Is it time to sign up for #WDWMarathon already?

~Reminiscing about the 2015 Walt Disney World 10K~

Yes kids, it's that magical time of year again.  It may still be 266 days away, but registration time for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend events is upon us.

Today just before noon, I hung up my "At Lunch" sign outside my office door and sat down with credit card ready.  Early registration for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members and Disney Parks Annual Passholders (Walt Disney World only) became available today for the 2016 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon weekend events.  I know, it seems like it was just yesterday that we were there running through the parks, earning our bling, seeing our friends, and eating like we had just run a long distance event.  But the calendar tells us it was over three months ago.  And so - nine months out, it is time to register.

The registration pages were predictably very slow to load and after 10 minutes of trying, I finally got in.  To DisneyGroom's delight, I was able to get him registered for Dopey Challenge #3.  Yes, he is going for a third, and fully intends to keep going... until when, I don't know.  The Dopey Challenge does not hold the appeal for me that it does for him, kind of like marathons and ultras.  Those are his thing. I have other ambitions, at least for now.

Sadly for me, once I got his registration complete, I was too late to register myself for the 10K or the 5K.   I don't have any info on how many race and challenge allotments are designated for early registration, but it can't be too large a number.  So now, I wait.  And like tens of thousands of other hopefuls, in two weeks my fingers will be poised over a keyboard, impatiently pressing refresh, and praying active.com doesn't crash.

If you are on facebook and would like a reminder for registration, feel free to join our event reminder here.  Just set your facebook settings set to alert you on your smartphone or via email, then you will have that reminder and can try to be ready by 12noon EDT.

If this will be your first WDW Marathon Weekend, then you are in for more fun than you can possibly know.  If you are returning, well - then you know what an awesome time it is.

You can check out some of our Walt Disney World Marathon recaps here:

DisneyGroom's 2015 Dopey Challenge

DisneyGroom's 2014 Dopey Challenge

DisneyBride's 2013 WDW Marathon Weekend

Run Happy!

~DisneyBride

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Day 2: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Family Fun Run 5K #DopeyChallenge #WDW5K

And we're off!

This morning was the Disney Family Fun Run 5k.  Apparently, runDisney wanted our Northern friends to feel at home.  Or, someone really annoyed Elsa.  It was super cold and very windy.  I am really looking forward to it warming up.

Freezing in the corral

We did not attempt to catch the 1st bus this morning.  I think that I will continue this tradition.  It shortened the time freezing while waiting to get to the starting line and meant less time on my feet pre-race.  We did run into a few running friends this morning, if I missed you, please excuse my absent-mindedness.  It was cold and I was trying to think about warm things.  

We ran into Lauren and her husband of Lauren's Glass Slipper and chatted before the race.  Given the freezing winds, we all got to know each other pretty well, since we were all huddled together to keep warm.

Also, with it being so cold, I didn't take many photos or tweet during the race.  With warmer weather, I should be able to take more photos and live tweet the rest of Dopey.

The race course should be very familiar to those who have run the Family Fun Run 5k.  The character locations always seem to be the same.  The race did change slightly, you now run past "The Land" in Future Land.  One more change from last year.  I was in the B corral this year.  It makes for a completely different race.  The lines for characters were nowhere near as long.  I did skip most of the characters, however, I ran into DisneyBride right before Pinocchio.

We spotted a few service dogs on the course.  This one here was dressed as Minnie, to match her human.  I thought it was really neat that the dog had her own bib, and got her own medal!

This was one of the best costumes seen all day.  Not one you see often.  Does anyone recognize this character?  Think back... way back.

Was tough getting too many photos today.  Frozen fingers you know.  Hopefully the 10K will be better.

Finish Line

Crossing the finish line, I did manage to get the phone out to take a picture right after the finish line.  I also got a photo of my very cheerful medal volunteer.

At the finish, the process for Dopey runners was not the same as the process described in the Event Guide.  When I went to the Dopey tent for confirmation of my time, I was told that nothing needed to be done until the Marathon.  Then runners would have their finish times verified before receiving medals.  Not sure why the process is different than described in the Event Guide, but I hope it all works out.  

Following the race, the festival area had Dopey and Pluto out this morning.  With it being cold, most runners did not elect to stand in the line.  I got my photo with Dopey as I assumed the lines would be really bad later this weekend.  And well, you should always get a 5K photo with Pluto.

Following the race, we headed back to the hotel to change clothes and warm up a bit before heading back to EPCOT for lunch at Akershus.  

Following lunch, we enjoyed some time in EPCOT before heading to Magic Kingdom to enjoy a little more park time.  I hope that all the time in the parks doesn't come back to haunt me.  

We did both have a Disney 'first' today. DisneyBride has been wanting a haircut at Harmony Barbershop in Magic Kingdom.  

My little Rapunzel chopped off over 12" of hair to donate (and even after the cut, it still reaches her waist). 

BEFORE

AFTER: She was excited when they pixie-dusted her.

I decided to get a trim too.

My barber gave me a sticker because I was a "good boy".

-DisneyGroom

Keep tuned to the blog for recaps of the rest of my Dopey Challenge.  

A review of the Expo can be found here.

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Day 1: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Expo & #DopeyChallenge

Day 1 (of 5) of my Dopey Challenge recap

The day finally arrived.  Bright and early Wednesday morning we hopped in the car for the four hour drive to Walt Disney World.  We made great time and headed straight for the expo, as has become our custom.

Once we got to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, we made a beeline for the runDisney merchandise area.  There were only a couple of things we wanted, but history has shown that you better get what you want first.  Your race packet and shirts will wait. 

With our goodies in hand, we walked the expo.  The Champion booth had some really cool shirts that we just had to have. 

No runDisney expo is complete without a visit to see Jeff and Barbara Galloway.  

Both Jeff and Barbara are extremely nice people, and Jeff even had a nice handout to help people with post-race recovery.

Time to get our bibs.

Following our time at the expo we finally headed to the hotel to check-in.  This year we're staying in the Art of Animation Resort in a Little Mermaid themed room.  This hotel is very well themed and I hope that it warms up a little so that we can enjoy the pools.

Annual Passes have been renewed.  

Watch out Disney, you will now be seeing more of both of us.  DisneyBride's highlight of the day was her picture with Aurora.  

As you might have guessed, mine was riding Space Ranger Spin (maxed out the high score - because I am awesome) and my Buzz photo.

Between the early mornings and park time, the chance of me having the posts up daily is looking pretty slim.  Hopefully, I'll still be able to get them up pretty timely.

Are you running at Walt Disney World this weekend?

Please say hello if you see us anywhere!

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The 'other' Walt Disney World 5K

As we prepare to head down for another runDisney weekend, I think about how few and far between running events at Walt Disney World seem to me.  I say this of course, mindful that new events have been added in California at DisneyLand.  But where is the love for Florida?  

Well, as it turns out - there is something else out there for runners.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports (WWOS) complex on property is host to numerous events throughout the year - everything from soccer to cheerleading to Crossfit.  DisneyGroom even participated in basketball events there during his high school years.  

If you are like me, your main association with the WWOS is the location for the runDisney expo.  And yes, it is that too.

On October 10 - 11, 2014, ESPN Wide World of Sports will hold its annual Disney Cross Country Classic. Now in its 19th year (yes, this has been around almost as long as the WDW Marathon), the event attracts cross country runners from middle schools and high schools around the country.  







Yes, I know what you are thinking. Oh... it's just for kids.  Well, many of the events are, as they are organized by age groups.  But there is a OPEN event for ALL ages.

Cross Country Open 5K  Dust off your spikes and hit the trail on the new and improved Disney Cross Country Open 5K course. This fun run is open to athletes of all ages and skill levels. The new course will guide you on a scenic run through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

From what I've seen, part of this course is off-road, similar to the Happy Haunted 5K during runDisney's Tower of Terror 10 Miler Weekend.  Word is that there may be a character or two at the finish line. 

The Cross Country Classic weekend even includes some extras runDisney runners will appreciate.  A mini 'expo' of sorts and a pasta party WITH CHARACTERS.


From the DisneyCrossCountry.com page

Vendor Village:   Be sure to visit the Disney Cross Country Classic Vendor Village located at the HESS® Fields at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex before or after your race!

Pasta Party: Athletes, coaches, and race spectators – everyone’s invited to be a part of the fun during our Cross Country Classic Pasta Party, 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2014 at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex!Treat yourself to a scrumptious buffet dinner including mixed greens, smashed potatoes, panko baked pasta, chicken with marinara sauce, rolls and drinks.Kick off race weekend with a live DJ, meet your favorite Disney characters, enjoy a delicious dinner and take in all of the Disney magic. Tickets are $25 for pre-purchase and $30 on the day of party (based on availability at Welcome Center). Get your tickets today at Disney Sports Travel or at theBolt Ticket Store it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!

You probably want to know "Are there medals???"

What awards are given to the runners competing in the Disney Cross Country Classic?  A: Trophies will be given to the top three (3) athletes and top three (3) teams in each team race (high school, college, and middle school). In each race, individuals placing 4-10 in will receive a medal. For the Open Race, trophies will be given to the top three (3) male and female athletes and individuals placing 4-10 will receive a medal. A first place team trophy may be added for the Open Race if there are sufficient team registrations for the Open Race.

I did a web search and discovered that past medals look like this:

So, okay - you have to be pretty fast to snag a medal.  But still, there really is something magical about lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement (or trail) when you are on property. Since we are heading down to WDW this weekend, we won't be able to make this event next week.  But, for locals, and any other runners that find themselves there next week, it's definitely worth checking out!


Have you ever run this event?

Did you happen to catch the cool Mickey Mouse trophies in the video?

Did you ever do any of the many youth athletic competitions at ESPN WWOS?

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2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Registration! Are you in?

Today is the day.  The day registration for runDisney's 2015 Walt Disney Marathon weekend opens up to the general public.   

DisneyGroom:  

It has been said that "Pain is Temporary and Pride is Forever". 

It must be true, because it looks like I will be running the Dopey Challenge once again. 

Remember this guy?

Me neither.

I finished the Inaugural Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon) this January.  I was tired, but injury-free, so naturally I immediately began thinking about Dopey in 2015.  However, this does mean another summer of long training runs, weekends devoted to back-to-back runs, and weeknight training sessions.  It also means the longest and toughest training period will peak around Christmastime. 

Last year I created my own training plan. But this year, I'll be following Jeff Galloway's Dopey Challenge plan.  Note: Jeff Galloway’s training plans are already available for WDW Marathon Weekend.  They have never failed me - so whether you are a newer or experienced runner, the plans are worth checking out.

Next January, I will try to spend more time enjoying the Disney Parks in between races.  I'll be the first to admit, I was dull and boring during Marathon Weekend this year.  I was just focused on finishing Dopey.   Now, with one successful Dopey under my belt, this time around I plan to spend more time enjoying the parks, restaurants, and meet-ups. 

Early registration (for Annual Passholders and DVC members) opened up this past week for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  DisneyBride got us both signed up.

Looking forward to seeing my runDisney friends in January.  Perhaps this time, Buzz Lightyear will make an appearance.  If you haven't read my Dopey Challenge blog posts, they are available here.

DisneyBride:

With so many races available in Florida year-round, it gets difficult to choose.  Not this time.  I just loved the Inaugural Walt Disney World 10K this year, so coming back in January was a very easy decision to make.  Plus, I have to be here anyway to support my Dopey!

The temptation of another Minnie medal proved too much to resist.  This past January, I only ran the 10K, but for 2015, I've signed up for the 5K as well.  This is because I've convinced a friend to make the WDW 5K her very first running event, and I'm really happy to be able to run it with her.

I've not committed to running the Half Marathon as of yet.  Volunteering at the half has been such an amazing experience these past two years, I feel inclined to go for a third time.  DG is still hoping I'll sign up for the Half, so... maybe.

January 2015 seems like such a long time away, doesn't it?

Will we see you at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?

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Day 2: DisneyGroom’s #Dopey Challenge Weekend- #DisneyFunRun5K 3.1 down and 45.5 to go!

I hate getting up early.  

I hate getting up early.  

I hate getting up early.

The alarm went off at 3:30am.  Surprisingly, I managed to remove myself from the bed.  Taking my “wake-up” shower, getting dressed, and eating my pre-run breakfast all went pretty quickly.

We managed to catch the first bus at 4:15am.  It was not the Death Star I was hoping for, but it did a great job of getting us to the start.  

This is the 1st runDisney event that I have run that did not have any pre-race characters, and wasn’t started by Mickey himself.  

I did manage to run into Russ (@RussRunsAbita), so he got the 1st awesome selfie.  Hopefully there are many more to come.  

I piled into Corral E and waited for the start.  I am a solidly middle of the pack runner, but I now have more appreciation for those at the back of the pack.  Soooooo many runners ahead of you and the lines for all the characters seemed longer than the line for Toy Story Mania.  So I took a page out of my sister-in-law's book and photo-bombed Dopey.  

Again, notice how awesome my selfies are.  

I did manage to get a couple of good photos along the way.  

Michelle from the Mickey Miles Podcast

This woman Wins for Best Spectator Sign Ever

Mile Markers

Buzz Lightyear- (Sid Busch) If I can’t run as a Space Ranger, I’ll get my photo with one

Spaceship Earth- Still not the Death Star

Phone Booth- DisneyBride and I did that at last years Family Fun Run 5K, so I had to keep the tradition going

Some random dude FISHING in the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon!

Volunteer that gave me my medal

Finish Line Character photo with Pluto- Recognizing my greatness

The course did seem less crowded than in the past.  They seemed to allowed more time to pass between corrals.  This was helpful.  It was not the wall to wall people that I was afraid of.  The first tenth of a mile and the last two tenths were the only areas that seemed to back up.  

After crossing the finish line I ran into Erin @Lovedisneyrun of For the Love of Disney Running.  She gets the honor of being featured in a selfie.  

The line to pick up your Dopey band stretched on for what seemed like forever.  The line did move very quickly, however a wider path may have allowed runners to notice the stream of volunteers waiting to band everyone and allowed the first couple of volunteers to breathe.  I imagine this will be much easier with the upcoming races as we will have more time to spread out and finish at different times.  

I grabbed a Powerade, a water, and my box (still hoping for post race Tonga toast) and headed to catch up with DisneyBride.  

Back at the resort - DisneyBride got breakfast and magnanimously gave me her bacon. That is love.

Takeaways

I did head out of the gate too fast.  I did remember to slow it back down at about mile 1.  

I don’t like zig-zagging around people.  It makes the race seem much longer.

I do like passing people.  It is not something I get to do often.  

I am feeling pretty good.  Let’s hope this keeps up.

I am heading to volunteer at the expo.  (Most likely packet pickup.) I will tweet my location.  Feel free to come by.  See you tomorrow at the 10K.

-@Disney_Groom

My 2014 Walt Disney World Weekend Recaps:
Day 5: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Marathon
Day 4: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Half Marathon
Day 3: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Inaugural 10K
Day 2: DisneyGroom’s #Dopey Challenge Weekend: The Family Fun Run 5K
Day 1: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Expo

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