outrunningthefork

When last we saw our heroine, she was decidedly “taking it easy” after a 5K trail run leading to the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. After showering and getting things ready for the night, it was time to head out and meet up with some internet friends! We were getting together for lunch at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney. It’s always tough to know what to eat the night before a race, but when the race is at night, it’s even a little harder. And, how sad to be in an Irish restaurant and not able to indulge in an adult beverage or two! Given the heat and need to stay hydrated it just was not a great idea!

After lunch I headed back to the hotel to try to relax, maybe sleep. I was feeling sleepy but of course was not falling asleep at all!! So I got up and got dressed, figuring I’d get to the start line and enjoy the festivities since I was awake!

I put on my “Fallen Angel” costume and then decided that I couldn’t run with these wings at all! They were floppier than your traditional fairy wings 🙂 Grabbed my post race flip flops and threw a few more things in my checked bag and headed for the bus. At least this time, no one called me a Girl Scout!!

I hopped off the bus and jumped in the first line I saw – photo ops you know! After waiting maybe about 45 minutes, talking to the guy behind me (who kept saying “I don’t have the patience to wait in this line” all the way to the front of the line!) until we got to the front – then we took pictures and went our separate ways. Oh, Impatient Guy, we hardly knew ye.

Then I checked my bag and headed over to the best pre-race entertainment ANYWHERE – the Disney Dance Party!! Woot!! And yes, I actually danced. You would too!

Eventually it was time to move to the corrals. Again, much like this morning, the corrals were definitely well-defined and separated and as far as I could tell, people were being cool about getting in the right place! There was still an hour or so before the first group would take off and I was starting to wish I’d managed a nap…

Then the fireworks started!! The best part about Disney races starting in the dark (either before sunrise or after sunset!) is the Fireworks! Every corral gets their own special fiery sendoff!

For this race, there was the addition of “spooky” green laser lights flashing across the start line.

At last my corral took off and I have to admit I was a little afraid I wasn’t going to be able to finish…not sure why. But I stuck with my intervals as best I could and managed to stop for a few character visits along the course.

We got to run through Wide World of Sports again, and this time, we ran through Champions stadium. When we entered, there were some people in the stands, not a lot. But on the field? Well..there were some unfortunate ball players. At least, their uniforms were still on the field. I didn’t know it at the time, but that big static electricity making thing on the pitcher’s mound was a Tesla Coil – very cool effect!! Once out of WWOS we were in the home stretch and headed back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We ran through the park and back out to more Behind the Scenes areas until we approached the finish line – around the backside of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. I made it!! And, I think I’m finally getting back in the groove and knocking some of my minutes off. I felt good and ready for an ice cold beer and maybe a snack!

After finishing we were directed back into the park, to the Indiana Jones show stage to pick up bags

– and there were tents for changing. I figured there was no need for that, but I did take off my shoes and socks and got my flip flops on!! I had another meetup planned with some more internet people!! We got together for pictures and then split up.

A few of us went on a couple of rides – after a potty stop at a super secret I’m not telling ANYONE location that had NO LINE!! First we hit Tower of Terror of course! LOVE that ride!! And, since the park was only runners and family/friends there was a very minimal line! Next up was Aerosmith Rock and Roller Coaster. Love it! And the Disney Cast Member was hilarious ad-libbing at almost 3 in the morning!! After Rocking and Rolling we headed to Toy Story Mania – during a normal day at the park it can take 2 hours to get through this line. We got in in about 20 minutes. That’s right! This is a fun, 3D arcade like ride. I’m not great at these…but fun!! Then The Great Movie Ride – Lots of people in line for this!!

By this time, it was nearly 4 in the morning and the crowd was thinning out a little. And I have to admit, I was getting a little tired!! So we headed out towards the buses and split to get back to our resorts.

This race was FUN! And I LOVED the after party!! I was so tired but at the same time pretty amped up – I ended up getting back to my room and sitting in some ice for a very short time.

Then a hot shower and jammies and ….laying in bed, watching the sun start to come up outside of the window! I thought it was really pretty funny when I walked into the lobby of the Port Orleans and there were people in there hauling suitcases and heading to the airport! Not sure why it was so funny – but we all laughed!!

I did finally doze off but, for the first time in my stay, Housekeeping showed up at 9 am! Good thing she woke me up – I would’ve missed out on some Food and Wine Festival fun!!

Would definitely do this one again! Not sure when…we’ll have to see about that!!  

Oh yeah…bet you thought I forgot. The Bling:

And ya’ll…it GLOWS IN THE DARK!!

Tags: #RacingtheDream, Disney Hollywood Studios, Raglan Road, runDisney, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Wide World of Sports