Corrals and Course Maps for the 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon

I know we’re getting closer to race day when the event guide and corrals are posted! I worked on our race costumes this weekend while following coverage of the Star Wars Half Marathon: The Dark Side at Walt Disney World.

Corral Placements

By looking up our race waivers to get our bib numbers, we were able to see our corral placements.

This may be the last time I can use my PR time from the 2014 Run for Sight for corral placement, but it was good enough to place me squarely in B corral. As I plan to run with Taylor, this doesn’t really mean anything, aside from making me smile, since last time I ran Tinker Bell, I was placed in C corral.

Taylor, after running Race for Warmth only 10 days after starting training, managed to get placed in D corral— a huge improvement over F Corral, which is where we thought we would be if we hadn’t found a 10K we could run before the time deadline. His bib number shows us that he just barely missed being placed in C corral, so I’m guessing he will be in a higher corral for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September.

Jason ran a few numbers and it looks like the corrals breakdown is as follows:

750 people in A corral
2500 each in B and D corrals
1750 in C Corral
4500 each in E and F corrals

Only 300 people in D corral had seed times faster than Taylor. Since Taylor is faster than me now and I was placed in B corral, our current plan is to start as close to the front of D corral as possible. I’m sure we’ll mix with C corral and B corral.

Course Map

I was guessing the 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon course would have to differ from previous years because of the construction on the new Star Wars Land in Disneyland. With the publication of the Event Guide, we finally found out the course, and I’m pretty happy with it.

The official course map from the 2016 Tinker Bell Event Guide.

I’m glad it differs so much from the Star Wars Half Marathon and it looks like we spend a good chunk of the race on Disney property. Taylor actually overlaid the course map onto another map to get a better feel for how the course goes through the parks.

Taylor’s version gives a bit more detail.

Next weekend, Taylor and I will go on our last long run (14 miles) before the race and teh following weekend I’ll be cheering Jason on as he runs the Eugene Marathon. Before you know it, Tinker Bell time!

Portland Marathon No. 2 and my Crazy 2016 Race Schedule

Well, the year 2016 is shaping up to be absolutely insane! Last night, Jason and I took the plunge and signed up for the 45th Anniversary year of the Portland Marathon.

I had such a fulfilling time at the 2015 Portland Marathon, my first marathon ever,  and have been thinking about doing it again since about 20 minutes after I finished the first one (which still shocks me, but the race was just that good).

It was one of the best races I’ve ever completed in my life (and I’ve done several runDisney races too) and I often wear my finisher pendant on a necklace to remind me of the accomplishment and good times.

If you are looking for a first marathon experience, I definitely suggest the Portland Marathon and I’m so looking forward to running it again (and with better training)!

That being said, my race schedule this year is absolutely insane now and I’m sure I’ll be logging the most miles in a year for me ever.

And I’m not the only one— Jason is signed up for two full marathons!

After a challenging first marathon with record-breaking heat at the Foot Traffic Flat, Jason will tackle the distance again at the 10th Anniversary of the Eugene Marathon on May 1st.

 

He loves following pro runners, so what better than a race in Track Town USA that finishes on the track at Hayward Field? I’m really looking forward to watching him race. Plus, I went to University of Oregon, so I’m excited to see friends in the area and visit campus again.

I’d be interested in the doing the race myself, except it’s bound to be a fast field of runners, and more importantly, I’ll be running the very next weekend at Disneyland!

The 5th anniversary of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon (registration is still open) is my next major race. Jason and I will switch places as I become the runner and he becomes the spectator. I’m so excited to be running with my brother Taylor in his first half marathon ever and we’re already hard at work planning our costumes.

Taylor and I are also celebrating our July birthdays (which are two days apart) with people by completing a half marathon.

The Twilight Half will be my first major nighttime race and first major race during the summer. It’s in nearby Vancouver, Wa. and looks to have a very nice flat course around Vancouver Lake. I’m a little nervous, but hopefully I’ll overcome my issues with running in summertime temps and this looks to be a ton of fun.

If the conditions are right, it’s also my best chance for a half marathon PR this year because of the four half marathons I’ll run in 2016, three of them are RunDisney races.

In fact, if everything works out, I’ll complete my 10th Half Marathon at Disneyland in September!

My whole family will be participating in the Disneyland Half Marathon race weekend (registration still open). I’ll have both Taylor and Mom as running partners during the half. I’ve been wanting to do this race for a while, so I’m very excited to be going!

A month later, I’ll be running the Portland Marathon!

And then, perhaps I’ll take a break.

I don’t think I’ve ever had to train at such a high mileage for so long before, so I really don’t know how it will feel. With the exception of the Portland Marathon, I’ve got running partners for all of the races and I’m so excited for them. I think that will help me avoid running burn out. There will also be smaller fun races sprinkled in.

In fact, next weekend is the Luckython 5K! I look forward to wearing green and running with Taylor and Katie!

Training for Tinker Bell (& Other News)

It’s official— I’ll be running the 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon on May 8th!

Still sore from the #StarWarsHalf, but just signed up for #TinkHalf!
Looking forward to running with @tddewey. https://t.co/kJXSVl44Ae

— Kallen Dewey Kentner (@KallenKentner) January 20, 2016

After spectating at the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon, Taylor was getting really excited for his own runDisney experience. His original plan was to do the 10K during Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, but then I let it slip that there were still spots open for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon…

Regardless, once he looked at the training plan and realized he could train properly for it, he texted me and very soon Taylor and I were signed up! The 2014 Tinker Bell Half was my first half marathon. Now, not only do I get to run the 5th Anniversary of the race, I get to run it with my brother!

I couldn’t be more excited.

I’m in love with the 5th anniversary version of the beautiful Tinker Bell Half Marathon medal. Can’t wait to take mine home!

However, the fun just keeps on coming! Just because Taylor and I are running in May doesn’t mean we abandoned the idea of doing the Disneyland Half. In fact, my whole family is now signed up. Jason, Taylor, Mom and I will be running the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 4th while Dad will be doing the 5K with his sister for a second year.

Last year, my Aunt and Dad did the 10th Anniversary Disneyland 5K in the most amazing race outfits ever— Rooftop Mary Poppins and Bert. I’m excited to get to go this year!

Have you seen a more perfect pair? Plus, my aunt even sported the umbrella (parrot head created by my mom).

2016 Star Wars Half Marathon Expo and Packet Pick Up

After our flight got in Thursday morning, we took our rental car and drove straight to the Mickey & Friends Parking lot so we could go to the runDisney Health & Fitness expo.

Yay! We made it to Disneyland!

Start the trip out right with the specialty drink offered at the expo!

I was so excited to start off the exciting weekend, look at the expo and see the shirts for this year’s Star Wars Half Marathon weekend. When we got there around 12:30, there was still a line for merchandise— we didn’t have our hearts set on anything in particular, so we explored the expo.

It seemed like there were less vendors this year, but still lots to see. I nearly bought a shirt with fairy wings from Raw Threads. Jason and I both picked up a new pair of compression socks, a necessity for back-to-back challenge runs.

We did finally check out the merchandise later Thursday when the line had gone down. It didn’t look like anything had sold out, and I fell I love with the “Stay on Target” shirt.

Jason and I signed up for New Balance virtual queue as well to check out their new 2016 RunDisney kicks. I loved the look of the Ariel shoes, even though what I really wanted were the 2015 Tinker Bell shoes. Unexpectedly, they still had some in stock! I was so excited. Jason walked away with the Red Carpet Mickeys— Disney or not, the New Balance 860v6s just so happen to be his favorite running shoe.

From the expo: Aside from the three official shirts, Jason and I both got New Balance RunDisney shoes. Also pictured is a pin, his vinylmation, my stay on target shirt, and a tea diffuser I won!

The speaker series, something we’ve always looked forward to, was really pared down from previous years, but we did return on Saturday to hear talks from Tara Guides and Jeff Galloway—always worth it. Thanks Tara, for my annual reminder to eat a decent breakfast. Jeff Galloway’s talk actually helped me solidify my new plan for the half marathon as well, and it worked wonders.

They also had Star Wars trivia and I won a question! For knowing the name of the planet we first see Rey in The Force Awakens, I got a glass runDisney tea infuser.

The walk down the carpet to packet pick-up makes me feel like a million bucks.

Yes, we are Rebel Challengers!

Of course, we did have to pick up our packets. This year, Jason and I both stood to get our pictures taken to verify our Rebel Challenge completion. As always, the process was very smooth and I was thrilled to get our race shirts.

Although I’m not fond of long-sleeved running shirts, I love the race shirts better than last year—especially the 10K shirt.

After we were finished with the expo, what did we decide to do? Go to Disneyland of course!

A monorail stop in Downtown Disney took us from the expo into the park in short order!

Coming up, the 2016 Star Wars 10K and the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon!

Post-Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, A Moment of Appreciation

I’ve successfully completed the 2016 Rebel Challenge, running both the Star Wars 10K and the Star Wars Half Marathon. It was a rocky road leading up to this weekend, but my expectations were definitely exceeded. I’ll do a true recap of my Star Wars weekend experience, but first, I just feel the need to state some items of appreciation.

Yay for finishing both races!

I appreciate healing. I’m thankful for being smart about healing. I’m grateful when I’m not in pain. I recognize that I am fortunate to complete these kind of events when others can not. I’ll continue my dedication to recovering from the pinched nerve.

I appreciate family. Leading up to the weekend, my mom was there to help me through some difficult and painful test runs. My dad recognized and empathized with my pain and was there to celebrate my pain-free finish. My brother helped me regain my enthusiasm and anticipation for the weekend as I shared my excitement for runDisney races. And my husband, Jason, is always there for me as he was when we “ran” our first race together and crossed the finish of the 10K together.

I appreciate a working set of headphones and a good playlist. Gotta rock all 13.1 miles!

Related: 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up
Race Recap: 2016 Star Wars 10K— Disneyland, CA
Race Recap: 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon

Almost there: Heading to the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon & Rebel Challenge

Thursday morning I’m catching a flight down to southern California to run a race at disneyland for the third year in a row.

Only three more days until #StarWarsHalf Weekend at @Disneyland! pic.twitter.com/y3gMmMijxq

— runDisney (@runDisney) January 11, 2016

I was a little down lately, mostly due to injury, but as I pack my bags, it’s with a lighter heart. Although I’ve pinched a nerve, possibly do to a bulging disc, I’ve been steadily improving, thanks to a combination of stretching 2-3 times a day, massage therapy and ibuprofen.

Packing up for the 2016 Rebel Challenge! Got to pack for two races, of course.

I finished my and Jason’s running costumes/outfits for the Rebel Challenge this weekend and I also had great fun following the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend on Twitter, which has raised my spirits and anticipation level for my own trip.

This was my favorite tweet of the weekend:

Wait for it… RT @MoJoDisney: For @43SquareMiles #WDWHalf pic.twitter.com/di6yW40Mz9

— Jason Grandt (@43SquareMiles) January 9, 2016

But finally, at my doctor’s appointment today, I walked away with a physical therapy referral and the approval to try and complete the half marathon. That really makes me happy. I can finally look forward to the coming weekend.

So although I may end up walking most of it and I may be stretching every three miles, I’ll be there.

I was so excited to be placed in corral B for the Rebel Challenge races, but I’ll surely be going slower than I was hoping. Still proud I made it into Corral B though!

I just have to remember that this will be a different race experience than running last year’s Star Wars 10K and Star Wars Half.

Change in RunDisney Costume Requirements for Races

A lot of furor has been raised over RunDisney’s new costume requirements, especially as the announcement came right before two major races weekends, Walt Disney World Marathon and Star Wars Half Marathon.

I’ve definitely heard concern by Star Wars runners regarding this line:

Layered costumes, that could conceal prohibited items, are not permitted (e.g. Jedi robes).

No Jedi Robes?

Star Wars Logic

Although it may not be fair to announce new costume guidelines right before races when people have already worked on their costumes, I think I understand what RunDisney is trying to get at, although the wording on the “layered costumes” line is problematic and ambiguous.

Overall, I am okay with seeing less large bulky or prop-based costumes. They were amusing, but also contribute to crowding on course. This may also require a little more creativity into converting an idea into a running-friendly costume—I’ve always had fun seeing how runners do that, especially for the longer races.

I love running in costume, but I also believe they should be inherently running friendly, to the runner and to others on course.

Top 10 Disney Running Songs new to my RunDisney Playlist

The Walt Disney World Marathon is this weekend and after that, the Star Wars Half Marathon weekend is next! That gives me only about 10 days to perfect my running playlist for the Rebel Challenge. Since I’m struggling with that pinched nerve, I’ll need some truly great tunes to help me out.

Since my previous post on my Disney running playlist, I’ve added many new songs to the list, removing some that just weren’t working and adding new discoveries. As a result, here were my top 10 new disney song additions to my upbeat Disney running playlist. They are certain to make it onto my 2016 Rebel Challenge playlist!

1. When Can I See You Again (Owl City)

Not only was this song featured in the end credits of Wreck-it Ralph, but the song was also adapted for Disneyland’s Paint the Night parade. The upbeat, positive song is a perfect addition to my running playlist.

Need proof? Here’s a lyric sampling:

Switch on the sky and the stars glow for you
Go see the world ’cause it’s all so brand new
Don’t close your eyes ’cause your future’s ready to shine
It’s just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly
Welcome to the rhythm of the night
There’s something in the air you can’t deny

2. Mickey and Minnie on a Moonlight Night (Beverly Stanton)

The first version I heard of this song was a done in a 50s doo-wop style (Eric Troyer). I still like that verison, but the techno style is my new favorite and perfect for the run. When it comes on my running playlist, I invariably get a massive grin on my face and pick up my pace. Several of the other songs on the Disney Cuties album (Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Mickey Mouse Club March and Little April Shower) also made it on my playlist, but this remains one of my top favorites.

3. Go The Distance (Julie Griffin)

This has always been a problematic song for me. The lyrics of this Hercules song are absolutely perfect inspiration for running (“I know every mile/ will be worth my while…“). Unfortunately, the movie version is way too slow and the movie’s pop version, still slow, is sung by Michael Bolton… and I can’t stand him. For a long time, I had the Lucas Grabeel version from Disneymania album on my running playlist, but that also started out slow, which is just difficult to have when you’re trying to keep your pace up.

Finally, I found this version on the Mousercize album. Unfortunately, all of the songs on this album are preceded by a short, rather cheesy spoken encouragement, but the one for “Go The Distance” isn’t actually too bad (“Now some races are short and some are long, but it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you go the distance!”) and seems on point for the playlist. Better yet, the song itself has a perfect back beat to accompany the inspirational lyrics.

4. I Wan’na Be like You (Fall Out Boy)

I had five versions of this classic Jungle Book song already (including the fabulous swing version by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), but none seemed quite right for a running playlist until I found this version by Fall Out Boy, which really rocks. It may not be my all-time favorite version of this song, but it really moves me forward during training.

Fall Out Boy also performed “Immortals” (from Big Hero 6), another amazing Disney workout song.

5. Main Titles from the movie Endurance (Theodros Tadesse)

I’ve had this on running playlists and workout playlists for years but didn’t realize that Endurance was actually a Disney movie. The movie is about Haile Gebrselassie, a famous ethiopian distance runner who won the gold for the 10,000 meters at the 1996 Olympics. You can probably imagine that the music has a great running rhythm.

Since I only realized it was Disney this year, I’m justifying its place on this list as it is new to my disney playlist.

6. The Ballad of Davy Crockett (The Kentucky Headhunters)

If you are familiar with the ballad (perhaps the version by The Wellingtons) you may wonder how the deliberate pace of the ballad could possibly be a good running option.

Well, the Kentucky Headhunters have made a swinging country version that really moves by comparison. It may not have the fastest tempo on the playlist, but it’s great jogging music and the country vibe is a welcome change of pace from all the techno-type workout music (in small doses, of course).

7. The Throne Room — From Star Tours (John Williams)

John William’s epic score for the final scene of Star Wars: A New Hope was reworked for Disneyland into a much faster piece— perfect for atmosphere music in the parks. Even the fanfare at the begin is speeded up. It still has that epic feel at a workout pace, all adding up to perfection.

8. Pineapple Princess (Annette Funicello, remix by Kinsey Moore)

This might be the weirdest song on this list. Annette Funicello is definitely before my time, but I’ve been listening to her singing since the 1995 Classic Disney Vol. 1 album featured her and the Beach Boys singing “The Monkey’s Uncle” as one of the tracks. I love her version of “My Little Grass Shack” with its punchy trumpets and bold singing, and I came to know her better when I was researching the 1950’s Mickey Mouse Club TV show for my mouseketeer running costume I wore for the 2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon. After all, she was arguably the most famous and popular Mouseketeer.

“Pineapple Princess” was a popular hit of hers in the 60s and the era reminds me of Disneyland’s Adventureland and Enchanted Tiki Room. I love having the remix on the playlist. It’s a smooth track, a steady beat perfect once settled into the even pace of a long run with a vintage feel that pops up, Annette’s voice hinting at the flavor of the original.

If you have this on a rundisney playlist, it will have you dreaming of dole whip by the end of the race.

9. Rotten to the Core

I never saw the Disney Channel’s recent TV movie Descendants, but I was mildly interested in it. I hadn’t realized it was a musical, but after listening to the music, I had to add “Rotten to the Core” to my playlist. Most its songs were too teen pop for me, and although Rotten to the Core has a bit of that, it stands out. A little bit of that bad girl/boy attitude in the song is a perfect soundtrack for a take no prisoners approach to running.

The “Mirror Mirror on the wall” sections are a little slow, but strengthen the Disney vibe in my mind. I think the movie version might be better than the Sofia Carson version for running— her version seems just a tad slower, although perhaps better overall. Either would work on a running playlist, however.

10. We Are Here to Change the World (Michael Jackson)

Michael Jackson performed two songs for Disneyland’s Captain Eo attraction. I’ve had “Another Part of Me” on my playlist for a while. Of the two, I thought it was the better for running and for a while, I was so tired of Michael Jackson’s music, that I couldn’t have too many of his songs on a single playlist, even though they are great for workouts.

However, “We are Here to Change to World” is an energetic song and I think the melody is a little more uplifting, to say nothing of its lyrics. I had to add it in!

More Disney Running Songs

Of course, in addtion to these 10 new additions, there are a bunch of disney songs that will always be classics to workout to.. There are over 60 songs on my Disney running playlist now (and that only includes the ones that I can find on spotify) and you’re welcome to follow my playlist on spotify, or make your own using these songs for inspiration.

I love mixing disney songs into any running playlist!

Medals Revealed for the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend!

RunDisney posted a picture of the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon weekend medals today!

The Force is strong in these medals! Check out the 2016 medals for #StarWarsHalf at @Disneyland. pic.twitter.com/91tT6oluUS

— runDisney (@runDisney) November 10, 2015

Aside from the strap, the medals for the Rebel Challenge and the Half Marathon are the same as last year. However, take a look at that 10K medal!

2016 Star Wars 10K Medal

I absolutely love the x-wing fighter design and I love it much more than the stormtroopers from last year’s medal.

It looks like RunDisney keeps the same medal design for the long distance races for around 5 years before switching to give runners time to earn the medal design.

I love this idea (especially because it gave me the opportunity to earn my Tinker Bell Half medal, which I love), but I’m also glad that one out of the three medals I’ll earn in January will be different.

Just over 2 months until Jason and I run the Rebel Challenge!

…We better start thinking about our costumes…

Edit: I didn’t look too closely, but it looks like the spinner changed for the Rebel Challenge medal. Last year it was Yoda/Vader and this year it is the Rebel Alliance insignia and… something else unknown. This change makes sense, what with RunDisney hosting the Star Wars: The Dark Side half marathon weekend in Florida at Walt Disney World in the spring. They’re bound re-brand the Star Wars Half Marathon as “Star Wars: The Light Side” or something similar for next year.

Edit: StarWars.com posted some beautiful photos of the 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon weekend medals, revealing that the other side of the Rebel Challenge medal spinner features R2-D2.

Via StarWars.com.

Related: What is the Image on the Star Wars Half Marathon Medal?
Inaugural Star Wars 10K Recap: Rebel Challenge Part 1
Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Recap: Rebel Challenge Part 2

Monday Inspiration: Running Bibs at Work

 

Tinker Bell team bib & personal bib, Rock N Roll Vancouver, Holiday Half, Star Wars Rebel Challenge, Heartbreaker Half and Hippie Chick. So far, all 13.1, but the next bib should be from the Portland Marathon.

I’m not a fan of saving race bibs like some people; they’re wrinkled, messy, often generic, and if you’ve got a picture, t-shirt or medal, they are really a sad excuse for a souvenir.

But I made an exception for my half-marathon bibs. They represent a bigger accomplishment and the bibs are often customized for the race, embellished and even personalized.

I’ve pinned mine up at the office at work, on a wall that faces my desk and my desk only.