The Official 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Thread

[JustADreamAway]

Good luck to you-be sure to do a least a 10k prior to the race. where in nj are you. I am in Manville!

Thank you! I am from Clifton (north Jersey) I am hoping to be able to do a 10k by June/July. Hopefully that gives me enough time to ramp up to 10 miles and then a half marathon...right now I feel like I am doing well compared to what I started at, but once the temperatures pick up, I'm afraid the heat will make it much harder

 

[walkdmc]

Count me in! W&D is going to be my first half marathon so I am pretty nervous. I just started training this month and will also be running the TOT 10 miler in October as practice before the 1/2 marathon. I started C25K and am planning to do the Jeff Galloway training program once I finish it. Any tips for a beginner runner would be greatly appreciated!

I used Jeff's program for the 2012 TOT run. The heat for that run was pretty tough, so even though November should be cooler, make sure you run outside in the months leading up to the race to get used to the heat.

At times, my iphone and particularly my JG app was hard to hear during the run. I never had a problem before but during the TOT run there are so many people and noise all around that it was hard to hear the beeps sometimes. So, I'd get the vibrating timer and clip it onto your wrist or bra strap and just listen to your tunes, if that's your style.

My biggest issue for TOT was figuring out how much to drink during the run. I planned on drinking electrolytes every other stop but it was so hot that I drank some 'lytes at every stop, along with some water. At some point in the last 3 miles, my stomach cramped from all the fluid. I don't know what I would do differently this time. I also found out with all that humidity, my toes swelled like sausages and my size 9 sneakers were killing my toes. I had to walk at the end due to pain in my toes. I trained and did as much as 12 miles in those same shoes, no issues. So, I've changed my "official" running shoe size to a 9.5. Keep in mind with humidity and heat, your digits may swell and your "perfect" shoes may feel snug.

Whew, long but hope you get something useful from the above.

 

[sillylily]

So, the first place finisher (Rachel Booth) for the PHM today ran a 1:17. I am in complete awe of her right now!

 

[jeanigor]

Did anyone notice that get travel is listing the marathon fee as 165? Has anyone ever run for C2C and booked through a travel provider? Didn't know if it caused any problems.

I did my 2012 C2C through GET Travel as I didn't register for the Tinkerbell ½ soon enough.

No issues.

Never mind found the list. All right guys I need a hand here. Which resort is both the smallest and the cheapest (not including All-Stars in this)?

Port Orleans French Quarter is a moderate, so not the cheapest, but it is small. It may not be a host resort though.

 

[PlutoBaby]

For all you first time Half runners, the best tip I can suggest is the Jeff Galloway Training Program. He is one of the running gurus for runDisney and if you go to their website, I believe there is a link to his training schedules. I somewhat follow his run/walk/run program and have just modified it for my personal taste. I cranked out a 13 mile training run yesterday, and even though from my knees down felt like lead the last 2 miles, I was still able to finish with a kick. And something I never tried before, but have for the past couple of weeks after longer runs - ice baths. I just fill the tub with cool water, some Epsom salts, throw in a FEW ice cubes, hold my breath, and jump in. After sitting there for about 15-30 minutes (and warming up with a hot shower after!), my legs feel a WHOLE lot better than if I didn't do it! I feel great today and know the walk breaks during the run and the ice bath had alot to do with it. Plus, you have the upside of plenty of time to prepare!

 

[Jenn310]

My mom and I signed up for this at Princess expo this weekend! Got a free RunDisney bag for signing up early! I'm addicted!!
Now,to start working on costumes....lol

 

[yulilin3]

I really want to do this race this year, after getting bit by the run Disney bug, did the Royal family 5K last year, then Tower of Terror 10 Miler, and just did the Princess Half yesterday. And like a PP said they were registering people at the expo.
So here's my question from people that have done this particular race: Can you guys give me a list of characters that are available on the course...I loved all the characters and marching bands and enterntainment that was available during the Princess Half.

 

[PlutoBaby]

I really want to do this race this year, after getting bit by the run Disney bug, did the Royal family 5K last year, then Tower of Terror 10 Miler, and just did the Princess Half yesterday. And like a PP said they were registering people at the expo.
So here's my question from people that have done this particular race: Can you guys give me a list of characters that are available on the course...I loved all the characters and marching bands and enterntainment that was available during the Princess Half.

From what I remember (and this is by no means a complete list!), you have Chip and Dale, the dancing ostriches(?) from Fantasia, green army men from Toy Story, Pluto, Darth Vader, some other Toy Story characters (just don't remember which ones), and some funky light thingies from the SpectroMagic (or whatever they call it now). I only stopped for pictures with Chip and Dale and Pluto, but I'm sure someone else here can fill you in on others.

 

[schoonersky]

Thank you! I am from Clifton (north Jersey) I am hoping to be able to do a 10k by June/July. Hopefully that gives me enough time to ramp up to 10 miles and then a half marathon...right now I feel like I am doing well compared to what I started at, but once the temperatures pick up, I'm afraid the heat will make it much harder

Lol- this made me laugh! I am anxiously waiting for warmer temps, and when I read this realized that by July I will be hoping for cooler temps again! But this sub-zero Celsius and snow all around is getting on my nerves! Did a nice 6.5 km long slow run last night. My time was the pits but the good news is my shins didn't bother me today. Gonna have to pick it up though to stay in front of those time bunnies.

 

[DCbride]

As far as characters, I know Lumiere and Wreck It Ralph were there too. And some of the animals from the AK parade (stilt like puppets) There was 1 band that I noticed but no marching bands. I loved running through 3 parks- there is so much to see while running. Even the back areas of DHS were at least interesting.

My running buddy and I got into the Broad Street Run in Phila. It was a lottery- so I feel lucky. I am a bit nervous about it even though it is 3.2 miles less, I feel like there will be more "serious" runners and less "fun"

 

[jpeka65844]

We're doing this in 2014. Our runDisney travel schedule is already full for 2013. DH did the full in January, I did the 5k. We're off to DLR in Sept. DH is doing the DDD and I'm doing the 10k.

If we stay at the BWV or BC , can we cut through Epcot to get to the start line?

 

[DCbride]

The start was at ESPN Wide World of Sports. But the race did end at Epcot and you could walk "home"

 

[the antifanatic]

You are a WISHer, you will never be alone!

Can't wait for the race...btw, I do not like potato salad!

 

[the antifanatic]

Thank you! I am from Clifton (north Jersey) I am hoping to be able to do a 10k by June/July. Hopefully that gives me enough time to ramp up to 10 miles and then a half marathon...right now I feel like I am doing well compared to what I started at, but once the temperatures pick up, I'm afraid the heat will make it much harder

good luck w/ your training..I am sure you can do it! We will have to meet up in November!

 

[jpeka65844]

The start was at ESPN Wide World of Sports. But the race did end at Epcot and you could walk "home"

Thanks! I assumed it was a start and finish at Epcot like the January 1/2.

 

[Skampigirl]

Good morning, fellow W&D runners! Wondered if you could help me with a logistics question. I'm staying at the Polynesian with friends for a few days before the race and plan to move to a host resort for the half. But one friend is leaving on Saturday morning and it seems silly to change resorts the night before. I would like to do the 5K though. Is it possible to get to AK that early in the morning if you're not at a host resort?

This is going to be a blast - first time for the W&D for me, so will celebrate C2C (Tinkerbell) with champagne and creme brule

 

[jeanigor]

Good morning, fellow W&D runners! Wondered if you could help me with a logistics question. I'm staying at the Polynesian with friends for a few days before the race and plan to move to a host resort for the half. But one friend is leaving on Saturday morning and it seems silly to change resorts the night before. I would like to do the 5K though. Is it possible to get to AK that early in the morning if you're not at a host resort?

This is going to be a blast - first time for the W&D for me, so will celebrate C2C (Tinkerbell) with champagne and creme brule

If you have a rental or take a taxi or share a ride with someone else from that resort, yes. Otherwise there is only transportation from host resorts to AK at that time of the morning.

 

[Skampigirl]

If you have a rental or take a taxi or share a ride with someone else from that resort, yes. Otherwise there is only transportation from host resorts to AK at that time of the morning.

Thank you!! That's what I thought but wanted to be sure. Other than the Caribbean Beach, I've never stayed in any of the host resorts for W&D. Any favourites / recommendations?

Thanks again!

 

[jeanigor]

Thank you!! That's what I thought but wanted to be sure. Other than the Caribbean Beach, I've never stayed in any of the host resorts for W&D. Any favourites / recommendations?

Thanks again!

I've stayed at Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas and All Star Sports for Wine & Dine. There is a lot to be said about being able to walk through Epcot after your done at the after party and be at your room.

 

[Figment1990]

I've stayed at Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas and All Star Sports for Wine & Dine. There is a lot to be said about being able to walk through Epcot after your done at the after party and be at your room.

Unless you are so beaten up by the end that the walk from the front of epcot through the international gateway and over to your room at the boardwalk seems like it is the longest stretch you've traveled ever. in your whole life. including the 13 miles you just ran.

I laugh now, but if anyone happened to see me after the race that night, I was not laughing then. Not on the bench outside the bathrooms, or the curb in the UK, or those outside the international gateway or the EPSN club, or the Boardwalk lobby. I swear I did not think I was going to make it back to my room and I practically begged my DH to carry me. I would sit down, try not to get sick or pass out, get up, speedwalk as long as I could and then repeat. When I finally made it back to the room I got sick, felt immediately better and spent the next three days enjoying the parks!

Lessons learned:
1. Do NOT sprint the end of your race. Especially not starting immediately when you enter Epcot. I seriously underestimated both the kick that I would have left in me at 12.5 miles due to adrenaline and how far I still had to go to the finish line. Had I kept to my pace, I would probably have felt a LOT better after.

2. Do not stop moving and drink beer while waiting to have your medal engraved. Have someone else stand in line and do that for you while you keep moving.

3. If you plan to go to the after party pick a meeting spot on the spaceship earth side of the fountain. Although appreciated as a runner, the herding of spectators across the course meant that 20 min after running for hours, you could be standing around, packed like sardines with 100 of your new best friends, some of whom smell like they just ran 13 miles waiting to cross the course when all you really want to do is collapse and/or stretch.

That being said - I can't wait to do it again!