What to expect at a RunDisney Princess Half Marathon

Our first Disney run was this past February 2015, and we were in no way properly prepared so here is what to expect. 

RunDisney Expo:  

• The expo was a little overwhelming but definitely worth it. There is a lot to look at and free items, so take your time! We were too excited and wanted to get into the parks as soon as we could, but my next race we will be there longer. They had everything from a runners pouch for your phone, keys, etc.to the RunDisney signature shoes!  
• Before the Expo you go to pick up your race bib, t shirt, and a small bag of goodies. BE WARNED! If you are going with a male, the t shirts may be a not so manly color, and he might be upset. But you'll understand because he is doing a princess themed race with you.   

Morning of the race:

• STRETCH! I bet your saying "Duh, you are doing a half marathon" but seriously stretch every little bit of your beautiful body. If your thinking "I don't need to stretch my wrists" just do it.  
• Pack some granola bars and eat them on the bus ride there. At 3:30 am you are not very hungry, and you're not thinking about your stomach unless you are thinking about your butterflies in it. ;) But you need the energy! 

Before the race: 

• We found a place to stand and just stood for a little while. It was unclear what to do although there were a ton of port o potties (over 100). So that was a good time to get any last minute business done. 
• There was a DJ that was playing high energy songs which was personally a favorite due to the fact that I was nervous out of my mind, it was nice to listen to some good music and watch people dance.  
• We heard a cartoon-like voice and an audience laughing. There was a small stage with a silly, beautiful, hilarious fairy godmother called Ivana Dream. She called herself  "The other fairy godmother". It was nice to stand there and laugh to calm the nerves.  

During the race: 

• By the time you get to the actual starting line you have already walked 4 miles. (aren't you glad you had that granola bar on the bus?) 
• You will be standing for about 30 mins so they can let the other corrals go first which is a fun time to get to know the other runners around you. 
• There will be medics on bicycles that are there when you need them but head my warning the medics on bikes (at least with us) got obnoxious and power hungry. Telling us to run faster when we had been going for 13 miles already. And  when you have not eaten and are close to finishing you do not want to hear someone who isn't in your shoes telling you to "run faster".  
• There are indoor bathrooms when you get to Magic Kingdom. 
• Throughout the course there are multiple wonderful photo opportunities and I advise you to not do any of them. The lines are about 20 people long and if you have to wait for them you will be behind in the race and might get cut at a mile marker. We didn't take any pictures because we thought of that reason. 
• There are 4 or 5 ladies that are keeping the pace. You cant miss them because they have giant balloons that are 2 feet above their heads. Stay with them/ a head of them. They keep the pace at 16 minute mile. They are what everyone uses to know the pace. If you are behind them at the 7 mile mark you will be cut. If you are behind them at the 10 mile mark you will be cut. Just listen to me when I say stay in front of them.
•  There are many drink stations along the course. If you have never had a protein gel like thing before do not try it now. They handed us what looked like a sample of shampoo but it was a gel thing to give you energy. It was nasty. Please don't take it if you haven't tried one before.'

Post race:

• Getting your medal is super magical. They say "Congratulations Princess/Prince" and it was so sweet. 
• There are post race snacks like Powerade, bananas, and protein bars and I was never so happy to have a blue Powerade in my life. 
• There will be a lot of people and it will be very loud.The DJ is playing music and families and friends will be there to support a finished runner so try to stay calm and find your group or go the buses as quickly as possible.
• Sitting will be a challenge.  That's pretty self explanatory because you just did a half marathon! Woohoo! you did it!! :D

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