runDisney Star Wars Dark Side Course Changes

This past spring I ran the Inaugural Star Wars Dark Side Challenge (10K + Half).

My race recaps are still coming, but as I said in my post from April, there were definitely some things that needed to be improved - number 1 being transportation after the race. Getting to the race was easy - it was Epcot so same as usual. But after, getting out of ESPN World Wide of Sports was another story... The area for buses was so small, only a few buses could load at a time. I didn't have issues after the 10K, but after the half I waited close to 1.5 hours to get on a bus to my resort. It was hot and humid, and just not ideal. In addition to the small loading area, the buses kept getting stuck in the mud (they were basically on a muddy field). Not good all around. We actually spoke briefly (as we were waiting at the front of the line to board) to the director of transportation for the event and he was super annoyed at the whole situation. He told us that when they shared the course with him, he said this (the bus situation) was going to be a problem, but they assured him it would be fine. Guess who was right?

Also, because WWOS is in a different county, they couldn't sell beer in the post race area like they do at Epcot (county regulations prohibit selling alcohol before 11a or noon). I personally always like to have a beer while hanging out after the races (and I think other people do too, as I heard lots of people complaining). This might not have bothered some people, but it definitely changes the post race atmosphere. Plus I have to image they loss some money from not having beer sales.

Even with the issues, I am doing the Challenge again in 2017. And my sister-in-law wants to do the half (her first!). I'm so excited for her and it should be a good time! I personally didn't notice this on the runDisney website, but some eagle eyed folks on some of the Facebook groups I'm in did: they've changed the start/end dates for both course. I repeat, they learned from their mistakes and changed the courses.

Both races now list the start as Floridian Way and the finish at Epcot (yay for post race beer!). We don't have official course maps yet, but Floridian Way is near the monorail resorts outside the Magic Kingdom.

For the 10K, I am guessing it will be similar to either the second half of the WDW/Princess Half courses or a modified version of part of the marathon course? Should be interesting to see.

For the half, I am wondering if they are using the original Princess half course. When they first announced Princess and the course, it started outside of the Magic Kingdom and ran towards Hollywood Studios, finishing at Epcot. It did not go through MK or the Castle. People freaked out. I mean, I understand not wanting to repeat the same course, but I also want the Princess race to go through the castle. So they changed it to be the same as the WDW Half in January. My guess for this, is they are finally going to use that course.

I'm excited that they learned from the problems this year and are making changes.

Anyone else planning on running Star Wars Dark Side this year? What to you think of the changes?

Checking in - April

Dude, I am rapidly becoming the king of not keeping blog promises! In my last check in (almost a month ago... how did that happen?), I promised to post something (at least I didn't promise to post anything on a schedule), but nothing went was posted.

So, let's see whats been going on in April. The month begin with a weekend trip to Philly to run the Hot Chocolate 15K with Kasey. This race is really fun, except the weather didn't cooperate and it was a bit chilly (and wetter) then I would have liked. Full race recap to come!

#willrunforchocolate

Two weeks later, it was time to head down to Disney for the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon weekend. I love me some Star Wars and this weekend was a blast! I'll have race recaps to come and more about our trip, but it was so much fun. In true runDisney spirit, there were definitely some things that need to be fixed for future years, but otherwise, I still had a great time.

Best beer cup yet!

Weekend was great, came home... and then it happened. Something I honestly think (knew) was bound to happen.  I got sick. And not like a minor sniffles and cough. Full. Blown. Sick.

I don't exactly know what is was as I didn't ever go to a doctor (yes, I am aware I probably should have). It started on Tuesday. My throat my scratchy and my head was swimming. I went home from work a little early and worked from home the rest of the day. I took my temp before bed and it was almost 102 degrees. I still had a slight fever on Wednesday (99 degrees) so I worked from home. Made it back into work on Thursday - but only for about half a day. I could barely speak and my boss sent me home. And then I worked again from home on Friday. By Friday, my throat was so raw from coughing, that every cough almost had me in tears. It was not pretty. I was not pleasant. Thankfully, I live alone and could be as unpleasant as I wanted and no one cared. I felt a little better on Saturday, but was exhausted. I basically slept the entire day.

Sunday was the best I had felt in almost a week, but not 100%. Was able to go to the grocery store and even do some meal prep for the week. I am finally feeling better (thank god), but am trying to take it easy this week as I do not want a relapse. I also feel like I am starting from scratch with running as I didn't do anything for almost 10 days. So taking it easy and starting slow.

So, that's where I've been the last month.  Outside of being sick, it was a pretty good month full of friends, races and Disney.  What more could I ask for?

How was your April? Do anything fun?

2 on Tuesday

image via runDisney Facebook page

Late last week, runDisney released the medals for Wine & Dine.  As you know, Wine & Dine is one of my FAVORITE runDisney races.  I have always loved this medal - the iconic Spaceship Earth and running waiter Mickey on it.  The new design this year keeps the waiter Mickey, but loses Spaceship Earth.  I am not sure I like this medal as much as I have in years past.  But in my experience, the runDisney medals are never photographed well.  So, I am keeping my hopes up that it is better in person!

image via runDisney Facebook page

And in some awesome news from runDisney that came today - it is official, there will be a Star Wars race weekend in Disney World!  I mentioned after the Star Wars half in Disneyland, that I had some serious FOMO from this race {and side note from that post, I re-watched all the original Star Wars and now love them (I hadn't seen them since elementary school).  How I went so long without re-watching them is beyond comprehension!  My movie tastes have definitely changed since I was 14.}   Unfortunately, a trip this January to Disneyland was not in the cards, so I was sad I wouldn't be able to do it again.  But a Star Wars race in World?  That I can do!

So, what do you think about the Wine & Dine medals as well as the WDW Star Wars half?  

2 on Tuesday

 

While at the WDW Expo, I stopped by the runDisney booth to check out the Princess medals in person.  I liked them when they were first shared and like them even more now that I've seen them in person!  I love the Enchanted 10K with the snowflake and of course the Princess one!  You couldn't tell in the original photo by runDisney, but the medals are actually silver, not gold.  I think that touch works well with the Frozen theme.  Just about 4 weeks until these are mine!

via runDisney Facebook page

This past weekend was the Star Wars Half Marathon weekend in Disneyland.  I have to admit, I didn't get too excited about this race when they announced it.  I liked the movies (and I've actually never seen the newest 3), but I didn't love them.  It's been a long time I last saw them and my taste in movies has changed a lot since then, so I should probably re-watch them all.  I think I'd like them more now... Anyway, I obviously didn't do the race, but I did have a little bit of FOMO watching everyone at the race this weekend.  Everyone seemed to love the race course and the characters out looked like so much fun.  Hopefully I'll be able to do this race one day!

2 on Tuesday

You may remember a couple of weeks ago, I shared Tasting Tables Best Doughnuts in NYC list.  Now, they've come out with the 13 Best Ice Creams in NYC.  Since that is clearly seasonal, I think I'll need to tackle that one first.  Summer just calls out for ice cream, right?

Registration for the Star Wars Half in Disneyland opened today.  To no one's surprise, it sold out quickly.  The Challenge sold out in 26 minutes and the half in 2 hours.  Personally, this race doesn't appeal that much to me.  I like Star Wars, but would rather go out for the Avengers Half.  It's also the weekend after the Disney Half in World, which would be tough vacation wise.  Did anyone out there sign up?