Wine & Dine Half Marathon Tips & Meet-Ups

Well, the packing list process began tonight. I have a list for my carry-on, a list for my luggage, and even a list for my night-of-race bag.


 
(Yes, that’s a delicious cookies and cream cupcake…I caved, what can I say?)

I posted several packing tips earlier this year, and even a few tips for running your first runDisney race, but wanted to add a few about this race in particular (since it’s a night race and all).

• If your plans involve the after party, check a bag with things such as baby wipes, extra deodorant, a change of clothes, and a ziplock bag.  I am not a fan of staying in sweaty clothes…and I tend to get chilly after a little while. I don’t want to get sick, so I’m packing a bag with the items listed above and I’m leaving it with my husband for the after party. If you don’t have someone that can carry a bag for you, there is an option to check a bag before the race begins. 
• Changing tents are located after the finish line. I’ve never used them – an Epcot restroom was my changing room in the past. Bring along a ziplock bag for your race clothing.
• Money for the Food & Wine Festival. Wine & Dine participants will receive a gift card, but if I remember correctly, it’s about $10 which is the cost for roughly two (maybe three if pushing it) items. Word to the wise, bring extra money and don’t check it in your race bag, keep it on you during the race!

Just a few in-flight reminders:

• Pack your race outfit(s) in a carry-on if your travel involves a flight. I’ve had the opportunity to do this several times and it’s always worked out well.
• Place GU in the plastic bag with liquids, just incase (if flying).
• Wear your running shoes on the plane with you (unless you have room in your carry-on…let’s face it, I never do), then change once you reach your destination.

Another topic that’s been on my mind…Meet-Ups. I haven’t heard a lot of information on meet-ups for this Wine & Dine Half Marathon event, so I searched around and found a few.
Please feel free to email me at kren2700@gmail.com if you have any to add to the list!
Despite the fact that there’s no “official” runDisney meet-up for Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, several groups have come together to form meet-ups of their own! If you’re interested, stop by and check one out. Meet-ups are a ton of fun and a great way to meet fellow runDisney enthusiasts!

Meet-Ups
Friday, November 7, 2014

Wine & Dine #runnerslove Meetup Have you met another runner, or group of runners and you JUST CLICK, like you've known each other all your life? Are they your support system when you need an extra push or need to whine about rain or snow? Are they the first people who congratulate you on a PR? Well Kristy and I (Meg) would like to diagnose you with a case of #runnerslove. It's okay. It's not treatable with modern medicine but with more miles on the pavement and more time getting to know each other!  This is the #runnerslove Meetup Take 2!
When: Friday, November 7, 2014
Where: Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Time: 5 p.m.

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Saturday, November 8, 2014 

Team #runDisney Jingle Jungle 5K Pre-Race Meet-up
Come meet other Team #runDisney members before taking off on a holiday jog through Disney's Animal Kingdom!
We'll meet at the entrance to the bag check area starting with "A". Look for the #TrD Shirts and banner!
When: Saturday, November 8, 2014
Where: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Time: 6 a.m.

2014 Cupcake Meetup at #WineDineHalf
We had so much fun last year, that we're bringing the fun back to the East Coast, and this time, we're spreading the magic to Noah's Light Foundation.
On Saturday, November 8, Outrunning the Monorail, in partnership with DVC Central, will be hosting the sequel to last year's Double Dumbo Dare Cupcake Meetup. There will be a variety of awesome prizes we'll be raffling off, as well as a selection of fruit, bottled water, and of course, CUPCAKES!
Your $20 registration fee includes 3 mini cupcakes, one raffle ticket, a special pin, and a chance to hang out some really fun runDisney people!
See the Facebook event page for a link to registration.
When: Saturday, November 8, 2014
Where: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Team #runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Pre-Race Meet-up
Come meet other Team #runDisney members before taking off on the runners' night out.
We'll meet inside the runner area, behind the concessions tent. Look for the #TrD Shirts and banner!
When: Saturday, November 8, 2014
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Time: 9:00 p.m.
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Have any tips to add from your experience? Any meet-ups I left off the list? 

See ya real soon!