RunDisney Wine & Dine 2024

In 2020, Bestie and I signed up for the RunDisney Wine and Dine event.

Now, if you're not aware, there was a global pandemic that deterred everyone's plans for that year. So, we decided to wait... Then, I did a RunDisney event in 2022 (you can read all about that here- this event was a 10K) And I fell in love with the events there and definitely wanted a redo for the Wine & Dine with Bestie. We signed up for the 2024 event. ALL OF THEM. Day One: 5K (3.1 miles)

For the 5k, we dressed as Smee & Captain Hook.

We did not factor in the humidity for running, and this was our first mistake. My robe DIDN'T BREATHE AT ALL and I absolutely loathed carrying the hook. I, however, breathed pretty well since we train at altitude and the race is at sea level, so that was at least a big plus. Bestie did not like her lil beanie/sideburns combo once the humidity got involved. The race itself was fine, a lot of stop and go because there were a lot of runners at very different paces.

Day Two: 10K (6.2 miles)

Tangled is a top favorite Disney movie for me, so I thought it'd be fun to do a Rapunzel costume. Looking back, huge mistake.

I sewed the hat/hair to the costume to make sure I could finish the race with it. It was so freaking hot running 6.2 miles in Florida heat and humidity with that. The pieces looked good until I put them on. I went a little overboard with the sleeves and ended up looking more like a linebacker than a princess.

There were so many times that I thought "why don't I just remove the costume part and just finish with the undershirt?" (which you can see in the after photo below) but stubbornness got the best of me and I was determined to finish with what I started with. Bestie looked fabulous as Pascal, and honestly I think a themed hat/make up with running attire is the best way to go forward.

The race itself was fine, just so so hot because of my costume.

Day Three: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Now, for the Half Marathon. BUM BUM BUMMMMMM... This was my first Half Marathon ever attempted. I trained for it, although I could have been more consistent (common theme for me) but I did train, and I was determined to not get swept.

We started the race together, but quickly split up because Bestie IS consistent, and much faster, and we'd meet up at the finish line. For this race, we both dressed as Cinderella- her as the Fairy Godmother glow up edition, and myself as the DIY pink version. I originally made a skirt for the dress look, but after Rapunzel and Hook kicked my butt, I simplified the heck out of that outfit and am SO HAPPY that I did. (note, this is the only one I have the finish line photo for because I was not smiling at the other two in their outfits :) )

I only stopped for one character during this race (I didn't stop for any during the either two races) but I saw The Bowler Hat guy from Meet The Robinsons (and I LOVE this movie) and there was no line for him.

At about mile 9, I decided to walk for a bit, not because I couldn't keep running, but I really wanted to soak in everything I could. Also, at this point I knew I'd finish and not get swept by the balloon ladies.

After an enjoyable walk, I wanted to finish while running, so I did. And I was BEAMING at that finish line. First Half Marathon in the books. Not my favorite distance, but doable, and I had a great time on the course.

The skirt that didn't make it across the start line (no regrets there)

Crossing the Finish Line during the Half Marathon! (yes, this is watermarked, no I didn't feel like paying for the photos at the time, yes- I will next time)

Overall...

It was such a fun weekend, and we have plans to go back for at least one more event weekend (more on this soon) despite it being exhausting, but in the absolute best way. I also feel like I'm more consistent with training when I have a race I'm traveling for- there's more internal pressure to focus on it. For any future RunDisney races, I definitely won't be getting as creative with the costumes, lessons were learned here for sure.