Packing List with a Disney Twist!

(My WDW Marathon Weekend Packing List)

It’s time!  We are finally ready to start packing for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  For this weekend, there are a ton of races to go to, and one of us is “Dopey” enough to run all of them.  That being said, special attention needs to be paid to packing and being sure not to forget anything.

My #1 rule of packing: race day essentials ALWAYS go in the carry-on.  I never chance that lost luggage will result in a bad race day.  So here it goes—everything I can think of to pack for a successful race weekend!

We’ll make a lovely dress for Cinderelly (running clothes & costumes)

                Costumes & parts (I get pretty crazy here with each one packed in large ziplocks)
                Running underwear/bra (4 sets)
                Running socks (4)
                Running pants/shorts (4)
                Running shirts (4)
                Compression calf sleeves for recovery (or other items for recovery)
                Throw away clothes for the start (I also pack old Mylar blankets from past races)

…I can go the distance (shoes)

                Running shoes (2 pairs for Dopey)
                Flip flops
                Supportive “park” shoes that are different than running shoes (I’ll be wearing my New Balance Minnie sneakers)

Try the gray stuff, it’s delicious! (food)

            Breakfast for race morning (bagels, peanut butter, jelly)

Empty water bottle

Powerade Drops

Gels (or other race nutrition)

Clif bars (I get the minis) and other small park snacks

Gadgets and gizmos aplenty… (electronics)

                I-pod w/ extra headphones

                Garmin watch/digital watch

                Galloway Timer

                Camera

                Cell Phone

                Tablet/computer (because I HAVE to keep everyone up-to-date on social media)

                …and of course all of the corresponding chargers!

With a dreamy far off look, and her nose stuck in a book (paperwork)

                Waivers/forms to pick up waivers

                MagicBand

                Magical Express tickets

                Lasting Commemoratives Coupon (I love getting those free print cards—they go great with my medal display)

                Confirmations for flights/ticketed events/etc (I store most of this stuff on my phone)
                Expo shopping list (I try to plan ahead to limit my spending)

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down (stuff to keep you healthy)

                Bandaids & Neosporin

                KT Tape

                Tylenol

                Bengay/Biofreeze

                The Stick & a golf ball

                Benadryl

                Vitamins/Medicine (and pack this in your carry-on)

                Body Glide
                Sunscreen
                Wipes & hand sanitizer

Look for the bare necessities (all that regular vacation stuff)

                Toiletries

                Underwear

                Pajamas

                Bathing Suit

                Clothes for the parks (remember to check the weather before you go and pack for varied conditions--I also plan to wear the shirts I get for the races, so I pack less)

                Umbrella/ponchos
                Backpack for the parks

I know I must have forgotten something...  What does your list look like?

Why I Love to Splurge on the ChEAR Squad

I know, I know, it’s pricey and not for everyone, but I just can’t resist the swag! 

During Marathon weekend, I’ll be part of the ChEAR Squad for the third year.  Nothing beats chEARing on the runners with my Mickey clappers, while wearing my ChEAR Squad tee shirt.  And, yes, the stadium blanket does come in handy on those early morning hours waiting at the start line.

You can get all the great stuff with the Silver Package, but I go for the Gold.   I do this for two simple reasons:  the stadium seating at the finish line and the area in front of Cinderella Castle.  (Last year, there was also a special area at ESPN in the stadium.)  These areas allow you to get really good viewing points.   You can get some great pictures of your runners by the castle if you plan in advance.  The stadium seating is “first come”, but there is a constant rotation of people and I’ve always had a place to sit.  This old lady with knee issues found the seats very welcoming!  Another nice perk is the beverages.  A cold drink is always refreshing  (as was the hot coffee on cold mornings).

I’ve not yet tried the Platinum package, which includes the race retreat.   On one early morning bus ride to the start line, I met a woman who swears by it.  She said after she attended the race retreat once and got the Platinum package, she would do no other.   She said it was the only way to go!   I guess some year I may really splurge and try it, but for now I’m content with the Gold.

Welcome to Disney Runs in the Family!

Blog post #1!  We are a family of Disney nuts who also found runDisney and in turn found a love for running.  Everything from the family fun run 5ks to the upcoming Dopey Challenge, we have run a ton of Disney races and have plans for many in the future.  After giving advice to friends and getting others hooked on runDisney, we realized that we have a lot of information to share and LOVE sharing!  Hope you enjoy reading our adventures, and we hope it inspires you to tap into your Disney running magic!