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| runDisney Expo |
And so it begins again. After a roughly 4 month hiatus, runDisney events resume en force with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend; August 31- September 2, 2012. Five additional endurance weekends will follow in fairly rapid succession between now and February, and all will commence with a runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. (May’s Expedition Everest Challenge does not.) With all that consumes a runner before a race- training, packing lists, nutrition, rest, etc.- it can be easy to overlook the very real bonuses that the Expos provide. Beyond picking up a race bib and goody bag, there’s a world of magic at your feet!
Let these 5 tips be your guide:
1. Get there early.
Not only will you avoid long lines, (over 33,000 participants are expected at the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, and about 65,000 for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna), but you will have first pick of the official runDisney race merchandise that is unique to each event. Commemorative pins, “I Did It” tees and the like are the second to go. First to go, a collection that is sold out usually within the first hour of each Expo, are the race-inspired Dooney & Bourke Handbag Collections; complete with gleaming race charms.
2. Give yourself ample time to browse.
There are surprises around every corner, and the corners are many! At Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo, I stumbled (literally) upon a group of physical therapists who were performing massage and stretching on participants for a nominal fee. My iliotibial band was so grateful.
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| Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend Expo |
And imagine my delight at being pixie dusted at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Expo. I am SURE it was that dust that propelled me to my very first half marathon finish line the next morning. So glad I pumped into these two fairy godmothers at the Expo!
3. Check out the Speakers Series schedule.
Despite the fact that as a PT I’ve treated elite and recreational runners for many years, there’s not a time I’ve heard runDisney Official Training Consulatant Jeff Galloway speak when I haven’t learned something big. From what to eat before a nighttime race to limiting water intake during an endurance race, he is both an incredible wealth of knowledge and the original “nice guy”. You might even get to see Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Lori Lovell on stage sharing race weekend planning tips with the crowd.
4. Explore state of the art merchandise.
In addition to picking up a dazzling new Team Sparkle Skirt or designer headbands, exhibitor booths will offer you a glimpse at the latest and greatest running gear. From KT Tape and running shoe inserts to foam rollers and The Stick, you might just find THE gadget that will transform your running style.
5. Check out the bling.
Drooling is optional. After seeing these babies up close and personal, you may even find yourself signing up for the next runDisney event…
Whether at the Disneyland Hotel Ballroom and Exhibit Hall or Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports, runDisney Expos are pre-race pep rallies not to be missed by both participants and non-runners alike. And how else would you prepare for the most magical races on earth?!
Great post! Now, I'm even more excited for the Diva Weekend and I'm not even running! Can spectators enjoy this expo or is it only for runners?
Thanks for sharing and for joining in on the Disney WW Blog Hop today.
No Deb- it's for everyone who has an interest!! I hope I see you there 😀
Great shots, I'm still trying to build up to one of the race events. Someday I will accomplish one of these. Thanks for sharing!!
All it takes is will- I'm sure you'll find the way!
I had a friend do the princess run – and the villain run looks like so much fun. But. I so don't run 🙂
I will tell you that, if nothing else, it's a fun opportunity to explore the ESPN WWOS Complex!
Great post! I'm signed up for the Tinkerbell Half in January – my very first half marathon EVER, and am still learning what to expect, so I appreciate these posts a lot. Looks like the expo is definitely something I'll be visiting to add a little more magic to the weekend 🙂
Well congratulations in advance! The Tink was my first full half this past January, and it was the perfect choice for a "first". But be warned, I'm going for my Coast to Coast medal this November; runDisney IS addictive! 😉
I would actually love to have one of those medals some day. Hmmmm.
You'll have to have a good talk with your feet! 😉
I would love to have one of them too, You make it very appealing DM. I think eventually I will take you up on it.. 😉
Just think Diane- you'll have all that beautiful weather to train in…
For someone that knows virtually nothing about runDisney, but fantasizes about it from time to time … this was a very exciting sneak peek and insider scoop!
I love it, thanks so much … had to pin a couple of these fun shots. 🙂
Why thanks! I'm hoping you'll give a 5K a try one day- you'll never look back!
I don't know when it will be but I am determined to participate in a runDisney event. I want one of those medals! 🙂
I know there's NOTHING you can't do Melissa!
If runDisney ever comes out with a 100 yard race, I'm so in! In the meantime, I think I'll just try and get up early to peruse the expos. They look like a lot of fun!
Ha! Seriously, I wish there WERE more shorter distance options- I think everyone should be able to walk/run through a Disney Park just once. They'd be hooked! (Until then, maybe you can get into one of the Kids Races!!)
Great post! I really wanted to sign up for the Princess half-marathon!
YES YOU CAN!! I'd love to see you then> 😀
One day Didi I will be part of this incredible running contingent, but until then, I'll live vicariously through all of your escapades! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
Tee hee- and escapades they are Mike. I'll keep looking for you out there!! 😉
This is great info. I would head straight to the Dooney bags, though!
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
As an update Rosanne, you can now pre-pay and "reserve" your bag. There's still a limited supply on hand for sprinters, though!!