The Official 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Thread

[jeanigor]

We plan to eat a quick service meal at our resort, or maybe grab something light to go at Downtown Disney that will keep for the evening. We'll also bring a bunch of pre-rce snacks from home (bagels, trail mix, etc.) We aren't planning any big eating until after the race. But, I'm a runner who can tolerate very little in my stomach before pounding the pavement.

Keep in mind if you are planning to dine at Downtown Disney, it is Festival of the Masters weekend and will be busier than normal.

 

[capeseal]

Keep in mind if you are planning to dine at Downtown Disney, it is Festival of the Masters weekend and will be busier than normal.

Thank you for the tip! If we go, we are planning to head in early, maybe eat at Cooke's and just grab a sandwich for later. But, maybe we'll just avoid it altogether if it will be crowded because nothing gets me crazier than a busy Downtown Disney. (Because the DtD buses stress me enough.) I like to go in super early on a non-park day and get our shopping done and leave before the crowds become unbearable.

 

[StarGirl11]

We plan to eat a quick service meal at our resort, or maybe grab something light to go at Downtown Disney that will keep for the evening. We'll also bring a bunch of pre-rce snacks from home (bagels, trail mix, etc.) We aren't planning any big eating until after the race. But, I'm a runner who can tolerate very little in my stomach before pounding the pavement.

Yeah the problem with me and quick service is I am not a fan of typical fast food. There is a reason why when I go to parks I either go to Table service or pack my own snacks or buy sporatic stuff to get through the day (like fruit). My picks on quick service isn't exactly big.

 

[jeanigor]

Yeah the problem with me and quick service is I am not a fan of typical fast food. There is a reason why when I go to parks I either go to Table service or pack my own snacks or buy sporatic stuff to get through the day (like fruit). My picks on quick service isn't exactly big.

There are a wide variety of sit down table service restaurants at the resorts and especially off property.

I'm leaning toward Olivia's (at OKW) or Celebration Town Tavern right now. But that will change a dozen times before race day.

 

[capeseal]

Yeah the problem with me and quick service is I am not a fan of typical fast food. There is a reason why when I go to parks I either go to Table service or pack my own snacks or buy sporatic stuff to get through the day (like fruit). My picks on quick service isn't exactly big.

We do very limited fried foods and no fast food restaurants at home but we've found wonderful variety with quick service at Disney, it just takes a little looking. I'd never eat a burger, hot dog, greasy pizza, etc. but we've had rotisserie chicken, good sandwiches (not lunch meat), salads, veggie wraps, and other tasty stuff. I still get sick after eating for too long at Disney (hard to avoid all of those preservatives and find enough organic options) but it is much better now that I take the time to find the quick service stops that work for our family.

 

[cewait]

I guess folks missed the word light. No way would I ever suggest the typical fast food crud pre-race. Most resorts offer a few nice non-fried alternatives in their quick service area. As an example, Contempo offers several salads, a pasta with red sauce, a soup and possibly a sandwich, though I would want to ask a few questions prior to ordering the sandwich.

The only caution I throw out is that there was a wide spread menu change in late April and many healthier choices disappeared. Many menus currently on-line do not reflect that change

Since I am a morning runner, I simply eat a pre-race breakfast as a dinner for night races. It’s something that I know the system will handle and take one worry off the checklist. It just takes a little pre-planning to make sure I have what I want in the room.

 

[StarGirl11]

There are a wide variety of sit down table service restaurants at the resorts and especially off property.

I'm leaning toward Olivia's (at OKW) or Celebration Town Tavern right now. But that will change a dozen times before race day.

Looked at the Olivia's menu. Looks good and went and booked it. So that actually ended up helping. I've been known to do some of my shorter runs at night because of school so I shouldn't have a problem eating a non-breakfast meal before a race.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[PlutoBaby]

Continuing with the food chats...what does everyone tend to snack on (if anything) DURING the race? I went with the Honey Stingers last year and found it gave me just enough energy to make it through. Starting about mile 3-4 I chewed 2-3 and did that every few miles until the end (pkg of 10). I love the fact they're naturally sweetened and didn't upset my system at all. Before the start, I had most of a small protein bar around 9pm (as I was starting last), but couldn't finish it...too excited! I've found Gu Chomps are too sweet and the gels are just way too nasty a texture for me.

 

[bigtony777]

Continuing with the food chats...what does everyone tend to snack on (if anything) DURING the race?

I will eat some chews of some sort while in the corral about 20 minutes before the start. During the race, I will usually have one PowerBar gel pack and one Honey Stinger wafer.

For those using a gel pack or GU, Try running with it in your hand for about 5-10 minutes before taking it. I will hold it leading up to a water stop. The heat from your hand will make it more of a liquid and it is easier to swallow. Then have a quick drink right afterwards.

 

[jeanigor]

Continuing with the food chats...what does everyone tend to snack on (if anything) DURING the race? I went with the Honey Stingers last year and found it gave me just enough energy to make it through. Starting about mile 3-4 I chewed 2-3 and did that every few miles until the end (pkg of 10). I love the fact they're naturally sweetened and didn't upset my system at all. Before the start, I had most of a small protein bar around 9pm (as I was starting last), but couldn't finish it...too excited! I've found Gu Chomps are too sweet and the gels are just way too nasty a texture for me.

I'm going to try the Honey Stingers once back from DL. It seems that gel and chews upset my stomach. Some beans are okay, sometimes. DBF is all about natural and/or organic stuff, so that would be his preference too.

 

[Jenn310]

Continuing with the food chats...what does everyone tend to snack on (if anything) DURING the race?

Last half I used the jelly bellys with caffeine,they were ok no issues,but I'd prefer something more natural. I've been using pink lemonade Honey Stingers in training now and really like them! The waffles are good,but I'd rather eat it right before as it seemed to make my mouth dry during a run? lol

I can't do the GU stuff at all,the texture is just gross to me lol

Had anyone tried the Huma Chia running gel? I've heard the texture on that is better.

 

[Ariel484]

Gu Chomps right now. I tried the Honey Stinger gel and it was WAY too sweet for me. Might try the Honey Stinger chews at some point...organic/natural ingredients are really appealing.

 

[capeseal]

I like the Honey Stinger chews. I usually eat the pink lemonade but I also like the lime. I'm still trying to figure out how I want to portion them out during my run as my stomach + food + running always ends poorly, but I figure 2-3 chews every 20-30 minutes after the first hour will be a good combo along with water at every stop except the first and then at least one Powerade stop around the halfway point. (I hate Powerade/Gatorade but I'm going to have to choke it down once, I think.

 

[peachygreen]

Am I the only one who doesn't needed/want to snack on anything for a half marathon? For a full I eventually need something but only after 16-18 miles.

 

[capeseal]

Am I the only one who doesn't needed/want to snack on anything for a half marathon? For a full I eventually need something but only after 16-18 miles.

I don't think you are the only one. I've been doing my long runs without anything up to 8 miles so far. I don't know what I will need as I increase my mileage but I imagine that I could need a few chews to help me power through after mile 10. Then again, with water stations (I've been running without water) I might feel well enough to go the entire distance without supplemental fuel. I didn't use anything when I ran/walked ToT (not even Powerade) and got sick eating after the race so I am hoping a little fuel might help me finish strong and enjoy the after party.

 

[Ariel484]

Am I the only one who doesn't needed/want to snack on anything for a half marathon? For a full I eventually need something but only after 16-18 miles.

I don't think you're the only one but I know that doesn't work for me. After my first longer race (a 10-miler) in which I didn't stop at any water stops or take any fuel I felt sick, weak and dizzy for hours afterward. So now I'm super cautious about both. To each their own!

 

[bigtony777]

Am I the only one who doesn't needed/want to snack on anything for a half marathon? For a full I eventually need something but only after 16-18 miles.

During training runs, I don't have anything but water unless I am running 10 or more miles. I don't even have water when I run 6 miles or less as I can knock it out in about 50 minutes and don't need a drink until I'm done.

On race day I do fuel a bit, especially if it is hot and humid. I find when I start pushing myself during a race to lower my pace that 20 to 30 seconds per mile, it helps at the end to have some fuel throughout.

The most important advice I can give is to not try something you have done during your training. Don't get something different at the expo to use for a race. If you haven't tried it before, you don't know what will happen. Run the race the same way as you train. So if you take water every 3 miles, then get water every 3 miles during the race.

 

[dlbwright]

My first half marathon I only had gummy bears, something I saw that Jeff Galloway suggested. I had them in the house and did not have to spend any money on something new that I may not like. Last weekend I went on a a 9.3 mile run and I brought hard peppermint candies with me (love em). I think I had about 4 the whole run (sucked on them very slowly) and drank about 4 ounces of the 12 oz of gatorade I brought with me. During a race I tend to drink more, but on training runs, don't really feel the need.

 

[sharky09]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to post a couple of comments and questions based on the most recent pages of the thread:

BOOKING ROOMS:
Ya'll who haven't done this yet should get on it. I slacked, and wanted to stay Poly, and because Disney is currently offering a 30% room only discount during the Wine&Dine 1/2, the ENTIRE RESORT is sold out. Nada. Same with Beach, Yacht, and Boardwalk. I ended up getting Animal Kingdom club level rooms for DH/myself, and mom/dad but if you want to stay deluxe get your room NOW.

PARK HOPPER TICKETS:
So, in an interesting turn of events, my parents and DH/myself decided to extend our vacation, coming in Monday 11/4 instead of Friday, 11/8. This is me not complaining at ALL, however I already purchased 2 day PH tickets for DH/myself through RunDisney. I now want to get 5 day PH tickets instead. Is there anyone that needs 2 day PH tickets at the RunDisney price? Because adding on 3 days to our 2 day is more money for me than selling what I paid for 2 day and getting brand new 5 day. Please email me directly at careymc28 (at) msn (dot) com if you want to buy them from me. I paid $291.82 and would take a $290 paypal payment or something to send them on to you. They are plastic tickets with no names assigned (or dates even, I am pretty sure). I won't even charge any shipping.

WINE & DINE FESTIVAL:
I would love to hear other's stories regarding the special experiences, because since we are all going to be there for the last week of it we thought some of them sounded like fun. Specifically considering the Parisian Breakfast and maybe the Teppan Edo expensive 6 course dinner. None of us drink really at all so the WINE part if kind of a waste. But aside from that, any suggestions welcomed.

RUNNING:
Yay for everyone and their training! I did a 5K on the treadmill with intervals but averaged a 12:00 minute per mile pace, which I am pleased with. With about 90 days to go, I think I can get into my 10:30 goal and maybe beat my time two years ago!

- Carey

Hi Carey, crazy question, but do you think I can get the 30% discount to the ressie I made waaaayyy back when we booked our W&D half tickets? Not trying to be cheap, but a discount is a discount, right?

Thanks!
Colleen

*UPDATE* My impatience got the best of me, so I called....and a big fat no, but have a magical day! lol! I guess we'll enjoy our full price BV experience! Thanks!

 

[cewait]

Am I the only one who doesn't needed/want to snack on anything for a half marathon? For a full I eventually need something but only after 16-18 miles.

I will carry a a couple gels for a half and depending on the effort, may take one as I start to feel my legs go heavy around mile 9-10. Otherwise, I put the couple of packets back in the pantry post race.