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Find out how to have a successful race weekend with these 13.1 things learned from a RunDisney Race Weekend!

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As it’s just about one month to the day until the beginning of the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, I thought it appropriate to share some lessons learned from my own runDisney race weekend. I loved everything about my Wine & Dine Half Marathon experience and hope to do more runDisney weekends in the future. If and when I do, I’ll be keeping these 13.1 things in mind!

Things Learned from runDisney

ONE // Recruit a friend to join you

In the months and weeks leading up to registration, see if you can wrangle up some buddies to join you! Your runDisney experience will be twice as fun with friends.

TWO // Consider saving your vacation for after the race

If your runDisney experience includes park tickets and a full on vacay, consider saving serious park time for after your race. This was a tip I read over and over when planning our own trip, but I wasn’t sure I could swing it with my schedule. On our next runDisney trip, I will definitely try to make the race a kickoff celebration instead of a culmination.

THREE // Have fun with your race day wear

Rest assured there will be plenty of people in costumes. If that’s your thing, go for it! I’m not a costume person, but I love a good themed shirt! Etsy has tons of great options that break from the norm of your standard solid tank.

FOUR // Consider renting a car

Disney vacations are busy. Throw in a race and it becomes even busier! I love the on-property bus system and the fact that they roll in every 15 or so minutes. However, if you want to maximize your time in the parks or at the expo, a rental car might be a great option. With a rental car, you’re not at the mercy of a full bus and can hop in the car and go wherever you’re ready.

FIVE // Book your pre-race dinner first

You will likely know the style of meal you’d like to have for the night before the race. If you’re staying on Disney property, your dining reservation window opens SIX MONTHS out! And trust me, they go quickly. Book your pre-race dinner first and then fit other reservations around it.

Related: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Race Review & Recap

SIX // Book your post-race meal second

The second most important meal of a race weekend is the post-race celebration meal. Ensure that you book a table at the restaurant of your choice by working as far in advance as you can.

SEVEN // Head to the expo early

I had heard horror stories about the runDisney expos, but honestly, we had no trouble. I attribute that to hopping on the first bus out of our resort and going straight to packet pick-up. We walked right up — no waiting in line whatsoever. Get there early to avoid the crowd and the headache.

EIGHT // Drink. All. The. Water.

You’re likely entering a different climate to come to your runDisney event. Take it from me and drink water — more than you think you should. I made sure to drink my normal amount of water in the days leading up to the race, but I didn’t account for the 98 percent humidity during the race. By the end of the race, I was severely dehydrated and found myself regretting every choice I’d made since arriving in Florida. And I even took along my own hydration AND stopped at every water stop!

NINE // Consider rethinking your race morning meal

I like to have instant oatmeal before my long runs. So easy! All I need is a paper bowl, a spoon, and a microwave. I took along my paper bowl, plastic spoon, and package of oatmeal… Only to find our hotel room did NOT have a microwave. By the time I realized this it was too late to do anything about it. Don’t get caught in the same pickle I was in. Bring something (or grab something while you’re there) that doesn’t have to be heated!

Related: What to Pack for a RunDisney Racecation Weekend

TEN // Get to the bus stop earlier than you think you should

runDisney recommends participants be on a bus by 4 a.m. at the latest to make it to the starting line. This is honestly a generous amount of time. But speaking from experience, if you’re a worrier, get to the bus stop early. I watched three or four full buses stop and then roll on by and I was getting pretty nervous at Wine & Dine last year. By the time an empty bus pulled up to my resort it was 3:58 and my heart was about to pound out of my chest. I just KNEW I was going to miss it (of course I didn’t). This is another instance when a rental car might come in handy.

ELEVEN // Go straight to the potty line!

It’s probable that the potty line will be disastrously long when you arrive at the starting area. Don’t expect the line to go down. Don’t wait to hop in line. Don’t count on stopping on the course. After leaving  your bag with gear check, go ahead take a restroom break and get it over with. Your head will be much clearer if you do.

TWELVE // Don’t feel bad for sitting down in the corral

On the morning of my race, I already had 3,000 steps by the time I got to my corral. When I realized this I knew I had to rest my legs as much as possible. I plopped down next to the fence and didn’t move for about 45 minutes and didn’t feel bad about it at all.

THIRTEEN // Expect bottle-necking

One thing I didn’t consider about my runDisney race is that I would constantly be surrounded by people. I didn’t experience any thinning of the crowds throughout the entire race, which made some spots tight. Check the course map ahead of time and be prepared to be patient and probably walk, or slowly jog through these parts of the course.

And here’s that .1 tip… HAVE. FUN. !! Enjoy the fact that you’re running in the happiest place on earth and don’t worry about times, paces, or any of those things that plague your day-to-day running life. Make some memories and just enjoy yourself.

Question: What tips do you have for a successful race getaway?

I’m linking up with Annmarie and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday!

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