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Category Archives: Marathon Training
Gettin’ Your Sweat On – Where To Workout at WDW
Workout? While on VACATION? To many of us, this may seem crazy, an unheard of proposition, after all, a vacation means getting to relax and do what you don’t normally get to do (like skipping the gym!). But, for those of us who like to keep up with our fitness routine even when away from home, luckily, Disney understands and gives us some options to help keep us on track!
Fitness centers – Many Resorts have on site fitness centers, most include treadmills, stationary bikes, eliptical machines, and some basic weight machines. Most of the resorts that include a gym are Deluxe Level Resort (except for Coranado Springs which is a Moderate Resort), so if you aren’t sure if your WDW Resort has a fitness center, Check This List of WDW Fitness Center Locations
Bike Rentals – I can’t think of a more relaxing way to while away an afternoon than biking through the trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground – getting to experience all the nature surrounding me while getting some exercise at the same time! Fort Wilderness is my bike rental location of choice, but there are several places to rent bikes at WDW, check them out here
Jogging/Walking Trails – There are many of these located throughout the Walt Disney World Resorts (for a location listing click here, or visit your Resort’s front desk for maps of jogging trails). What better way to experience a different side of Walt Disney World than to get up early, lace up your running shoes, and jog the 1.4 mile trail along the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – where you can continue along the extended paythway for views of the wedding chapel and the Magic Kingdom. I know, getting up early while on vacation to exercise may seem nuts, but Walt Disney World really is a different place in the mornings, quiet, serene, and peaceful, and the perfect time and place for a powerwalk or run!
RunDisney – Looking to take your exercising to the next level while vacationing at WDW? You can sign up for a runDisney race like the Princess Half Marathon, or the Tower of Terror 10 MIler Weekend. For those of you who are distance runners this is a great way to integrate the magic of disney with your love of running. And for those of you who aren’t big on running, this can be a way to get into it, to give you a goal to prepare and train for, and when the event arrives, you will get to run through the Happiest Place on Earth – and what could be better than that?
Working out on vacation is something I personally like to do, mostly because the food at Walt Disney World is so amazing that I tend to eat too much of it and need sometime to help counteract all the yummy-ness!
If the above don’t exactly thrill you, keep in mind that you may still be getting in a lot of walking while vacationing at Walt Disney World – you can walk as much as 10+ miles in one day of touring the WDW theme parks! Check out tips on how to prepare for all the walking you will be doing Here. Also, you can (and should!) make some Healthier Food Choices when eating your WDW meals, just a few small changes can make a big difference in the long run!
Related articles
- When is the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)
- Vacationing at WDW – WHEN to go? (livinginagrownupworld.wordpress.com)
Running through the World – No Pressure!
If you’ve read my previous posts about running around the world and marathon training and still don’t consider yourself athletic enough to try, I highly recommend considering running in one of runDisney’s Family Fun 5k’s.
When planning ahead for the just past 2012 WDW Marathon Weekend, I knew that I would be 25 weeks pregnant come race weekend and wanted to find an alternative to the previously scheduled half marathon. For me personally, I wanted to continue running in my pregnancy, just not very long distances. Had they offered a 10k (6 miles), I would have happily accepted, but instead, I signed up for the Family Fiesta 5k!
Themed differently for every event – even the annual races have different themes – these races are fun for all. Strollers are allowed – technically only for walking and are expected to start behind the runners – and even those in the strollers earn the medal! Like the other races, they recommend a 16 minute-per-mile pace or faster, but there were no timers and I highly doubt anyone was swept.
Early race morning, we headed to the Epcot parking lot for lots of waiting around before the race and found ourselves waiting in line to meet the Three Caballeros (the hosts)! They were friendly and smiled for the hoards of people that met up with them! We met them shortly after a quick ‘break’ so they were fresh and full of energy, even though it was probably 5:00 a.m.
The race itself is much less organized than the bigger races. Approximately 8,200 registered runners and strollers headed towards the starting line where everyone started in 2 different waves. The slightly chaotic start didn’t bother us. We enjoyed running our slow pace and headed out towards the back side of Epcot’s World Showcase.
The race goes through the entire World Showcase and ends after passing through Future World. We enjoyed stopping to meet several characters, including Mickey Mouse himself! In only 3.1 miles, the run is barely half of the average park-goer’s daily mileage. And, you finish with a great medal!
Happy running!
Related articles
- Celebrities and Wounded Veterans Join Record Disney Marathon Weekend (chipandco.com)
- Runners Set Their Sights New Features for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (chipandco.com)
Disney Marathon Training – Final Race Preparations
With Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend right around the corner, runners all around the world are finishing up their training and getting ready to start packing. Marathon Weekend officially begins on Thursday, January 5th, 2012, with the opening of the marathon expo and the races begin Friday morning with the 5k and first day of Family Fest Kids Races.
Near the end of endurance training begins tapering – shortening the distance in your long runs and allowing your body to rest to be prepared for the big race (or races, if you may be running Goofy or any other combination). Hopefully by now, you are comfortable with your shoes, running gear, and any other equipment you may need for a long race.
One good thing about Disney races is that, if you so choose, you can skip bringing your own water bottles on the race. Constantly along the race are hydration stops – both water and an electrolyte beverage- if you’re really picky, it may not be the brand you’re used to, but it can still save the hassle of wearing a belt!
Another issue with a Florida January race is weather – what to wear? Forecasts are predicting to be around 76 degrees with lows in the 50′s/60′s, but it can always be colder in warmer! Florida in January is not known for it’s predictable weather – a few years ago, the racers dealt with sleet, rain, and incredibly cold weather!
Having to be outside and lining up an hour or more before race time can cause stress of what to wear for the running – but don’t fret. If you choose, you can wear extra layers that you don’t mind donating to charity – shed them on the course when you warm up, and VoluntEARS will collect them and donate them to local charities.
Hope you’re excited for the race and maybe we’ll see you there!
Related articles
- Runners Set Their Sights New Features for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (chipandco.com)
- Running out of time to Run! (chipandco.com)
Running out of time to Run!
It’s now less than a month away from the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend 2012, and unlike the inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland, the Walt Disney World weekend still has a few available spots! If you’re a runner or are considering becoming a runner, Walt Disney World is a great place to start racing. The races are casual and you only have to keep up a 16 minute per mile pace, allowing a lot of walking if needed!
If you’re just starting running or thinking about running, make sure to check out my previous article, Starting from Scratch about how to even consider training for a race of any distance, whether 5k (3.1 miles) or going all the way to a full marathon (26.2). It may sound scary and intimidating, but running can be a very healthy and enjoyable activity for almost anyone! These races are also handicap friendly – offering an early start for those racing in the hand controlled wheelchairs.
As for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2012, the races are almost filled, but still have a few spots. Here are the current openings:
- Walt Disney World Marathon – 96% Full
- Walt Disney World Marathon Relay – 94% Full
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon – 99% Full
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – 97% Full
- Disney Family Fiesta 5k featuring the Three Caballeros – 96% Full
- Disney Kids’ Races – 95% Full
The Mickey Mile and all Kids Dashes on Friday, January 6th are sold out. Registration is still open for all dashes on Saturday, January 7th.
Following just a month later is the Princess Half Marathon Weekend – training options and spots are still available! If you’re interested in the Princess races, make sure to check out Chip and Co’s training team in conjunction with the Disney Divas. They offer support, training tips, and often giveaways to help keep us all motivated during training!
Get Active with Chip&Co / Tips from the Disney Diva!
So here you are… You’re sitting at your computer soaking up your daily dose of Disney Addiction (which we are grateful for, don’t get me wrong), wishing you could meet me (the Disney Diva) and and Chip cause we are just soooo cool…ok well maybe just me, The Diva. (ha!) Well, have I got an idea for you!
February 24-26th, 2012 RunDisney at Walt Disney World hosts its Princess Half Marathon Weekend. (Hey, I heard that GASP! Just wait a second and let me give you allll the information before you have a conniption fit) There are a FEW options for you for “races” you can participate in during the weekend. (read more about Run Disney from Chip & Co writer, Jenn HERE)
Royal Family Kids Races: (Feb. 25th, 2012 – 11:00am) Everybody wants to have healthy kids. So get them out and let them “train” with you for your race. Disney hosts races for: 12& months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers, 1-3 years old – 100m dash, 4-6 years old – 200m dash, & 7-8 years old – 400m dash. They also have a 1-mile fun run for kids 13-under (which you can run along with them). Each kid-racer gets a Disney Royal Family Kids’ Races T-shirt, Finisher medallion & Goody bag! You can register your favorite kid by clicking HERE. The 1 mile run is $25.00 and all other races are only $10.00. The races take place at The ESPN complex on Disney property.
Royal Family 5K Race: (Feb. 25th, 2012 – 7:00am) A 5K is exactly 3.1 miles, and before you even ask, No! you DON’T have to be able to run the whole way. As a matter of fact, as long as you can walk faster than a 16-minute mile, you don’t have to run at all. This race course has you running through Epcot (you can see the race map HERE). And as you run/walk you will see LOTS of Disney characters (many of them EXCLUSIVELY available for pictures at Disney Races) and cast members cheering you on. This race also has a stroller division, so you can push your little princess or pirate along the course with you. All ages are eligible to participate in the race, but they must be able to complete the race on their own (unless they are in the stroller obviously). As a part of your registration all participants get a 5K T-shirt (Unisex cut), Finisher medallion, Goody bag, Personalized bib (Must register by December 1, 2011 for name to appear on bib) & On-course and post-race refreshments. You can register by clicking HERE. The fee is $50.00 for the 5K, and $55.00 for the 5K stroller division (Ps. your little one gets their own medal too!)
Princess Half Marathon (Feb. 26th, 2012 – 5:45am) The BIG MAMA, 13.1 miles through Epcot AND Magic Kingdom! This is the race that I (the Disney Diva) will be running. First off the Princess Half-Marathon is a WOMAN FOCUSED race!!! So gentlemen, you’ll have to opt for the Royal Family 5K instead. I have seen pictures from other people who have run this race and am SO excited about all the awesome characters along the race course. I saw a photo of Prince Phillip, Prince Charming, Tarzan, Prince Naveen, and Flynn Ryder that you could stop and take a picture with. Can you say HUBBA HUBBA!! I also saw the “full cast” of many animated features as well as Cinderellas carriage. SQUEAL! Not to mention crossing something BIG off your “bucket list” and being able to do something JUST FOR YOURSELF for a change! Don’t think you can make it the whole way? Grab a friend and split the race in two with both of you doing 6.55 miles. You can register as an individual by clicking HERE. Registration costs between $140.00-$150.00 (depending on when you register) or you can register as a team by clicking HERE . Registration for the two-person group is between $280.00- $300.00 (depending on when you register). And what do you get as a part of that registration? Champion® Women’s Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt (Unisex cut available), Finisher medal (which are normally AWESOME!). Goody bag, Personalized bib (Must register by December 1, 2011 for name to appear on bib), On-course and post-race refreshment, & a Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters.
So where do Chip & Co. and Tips from the Disney Diva come in? Well, we are sponsoring a “team”. This does NOT mean we all have to run together in a pack, or anything like that. It just means you’re declaring yourself “one of us” and you’ll get a t-shirt (and hopefully some other swag) from being “ON OUR TEAM”. (and who doesn’t love a free t-shirt, answer me that!) You can be running the Half-Marathon OR the 5K to be on our team.
So now that you’re interested, how do you become “ONE OF US”? Well, first off you need to register for your race of choice and get yourself good and committed to this thing!! Then you can register to “be on our team” http://tinyurl.com/696k3lq. We’d love for you to join our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DisneyDivasInTraining and let us encourage you while you train. This will also give you a chance to build “virtual friendships” with fellow team members, making the meet up WAY more fun! Not to mention we will be doing a TON of give-aways in the weeks leading up to the races. We encourage you to follow Jeff Galloway’s 21-week half-marathon training program for the Princess for those of you running the half, (its for beginning runners!) which would mean you’d START training on Oct 4th, 2011. So sign up soon!
And how will you be getting your SWAG you ask? Well you have two options…
First off you can join us at a “Meet Up”. On the “C&C and TffDD registration” page you will see a spot where it will ask you if you would prefer to do a meet up at Port Orleans (one of the host resorts) on Thursday, Feb. 24th from 6pm-7:30pm -OR- Friday, Feb. 25th from 6pm-7:30pm. This is BY FAR the Diva’s favorite option because hauling the shirts to the races on will be the OPPOSITE of fun for me. We will let you know closer to time when the meet-up has been scheduled.
The second is, obviously, is to meet up after the race has been completed in a designated location (Where we will be taking pictures anyway!) and let me give you your “SWAG” there.
We will be taking lots of pictures, and maybe even do a little UStream for those of you who can’t make it, but we’d REALLY love it if you could be on our team and encourage you to GET ACTIVE with us! We have had many awesome sponsors come forward (more from them later) and The Diva will be doing LIVE UPDATES from the race and meet up for Sorcerer Radio.
Keep an eye out for some Get Active! GIVEAWAYS leading up to the race date. Hope you’ll join us!
