This past weekend, I participated in my first runDisney (and first ever) half marathon race: The 2013 Tinkerbell Half Marathon. What an amazing experience it was! For a first time half-marathoner, this runDisney race was the perfect introduction to the long-distance running world – and it certainly won’t be my last! I’ll break down what to expect as you prepare for your very own first runDisney half marathon.If you’re like anything like me, the idea of running 13.11 miles may seem a bit daunting if you’ve never been much of a runner. I’ve built up my running stamina by participating in local 5K and 10K races the past two years. However, I knew my 30th birthday was looming and I wanted to take on a challenge. When registration for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon opened up last June, I read the description and instantly knew this race would be my first half marathon:
“Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure.
You can run. You can run. You can run through the Disneyland® Resort and historic streets of Anaheim, California on your way to a Fairy Finish where you will earn your “wings”. Each finisher will receive an exclusive Tinker Bell-inspired Finisher Medal”
Here are some tips from a first-timer on preparing for a runDisney race!
1. Register Early
If you’re an Annual Passholder, Disney often gives you the opportunity to register for upcoming races before the masses. As runDisney races are notorious for selling out in record time, it’s best to subscribe to their newsletter, follow them on social media, and get the jump on registration dates if you’re serious about running any runDisney races.
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| All the amazing runDisney medals you can earn! |
2. Get your Friends Involved!
I decided to run this race solo – and I sorely wish I hadn’t! Throngs of women and their close girlfriends tackled the 13.11 run together as a group, stopping for group photos and encouraging one another. If you get the chance, make sure your friends register with you and make it a team effort!
3. Follow the Proposed runDisney Training Schedule
The Tinkerbell Half is advertised as a women-focused event but there were plenty of men peppered in the mix. The most important man you’ll want to follow during your training for a runDisney half marathon is Olympian Jeff Galloway. He is the official runDisney coach and many runners (including me!) swear by his Run-Walk-Run training method. runDisney provides you with a detailed training schedule – I followed it and recovered from 13.11 miles in less than 2 days – injury-free, minimal soreness, and feeling fantastic!
4. Get into the runDisney spiritIf you’ve never run a marathon before, especially a runDisney race, be prepared for LOTS of encouragement and support!
The Tinkerbell Half (or any runDisney race for that matter) is also the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity. Costumes are strongly encouraged and not only did I see an abundance of Tinkerbells, but Peter Pans, Captain Hooks, and even Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather! I’ll admit, I had major wing and sparkle skirt envy when race day finally arrived. Make sure you put a little Disney magic into your race attire.
5. Take Advantage of the Health & Fitness Expo!
The Health and Fitness Expo is usually held the Friday and Saturday during race weekend at the Disneyland Hotel. I attended the Health and Fitness Expo the day prior to my race to pick up my packet and bib number and other various goodies. Many of the racers from the Neverland 5K had completed the race and they were browsing the expo for commemorative items.
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| Fantastic 2013 Tinkerbell Half Marathon attire |
I purchased a sparkly purple Sweaty Band to keep my hair out of my face on race day, and browsed the booths that ranged from sample sized Luna Bars to the latest running gear. It’s amazing energy and also gives racers the chance to register for Runner Tracking, where your loved ones can follow your route in real time! You also get the chance to register for upcoming races, so take advantage of your time at the Health and Fitness Expo.
5. Preparing for Race Day
The Health and Fitness Expo will provide you with the Official Race Day Program, which has all sorts of essential information you should know to prepare for race day, from where to park (Mickey and Friends Structure was open at 4:30 a.m.!) to what you should eat the day of the race. This is vital information so make sure you study it! Nutrition and proper hydration are extremely important so make sure that you’re properly fueling your body as well! Also, don’t wear anything you aren’t accustomed to or haven’t been wearing during your training.
6. Enjoy the Race
The race itself was nothing short of spectacular. At 3:30 a.m., I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, donned my Tinkerbell Half Marathon technical shirt and sparkly purple headband, and made my way to the Disneyland Resort to line up for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. Based on the estimated time I believe it would take me to finish the half marathon (2 hours and 30 minutes) I was placed in Corral D (for reference, the Corral A runners tend to be the marathoners who can complete the race at an average pace of 7-8 miles per hour). The race officially began at 5 a.m., after fireworks lit up the still dark sky and thousands of runners took off down Disneyland Drive.
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| Backstage at Disneyland at the Mile 4 mark! |
The highlight of a runDisney race is the opportunity run through the Disney parks as Disney characters cheer you on. Bring your camera and don’t be shy to stop along the route – there are plenty of photo opportunities with characters – including some that are out for Limited Time Magic (can you say The Lost Boys from Peter Pan? Priceless!)
Disneyland Cast Members doled out high fives, hundreds of volunteers kept you hydrated and motivated, and thousands of fellow Disney lovers, runners, and their family members cheering you on every step of the way. Make sure to smile big for the cameras along the route, especially at the finish line!
7. Post-Race: Wear Those Wings Proudly!For me, I finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes – 10 minutes past my goal but still such an accomplishment for me! After you’ve crossed the finish line, the runDisney folks will wrap you in a thermal blanket and give you a box of goodies to snack on as they bestow you with your Tinkerbell Half Marathon medal – a giant pair of golden wings! Pose for pictures on a “finisher” back drop and meet up with your loved ones at the Family Reunion Area. Official times and photographs are made available to you within a day or two. Congratulations! You’ve made it!
As a Disney fan and first time half-marathoner, I highly recommend a runDisney race if you decide to run your first half marathon – you won’t regret it! As for me? I’m tempted to complete the “Coast-to-Coast” challenge and run a half marathon at Walt Disney World in Florida! Stay tuned for that!
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| Homemade sign from my very own “Chear” Squad! |
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