Running solo?

[bounceliketigger]

Thought I'd start this to share thoughts and see how many folks (& moms in particular) are doing the Disney races solo.

Why do you do it?

Travel involved?

Homesick or wish your kids & spouses were there to cheer you on?

Enjoy the solitude?

Doing WISH gatherings?


Chime in!

 

[cobbler]

Well I've run solo but my family has come down - it's usually part of our vacation.

I don't really get a lot of "cheering on", more of "we'll meet you at the end of the race" type thing. Which I am ok with. I'd rather it be that than the hubby and kids complaining that they are bored or whatever.

I enjoy the running for me, to push myself and see how far I can go and what I can accomplish.

I did do one race last year - Everest challenge - that was a completely solo trip and I really, really enjoyed it. It was nice to do what I wanted, when I wanted and not have to hear the bickering I was only gone for the long weekend so I didn't get homesick at all. It was a really nice trip

 

[bounceliketigger]

My 1st race was the TOT which I did completely solo. Then the Princess, which I did w/ 2 GFs. Now, W & D solo again. Doing the Princess 2011 as a family trip.

Same here, have only been gone for a few days, which I have to say has been REALLY nice! But, I did get teary on Main St, seeing all the families cheering moms on during the Princess!

 

[WDWFAN9]

I did my very first half in Disney - Jan 2006, solo. We already had a Dec trip planned when I found out about the Disney half, but DH didn't want to make another trip so soon after that....me - I thought it was an excellent idea. I've made many trips to WDW, so I was comfortable coming by myself, although I was plenty nervous about the half. I went to the WISH meet at Trails End even though I was nervous about that too. I didn't see any WISHers on the course but it was still an awesome experience. Plenty of people I didn't know were cheering, and it's funny that even cheers from strangers help. I wouldn't want to travel solo all the time, but I enjoyed it....and I stayed for several days afterwards and that was fun too.

 

[joan4mickey]

I have done both. The first Princess I ran with my two daughters. This past year alone, but one DD came and cheered me at the MK and finish. I have run two 15K's alone. One was the Minnie 15K and DH came with me for the weekend and cheered me at the end the other local by myself. I'm going to run and travel alone for the DL Half. I have done the MK by myself and my DH and DS have played golf. I think it is fun to do on my own sometimes and also fun with the family.

I run alone and love the time to myself. DS did some early early morning long run with me this summer as my body guard and it was almost like running by myself as he would just run behind me and never talked just listened to his music.

I arrange all family travel so it doesn't matter if it is just for me or for all.

I spend alot of time with my family and do much for them-miss them always, but not in a bad way and it is fun to hear them talk about getting along without me.

Solitude it good for me as it helps me to gain perspective.

I have only done one WISH gathering (Minnie May 2008), but hope to meet people this coming weekend.

 

[kim3339]

I've done both- gone to races solo and with family. I'm single, so if family goes most of the time it is my dad, who runs as well, and sometimes my sister if we go out east. But I'm a slow runner, so I run by myself and I kinda like that. I'm definitely a solitude runner.
Disneywise, I've done the DL 1/2 solo and w/ my dad. This year my dad and I are doing the 5K w/ my sister who is flying out and then the 1/2 by myself. I did the Princess with my sister, she stayed at the hotel and am doing the marathon next Jan w/ my dad(he's doing Goofy).
I've never had anyone along the course cheering me on, but my dad will be at the finish line cheering for me or waiting for me.
I've never had a problem running solo, b/c I've found that people along the course will cheer for me b/c my name's on my bibs.
I do it, b/c I like to keep my weight in check and to push myself as far as I can go. I'm also one of those people that if you tell me I can't do something, I will do it, no matter how hard. I also like knowing that I can do something as challenging as a 1/2 or full.
As for travel, yes! Pretty much anywhere up and down CA I will go. I also like to do one big running trip a year outside of CA. It makes the race more fun, and it gives you a chance to see the place better than just being a tourist!

 

[FireDancer]

I did both the 2006 and 2008 WDW halves on solo trips. No one else wanted to go and I wanted to do the race so I went solo. Nothing more to it than that and I never gave it a second thought.

I wrote an article for the DIS about traveling solo, it might have some good information for you (or it might be completely useless).

 

[RENThead09]

Great Article man. Thanks for sharing.

I did WDW solo in January and DL solo last labor day before I moved out here. I had a blast both times and didnt even think about it. There were so many people cheering you on. And with you name on your bib, people will yell it out and it makes it fun. Give the cheer groups High Fives as you go by. It is a sure fire way to get some cheering.

Have fun!!!!

 

[jmasgat]

I have done all but one of my Disney races solo. DH is not a Disney fan and kids are grown. I love being on my own and enjoying the whole experience on my own terms. I can meet up with WISHers, tour the parks at my own pace, and just chill.

Occasionally I miss having my DD there--the most Disney of my family--to share something with, but all-in-all it's good.

Having WISHers cheer you on while you run is great-- a family unto itself.

Maura

 

[elbowglitter]

I tend to start out planning my Disney races solo and end up finding someone who wants to run with me. Of course, we actually just travel together - I run alone (well, as alone as you can be with thousands of other Disney fans)! Part of me just likes the idea that I'm doing something for me. I've done a number of non-Disney races completely solo, and it's a nice feeling.

 

[bounceliketigger]

A few of my favorite things about running WDW solo:

1) Doing my own thing at my own pace
2) No bickering, dickering, or fussing
3) I can use the bathroom for as long as I want
4) Nothing to keep me from getting out there to run
5) Getting cheers & high fives from people I don't know & feeling like I know them anyway
6) Meeting up w/ other solo-ers
7) My every-time before- race massage with Pat at Ship Shape!!

 

[lolakat]

I'll be going solo for the first time for the January 1/2 marathon. This is my first disney race so I really don't know what to expect. I'm looking forward to doing my own thing on my own schedule. I travel a few times a year without my family and although I always miss my 3 yo DD I also enjoy the break from my regular life. I'm hoping there might be some meets scheduled so I can make some new friends too.

 

[bounceliketigger]

I'll be going solo for the first time for the January 1/2 marathon. This is my first disney race so I really don't know what to expect. I'm looking forward to doing my own thing on my own schedule. I travel a few times a year without my family and although I always miss my 3 yo DD I also enjoy the break from my regular life. I'm hoping there might be some meets scheduled so I can make some new friends too.

No doubt there will be meets & you'll have a great time!

 

[disney_mommy]

I went on my first solo trip this past March for the Princess (which was also my first race). I had an absolute blast. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer! I was worried that I would be shy and would end up spending all day in my room, but I didn't. I went out every day and did all of the things I wanted to do. No compromise necessary. Rode what I wanted, ate when I wanted, shopped as long as I wanted... I also did a few meets and met some amazing people (one of whom I bonded with and will be staying with for W & D next month). The only time I missed having my family there was as I crossed the finish line. I burst into tears and there was nobody there to tell me how proud of me they were. But other than that, I had the best time.

 

[TEK224]

I usually run solo. I'm not fast, so I don't like to feel as if I'm holding anyone back. Plus, running solo gives me a chance to clear my head.

I'm single, no kids, but at some races I'll have friends or family there to cheer me on, others it's just me. I also like being able to go to the parks, ride what I want when I want, eat wherever I feel like it and sometimes just sit and people watch.

Sometimes I miss it if I'm solo, just to have someone to talk to over dinner, but I sometimes meet up with some WISH-ers and hang out, so it's all good.

 

[bounceliketigger]

It's funny what a conversation starter running solo actually is. I can't tell you how many great folks I've met at WDW just sitting in the hot tub, riding the buses, whatever. Non -runners, and especially non-solo runners are so often amazed by someone with family who chooses to fly alone, run alone, etc. I dunno - w/ kids, work, etc., it's such a psychological break to go alone. Our family does lots and lots together, but this is time for me.

 

[NCrunner]

I will start the Princess 1/2 on Thurs before the race alone, I did that so I could go to the expo and spend all the time I wanted! My DW is a non runner, and supports me, but get very bored, very fast.....I am soooo excited about my first race and I do not mind going alone. I will have DW at end to meet me and go play with after, but the training, dreaming, planning, prerace and run are all me! I even started a blog so I wouldn't constanty be talking about running and WDW, its my outlet! So....if anyone else plans to be WDW on Friday solo for the PRincess, we could certainly meet at the expo! Rhonda

 

[MamaCrush]

I leave Thursday for my first solo trip! DH was supposed to come with me-- especially since the Mickey Halloween 5K will be my first race ever! But he has just come down with shingles and can't bear the thought of 9 hours one-way wearing a seatbelt!

I am so looking forward to eating what I want, when I want. AND riding what I want when I want. AND shopping for as long as I want, when I want. I know I'll miss my DH and two kids, but I began this running journey for myself, by myself, so it's only fitting I conquor my first race in the same fashion!