Last weekend, I participated in the Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare, a two-race challenge consisting of a 10K through California Adventure and Disneyland, followed by a half marathon that extended through the parks and the streets of Anaheim.
I had an amazing time, but it was definitely a challenge, especially since I’m not a fan of cold weather. Some people laugh when I say 44°F is cold, but for a Floridian, it definitely is! I layered up, but the chill still got to me.
In terms of preparation, I had trained well for the weekend, though in hindsight, I probably should have scheduled my longest run one week prior instead of two. I felt ready to perform better, and overall, I was in the same zone as past runs. However, I was aiming for a sub-2:15 half marathon, and a few small factors slowed me down. I usually don’t stop for photos, but I had to take a bathroom break in both races, and I also paused to adjust my shoes during the half. On top of that, Disneyland’s course is more challenging than Disney World’s, with more hills, twists, and turns.
What I Loved About the Race
The corral system was fantastic, there were no staggered heats, so once your corral was up, everyone started together. This made for a smoother, more efficient start.
The course design was well thought out, with plenty of water stations along the way.
The race itself was so well organized that there’s very little to critique!
Room for Improvement
The pre- and post-race party could have been better, especially with more character interactions like at Disney World. Adding character meet-and-greets would enhance the experience for those who don’t stop during the race but still want that Disney magic moment.
Other than that, it was a fantastic event, and I had a great time!
I consider myself an average runner. I’m not fast, but I’m not slow either. I just get the job done. My average pace for a 10K is usually around a 10-minute mile, depending on where I’m at in my training. Sure, I’ve had faster races and slower ones too, but the most important thing isn’t the race—it’s the training that gets you there.
I’ve trained in a variety of ways, from running daily to limiting myself to just three runs a week. Here are some thoughts on training and conditioning for races. Of course, your mileage may vary, and I’m not a certified trainer—this is just my personal experience.
Prioritize Your Health
First and foremost, your health comes first. Starting a training program recklessly and getting injured won’t do you any good—physically or mentally. Listen to your body and ease into your routine to prevent setbacks.
Walking is a Great Start
If you’re new to running, start by simply getting off the couch and walking. Apps like Couch to 5K can help you build up gradually without overwhelming you. There’s no need to sprint out of the gate—progress at your own pace.
Don’t Underestimate Cross-Training
Running is an excellent cardio workout, but it’s not the only form of exercise that benefits runners. Strength training, toning, and other forms of cross-training can help you build muscle and improve overall fitness. At 55, I’ve discovered that cross-training has helped me in ways I never expected. It not only strengthens your body but also provides a much-needed break from the repetitive impact of running, helping you recover better.
Stretch More
Stretching is critical, even if it’s something many runners (including myself) tend to skip. Programs like Apple Fitness+ offer guided cool-downs that I’ve found invaluable, especially after other workouts like rowing, spin, or strength training.
Stretching helps loosen tight muscles, improves flexibility, and reduces the risk of injury. After long runs, your muscles need to recover and be re-nourished, so don’t neglect this step. Refueling after a workout is also essential to prepare your body for your next session.
Find Motivation and Accountability
Sticking to a routine is hard, especially if you’re not part of a running group or community. A running buddy or even a non-runner accountability partner can make a big difference. Sometimes, all it takes is someone checking in to keep you motivated.
Racing as a Celebration
This week, I’m running two back-to-back races: the Disneyland 10K and half marathon, part of the Dumbo Double Dare series. I’m super excited to run through Disneyland and California Adventure Park—it’s a great way to celebrate all the effort that goes into training.
As Coach Bennett from the Nike Run Club app says: “We don’t race to prove we are runners. We race to celebrate we are runners.” That mindset perfectly captures why I run races like RunDisney.
If you haven’t had the chance to participate in a Disney race, consider adding it to your bucket list. Yes, it’s pricey, but the experience is magical. Living in the Orlando area makes it easier for me, but even if you’re far away, it’s worth the trip.
The Joy of the Running Community
Beyond Disney races, I’ve done countless others, from short sprints to marathons. Each race presents its own challenges and rewards, from speed workouts to beach runs. The camaraderie among runners is one of the best parts of the sport.
Runners don’t see each other as competition. We’re a community, supporting one another to do our best. Whether you’re racing against the clock or just enjoying the journey, your fellow runners will cheer you on every step of the way.
So, lace up your shoes, find your routine, and celebrate what it means to be a runner. Every step you take is a victory—enjoy the journey!
It’s starting. Spring break is happening all over the place and Cocoa Beach is no exception. We are experiencing a lot of crowds, but people still don’t wake up early to watch the sunrise. For those of you sleeping in, good morning. Here are a few moments of quiet that you missed.
How are you keeping your fitness in check during the home quarantine? Are you getting out for a walk or a run? Are you doing activities with your TV, such as Yoga, Crossfit, or maybe using something like a WiiFit? Whatever you do, I hope that you are motivated to keep moving.
Social Running in Port Canaveral
Social Running
I think that one thing that has motivated me as a runner is social running. Before we were lockdown in our homes, I was out one to two nights a week, running with friends. There are social groups for running. We joke, they are drinking clubs with running problems. Socialized fitness activities can bring a person a lot more than just a good workout. These types of groups create an atmosphere that allows us to develop healthy exercise habits depending on how you leverage it.
Not Just for the Social
One thing that I experience in the beginning of being part of a running club was that these folks were actually training. They weren’t just getting out for a quick 5K, drinking a beer and going home. Many of these people are serious about doing more. As you talk to people, they are concerned about their performance, their health, injuries, and they are COMPETITIVE.
It is pretty typical to hear someone during the cooler race season months to say, what race are you running this weekend? Are you doing that 5K or 1/2 Marathon? What was your time? Did you get a PR (Personal Record)? What do you eat before you run? What kind of shoes do you like? The questions go on and on, and before you know it, you are part of a community.
Over the last decade, the idea of an individual getting personal electronic metrics has taken off. The first device I had was an iPod with a pedometer in my shoe that counted steps that connected with a system that Apple and Nike developed known as Nike+. I’ve been doing that system for a long time and found that there were a lot of other people using the system as well. It’s come a long way, and is now software based using GPS and gyros built into phones and watches, particularly the Apple Watch.
This all brings me back to my friends in my running group.
A Little Friendly Competition
Since we are all “Social Distancing” or really physical distancing and not meeting up like we used to until this virus threat passes, I decided to employ a feature on the Apple Watch that allows for a 7-Day competition with friends that have Apple Watches.
Apple Watch Activity
You can see this week I have three competitions going with various days left of the competitions. You score up to 600 points per day. Both people can get the 600 points. There are three rings of activities that you try to close and exceed as you can see.
Move Goal
You set your move goal, and each person can have their own personal move goal. This determines your active caloric burn beyond your resting calorie burn. So as you are more active throughout your day you can get Move Calories. As of right now I’ve gotten 82% of my goal. When I reach my goal, I will get 100 points. Double that goal and get 200 points.
Exercise Goal
Here is where everyone is equalized. 30 minutes is the goal for 100% exercise for the day. That will get you 100 points. You can exercise however works best for you. Do Yoga, Walk, Run, Bike, Swim, Kayak, you name it. Every 30 minutes of exercise will get you 100 points. Exercise for 1 hour, get 200 points and so on. Technically you could max out every day with 600 points on exercise alone, but you will mostly get 200 points just on your Move and Stand Goals. so if you exercise for an 1-1/2 hours a day, you should get close to getting all your points.
Stand Goal
The dreaded stand goal. There is this concept of move throughout your day. We tend to do our exercises and then be sedentary throughout the rest of our day. The stand goal gets you up once and hour and moving about. Step away from the computer and get that goal. Get 12 stands (once per hour), and you complete the circle. Also you get 100 points. If you do the math, you can get more than 100 points for stands, maxing out at 200 points for stands if you are up for 24 hours. Not likely for most people, but 18 hours isn’t unreasonable for many.
Competition Keeps Us Moving
So it’s this competitive nature that keeps us moving, keeps us stronger and healthier. It keeps us connected to remind us that we’ll all be running again soon, racing, training. No one hates to lose, but it’s all friendly. And that’s the spirit of this type of event. Get out there each day, do your best, and have fun.
I hope that no matter what people are doing, they are moving around and staying active, even as people feel isolated in their homes. The opportunity to feel more connected is there for those who enjoy that. But no matter what, take some time out of each day to maintain your physical fitness.
