Wine & Dine 10K 2022 Recap
Pre race
We woke up with our 2:30a alarm because I’m one of those first bus people. I wasn’t always but live and learn. We were on the bus by 3a and arrived at Epcot by 3:30a.
I headed straight for gear check and was very confused why they gave me a sticker but haphazardly stuck it to the back of my bib as instructed. There were pre-race characters but the lines were all pretty long so we headed towards the corrals which opened around 3:45a.
Once in the corral area, I ran some laps near the potties for a 1.5 mile warm up. Just after 4, I headed to corral A where lots of folks were already sitting in the front corner. I went to the side where there was some open space and did a few dynamic warm ups and then finally made my way into the crowd by 4:15. From there, I did my best to stay loose but it was a bit difficult to wiggle around with all the people. I don’t remember the exact time but I’m going to guess that around 4:30a we started the shuffle to the start line. I managed to stay in the front portion of my corral but that walk out is really annoying with everyone jostling for their position. I much prefer the half and full staging where the corrals are at the actual start line.
It was time to figure out my race strategy. My fitness has already improved with my marathon training so I debated trying to break that elusive 50 min barrier. However it was just too warm and humid to set my heart on it. I would just have to see how the race went.
Race Time!
Being in the front, I started pretty much right at 5a and it was a hot mess. I totally understand why people with slower paces try to get to the front but it doesn’t make it any less troublesome. This was the worst crowding that I’ve ever experienced. I kind of wonder if it would be better further back in A because theoretically there would be fewer people trying to be first? Idk. I practiced my patience and waited for it to open up without too much weaving. About a quarter mile in, I was finally able to run my own pace.
Even though I knew 50 min was likely too aggressive for the conditions, I still didn’t plan on stopping for many characters unless they were sentimental. This is pretty much always my plan and I don’t even know why anymore because it never works.
Just before the first mile, I can see the first character stop is Mulan. I’m not a big fan but I remember that my niece is, so of course I stop. The next character isn’t far ahead and it’s the hippo from Fantasia (apparently her name is Hyacinth but I for sure didn’t know that). I’ve never met her before so of course I’m stopping. I did my best to pose like a ballerina but my brain isn’t yet awake and I stopped ballet lessons when I was 7 so this is what I get instead
I still didn't think I was going to stop for many characters but next is King Louie and he has no line. Again, I try to pose like an orangutan and it looks very similar to my ballerina
King Louie is followed by Mickey Mouse which I'm so excited about!! My mom's favorite character is Mickey and she's never seen him on course. I text her to let her know but she isn't checking her phone and totally missed him
I cross the 3 mile timing mat at 25:23. I realize that 50 could be possible but decide not to push it. I stop for a photo with Donald because now I'm committed to stopping for characters

. From there it's into Hollywood Studios and I really enjoyed seeing the Christmas garlands and lights. We quickly exit HS and all of a sudden it’s very quiet. Then I realize there are signs for a “quiet zone” because we’re right next to rooms at the boardwalk. I do get a kick out of all the produce signs. Time to celerybrate!
Naturally, I stop for photos with Goofy as well as Chip & Dale. Neither of these have anyone stopping for photos and I'm slightly offended on their behalf. And then it's into Epcot!
I try to stop for a photo with the figment statue but the poor CM was handed a sweaty phone and couldn't figure out why it was so blurry and at this point I'm just ready to finish so I move along.
Finish time of 52:40 and the best finish line photo I may ever have

. How did Mickey change outfits and beat me to the finish?
Post Race
Garmin has my moving time at 50:58. Could I have gone sub 50? I honestly doubt it. It was hot for this Midwesterner and those character stops allowed me to recharge. Regardless, I have no regrets. The race was an absolute blast and I really enjoyed all the Figment cheers.
They're still releasing corrals after I finish. I remember at least 4 more groups. My mom isn't expected to finish for another hour so I head to gear check to pick up my bag.
They want the sticker on the back of my bib and I struggle to find it

. Eventually, I'm able to give them what they want and I guess the sticker makes it easier for them but I wish they would just look it up by my bib number. It's much easier to access.
The character lines are not long so I stop to say hi to Raya, Lilo, and Minnie. After Minnie, it's time to head to the finish line to cheer for my mom.
I'm so darn proud of her. I instantly start crying when I see her near the finish. How will I ever survive the half without turning into a giant puddle?
Once she's finished we head straight back to our resort for the official breakfast of runDisney, Mickey waffles.
