This past weekend, I participated in the Disney Two Course Wine and Dine Challenge. This event combines the 10K on Saturday with the Half Marathon on Sunday—a total of 19.3 miles through the   beautiful Walt Disney World Resort.  I was incredibly excited to be part of this Disney Adventure.  This was my first time participating in the Two Course Challenge.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience but the humidity during both race days was very high. Humidity and I are not running friends. Every run in the humidity makes me feel like I am breathing under water. Yet, I enjoyed participating in both the 10k and Half Marathon.  I love the feeling of accomplishment, receiving a medal, and also the euphoric ‘runner’s high’ after a race.

My husband and oldest daughter were with me in Orlando. They were great company throughout the weekend.
We arrived in Orlando on Friday morning, had a nice lunch at the ESPN Brewery and then I went to the expo to pick up my number. The expo was held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  Race pick up was super easy and very organized.  After I got back from the expo, I unpacked, and then we all went to dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.  I had a delicious steak with mash potatoes.

After dinner, it was time to lay my gear and get ready for an early 10k race at the crack of dawn.

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The 10k (6.2) race

My first race of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend was the 10k.   My goal for this race was to take it easy and have fun, since the half marathon was the next day.

My race morning started very early with my alarm going off at 3:00 a.m.  I showered, got dressed, grabbed a granola bar and was on my way to the starting line.  I caught the first bus from our hotel, Disney Beach Club, to the staging area located at the Magic Kingdom Parking lot.  I arrived at Magic Kingdom early, used the porta potty, and then headed to the running corrals.

At 5:30 on the dot, Corral A, the elite and fastest runners were sent off with fireworks.  To make the start more special, Disney sets of fireworks for each corral. Soon my assigned Corral F was on our journey to complete 6.1 miles.

We ran through Hollywood Studios, around the Boardwalk, over by Epcot, then to the Finish line located near Space Ship Earth.

I had a lot fun greeting the Disney characters along the course and taking pictures.  There was also plenty of aid stations and volunteers  surrounded the route.

Six miles later, I crossed the finish line.  After the race, I collected my water, Gatorade and a few snacks.  I got my medal, and then waited in line for a picture with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Later, I headed to the hotel for a nap, and some relaxation time while my husband and daughter went to Universal Studios to ride some rollercoasters and other exhilarating rides.   I am definitely not a fan of rides, so I just stayed at the hotel.   Later during the day, we went to dinner at the Trattoria Forno on the Board Walk, so I can carbo load for the Half Marathon.

 

Day one of the Challenge, has been such fun! Day 2 is tomorrow.

Day 2 The Half Marathon

Race morning started off with another 3:00 a.m. alarm. I showered, got dressed, and I was out the door and on the shuttle bus to the start for the Half Marathon.

This time we ran through Animal kingdom, Hollywood Studio, and Epcot.  The miles flew by. Around mile 12, I was very excited, when I saw that golf ball (Space Ship Earth) which meant I only have a mile left!   We than ran through a security gate towards the finish line.

Thirteen miles later, I crossed the finish line! I got my medal and drank some water and headed back to the hotel.

 

That night, my family and I had dinner at Bongos Cuban Café.

After dinner, we walked around the Disney Springs.

I now have my Disney Two Course Challenge Medal, in addition to my Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon medal and Disney Wine & Dine 10K Finisher Medal.

Challenge completed.    10k and Half Marathon done!!

Monday morning, we will pack our rental car and head to Boca Raton to visit our town home for a week-long relaxation vacation.