps it's not enough people to actually create a bottleneck). But I know I worked my tail off between 2012 and 2013 to get a better placement (moved up one corral from the 2012 marathon to the 2013 marathon) and I think that's how it should be for everyone else - earn the spot, don't pay for it.

ANYWAY...when this was first offered I did look into it and the turn-off for me was the money. Like you said, the package includes the race retreat and that pasta party, two things that never really interested me - I was never going to pay for those in the first place and buying the RW package would "force" me to do so. Also, I rented points at BCV in 2012 and got an AP discount at GF in 2013...and the package includes your room, right? I'd venture a guess that you're paying rack rate for the room and are therefor forfeiting the chance of getting any kind of room discount by getting the RW package. As cewait says, the biggest perks to me seem to be better corral placement (already gave my thoughts on that) and, from what I remember, not having to go to the expo to get your bib. Overall not for me, but I totally see why it appeals to others.

 

[mrsdrake625]

Actually, it doesn't include room or tickets at all. It's just for the race. It's ridiculously high - if it included the room, let's say you're staying at Pop or something, that's $120 for room, $140 for race - $260 you'd already be paying - but then an extra $200 or more on top of that. As it is it's like a $280 premium over the race price alone (I'd have to check to be sure).

I wouldn't go to the pasta party either, I'm gluten free and while I'm sure they'd be able to offer something, buffets are not a good idea if you have food allergies (even magical buffets at Disney) and I'd not want to risk it before the race. Race retreat? maybe... but I'd rather go back to the room and spend $100 on babycakes cupcakes, GF beer and lots of salty snacks

Now, if you're trying to BQ and they give you very personalized coaching I could see how that would be enticing, but if what you're saying is right, coach, then not so much.

 

[paxsarah]

A friend of mine did the RW challenge for Goofy this year, and she and her husband are doing it for Dopey in 2014. I don't know all the details, but I do know there was some level of VIP hobnobbery during marathon weekend in addition to what's already been mentioned. I think they liked the access to all of the conveniences and felt it was helpful not to have to worry about the little things when doing multiple races in one weekend. They already have a paid coach, so I'm sure they're not doing it for the coaching/plan. This January I think there was some sort of accommodation involved in it (I remember they had a split stay and the RW portion was at one of the Epcot area resorts) but I see that that's no longer the case.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Big Animal House Cough on this one:

"Preferred corral placement and exclusive pre-race walk out to corrals on race day"

 

[dragitoff]

Well, you have me - for free. That is one negative (not aying if the cost of their coaches and I am the negative). Actually, I know Bart and a couple of the other coaches and the way this is structured you are in the ‘bronze’ or lower level support of an on-line coaching service. It’s basically a plan and the opportunity for feedback via email. They will respond, maybe not as readily as you wish.

I am with you on the other perks, nice but what is the unbundled cost? Though, you missed the largest and in my mind the most controversial perk. That is the “Preferred corral placement” perk. Basically, you are buying a B, possibly a C corral start (under the old corral structure); even if you are a legitimate 7 hour runner. While I have been flamed for my thoughts and beliefs on this perk, I still say it is a very unsafe perk for the participants and those who are forced to go around. I am not saying do not do it, but do expect to have an evil eye and possibly terse "coming around" yelled from passing runners if one does go that route.

Coach, I wouldn't trade you as a coach for anyone even if they were named Salazar, Galloway or anything else!

 

[taratru]

I've thought about it, simply for the pre-race spot to hang/potty/snacks and the post-race food/massages.

But, I can live without those things. I guess. *sigh*

 

[bumbershoot]

Basically, you are buying a B, possibly a C corral start (under the old corral structure); even if you are a legitimate 7 hour runner. While I have been flamed for my thoughts and beliefs on this perk, I still say it is a very unsafe perk for the participants and those who are forced to go around.

Being a slower runner, the idea of being up in B or C is TERRIFYING. I happened to be up at the front at the start, because I'm a fast walker, at the casual Castaway Cay 5K, and suddenly I realized I was going to be run over when we started. I tried to make myself small, LOL. And during the 10 miler I experienced faster people doing really weird things to get by me (when I was hugging the right side of the path already! trying to be out of the way!), so even when you're in the middle of the pack you are still in danger as a slower person.

I've thought about it, simply for the pre-race spot to hang/potty/snacks and the post-race food/massages.

But, I can live without those things. I guess. *sigh*

Can't you buy the VIP race retreat without doing the Runner's World thing for those?

 

[paxsarah]

I remembered one other unexpected perk my friend ended up getting from doing the RW challenge. I'm signed up for Runner's World's quote of the day e-mails, and as a RW challenger, one day the quote was from her! Which was pretty cool, though I'm not sure it would be worth the premium for me.

 

[mickeycoffee]

One of the best perks for me has been the private access to the runner's world challenge forum where there are real certified experts on training, nutrition, health & injuries, gear, and race logistics. The experts are extremely quick to respond to everyone's questions and they are actively engaged in the conversations.

Honestly, it's not something I would have thought to seek out on my own but I'm really glad it was a part of the package.