Run Registration Day

It’s finally here: tomorrow is run registration day for the runDisney Star Wars Rival Run Weekend!

From past experience, I know that the runDisney events are very popular and sell out fast, so it’s imperative that you’re ready when it comes to registration day.

Here are a few things I’ve done and recommend to help with the registration process:

1. Know Your Race Registration Date and Time. Okay, maybe this is obvious but I’m mentioning it anyway. This is key to getting into the race of your choice. These events sell out fast, and you need to be ready not only on the day of registration, but also at the moment the registration process opens (in this case, noon my time tomorrow). I’ve cleared my calendar and set a reminder alarm on my phone for one hour prior to the opening moment that will allow me time to get set up and be ready with all of my devices.
2. Account Preparation. The registration process for runDisney events recently changed, so my first step was to go to the runDisney page and make sure my account was set up and ready to go. Don’t wait for registration day! Create and sign in to your page and get familiar with how it looks and works days in advance.
3. Know Your Information. Past experience has taught me what information to have ready when I register: the exact race or challenge I want, estimated finish time or proof of time (POT), t-shirt size, etc. You don’t want to waste time trying to figure this out once the registration window is open. The new registration process also allows you to register more than one participant at once, so know who you’re registering.
4. Light or Dark Side? This year, the Star Wars Run Weekend is a rival run and that means choosing to run for either the light side or the dark side. This one required no thinking for me…but I’ll let you know which one I chose in a later post.

So I’m as ready as I can be, and if all goes well, there are just 219 days left to go!

My First Half

I haven’t written in a while so I have a lot to catch up on. First things first (no pun intended)..I’ve decided to move beyond the 5K runs and I’m training for my first half marathon.

My plan is to register (successfully) for the runDisney Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World and run the half marathon in April 2019. I’m absolutely committed: my flight is already paid for and my resort selected and booked.

Star Wars Half Marathon – Dark Side, April 2018

I ran the 5K in the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Run Weekend last April with my husband and our daughters, and fell in love with runDisney events. It was the perfect event to run as a family, but I finished wishing I’d had the challenge of a timed event and I knew at the finish line that I’d be back.

Star Wars Half Marathon – Dark Side 5K medal, April 2018

So my original plan was to sign up for the 10K next April, but I have plenty of time to train before the August registration day arrives, so why not start the training program now under the hot Canadian summer sun and aim for the half.

And that’s what I’m doing. This year (this August actually- same as the marathon registration month) will mark my 50th birthday, so this is my present to myself.

My first step was to download the Jeff Galloway Half Marathon Beginners Training Program (you can find all the training programs here). Due to GI health issues in the past, I have always followed a run/walk method at my doctors suggestion, so using this method in training for a half seemed the best way to go in my case. I also joined an online run walk interval fan group so I have constant support from those with experience and tips using this training method.

My second step was to schedule my training days. I actually put the runs into my calendar on my phone. That way, I am not likely to book appointments or make plans that will cause me to skip my sessions.

Thirdly, I ordered an interval timer. Fortunately, I already run (albeit shorter distances) so I have the clothing I need and the water belt I prefer, but unfortunately, the sport watch I currently use doesn’t have a timer function. I quickly found that trying to track intervals without one was frustrating and distracting and the timer was a must-have item.

So here I am, in my second week now of the training program. I’m still playing with finding the best interval times that work for me but I’m running around the 15 min/mile pace at this point. I run three times a week, and do strength training and Pilates for cross-training.

I will be sure to keep posting on my progress. And if you’re planning on running the Star Wars Rival Weekend too, I hope to see you there!