RunDisney Race Essentials
I leave next week for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend and am so excited! This will be the first runDisney race in Disneyland since before COVID and my first ever race at Disneyland. The course maps look fantastic, especially with the 5K starting AT THE CASTLE! I can’t wait!
Putting on my best running pose!
When prepping for a runDisney race, there are always a few key things that I have with me. Here is a glimpse of my essentials for a runDisney race:
Your Tried and True Shoes (x2!)
One pair of shoes that you trained in is great, but two is better. This is especially true if you are doing more than one race during the weekend. Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate and if your shoes get soaked, drying them can be very difficult in a hotel room.
I pack my favorite shoes that I trained longer distances in and a back up pair that I have trained shorter distances in. If it looks like rain on the 5K or 10K days, that back up pair goes on my feet. This ensures that I have dry long distance shoes for my half marathon day!
Dress for Running Success
RunDisney races are known for their energetic participants and their creative costumes! I am always amazed at what people come up with! You can take this as extreme as the costuming guidelines allow or look for more subtle ways to inject theming into your clothes.
I like to use my regular running capris and add a themed tank top, sparkle skirt and/or hair accessories. Sometimes I just use color theming to evoke a character or I’ll race in tank tops featuring a theme. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to do is to make sure you are comfortable and that you have tested out what you are racing in. The one thing you will hear over and over from runDisney participants is “Don’t try anything new on race day”.
I ignored this rule on my last 5K and ran in a new pair of running pants from the expo. I spent the entire 5K pulling the pants up because they didn’t fit right. Don’t be me. Wear the pants you know fit.
The Right Fuel to Power Up Your Pixie Dust
All races have water stops and longer distance races will have Powerade and fuel stops. These are great, but if you have not trained with the fuel provided, this can do a number on your stomach and put some serious kinks in your race plan. Your best option is to pack the fuel you train with. This goes back to “Don’t try anything new on race day.” (Are you seeing a theme yet?)
For me, this means packing my Honey Stinger waffles and gummies to take with me on the course. I know these are gentle on my stomach and I also know exactly how much to take and when. Every runner has a fuel combination that works for them; use the one that works for you and you will have a great race (without searching for the port a potties!)
Your Digital Expo and Event Guide
RunDisney will email the Digital Expo and Event Guide a few weeks prior to your race. This has all the critical information you need, including course maps, expo times, race bib pickup information, PhotoPass information and so much more. Save the link on your phone because you will be referring back to this one over and over again!
Patience, Perseverance and Positivity!
A runDisney event is an incredible amount of fun, but only if you bring the 3 P’s - Patience, Perseverance and Positivity!
Just like any Disney event, there are a lot of people attending the races and crowds can get dense, running trails can get tight and there are always a few people who left their positive pants at home. Be patient with others and always kind to cast members and your fellow runners.
Crossing the finish line at 2022 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend 10K!
RunDisney events are so much fun and the runDisney racing community is like no other. You will see people encouraging each other, smiles everywhere you turn and even some tears as people cross that finish line. Whether you are walking a 5K or running a marathon, be proud that you started the race - this is going to be an experience you never forget! See you in the corrals!
“First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.”
