Disney Princess Half Marathon Recap – Part 1
4 Mar
As I started to jot down my thoughts about the half, I decided it would probably be best to break my recap down into two parts.
So let’s jump right in to part 1 – the race expo, the morning of, and the start of the race…
My sister and I left for the airport at 5:00AM on Saturday. By the time we arrived in Florida, got transportation to our hotel, and then got transportation to the expo, it was getting to be late afternoon.
The expo was held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which was just a short bus ride from where we were staying (All-Star Movies).
I’m sure I’ll be saying this several times throughout my recap, but the organization of everything throughout the race weekend was impeccable.
Our first stop at the race expo was our bib pick-up.
If you’re wondering why our bibs are different colors, they correspond with our “favorite princess” (indicated when you sign up for the race!). I chose Cinderella and Corinne went with Ariel.
After we got our bibs, we perused the expo for a little bit but didn’t stay too long. We did each purchase an item from the Raw Threads stand though!
After the expo, we headed to Magic Kingdom for a few hours before heading to our dinner reservation at the Grand Floridian Cafe.
Because we were a bit paranoid about not getting on a bus/getting to the race start on time, we were up at 2:00AM on Sunday! Looking back, that was not necessary but we definitely weren’t rushing around at the last minute either, which was good.
We only had to wait a few minutes at our hotel before a bus picked us up and we found ourselves waiting amongst all the other runners.
There was a dj that was playing when we arrived, and he did his best to get everyone motivated and amped up before we headed to the corrals. They started calling corral A around 4:00AM (from what I remember? It’s starting to get fuzzy now!), and eventually our corral – F – was called to make the walk to the start.
As each wave took off running, there was a special countdown + fireworks, which was fun!
The whole time I was waiting, I wasn’t really nervous – just ready to get moving. There was a bit of a chill in the air (despite the humidity) and I knew I would warm up once we started running… and warm up, I did!
After the Fairy Godmother and Carissa counted us down, Corinne and I were off to a good start! Despite the humidity (we were drenched in sweat within minutes), we managed to weave in and out of people and keep running for the first 3 miles.
What happened after those first 3? Stay tuned! 
What do you consider to be perfect running weather?
So excited for the rest of the recap! P.S. Corinne is on my list of future baby names haha is that a strange comment?
Nikki recently posted..Low-Key Weekend
lol nah, it’s a cool name!
Love Part 1 of your recap! I’m just getting caught up on my blog reading so a big congrats to you for finishing in just over 3 hours! I can only dream of running even half of that one day. I can’t imagine how perfectly organized the race was! The fact that you get to pick your Princess for your bib makes it even more special! Can’t wait to see what happens after mile 3
Chelsie recently posted..Sidetracked
Thanks Chelsie!
that is so cool that there is a countdown and fireworks before you start running! love it!
Danielle @ It’s A Harleyyy Life recently posted..Tone It Up
Congrats, girl! Getting there would be awesome- so happy for you and your AWESOME accomplishment!
Can’t wait to hear how it was to actually run in the marathon!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Special Days
I love how they color coordinated your bibs to match your favorite princess. That is such an early wake-up time! I think the fireworks would make me extra nervous! Can’t wait to read the next recap
Nicole @ Fruit ‘N’ Fitness recently posted..Walk with New Friends
…how sweet of you to leave us hanging (NOT!), Ha Ha! Can’t wait to hear more
Jessie recently posted..Marvelous In My Monday :: Coconut Flour Pancakes
Wow, y’all got there early! I was toward the middle of corral F. I loved the pre-race entertainment. It definitely made standing there for an hour much more bareable.
Amy H @ Run with Perseverance recently posted..Crock Pot Challenge Recap
I know, I don’t know what we were thinking getting up so early! I think we were really worried about running late or not being able to get on a bus! haha Live and learn!
Can’t wait to hear more!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Ibex Synergy Yoga Collection
can’t wait to hear about the rest of the race! And I can’t believe you guys got up at 2am – crazy.
I love running in long sleeve t-shirt and shorts weather – 50 degrees or so.
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted..Happy 5K
Agreed! It’s supposed to be right around 50* on Saturday where I live, so I’m eager to go for a nice run!
I love the bibs! I can’t believe you guys were up at 2 am. I thought getting up at 5 was rough!
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Tristan’s Newspaper Debut + My New Craft Project
haha I know! The 2:00AM wake up was unnecessary!
I love when it is a little chilly but you still feel comfortable in a tshirt and shorts.
Danielle @ Truffles n’ Treadmills recently posted..Celebrating Simplicity
Ahh this makes me so excited!! I can’t wait to run next year!! I scrolled down to read Recap #1 first.. can’t wait to go read the second part!
Jessica @ Prayers and Apples recently posted..Can There Be Human Rights Without God?