Please welcome my guest blogger and Cousin, Jennifer from Running for my Life. Her Run Disney stories are part of the reason I decided to take up running in 2012. I love this post on who take with you on a Run Disney vacation. It’s something that every runner needs to consider.
I have been incredibly fortunate to Run Disney many, many times. I’ve gotten up at 2:15 am more than a dozen mornings, crossed the finish line and received that fabulous bling, and celebrated by riding Space Mountain or drinking around the world (and sometimes both)!
So if you’ve decided you want to Run Disney, your next question (after which distance and which race) should be “who’s going with me?”
Because it’s Disney, the obvious answer might be the kids. But is that the best option? Hmmmm . . . .let’s talk through the possible scenarios and see which cast of characters would be best for YOUR best Run Disney Experience!
With The Family
Yes, they’re cute. And if they’re old enough to actually run one of the races, all the better! What a great introduction to racing, and running, and to the running community in general. Combine it with a few days in the parks and it seems like a dream come true, right?
Maybe not. Here’s why:
You won’t be able to tour much. Before you’ll be trying to rest your legs and days in a theme park are not conducive to a great race. You’ll also be the world’s most boring eater (at least I have to be) as food that’s unusual or too spicy can really be a problem come race day.
You’ll also want to go to bed early so fireworks and late night parades are mostly out.
If you decide to take the kids, I definitely recommend planning your park days for AFTER the race. That way you can all celebrate together! It can truly be a wonderful way to celebrate your amazing accomplishment.
By Yourself
Yes, I have done this. And yes, there were a few moments when I felt a little odd (eating alone in a food court at a Disney resort just feels slightly sad to me). But honestly? For this working mom having time to do whatever I wanted was FABULOUS. I shopped, I had ice cream that I didn’t have to share, and I really had a great race weekend. I also met several friends for meals there so even though I roomed and was mostly by myself, I still had some posse time which was lovely. I think all women should travel alone sometimes – it’s very empowering and the selfishness feels like pure luxury.
With Your Friends!
This one is (spoiler alert) my favorite way to Run Disney. My running friend, Sara, and I have done several race weekends together and we both always look forward to it! I’ve also done races with a large group (yes, 8 women to a 2 bedroom villa at Kidani – Woohoo!) and loved that as well.
Traveling with a group of runners has tons of benefits. Going to the expo with a group is awesome, the photo ops are plentiful, and the people you’re with are all doing the same thing you’re doing so it can feel like one big pre and post race celebration!
It can also be super economical, as you can split your lodging costs (sometimes several ways) and hey, who doesn’t love a great girlfriends getaway? But warning: I tend to do a little too much celebrating and get very little sleep when I do this so maybe if it’s a PR you’re after, consider going alone. Race morning after a couple Lapu Lapu’s at the Poly the night before can be brutal.
However you decide to Run Disney, you’ll have a ball! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my racing experiences there and as long as you go in with realistic expectations, you’ll love every magical mile!
To read more of Jen’s running and life stories, check out Jenlefforge.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too.
This is great to know. I am running my first RunDisney Race and it my first half marathon. I will be running with some girlfriends and I can not wait. Thank you for a good read!
I have been wanting to do a Run Disney event and thought about bringing my kids to do the kid event. Loved your recommendation to do the parks after the run, I wouldn’t have thought about how tired we are after walking the parks all day. A girl’s weekend does sound like a great idea too! Maybe I will start planning now.
I’m not sure people realize how much walking you do when you visit Disney. When you come back at the end of the night you’re SO tired, I couldn’t imagine running a race the next day. That’s good advice to share with first timers for sure. 🙂
I think my littles are too young to run, but I’m sure my oldest would LOVE to run with me.
XO
I never knew this was possible–how cool! 2:15 in the morning though… that’s rough. You are awesome for making it happen 🙂
I love Disney and have had many friends run various races there! I’m dying to get a chance to do at least one, one of these days if only I can actually learn to run one of these days!
I would love to do a Disney race sometime in my life! I knew someone who did the marathon and she loved the experience.
I’ve always wanted to do a disney race, hooping one day that I can make that happen!
I am not even a runner but reading your post makes me want to start just so that I can run disney…. lol
that looks like SO much fun!! i love all the characters there
Sounds fun but I would agree that it doesn’t sound like it is a good idea to take the kids. When you are doing a race you need to be selfish to take care of yourself and that doesn’t happen with kids around.
i think going with your friends is fun..i would prefer to have someone with me esp when im at the finish line.
I think doing this with friends is the only way to go! You need to celebrate your accomplishment with someone who loves you!
Such a bucket list item for me! Thanks for the tips…our kids are still too young. Hoping someday I can coordinate a Disney trip on a race weekend.
If I were to ever decide to be a runner, this seems like the way to go. You have definitely intrigued my interest in run Disney.
Disney is amazing anyway you go, but I wouldn’t have thought to plan Disney days after the race. Great tip!
These are all great tips. I’ve never done races, but if I ever will, I think I’d like to run with my family or friends.
Oh this sounds so fun!! I hope to do a Disney Run one day! I’d love to go with friends but going by yourself actually sounds nice too 🙂
I did the Disney Princess with my best friend and we had the BEST time. Disney knows how to throw a party!!
Totally agree with the traveling by yourself! It’s good for you every once in a while.
I have never been much of a runner but this just may be the motivation I need! I love anything Disney so this is definitely something I’d like to do someday.
I am so excited to be doing a Disney run this year!! Great tips, I know my husband is going with as well and is so excited!
Fun! I would love to do this with my oldest daughter. No one else in my family enjoys running, so she’s the only one that would actually get a kick out of it. 🙂
Going to Disney with anyone is a total blast!!! Just like you said though…. going with friends is the absolute best!
I’ve never even heard of this before but this sounds totally fun! I would take my husband and it would be a great date for us!
Yay! I want to bring my family in a Disney vacation. My son will surely love to go there.
Disney is so awesome! I’ve never been on a race there, and I’d really need to work on my fitness level if I was going to, but it sounds like fun!
I think my hubby is going with me. If he gets the job he just applied for *fingers crossed* then he might not get to go. Then I would be going solo, but I have a couple local to Orlando friends that said they would cheer for me.
Fingers crossed then! Either way sounds like a win win to me!
Running Disney sounds like it is so much fun! I would love to get a group of friends together and do this.