Apologies - I kind of gave on up on ever catching up on every post here over the days I was away for W&D. Congrats to all who rocked runs and races!!!
QOTD: Do you use back check offered for your races? Why or why not? What items do you check?
Generally only for halfs or fulls at Disney, and only if weather dictates me wanting a change of shoes and/or extra clothes. For some cold races last winter, I packed an extra mylar blanket in case rD didn't give them out and a fleece top: that made the walk back to my car more comfortable. I'll pack a pair of
Crocs at minimum for the full in January. I didn't bother with bag check in any race this past weekend for W&D - weather was nice enough not to need it. I will NEVER pack anything of value - I know people whose bags were lost with car keys, wallets, etc. I carry my car key with me during races.
QOTD: What are some things you think about while you are out for a run?
I don't know! Nothing of substance - I kind of just free associate and let thoughts come and go as they please. Running is very zen-like for me.
QOTD: Other than getting your runs in as part of your training for your next big race, what do you think is the next most important thing to having a successful race?
REST. During training and especially in the days of a race weekend. I need lots and lots of downtime.
QOTD: Since today is election day, todays question will focus on that. Did you or are you going to vote? Are you going to have to adjust your running plans to both run and vote today?
Mail-in ballot, baybee! Voted weeks before the election.
QOTD: What bad (unhealthy) habits you had that running helped put a end to?
Smoking. I started running regularly for fitness in my early 20s and it made smoking less fun so I stopped. In all honesty, I really enjoyed smoking and would take it back up in a heartbeat if it wasn't so bad for me.
I have two questions:
1. Ladies (said in my best "Ladies Man" voice) do any of you wear the sport specific underwear? I know UA and Champion both make them. Just wondering if they are worth the price.
2. We are doing Star Wars Dark Side and are contemplating doing one park - Animal Kingdom - likely the day of the 10k. If we have a one day, one park ticket, can we leave for a few hours to nap and come back in on the same ticket?
1. Nope - I wear skorts or capris that are constructed so as not to need underwear so I don't use them. I grew up in the dance world, where underwear is never worn under tights/leotards, so the whole notion of wearing them under exercise gear is foreign to me!
2. Absolutely!
QOTD: Todays question is a suggestion from a fellow poster on this thread. Thanks for the suggestion! Have you ever experienced a race mistake: course mismeasured, pace leader taking you off course, obstacle such as a train? Did the race director do anything to rectify the mistake?
In a local race the course map had us make a left turn at one point, but the volunteers manning that spot had us turn right instead. There were other turns that corrected it and the total distance wasn't changed but it was a little weird.
Questions:
1. Can anyone tell me more about the chicken exit for ToT? I am not certain DD will be fully on board with this ride.
My son always takes the chicken exit, so I'm very familiar! Your DD will wait in the queue with you right up until you get in the ride elevator, but she'll get on a regular elevator that will take her to where you'll exit the ride in the gift shop area.
Running has changed my health though.. I used to get terrible stomach pains and haven't had one since I started running regularly. 
Make your plan for the race, try to stick to it, and do your best. All we can do. Some days it goes right, some days it goes off plan. But I bet you'll do great and get an awesome POT. 
