Wednesday, October 9, 2013

#tot10miler Race Recap

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

FUNNEST.RACE.EVER well so far for me anyways. This race also a bunch of "firsts" for me

1. First time I have ever dressed up for a race

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2. First time I have ever run a night-time race

3. First time running a Disney Race

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4. First time I have "stopped" during a race - on purpose (more on this below)

5. First time ever running with my phone, so that I could take some pics to capture the experience

It's no secret that when it comes to running, I'm kinda a turtle, so going into this race I decided I was going to run the whole thing, but that I would also take the time to enjoy all the festivities along the race!

So let's start at the beginning. Once we had checked in on Friday in the hotel lobby there was a sign posted with some info for us about transportation etc. for all the various race related activities that were going on. We learned that the last pick-up at the hotel was going to be 8pm, so we decided that we would head out to catch the bus around 7:30pm. The transportation was clearly marked everywhere for the race and ran continuously - we never had to wait more than 1-2min for a bus. We arrived at the Hollywood Studios parking lot pre-race party just before 8pm. When we arrived there were HUGE line-up's to what we wondered?!? Turns out there were various backdrops that you could go get your picture taken in front of - we decided to skip these lines, and take a little tour to get a lay of the land. Everything at the race was very clearly laid out and marked with signage that was easy to see. First up we headed over to the bag check area. Before you could hand your bag over to be checked there was security going through all of the bags and belongings. Since we arrived in plenty of time before the race there were no line-ups for us at all at the bag check. Next we went to check our one of the most important race requirements...the porta-potties

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This was just one area of about 3 that we counted - I'd say they had planned well ;)

Next we checked out the corral area -

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Grabbed some water and then decided to head over to where the DJ was. After kinda standing at the back of the class we decided to throw caution to the wind and join in on the dance party that was going on. The DJ was awesome! He was playing great music, and he also doubled as our dance instructor - as he had moves to teach us for every song. The dance party was a lot of fun and a great way to pass the time (since we had to be there so early).

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Once we were completely soaked in our own sweat (before we have even begun our run...lol), we headed over for one last glass of water and a pit-stop. We had to be in our corrals at 9:15...45min before race time. What?!? We thought that this was somewhat of a suggestion, but no you did in fact need to be in your corral by then, because starting at 9:15pm and starting with corral A they shut the corral gates...if the were suppose to be in A and you arrived after it was closed - you had to go in the next "open" coral. It turns out that the reason this herding of cattle started so early was because we were not at the start line of the race...so corral by corral they led us down a large chute to the start line

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The wheelchair division began 1st, 5min later corral A was off and running, and then every 2min after that the various corrals would toe the start line. Each and every time a different corral started fireworks exploded to signal their go time!

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Although it was 10pm and the sun was not out...it was super humid

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It was clearly marked in our race guide that approx. every 1.5miles there would be water stations - so I had already told myself that I would make sure to stay well hydrated by grabbing some water at each station. Not only did they have large stations set-up, but they were also set-up on both sides of the road. I thought this was great as it meant that there was a parting of the sea and if you didn't want to stop you could run through the middle.

At first a lot of the race was Disney "highway" running with a couple parking lots thrown in, but then we also did a little "trail" run though some bushes (not quite sure where we were at that point), they had huge flood lights do that you could see the loose ground below your feet, and then we also got to run through Disney's Wide World of Sports, around the track and then we also ran the baseball diamond - that was a neat experience, as I had never been there before.
But what does everyone come to Disney for - the entertainment of course! And the race course was no exception - they had a few dj's out pumping tunes, and then we can't forget about all the "villains"

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And finally we made our home stretch through the streets and sets at Hollywood Studios

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Here is where you got that burst to finish strong as the streets were lined with spectators cheering you on!

After earning our race bling…

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…and receiving our water and snack box, what was to come next was truly the WORST part of the race...but what you say?!? You thought the race was over...well me too, until you discover you are literally another 5miles away (all up hill) to the family meet-up spot...ok maybe I'm exaggerating a little....but it was a super far walk, when all I wanted to do was sit for a minute (or 60). This is when I started not feeling too hot. By the time I found my other 2 partners in crime I kinda felt like death

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After a change and a throw-up (you are welcome for all the details) in the bathroom - it was time to hit the post race party. We headed back to the Toy Story ride. I decided to sit this one out, although I was feeling much better I knew this ride spun you around quite quickly, and I just didn't want to chance it. So I had a little lie down while Mike and Rhoda got their game on

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Now I was feeling back to normal, so we headed to the Rock N Roller Coaster - this time Rhoda decided to sit out, and Mike and I headed on the ride

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By the time we finished it was 3am and we all decided to call it a night!

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My first Disney race experience certainly did not disappoint - and I cannot wait until my next one in January!!!

What was your funnest race?

16 comments:

  1. Sounds fun except for the long walk to the meet up and the throwing up part - glad you bounced back quickly!!!

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  2. Does look like a good time...sorry you were feeling icky at the end but ya know it happens! I need to get out to Disney for a race!!

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  3. Kim - I think the walk back was so much worse than the run itself...lol

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  4. You won't be disappointed! They are well orgainzied and a lot of fun!

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  5. Amanda - TooTallFritzOctober 9, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    I've been watching all the TOT pics/tweets, etc and it looks like such a fun race! I love the 10 mile distance. However, I'm afraid that I would want to race the 10 and would miss out on the experience. Better to just live vicariously thru all of you!
    If your coming to Chicago this weekend, I'll see you on SAT (I'll be with Katie - Ice Cream to Marathon).
    And I'm running Dopey in January!!

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  6. cori @olivetorun.comOctober 9, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Can we start by saying how adorable you are. Blaaaaaaaaaah to the sick part though :( I got sick and threw chunks during the Chicago Marathon- not so fun so I feel ya!

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  7. Skinny Runner said after running her 1st Disney Run...that you sign up for the fun and expereince of the race - so going into it that it what I decided to do - I'm glad I did!
    ...and yes all three of us, and our kiddos will be there! I am looking forward to our froyo date on Saturday!

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  8. Awe shucks - thanks Cori (insert blushing)...yeah it was weird - I have never felt so good during a run - and then like crap as soon as it was over - another 1st for me (and hopefully a last)

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  9. Amanda - TooTallFritzOctober 9, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    Exactly! If you want to bust out a fast 10 miler, don't bother spending the $$ for the Disney "experience". Kinda why I'm doing Dopey, to just enjoy it and soak up the experience.
    I'll have my lovelies out for FROYO too. Hope they don't kick us out. :o)

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  10. Have you been to that Pinkberry before?

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  11. Amanda - TooTallFritzOctober 9, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    Ummmmm no, I'm really much more of a beer drinker than a FROYO eater. I'm sure it will be amazing though!

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  12. Oy, I dont remember the last time I was out until 3 AM.


    Looks like a ton of fun, love all the photos too! I really like that medal too, definitely different than most, but I suppose disney medals are good like that (I haven't run disney but I have seen a ton of their medals).


    P.S. I think my favorite picture is you and the Hyenas from Lion King.. I dont know why it is...but super cute!

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  13. You are so adorable!! The pic with the mice/rat looking things is my fav. And don't tell me Disney made you sick. Oh no. I'm happy to hear you bounced back quickly.

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  14. 3am?? ouch! sounds like a fun time though! I have only done one race, and it was too sunny and hot lol

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  15. 3am is no big deal, unless that's when you normally wake up. Yes, I'm looking at you Declan...
    Michelle was suggesting maybe doing RnR Chicago...I told her it was a hot one, remember reading your post on it.

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  16. Sounds like the perfect race!! Love the recap and your costume was perfect! A dream of mine would be so run a Disney race. Maybe one day??

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