Tips for Running a runDisney Challenge

Today, I’m linking up with Erika, Patty, and April for their weekly link-up called Tuesdays on the Run.  This is my first time joining the link-up and I’m excited to share three areas where I focus my attention when I am training and racing a runDisney Challenge.rundisneyAs a past participant of the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge (10k + Half Marathon) and the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k + Half Marathon), I have come away with a few tips for those of you that are looking to explore “challenge” race experiences.  Fair warning:  This is only the tip of the runDisney iceberg when it comes to challenge races since runDisney also hosts the Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half + Full Marathon) and the Goofy Challenge (Half + Full Marathon) and other 10k and Half marathon challenges to include the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge, Pixie Challenge, and Rebel Challenge.

My Top Three Tips for Running a runDisney Challenge

1.)  Double Your Fun:  In my experience, to double the fun on race weekend I double up on some of my training runs.  Proper training will help you conquer your goal of running a runDisney challenge event by prepping your body for the fatigue and to mimic the experience of race weekend. Now, if you aren’t ready to run those days back to back, I would consider still getting in some mileage and walking or doing a run/walk combination.  Plus, proper preparations will allow you to really enjoy all that runDisney has to offer its runners.

2.)  Hydration and Fuel:  Whether you are running your runDisney events in Florida or California, proper hydration and fuel are the two keys to making your race weekend a success.  For me, the humidity and temperatures in Florida always kill me.  I make sure that I am replenishing electrolytes during the events as well as after each race as we play in the parks.  I know that it can be difficult to manage your needs at Disney, especially if you are traveling with family.  But, please make your food and hydration needs a priority, especially on those challenge weekends! And, in speaking from experience, save those exciting treats as your post-challenge reward!

3.)  Goals:  Decide how you want to approach your race weekend before you get there!  For me, if I am running for time in one of the events, I am definitely not running for time in the other challenge event.  For example, at the Glass Slipper Challenge this year, I wanted to see where I stood in the 10k.  I opted to not stop for photos and push myself on Saturday.  The next day, I opted to stop for as many photos as possible with my husband and took it easy during the Princess Half Marathon.  And, hey, if you want to do the opposite or take it easy both days, do what makes you happy! Oh, and I’m super envious if you have the wheels to PR in both events during a challenge weekend!

Castle_Jake and Lisa

I would love to hear your favorite tips for taking on “challenge” races. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tackling more than one race in a weekend.  So tell me, how do you train for challenges? And, what are your best recovery tactics?

Lisa

Comments

  1. Doubling up on training mileage over the weekends is what really helped me survive Goofy, so I did the same with Dumbo and Glass Slipper! Great tips!! 🙂
    My recent post Those Disney Details

  2. runawaybridalplanner says:

    Great tips! I've run the WDW Marathon, but I've never done one of their challenges. Maybe one of these days, but I agree with your Goals in advance, that would definitely be the key!!!
    My recent post Westwater Canyon White Water River Rafting

  3. renaissancerunnergirl says:

    I ran the WDW Half this year and decided to do Dumbo for my coast-to-coast – I am trying to run 4-5 mornings per week, and do them in 2x per row, 3x per row since I usually NEVER do 3 days in a row and only recently started doubling up. I think it is helping my stamina!

    • It definitely helps! I loved the Dumbo Challenge! I have a thing for the California runDisney races. I think that coordination for race morning is just so much easier than FL. Have fun!!

  4. runsaltrun says:

    I'm all signed up for Dopey in January, but I'm still not sure if it's going to work out unfortunately. That said…these are great tips!! I definitely need to start thinking about preparing!

    • WOA! As I mentioned, I can't believe that anyone is capable of those crazy early morning wake up calls. You certainly have the speed so no doubt you can do it!

  5. Double (or triple or..) runs to mimic the races are the most important part of training for a challenge for me. I love to run multiple races over a few days and I usually get faster by the last day as my body is used to the back to back running.
    My recent post Five things I was doing a decade ago

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