When I did the race, Cari, that's about what it was. My sister (she was in a later corral) passed me on the big overpass to Ball. IF it hadn't been her first half, I would have had her stick with me up the hill (I don't do hills) just for the moral support. So if your friend wants to stick with you a little bit longer, the back side of that overpass would be another good separation point.
But dang, it did feel good to conquer that overpass!
Cathy
We will all be down from Seattle with no bikes, so sounds like we have a good plan. Thanks. If they line up at the start of the race in the esplanade will they be able to get right up front? I got little ones (3, 6, 9) that want see me.Originally Posted by stan4d_steph
I have a few questions for those who have run this race before:
1. I looked in the guide, but I could not find anything about what time I should actually be in the corral. I know the start time is 5:45, but what time should I actually BE there?
2. Has anyone used the shuttle from any of the good neighbor hotels? I know if would be a hassle to drive over and park, but relying on a shuttle makes me nervous. Any experiences to share?
3. I know some have said that multiple spectator spots are hard to go between, but how feasible would it be for my mom (who can't do a ton of walking) to see me at Angel stadium, then get to Mickey and friends, park and see me at the finish? (as I typed that, it sounded impossible to me, but I thought I'd still ask anyway!)
Thanks!
In the past we were arriving around 4:30-4:45 to drop off our bags. I think the event started later then!! But I would plan to arrive at least by 5:00. The corrals fill up fast. Which leads to...Experiences to share: I have never used a shuttle on a race day. I have always stayed on Harbor Blvd and walked to the start. It's a nice little warm-up. And to give you some perspective: The walk from Harbor to the bag drop off is not that much further than the WDW walk from the bag drop off to the start line for their events!!!!!2. Has anyone used the shuttle from any of the good neighbor hotels? I know if would be a hassle to drive over and park, but relying on a shuttle makes me nervous. Any experiences to share?
If you do plan to take the shuttle, you'll have to be very early. You might actually gain a few minutes of sleep if you walk. I do remember at least on one occasion, a group was waiting for a shuttle. And waiting. And waiting. And finally it was running so late that they walked because they were afraid that if they waited much longer, they might miss it. I prefer to walk because *I* have control, not the shuttle. Or traffic.I can't answer this one but we can try to guess. How long will it take for you to finish that last 3 miles? Keep in mind that USUALLY, in my experience the last miles are slower than the first.3. I know some have said that multiple spectator spots are hard to go between, but how feasible would it be for my mom (who can't do a ton of walking) to see me at Angel stadium, then get to Mickey and friends, park and see me at the finish? (as I typed that, it sounded impossible to me, but I thought I'd still ask anyway!)Does she want to be IN Angel Stadium or outside?
I'm guessing she'd have 45 minutes. If she takes Katella, she should be good because Katella isn't closed. She could, worst case, take Katella down past Disneyland, turn right on uhm, Walnut? Or one of those streets? And then right again on Ball and right on Disneyland Drive to get to Mickey & Friends. So if that took 15-20 minutes (getting to her car, leaving, driving down Katella,) she'd have 25 - 30 to park and get to the finish line. Close but she should be able to do it.
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I have never spectated the race, so I don't know for sure. However, I would imagine you would be able to find a spot along the fence if you head over before the start. Have them make a bright sign and wear bright clothing so you can pick them out more easily.1. In my opinion, don't wait to get to the corral. Disneyland has crazy bottleneck problems with the start area, so heading to your corral earlier is better. There is room in the corrals to stretch and move around a bit for a while before they start really filling.
2. Use the walk as a warm up for the race. Don't bother with the shuttle.
3. This really depends on your pace for that part of the course. I think it's going to be hard for her to make it to see you cross the finish line.
I have never spectated the race, so I don't know for sure. However, I would imagine you would be able to find a spot along the fence if you head over before the start. Have them make a bright sign and wear bright clothing so you can pick them out more easily.1. In my opinion, don't wait to get to the corral. Disneyland has crazy bottleneck problems with the start area, so heading to your corral earlier is better. There is room in the corrals to stretch and move around a bit for a while before they start really filling.
2. Use the walk as a warm up for the race. Don't bother with the shuttle.
3. This really depends on your pace for that part of the course. I think it's going to be hard for her to make it to see you cross the finish line.
My strong personal prefernce to get to the bag drop off area early. I've found it helps me relax. The one year I cut it close I had major tummy troubles due to anxiety. Not the way you want to start a race. I'm not a morning person, so the walk over and having time to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the race helps me wake up and get pumped up. They will have a DJ in the area, and it is fun to meet up with friends, check out the costumes, and stretch. I would plan to be in the area no later than one hour pre race. Head to the corrals no later than 30 minutes pre race.
On the other hand, I have a good friend who hates getting there early. She feels like she misses sleep just to go stand around, so everyone is different. But if it is your first race or at least Disney race, I say go early.
I too have walked from Harbor. In the am it isn't a problem. Afterwards it feels not so fun. Doesn't the shuttle just drop people off in the bus area on Harbor anyway? So if you are right across the street, the shuttle isn't going to help you. Also, there is a good potty opportunity right by the lego store if you walk through DTD.
Getting from the stadium to finding a spot at the finish sounds tight to me. Hmm, I just realized that one of my friend's DH did this a couple of years ago. I will ask him and report back.
~Nancy~
In my experience bag drop off is pretty quick and there isn't much of a bottle neck. There are usually lots of port-o-potties too, so that doesn't slow you too much. I usually start to the corral 30 minutes before the race start. If you wait much longer it can be bad. A couple years ago I thought I lost my timing chip and was running all around trying to get a new one (turns out it was on the back of my number--duh). Anyway, I ended up getting to the corral about 5-10 minutes before the start. It was completely filled and there were about 100 of us that had to stand outside of it waiting in line. In the end it didn't matter because they start the corrals at different times and it is chip timed anyway. I was also injured that year so I wasn't in any hurry.
Personally, I get up 3 hours before the race anyway. At some point I do a shortish run, which usually is what gets me to the start area (no shuttles). If performance is important, I think it is good to get up early and get your body awake (and take a bio break) by the time the race starts.
I agree! The walk over was a great warm up and calmed my nerves! The walk back, after falling asleep in my Mickey waffle, was not fun at all.
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Uh, it's an iPad.
So I had a nightmare about my corral placement last night! I actually woke up crying. Pre race jitters aren't supposed to happen this far out!
My sister had a similar nightmare last week. Seriously, you girls have done this before, you know the drill and you'll be fabulous!
If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
Cruising the Fantasy Dec. 12-22 followed by Christmas at WDW!
How do you like your kindle?
Uh, it's an iPad.
Mine has more to do with the issue I told you and HB about, I'm afraid I'm going to get stuck by myself for the race.
You won't. Isn't one of your friends in your corral anyhow?
If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
Cruising the Fantasy Dec. 12-22 followed by Christmas at WDW!
How do you like your kindle?
Uh, it's an iPad.
Who do you think would be farther up? If they are willing to, the person farther forward can drop back so you can all start together.
We will figure that out for sure.
If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
Cruising the Fantasy Dec. 12-22 followed by Christmas at WDW!
How do you like your kindle?
Uh, it's an iPad.
She is, but I'll text you about the issue.
Steph- Everyone I know in our group is farther up, I would never ask them to move back though! I'm proud of them for getting good placement!
Cari- you should be in the same corral as HB. You finished Tink ahead of her by one second. I used Tink as her proof of time for registration. Perhaps you can address this with the folks at the Expo. We'll figure something out.
If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
Cruising the Fantasy Dec. 12-22 followed by Christmas at WDW!
How do you like your kindle?
Uh, it's an iPad.
Hmm I don't think I ever provided my Tink time!
If you're over 2:45 they don't usually care about proof of time.
This Fall I'm "Running" The Disney Dumbo Dare for a cause - click to learn how you can support my fundraising goals and the incentive gifts and prize packages I'm offering to my donors! Thank you!
Parenting in the Parks
Looking for a great way to display your Disney vacation photos? A perfect Holiday gift? Or Both at the same time? Ask me about Photo Panels. Trust me.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with what happens to you.
My Creative Memories Website Don't let your computer become the next shoebox! Print, document, & preserve your digital memories!
A birth certificate shows you were born. A death certificate shows you died. A photo album shows that you lived!
I did it for you since I had your runner tracking on my phone still from Tink.
If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
Cruising the Fantasy Dec. 12-22 followed by Christmas at WDW!
How do you like your kindle?
Uh, it's an iPad.
Oh awesome!
With a month to go until the race, should run Disney have sent me anything? Bib number, starting corral, waiver to sign? I haven't received anything.
You have to download the waiver and print it yourself. They don't send you anything. Starting corrals were announced, which is a change; usually you find out when you arrive where you are.
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