Official 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon Thread

[NJlauren]

I have been reading some race weekend trip reports and notice everyone takes pictures which I am hoping to do too!

So my question is do you just carry your phone? Or do you have a special case you use?

Currently I have been running with it on my arm, with head phones. But I was thinking of not using head phones. I was also think of my phone is on my arm it's pretty hard to take pics, any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Mickey Momma]

I have been reading some race weekend trip reports and notice everyone takes pictures which I am hoping to do too!

So my question is do you just carry your phone? Or do you have a special case you use?

Currently I have been running with it on my arm, with head phones. But I was thinking of not using head phones. I was also think of my phone is on my arm it's pretty hard to take pics, any suggestions?

Thanks!

I have wireless headphones, so my phone typically goes in a pocket or my flip belt. I carried a GoPro in my pocket for the marathon back in January which helped keep my phone alive longer.

 

[NJlauren]

I have wireless headphones, so my phone typically goes in a pocket or my flip belt. I carried a GoPro in my pocket for the marathon back in January which helped keep my phone alive longer.

I'm very new to running..... Going to need to check out a flip belt

 

[kristabelle13]

I have a flip belt and a SPI belt. I prefer the SPI belt - I have the "large" one because I wanted to carry more. But they are great!

 

[camaker]

I'm very new to running..... Going to need to check out a flip belt

Check out the Amphipod belts, too. I have two different sizes and they work great!

 

[kristabelle13]

Ok, so I've never run an event away from home. And I've never done a half (eeek!). I also haven't checked a bag in over a decade.

So, since I have to check a bag for this trip - and I have tons of extra space, what should I pack that I'm for sure going to forget - or should have with me or something I might have forgotten? Any tips?

 

[courtneybeth]

So, since I have to check a bag for this trip - and I have tons of extra space, what should I pack that I'm for sure going to forget - or should have with me or something I might have forgotten? Any tips?

Your running fuel! The expo is limited on options, so make sure you put your usual stuff in your bag so you don't mess up your running routine.

(Save some extra space for all the awesome things you're going to bring home!!!)

 

[FFigawi]

So, since I have to check a bag for this trip - and I have tons of extra space, what should I pack that I'm for sure going to forget - or should have with me or something I might have forgotten? Any tips?

Here's part of a packing list I use when traveling to races. It might be a good starting point for you as you pull your stuff together.

Running shoes
Running shorts
Running shirt
Running socks
Body Glide
Sunglasses
Hat
Garmin and charger
Gels/bloks/beans
SPI belt
Race dots
Waiver form

 

[kristabelle13]

@courtneybeth @FFigawi thanks! That list matches mine (whew!). But yesterday I had forgotten a hat

 

[Keels]

Other things I take with me --

• Dollar store throw-away ponchos (probably won't need them for temperature at Disneyland, but maybe for rain)
• Small "first-aid kit" that I put together myself - aspirin, Aleve, EmergenC, band-aids I like, moleskin, KT tape, BodyGlide, safety pins, tweezers, small nail clippers, etc.
• Fuel - Fit2Run at the Expo offers the major brands (Gu, ShotBlocs, HoneyStinger, SportsBeans), but if you're particular about a flavor save yourself the stress and bring what you use at home
• Refresh Wipes - I get these in the travel aisle at Target and throw them in my gear check bag. Because so much of the Disneyland Half courses are out higways and major roads, the first thing I want to do is wipe the grime off my face.
• ANYTHING you may have used/required during your training runs at home - even if you think you won't need it. Example: I run in Bluetooth headphones and last year, my headphones died at Mile 9. I thought I was prepared and stuck an extra pair of plug-in headphones in my SpiBelt but *wompwomp* I ditched my belt with my mom on Main Street because I got really frustrated with it and my Sparkle Athletic skirt. Lesson learned! I also now stick a little Dr Cool cooling towel (one of the free ones they give away at RD races) in my belt just in case I need it. The DLH is hot AND sunny. Which brings me to ...
• Hat/Visor and sunglasses. If you don't run in a hat or visor, I would STRONGLY encourage you to try it out once or twice before you leave for the race. This race is BRIGHT. Like WAY bright. You'll thank me later.
• Sunscreen (I use SunBum oxide on my face when I run, and the SPF70 every where else and I've found it's the best with sweating). Unlike WDW, I haven't found a need for bug spray when running at DL.
• Pre-race food - if that's your thing. Bagel, peanut butter crackers, etc.
• Post-run supplies - for me, it's BioFreeze and a small foam roller. Post-run rituals shouldn't take a vacation just because you finished the race!
• Yeti Tumbler - for pool drinks, of course

I would, if possible, carry your race shoes and outfit on the plane with you (or the outfit for your first race if you're running multiple over the weekend), just to ease your stress level!

Other things I bring in general for trips - I have a little USB-charger tower that I bring with my so I can charge everything right by my bedside, instead of having items all over the room wherever I can find a free outlet.

And on a cheesy level, my littles have been drawing pictures and making "signs" every race weekend for me to take with me. I like to have those out - I usually put them on the bathroom mirror so I can see them when I'm getting ready the morning of a race - and it's always a happy thing to start my day seeing and helps wipe away any nerves I might have.

I probably bring too much crap with me, but I'd rather have it with me and KNOW that I've got it than have to take time away from friends and fun to pay too much for it at the Expo or have to go find a drug store to buy things. I started keeping all of it in a free drawstring bag I got from a Rock 'n' Roll race last year - I pull everything out and do an inventory of the items before I leave, replenish what I need to and then it's ready for the next race weekend!

 

[kristabelle13]

So, um @Keels...wow - impressive and thorough - THANK YOU! Your "first aid kit" is just the thing I need and have thought about doing off and on over the last month but haven't got around to it - will do a drug store sweep tomorrow at lunch.

Other things I've also thought of overnight:

• a small funnel to easily fill my stupid belt water bottles.
• A knife to cut up apples lol (I love cut apples for breakfast - as opposed to eating off core - a luxury I don't normally get on vacay lol). This will also allow me to cut up a candy apple from Disneyland WHAT! Double luxury.
• Laundry detergent in case I want to wash some stuff.

 

[Keels]

Oh, and if you're particular about non-water fluids ... at Tink this year, they had blue Powerade on the course and SMALL bottles of blue, red and yellow in the finisher's chute.

I plan to use Nuun tablets in my bottles during the runs, and will throw an ice-cold bottle of BodyArmor (my new hydration obsession) in my gear check bag to drink. I can't drink the water or Powerade they hand out in the finisher's chute post-race because they're warm and I just don't like warm drinks.

 

[VickiHD]

Ok, so I've never run an event away from home. And I've never done a half (eeek!). I also haven't checked a bag in over a decade.

So, since I have to check a bag for this trip - and I have tons of extra space, what should I pack that I'm for sure going to forget - or should have with me or something I might have forgotten? Any tips?

Since it's your first rD race......you may go a little rD overboard in the merchandise area. (It's ok..we all have done it) That extra space in your suit case will fill up fast. Post race bring comfy post race sandals like Oofos. Check them out at the expo. They are not fashionable but your feet will be so happy in them after the race.

One thing we always do for every trip is use tide light weight laundry bags you can pick up at Target, for race clothes, and any dirty clothes. It's nice to have everything already sorted out and organized for when you get home and start doing laundry.

 

[bevcgg]

Great topic! I was packing today and realized how much of a pharmacy I tend to travel with...
Sleep aids for early bedtimes- melatonin (try at home first!)
Body glide
Vaseline
Lip balm
Tylenol post run
Allergy meds/sinus sprays
Eye drops for contacts
pepto
Immodium
Suncreen
peppermint foot rub/spray
Extra safety pins- several sizes
Purell
Packs of tissues

And after hitting the pavement hard during Tink-trying to find first aid stuff after my shower (before my flight) was tough.
Bandaids- different sizes
Bacitracin ointment
Stretchy wrap

I tend to carry eye drops, lip balm, tissues and purell with me during the race!

And I agree with Keels- I have face wipes in my checked bag.
I also put in a pair of sandals- I can't cool down fast enough after a race until I get my shoes off.

 

[Keels]

Great topic! I was packing today and realized how much of a pharmacy I tend to travel with...
Sleep aids for early bedtimes- melatonin (try at home first!)
Body glide
Vaseline
Lip balm
Tylenol post run
Allergy meds/sinus sprays
Eye drops for contacts
pepto
Immodium
Suncreen
peppermint foot rub/spray
Extra safety pins- several sizes
Purell
Packs of tissues

And after hitting the pavement hard during Tink-trying to find first aid stuff after my shower (before my flight) was tough.
Bandaids- different sizes
Bacitracin ointment
Stretchy wrap

I tend to carry eye drops, lip balm, tissues and purell with me during the race!

And I agree with Keels- I have face wipes in my checked bag.
I also put in a pair of sandals- I can't cool down fast enough after a race until I get my shoes off.

I swell like CRAZY in California, so the change of shoes is spot on. I'm pretty sure I took my running shoes off the minute I got my medal at Tink this year.

 

[bananabean]

Did 10 miles today (plus 2.5 walking to/from the gym) and felt good afterwards. I think I'm ready! Now I just need work to go by faster!

 

[VickiHD]

Did 10 miles today (plus 2.5 walking to/from the gym) and felt good afterwards. I think I'm ready! Now I just need work to go by faster!

Good job !!!!!

Did 13.1 today at the track until we got kicked out for the soccer team to play. So we did finished up the last couple miles going around the hilly university. All ready for the freeway overpass on Ball Road

 

[Mickey Momma]

Did a dress rehearsal for Dumbo this weekend! Six miles yesterday and ten today. I did both runs in my "costumes" and had no issues. Yesterday's run was a local, hilly, 10K. I didn't run it all out, but I didn't run it easy either because I wanted tired legs for today. Today's run was tough mentally, since the miles were on the treadmill, but I got them done. Looking forward to my rest day tomorrow.

 

[Mickey Momma]

I am starting to get nervous the closer we get to the expo and the more I read on message boards and FB.

For both WDW marathons, I haven't flown in until Friday afternoon and haven't gone to the expo until Saturday morning. I've never had any trouble snagging an "I Did It!" shirt for the marathon or finding any other merchandise to spend my money on. From what I have read, though, it sounds like the DLH expo is a completely different animal. I won't get into town until Thursday evening and, unless the planets align, I won't make it to the expo until Friday when they open at noon. Is everything going to be gone, especially the Dumbo stuff? I am mostly concerned about the "I Did It!" t-shirts.

 

[chrisaman]

I am starting to get nervous the closer we get to the expo and the more I read on message boards and FB.

For both WDW marathons, I haven't flown in until Friday afternoon and haven't gone to the expo until Saturday morning. I've never had any trouble snagging an "I Did It!" shirt for the marathon or finding any other merchandise to spend my money on. From what I have read, though, it sounds like the DLH expo is a completely different animal. I won't get into town until Thursday evening and, unless the planets align, I won't make it to the expo until Friday when they open at noon. Is everything going to be gone, especially the Dumbo stuff? I am mostly concerned about the "I Did It!" t-shirts.

I got an I did it shirt on Friday last year