Running Renaissance: Road to Paris 2024

[GollyGadget]

WDW Marathon Weekend Recap Pt 1 (Pre Race Day)
Hi y’all! I survived! It’s been a minute so I’m going to do my best to recap the weekend but feel free to ask questions if there’s something you want to know that I didn’t cover!

3 Jan - Easy 4 + strides + Hollywood Studios
First full day in Florida! The plan was to work in the AM and hit the parks in the afternoon. I snuck in an easy 4 before work around the neighborhood. I was feeling good so did some strides and even those felt good. Really built up my confidence heading into the race.
We went to HS after lunch and the crowds were insane. We had genie+ so we could ride RnR before its refurb. We also managed slinky dog, beauty and the beast, muppetvision, Mickey & Minnie, star tours and fantasmic. We got to F! about 45 min before the show which I thought was waaaay too early but we had nothing better to do since g+ was out for the day and all the lines were over an hour wait. It was not too early!!! We were seated in the second to last section. I always sit in the back so I can make a quick exit but we decided on the second row and the show was so much better from down here!!



It did take us over 30 minutes to exit but I’ll still probably pick the front in the future.

4 Jan - Expo Day
Last year, I went to the expo during the mad rush of opening morning. Partially because my mom needed to get her 5K bib and partially because I wanted to experience the chaos. It was chaos that I will now avoid so we went after work the second day. There were no lines for anything except the character meets and we were in and out in an hour. Obviously I missed out on some merch, but I’m not much of a merch person anyway.
I did take a few obligatory photos and crossed my fingers that painting my toenails blue was not a bad omen



5 Jan - Easy 3 + Magic Kingdom
The plan here was a warm up, a marathon pace mile or 2, and then cool down. Much to my surprise my “marathon pace” was ~9:30 (much slower than expected, I was aiming for 9) and my right IT band was GRUMPY. I cut out the 2nd MP mile and jogged back home. This made me a bit more nervous about the upcoming race. I was still confident that I would finish but had no idea what pace or how much pain I would need to handle.

We visited Magic Kingdom after a morning of work and the crowds were still insane but MK handles them a bit better. I don’t remember what all we did but I know we skipped the people mover because the line was over half an hour. Fortunately, the country bears never have that problem. We had a full theater and everyone was clapping along. There was even a little girl singing along to every song . It was a great send off for the show for me.
Since it was so crowded, I decided to try the fantasyland view for the fireworks. Obviously this is not the best view, but we had space and there was a guy directing us to look at the castle or behind us for the explosions. I have zero regrets about the choice and enjoyed being closer to the pyrotechnics.



6 Jan - Animal Kingdom
As is tradition, I visited AK the day before the marathon. This is a park that I can be “done” with by afternoon so I never feel compelled to stay out longer than I should. Apparently I took zero photos but we did almost everything including saying goodbye to bugs life (more like good riddance ) and dinosaur. I skipped FoP because it makes me nauseous and is not worth the wait.
Then it was time to prep for the big day. I got all my gear together and even took a photo . Once I was confident that I didn’t forget anything, it was time to get some sleep.


Up next: race day!

 

[azrivest]

more like good riddance

This made me laugh

 

[nancipants]

I just got those Janji shorts for Christmas and I love them so much!

 

[GollyGadget]

This made me laugh

Turns out there was a reason I had been skipping it for the last two decades! It’s all scare tactics and no redeeming qualities.

I just got those Janji shorts for Christmas and I love them so much!

They’re the best! I have two pairs. Easily the best (and most expensive) running shorts that I’ve ever owned.

 

[jmasgat]

Turns out there was a reason I had been skipping it for the last two decades! It’s all scare tactics and no redeeming qualities

But….but….watching/listening to all the little kids freaking out? Singing the song? “And if all bugs were wiped off the face of the planet, there’d soon be no humans around here to man it” Totally worth it.

I will admit that depending on what they do, a Zootopia attraction would be great.

 

[Naomeri]

Since it was so crowded, I decided to try the fantasyland view for the fireworks. Obviously this is not the best view, but we had space and there was a guy directing us to look at the castle or behind us for the explosions. I have zero regrets about the choice and enjoyed being closer to the pyrotechnics.

My favorite spot for “strictly pyro” viewing is outside Gaston’s Tavern. It’s closed at fireworks time, has outdoor seating, and the fireworks are like, right there!

 

[GollyGadget]

But….but….watching/listening to all the little kids freaking out? Singing the song? “And if all bugs were wiped off the face of the planet, there’d soon be no humans around here to man it” Totally worth it.

I will admit that depending on what they do, a Zootopia attraction would be great.

I don’t want to yuck your yum but I stand by what I said.

My favorite spot for “strictly pyro” viewing is outside Gaston’s Tavern. It’s closed at fireworks time, has outdoor seating, and the fireworks are like, right there!

Great tip! I’ll have to check it out next time.

 

[GollyGadget]

WDW Marathon Weekend Recap Pt 2 (Pre Race Morning)
Race day was finally here! I was excited and nervous but mostly tired. We were in an adjoining room and the party next to us were quite loud when they returned. I assume this was at a normal time of night, but since I had gone to bed at 8p with a wake up time of 2a, it felt like they were being obnoxious. Regardless, not much I could do now (will definitely be requesting a room without adjoining doors in the future).

I stumbled through my morning routine and out the door. My mom was escorting me to the start so she could catch the monorail to MK. We quickly made our way onto the first bus which was about halfway full just before 2:30. We left pretty promptly and I noticed there were at least half a dozen more buses lined up at All Star Music alone. There were even more outside All Star Sports when we passed.

Our arrival to Epcot was uneventful, just the way I like it. I ate my pop tart on the way and sipped on some Gatorade. Once we arrived and went through security, we stopped for my obligatory pre race photo in front of Spaceship Earth.



Ever since my bus got stuck in traffic in 2018, I’ve been an early arriver so I was surprised at the number of people already there. Even most of the character lines were too long for me to consider. We did stop and get a photo with goofy though because he’s one of my favs and had the shortest line.

Afterwards my mom headed for the monorail and I headed toward the Dis meet. I only made it a few steps in that direction before I realized that I did not have the social energy for talking to others so I quickly bailed on that plan and headed to the corrals l, which had just opened. I took my time and stopped for water and the potty then finally moseyed into my corral and found a spot to sit near the back along the fencing. Once there I just sat and tried to rest.

As the race neared, I ate a vanilla honey stinger waffle which was waaay too sweet for my taste. I also did some dynamic stretching and one last potty stop. I actually had to pee again but didn’t go because it was only 5 min until my corral closed and I was nervous I wouldn’t make it back in time.

Now is probably a good time to reveal my race plan: run whatever felt good, but nothing faster than 9mm in the first half. I thought that I might be able to run sub 4 but was more concerned about running the back half in misery so I wasn’t going to push it.

Since my corral was full of people with more ambitious goals, I made sure to be in the back half. The Dapper Dans sang the National Anthem and it was a delightful surprise, quintessential WDW. They were the same quartet that I saw on Main Street the Friday before and I wondered if they would get the rest of the day off. I hope they did!

In no time at all, the race was beginning and we were shuffling toward to start line. Then a lady passed in front of me with the rD tape and I learned that corral A has multiple waves . Part of me wanted to get in front of her because I wanted to start slow and a crowd can help with that but it wasn’t that important to me so I stayed put. She kept telling everyone that it was better to be behind because then you can just go at your own speed. There were a few takers that stepped back.

I did take advantage of my lucky position to get an unobstructed fireworks photo at the start but I’ll save that for the next post. Here’s a photo of all the fasties heading out before me.

Up next: The race!

 

[Scootin'By]

Once we arrived and went through security, we stopped for my obligatory pre race photo in front of Spaceship Earth.

That picture is fantastic!!

 

[GollyGadget]

WDW Marathon Weekend Recap Pt 3 (The Marathon - Front Half)

3! 2! 1! Goooooo! I was quickly swallowed up by the crowd but I was focused on not starting out too hot so I didn't mind. It was a bit disconcerting though so I wished for it to be over quickly. I would have much preferred to start at the back, or even the middle, so I didn't have EVERYONE in my wave passing me in the first quarter mile but oh well, you can't always get what you want.

From here my memory gets a little fuzzy but I've got a few highlights that I'll mention. First and foremost was running past Remy. I'm not a huge Ratatouille fan and felt no need to stop so early. However, I was running next to someone from rollDisney at this point and from their vantage point, they couldn't quite tell who the character was. The interaction went something like this:
"Is that Ratatouille?!?!"
"Yeah, it looks like it's Remy"
"Eeeeeeeeee!"
I then slowed down a step so she could make her way over to the side. I don't know if it was her excitement or my excitement that I could actually see further than someone but the whole thing brought a huge smile to my face.

Next up was Epcot and I remember thinking how crowded it was and wondering how folks in larger corrals deal with it. After a few moments, I realized it wasn't that crowded, I was just unfortunately running right next to a group of guys that were taking up most of the path and recording themselves reciting each mile (does anyone actually like that content??? Mile 1! Mile 2! So repetitive!) I tried to create some distance between us but I could still hear them recording miles until the Magic Kingdom



After Epcot, it was incredibly dark. The transition from bright park lights, to relative darkness, to bright spotlights is not kind on my vision. There was one point where I literally could not see the road. I could see that the feet in front of me weren't sinking into oblivion so I trusted that the road still existed and kept putting one foot in front of the other.

My next memory is of some weird looking duck on the side of the road. I had no idea who she was but she had no line and I loved her odd appearance so I stopped. The CM was holding a sign for friends from Chicken Little so no wonder I didn't know this duck! I've never seen the movie.



I'm sure I passed more characters on my way north but I only remember a few. There was a sign for some bears (brother bear? Big bear? I'm not sure) but they weren't out yet. I also saw Daisy which I honestly only remember because I have photographic evidence.



I definitely stopped for the potty somewhere in here as well. I'm not sure the exact order of this stretch of road but I ran over the 6 mile split where the official results give a time of 57:17. I was pleased with that. Definitely not sub 4 pace, but a good pace nonetheless.

Afterwards was the TTC which brought the energy as always. It actually seemed more densely crowded this year and I wondered if they were being restricted in where they could stand. Anyway, still loved it. Shortly after I took this obligatory photo of folks running under water



Next up was the Contemporary where a few spectators were awake and cheering. Then it was Magic Kingdom time! I was so happy to enter from the main entrance rather than some weird side entrance. It's so iconic and full of nostalgia. To make it even better, Mickey and Minnie were out cheering for us so I pulled to the side for a quick selfie.


Yeeesh, I am sweaty. Anyway, Main Street was great. I'm sure I cried . I also decided that I was going to ride Everest and just really soak in all the race had to offer. My mom was cheering for me outside of Casey's so after a quick hello it was into Tomorrowland.

I think around this point Sully was out. Like I said, my memory is fuzzy. I do remember seeing him at some point and not stopping because he's at HS all the time. It was only after the race that I learned Boo was around. I probably would have stopped if she was out. I'm not complaining at all though. I still had a great time and plenty of photo ops! I just want to share how your timing can really impact what characters you see.

We ran past Tron and I was surprised it wasn't running. I didn't expect runners on it but I missed the kinetic energy it could have provided. I think there were more characters in fantasyland but no actual idea because I didn't stop for them.

As I approached the castle, I did my best to find some space so I could get a good action shot.

Nailed it!


Nailed it again!

Side note, anyone have any running poses they love? I always do this flying thing through the castle. Most of my other running photos are me giving a thumbs up or a wave.

I made my way through the rest of the kingdom without much fanfare. Right afterward was the 10 mile mat and a time of 1:35:58. My pace was staying pretty steady, even with stops and I was still feeling good.

After this was the Poly and a few more spectators. The only thing I really remember from this stretch was a spectator who wanted to cut through the bushes and security insisting that she keep to the sidewalks/roads.

Soon enough I heard Sugar Rush and I got really excited to see Vanellope. I've never been much of a princess girl so I often refer to her as my favorite princess when asked. Much to my disappointment, all I saw was a gingerbread car. I kept running because what else was there to do?

Eventually I did see the official princess of Sugar Rush and was so glad I hadn't missed her. How dare Disney tease me like that!

For some reason the photo won't upload, so you'll just have to take my word that I got the photo

After this, it started to sprinkle a bit and it felt so good! I was happy for the rain to cool me down.

I crossed the halfway mark at 2:05:29. Incredibly consistent pacing for me and right around the 9:30 pace that I had ran as my marathon effort pace a few days before

Up next: the big finish!

 

[azrivest]

Those are two great castle ramp shots!! The benefits of being a fast runner

 

[nancipants]

Those are great photos!!! And yes, running in the later corrals sucks sometimes. Honestly one of the reasons I want to do the longer races is so there's more of a chance to spread out. Also love your description of how your feet weren't sinking into oblivion so you were pretty sure the ground was still there.

 

[flav]

Side note, anyone have any running poses they love? I always do this flying thing through the castle. Most of my other running photos are me giving a thumbs up or a wave

That would be a great question to add to a main running thread.

Concentrated and smiling, wave or hands in the air seem to be my go to with the occasional jump. DD has great thumbs up pictures. If we run together, we try to synchronize our poses and the photographer we look at.

ETA: Totally staged example

 

[GollyGadget]

That picture is fantastic!!

Thank you! I had some really good photos this year.

Those are two great castle ramp shots!! The benefits of being a fast runner

Thanks! I am very happy about them. There is a little bit of luck involved as well. I have some photos where I couldn't get out of the pack. It all just depends on the day.

Those are great photos!!! And yes, running in the later corrals sucks sometimes. Honestly one of the reasons I want to do the longer races is so there's more of a chance to spread out. Also love your description of how your feet weren't sinking into oblivion so you were pretty sure the ground was still there.

I've never ran a 5K at Disney but I have noticed there is an improvement in crowding as you go from 10K to HM and HM to full. Like your said, more time and space to spread your wings.

I'm fairly clumsy so I'm usually on the lookout for any trip hazards. Not being able to see the ground was a bit scary tbh. There weren't even road lines. It was literally just the feet in front of me bouncing back up that gave me faith the ground still existed.

That would be a great question to add to a main running thread.

Concentrated and smiling, wave or hands in the air seem to be my go to with the occasional jump. DD has great thumbs up pictures. If we run together, we try to synchronize our poses and the photographer we look at.

ETA: Totally staged example
View attachment 828266

I love this photo! it's a great pose for your costumes.

I also need character pose ideas so maybe I will ask in the running thread.

 

[Blue Caterpillar]

I think your castle photo is great! I have no tips for poses as I am struggling with that as well. And I am way to scared to jump while running and risk landing on something or someone.

 

[GollyGadget]

WDW Marathon Weekend Recap Pt 4 (The Marathon - Back Half)
Disclaimer: it’s been over a month now and my memory is not great but I’m going to give it the college try

As I approached Animal Kingdom the light drizzle turned to full on rain. This meant a few missed characters and no animals Luckily and thanks to my dad, I have a go with the flow attitude so that’s exactly what I did. The Belle running next to me did not seem as pleased.





Over the last few miles, I had waffled back and forth if I would ride Everest but now with the rain, I was fully committed. I just hoped that it was running. I kept looking and listening for any signs that it was open. I couldn’t see any but just after I ran past a gaggle of runners exited and confirmed it was open. I made a quick u-turn and headed toward the standby line. The cast member redirected me to the LL queue and as quick as I could get through the queue, I was on the ride. Bucket list


It was really raining now and sorta hurt as we whipped around but it was still very fun and memorable. No regrets!

After the ride, I hit up the Dinoland restrooms because the rain has reactivated my bladder. While in there, I decided to towel off a bit apply some nut butter that I had picked up at one of my prior races. I had really bad chafing issues last year so I knew to be prepared this time. This was definitely a life saver!

Soon enough, the rain let up. I stopped for a photo with Goofy because he’s one of my favs but my eyes are closed so I’m not posting it . The plan was for my partner to cheer for me at Coronado so I texted him that I was about a mile away. Sadly he wasn’t allowed to park so he was already at the finish. Extra sad because I later learned he had brought me a dry pair of shoes .

Anyway, nothing to do but keep going. I stopped for another photo with Chip n Dale because they are also my fav. Then it was time for tour de parking lot. I swear there were characters here last year so I was disappointed when there were none. Anna and Elsa were out shortly after and had no line. I’ve never met them before so I decided I might as well.



From here, all I could think about was getting to the chocolate stop at Hollywood Studios. I know there’s a bunch of haters out there, but I love the dark chocolate! The one downside is that I was in full chewing mode when I entered Sunset Blvd so those photos are not for sharing. As I made my way near the exit, I was so excited to see Joy that I literally leaped for joy . I love Inside Out! I got a good photo but it’s apparently too big to post so sorry about that.

Anyway, the crowd outside HS was insane. At first I thought it was for the runners but then I realized they were just waiting for the park to open . I still appreciated the cheers! And there were a good number of spectators near the skyliner.

Only a few miles left and I was feeling good. Don’t get me wrong, things definitely hurt but I was enjoying myself and confident in my finish. After the Everest detour, I set a new goal of 4:30 and I was well on pace for that.

Bruno was out on the boardwalk, a pass for me, and I was a bit disappointed when I later learned that Mirabel was also making appearances.

I spent most of Epcot just soaking it all in. In my other marathons, that Epcot stretch always seemed to last forever. I think because my brain knows the finish is at Epcot but isn’t prepared for 2 more miles. In addition to soaking it in, I also adjusted my pacing to find a nice open area for finish line photos. Somehow hulk hogan ended up in my bubble just before the finish but I was able to adjust.




Wooo! I did it!! Official time of 4:22:31, average pace 10:01. Definitely slowed a bit in the back half but amazingly my avg moving pace was 9:27 . So I guess that one marathon tempo mile in the days before really did accurately assess what I’d run.

Next up: Final thoughts

 

[Naomeri]

For PhotoPass pics that are “too big” for the Dis, I’ve found that just cropping them a little bit magically shrinks the file size enough to pass muster.

 

[RuntheMouse]

You got some really great pics! Can totally relate on the Sunset Blvd pic, I had the weirdest face going trying to conceal the chocolate!

Love that your partner thought to bring you dry shoes, bummer he couldn’t give them to you! Hopefully he got to see that awesome finish.

 

[nancipants]

Way to go! The Hulk Hogan pic made me laugh.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

Ooh, a whole car almost to yourself! Sounds like an awesome race!