Day 3: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 10K recap

After a very cold 5K the day before, we were extremely thankful it warmed up a little.  However, it was still a lot colder than anticipated.  So adjustments were made to our costumes.  Disneygroom added a tech sweater under his X Racewear shirt;  DisneyBride added a fleece jacket.  The 'throwaway' sweats people usually tossed at the start were worn the entire race.  Everywhere you looked, stylish running gear and elaborate costumes were sacrificed and covered under multiple layers.

Again, we caught a later bus.  The few extra minutes of sleep and staying out of the cold were extremely nice.  While I live in North Florida where it does get quite cold, I am still a South Florida boy at heart.  I have no tolerance for the cold. DisneyBride is from Washington DC originally, and she grew up with snowy winters, but years of living in Florida - she has lost all her tolerance for lower temps. 

Ready to go!

Just like the 5k, it appears that runDisney has added some more time between corrals.  I found that for the 5k and 10k, this makes for a far less crowded course.  Many people will disagree with me here, but... while no one likes to wait around in the corrals, I actually this leads to a far more enjoyable run, as it greatly reduces crowding and bottlenecks. 

Anna and Elsa from Frozen reminding us why it's cold.

The 10k course was like the Inaugural race last year.  I think this one did have a minor change, running a slightly different path through Future World before exiting the park.  Though we both started and ran separately, we found each other again once during this race.  

 Weird choice for race entertainment.

 

 Oooooooooooo! A 10K. 

Even though we just heard the fireworks signalling the start of the last corral, the sweeper buses (labeled Parade Bus) were already waiting in the same spot as last year, at Mile 2.75 

As far as we can tell, from the 2014 WDW 10K, the 2014 Enchanted 10K, and this race (all run on the same course), this was the last pickup spot.  Right after this, we are in the backlots of EPCOT, and then the course heads into World Showcase, then onto the Boardwalk, and back into EPCOT.  We haven't heard of any sweeps after that 2.75 mile mark, and there doesn't appear to be roads in the second half of the course that will accommodate a bus anyway. 

Glad to report we spotted no balloon ladies or sweepers that day.

We each stopped for a few photos in the World Showcase and the Boardwalk, but it was just too dark - and most of the phone pics didn't really come out.

DisneyBride did grab this one of The Genie though...  There was a pretty long line, understandably so. We really miss Robin Williams...  may he Rest In Peace.

From memory, the course appeared to have just about the same amount of entertainment as last year.  One really cool addition was Sports Mickey at ESPN this year.  While I was looking forward to Sports Goofy, it was really cool to see Mickey in his football gear. 

Football Mickey says "Go Noles!"

This is the from the bridge that connects the Boardwalk to the Yacht and Beach Club area.  It was foggy and misty - but no one really seemed to mind.

Heading back into EPCOT, these guys had a really long queue, but DisneyBride just had to stop for a photo. Or did she just want to flirt with Chip?  Probably both.

Look, a race!

Starship Earth at sunrise.

Finally around that last turn, the one we all know and love so well (where the choirs are singing during the half and full). These guys were there.

And at last - the finish!

 

Gotta love our volunteers!!!  Standing there for hours giving out medals to sweaty runners.  They are amazing!

DisneyBride spotted the therapy dog from the 5K again.  Once again - dog and human both dressed as Minnie Mouse, but this time in red.  Cannot get over how awesome it is that the dog had her own bib and medal!

After crossing the finish line, DisneyGroom found that runDisney was not actually verifying times or photos for Dopeys or Goofys.  Still confused about why the post-race process does not match the participants guide.  Maybe it will all be explained following the marathon?

Two Dopeys walk into a bar finish area...

We have to say - we were really impressed by our character interaction with Minnie (and all the characters we saw this weekend).  Disney does a really great job trying to make everything special and memorable - and we really have to give a shout-out to Minnie. 

She took her time with all the runners and made us all feel incredibly special.  With DisneyBride, Minnie spent a few extra moments positioning her in just the right pose for photos --- and stressing that the pinky MUST be extended to show off the medal. 



Just a few of the photos are shown here in this slideshow. The photographers actually got over seven (yes 7!) dozen photos of us here with Minnie - mostly of us laughing - as we all tried to get our medal pics just right.  That Minnie Mouse is something else.

After the race, we headed back to shower and take a quick nap before our eventful afternoon.  More on that in the next post...

Expo Recap

http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-1-disneygrooms-2015-dopeychallenge.html

DisneyGroom's 5k Recap

http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-2-disneygrooms-2015-dopey-challenge.html

Read more

2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: Cigna's Blogger Meetup & Cook Off #CignaRunsTogether

A few weeks before we left for this trip, we received an invitation from Cigna to participate in a blogger meetup/cook off.  We like the idea of an event that combines our love of running and cooking.  Not knowing what to expect, we sent in our RSVPs. 

We arrived at the event and immediately recognized many of the faces.  Not only were Disney bloggers invited, Cigna had invited several food and Disney park bloggers.  After having a few minutes to catch up with old friends and time to meet new blogger friends, our hosts spent a few minutes talking about the importance of healthy eating.  Then came the fun stuff.

We divided into several teams: There were teams preparing chicken, fish, vegetarian dishes, and a yes there was a vegan group.  I followed DisneyBride to the vegan group so that we could cook together.  

Each group was assigned an actual Disney chef to guide us.  After a few minutes talking with the chef, our team had a plan.  The chef had suggested a stir-fry using some Gardein Beefless Beef tips.  After spending some time slicing, dicing, and cooking, our dish was done. 

It got pretty exciting towards the end as we all raced to get our dishes cooked in the time allotted. Yes, it felt almost like we were on a reality cooking show.

Following the food prep, we all spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the dished prepared by the other teams and the chefs (ok, I tried the other dishes, as they weren't vegan, DisneyBride and the other vegans stuck to their dishes).  Everything came out delicious.  You couldn't tell it came from us 'amateur' chefs.
  

Chef Mickey dropped by to greet us! 



Following the meet-up we headed to Hollywood Studios to enjoy some park time before calling it an early night.  

Fortunately/unfortunately, we spent more time in the park than anticipated.  I continue to hope that spending time in the parks doesn't come back to haunt me.

Sarge wanted to make sure I was ready to run.

For other 2015 Marathon Weekend recaps see the links below.

Expo Recap: http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-1-disneygrooms-2015-dopeychallenge.html

5k Recap: http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-2-disneygrooms-2015-dopey-challenge.html

10k Recap: http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/2015WDW10K.html

Half Marathon Recap: http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/2015WDWHalf.html

Marathon Recap: http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/2015WDWMarathon.html

Read more

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.

Read more

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!

Read more

Recap: 2015 Swamp Forest Trail Half Marathon

I thoroughly enjoy running trails.   In the last few years, a local race director, Bobby York, has organized several trail races.  I ran his Summer Trail Series (recaps here and here) and had a blast. So this year, I added the Swamp Forest Trail Half Marathon to the schedule. (DisneyBride ran this Inaugural race in 2014.) This race is my last before kicking off runDisney's Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Or as us Dopeys call it:  Dopey Week.

The Swamp Forest Trail course is a 6.7 mile loop trail that I would run twice to complete the half marathon.  It is a beautiful single track trail within Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee, Florida.  The weather this day did not cooperate; the rain never seemed to stop. This made the trail very slick, portions were flooded, and mud was around every corner.  In other words, the perfect trail race.

After catching up with a few people before the race, I filled my Orange Mud Hydraquiver Vest Pack 2 with Powerade and headed to the start line.

 Local running friends- Karen and Patty

Nathan of The FotoGraphing Fat Kid

First Lap

The race starts with about a quarter mile of access road to allow the participants to spread out.  Fortunately, I have found trail runners to be very honest about their placement on the starting line.  After having a little time to spread out, we all hit the trails.  Single track trails make it hard to pass, so I skipped my intervals for about a half mile to allow a little more distance in between runners.  The rain came through in waves during the 1st lap, nothing too heavy, but always reminding you it was there.

Between the roots, mud, and pooling water, you always had to keep your eyes on the trail.  Knowing that the Dopey Challenge was just around the corner, I was extra careful during this run - watching where I stepped.  While I am normally one of the first people to wipe out on a trail run, this time I managed to make it through unscathed.

The trail was extremely well marked.  The Swamp Forest Trail has many twists and turns, and several intersecting trails.  I have been known to head out to the trails on a Sunday morning and end up somewhere completely different than my intended location.  Fortunately, it only shows you more cool places to run. Thankfully, on race day I never left the course.

About a 1/4 mile from the 2nd aid station, I came across a friend who had taken a pretty nasty spill.  She was writhing in pain and another runner had stopped to provide help.  She had caught her foot in a root and twisted her ankle pretty bad.  A couple of other runners had stopped to help as well.  It always amazes me the concern that trail runners are willing to show their fellow competitors.  It quickly became clear that she wasn't going to be able to get out on her own.  A fellow runner and I both grabbed an arm and tried to help her to the aid station.  She was in too much pain to have both of us carry her.  After a few steps, I had to give another runner my hydration pack to drop off for me at the aid station, and I had to 'fireman carry' her off the trail.  Fortunately, by this time we had someone from the aid station already working on getting an ambulance.  Fellow runners were extremely helpful in helping me avoid slipping on the trail or hitting the already injured runner's head on a low hanging branch.

The aid station happened to have a couple of volunteers who were nurses. They did what they could to make her comfortable while we waited for the ambulance.  DisneyBride was volunteering at the finish line, so I borrowed a phone from one of the aid station volunteers and called her.  I asked her to keep an eye out for the injured runner's husband (he was running this trail race also), and to notify him of her injury and where to find her.  Since it was such a wet rainy event - none of the runners seemed to have phone on them. I was too invested at this point to leave, so I stayed until her husband arrived, right around the same time as the ambulance.  After she was on her way to the ER for an x-ray, I headed back onto the trail to finish the 1st loop.

Back on the trail, I was even more careful than before.  With the rain continuing on and off, the trail was getting more and more flooded and wet.  I finished the rest of the first loop without any issues.

Finishing the 1st lap

Time 1:59

Second Loop

After waving at DisneyBride and trying to convince a couple of friends to join me on the second loop, I was off.  

The rain started to really come down.  The trail was turning into what felt like an ice skating rink.  All the runners I saw had really slowed down.  

I later learned that several full marathoners dropped down to the half, and a few of the half marathoners dropped down to the 6.5 mile loop. Yep, it got pretty bad, especially for those unaccustomed to trail running.

Finishing the race at this point was going to be all mental.  Every step had to be watched, each hill taken slowly, and each root avoided like the plague.

The Swamp Forest Trail was really living up to it's name.  After completing the second lap without any issues, I was looking forward to the finish line (the 2nd aid station did remark that they were glad to see me not carrying a runner this time).  Not only was my lovely DisneyBride waiting for me at the finish line, but this was waiting for me as well...

Moon Pies!!!

Nothing beats a post-race Moon Pie! 

Securing Moon Pie as a sponsor is just one of the many reasons our race director is awesome.

Another amazing race completed. 

Finish time: 3:38 

Next race on the #DopeyAintEnuf schedule is the the WDW Marathon Weekend 5K on Thursday.  I hope to get recaps posted daily, this may slide a bit due to spending time in the parks (you understand). 

-DG

p.s.  Our friend luckily did not have a broken ankle. She is in an aircast for a while, and expects to recover soon.

What is your first running event of 2015?

Would you complete a race in the rain?

Read more