It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned runner, or new to the sport. RunDisney is a whole new world of terms to learn. I’ll never forget my first RunDisney 5k, and Half Marathon, I had no clue what to expect. I learned so many amazing things during and just after my first RunDisney race and today I wanted to share some of my knowledge with all of you.

RunDisney Terms

There are in no particular order, but the following terms will give you a little insight as you plan for your upcoming Disney Race!

“POT”

Proof of Time

A few months before a race you will see the internet buzzing with the term POT. This is because if you don’t submit a proof of time, you might be placed in the very last corral of a Disney race. You want to be in one of the faster corrals because it means fewer people on the course in front of you and fewer people to weave in and out of while you are running.

Corral

If you are thinking of cattle, chances are you are thinking the right thing. A Corral is the system RunDisney (and many big races) use to organize runners by start time.

Waiver

The document you need to print and sign in order to receive your racing bib and shirt.

The Galloway

Olympian Jeff Galloway is the RunDisney expert and running coach. He has developed a method of running called the Run/Walk. This method uses intervals to help get you from the start to the finish line with a smile on your face!

I personally love the 30/30 intervals (30 seconds running and 30 seconds walking). Don’t worry, you don’t have to count 30 seconds over and over, you can purchase a Gymboss and have a little buzzer remind you when to walk and run. This is the one I use and love

Expo

The Expo is where you will have to go in order to get your racing bib and other race items. It is also where you can meet with vendors and purchase race specific merchandise.

Here is a guest post from oilswithDana on what to expect at a RunDisney expo.

“Parade Bus”

As you run your race, you might notice several buses lined up along the course labeled “Parade Bus” this is not characters preparing for a parade, this is a bus you absolutely don’t want to be on. This is the bus that RunDisney cast members load runners who have not met the 16-minute pace per mile requirement or have become injured during the race.

Sweeper

RunDisney cast members who stop you from racing and ask you to wait for the aforementioned “Parade Bus” This only happens if you have not met the 16-minute pace per mile requirement.

Pacer

Incredible people who follow Jeff Galloway Run/Walk intervals. They literally hold a stick for the entire race and shout “RUN” … “WALK” to keep people on track with their pace goals. These people are heroes and should be thanked and treated with so much love as they work very hard to keep a consistent pace and encourage everyone in their group to meet your goal.

Without the 7 hour pacer at the Walt Disney World Marathon, I’m 100% positive that I’d have been on the “Parade Bus”

Read about the 2018 WDW Marathon here!

Balloon Ladies

Stephanie, after completing the 2018 WDW Marathon!

Amazing women who start at the very end of the race and maintain a 16-minute mile while wearing balloons around their waist.

Yes, that’s actually a thing.

These amazing women maintain a 16-minute pace per mile which is the pace you must maintain to complete a RunDisey race. The theory is, that if you stay in front of the balloon ladies you won’t be swept off the course.

Goofy Challenge

This happens during the WDW Marathon every year. It is when you run the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Full Marathon on Sunday for a total of 39.3 miles. I ran this challenge in 2015 when I was pregnant with my second daughter, it was such a rewarding experience!

Read about the 2015 Goofy Challenge here!

Dopey Challenge

Also during the WDW Marathon weekend is the Dopey Challenge. This challenge, has runners participate in all the available races from the weekend. 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.

Darkside Challenge

During the Star Wars Darkside weekend, this challenge has runners completing the 10k and Half Marathon on consecutive days.

Fairytale Challenge

This challenge takes place during the Princess Half Marathon weekend. Runners complete the 10k and Half Marathon on consecutive days.

Two-Course Challenge

As you may have guessed, this challenge takes place during the Wine and Dine weekend. Runners complete the 10k and Half Marathon on consecutive days.

There you have it! a few RunDisney terms you might come across as you are researching for your upcoming race at Walt Disney World!

The Question of the Day: When is your next RunDisney Race?

The (Innagural) Star Wars Half Marathon

I was so excited to be able to participate in the Inaugural Darkside Star Wars Half Marathon. We had a busy day prior to arriving at the race Expo, and we were anxious to get there and talk to runner relations because there was a glitch in the system and my husband’s proof of time wasn’t read. Thankfully he had put all the information in a notes section of Active and RunDisney was able to (within seconds) place him in the appropriate corral! He moved from Corral J all the way up to Corral D [insert happy dance].

Since I am expecting, and had zero intention of stopping for anything except maybe a bathroom we agreed that he should run in his corral and I would run in mine (Corral G).

Pre-Race

Prior to the start of the race, we took several pictures with some star wars characters and just had a lovely time enjoying the pre-race vibe. My sister was also running the half but was in a different corral. I also advised her to run her own race and have a good time, because I knew I wouldn’t be pushing myself (at all) for the race. My only goal was to finish before the sweepers.

The Race Begins

The race started and I moved as far over to the right side as I possibly could and began my 30/30 intervals. I’d decided it would be short enough intervals to keep me distracted, and I wouldn’t get my heart rate up too high too quickly. On Friday I took a one-hour glucose test at the doctor to test for gestational diabetes and was still feeling “off” so I really just wanted to do my own thing.

My sister must have passed me around mile 2 because I received a text message with her 5k split a few minutes before I made it to the 5k mark myself. I never saw my sister, but that’s alright, we were all running our own race and having as much fun as possible.

Running Through Epcot

Let’s talk about the start of the race, we were in Epcot and IT.WAS.AWESOME! We entered Epcot from the back (like think underneath test track) and ran around World Showcase for a bit. Since it was still quite dark when we ran through it, all of the buildings had white lights around the top, and there was Star Wars music BLASTING through all the speakers. I’m not a huge Star Wars fan, but whatever nerdy ounce I have in my body was thrilled.

Running through Epcot while the sounds epic light saber battles are all around you?

Best start to a race EVER!

Running through the Boardwalk

After Epcot, we entered onto the boardwalk area and ran the path that connects Epcot with Hollywood Studios. The course was quite narrow at this point, and as annoying as I was to all those around me, I continued to stick all the way to the right hand side and run 30/30 intervals.

Running through Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios was also pretty Epic. There was a large stage in front of the Chinese Theater with Kylo Ren and some storm troopers, you know encouraging you to “move along”. I had every intention of taking a picture, but … I didn’t. I got distracted by the ambiance, and just kept moving.

Running through Osceola Parkway

After HWS we entered the first long (and boring) stretch of Osceola Parkway. One thing they did, that I wish they’d do more of during other half marathons is they played movies every mile or so on the long boring stretches! I mean, it’s not like meeting Jedi Mickey (Who was no where to be found) but it’s pretty cool and distracting!

Running Through Animal Kingdom

Before I knew it I was entering the Animal Kingdom. I got a little emotional during this part of the course, mostly because I was having deja vu from when I ran the Marathon (pregnant with Baby 2). The sun was rising, and everything just looked so pretty! I had a good time running though the Animal Kingdom and took advantage of a REAL bathroom and sink to wash my hands.

Running on Osceola Parkways (again)

After the Animal Kingdom, we entered the final stretches of Osceola Parkway. I’d started to slow down at this part, but was still well above the 16 min mile requirement so I was comfortable with my slowing pace.

Running through ESPN Wide World of Sports

Before I knew it I was turning a corner into the woods and running on a dirt path entering EPSN Wide World of Sports. The crowd was vibrant was we entered ESPN and it was here that the tears just fell. I’d done it… My knees still felt great, and I was approaching the finish line.

My dad and younger sister had come to chEAR us on with signs, so I blew some kisses to them and then headed for the finish line. Where my older sister had waited for me so we could take a picture together!

This was not my fastest half marathon, in fact, it can go on the list as one of my slowest. However, it was the most fun I’ve had running a half marathon. I loved this race so much, and think it’s a great addition to the RunDisney races!

Finish: 3:19:21
Pace: 15 minutes per mile
Pregnancy: 14 Weeks (Second Trimester)

The Question of the day, who would you dress up as for a Star Wars themed race?

Storybook Erin