I have run literally dozens of Run Disney Events, so I feel somewhat confident calling myself informed on why they’re good, why sometimes they aren’t so good, and how to make the most use of your experience.

At Wine and Dine I made a concerted effort to run FOR FUN. I didn’t even use my Garmin or my RunKeeper app (GASP!). Nope. I used no technology. Not even my music (OK, that was actually because I forgot my new iphone case needs an adapter for headphones, but still). I ran hard when I felt like it, stopped for pictures, took it all in. And had the MOST FUN I’ve ever had in a race! And yes, finished a full 11 minutes slower than my half PR.

It’s not because I don’t care about time. I absolutely do. But there are some very valid reasons that for me, Disney is NOT the time nor the place to PR or even consider doing so. So here we go.

1. The registration is expensive and much of what I’m paying for can’t be enjoyed if I’m stressed. So yeah, that. I’m paying for awesome DJ’s and lights and fireworks and characters. If all I can think about is my splits and if I’m on pace, it’s pretty hard to even see the dancing hippo on the side of the road, much less appreciate all her pink glory and her ballet moves. True story.
2. I usually have some fun Disney stuff I want to do before. If I’m obsessed about resting so I can feel my best in order to PR, I won’t have fun the day before. Disney is not the place to not have fun. Sitting at your expensive hotel in your room with your feet up is not fun.
   

   A fun breakfast at AK before the Princess Half a few years ago. I love these women!

3. I usually have some fun stuff I want to do after. If I push myself so hard that I can’t move the next day, I won’t have the energy to go do the American Idol Experience (again). If you’d like to hear that story, I would be happy to tell it. I LOOOOVE telling it. Just ask anyone who knows me. They’ve all heard it maybe 10 times. (and don’t mock me, this is all I have left of my childhood dreams of being famous)
   

   Me. Doing the American Idol Experience. After running the WDW marathon in 2013. I know, right? Best. Day. Ever. So sad it’s not open anymore!

4. Disney races are huge and typically crowded at least some of the time. It’s not terrible but it does slow me up, there’s just no question. I am frequently forced to walk or slow down due to crowding on the course and that will either stress me out (if I’m trying to PR) or encourage a nice break to take in some scenery and some great costumes running around me (if I’m not).
5. There are tons of races much cheaper and closer to home. They are sans pink hippo of any kind and therefore much  more conducive to boring activities like split checking and obsessing over my pace. And lend themselves to clearing my schedule the day before and after to get ready and then to rest. I can use them to PR and test my training.

So there you have it. I will still work on speed in my training. And I may even PR at a Disney race some day by accident. But it won’t be on purpose. I promise. I see a lot more hanging out with pink hippos in my future.

Happy Running, Disney and Otherwise!

Jen