Dopey Training: My First Marathon and Gymboss Giveaway {Closed}

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Running for the bay Marathon recap

With my first  marathon in the books, I assume all of you have been waiting with bated breath for my recap. So get comfortable and enjoy.

I attempted to get to bed early Saturday evening for the Sunday morning race. Well, that didn’t work. After about an hour of trying to sleep, I had to get out of bed.  Out into the living room to watch some college football; my beloved Seminoles are crushing Clemson and I get wrapped up into the game. Eventually, I get sleepy and head off to bed.

Getting up at 4:00am is never fun. I am not a morning person. However, we decided that since this marathon is prep for Dopey, getting up early should be part of the equation.

The alarm goes off entirely too early. I throw on my race clothes, fill the hydration vest, and prepare my standard long run breakfast of a whole wheat tortilla wrap with peanut butter and guava jelly (it's a Florida thing). Half asleep and excited at the same time, DisneyBride and I get into the Jeep for the long ride.

The Running for the Bay Marathon is held in Apalachicola, FL, nearly a two hour drive from our house.  This annual event hosts a 50K Ultra, the Marathon, a Half Marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. DisneyBride would be running the half marathon, and we also had some friends there to run the 10K.

Approximately 6:15 we arrive at the race location. It is still pitch dark out. The DJ is already playing music and we head to pickup our bibs and shirts. Since this is a pretty small race, their was no line. Its about this time that we run into some our local running friends and we take a couple of pre-race photos. 

With DisneyBride, she is ready to rock her 1/2 Marathon

As the start time approaches the last minute nerves starts to appear. I didn’t feel completely prepared for this run. My marathon portion of the Dopey training had been focused to peak at the Space Coast Marathon. I've not run more than 23 miles in my training, or ever! This weekend's long run was scheduled to be 23 miles; so I figured worst case: I would walk the last 3.2 miles. I expected this race experience would force me to slow it down at the beginning.  

One should never do anything new on race day, however there would be 2 new things for me at this race. 

1. I decided to be very conservative in my run-walk strategy. I went with a 1:1 (1 minute run/1 minute walk). In past runs, I usually do 4:1. But I only wanted to finish with a smile on my face and had no time aspirations. 


2. I used the Gymboss timer. Normally I use the Galloway 26.2 training app (for iPhone) or the Gymboss phone app to keep track of my intervals.

We start to line up as the race will be starting exactly on time. It begins with the announcer sending off the Ultra runners (50k)

Then the marathoners...

oh wait! That's ME! I better get in there!

Here I am!

DisneyBride gives me emotional hugs and kisses me like she won't be seeing me for a month.  We wish each other good luck, and seconds later, I am off.  

Immediately, we hit the first bridge, that has a steady climb.




The sunrise was just beginning as the Half, 10K, and 5K runners climbed.

Once at the top, looking over the causeway towards East Point, FL, you get to run watching the sunrise. 

The weather was beautiful and watching the sunrise over the water (almost) makes you forget that you have to run 26.2 miles. This beauty comes with a price. The course is almost entirely causeway (bridges), this means my nemesis: concrete. 

While on the causeway, I see a familiar face from my church's mens group drive by. I assume he is just down at the coast for a weekend of fishing, and I run on. Then a mile or so later, he is on the side of the road.  He was there supporting someone (I can’t remember who, the brain wasn’t completely functioning that day - why else would one run a marathon?). As luck would have it, she was right behind me. So, I also got to take advantage of his support as he leap-frogged the course to cheer her (us) on. 

He also snapped the only two photos of me actually running on the course.

Here I am mid-bridge

Here I am again, excited to be coming off the bridge and setting foot on the island.

  
After running the causeway into East Point, you get a short reprieve from running on concrete. Several aid stations and beautiful weather can’t prepare you for the two bridges from East Point to St. George Island.  This stretch is more beautiful scenery, however, the second bridge feels a bit like running up the side of a sky scraper! Wow was it steep! At the top of the bridge, I take a second and realize that I am feeling pretty good.   Then I look ahead and realize I am still approximately 3 miles from the half way point.

At about this point I realize my right knee is not taking the concrete well, and that as soon as I am off the bridge I better run on the grass. All that stuff you read about running on the surface you plan to race on is true. I've been training on trails and I would soon pay the price. On the decline of the bridge, I also strike up a nice conversation with two women from the Orlando Galloway group who were running the Ultra.  About a mile later, they left me in the dust.

On St. George Island, I finally hit the mid point. My muscles feel great, the temperature is still pleasant, and I think to myself, I can do this!  I can now begin to look forward to

Space Coast!  On the way off the island, you can see the bridges back to East Point and beyond that, the causeway to Apalachicola.  This is when I said to myself,“Oh Crap”.  The end of the course looked like it was 30 miles away... 

Just to give it a little perspective - roughly, this is the course route.  Yeah.. that's a LOTTA bridge.

I continue running up the monster bridge, then my knee really starts to revolt. I had expected muscle cramping, not shooting knee pain. My training had apparently given me enough endurance, however, I really was not accustomed to concrete. Since I have absolutely no time expectation for this marathon, I stop listening to the Gymboss and just start walking.

At the top of the bridge, I take a second and just look over the water. This course is beautiful! Just water and a beautiful breeze the whole way. I continue walking, hoping that the knee will start to feel better.

Just a bit further ahead, is a woman who starts skipping down the bridge. SKIPPING! Or it may have been Prancersize.  But really?!?Skipping and side stepping and waving at traffic heading down the bridge.  I just laughed to myself.  What a perfect reminder that this is fun.  

It turns out it is her 1st marathon as well, however, it only became her 1st marathon at the turnaround point for the half.  She just decided to run a full instead of the half!  Most people say marathoners are crazy, but to run it on the spur of the moment - that's truly nuts!  I was impressed to say the least.  We end up running the rest of the race together, chatting about our significant others, work, running, etc.

While talking, I am finally able to start running with some regularity.  Also, I think I may have converted another runner to the Galloway method.  She seemed to like the consistency of the run-walk ratio the Gymboss provided. 



The beginning of the second causeway back to the finish

Further along the same causeway 

Even further along. Did this bridge get LONGER on the way back?

Finally approaching my destination ...

A nice view of the little town of Historic Appalachicola. Our regional oyster capital. 

Am off the bridge at last and am rounding that last turn.  26 mile marker. SO CLOSE!!!

And we made it!!!  5:55 official time

I finished the race with a big smile on my face and I can't wait to do it again at Space Coast on December 1. Mission accomplished!

 

Here’s a final nice touch. This was a small community race, so after I crossed the finish line, the organizers allowed DisneyBride to award me my medal.

 Showing off our hard earned bling!

Stained glass and enameled 'spinner' medal - one side

other side  - with a 'pearl' on it

The lessons learned seem to be favorites of our readers, so I’ll bestow some additional knowledge to you since you sat through this marathon (ha ha-get it?) post.  

What I did right:

1. Went with a far more conservative run-walk ratio than usual (1:1)
2. Ate a reasonable (and familiar) breakfast. Not insubstantial, but not heavy either.
3. Bought a hydration vest and used it not only for training but for the race itself
4. Actually remembered to use nutrition at predetermined distances
5. Started at a comfortable pace.
6. Listened to my body during the race
7. Post-run 'redneck ice-bath' at the beach (remember I was two hours from home! but only 10 minutes from a beach so this was a great substitute) Some Running Happily Ever After trivia:  this is also the beach where I proposed to DB



8. Using the Gymboss timer (see below for our giveaway)
9. Not having a time goal for the 1st marathon
10. Talking to fellow runners

What I did wrong:

1. Didn’t train enough on concrete and asphalt
2. Probably should have run a 26 mile training run (longest was 23)
3. Didn’t take any photos during the run (except for the two taken by my friend from church, all the others are from DisneyBride's 1/2 marathon)
4. I should have run on grass at the first opportunity
5. Doing new things on race day- fortunately, it didn’t backfire
6. Should have had something cold to drink in the car for the trip home
7. Should have eaten something as soon as I crossed the finish line (I finally got hungry about one hour later - after my makeshift ice-bath)  A small mountain of steak fajitas hit the spot. 
   
   
   

Lessons learned:

• Spend plenty of time on the surface you plan on racing on.  It does make a HUGE difference.  This will probably be the biggest change I make for Space Coast and Dopey.  I definitely need to do most if not all my long training runs on the road.  (Galloway, Yasso, and Higdon recommend at least 60%.)


• Stop using the phone as an interval timer.  The Gymboss freed up my phone battery and is far less finicky than my phone apps.  Also, it saves power for far more important things- think pics, tweets, phone calls, etc.  Now, since I have taken ownership of DisneyBride's Gymboss , I guess I need to get her a new one.  


• Talking with runners throughout the race will help you not only keep a reasonable pace, but keep your head occupied.

DisneyBride may do a race review about this event at some point, because while it had many Pros, there were a few Cons as well.

So there you have it. I'm cranking up the back to back long runs and expect I'll be doing a few more races as Dopey Training.  But I'm really glad/ relieved to have my first full under my belt.  Takes a bit of the pressure of having my first one at WDW Marathon Weekend.  Now I intend to enjoy the Space Coast Marathon in just five weeks.

How's everyone else's Dopey Training going? or Goofy?

Anyone doing their first marathon at Disney or Space Coast?

Are you training with a Gymboss?

I really credit my Gymboss with keeping me on track for this race, so we'd like to do a giveaway.  The wonderful folks at Gymboss sent us one to try out, and are allowing us to give one away to one of our lucky readers.

The perfect tool for anyone using the Run/Walk method.
Easy to program.
Easy to use.
If you don't already have one - why not?
Also good for boxing, tabata, and other interval-based training.

Terms of the Giveaway:

1) Giveaway begins Friday October 25 and ends Monday November 4 at midnight. Winner will be announced on this blog, and notified on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.

2) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. Winner must provide a US mailing address to receive prize.

3) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will only capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. We will ONLY use the info provided to contact you if you win.

4) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

5) Winner will receive one (1) Gymboss timer. Cash value $19.99.

6) One winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below.

7) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

8) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received one Gymboss timer in exchange for this promotional giveaway. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Why Buzz Lightyear and I are on the WSJ Sport Page

How on earth did my photo end up on the WSJ Sports Page?

A few weeks ago I was ducking out of my office early to head down to Walt Disney World for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. It was then I received a very surprising e-mail.

Somehow he had stumbled upon my blog post recapping race day.

Since that e-mail, I had several conversations with this reporter about my running, runDisney events, visits to Disney, my run/walk interval training, and especially my Princess Half Marathon experience - among other topics.  To a journalist that normally covers elite athletes and high-profile events, and an accomplished runner and triathlete in his own right, the concept of being swept or nearly swept at a race was entirely alien.

Last month, Wall Street Journal reporter, Kevin Helliker, authored a controversial article entitled: "The Slowest Generation".  It reported on the rise of non-competitive running events or 'fun runs' in the younger generation, and suggested apathy is the cause of declining overall performance.  This was much discussed in the social media circles of the running community, and proved to be a rather divisive topic.  We even had a little discussion on the Running Happily Ever After blog's facebook page about this at the time.  It appeared to put race participants into two types:  the hardworking goal-oriented competitive runner or the apathetic, non-athletic hipster (ignoring the fact that merely registering for a running event - even a 'fun run' is neither apathetic, nor hip).

What is missing is the perspective from a third type.

You know the one.  This runner is someone who wants to get in better shape. She is not a gifted athlete, but she puts in training miles and works her butt off for each and every gain, however small. None of it comes naturally - or easily.  She has a favorite race distance: be it 5K, 10K, 13.1Mi, or something else.  Being a podium finisher seems completely unattainable. (But she dreams about it sometimes.)  She enjoys solitary runs, but welcomes the idea of running partner or group.  A fun run seems like a good chance to get family and/or less-active friends involved in a non-intimidating fitness activity.  She not-so-secretly hopes they will love it, and ask to train with her.  

Now we all know the first type, the competitive runner - a star athlete.  But I doubt that the second type: apathetic hipster even exists.  More than likely, if you are reading this blog, chances are you recognize yourself in the third, unnamed type. You may be middle or back of the pack.  You may have some of the competitive streak, but you are definitely not a hipster.

So it is the voice of that third type that was missing in that article.  And wow! There are a lot of us.

His follow-up article: "The Slowest Generation Strikes Back" addresses the backlash from the first.  And he gives the 'recreational' runners their voice.

His most recent article, "Dodging the Balloon Ladies", published on Oct. 16, 2013, goes even further and highlights the challenges of the back-of-the-pack runner.  You see, not everyone at the 'back of the pack' is a non-athletic hipster. The competitive runners will never see a balloon lady or a sweeper. But, there many  people like me, and fellow bloggers also quoted: DisneyWithChildren.com's Beth Barbara and The Incredible Shrinking Krista that have.    

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

We are that segment of runners and walkers that train for months - and still struggle to keep a pace at or near the cutoff of 16min/mi that runDisney has put in place.  I can't say I am proud of my 2013 Princess Half experience, because I am not and never will be.  Of course, I'm very grateful I wasn't swept.  But I want so desperately to do a race without constantly looking over my shoulder for the balloons or sweeper vans.  Until that day comes, I can't really relax, can I?

Not knowing what to expect, I was apprehensive about the balloon lady article coming out.  I didn't know how, or if I would even be included.  I was not worried that the reporter would make me look bad.  He was extremely cordial, and very complimentary about my race recap and writing.  Quite honestly, I feared public mockery that might come from a bigger audience.  

This little blog here is followed almost exclusively by other runDisney aficionados and running/fitness bloggers.  And this community is the best I have ever encountered.  Those of you whom DisneyGroom and I know in real life, and also through social media are supportive and compassionate and encouraging to all: runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes.  I can openly say I am slow - but I am out there trying and keeping at it.  And I get thumbs up and "keep at it" in return.  This is a warm, happy, safe place.

A national newspaper - well, I would be exposed as the next-to-last-to-cross-the-finish-line participant that I am.  To readers that have never experienced a Disney race.  To readers that don't know how much I prepared - and still came up wanting. I would be the fat girl who just barely dragged herself across the finish.  That is not who I want to be.

So it's been a few days, and the negativity hasn't come.  The article was not controversial like the previous ones.  In fact, to someone that doesn't run Disney events, it probably is not even very interesting.  

Jeff Galloway was quoted as saying competitive runners "don't realize... that these races are serious athletic events for back-of-the-pack runners".  Faron Kelley, runDisney marketing director, calls us "athletes", and recognizes that staying ahead of the balloon ladies is an accomplishment.  These guys see us out there at every race.  Jeff's training plans have helped thousands, including me, to start and finish what we set out to do: complete the race and cross that line.  In many ways, these two guys are my Running Fairy Godfathers, as they showed me the path I am currently following. (Although I doubt either would appreciate that particular honorific.)  

Some reactions to this article I have heard is the same criticism from the first two articles. That the WSJ 'just doesn't get it' - it meaning the back of the pack experience.  Yes that is true.  They didn't get it 100% right.  It isn't enough to walk briskly and avoid the photo stops.  That may help some, but it won't work for everyone.

In my efforts to keep this blog upbeat, I focus on finishing my races.  I don't focus on the fact that in some small local races I occasionally get a "police escort" - a special kind of honor guard reserved for a last place runner, as local law enforcement re-opens the roads behind you.  I can tell you it is embarrassing and frustrating, and many of you will feel sympathetic.

But until you have run a mile in my running shoes, mine or any members of the Back of the Parade Brigade, can you really understand what it is like to have sweepers at your back?  Probably not.  But I am grateful to a national newspaper for taking enough interest to try, I am grateful they've acknowledged the struggles we have. 

And I am grateful for the love and support from friends, family, and our bigger circle of running friends and blog readers.  I've come a long way since the Princess Half, and I still have a long way to go.

Thank you.  For following the highs and lows. For sharing your stories. For sticking with me on this journey.

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Dopey Training: Back to Back Runs

With the runDisney Dopey Challenge rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to attempt some back to back races.  Further, I was looking to score a higher corral placement.

Enter the Pine Run at Tall Timbers 20K, this past Saturday, October 12.

The weather was beautiful: nice and cool.  However, the humidity was still pretty high.  I registered for this event rather optimistically - as I prefer trail runs over road.  It doesn't hurt that the wooded trails in my town are pretty awesome - and appear to be straight out of a Disney film.
 





I kind of feel like these guys... Oo - De - Lally

Recently I heard from several people that this race was not a good candidate for a PR.  I was told (after I registered), that the course is 'a bit hilly'.  Now, I had heard these same runners complain about hills on courses that didn't contain hills - so I pushed it to the back of my mind.  After all, this is Florida - how bad could it be?  

Emerging from the woods - red-faced and tired -  Photo Credit: Paul Guyas/ Gulf Winds Track Club

This time, however - they were correct.  The race description uses the term 'undulating', but on a few occasions, I felt like I should be using my hands to help pull myself up the hills.  Silly me, I thought that Tall Timbers referred to the trees, not the monster hills.  Don't get me wrong, I really liked the course. It was just more challenging than I anticipated. 

And it could've been worse.  Like poor Flynn here.

For a small local trail race, this was a fairly well attended event.  Also, the course had great volunteers and water stations.  The second water stop (somewhere near mile 6) was completely decked out for Halloween.  Starting about a tenth of a mile from the water stop, spooky decorations started to appear.  I was still rather optimistic at this point that I was well ahead of my time goal (I wasn't) so I failed to stop and take some pictures.  This was the first themed water stop I have seen locally.   I do hope the runners enjoyed it (I did) and it becomes a tradition. 

The course looped through a timber research facility that is not open to the public.  This once-a-year race is actually the only way for runners to enjoy these trail.  I am glad I took advantage of the opportunity.  This is definitely a race I will look forward to running again. 

Photo credit: Fred Decker /Gulf Winds Track Club

Unfortunately, my finish time won’t be helping me to move up in the Dopey corrals.  However, given the course, I did feel pretty good about my finish time.  I tested out my hydration vest for the first time in race conditions - and there were no issues.  I successfully tried out a new interval:  2:30/1 (run 2 minutes 30 seconds, walk 1 minute). I had no cramping, no injuries, and I worked out the timing of my fuel. All in all, a success.

In fact, I felt good enough to run seven more training miles after the race.  Then to make things more interesting, I ran the Color Me Rad 5K with DisneyBride in the afternoon. (Recap coming soon.)  

Daily total mileage: 20K + 7 Mi + 5K = 22.5 Miles

So this back-to-back running gave me a little taste of what Dopey has in store for me come January.  My next big test will be this Sunday as I run my first full marathon: Running for the Bay. 

• Are you running Dopey or another runDisney Challenge (Glass Slipper, Goofy)?
• How is your training going?
• Are you using local races as training runs?

-DG

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Tower of Terror 10 Miler Recap

This past weekend I got to run the runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler.  I would not be traveling and running with DisneyGroom this time, but with a friend. Also, this was my first time running a night-time race.  

Preparation started the same as any other race.  Costume and gear were laid out the day before.

FLAT ME! Ready to run the next day!

We headed to the Expo on Saturday morning.  Even before entering the ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWoS) Complex, things felt very different from all of my previous runDisney weekends.

Short and fast-moving line to enter Expo

Very small Expo. Packet pickup and vendors are in one space.

We ran into my friend Elizabeth and her son, Matt.
He proudly showed off his first runDisney medal for a Kids Race.

I had sought out some advice about how to prepare for a night race.  It was such simple advice, but surprisingly difficult to do.  I headed back to hotel to rest up for evening race.  I did my best to sleep and relax a few hours throughout the day, to be able to stay awake that night.  I had a large greek salad for lunch and walked near my hotel for a half hour or so.   It was a really beautiful day and it was very hard to not do more.  But I knew I would be glad of it later... and I was.

Finally time to get dressed.

One last pic before we leave for the race

There was no parking near the start line - so we had to park at ESPN WWoS Complex and take a shuttle over to Disney Hollywood Studios.  Fortunately there were a lot of buses and they kept taking off as soon as they were full.

On the packed shuttle bus with other eager runners!

We got to the Tent Village and mingled with the crowd. Unfortunately, we were about five minutes too late for Pre-Race photos with our online running friends.  So we missed those.  

I had been too busy up to this point to get nervous but I started to get a bit anxious. My training miles over the summer had only gotten up to six or seven miles.  Flashback to my close encounter experience at the Princess Half Marathon... I began to worry about the sweepers.

 |Start time approaches.

We head to our corrals and begin to inch forward bit by bit.

Can't think of a better way to start a race!

Our corral keeps scooting forward

Race announcers, Rudy Novotny and Carissa Bealert, have the best seat in the house!

At last, we are heading through the start gate

And we're off!  I didn't get a lot of photos DURING the race, well, because it was dark.  

Some strange lightning machine on the baseball field at WWoS

Am I dead? Nope, just already very tired.. somewhere between Miles 6 and 7

Somewhere around Mile 6.5 the Balloon Ladies catch up to me.  For those that don't know - the Balloon Ladies are the 16 minute/mile pacers for the race.  They are two local runners that carry balloons and walk the various runDisney events.  What is so significant about the Balloon Ladies?  If you lag behind these pacers - then you are in danger of being swept.  So now I had to pick up the pace.

I was doing 30/30 intervals. (Translation: run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds).  My interval timer kept going off and it was my reminder to stay on track.  Well, I was tired and slow - but my Pavlovian conditioning worked.  I continued my race. 

Malificent was just there! Then disappeared in a puff of smoke.

And I continued...

At last I crossed the finish and made it to the Villains Bash.  I was exhausted and there was a grassy area with many runners sprawled out.  I lay down a few minutes and stretched.  Then I got up, got a cold drink and was ready to enjoy the party... even if I had to shuffle like an old lady to do it.  I reunited with my friend and we even found a few more people to hang out with to ride the rides.

Found Princess Katie Oakley at the Villains Bash

Guess where we are?

Just a little place known as The Twilight Zone - showing off the bling!

All the way in the back - my eyes may have been closed... (photo used with permission from Katie Oakley)

My favorite photo of the night! at the Villains Bash

Toy Story Mania...  check out the wait times!
That will never happen again so long as I live, so I had to take a photo

I missed my hubby on this trip so much.  But I had a great time that night and this was a terrific kick-off to the fall race season.  

My thoughts on the race itself:

• Course:  The course began and ended at Disney Hollywood Studios.  It looped around to Animal Kingdom and the ESPN Wide World of Sports - just to keep things interesting.  There was a brief portion that was an off-road gravel trail. Several runners seemed to struggle through this portion.  Actually when I went through, nearly everyone was walking, not running at all.  Being accustomed to trail running myself, I actually liked this portion.
  
• Characters: Many runners commented that there were a lot more characters on this course than last year.  I saw Malificent, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, Dr. Facilier, Lotso, Cinderella's Stepmother and Stepsisters, Mulan's Shan Yu, Jack Skellington & Sally, zombies, Haunted Mansion's GraveDiggers, Big Bad Wolf, Cruella deVil, Jafar, Scar, the Lion King Hyenas, Ursula, Stitch, and more.
  
• Support:  Lots of volunteers to help out and cheer for the runners and there were plenty of water stops. Like all runDisney events, I was offered water, Powerade, bananas, and a snack box at the finish.
  
• Corrals:  runDisney added more corrals to this event and there were smaller numbers of runners in each.  This made a huge difference in the actual beginning of the race.  We moved quickly and seamlessly up to the start gate.  You did have to be in your corral a lot earlier than the start time, because they were moved one at a time about 1/4 mile away.  If you were not paying attention, your corral might have left and you got bumped back. I saw this happen to several runners.
  
• Bag claim: this may be the one part of the event I did not like. It was located in the Indiana Jones area... and was all the way on the other side of the park from the finish line.  Normally not a big deal, but when it is the middle of the night and you just ran 10 miles... it wasn't exactly ideal.
  
• Villains Bash:  Disney Hollywood Studios was open until 4AM! Rides included Aerosmith's Rocking Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, the Tower of Terror, and Star Tours. Bonus: Little to no lines.  Also if you missed your favorite villains on the course - they were waiting for you in the park for photo ops.  And then the late night dance party with the characters... I am a big fan of those - no matter how tired I am. We stayed until they shut the park down.

Just a few short months until Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and our next runDisney event. In the meanwhile, we've got a couple fun races coming up this month.

Did you run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler this year? If so, what was your favorite part?
Have you ever run a night time race?

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