Me and My Running Friends! Aren’t we adorable;)??

I’ve now got literally dozens of Run Disney events under my hydration belt, and there are a few things that I wish I had known earlier. Most of what I discuss here I’ve said before in different ways and in different posts (you can go here to read all those!). Whether you’re training for a 10K, a half, a full, or a race series like Dopey or Goofy, there are a few things that hold true.

1. Pace yourself. No, I’m not talking about the race itself. When you’re talking about 10’s of thousands of runners and their families, crowds and lines are inevitable. And although Run Disney typically does a great job of making things as efficient as possible, the simple things like picking up your race bib (and even getting to the Expo in the first place!) are going to be exhausting. If at all possible, I like to do the Expo the day AFTER my travel day, since for me, waiting in long lines for security and to get on and off an airplane, and then heading straight to the Expo completely exhausts me. But if that’s not an option, at the very least, move slow and take your time. And take lots of breaks!
   
2. Don’t try to park tour before the race. I have broken this one myself too many times and always paid the price come race day. Especially if you’re doing a race series or running the full marathon, you have to rest the day before. Drinking around the world is not resting. You can save that for after;).
3. Give yourself plenty of time on race morning. Yes, I get up at 2am on race morning. But that gives me time to get ready, eat, check, double check and triple check that I have everything and get to the bus without rushing. I get race day nerves (even after all these years!) and the more time I allow, the less nervous I’ll be. Don’t worry if you don’t sleep the night before – hardly anyone does:).
   
4. Be prepared for how long you will be waiting around to start! I like to get on one of the first buses, which typically puts me at the Race Retreat or starting area no later than 4:15am. The race doesn’t start until 5:30. And you also have a loooong walk to the starting coral from the staging area. All of this takes time and is packed with people. Know this going in and hopefully it won’t stress you out. And depending on weather, makes bringing a throw away even more valuable!
   

   Sometimes waiting around before the start is inspiring. Not sure why I was doing this.

5. Friends don’t let friends use port-potties on the course. Pre-race you really have no choice (even in race retreat, although those are slightly better), but out on the course, every theme park has real restrooms, with real water to wash your hands! My personal favorite? On your left as you make the turn in Tomorrowland, just across from the Tomorrowland Speedway.