Trip Report *COMPLETE* Remind Me Again Why We Agreed To Do This...Our runDisney 2020 Trip Report

Hello All!

I hope 2020 is starting off well for everyone so far. Kelly and I, along with some friends of ours, just returned from our most recent visit to WDW and I am very excited to share in our different, but amazing, Disney experience.

For those of you who may have been following along with the pre-trip report (feel free to read up on all the planning if you'd like), you will know that this trip was nearly a year in the making and something we had never done before for a couple of different reasons. First, we had never even considered a WDW trip centred around a runDisney event and second, we have never done a WDW trip without the kids since they were born.

So, without further delay, let's get to it!

THE WARM-UP

As I mentioned, the possibility of this type of trip was discussed quite some time ago. I have been running almost obsessively for just over two years now and 2019 was the year in which I finally felt ready to start registering for some races, not just casual runs on my own. With a couple of recent visits to the World in 2017, and a few more in 2018, I really started to take notice of all the dedicated running trails in and around the resorts and learned more and more about the runDisney events and community.

I didn't realize just how big the community really is until I took a deeper dive into a number of blogs, podcasts, websites, and Instagram accounts. I was really intrigued and figured a potential runDisney event would be the perfect way to tie my passion for Disney together with my new found passion for running. Originally, I was thinking maybe 2021 as the point I would commit to my first half marathon but with my progress and after some discussion with Kelly, we decided we might as well see if we could make 2020 work.

With that, in late 2018, we both agreed that we would do everything we could to add the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in 2020 to our travel schedule. I was beyond pumped and while we couldn't really do much of the planning just yet, I was really starting to kick my training into high gear.

We happened to be having dinner with friends of ours, Mike and Kerri, in January 2019 who are also big Disney fans and have kids a few years younger than Ella and Lennon. I've known my best friend Mike since grade 10 when we first started playing hockey together. We served as the best man at each of our weddings and have been very close for nearly 20 years. When the topic of this trip was brought up, we jokingly said that they should join us and to our shocking surprise, they said they would. While Mike has really committed himself to his health over the last five years, never in a million years would I think he'd agree to run a half marathon.

We left dinner thinking how cool it would be if they did in fact travel with us but in the back of our minds, I don't think we actually thought they would come. Days later they committed to coming so long as the timing worked and it was a suggestion from Kerri that the girls run the 5K which Kelly reluctantly agreed to! Once they made that decision, planning was in full swing!

THE ROSTER

Our roster of runners was now set and with all the planning, ADRs and FP+ bookings in the almost 12 months leading up to the trip, this is how things played out...

WHO: Kelly, Matt, Mike and Kerri
WHERE: Boulder Ridge Villas (deluxe studio) - Matt and Kelly
All-Star Music - Mike and Kerri
WHEN: January 7 - 12, 2020
WHY: Because we are idiots to consider running as a vacation

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Running next to the resorts was pretty cool. Brought back some good memories of staying at the Grand for the DI trip and gave us a chance to get our minds off the running by talking about the resort area and the neighbouring golf courses that we were passing. I was telling Mike about the really good sunrise and sunset deals the courses offer and how I birdied one of the holes we were passing the last time I played there.

Half of the road was blocked for the runners and the other half was still allowing transportation to the hotels but only if you were escorted by a police vehicle. Made for some congestion and I'm sure some delayed travel for many guests but it was very well staffed and seemed to run as efficiently as they could make it.

At this point, the sun was up but thankfully there was a nice cloud cover saving us from sweating even more. A decent breeze was keeping things a little cooler as well but we still had a long way to go. We hit the halfway point and received some sport beans at the water station for a quick energy boost. It felt good to eat something, even as simple as the sport beans.

Entertainment was still all over the place but we really tried to concentrate on keeping our pace and not giving up. I could tell mike was getting pretty tired by now. Our pace had dropped and he was really sucking wind pretty good. We made it to the 8 mile markers and the next water station for our scheduled walk break. Mike turned to me and told me he needed to take an extended break and that I should just take off when I was ready and leave him to finish on his own. I was really wanting to finish the run together but we discussed for a few moments and he convinced me to go ahead. Sounded like he was going to try and get a stretch in and get back to the race when he caught his breath.

With some hesitation, we gave each other a very uncoordinated, Tiger Woods/Steve Williams like, half high-five and I told him I would see him at the finish line. Having run the first 8 miles at a pace that was far below what I was used to, I was feeling really good when I did leave Mike to open it up a bit. I quickly found myself running at a pace I was more accustomed to and was looking forward to seeing if I could finish the race strong.

In the meantime, the girls had the chance to get some extra sleep and had made their way over to Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Tusker House and to explore the park without us.

They looked so relaxed and refreshed compared to how we were feeling at this exact moment.





Back on the road, I was grinding to finish those final five miles as well as I could. I continued to make sure I was taking small breaks to drink water and powerade at each station but as soon as I was hydrated, I immediately went back to running. It did feel good to make my way past a number of runners on the course as I continued to knock off miles.

Running on the road beyond the resorts/golf course area and past the main gates for Magic Kingdom was pretty boring with the exception of the on-course entertainment. I was thankful that the podcast I was listening to was providing me with a few laughs to distract myself as I went along.

Hitting mile 10 and rounding the overpass to head back towards EPCOT provided me with a huge burst of energy. I could see Spaceship Earth in the distance and knew that I was getting close. The other runners on the course could tell the end was insight as well as I heard a lot of people mention that they could see EPCOT again!

The next couple miles were a bit of a blur until we rounded into the EPCOT Parking lot between mile 11 and 12. My legs were feeling like jello at this point but I started to pick up the pace. As we ran closer to the main gates, there were tons of people, both spectators and park guests, lined up cheering on the runners. We didn't run through the main entrance of the park but rounded the security area and made our way backstage behind the Seas and the Land.

This area was even more grungy than backstage at MK but as a massive Disney fan, it was really cool to see some of the backstage area. Lots of trailers were lined up along one side of the road with the show building and pavilions on the other. There was one final water station that I decided to run past. I was close and I could feel it. We hit Mile 12 and entered back on stage right near the Imagination pavilion. CMs and volunteers were holding back park guests and all were cheering as we ran towards World Showcase. The photopass photogs had returned as well to capture the last mile of the run.




We ran through a few countries then the course took us backstage for the final home stretch. Being so close I was almost sprinting to the finish. The sun was really shining by now and I couldn't wait to get across that finish line and collect my medal. People's moods around me were increasingly jovial as everyone knew we were rounding the corner to the final chute.


As the finish line approached it was hard for me to keep the smile off my face. 18 months of training and I was about to complete my first half marathon race...in Disney no less!




With the exception of crop top guy, who is also rightfully happy, these were some of my favourite pics. I was still able to smile after 13.1 miles!

Rows of volunteers were waiting to congratulate runners and provide them with their well-earned medals just steps beyond the finish line.


And photopass stations were set up to help runners celebrate their accomplishments...


To say I was jacked up would be an understatement! I was super happy to finish and as the adrenaline started to wear off, I was also super sore! I picked up my runners box full of post-race treats, grabbed a banana and slammed water and a powerade. There were taped off areas were runners could sit, eat and stretch which is exactly what I did while I waited for Mike to cross the line. I found out that my official time was 2 hours and 36 minutes. I was thrilled to finish but also figured I likely would have finished somewhere around 2:05 or so if I were running on my own or at my regular pace. It really didn't matter to me...I can always run another race for time down the road, but this one will always be the most special.

As I was stretching and relaxing, Mike was grinding it out on the course.


Not quite the same smile as I had crossing the finish line but I couldn't have been happier for my friend.




Through a sea of bodies, I spotted mike entering the cool down area. I got up to meet him and we gave each other a big hug! We were exhausted but beyond happy to have completed the race. That was our only goal and we made it happen. Mike finished in just over 3 hours and announced that he would never do this again!

We found some pavement to stretch it out a little more before deciding to head back to the hotel to get off our feet for a bit before meeting up with the girls at Animal Kingdom.

With all the craziness of the early morning and the race itself, it was very nice to have the buses back to the resorts just steps outside the finish area. We slowly waddled over to the bus stop to find our resort shuttle. We were both very excited to get back to our resorts and hop get off our aching feet for a little while.

 

[Swissmiss]

I said the same thing as Mike after I finished my first half marathon ... and this year I’ll be running my sixth

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I said the same thing as Mike after I finished my first half marathon ... and this year I’ll be running my sixth

Good for you! That's amazing. It is no small feat, that's for sure.

In Mike's case, though we haven't discussed it since we returned, I tend to think he'll be true to his word on this! I hope he changes his mind but I think he is satisfied knowing he was able to push himself to do it once and that's good enough.

 

[Swissmiss]

Good for you! That's amazing. It is no small feat, that's for sure.

In Mike's case, though we haven't discussed it since we returned, I tend to think he'll be true to his word on this! I hope he changes his mind but I think he is satisfied knowing he was able to push himself to do it once and that's good enough.

Although I found the first one the hardest on many levels, one of the things that initially put me off thinking about a second one was the time training ate up. (Because the soreness and other aches following a half marathon are like childbirth - you forget pretty quickly how bad it was ). But since I continued to run (after taking a few weeks off to recover) I soon realized that I was able to “maintain” a lot of my training level so as I geared up for the second one, it ate up less of my time.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Although I found the first one the hardest on many levels, one of the things that initially put me off thinking about a second one was the time training ate up. (Because the soreness and other aches following a half marathon are like childbirth - you forget pretty quickly how bad it was ). But since I continued to run (after taking a few weeks off to recover) I soon realized that I was able to “maintain” a lot of my training level so as I geared up for the second one, it ate up less of my time.

I have noticed that as well. Not the childbirth like pains or anything, but the training gains are sticking. It has been a bit tougher to run distance here at home with the snowy conditions (it's very hard for me to stay motivated for extended periods on the treadmill) but even with a slight reduction in the number of runs I've had since returning, I still feel like I could have run the Princess Half this past weekend with no issues.

My problem now is more about officially registering for my next race so that I have something to actually train for. Our city marathon weekend is in August and I plan to run the half. Should be officially signed up within the next couple weeks.

 

[Piglet_the_brave]

Well done on the half, that’s not a bad time considering it was still a pretty warm day. And I’ve learned Disney race times to not equate to regular race times, it’s all about the experience.

With staying motivated, I find that always having a race booked helps. It can be months away but it’s something to work towards. I was entered for my second half marathon before I’d run my first, and the Disney marathon before I’d run my second half. But I do really enjoy the training, and I’m possibly a little bit crazy, so that also helps. And @Swissmiss is right, it really is easier to carry on. You don’t feel anywhere near as bad, I felt worse the day after my first half (March 2019) than I did the day after finishing Dopey.

Mike possibly sounds like he’s a one and done person. He’s achieved his goal, which is amazing, and is happy with that. And training is a huge commitment and not enjoyable for everyone.

Anyway, I really hope you’ve caught the bug and carry on with this. Running can be seriously addictive, in a good way. Marathon anytime soon ?

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Well done on the half, that’s not a bad time considering it was still a pretty warm day. And I’ve learned Disney race times to not equate to regular race times, it’s all about the experience.

With staying motivated, I find that always having a race booked helps. It can be months away but it’s something to work towards. I was entered for my second half marathon before I’d run my first, and the Disney marathon before I’d run my second half. But I do really enjoy the training, and I’m possibly a little bit crazy, so that also helps. And @Swissmiss is right, it really is easier to carry on. You don’t feel anywhere near as bad, I felt worse the day after my first half (March 2019) than I did the day after finishing Dopey.

Mike possibly sounds like he’s a one and done person. He’s achieved his goal, which is amazing, and is happy with that. And training is a huge commitment and not enjoyable for everyone.

Anyway, I really hope you’ve caught the bug and carry on with this. Running can be seriously addictive, in a good way. Marathon anytime soon ?

Thanks very much! While I know the time was slower than what my typical pace would dictate, you’re 100% correct in saying the Disney races are more bout experience. This was exactly the reason we decided to make this our first official race.

I’ve definitely been bitten by the bug. I think Kelly would attest that I’ve become a tad obsessive with my running over the last 18 months and I have no plans of slowing down.

I plan to run a few more races this year including another half and have already set a goal to run the Dopey to celebrate my 40th birthday in five years.

I thought all those Dopey runners were outta their minds during our trip but reflecting back and seeing all the photos of other runners, it’s motivated me to work towards my own Dopey

 

[MickeyCB]

Congrats to all of you on your races!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Congrats to all of you on your races!

Thanks very much! We were all very happy to get these races under our belts.

 

[riverside]

I’ll admit I had to do a double take when I saw crop top guy!! Your comment had me laughing!!

Congrats to all of you on your races!! What a great accomplishment!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I’ll admit I had to do a double take when I saw crop top guy!! Your comment had me laughing!!

Congrats to all of you on your races!! What a great accomplishment!!

I honestly didn’t even notice he was essentially right beside me as I crossed the line. I did the same double take when I saw the pictures on the app later in the day.

I have nothing but respect for crop top guy and he should be happy to have finished but I have tried to crop him and his top out of some of those finish line pictures!

 

[John Dulmage]

Congrats to both you and Kelly on your races!! Plus, it looks like a fun trip with your friends. Can't beat that!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Congrats to both you and Kelly on your races!! Plus, it looks like a fun trip with your friends. Can't beat that!

Thanks a lot, John!

We really had a great time, especially having such good friends there to share the experience with. Even though the trip was condensed and beyond hectic, we must have done a decent job of showing off WDW to Mike and Kerri. Two days after we returned home they booked a trip for their family in August.

Mike's pretty fired up, just finished booking ADR's yesterday morning!

 

[PacNWTigger]

Congrats to all of your for your accomplishments! It's no small feat to do what you guys did, so bravo!!

I went down the fist bump rabbit hole, and I have to share this one just cuz it made me LOL!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

While Mike and I were on our buses back to the resort, contemplating the decisions we had made to put our bodies through such torture, drinking copious amounts of water and electrolytes to keep from completely ceasing up, the girls had checked into their character breakfast at Tusker House and were about to enjoy a terrific meal and some great character interaction.

We have never dined at Tusker House before so this was a new experience for Kelly and from what she said, it sounded like a very good one. Perhaps she can jump in and shed a little more light on the food and the atmosphere at some point but the girls seemed to have a lot of fun while they were enjoying their meal.










I assume Kerri had a good time as Mike let me know that breakfast at Tusker House is one of the ADRs they made for their upcoming family trip in August. Seeing the photos and hearing the review later on makes me want to try it out in September. Would make for a cool new experience for three of us with Kelly leading us through what to expect.

Once they were done with breakfast they figured it was best not to hop on any rides right away and let things settle first. Kelly used this time to go character hunting. We adored Chip and Dale in their dino costumes during our last visit and Kelly wanted to show Kerri. TO her delight, Chip and Dale had added Christmas elements to their dino costumes which totally pushed things over the top! Actually, seeing these pics makes me sad I missed the photo op. I know the kids would have loved this too.






Meanwhile, while the girls were all smiles, I was on one of the longest bus rides of my life. When we left the run, the bus was about 2/3s full, mostly of runners and their families talking about what a great experience they had just had and how they couldn't wait to get back and take a shower. I was most looking forward to a long, hot shower!

The drive was smooth until we hit Port Orleans on the way to Fort Wilderness. Traffic was at a standstill. I assumed it was blockages from the race but after inching forward for 30 minutes, we found out one of the Disney transportation buses had broken down and traffic was being alternated into one lane. Thankfully no injuries or anything like that happened but I admit I was getting pretty frustrated sitting around and waiting. Normally I'd let it slide but having just finished 13.1 miles and being up since 3 am, I was a tad cranky. Mike, on the other hand, was back at All-Stars and taking a nap. Good for him.

We finally were dropped off at Wilderness around 10 am. Still gave me more than enough time to grab a shower and take a short rest before grabbing a bus back to AK. That shower was probably the best shower I have ever taken and flying into bed for a while after I was out was heavenly.

When I felt like I was ready to roll, I finished getting dressed and sent a text to Kelly letting her know I was on my way. She messaged that they had just jumped in line for Everest. She said the wait was long so I might get lucky and be able to meet them if I was able to get over to the park quickly. I doubted that would happen as I walked down to the bus stop. Luckily, the AK bus had just pulled in so I guess you never know!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Congrats to all of your for your accomplishments! It's no small feat to do what you guys did, so bravo!!

I went down the fist bump rabbit hole, and I have to share this one just cuz it made me LOL!

Thank you so much!

HAHA! You've captured our awkward exchange perfectly!

 

[Tuvalu]

Kelly, I love your pink sweatshirt! Did you make it?

 

[k8einwdw]

Cute hoodie, Kelly!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Kelly, I love your pink sweatshirt! Did you make it?

Cute hoodie, Kelly!

I actually got it from H and M! I often find cute Disney clothes there and it’s reasonably priced!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

As for the breakfast, I feel like I probably wouldn’t go back anytime soon. The character interaction was fantastic, as it was pretty dead in there. But I didn’t care too much for the food. I would much rather be eating Poohs PUFFED French toast @Tuvalu lol