Did She Get It?? And Lessons from My first runDisney Registration

Yesterday, as many of you know, the runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon registration opened. I had about nine friends, including myself, trying to get registered when 12 pm EST struck. Three of us got in right away- the two that had refreshed their pages at 11:59 and clicked the registration button early. The rest, well the page froze, nothing would load, and when it finally did, there was a 15-22 minute line before registration. Sadly, those with the long wait times got all the way to payment, but the payment would not process.

So, which group was I in? Well, let's just say that I will be running my first half marathon in November and it will be the WINE AND DINE HALF!!!!! Ahhhhh, I am so excited to make this happen, and strange as it may be, the three people who got registered were the three original who planned on running. We will be two teacups and a sleepy mouse running across that finish line in the wee hours of the morning on November 8th.

To make it even better, a few of those who were not able to register will be coming to cheer us on and celebrate at the after party with us. We will have sign making parties filled with glitter and encouragement and two great photographers along the race route taking plenty of pictures. As sad as I am that some of my dearest friends and family will not be running with me, I am also so happy to be running with the two amazing people/friends/family that will be at my side.

This has also spurred on my running bug since, obviously, we will try to register together again for the Princess Half! Then, my cousin in California and I have plans of running a runDisney race together out there and getting me my Coast to Coast medal in 2016!! What incredible goals these are, and they are things I would have never imagined doing two years ago!

So, what wisdom can I share from that registration process?? First off, it sells out FAST. However fast you are thinking, cut that in half.

Be Ready- Early

The entire half and 5k were completely sold out within 40-minutes. That is crazy! If you want to get in, be prepared and clicking ahead of time. My friend got on right before me and had no wait time, I got on at 11:59 and had a 2-minute wait with 100 people ahead of me. Those that got on at 12:05 had a 22-minute wait and some never even got to the registration page before it sold out.

For runDisney races, the early bird definitely gets that worm.

Be Actively Prepared

Second nugget of wisdom, have an active account already. Everything is filled out for you and you can speed through the process, thus ensuring you get a spot. Also, have your account information handy. I swear by 1Password for all my passwords and it saved me again for this.

Prepare to Feel Rushed- You Are!

And third, get ready to feel rushed. My super calm cousin who I have never seen stressed EVER (not even at her twin brother's wedding that she planned while being 6-months pregnant) told me how stressful that experience was. That thing sells out fast and you should be prepared to input all your information at lightning speed. I have not found that written anywhere and think it is important to know. Move fast to make sure you get in.

I am so excited to be running this and could not stop dancing/running around my house like a crazy person/clapping uncontrollably after realizing I had made it and so had some of my friends. If you are a Disney fan, you should definitely plan on doing a Disney race at some point. I have heard so many things about these and cannot wait to experience it for myself!! 

Side note- if you are super tired of all this runDisney stuff, tomorrow will be totally runDisney free. Actually, it will be pretty fitness free but something I think all of you will enjoy!

Disney Marathon Weekend and Other Races

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This one is a decision we will all have to make quite fast. As of Tuesday at 12:00 PM Eastern time, Disney World opened registration for the Disney 2015 Marathon Weekend. Ahhh, I am so excited about it, but am still trying to decide if I can. If you are in the same place, we better make up our minds quickly, the half marathon is already 85% full. Whaattt?! I know, crazy. 

Since going to runDisney and checking out all the race availability yesterday, I have also had the sad, sad realization that the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is sold out. Seriously, it was sad day. Oh well, I will just have to sign up quicker for 2015. 

As for 2014, here are a few races that I am interested/considering running in. Have you done any of these before? And if so, what was it like?

Key Largo Bridge Run

From what I gather, you run on one of those crazy long bridges that we see all over the Florida Keys. This one is also in November, so the weather should be absolutely beautiful! Seems fun, but early. Why are there so few night runs? 

Florida 10 Sarasota

The park where this run takes place is absolutely beautiful. This race is also a bit less than a half marathon, so it would be super great for me in December. I am pretty sure it even has a post race breakfast party. You had me at breakfast... Well, except for the whole bit about needing to run 10-miles before eating. My lazy side is still hung-up on that part. 

RAG Sarasota 9K to Marathon

This one also looks pretty great, and close. The only down side I can possibly see is that the entire race is on one, half-mile, track. I have heard that this track is beautiful, but will have to go check it out myself before agreeing to run around it about 26.5 times. 

Oh, and its in the morning. Am I the only person who hates running early? 

Southernmost Marathon and Half

This looks like sooo much fun! The race ends at the southernmost point of the US and takes you all around Key West. I have also never been to Key West and would love to have a reason to make the trek down. Really, this race is the most likely for me. The views will be stunning and I can get a vacation in as well!! 

What other races should I have on my radar? If you have any you love or are planning to try, let me know! I am trying to broaden my race horizons past Disney World :)

Things to Note: The picture above was taken by my favorite Disney blogger, Ricky Brigante from Inside the Magic. His flickr page has lots of super fun pictures for your viewing entertainment.