The Official 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Thread

Pre race logistics questions

I know you take the bus from either Epcot or one of the Host resorts starting at 7pm to ESPN WWoS.

What are the facilities like when you are there prerace? I know they should have bag drop there. Are you outside the entire time? Inside? Are there places to sit? One of my more miserable prerace experiences was the NYC marathon where you have to arrive so early to get to SI before the bridge closes and then you are sitting on the wet (think frost/dew) grass in the cold predawn hours trying not to freeze. So I don't expect it to be as cold as it was in NYC but I am curious what the set up is like.

Portapoties/real restrooms/mix of both? Do they have drinks/food? Is the bag drop area organized? I've been to some where you have a one way to get in and out and it was like trying to swim upstream without a paddel both ways to get to the right drop location. I'm not a big fan of being in crowds like that so I am just trying to mentally prepare for it.


If one looks at an aerial photo of the WWoS you will see the asphalt parking lot up next to the complex and a grassy parking lot east of the large parking lot. This is the staging area. The north end of the overflow lot has paved lanes so if wet, you have a place to walk – out of the wet grass. If you look closely at the east edge of the grassy overflow lot, you will see a gap in the trees/scrubs. That is the point where runners exit the staging area to the race start… the start line it to the north end of the lot; basically at the intersection of Victory and Victory.

You are outside with a full complement of porta-potties. If one has never run Disney, you will be shocked at the numbers. There is a stage with entertainment and a DJ leading line dancing. It’s an entertaining place to wait. I do not recall if there is a place to purchase food in the staging area; I am certain the permanent food and drink outlets in WWoS are closed due to the event and lack of other events. If one wants/needs a real restroom, they are open under the stadium.

I may feel cool once the sun sets, but no different than Houston. I always said that if I wanted to know what race day would bring, look at the Thursday forecast in Houston. That only let me down once or twice.

I found the bag drop to be kind of hectic. I only run the event in Year 1. It was a single line and you handed up to a truck. It was outside so most folks stood in line and worked their way up to the truck. As typical, there were a few folks much more important than the rest of us who crashed the line near the hand up. The Year 1 bag claim at the end was a FAIL. It was in the Millennium Celebration building and it took the better part of 45 minutes to get through the line. That is now fixed and the release of checked gear is a lot smoother using a series of hand out lines.

I think you will be amazed at the organization of the race. I too hate crowds and I have been attending Disney races since 99. I would not have a streak that long if the flows did not work well.
 
Thanks -

*************
I'd feel better if I hadn't have dropped off more than a minute of my desired pace for the last 2 miles. The other variances (Miles 2 to 7) could easily be explained by where water stops corresponded with run/walk break cycles and they would generally average out at ~11:55. I was aiming for 12 min/mile pace yesterday due to the humidity etc. I'd like to do 11:45 pace for the half and hope that it will be a little cooler/less humid in Orlando. I'd be fine with 12 min/mile pace. I'm a little nervous about the drop off at the end. I really was struggling there at the end.

Not sure that this is a bad performance. Usually when I hear of a mid-pack runner falling off their final miles look more like a walk than a slow up. You may have nailed the issue with the previous day’s run. Look at it you ran 8 miles within a reasonable tolerance and had two miles that were a little off. Your first mile may have created some of the issue as well as the humidity.

I think you have a chance of hitting your PR in this race… most definitely in the January race. The most likely reason for missing in the W&D will be due to the character stops (if taken) and the sharp in-the-park turns.

Hang in there. You are close to where you want to be
 
If one looks at an aerial photo of the WWoS you will see the asphalt parking lot up next to the complex and a grassy parking lot east of the large parking lot. This is the staging area. The north end of the overflow lot has paved lanes so if wet, you have a place to walk – out of the wet grass. If you look closely at the east edge of the grassy overflow lot, you will see a gap in the trees/scrubs. That is the point where runners exit the staging area to the race start… the start line it to the north end of the lot; basically at the intersection of Victory and Victory. You are outside with a full complement of porta-potties. If one has never run Disney, you will be shocked at the numbers. There is a stage with entertainment and a DJ leading line dancing. It’s an entertaining place to wait. I do not recall if there is a place to purchase food in the staging area; I am certain the permanent food and drink outlets in WWoS are closed due to the event and lack of other events. If one wants/needs a real restroom, they are open under the stadium. I may feel cool once the sun sets, but no different than Houston. I always said that if I wanted to know what race day would bring, look at the Thursday forecast in Houston. That only let me down once or twice. I found the bag drop to be kind of hectic. I only run the event in Year 1. It was a single line and you handed up to a truck. It was outside so most folks stood in line and worked their way up to the truck. As typical, there were a few folks much more important than the rest of us who crashed the line near the hand up. The Year 1 bag claim at the end was a FAIL. It was in the Millennium Celebration building and it took the better part of 45 minutes to get through the line. That is now fixed and the release of checked gear is a lot smoother using a series of hand out lines. I think you will be amazed at the organization of the race. I too hate crowds and I have been attending Disney races since 99. I would not have a streak that long if the flows did not work well.

Glad to hear this- I am not a fan of crowds and the 1500 at a local race is tolerable, but I have been a little concerned. If I can keep myself on the side of my corral and on the outer edge of any heavily populated group I will be fine. Otherwise, if you see a woman staring at a wall, that will be me, trying to pretend I am somewhere else. Lol

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards
 
I'm actually not that upset with my race yesterday I am just trying to figure out things I can do better/different between now and Wine & Dine to improve. I'd love to finish a race one of these days where I don't finish with my pace dropping off significantly.
 

Hi, everyone! Glad to see everyone's training is going great. I'm starting to get really excited! Can't believe how quickly time's gone.

Oops my bad, I was working off a lame memory unit... I should have been a little more complete.

Specifically, the course comes on stage on stage between Imagination and Land. It runs along the main path through Innoventions and under Spaceship Earth then out through a cast member exit behind the old Kennel. The actual finish line is in the tram way.

Course certification map

http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/maps/showMap.asp?courseID=FL12005TY

Thank you for sharing this. :cool1:
 
So in consulting with some running friends, because I got sidetracked by lightning on Saturday, I was in a quandry about what to do for the remainder of the plan.

I think I'll go for 11 again in 2 weeks, then end with a 13.2 mile run as my last before the race. No 14 mile run but it's close enough, I suppose!

I'm getting excited! And scared! "Well excited AND scared!!" (musical theater folks might get that!)
 
So in consulting with some running friends, because I got sidetracked by lightning on Saturday, I was in a quandry about what to do for the remainder of the plan.

I think I'll go for 11 again in 2 weeks, then end with a 13.2 mile run as my last before the race. No 14 mile run but it's close enough, I suppose!

I'm getting excited! And scared! "Well excited AND scared!!" (musical theater folks might get that!)

That is sound... I would not feel bad losing a mile on either of both runs and still call it good...

I once lived in Olathe. We were on Downing Street, just south of Scarborough Elementary. When were were the, we were near the edge of the wheat fields. Drove through last year and the old house is well within the bounds of the city.

It's the only city outside of Houston where Mary cried as we left.
 
jpeka65844 said:
So in consulting with some running friends, because I got sidetracked by lightning on Saturday, I was in a quandry about what to do for the remainder of the plan.

I think I'll go for 11 again in 2 weeks, then end with a 13.2 mile run as my last before the race. No 14 mile run but it's close enough, I suppose!

I'm getting excited! And scared! "Well excited AND scared!!" (musical theater folks might get that!)

Ha! I don't think I've ever heard anyone outside my family quote that! Love it!

"I wish to go to the festival! The festival? The festival. The KING'S festival?!" No, the food and wine festival. Haha!

(Sure hope I got the right show!) :)
 
Ha! I don't think I've ever heard anyone outside my family quote that! Love it! "I wish to go to the festival! The festival? The festival. The KING'S festival?!" No, the food and wine festival. Haha! (Sure hope I got the right show!) :)

You did! I played a stepsister in my younger days! But the Baker's Wife will always be my dream role. I have quite a few show tunes on my running playlist......
 
Hi Everyone :)
Just joining this thread as my sister and I are running the Wine and Dine this year too!
It will be our first WDW race and our first night race! We are going for coast to coast as we both did a run in DL earlier this year!

:welcome: to the fellow running Disney Dorks psycho club! :cool1: :lmao: :hyper:


I love running in the rain. Do avoid running if thee is lightning or when it could be a safety issue due to the heaviness of the rain (aka deluge). It gives me a child-like spring in my step. The only time I really hate the rain is when it is an afternoon rain and the rain falls for just a few moments then the sun comes back out followed by steam coming up from the roadways. Ugh.

I'm sorry, is there any OTHER weather to run in in south Florida???:rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao:


My DH liked watching from just outside imagination. Then I met up with him outside the fountains before the bridge to world showcase. I haven't decided if I want him to come to the finish or not this year.

He's not running it with you this year? :sad:

Yeah!!!

Just finished my 10k race. huge PR for me 1:07:38 which I know isn't fast for many 10k racers but for this long slow runner, it felt like I was flying. Thank goodness for the downhills but holy moly I'm ready for a nice flat steady run thru the Disney parks! I love the wine and dine course- except the banked road on the way into animal kingdom. That felt like an eternity to me. Otherwise, I find the whole race rather cool. Especially the Osborne lights.

Thanks for all the pre-race advice coach. Was very helpful.

Smoked it chica! Nice job! :cool1: :thumbsup2 :worship:


Sorry I've been MIA for a while, the DH had hernia surgery :scared:. He's doing fine and ready to walk slowly around the F&W this weekend, consuming much of the "W" I'm sure! :lmao:

What do you call it when I have a scheduled 7 miler on Friday and I'm already consumed with it? Oh yeah....OBSSESSION! :rotfl: And yes Coach, this will be my WOT run. :cool1: :woohoo::yay: Figured I better get the run in BEFORE heading over to the Sister Hazel show Saturday night! :rotfl2:

I did my 6 miler on Sunday and followed your advice of picking up the pace for the last couple of miles. I had kept things pretty steady up until then, averaging between 11-10:30 mile and then kicked it up to a 10-9:30 mile for the last 2 miles. Think I could probably have upped it a little more at the beginning if it wasn't for the wonderful 94 degrees. Blech! :scared: I'm finding if I pick up the pace too much for too long, the IT's/knees start protesting a bit too much. Since I want to make sure I can make it across the finish line not limping, I'll keep it under control for now. ::yes::

Glad to hear everyone's training is going well for the most part, and as far as all the illnesses, get them out of the way NOW! Don't want it to be taking you out at the last minute! How's everyone's costume ideas coming along?
 
PlutoBaby said:
:welcome: to the fellow running Disney Dorks psycho club! :cool1: :lmao: :hyper:

I'm sorry, is there any OTHER weather to run in in south Florida???:rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao:

He's not running it with you this year? :sad:

Smoked it chica! Nice job! :cool1: :thumbsup2 :worship:

Sorry I've been MIA for a while, the DH had hernia surgery :scared:. He's doing fine and ready to walk slowly around the F&W this weekend, consuming much of the "W" I'm sure! :lmao:

What do you call it when I have a scheduled 7 miler on Friday and I'm already consumed with it? Oh yeah....OBSSESSION! :rotfl: And yes Coach, this will be my WOT run. :cool1: :woohoo::yay: Figured I better get the run in BEFORE heading over to the Sister Hazel show Saturday night! :rotfl2:

I did my 6 miler on Sunday and followed your advice of picking up the pace for the last couple of miles. I had kept things pretty steady up until then, averaging between 11-10:30 mile and then kicked it up to a 10-9:30 mile for the last 2 miles. Think I could probably have upped it a little more at the beginning if it wasn't for the wonderful 94 degrees. Blech! :scared: I'm finding if I pick up the pace too much for too long, the IT's/knees start protesting a bit too much. Since I want to make sure I can make it across the finish line not limping, I'll keep it under control for now. ::yes::

Glad to hear everyone's training is going well for the most part, and as far as all the illnesses, get them out of the way NOW! Don't want it to be taking you out at the last minute! How's everyone's costume ideas coming along?

Hi Pluto- nope no DH. After his 10k we decided its just too hectic trying to get two of us ready for the half distance. He's starting a new job this month too so not this year. My sis was supposed to run with me but also got a new job and can't. So I'll be running solo again this year! I don't mind. I tune out and listen to my music, watch the disney sights around me and generally read funny shirts around me.

I don't have a costume planned but I did pick up a bondiband headband that says "will run for wine" - might wear that. I better start thinking about what I'm going to wear.....
 
jpeka65844 said:
You did! I played a stepsister in my younger days! But the Baker's Wife will always be my dream role. I have quite a few show tunes on my running playlist......

I never thought of adding show tunes. I have newsies, but that's it. Good idea! I'm more of a dancer than a singer and have never done into the woods but in my opinion no one does the witch better than Bernadette peters. Well, my sister comes in a close second. :) But we can all pretty much sing the whole thing. Awesome to see you quote it here. A nice reminder of good times. :)
 
I never thought of adding show tunes. I have newsies, but that's it. Good idea! I'm more of a dancer than a singer and have never done into the woods but in my opinion no one does the witch better than Bernadette peters. Well, my sister comes in a close second. :) But we can all pretty much sing the whole thing. Awesome to see you quote it here. A nice reminder of good times. :)

Here's my running show tunes:

Turn it Off- Book of Mormon
Holiday- American Idiot
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life- Spamalot
Our Favorite Son- Will Rogers Follies
Let me Drown- Wild Party
Use What You Got- The Life
You Can't Stop the Beat- Hairspray
Overture/All That Jazz- Chicago
Step One- Kinky Boots
The Jam- Jelly's Last Jam
No More- Tick Tick Boom
Man- Full Monty
Into the Fire- Scarlet Pimpernel
Gimme Love- Kiss of the Spiderwoman
Brand New Day- Dr Horrible
La Vie Boheme A and B- Rent

For those showtune nuts who also like to run!
 
I never thought of adding show tunes. I have newsies, but that's it. Good idea! I'm more of a dancer than a singer and have never done into the woods but in my opinion no one does the witch better than Bernadette peters. Well, my sister comes in a close second. :) But we can all pretty much sing the whole thing. Awesome to see you quote it here. A nice reminder of good times. :)

I love Newsies! I listen to it in my car all the time and end up whistling the songs at work. :)
 
I talked DH into running with me today. He even did the intervals with me and at my pace:goodvibes. I knew today had to be my long run since it is the only "free" day I have this week. I had a goal of doing 12 miles again. I have no intention of doing 13+ before the race so 12 is really my "maxed out" distance. DH wasn't too thrilled since he ran 6 miles yesterday while I was at work, but he laced up his shoes and joined me.

I set my intervals at 8/4 which is what really works best for me. I ran about two hours earlier than I normally do and I think I noticed it right away. I tried to stay at the 12:00 pace, but the best mile I managed was an 11:55. I was in the 12:15-12:30 range for most of the run. As usual, I started really getting stiff and sore around mile 8. I do stretch before and I really focus on pacing myself, but for some reason, around mile 8, my shoes magically turn into concrete and my hips and quads start to really tighten up. I had to stop at each walk interval after mile 8 and do some squatting to get my legs to move again. I managed to plod through 12 miles and finished with a pace of 12:50. <-----THIS IS THE REASON I WON'T DO 13 MILES BEFORE THE RACE!

When I first set my "training goal" it was to finish with a 13:00 pace so a 12:50 is 100% acceptable...BUT...now that I've done 12 miles before and had a pace of 12:15, suddenly the 12:50 doesn't look so hot. I don't want to have a "goal" for the actual race. I want to know that I can finish it in under 3:30 (which I can, now that I've been training for a year) and I want to enjoy it, not worry about my pace. If I do the 1/2 marathon distance as a training run, I will have set the bar and I will want to try and meet or beat it. Then, I won't want to stop for pictures or anything and that will defeat the purpose of why I want to participate in this event.

I can't believe we are just over a month away!!!
 












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