Getaway 5K and 10K St Pete Discount Code

I have not ran since March (more on why below). Now that I have that awful secret off my chest I am excited to announce that I am going to lace my shoes back up and start training for the Getaway 10K in St. Pete on November 4th. I helped spread the word of the 2017 Getaway series when it came to town last year but was unable to race it due to another race conflict. I had many friends who ran either the 10K or the 5K last year and loved it. I also have a discount code for either the Getaway 5K or 10K which will save you $12 off registration: irun4winesp18.

I will have to start training from scratch which will be interesting to see how I mentally handle that. Will I go into this, constantly doubting myself since I know I can't run a mile straight right now? Or will it make me more determined? Time can only tell but I only have 4 weeks to get my act together.

I could have chosen from many different races to get me over the hump. The reason I chose Getaway 10K was that it is a friendly race series that not only celebrates runners & walkers, it has a beach-themed post-race celebration with vendors, music, food & beverage and a play area for kids. The Getaway 10K and 5K swag is also fantastic. All 10K and 5K finishers will receive a specially designed finisher’s medal. All 10K finishers will receive a 1/4 zip, sweat-wicking pullover jacket, (with thumbholes!!) and all other race participants will receive an event t-shirt.

10K Course
The Getaway 10K course is a timed run with the start and finish line at Albert Whitted Park. Runners will race through downtown St. Pete, pass the Dali museum and run along the water before returning to Albert Whitted Park for the finish line and the post-event party.

5K Course
The Getaway 5K course is a timed run with the start and finish line at Albert Whitted Park. Runners will race through downtown St. Pete  while running along the water before returning to Albert Whitted Park for the finish line and the post-event party.

Race Details
click here to register
Registration Fees:
Early Bird:
9/17 – 10/21 10K $45 | 5K $35
Full Price: 10K $50 | 5K $40
Kids Fun Run (12 under): $15
Save $12 off with the Getaway 5K discount code: irun4winesp18

If you are wondering why I haven't been running, there are reasons (and excuses). The reasons: In March, I got sick the night before a half marathon and ended up with my only DNS. I thought I had the flu and when I eventually went to the Dr., testing began. They believed I have had something called silent acid reflux for many years which has caused major havoc on my stomach. So although I never thought I had heartburn or acid reflux, my body was secretly suffering for many years untreated. This has now taken a more severe route and I've been to multiple Doctors to find no answers or relief. Seven months later, after thousands of dollars in Dr. bills and being put on 10 different medications, I still don't know what is wrong with me. I have to follow a gluten free diet and cut many other things out of my life. The past seven months have been a frustrating mystery. I finally got in with a GI Doctor and I have an endoscopy scheduled after the race. I will also be getting my esophagus stretched while I am under anesthesia since I have been choking on food & liquids. So while I know people run with way worse things than what I am going through, the few times I went out there was absolute torture. That's my reason for not running. My excuse is that it was too damn hot in FL to run over the summer with my ongoing issues..

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The Getaway 5K and 10K is Coming to St Pete - Plus a Discount Code #SunFunRun

There's a new family friendly fun in the sun race coming to St Pete next month! The Getaway 5K, 10K, one miler and family Fun run will take place November 5th at Albert Whitted Park.

Following the race will follow the Sun Fun Run theme with a beach-themed post-race celebration. You can expect live music, food, beverages, vendors and a play area for kids. Plus the series is donating to Feeding Tampa Bay to assist in building back the food banks in the areas after the recent  hurricanes.

Discount Code!
You can save 15% off the registration with my Getaway 5K discount code: Blog357! Click here to register for the The Getaway 5K

The Getaway 5K & 10K Medal
You know I am all about the bling. This one is one of the nicest 5K/10K Medals I have seen. It's larger than most Half Marathon medals I own and doubles as a beer opener, which has a magnet on the back!

Getaway 10K Race Perks:
1/4 zip, sweat-wicking pullover jacket, with thumb-holes and an embroidered logo
Getaway 10K Race Medal

Getaway 5K Race Perks:
Race event t-shirt
Getaway 5K Race Medal

Benefiting
When signing up for the Getaway race series, you can make a donation to Feeding Tampa Bay. The Getaway series is matching donations and will assist on restocking the foodbanks across the bay after our recent Hurricanes.

The Courses:
All courses will have the same start and finish line in Albert Whitted Park! The courses run along Tampa Bay with beautiful views of the water with Tampa in the distance.

Getaway 10K Course
The timed 10K run will start and finish at Albert Whitted Park. The route will travel an out-and-back course in beautiful, downtown St. Pete. Participants will run along the water, past the 5K turnaround point, before returning to Albert Whitted Park for the finish line and the post-event party. The 10K will have three water stops on course with water and Gatorade product. All ages welcome!

Getaway 5K Course
The timed 5K run will start and finish at Albert Whitted Park. The route will travel an out-and-back course in beautiful, downtown St. Pete. Participants will run along the water before returning to Albert Whitted Park for the finish line and the post-event party. The 5K will have one water stop along the course. All ages welcome

Family Friendly Fun!

I've been blessed to do many races over the past years including international and the majors. One of my favorite experiences however was a small town 5K which I did with my family. There were about 25 of us, ranging in ages of 2 to 70. Some walked, some ran and some pushed strollers. Overall, it was the best time I've had on any race course in quite sometime. It was all about the experience.

This is a great opportunity to check out a new race series, collect an amazing medal and bring home some gear. Registration prices will go up soon. Remember to use code Blog357 & Click here to register for the The Getaway 5K.

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2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Details

It is hard to believe that Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend starts in two days. I will be running the Half Marathon on Saturday with my best friend, then heading to Miami to board the Carnival Vista. This will be my 22nd runDisney event. It's also the only race where I forgot to turn in my proof of time. OOPS. This means we are starting in Coral N and likely unable to stop for many character photos.

Race day details and course maps are below. If you are running the 5K & 10K, the corral's will be managed a bit different this year, putting you in mini waves. We experienced something similar to this at Disneyland Paris and will be interested to see the feedback from runners.

Walt Disney World® 5K presented by Cigna
Start: Epcot®
Driving Directions
6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017
Each corral will start within the allotted 6-12 minutes, but new for this year will be mini-waves within that time frame. Each corral will be divided into the mini-waves once you enter the start chute.

Walt Disney World® 10K presented by Cigna
Start: Epcot®
Driving Directions
5:30 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017
Each corral will start within the allotted 6-12 minutes, but new for this year will be mini-waves within that time frame. Each corral will be divided into the mini-waves once you enter the start chute.

20th Anniversary Walt Disney World® Half Marathon presented by Cigna
Start/Finish: Epcot®
Driving Directions
5:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017
Runners will be prohibited from accessing the start corrals from Bonnet Creek Parkway or Buena Vista Drive. You must access the start corrals through the Explore Lot at Epcot®

Walt Disney World® Marathon presented by Cigna
Start/Finish: Epcot®
Driving Directions
5:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2017
Be sure to give yourself enough time for the walkout to the Corrals, which begin at 4:30. Runners are expected to be in their corrals by 5:00. Runners will be prohibited from accessing the start corrals from Bonnet Creek Parkway or Buena Vista Drive. You must access the start corrals through the Explore Lot at Epcot®

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Noon - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 5, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 6, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 7, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Here is a sneak peek of the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Merchandise that will be available at the expo.

Happy running and hope to see some of you out there this weekend!

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2017 runDisney Princess Half Marathon Medals Revealed

I will start this post off by saying - I have some serious medal envy going on right now.

The 2012 Princess Half Marathon weekend was my first ever runDisney event. I opted to sit 2017 out because I've ran the course many times and have multiple variations of the same medal - which I assumed would be the same in 2017.

Never assume anything with Disney. They completely stepped up the medal game for Princess Half Marathon Weekend and I am in literally pouting as I am typing this. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney cartoons and these medals.....I am beyond bummed they will not be coming home with me.

Starting off with the runDisney 2017 Princess Half Marathon Medal. I mean - seriously, how awesome is this medal with the rose from Beast West Wing? I love it so very much.

The Disney Princess 10K medal also showcases the rose! I love the design on the band too. I cannot wait to see these in person next month at Marathon Weekend - only so I can pout in person.

For those who registered for the Glass Slipper Challenge, all finishers will receive a spinner medal along with their Half Marathon and 10K medals! This is some impressive bling.

The cutest medal of the day goes to the 2017 Disney Princess 5K Medal. Ever since runDisney moved from rubber medals, I have had some serious bling envy. I just love this Chip and Mrs. Potts medal!

Here's to hoping that a second wave of registrations happen for the Princess Half Marathon weekend like they did for Marathon Weekend - because I would surely be signing up.

All photos from Disney Parks Blog

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20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Half Marathon Registration reopens

Are you one of the runners who wanted to participate in the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon but didn't get in before it sold out? Well today's your lucky day - runDisney has reopened registration and spots are available for those runners looking to add Donald Duck's anniversary medal to their collection.

Along with the Half Marathon, there are other ways to participate in next months events:
As of 12/5/2016, there are registrations available for the following races:
Dopey Challenge $560
Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge $365
Half Marathon $180
Full Marathon $180
All kids race distances $20-$30

2017 will mark as my 5th anniversary running during Marathon Weekend. My best friend Keri and I are kicking off our 30 year "Friendiversary" at this commemorative race weekend, followed by a Carnival Cruise! January cannot get here fast enough.  Bring on the coconut drinks!

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Star Wars 10K recap - runDisney Dark Side Challenge Day 1

This past weekend, I participated in the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side! I must start this by saying this is a recap coming from a girl who knows nothing about Star Wars, other than distant memories of the original three movies. I learned more about Star Wars than I ever expected and had a wonderful time with friends. Since this was an inaugural event, I decided to register for the Dark Side Challenge, a 10K on Saturday followed by a Half Marathon on Sunday.

My husband and I stayed at Waldorf Bonnet Creek as part of Hilton Bonnet Creek's Marathon Weekends. My friend and ASICS teammate Gelcys (Runner Unleashed) also stayed there so we decided to run this leg of the race together. At 3:20am, my alarm went off and we left Bonnet Creek at 4am. Traffic was surprisingly light and we had about an hour between the time we arrived at Epcot to the time the race started. After saying hi to a few friends and dropping my stuff off at gEAR check, it was time to head off to our Corals. 

My Outfit:

Asics Slub Tank (currently on sale $14)

Castle Design by Distance Designs by Pamela

ASICS Gel Nimbus 17 (currently on sale $119)

Skirt Sports Womens Jette Skirt ($39)

The Start

The walk to the Coral was much shorter than the other runDisney 10K which we were both very thankful for. It was about a 5 minute walk from gEAR check and there were a ton of porta potties all within a short distance. I was supposed to be in Coral B but dropped back to stay with Gelcys. Plus I didn't belong in that Coral with my lack of training. 

Miles 1-2

This was a very very very humid morning. The race started at 5:30 and we were already hot before our shoes hit the pavement. Mile 1-2 took us through Epcot and a portion of Disney's Boardwalk. Inside of Epcot was one of the longest Character lines I have seen in a while - R2D2. I only wanted two character photos from this weekend - R2D2 and Chewbacca. We decided to skip R2D2 due to the line since Gelcy's already got photo with him. I knew I could take a pic with him the next day since I was running alone. With Gelcys health condition, my priority was to keep her comfortable over that 6.2 miles. We did stop for a globe selfie while in Epcot though. 

Unlike the other runDisney 10K, the Star Wars 10K took us through the opposite side of the World Showcase, through Canada and the UK. Once we exited Epcot, we saw another giant line - this was for Chewbacca. So I put him on my list for the following day as well. 

Miles 2-4

The Star Wars 10K course was very narrow exiting Boardwalk. Then I witnessed the rudest running group to date - a group of very very rude male runners came barging through the left and screaming, "real runners on the left"and pushing into people. I wasn't the only one who witnessed this as another group of friends brought these guys up to me as well. Other than those (insert your favorite rude noun here), everyone on course was polite and I was very happy when we made the turn to go into Hollywood Studios.

Yeah, I have no idea what this is other than downright frightful. Sand People and Jawa according to Gelcy's. 

The entrance of Hollywood Studios was full of character photo opps. It was by far more characters than I had seen on a runDisney course.  That thing in the photo above? Yeah, I will have nightmares for years to come. 

Storm Troopers!

When we got there, maybe 5-10 people max were standing in each line, passing their cell phones to the person behind them for a photo opp. I was happy to see Storm Troopers all around as I knew who/what they are. I did see the latest Star Wars so I wasn't a fan of them for going after BB8. See I do know something!

Darth Maul, who is a very scary looking dude. 

Since I had NO clue who anyone was, other than the storm troopers, I told Gelcys to pick out who she wanted to wait for. That thing above me will give me nightmares for years. You can tell in this pic I didn't want him touching me. 

A dirty storm trooper and a Jedi of some sort. 

As you can see in the photos, the sun started to rise when we were taking photos. We spent about 20 minutes taking photos, so we averaged about a 2 minute wait per photo. The photo below was of Boba Fett, who was Gelcys favorite. I couldn't remember his name and tried to explain who he was to my husband. I called him the Iron Man look alike with a giant T on his mask. 

Boba Fett. Not to be confused for Bubba Fat which is what I thought I heard

Once the sun started to peek through, the humidity only got worse. Plus it was very cloudy with rain threatening us all morning. We felt a few drops here and there but thankfully a downpour didn't happen.

We exited Hollywood Studios and made the turn towards ESPN Wide World of Sports. Both Gelcys and I have done the Disney World Marathon and have visions of horror every time we enter that complex. That is the longest portion of the full Marathon and it seems to never end. So both of us admitted that this was part of the new course we were least looking forward to. 

Miles 4-6

The dreaded entrance of ESPN Wide World of Sports took us both by surprise. We didn't run through the entrance as we were both dreading. Instead, we took a dirt path towards the back. If you have ran Terror of Terror, it is the same as that. I am not a trail runner and we decided to walk the dirt path to avoid my clumsiness. 

We got into the back side of ESPN and both Gelcys and I had the same thought - please for the love of god, do not make us run in the baseball stadium. We didn't, although we didn't believe it until we were outside of the complex. The course ends by taking you on the outside parking lot of Wide World of Sports. The 6.2 miles were over before we knew it.

Post Race

We collected our 10K medals, got our photos, snack box and collected my bag. This was the first time I have ever done gEAR bag check at Disney and it was so easy. I forgot my race belt in Tampa so I ran this weekend the with bare minimum gear, meaning gear check was a necessity. Moving forward I will always check a bag at runDisney events and I did not miss having a running belt on!

Transportation was a different story. My car was at Epcot, where we started the race and we had to be shuttled back. If I could change anything about this course, it would have been to start and end at the same location to avoid the line we had to stand in OR have those driving drop off our car where the finish line is and ship us over in the morning. 

We waited an hour to get on a bus. I have done both Tower of Terror and Wine Dine Half, where both courses start and end in different locations. Usually, we were on a bus with a very short wait. I loved that we had a new course but crowd frustration was at a high. I tried to outsmart the system and get Uber, but quickly learned that no outside transportation was allowed into the complex. 

Aside from the fact that I adore Gelcys, there is no way I would have been happier running the Star Wars Dark Side 10K with anyone else. She was so patient with my lack of Star Wars Knowledge. In fact, I jokingly named this weekend the Race Series of "Gelcys, who is that? Gelcys, what is that? Gelcys, how do you spell that". I was able to recognize many of the characters by the end of the weekend (although I have no idea what their history is and had to look at my Instagram to find out their names) and I may have a crush on Storm Troopers! If you aren't already aware of Gelcys story, it is an amazing one. She is a multi-marathoner with double scoliosis and fibromyalgia. Her strength and determination is better than any one I know. 

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runDisney Star Wars Darkside Challenge 10K and Half Marathon Outfit Reveal

I cannot believe Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon Weekend is next weekend. I am not at all prepared, trained or mentally ready for the two day Dark Side Challenge (10K Saturday, Half Marathon Sunday). The training part is no ones fault but my own. I have been very busy at work over the past few months and it's only going to get crazier. I need to get better at finding a work-life balance and making running a priority once again. #GOALS.

Everyone and their brother keeps asking me what I am dressing up as for the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge. Truth be told, I was at a complete loss from the time I registered. I grew up watching Star Wars and know the story but am not what you would call a Star Wars fan. We did go see the new one on Christmas this past year and I fell in love with BB8 but did not want to wear a white or orange shirt so that outfit was out of the question.

My friend Pamela designs adorable shirts for races so I decided on my outfit by going through her options and picked out what I thought was the cutest. So without further ado, my runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon outfit is inspired by R2D2. I am very happy with my outfit. It's cute without being too over the top Star Wars (and trust me, there will be tons of that next week).

Shirt: Emma Racerback Tank
Shirt Design: Distance Designs by Pamela
Skirt: Sparkle Skirts Sparkle Light Basic in Royalty Red
Shoes: ASICS Meta Run. Similar here
Compression Sleeves: ASICS Rally Sleeves. Similar Here
Bow: Etsy

Deciding my Star Wars 10K outfit is a whole different story. I didn't want two days of Star Wars and wanted something I could wear again. After banging my head a few times, going back and forth with Pamela via text 100 times and trying to figure out what to wear on the first day of the Dark Side Challenge, it hit me.....get my favorite ASICS shirt (the slub tank) and have Pamela put the Magic Kingdom home design on it. I will wear this shirt a ton of times at the parks - so it is a dual purpose shirt!

Shirt: ASICS Slub Tank
Shirt Design: Distance Designs by Pamela
Skirt: Sparkle Skirts Sparkle Light Basic in Majestic Magenta
Shoes: Gel Nimbus 18
Compression Sleeves: ASICS Rally Sleeves. Similar Here

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runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon The Dark Side - Courses Revealed

We're in the official one month countdown until Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side Challenge at Walt Disney World!

I honestly feel like it was just yesterday that I signed up for the Dark Side Challenge. I wasn't going to sign up for this event and ended up signing up for the challenge. Go figure! With only 4 weeks to go, I better figure out what my running costumes are going to be for this event. 

Star Wars Half Marathon official event guide was released yesterday which shows the Star Wars Half Marathon Course and the Star Wars 10K course. Both of these are new events to runDisney and that means brand new courses! The Star Wars Dark Side Medals were released a while back but in case you missed that - here they are.

As someone who has ran the Marathon Weekend Half and Princess Half course  Marathon a ton of times, I am quite excited for running a new 13.1 course through Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Wide World of Sports. 

Star Wars Half Marathon
Sunday, April 17
Start: Epcot®
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Runner Start: 5:00 a.m.
Corral Walk Out: 4:00 a.m.

Star Wars Half Marathon Course Description: Jump into hyperspace and take off during the Star Wars™ Half Marathon at Walt Disney World ® Resort. It’s a 13.1 mile intergalactic adventure in the most magical place on Earth. Your course takes you through Epcot ®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and then on to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Follow the path to the Dark Side with your favorite Star Wars™ characters cheering you on your galactic journey. Never underestimate the power of the Dark Side.

Star Wars 10K
Saturday, April 16
Start: Epcot®
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Runner Start: 5:30 a.m.
Corral Walk Out: 4:30 a.m.

Star Wars 10K Course Description: Feel the power of the force as the Star Wars™ 10K course speeds through Epcot on its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Your adventure continues on to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where a finish fit for Stormtroopers awaits.

Directions to Epcot ® (10K and Half Marathon) on Saturday and Sunday: 
GPS devices or other sources will be inaccurate due to road closures. Please use the provided directions.
Take I-4 to exit 65 (Osceola Parkway West) and follow the signs to Epcot . Guests coming from (192) are strongly encouraged to follow signs to Disney World via the World Drive Exit because there will be SIGNIFICANT DELAYS starting at 3:30 a.m. due to road closures. For Guests driving to Epcot ® on Saturday and Sunday, EXPECT SIGNIFICANT DELAYS! Roads begin to close as early as 10:00 p.m. on the evenings before the 10K and Half Marathon.

Star Wars 5K
Friday, April 15
Epcot ®
Wheelchair Start: 5:59 a.m.
Runner Start: 6:00 a.m.

Star Wars 5K Course Description: It is a Dark Side event for everyone Friday morning for the Star Wars™ 5K. May the force be with you as you make your way into Epcot ® and around World Showcase. After you pass Spaceship Earth, it’s onto a galactic finish worthy of the Sith Lord himself.

Directions to Epcot ® (5K) on Friday:
Take I-4 to exit 64 (192 West) and follow the signs to Epcot ®.

Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend Health and Fitness Expo Hours
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Thursday April 14: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 15: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday April 16: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Star Wars Half Marathon Bib Numbers & Waivers
Click here to download your Star Wars Half Marathon Waiver and to find your Star Wars Half Marathon or Dark Side Challenge Bib number

Click Here for the Dark Side Challenge Corral Assignment
Click Here for the Star Wars Half Marathon Corral Assignment

Packet Pick-Up
All event weekend participants are required to attend Packet Pick-Up in order to receive your race bib, bag check sticker, gEAR bag, and race shirt. Packet Pick-Up will not be available on race morning. A waiver must be completed and signed by each participant. You need your signed waiver and a Photo ID in order to receive your packet. No exceptions. If the participant is under 18 years old, the waiver must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian. A link to the waiver will be available at runDisney.com. If you do not have access to the Internet or lose your waiver, onsite waiver printing will be available.

Once you pick up your packet and commemorative items, please proceed pick up your race shirt and gEAR bag in Jostens® Center for the 10K and Half Marathon, and in HP Field House for the Dark Side Challenge and 5K.

runDisney Kids Races
ESPN Wide World of Sports New Balance Track and Field
Friday April 15
11:30 a.m. – Dashes Start
1:00 p.m. – 1-Mile Run Starts
Saturday April 16
11:30 a.m. – Dashes Start
1:00 p.m. – 1-Mile Run Starts

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