A Sunday Celebration: 13.1 miles in the "Town that Disney Built"

As a long time resident of Central Florida, I remember the talk when the Town of Celebration was built in the mid 1990's. Designed by architects commissioned by The Disney Company - the town was developed to be practically perfect in every way. 

The race director and visionary team for the Inaugural Town of Celebration Marathon and Half Marathon put together an event that held true to this very high standard. 

Often an inaugural race is plagued with difficulties, but this one ran like a well-oiled machine. Pre-race communication with runners was excellent, from how to switch between distances (at no cost) to where to park on race day. 

Arriving at 5:30AM, the volunteers were set up and handing out beautiful tech tees in an organized, indoor space. A mobile DJ played music and an announcer gave detailed instructions about the course. With no delay, the race started right on time. 

The course was varied and interesting. Much of it wove through the beautiful homes nestled throughout Celebrations 16 acres, on developed pathways, and over several miles of boardwalks. 

The instructions to stay to the right and pass on the left through narrow areas, given at the beginning and repeated on signs throughout the race was respected by runners. While the pathway was often narrow, runners of varying speeds were able to move through it without difficulty. 

In addition to the informative signs, there were a variety of funny ones, some made by spectators, and some put out by the race itself. 

My favorite - poking fun at the Disney Race so many of us ran just two weeks ago, is pictured above. 

None of the worries runners have with inaugural races were an issue here. 

• There were plenty of bathrooms, at the beginning and throughout the race. 
• There was A LOT of water, more than most, almost every mile. 
• There was energy gel provided at one of the stops
• There was enthusiastic volunteer support from beginning to end. 
• The path was safe, well marked, supported, and interesting. 
• AND THEY DIDN'T RUN OUT OF MEDALS

Speaking of which, the medal was beautiful, and the ribbon it hung on was stunning. 

At the finish line festival, runners were handed a food and beverage card. In addition to the water and soda found at any race - there were samples (of substantial size) from the many of the restaurants around the Town Center. My favorite was the Garlic Knot from Upper Crust Pizza Cafe, and of course some Starbucks Coffee. 

The finish line festival was still hopping when we made our way back to the car, but this wonderful event reminded me that I should visit this charming local spot more often. 

There are many races I would do again, this one I am excited to do again. I would recommend it to anyone... but it sold out fast this year... so those who are interested, may want to follow their Facebook page for the announcement about next years race, I have a feeling year two will sell out in record time. 


Reference:

http://architecture.about.com/od/plannedcities/ss/celebration.htm

Running 48.6 Miles at Disney: The Dopey Challenge

The Dopey Challenge made its debut at Walt Disney World in January of 2014, with thousands of runners paying for the opportunity to run 48.6 miles over four days at the happiest place on earth.

Pulling up to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on a warm Wednesday morning, the lines were already beginning to form. Disney has the expo experience down to a science, with dedicated buildings divided into stations for those doing individual races, those taking on the Goofy Challenge (where runners complete the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday) and another for those running Dopey (which is the Goofy Challenge plus a 5k on Thursday and a 10k on Friday, for a total of 48.6 miles). 

The Swag Bag for Dopey included one short sleeve cotton tee for the 5k, and five long sleeve tech shirts for the 10k, half and full marathons, as well as one for Goofy and another for Dopey. The shirts run small. Knowing this from previous years most runners size up - however there was a convenient shirt exchange station for anyone wanting to size up or down on the spot. 

Runners needed only two bibs, one for the 5 and 10K and another for the half and full marathon. These bibs all featured Dopey, whereas people running single races received bibs with the featured character for that race (Pluto for the 5k, Minnie for the 10k, Donald for the Half-Marathon, and Mickey for the full Marathon).

Wandering the isles of the vendor expo, the reality that this day was finally here set in. It had been so long since registration. Last year when my running partner and I had run the Goofy Challenge we said "never again" but were among the first to register for Dopey when it was announced. 

Pulling into the EPCOT parking lot at 4:00AM the swarms of sleepy runners, 10,000 in total, made their way to the start line. There is no shortage of support at these races, with port-a-pottys, food vendors, and volunteers around every corner.

Knowing what was ahead of us, we made the decision to walk the 5K. Going without music, feeling no pressure to hurry, and enjoying the sites and sounds of the World Showcase - the 3.1 mile winding path really was just a walk in the park! Many around us seemed to have adopted this same strategy.

I have a Florida Resident Seasonal Weekday Pass, so my running partner and I decided to visit Animal Kingdom for a few hours that afternoon, and finished the day with a visit to The Rainforest Cafe, located just outside the gates. With tired eyes and full stomachs we went back to the hotel for an early night, falling asleep around 8PM.

Day two was the 10k, which we panned to walk as well, but ended up running the second half of the race, which left EPCOT and wove through Disney's Boardwalk. It was a little cooler and our bodies were wanting to run. Spending a few hours at EPCOT after the race, we again headed back for another early night.

One of the benefits of staying at a Disney Property during the race is well-organized transportation to and from the race. Like most things at Disney World, signs are everywhere and help is around every corner. Walking to the front of the hotel at 3AM - rows of busses were in place ready to take us to the parks each morning, and back to the hotel immediately after the race with little wait-time.

Day three was the half-marathon, and the size of the crowd increased from 10,000 to close to 25,000 runners. Runners had their game face on for this race - although Disney continues to be one of the most relaxed races out there, where runners stop along the race for photos with characters, and even ride a few rides along the way. 

During the half I didn't stop for character photos, but I took pictures at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 mile markers.

Look who was greeting the runners as they finished the half marathon!

That afternoon - my friends went back to the park and I stayed at the hotel to relax. Recovery for me came in the form of a long nap on a poolside Hammock.  We were in bed by 6:30, with our alarms set for one last morning at 2AM.

I ran 27 half marathons in 2013, but the last full marathon was a year prior at Disney. I knew I was not trained for more than 13-15 miles, so I knew this day would be a challenge.

The full marathon runs through all four parks, the first of which is the Magic Kingdom. It was still dark when we entered and the castle was lit up in all its beautiful glory. 

In addition to the ample water stations there are two stops with Bananas, the first of which is just after mile 8, and two stations with a variety of gels provided by CLIF Bar.

Next came Animal Kingdom, where as the heat of the morning was starting to set in. I always feel like I can run faster in the parks.

Heading into ESPN's Wide World of sports many runners take the opportunity to use a real restroom and enjoy the cool towels handed out by volunteers outside the track. 

After mile 18, I walked the majority of the race, knowing I was safe to finish in under the 7:00 time limit. We entered MGM after mile 22 before making the fourth and final run through EPCOT toward the finish line.

It was a beautiful, sunny day - not nearly at hot as the 2013 race, and although I had not trained well, I took over 20 minutes off last years time. Unlike last year - I am already thinking about coming back in 2015 - which also happens to be the 15 year anniversary for The Goofy Challenge, which historically means fancy bling for that race. 

I was surprisingly not sore after the race, and know I could have pushed harder… but I have 55 races left in 2014 - including a return to Disney at the Glass Slipper Challenge at the Princess Half Marathon at the end of February. 

Planning a budget friendly visit to Orlando Florida

This morning my Facebook feed was hit with a list entitled "The top ten things to do in Orlando" which began with a nod to "the mouse" and then quickly stated that:

"Aside from the rides, slides and twisty things, the city of Orlando also offers plenty of other worthwhile ways to spend your time in Florida and from the Museum of Art to the Citrus Bowl, check out the Orlando top 10 list below that’s packed-full of fountains, culture and ‘gators galore."

I was excited to see this list, and then disappointed that 5 of the 10 were major theme parks, Disney and Sea World... however Universal didn't make the cut? 

I was a little confused about the criteria... but hey, it is just one person's list... which got me to thinking... who am I to complain if I do not make a list of my own?

This original list was forwarded by The Best Damn Race who is bringing their event to Orlando in March. As a runner, I understand why the list attracted their attention because the #1 stop on the original list was Lake Eola, where the race will begin and end, so for this reason.... I will start with Lake Eola as well!

1. Lake Eola:

Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, this lake is home to a fountain, running path, outdoor bandshell and large play area for children. It is .9 miles around the lake... so runners can quickly rack up some miles while taking in the sites and sounds of downtown.       

 

2. Thornton Park

For those coming to Orlando and wanting to stay downtown, the surrounding Thorton Park area is filled with quaint Bistros and shops. 

 


TIP: The downtown Lymmo Bus system is operated by Linx and can get you around the area at no cost. 

    

3. Uptown Altamonte

About a fifteen minute drive north of downtown is Uptown Altamonte, the feature of which is Cranes Roost Park who's nightly (and free) cooreographed water show is a must see. Christmas Lights and fourth of July fireworks bring families and friends together at this popular local meeting place, which is also attached to the Altamonte Mall and a large AMC IMAX theater, there is something for everyone here!

4. The Enzian Theater

Between downtown and the drive to Altamonte you would pass by this theater, tucked quietly right of the main street in Maitland. Surrounded by weeping oaks, a bubbling fountain, and a beautiful courtyard, Enzian is a unique movie-going experience.

From their web site you will find that they are, "Central Florida's only full-time, non-for-profit alternative cinema, Enzian exists to entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film. For more than 25 years Enzian has championed the belief that "Film Is Art." Along with first-run independent features, Enzian offers a variety of special events, such the nationally-recognized Florida Film Festival."

                             

4. Wekiwa Springs

About 45 minutes away is Wekiwa Springs,  where visitors the can "relax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding."

I have done a great deal of train running here and it is not unusual to see deer and other wildlife along the paths. Families can picnic and enjoy the cool and consistent water of the springs.

 

5. Wet and Wild

If you want to stay away from the high dollar theme parks but still want a day of excitement and family fun while breaking away from the heat, Wet and Wild is a great option!




6. Old Town

Another lesser known Option is Old Town, where you can "eat shop and ride" attractions that are a blast from the past!




Sure there is more...

Point Orlando and the entire I-Drive area....

Where hundreds of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are within walking distance of eachother.... 

OR

The Town of Celebration...

the quaint city that Disney built.... 

OR EVEN

The University of Central Florida...







Where you might be able to catch a game at Brighthouse stadium!

The point is, there are so many things to do in Orlando outside of the big theme parks... everyone has a list... what is on yours?