Recap: 2014 runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler

Let me start this recap with a couple of things you should never do just before a night race.

• Don't schedule a fundraiser the morning of the race.  
• Don't schedule that fundraiser 300 miles from the race. 
• Don't check into your hotel at 5:00pm. 
• Don't run without any rest at all. 

DO let your spouse/partner/BRF talk you into a last minute race. 

Ok, the weekend may not have had the most ideal beginning. But we had so much fun at the 2014 runDisney Tower of Terror 10Miler and Villains Bash, that all that was quickly forgotten.

Do get dressed up.  It should come as no surprise, I was dressed as Buzz.  DisneyBride tried to put together a Tron Legacy costume for me, but we had no idea finding reflective tape would be so difficult.  So my good ole stand-by just happened to be available for race day.  One day I will be an old man, and I will look back at all my race photos and not know which race was which - since I am dressed as Buzz in half of them.  ha ha.

I also strapped on my NoxGear Tracer 360 vest.  If you recall, DisneyBride wore the light up vest during her 5K and 10K events during Princess Half Marathon weekend this year.  With the Tower of Terror 10 Miler starting at 10pm and the after party continuing until 3:30am, it wouldn't be a bad idea to assist my visibility.  As it turns out, a lot of runners had the same idea, and I spotted several NoxGear vests on the course.

If it's not readily apparent, the ToT trip was a very last minute addition to the race calendar.  I didn't even get a chance to check out the road closures.  Thankfully, runDisney had plenty of traffic signs to detour us to WWoS.

After a quick bus trip from WWoS to Hollywood Studios we arrived at the race.  The starting area always has a really cool atmosphere.  The DJ got everyone pumped up, playing "What does the Fox Say?" --- perhaps one too many times for me  (DisneyBride still can't stop singing it three days later) and also they also did a good job making announcements to make sure all the runners get to their corrals in time.

The obligatory 'Portapotties in the Background' race pic. I take my DisneyBride to only the classiest places.

This starting area seemed far less crowded than previous runDisney events.  The official results show 9389 finishers - and the word is that there were 800+ runners swept.  So with less than 11,000 starting (half the size of the WDW Half and Princess Half) this felt much smaller to me.  

We've made so many 'runDisney' friends, we can never catch up with all of them.  And we are very sorry to have missed seeing some of our blogger friends, including Meranda, Pam & Christine, and Kimberly - to name just a few. However, we were fortunate to catch up with several of our running friends before the race and even to make a few of the pre-race photo meet-ups.  

Look! I found @DopeyRunr

There was a bit of a hike from the corral to the starting line, but soon enough we were off, and I was running my first ToT race.  The weather was great; not a drop of rain (it had been forecasted to pour cats and dogs all week) and the temperature was great (felt like high 60's).  Apparently, the temperature has been an issue in previous years.  RunDisney prepared for the heat this time. In addition to water and Powerade at the start and finish line, the course had 7, yes seven fluid stops, plus cool wet towels at the finish. 

The race was packed with pretty cool theming.  It seemed like at least every mile they had some sort of character, DJ, or creepy giant spider on the course. 

The lines were not bad at all - so I stopped for quite a few characters. 

I asked Jafar where his parrot was --- that didn't go over well...

Sure, you're powerful and come with your own army, but DisneyBride is the Queen of My Heart. Sorry, not sorry!

Hook told me a joke.  He isn't a bad guy really. Just cranky about losing a limb. Wouldn't you be?

A little ditty about Jack and Di...errr  SALLY!



ZOMBIES!!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!

My only complaint about the characters- no Zurg. 

Seriously though, WHERE IS ZURG???

I didn't see him on the course or at the "Villains Bash". 

I guess he is hiding, since this is what happened last time we met.

The offroad portion (or trail) into the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex has caused some runners issues in the past.  DisneyBride had warned me that it was pretty dark last year and she convinced me to wear a small headlamp (it was clipped to my visor). RunDisney actually provided plenty of lighting along the path this time, and never did I need the headlamp or any additional light.
 

I had hoped that they would have used the space in WWoS to have the Headless Horseman or perhaps some roaming zombies.  Just seems like the fields and the track could have been used for characters. 

This is past the halfway point of the course, and the Grave Diggers were on hand - ready and willing to bury any runners who couldn't finish the race. 

It's okay... I'm not really dead.  Don't collect the life insurance yet, DisneyBride!

Following the WWoS, you make your way back to Hollywood Studios.  The last mile or so of the course leads you through the very short portion that is actually in the park.  I enjoyed running through Hollywood Studios, and only wish there was a way to increase the portions that we do run.

It was nice seeing Lotso outside of Toy Story Mania! 

Do you hear banjos? (Let's see how many of you get this...)

I told Lotso to save me a spot in the queue.  But he didn't.  Don't trust a bad guy.

As pointed out by @dopeyrunr, Lotso did NOT smell like strawberries.

The backstage finish at the Tower of Terror is great.  You get a great view of the hotel and the ToT sign as you approach.  I wish I had stopped to take a finish area pic with my medal.  I guess I need to add that to the "to-do" list for my next ToT race.  The ToT medal with the moving elevator may just be the coolest in my collection.

 This guy gave me my medal. We just love our race volunteers!

And speaking of volunteers, after crossing the finish line, I bumped into a few running friends helping out at the event. Caitlin from the Magic Milers was working the finish area for Trackshack, and Elizabeth (pictured)  was handing out bananas.

After collecting my snack box (still waiting for Tonga Toast to be offered at the finish line by the way- ahem), I hiked my way over to the Villains Bash after party. 

DisneyBride will post a recap of the Villains Bash.  The highlight for me was I was able to ride Toy Story Mania (with only a 15 minute wait!!!) and I was champion of my car.  That's a win in my books. 

We hung out with our friend and fellow Seminole fanatic, Avery

I really enjoyed this night race - a lot more than I expected.  Count me in for 2015! 

Some takeaways

• Bring a REAL camera- the pics I took on an actual camera came out WAY better than my iPhone photos that you might have seen on my instagram feed.
• Pay attention when the course makes sharp turns.
• Make sure to stop for pictures.  The lines do move much faster than you expect.
• Enjoy the after party. A lot of runners just go back to their resorts and crash.  You missed HALF THE FUN!
• Unless you are an elite, this is not a race about finish times and PRs.  If you are in front of the Balloon Ladies - you are fine.  If you do get behind them, try your best to not to let them out of your sight.
• Don't eat a big meal immediately after the race.  Don't stuff your face with greasy fries for your post race meal.  The giant turkey leg was my first choice, but that quick serve place was closed. boo!  
• Do ride Toy Story Mania. 
• Do ride Tower of Terror (I did fight it at first, but I'm glad I did).  Did have some major regrets about the aforementioned greasy fries though.
• Nap a few hours before your night race. If you can't nap - then hydrate more than usual.  If you can drink caffeine, then have some right after the race, so you can enjoy the rides!
• Sleep in the following day.

Have you done a night race?

What are some of your takeaways?

-DisneyGroom 

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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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Review: Manitoba Harvest Pro70

These past several months, I've begun to pay a lot more attention to what and when I eat and how it affects me throughout the day. Not just out on a run, but at work and at home.  I drink protein shakes as either a meal replacement or as a supplement on days with long training runs. 

I'm perpetually on the hunt for something that is healthy, satisfying, and tastes good.

There are four factors I had to consider:

• First of all, I have a sensitive stomach. And running will often trigger it. 
  
  

I know what I can have during my runs: coconut water or plain water to drink, Clif Shot Blocks for fuel.  Anything else is a gamble.  But for a long while, I was still working out what is the best thing to have before a run.

•  Second, I can't run (or function at all) on a completely empty stomach.  But some mornings a banana or a toasted English muffin with nut butter is just too much food.  A shake or a small protein-packed snack is what I need.

• Third, I've embraced a plant based diet. And I don't think I've ever felt better.  Plant-based eating is a diet focused around plant foods: fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.

This also means zero animal products: no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, gelatin, or other animal by-product.  As a long-time vegetarian (20+ years), I don't miss meat, but I was unprepared for how great I felt eliminating dairy and eggs.

• Four, I don't have a lot of time - but I don't want breakfast from a drive-thru either.  As much as I would love to whip up pancakes from scratch every morning, it isn't going to happen.  Now, a lot of  my Disney Princess fantasies have come true, but the forest creatures doing the cooking and cleaning?  I'm still waiting for that one...  So, yes - ease of preparation is key.
  

Manitoba Harvest recently partnered with Fit Approach's Sweat Pink Ambassador team, and I was one of the lucky ones to receive a sample of their Hemp Pro 70 protein powder.  I got two flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla.  It's no secret I love chocolate - so I wanted to try this one right away.

But before I tore into my samples, I asked myself does this fit all of my criteria above?

A quick perusal of the Manitoba Harvest turned up this:

Choose HempPro 70 if….

• You’re an athlete looking for a pre or post workout protein shake.
• You’re experiencing bloating and/or an unsettled stomach from other protein powders.
• You’re used to a whey protein and curious to try a plant-based protein powder, such as hemp.
• You want nutrition on the go! HempPro 70 is the only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market. This means you can literally throw it in a shaker cup with some water and take it with you on the road.
• You’re looking to add extra protein to your diet. HempPro 70 has 20 grams of protein per 30 gram serving - our highest protein powder option.

Yep - that fits all my criteria, and then some!  So I decided to make something really simple with my samples.

Three ingredients:

• Rice Milk, 6 oz.
• Chia Seeds (whole, not ground), 1 heaping tablespoon
• Hemp70 chocolate powder, one serving

Directions:

1) Pour into two or three small reusable containers. 

2) Refrigerate overnight.

No need to blend - HempPro70 is water-soluble, remember?

The next morning, you have a chocolatey superfood treat with enough protein to fuel you through lunch.

Yes, that's it.  Doesn't get any easier. 

Learn more about Manitoba Harvest and their hemp protein shakes at the following links.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Youtube

Google +


Also, if you order either the chocolate or vanilla Hemp Pro 70 from the Manitoba Harvest website, use the code:  SWEATPINKPRO70  for 20% off your order.

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received.  Through my affiliation with Fit Approach, I received product from Manitoba Harvest in exchange for this review. Regardless, this blog only recommends products or services we 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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How We Beat the Blerch (Virtually)

So this past weekend, there was a highly anticipated race: the Inaugural Beat the Blerch Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K in Carnation, Washington.  Originally planned to be a marathon, the interest was such that a half and a 10K event were added in the planning stages.  Then, the race sold out in record time - faster than a runDisney event - kind of record time, so a second day was added.  And that sold out in record time.  And a virtual race option was added - and that allowed Blerch fans far and wide to participate. 

Disney race events are, of course inspired by cartoon characters.  Similarly, the inspiration behind the Beat the Blerch event is a character from an online comic.  The Oatmeal is a popular digital comic by Matthew Inman.  One of the cartoonist's recurring themes is endurance running, based in part on his own experience taking up the sport.  A central character in the comic is "The Blerch" - a fat little cherub that follows you when you run. The Blerch "represents all forms of gluttony, apathy, and indifference".  For the whole story, you can find Inman's epic comic here.

The impish Blerch has been embraced by the running community. This is due in no small part to the hilarious nature of the comics themselves, but also to what the Blerch represents - the little devil on your shoulder:  tempting you with fatty, salty, sugary snacks, and encouraging laziness.

We were unable to get to Carnation, Washington for the Beat the Blerch race.  But we were thrilled when a virtual run option became available. This allowed us to Beat the Blerch, right in our backyard.  We were not the only ones in Tallahassee to sign up. We found a Facebook event for a locally organized Blerch run. It would be run on Sept 20th - the same day as the actual race in Carnation, Washington.

Race day approached and our packets arrived: tech shirt, stickers, magnets, a 'squeezeball' Blerch, a bib, and a really adorable Blerch medal.  Because we would be missing out on the cake, Nutella, and other snacks at the Inaugural event, they even included gummi bears and cupcake lipbalm - so we wouldn't feel completely left out.  As far as virtual runs go, this was excellent swag.

Race day arrived and we set out to meet our fellow Beat the Blerch runners.  As we arrived at the designated trail, a child's birthday party was being set up in the adjacent playground.  You know birthday parties mean one thing:  Birthday Cake!    The Blerch was hard at work here: encouraging us to do a run by and snag the cake. But in the end we decided against it.  But only because we brought our own!

mmmm CAKE!

The organizers laid out three courses: a 5K, 10K and a 12K.  There were no other takers on running a half (or full)  so I decided to run the 12K. The routes were all well marked on one of our favorite trails: Lafayette Heritage Trail at Tom Brown Park.  

   

Before the start, (in true Blerch fashion) they told us cookies would be available at the finish.  DisneyBride and I had brought some Blerch-approved fuel/recovery snacks to share.  I didn't fuel with one, but I did have a Zinger at the finish later, and it was delicious.  

Our puppy, Magnus the TrailDog made his race debut!  He ran with DisneyBride and she said he had fun.  Perhaps a bit too much as he was extremely excited to run with a bigger group than usual.

The organizers were kind enough to have a timer at the start/finish area. They also provided a water station at the 2.5K mark. Having course support like this was fantastic! 

Super awesome Blerchy touch from the organizers: at the turnaround for the 5K, they kept telling everyone they had run enough and we should just stop running.  They also notified us that they would be happy to give everyone a ride back to the cookies at the finish line.  Why run when cookies are waiting to be eaten?

Magnus enjoys the aid station

DisneyBride ran with our friend Michelle.  They covered 4.5 miles of the trail.  Since I am in the middle of training for the 2015 Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles of runDisney awesomeness), I had planned back to back training runs this weekend.  Of the three distances offered I decided to run the 12K, which would pair nicely with the 13 mile run the following day.  This Beat the Blerch virtual was a great way to get in some back to back runs.  I had some blistering from my shoes, but other than that, I crossed the finish line feeling pretty good, and of course - hungry for cookies and cake.



More Snacks! More Snacks! More Snacks. 
Who is that on my shoulder?

This is most of the group from Saturday, a few of the 5K runners finished early and are not pictured here.

Beat the Blerch - Tallahassee Edition

After we finished up at the park, we headed to lunch with a friend.  

Blerch Bling was proudly worn.  Cold beverages were enjoyed.

 And yes, DB even got me my very own  magical purple drink. 

We have heard that Beat the Blerch is expanding next year to the East Coast, so we are keeping an eye out for that.  If not, it would be great to run with the group again next year.  I may even come up with a Blerch suit to wear.

See you on the trails!
~ DisneyGroom

Are you a fan of The Oatmeal?

What is your favorite post-race snack?

Have you ever run a virtual race?

 

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Kicking it off with The Color Run

 

 

We are kicking off our fall running events with The Color Run!

 

 

Here we are at the "Yellow" station. 

A year ago, we attended our first The Color Run event.  We ran with friends and you can see by the end result - we had a great time! 

Amy, DisneyGroom, DisneyBride, Chaney

We had so much fun, we plan to run again this Saturday, September 13th, in Tallahassee! 

By now, most of you know what a color run event is, but here is the rundown.

The Color Run™ is known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet.  The event is an 5K (3.1 miles) fun run event.  The event is untimed - so whether you race your friends or walk the course with your kids - you are guaranteed a good time.   There is nothing but smiles and laughter at The Color Run.

 

Everyone is welcome! Kids ages 6 and older must register and get  their own bib. Kids 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register.

This year, they have added the Kaleidoscope Tour and there is some pretty cool swag to be had.  Yes, race participants get these goodies in their registration packets.

 
As always, expect a cool finish line party with dancing, music, snacks, and some neat giveaways.   Also be sure to keep an eye out for the famous The Color Run  Runicorn!  Yep, a running unicorn.  I spotted him last year sending off our corral and then later, leading a dance-off on stage.  Yep - Runicorn has some serious moves.
 
 

 
 
 
Hmm... what else....
 
 
The Color Run will provide you with a white tee - but feel free to be creative with your outfits   -  I wore angel wings last year and DG wore a big sombrero.  Since you will get blasted with color - a white outfit will get you the maximum results.
 
 
Find a The Color Run event near you and sign up here.


Save a few bucks:

• Enter COLOR5OFF  to get $5 off your registration.  Code is valid in any city that is not sold out. 
• Register for a team of 4 or more and save $5 on each registration. Add the Promo Code COLOR5OFF and save $10!

 

Other questions?:  Check out the FAQs here: http://thecolorrun.com/faqs/

Follow The Color Run on social media
 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecolorrun

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/thecolorrun/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheColorRun

 Instagram: http://instagram.com/thecolorrun/

 Google+: https://plus.google.com/+thecolorrun/posts
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thecolorrun

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We  received complimentary passes in exchange for this post. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we 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.”

Will you be running a The Color Run event this fall?  If you are in Tallahassee, please say hello when you see us this Saturday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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