Signed up for my first 10K at Disney

[ilovedolphins]

I have been telling my adult son for the past couple of years that I am going to run a 10K. And I haven't kept up with the training and he found a 10K that he wanted to run (he isn't even a runner) at Disney in April. So now we are both starting a 10K training program and I guess we will see if we can get in shape in time.

Do you have any hints for a Disney 10K in Orlando that will help us?

[tcu2003]

No hints, but one of my good friends has done it in the past, and is doing it again next year. She's actually doing the coast-to-coast Star Wars runs - she'll do the 5k, 10k and half marathon in a weekend both at Disneyland and Disney World. She has a blast and highly recommends it.

[ilovedolphins]

We are doing the Star Wars 10K in Orlando.  I hope it will be a great experience and I can do it.  My knees kind of hurt when I run 30 minutes and I am really slow but I am just starting out.  My son made me laugh hysterically I had to stop "running" because he was walking as fast as I was running.  Granted I had hurt my back and was in a bit of pain.

[steph08]

I ran the 2013 Disney marathon.  I was going to do the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge - 10k/half marathon, but well, I won't be in any condition to run those come April.

You will want to do a 5k beforehand as a proof of time - check the website on when those are due. If you don't, you will be placed in the last corral and the closest to the sweeper buses. If you don't maintain a 15 minute/mile, the sweepers will pull you off the course.

If possible, stay at a Disney resort the night before the race. They are all host resorts and will have transportation to the race. You will be looking at getting to the race probably 1.5 hours before you start. You can drive, but it might be crazy, I don't know, I've only ever taken the Disney buses. 

The 10k is on a Saturday - so you will need to go to the expo on Friday to pick up your bib and packet. They DO NOT do bib pick-up the morning of the race. Bib pick-up is usually held at Wide World of Sports and there are buses that run from all resorts to there for the expo.

Watch the weather reports. Stop for character photos but be mindful of your time and the location of the sweepers on the route. Don't stop for photos if you are averaging more than a 15 minute/mile.

Let me know what other questions you have.

[Value Buy]

Geez.
I thought you were prepaying a week's vacation at the Mouse House.........

[justme]

Make sure you have clothes that are comfortable to run in the heat in. The odds are it'll be quite hot for non Florida people.

I suggest getting a hotel asap, April is a peak time with all the spring breakers.

[billisonboard]

My experience with doing a Disney run was very positive. It was well marked and well supported. They are organized by people who are used to handling large numbers of people. 

There are good training plans out there.  Find one that makes sense that you feel you can trust, follow it well, and you will be ready. 

Enjoy. 

[ilovedolphins]

Starting out we are at a 14 minute mile but we are only into the third week of the training program.

[NancysSummerSip]

Good for you! I'm glad steph chimed in; she's done a bunch of Disney events. Be prepared for heat and cold; the weather can go either way. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Even if the weather is cooler here, it can fool you into thinking it's cool enough not to need the additional  fluids.