tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24885035607032330622024-03-13T05:30:01.069-05:00The Kessel RunnerKessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-79185383468557501142022-06-04T09:22:00.003-05:002022-06-04T09:26:26.508-05:00HOT Tips for European Travel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORBHMo_j6qURY4WOLp201CdANlinA65Gz6C-5ikQwA7J-xFPxZ-0tza1qJZxN38WhVyhMKEvdGAS--gIosTPLWdX7Oeu671bEYxQnXqq9ifcpzKcY8AGK5cWMsF1-cThBF5b2KkFU70sit5Gzco1je54l3DGcGE9xG0iH4CTAROOm1lxvXMnRDu7bNQ/s2048/IMG_5462.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORBHMo_j6qURY4WOLp201CdANlinA65Gz6C-5ikQwA7J-xFPxZ-0tza1qJZxN38WhVyhMKEvdGAS--gIosTPLWdX7Oeu671bEYxQnXqq9ifcpzKcY8AGK5cWMsF1-cThBF5b2KkFU70sit5Gzco1je54l3DGcGE9xG0iH4CTAROOm1lxvXMnRDu7bNQ/w480-h640/IMG_5462.PNG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Europe is a top destination this Summer, and travelers are eager and ready to go!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are my 4 Top Tips for European Travel this Summer.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">1. Don't Over Pack!</span></b></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">We have a tendency to pack everything and the kitchen sick, but you don't need it. Plan you clothes so that you can have basic pants or skirts with interchangeable tops. Rail travel is very popular and you will need to keep you bags small and maneuverable. Less is more when packing!</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>2. Don't Be Oblivious</b></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, tourist tend to stick out like a sore thumb. Keep track of your belonging; keep them close. Keep wallets/phones close to you, preferably in front pockets or a belt under your clothes. Don't keep loose money in your backpack or luggage. Be aware of your surroundings, be kind and polite!</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>3. Keep Cash and Coins Handy (Bathrooms aren't FREE)</b></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">Small towns and street vendors will prefer cash. And most importantly, bathrooms usually cost a few coins. Having to use the bathroom and not having any coins handy created a few frantic moments for us!</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><b>4. Don't Over Plan</b></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">Definitely Plan! BUT leave room for each excursion to explore and enjoy dining and unexpected finds.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">--</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">So many more things I'd love to share<a href="https://forms.gle/CDoEjenN6VRhgUFt7" target="_blank">, contact me</a> for more info!</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-size: medium;">Sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><br /></span></p>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-66579657817735399862022-05-27T07:51:00.000-05:002022-05-27T07:51:05.785-05:00Quick Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuj7llNUZaEID8eArCBRyH0-cSb6j-a0p4Xq-VDS7fgQKZ007fzsn9MtwoQBNQsQWAac1N_1Ma3d1X-diTuJx0OVoc450pgS0porcpotR_wNSiG85IToadkA-e9_mlK-s6bWnsQ9gWkv6vIymEg_ss2Z1GmGKVFpWjx5g20qyD3Z5V5jYBEJW0TzARA/s2048/GOG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuj7llNUZaEID8eArCBRyH0-cSb6j-a0p4Xq-VDS7fgQKZ007fzsn9MtwoQBNQsQWAac1N_1Ma3d1X-diTuJx0OVoc450pgS0porcpotR_wNSiG85IToadkA-e9_mlK-s6bWnsQ9gWkv6vIymEg_ss2Z1GmGKVFpWjx5g20qyD3Z5V5jYBEJW0TzARA/w640-h480/GOG1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quick Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a revolutionary family-friendly coaster for Disney, and one your family needs to check out! Here is my Quick Guide to everything you need to know.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Where is it? </b></p><p style="text-align: left;">GoG is located in EPCOT at the site of the former Universe of Energy Pavilion and now known as the Xandar Pavilion.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Restrictions?</b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>42 in or taller</li><li>Must transfer from Wheelchair</li><li>Service Animals not allowed</li><li><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">The seating and restraints on this attraction may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from riding.</span></li><li>Pregnant mothers shouldn't ride</li></ul><div><b>3. How do I ride it?</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;">This experience uses a virtual queue. Guests may also purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for this experience: expected cost between $14 to $17. A standby queue will not be available. Guests must use the My Disney Experience app for entry to this experience.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XIQbKAVA3i1ZpSaXp9jSQ8LsaRt14ok4/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download How to Use the Virtual Queue for this Ride </a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Fun Facts</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Six ride songs available on Guardians of the Galaxy - So SIX different ways to </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">experience</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> it!</span></span></span></p><ul style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 26px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 23px 1em; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire</span></strong></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Disco Inferno” by the Trammps</span></strong></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Conga” by Miami Sound Machine</span></strong></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears</span></strong></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I Ran” by A Flock of Seagulls</span></strong></li><li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“One Way or Another” by Blondie</span></strong></li></ul><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><b>5. Good to Know</b></span></div></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">The cars on the ride rotate 360 degrees. If you are prone to motion sickness, try rows 5 and 6.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn6278tX_uqIIJy7fc-DwZxtZwR8Cr316xYqM2zn5C2_suJA/viewform" target="_blank">Contact me for more information! </a></span></div></div>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-87747588052932494942022-05-23T07:31:00.001-05:002022-05-23T07:31:58.706-05:00Tips to Enjoy Turtle Talk with Crush!<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPS0TlZiV2eE1uW9MKE3_s4bTms0dAlsBU2hW6Gy0CuUCr1UPGSwzGDP4DJNI5lRvIU8HhWyqgwiAvTdpbOJu-4LinV-YqaMaSXrzFxLgXuQbrUxnMMOeQ408bZKx7DWhDyqrkZ8sxoM8gAWc8BsnOxghZHVbmkWT-Qp6R-3RVkgVZZixpoY_PQahBQ/s4032/Turtle%20Talk%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPS0TlZiV2eE1uW9MKE3_s4bTms0dAlsBU2hW6Gy0CuUCr1UPGSwzGDP4DJNI5lRvIU8HhWyqgwiAvTdpbOJu-4LinV-YqaMaSXrzFxLgXuQbrUxnMMOeQ408bZKx7DWhDyqrkZ8sxoM8gAWc8BsnOxghZHVbmkWT-Qp6R-3RVkgVZZixpoY_PQahBQ/w480-h640/Turtle%20Talk%202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Turtle Talk with Crush is a great attraction for all ages! A lot of people just wonder in because it's inside and it can be really hot outside... but it is very entertaining!</p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have a seat in the Turtle Talk Theater and enjoy a conversation with Crush and see the characters of Finding Nemo up close! </p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The show is interactive and improvised, so it is different every time. </p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ask Crush any question you'd like - his favorite food, his friends, what he does for fun... anything! </p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He may also introduce you to his pals Marlin, Nemo, Squirt and Dora - especially if you ask a question about them!</p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The show lasts 15 mins, is included in Genie+, is for all ages, and has accessibility accommodations.</p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can also find this great show at Disneyland and EPCOT!</p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Need more info -</p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn6278tX_uqIIJy7fc-DwZxtZwR8Cr316xYqM2zn5C2_suJA/viewform" target="_blank">contact me </a></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(37, 59, 86); color: #253b56; font-family: Avenir, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-75037316704239319982022-05-13T12:00:00.002-05:002022-05-13T12:04:00.774-05:00Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is on for 2022!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpOyxr3-Vd3VvN4zodXjRfoCiyj6coMkYCe7hfpMks4n7FgHylggj8zq3iQRKFqVnMYz6COlHzCPKsgq8ds-eBLxUGDY14UeDfrFKye3Rh8s8vR_VsVSqcE2e0C5SMBostX8CnEbqR9Jbvh0aM-i82uvepikfa0lW-QIcZhVq97ibNBGGo_VoVzgMmw/s1324/IMG_6097.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1324" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpOyxr3-Vd3VvN4zodXjRfoCiyj6coMkYCe7hfpMks4n7FgHylggj8zq3iQRKFqVnMYz6COlHzCPKsgq8ds-eBLxUGDY14UeDfrFKye3Rh8s8vR_VsVSqcE2e0C5SMBostX8CnEbqR9Jbvh0aM-i82uvepikfa0lW-QIcZhVq97ibNBGGo_VoVzgMmw/w400-h400/IMG_6097.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p data-reader-unique-id="6" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><br /></p><p data-reader-unique-id="6" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Taking place the following nights , this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight:</span></p><ul data-reader-unique-id="34" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><li data-reader-unique-id="35" style="max-width: 100%;">August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30</li><li data-reader-unique-id="36" style="max-width: 100%;">September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30</li><li data-reader-unique-id="37" style="max-width: 100%;">October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31</li></ul><p data-reader-unique-id="6" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul data-reader-unique-id="7" style="max-width: 100%;"><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">The Headless Horseman will ride once again! As he makes the beginning of the <em data-reader-unique-id="9" style="max-width: 100%;">“</em>Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade!"</li><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">Guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. </li><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">Guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design.</li><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Sanderson Sisters will be live as the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><span style="background-color: white;">Your favorite characters will be back and taking over the Kingdom!</span></li><li data-reader-unique-id="8" style="max-width: 100%;"><span face="-apple-system-font" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-size: 18px;">Contact me for more </span><span face="-apple-system-font" style="color: #1b1b1b; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">information!</span></span></li></ul></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="mailto:sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com">sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com</a><p></p><p><br /></p>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-73402331176943668362019-08-07T22:31:00.001-05:002019-08-07T22:31:44.562-05:00All You Need to Know about the Creature Stall at SWGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2WrqxyPRBk/XUuTI7bVUvI/AAAAAAAAGHU/cWqME05xrsc_LeoXXK1-bznQetW4s8W1gCLcBGAs/s1600/MonkeysCreatureStallVisit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2WrqxyPRBk/XUuTI7bVUvI/AAAAAAAAGHU/cWqME05xrsc_LeoXXK1-bznQetW4s8W1gCLcBGAs/s640/MonkeysCreatureStallVisit.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #111111;">Are you a pet lover like myself? Looking to adopt a galactic creature? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111;">Then </span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">look no further than the Creature Stall! </span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">At this exotic shop, located on Merchant Row, you’re able to take a look at various cargo and crates that are holding some of the rarest creatures that were acquired from across the galaxy – just waiting to be adopted!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Kowakian Monkey-Lizards</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Porg</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Rathar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Tauntaun</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Wampa</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Puffer Pig</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Neebray</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Loth-Cat</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Mynock</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Krynka</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Dewback</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Worrt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Bantha</span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Each creature comes with a Tag showing their Name, Type, Home Planet and Diet. These animals are from a planet in the Star Wars Universe and are important to the Star Wars story in some way. All are interactive and most require batteries. You can touch and feel each animal before you buy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzxrVQ0lBus/XUuUpDofOEI/AAAAAAAAGHg/iF36c5PYghc3SD9iHXGG7USvh5nqzAdPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Loth-Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzxrVQ0lBus/XUuUpDofOEI/AAAAAAAAGHg/iF36c5PYghc3SD9iHXGG7USvh5nqzAdPwCLcBGAs/s640/Loth-Cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">So what did I decide to adopt?</span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">Well, I chose a Loth-Cat! The Loth-Cat was seen in the Disney Animated show Star Wars Rebels. I really liked this particular animated series, and the Loth-Cats were apart of the story in many ways. Since I love cats anyway, it was a natural attraction for me! </span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">You can see more on how the Loth-Cat interacts with its owner in the video at this link:</span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Lc7Rl0-A86k" target="_blank">YouTube - Loth-Cat</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;">The price for the Loth-Cat was $44.99 with tax, the total was $48.48. He was one of the more pricer pets, with the p</span><span style="color: #444444;">rices for all pets ranging from $16.00 to $69.99.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The cardboard cage was easily taken apart, and I transported him back home in my checked luggage. Not all pets are this big-some are small, so definitely easy to pack!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Creature Stall is really a great shop for the whole family, and I know you will find the perfect galactic pet to adopt!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">kesselrunner77@gmail.con</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Looking to Travel to SWGE? Contact me for more information!</span></div>
Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com11313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA33.8120918 -117.918974199999988.2900572999999973 -159.22756819999998 59.334126299999994 -76.61038019999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-33738234761348057212018-11-29T04:00:00.000-06:002018-11-29T09:17:34.718-06:00The Past, Present and Future of Star Wars in the runDisney Galaxy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Star Wars in the runDisney Galaxy has only been around just a few short years! This past Star Wars Dark Side Weekend was so much fun and had me looking back and hoping for more! Join me on the Podcast as I look back to the very beginning and where we will be in the Future!
<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/qri2du/061BeyondTheKesselRun_-_5_8_18_10_06_PM.m4a">Download this episode (right click and save)</a>
or listen <a href="https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-4etfr-90e091">HERE</a>
You can Find Beyond the Kessel Run on Itunes, Podbean, Stitcher or GooglePlay. If you have any questions, comments or future ideas for my podcast, email me at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a>
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-45826490777052994962018-10-14T17:55:00.000-05:002018-10-14T18:04:29.255-05:00Avoid the Candy and Get Moving<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Trick or Treat - Move Your Feet</span></b></h2>
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It's time for Fall Challenges! And I've been getting requests for challenges to get up and move AND to avoid the Halloween Candy! So - Here you go! Starting October 15th, we will Move Our Feet until Planksgiving!</div>
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The days are broken into White, Yellow or Orange Workout Days.</div>
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White: We Do Squats and Walk/Run</div>
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Yellow: We Do Push Ups and Walk/Run</div>
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Orange: We do Crunches and Walk/Run</div>
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Most challenges are written by Fitness Gurus whose job is working out every day. So, many of the challenges can be super intense and people fall off because of difficulty. This Challenge is DIFFERENT. You set your goals. </div>
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1st you must Walk/Run every single day. So, set your goal to be realistic. Something that you know you can do every day. </div>
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2nd, set your goal for Squats, Push UPs and Crunches that CHALLENGE you. You don't have to do these every day, so pick a number that will stretch your abilities.</div>
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3rd, to avoid candy, we have a Bonus exercise, repeated 10 times, that you pick. Pick something that you hate.</div>
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My Goals:</div>
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Run/Walk 2 Miles Every Day: Even if it is raining, I can suffer 2 miles on the elliptical.</div>
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Squats: 100 Squats</div>
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Push Ups: 30 Push Ups. </div>
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Crunches: 100 Crunches.</div>
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Bonus: 10 Burpees for every piece of candy I eat. <u>I HATE Burpees, so I will not be eating any candy.</u></div>
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That's it ! Pretty Simple!</div>
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Download your Calendar --> <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WbZy83rv7YBfdPAjqBx97M5I3g71o3Wm/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Move Your Feet Challenge</a></b></div>
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Download your Goal Sheet ==> <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T8xky_D5WzAKk4-Ebk08n1Q-iUmMoNsx/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">October Goal Sheet</a></b></div>
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As Always - let me know what you are doing, and follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheKesselRunner/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thekesselrunner" target="_blank">Instagram </a>for my daily results!</div>
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-9859582256615045692018-04-15T09:45:00.001-05:002018-04-15T09:45:43.098-05:00My Minnie Van Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGIG5UuFC9s/WtNirAguldI/AAAAAAAAF3o/cLPifuabCIczMo9AhlGiZr4Myjdbf9ojwCLcBGAs/s1600/MinnieVanAdventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lyft Minnie Vans" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGIG5UuFC9s/WtNirAguldI/AAAAAAAAF3o/cLPifuabCIczMo9AhlGiZr4Myjdbf9ojwCLcBGAs/s640/MinnieVanAdventure.jpg" title="Minnie Vans" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the Princess Half Weekend, we had a little trouble with buses and ended up using the Minnie Vans! Find out more on the podcast on how we used them - including the Exclusive Service to and From the Airport!
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<a href="https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h8nym-8f480e" target="_blank">Beyond The Kessel Run Podcast</a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HN3X5GeNeA/WtNiq3uv3CI/AAAAAAAAF3k/gsRs3iq3vYsCt9Bt9YTuze5KUpWuUMgygCEwYBhgL/s1600/MinnieVanRides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lyft Disney Minnie Van Service" border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HN3X5GeNeA/WtNiq3uv3CI/AAAAAAAAF3k/gsRs3iq3vYsCt9Bt9YTuze5KUpWuUMgygCEwYBhgL/s640/MinnieVanRides.jpg" title="Minnie Vans" width="640" /></a>
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You are utilizing the Lyft App to request the Minnie Van Service. Your receipt will be sent through the email address that you registered for with Lyft.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDZTg6hKZRg/WtNd1buPtWI/AAAAAAAAF28/5Ap8qkhy2OcH1jB7GF2bfwZYR8IQFNGWACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.09.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="807" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDZTg6hKZRg/WtNd1buPtWI/AAAAAAAAF28/5Ap8qkhy2OcH1jB7GF2bfwZYR8IQFNGWACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.09.02%2BAM.png" width="378" /></a>
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No hidden fees with the Minnie Van Service - as you can see with Lyft service that I used from the Hilton Buena Vista Palace:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tM0W62YtwA/WtNeE5GcfnI/AAAAAAAAF3A/NPQXg01STEsUWQ-73gQAJ2TxGFxRZxPZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.09.35%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tM0W62YtwA/WtNeE5GcfnI/AAAAAAAAF3A/NPQXg01STEsUWQ-73gQAJ2TxGFxRZxPZwCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.09.35%2BAM.png" width="374" /></a>
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We also used the Airport Dropoff Service:
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHetIYlqyGo/WtNeTfj1OhI/AAAAAAAAF3E/SnE4k1h-UZQIK9CdVoHeWEarDK60VioogCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.08.01%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1458" height="614" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHetIYlqyGo/WtNeTfj1OhI/AAAAAAAAF3E/SnE4k1h-UZQIK9CdVoHeWEarDK60VioogCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-04-15%2Bat%2B9.08.01%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a>
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Details on how to do that are in the Podcast!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h8nym-8f480e" target="_blank">Beyond The Kessel Run Podcast</a><br />
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Questions? Let me know!<br />
<a href="mailto:Kesselrunner77@gmail.com">Kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
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<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-89459399908267067162018-03-17T20:46:00.001-05:002018-03-17T20:46:16.079-05:00To Stay Off Site or Not - That is the Question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR6KedhrhYI/Wq3Dbf0RfNI/AAAAAAAAF2M/i8EHwNFK1Gs14q7wXSRUxXITmhIXHmBvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2046%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Staying on Site of Off Site at Disney" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR6KedhrhYI/Wq3Dbf0RfNI/AAAAAAAAF2M/i8EHwNFK1Gs14q7wXSRUxXITmhIXHmBvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2046%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="runDisney Host Resorts" width="480" /></a></div>
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Everyone has an opinion on this question - I know! </div>
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And I've stayed off site and on site for runDisney races before; but, I always come back to suggesting staying on site because of the benefits of bus transportation to and from the Expo, to and from the race, and Disney resort benefits of Fast Passes and Extra Magic Hours. </div>
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However, recently Disney has expanded their Fast Pass 60 day early registration and Extra Magic Hours to a group of Disney Springs Resorts. That sounded really appealing to me. So, I split off my stay for the Princess Half and stayed 2 days at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace just to test the water.</div>
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I spent the rest of my stay over the Half Weekend at the Contemporary. </div>
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<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/w8m3ff/059BeyondTheKesselRun_-_3_17_18_10_17_AM.m4a" target="_blank">Download Episode #59 and Find out more!(right click and save)</a>
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I looked at Room Rates, runDisney Bus Transportation, Park Transportation and Extra Bonuses ....</div>
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Let me know what you think - and send me your on site / off site questions!</div>
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<a href="mailto:kesselrybber77@gmail.com">kesselrybber77@gmail.com</a></div>
Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-12507570535753414392018-03-17T20:09:00.002-05:002018-03-17T20:09:50.677-05:00Princess Half 2018<h2>
<b>10th Anniversary Princess Half Weekend - Recap!</b></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8GOX6wAd0/Wq27nVsIizI/AAAAAAAAF18/0QOM5Nm5l6IvI-k4I4aFec-wx4yvfkRhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-17%2Bat%2B7.58.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Princess Half Recap FAQ" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="483" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8GOX6wAd0/Wq27nVsIizI/AAAAAAAAF18/0QOM5Nm5l6IvI-k4I4aFec-wx4yvfkRhgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-17%2Bat%2B7.58.58%2BPM.png" title="Princess Half Marathon Weekend" width="514" /></a></div>
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This past Princess Half weekend was amazing! It has been a couple of years since I have done the Princess Half and the 10th anniversary was the best time for me to do it and I was so glad I did!</br>
I did things totally different that I normally do for a race weekend and I'll be covering all of those stepping outside the normal in my podcasts over the next few weeks.<br />
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I did things like Stay Off Site, Stay at a Monorail Resort, Buy the Race Retreat, Stop for Pictures on the race course, and use the Minnie Vans. I know those seem like pretty normal things, but for me I have a routine…. A comfortable, efficient way to get things done over a race weekend. But… I wanted to be different, try new things so that I could talk about them with you. After all, I want to be the one to make mistakes - not you!<br />
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Check out my podcast and see how the Princess Anniversary worked out for me! You can find Beyond the Kessel Run - Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast on Podbean, Stitcher, iTunes, and Google Play.<br />
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<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/mkgpb8/058BeyondTheKesselRun_-_3_3_18_10_06_PM.m4a" target="_blank">Download episode #58 (right click and save)</a>
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<a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br /></div>
<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-44021436346056670362018-02-19T08:11:00.001-06:002018-02-19T08:15:47.677-06:00The New Star Wars Experience in Disney Springs!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At The Void</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gDvGCAM-Mk/WojwrRwXxBI/AAAAAAAAFzc/wTCewQYToTwdBrsaZfLI8XINU1Jy4TW2QCLcBGAs/s1600/THEVoidDisneySprings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Void" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1017" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gDvGCAM-Mk/WojwrRwXxBI/AAAAAAAAFzc/wTCewQYToTwdBrsaZfLI8XINU1Jy4TW2QCLcBGAs/s640/THEVoidDisneySprings.jpg" title="Secrets of the Empire Disney Springs" width="406" /></a></div>
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The galaxy needs you! Recruit 3 friends to go with you undercover, deep into the Empire, to retrieve intelligence vital to the Rebellion’s survival!
Are you ready to help the Rebellion?<br />
<br />
I've compiled important tips on the Beyond the Kessel Run Podcast. Download the Broadcast for the Details!<br />
<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/uga3v2/057BeyondTheKesselRun_-_2_18_18_10_25_PM.m4a">Download this episode (right click and save)</a>
<br />
No spoilers here! (there is no way to capture the attraction on your phone... you are too busy blasting stormtroopers anyway!)<br />
<iframe style="border:none" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.photosnack.com/iframejs/widget.html?hash=ptn5rs58x&t=1518924959" width="100%" height="500" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
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I was actually the one blown away! It was unique and unlike any experience at any of the parks. It is a must do for any Star Wars Fan!<br />
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Follow Beyond the Kessel Run - Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast on Podbean, Stitcher, iTunes and Google Play for more Tips on runDisney and Beyond!<br />
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<a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a></div>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-83480461330840397792018-02-09T13:16:00.001-06:002018-02-09T13:23:32.220-06:00Countdown to Princess Half 2018<div 20px="" font-size:="">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWOLkkVX84/Wn30lJHTaAI/AAAAAAAAFzA/N4R9j8txNyARaNHkPXaNoJzAWXKXm0yIgCLcBGAs/s1600/Trisquare%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpWOLkkVX84/Wn30lJHTaAI/AAAAAAAAFzA/N4R9j8txNyARaNHkPXaNoJzAWXKXm0yIgCLcBGAs/s640/Trisquare%25283%2529.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The Princess Half is almost here! This year we will be celebrating 10 incredible years with an amazing run at the most magical place on Earth!<br />
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There will be well over 20000 participants in the Half Marathon - which is unbelievable!<br />
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<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/wqdc3f/056BeyondTheKesselRun_-_2_8_18_5_59_AM.m4a" target="_blank">Download this episode of Beyond The Kessel Run (right click and save)</a><br />
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The weekend starts on Thursday before the 5K with the opening of the Expo. So, lets get started with a breakdown of the whole weekend!<br />
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<b>The Expo</b><br />
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex <br />
Thursday, February 22, 2018 - Noon - 8:00 p.m.<br />
Friday, February 23, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.<br />
Saturday, February 24, 2018 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br />
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The Expo is required to pick up your Bib, Your Check In Bag and Princess Half Merchandise.<br />
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I actually suggest getting in line for the Official race merchandise first, then going to get your Bib because the line will be long and the merchandise tends to fly off the shelf!<br /></div>
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<b>Transportation Hours for runDisney Health & Fitness Expo</b><br />
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<b>RESORTS</b> <br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thursday: 11:30 a.m.* - 7:30 p.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br />
Buses will continue running for 30 minutes after the end of the Expo to bring guests back to the resorts from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. *Transportation for VIP Race Retreat Runnners ONLY begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday<br />
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<b>DISNEY SPRINGS</b><br />
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Buses will run from the Expo to Disney Springs, departing every 30 minutes, as follows:<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thursday: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br />
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<b>RACE DAY INFORMATION</b><br />
<b>5K</b><br />
Race starts at 5:30 AM<br />
Start and Finish are in the Epcot Parking Lot<br />
The Course is a little different, but still in and out of Epcot. One water Stop Only as you are entering the World Showcase. But remember, you have the water fountains and restrooms of the World Showcase!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7G-xC-g7HQ/Wn3v-7KpbBI/AAAAAAAAFyk/wQPA4NngO6IC2Ir4LUShYb-2Gh9oVLc7gCLcBGAs/s1600/5k.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1198" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7G-xC-g7HQ/Wn3v-7KpbBI/AAAAAAAAFyk/wQPA4NngO6IC2Ir4LUShYb-2Gh9oVLc7gCLcBGAs/s640/5k.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Transportation Hours for Disney Princess 5K<br />
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•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Participants must board a bus no later than 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.<br />
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<b>!0K</b><br />
Race Starts at 5:30 AM<br />
Start and Finish in the Epcot Parking Lot<br />
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The first 3 miles will be the toughest since it will all be parking lot and roadway. But that is a good thing, because the run through the World Showcase and Boardwalk will be exciting and will go quickly for you.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_ZqWgfz-gU/Wn3wIT5zCnI/AAAAAAAAFyo/sq5tLAgP1icrwgX3FwGMz097BbeGiSwewCLcBGAs/s1600/10K.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="863" height="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_ZqWgfz-gU/Wn3wIT5zCnI/AAAAAAAAFyo/sq5tLAgP1icrwgX3FwGMz097BbeGiSwewCLcBGAs/s640/10K.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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There will be water stops after Mile 1 ; After Mile 3 as you enter the World Showcase; and after Mile 4 on the Boardwalk. There will not be water after Mile 5, so plan to get your water before then. Remember the bathrooms will be open along the World Showcase, so stop if you need to there!<br />
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There will be 1 first aid station and that will be after mile 3 and before you enter Epcot.<br />
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Bus Transportation:<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Participants must board a bus no later than 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.<br />
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<b>Half Marathon</b><br />
Starts at 5:30<br />
Begins and Ends at Epcot Parking Lot<br />
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You will run 5 miles along World Drive before you get to the Magic Kingdom. The on ramps are tough, so if you need to walk them, walk!. But as you get to the MK, you will be thrilled.. This is the most exciting part of the race. You will run down Main Street, through tomorrow land, then fantasyland and through the Castle. Really big photo opportunities throughout the MK and especially the Castle. If you are concerned about time, the Castle is a must do, and the rest you can bypass.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPb1q7YIw88/Wn3wSroW0ZI/AAAAAAAAFys/V762nWUYhycZt8J1gnb6W1R-CRGGI0dUQCLcBGAs/s1600/half.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="595" height="630" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPb1q7YIw88/Wn3wSroW0ZI/AAAAAAAAFys/V762nWUYhycZt8J1gnb6W1R-CRGGI0dUQCLcBGAs/s640/half.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Water stops and First Aid will be near miles 1, 3, 4 and 6. The Best place to stop and use a “real bathroom” will be in Fantasyland by Gaston’s Tavern.<br />
Be sure and grab some Pixie Dust as you leave the Magic Kingdom because here comes to tough spot!!<br />
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You will have 6 miles from the Magic Kingdom back to Epcot. Miles 7 and 8 will run by the Golf Courses which is quiet and pretty and you will find a few characters there usually so keep you eye out! Water will be after Mile 7 and the Food Station is after Mile 8!. Be sure and stop to boost energy!. Very Important!<br />
The Next 4 Miles will be Back onto World Drive and those darn on ramps!. Take your time and push through! For me, this is the toughest part. But knowing what to expect is the best defense to beat the challenge here.<br />
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Water will be right before miles 9, 10, 11 and 12. Important to note that First Aid will be right before miles 9 and 11. You start to feel issues by this time, so stop and get Tylenol or ice if you need to.<br />
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<u>Keeping pace through mile 9 is important. </u>The Balloon Ladies are out there – behind you…. I looked through all the results from last year and the last person to cross the line was at 4 ½ hours after 5:30. Keep moving!<br />
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Transportation Hours for Disney Princess Half Marathon<br />
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•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Monorail transportation to Epcot® will be available starting at 3:00 a.m.<br />
•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Participants must board a bus or monorail no later than 3:30 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.*** 22000 people running so it will be crowded<br />
Don’t stress though! Things happen. We had bus issues one year. I’ve missed my corral start, and they will just let you in the next one.<br />
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You can access the Digital Guide <a href="http://rodale-usa.instantmagazine.com/rundisney/dwphm022318" target="_blank">HERE</a> - Can't download it, but keep it bookmarked for reference!<br />
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It will be a busy, busy weekend – be prepared for crowds everywhere – so take in a deep breath, relax and have fun!<br />
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-73844479924575226312018-01-23T22:52:00.001-06:002018-01-23T22:52:16.970-06:00Star Wars Kessel Run Challenge Medal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iek3tyBsYyU/WmgPBRAWamI/AAAAAAAAFw0/7wLU3CXTkAUWD1psHpcM-YbTWjL0c8ciwCLcBGAs/s1600/KesselRunChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="971" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iek3tyBsYyU/WmgPBRAWamI/AAAAAAAAFw0/7wLU3CXTkAUWD1psHpcM-YbTWjL0c8ciwCLcBGAs/s640/KesselRunChallenge.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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I love my Inaugural Kessel Run Challenge Medal!
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It is truly unique now that the Disneyland runDisney weekends are on indefinite hold. So, it seemed that we would never be able to achieve this medal again!
But I was excited this week when runDisney announced that it will still be available – with a twist!<br />
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You have the chance to bring home 2 new Star Wars Medals! And I want to make sure everyone knows the best way to approach achieving these new medals – and here's how.<br />
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<b>1st Sign up for the Dark Side Half Marathon or First Order Challenge.</b><br />
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This is a key step in getting that brand new Kessel Run Medal - you must complete the Dark Side Half Marathon or First Order Challenge. These races are held the 21st and 22nd of April, 2018, and there are still positions open for either of these events-- you need to sign up ASAP before they sell out!<br />
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<b>2nd Sign up for the Kessel Run Challenge.</b><br />
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The Kessel Run Challenge involves:<br />
completing the Dark Side Half or First Order Challenge <b>AND</b> the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon.<br />
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The Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon event gives you the freedom to run with the Force in your own galaxy, space and time!<br />
It comes with Important Guidelines Though:<br />
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-You Must Register for the Kessel Run Challenge – not just the Virutal Half Marathon
Registration<br />
-Deadline to Register: Feb 28, 2018<br />
-Deadline for Race Completion: March 31, 2018<br />
- Race Course:
Anywhere, Any Days, Even Treadmill!<br />
- Print Out Your Race Bib:
<a href="https://secure.as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/star-wars-virtual-half-marathon/SWVHM18_Bib_FINAL.pdf%C2%A0" target="_blank">https://secure.as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/star-wars-virtual-half-marathon/SWVHM18_Bib_FINAL.pdf </a><br />
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-Register Your Race Completion:
<a href="http://starwarsvirtualhalf.rundisney.events/" target="_blank">http://starwarsvirtualhalf.rundisney.events/ </a><br />
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<b> ** You must enter your race completion details! Very, Very Important! </b><br />
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3rd Getting your Medals</b><br />
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<b>At the Expo:</b><br />
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Kessel Run Challenge participants will receive their Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon medal and Star Wars-themed keepsake at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side race weekend.<br />
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<b>At the End of the Half Marathon:
</b>Upon completion of the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon within the pacing requirements, participants will be awarded the coveted Kessel Run Challenge medal in addition to their Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon medal.<br />
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** Please note that if you are swept, you may not get your Challenge Medal. So keep that in mind!
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This opportunity is a great way to show your fandom, start moving and surpass your goals!<br />
<br />
Listen to the Podcast!<br />
<iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/b35b3-822796?from=yiiadmin&skin=1&btn-skin=107&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=0&rtl=0" width="100%"></iframe>
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Find more of my Podcasts on iTunes, Google Play, Podbean and Stitcher! <br />
May the Force Be With You!</div>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-71972738907950261502017-11-29T19:29:00.001-06:002018-03-17T20:57:42.092-05:00FAQ on runDisney Bus Transporation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4UqLKsidSY/Wh9cB_IzF0I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/RprOr7VUR7M5mJ0NgTUoRPZyDi11tBGuQCLcBGAs/s1600/EventTransportataion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4UqLKsidSY/Wh9cB_IzF0I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/RprOr7VUR7M5mJ0NgTUoRPZyDi11tBGuQCLcBGAs/s640/EventTransportataion.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Event transportation at runDisney events can be one of anxiety!
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If you are staying on site, this is your key to navigating the Expo and Races on race weekends – and it’s not always easy to figure out!<br />
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So… Let’s talk runDisney Buses!<br />
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If you are heading to the WDW Marathon Weekend or planning the Princess Half Weekend, I have all the info gathered together for you!
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<b>1st</b> runDisney Bus transportation will be arranged for participants staying at ALL Walt Disney World® Resorts – this includes Shades of Green and Swan and Dolphin. This is so important for those participants staying at the Shades of Green and the Swan and Dolphin! You aren’t left out! And This is important to know because you do NOT want to drive your car from your resort to the starting line or to the EXPO<br />
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**Buses will be indicated by the runDisney signs placed in the front windows.<br />
The Expo
Buses start approximately 30 minutes to an hour before the Expo opens. And will run until 30 minutes after the Expo closes.<br />
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<b>What happens if you miss the buses at the Expo? Or Just don’t feel like waiting on the Bus?</b> There will be taxis ! I have actually taken a taxi – it’s not too bad – about $20 dollars depending on where your resort is from the Expo.
And there have been times when I wish I took a taxi because it took an hour to get to the Expo!<br />
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<b>The Races- Runners:</b><br />
<b>Getting to the Starting Line:</b><br />
All races start at 530 am for WDW Marathon Weekend and Princess Half
Buses start at 330 am. I highly suggest being in the bus line NLT 4am. Bus lines will be very long and you may risk not getting to the starting line on time. Especially if you are staying at the All Stars and Pop Century – these Resorts are very popular for races and will have a long bus line.<br />
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Also think about those Resorts that are out of the way – like Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, those may take longer to actually get to the start.<br />
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The buses do not drop you off at the starting line. You will be walking to the staging area where you will need to go through security. From there, you still have a ways to walk to the actual corrals. All of this walking can take you anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the crowds and if you stop for pictures or bathrooms, etc. So, another good reason to be at the bus stop early!<br />
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And also you just never know – we had our bus driver get lost one year ! we rushed to our corral only to get there after the start! So be in line early to make sure you get where you need to be!<br />
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<b>Getting Back to the Resort: </b><br />
Buses will be running back to the Resorts after the race. Typically, for the 10K, the buses run until 9:30am, the Half until 11:30 and and the Marathon 1:30-2:00 pm.<br />
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<b>The Races - Family:</b><br />
What does my family do?<br />
Well the runDisney buses can take them to the Starting Line with you… or they can take a bus to the Finish Line!<br />
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Buses will stop heading to the Starting Line 30 minutes before the start: 5am. If they miss that bus, they can take a bus to the Finish line which starts at 6am.<br />
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Another option for your family is to ride with you to the starting line and then take a bus from there to the finish line!
They have all this thought out for you!<br />
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Now – Don’t worry! All of the times will be available in the Runner’s Guide (electronic) about 2 weeks before the race. And it will all be printer on an information board in the lobby of your building.<br />
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***My Big Tip here is to Take a Snapshot of the Information Board in the Lobby and text it to everyone in your party!
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I know the buses can be confusing! If I didn't answer your question, just email me at <a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a> and I'll be glad to help.<br />
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<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-84868199125362554842017-11-20T10:22:00.000-06:002017-11-20T10:22:46.297-06:00Turkey Trot Trips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px;">It's that time of year when we need to earn our Turkey Dinner! Many of you, like me, will be heading out for a 5K or 10K Turkey Trot! Here are some great tips to get the most out of your run from my friends at Aaptiv.com! </div>
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-37768593323327025732017-11-19T09:37:00.000-06:002017-11-20T10:17:54.127-06:00Reviewing The Latest Trends in Recovery: Cryotherapy and Normatecs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px;">
This past weekend I experienced two of the latest trends in sports medicine: Whole-Body Cryotherapy and Normatecs!</div>
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Always up for new things, a group of friends headed over to the Gulf Coast Cryo Clinic for a morning of therapy and fun! We signed up for an introduction package of Cryotheraphy and Normatecs. </div>
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<b>Idea behind the Cryotherapy:</b><br />
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Now if you have ever had to see a Doctor for a Sports Injury, you know that cold therapy – usually ice or ice baths – has been part of the regime. So Whole-Body Cryotherapy just takes that to the next level, and instead of targeting one area of the body, you engage the whole body.<br />
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Cryotherapy is a treatment of brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures. The Cryo Technician explained it this way: Exposure to extreme cold stimulates the skin sensors and activates a central nervous system response causing a release of endorphins. We know that endorphins are the body’s natural pain inhibitors which we need in recovery. Also, as your body returns to normal temperatures, you have an increase in circulation which decreases inflammation, toxins and stimulates cellular regeneration. This process of your body warming up is also supposed to burn several hundred calories in the process.<br />
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<b>What’s Involved:</b><br />
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First up we had to sign a waiver to release the clinic of any liability. Things of concern are hypertension and if you had a history of Raynaud’s Syndrome (a disease that where parts of your body such as fingers and toes become numb in response to cold or stress).<br />
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Next, the technician needs to verity that your blood pressure is not elevated.<br />
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Then, you are off to remove all jewelry and clothes - including bras if they have an underwire. You are given socks, slippers and gloves to wear while during the treatment.<br />
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The Cryochamber is vertical and you simply step in. The temperature is lowered slowly and you need to stay in a minimum of 2 minutes to a maximum of 3 minutes. The Technician is with you the whole time, so you are never alone.<br />
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The benefits are cumulative and you are encouraged to do it more than once a week – but no more than 2 times in one day.<br />
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<b>My Experience:</b><br />
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Admittedly, I was nervous. I am a little claustrophobic and did not know what to expect: I mean compression socks can make me feel claustrophobic – so I was relieved to know that my head was above the chamber the entire time and that my friends were in the room with me.<br />
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You are encouraged to move around and not lock your knees. It is promoted as being pain free, but I wouldn’t say it was painless. Cold can be pin pricking, and that is how it began to feel. Everyone reacts to cold differently; keep your past cold experiences in mind. I only did 2 minutes, but I will definitely do 3 next time. It's not a sudden drop in temperature, you are gradually lowered to -240 degrees; and I honestly had no idea what -240 would feel like! Some of my friends felt the cold more than others with teeth chattering and knees feeling numb. My arms and legs were red for several minutes afterward the treatment much like they would be after exposure to cold North Wind. But overall, the experience was good. We all had a burst of energy, alertness and overall well-being. For me, the feeling didn’t last until the end of the day; But it left me eager to do more!<br />
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**The clinic seemed to have only 5 sets of robes/gloves/socks/slippers – I was uneasy about reusing these as it did not appear they were washed or sanitized between clients.<br />
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<b>Normatecs</b><br />
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Normatecs is a brand of air compression boots that aid in recovery. The idea behind compression is to stimulate the velocity of blood flow to decrease muscle soreness and aid in healing and recovery of tissues. Air compression, like Normatecs, is part of an elite runner's training and is becoming more popular with everyday runners and cross fit athletes.<br />
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The boots are simple to put on and the suggested time to wear is 30 minutes.<br />
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<b>My Experience:</b><br />
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There were 4 of us together doing the Cryo and Normatec New Client Special. The clinic only had one working Normatec set, so we had to take turns. We only experienced about 10 minutes each in the boots, but you were able to get a real feel of how it would work. The air pressure felt very similar to a blood pressure cuff on your arm. The compression had a cycle of going up and down and around the legs. The process was relaxing and I think I would have fallen asleep if I was in it more than 10 Minutes!<br />
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I think that if you were running a Marathon, it would be great to have this available right after the run. You can buy these for home use, and might be something to do if you plan on heavy-duty training.<br />
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<b>The Big Question: Will I Do It Again?</b><br /></div>
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Listen to my Podcast to find out!</div>
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I would love to know if you have done either of these and how you feel about them in your training schedule!</div>
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-45262066044095851502017-11-12T16:08:00.000-06:002017-11-14T09:09:09.282-06:00Moving Forward - Without runDisney in Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend marked the end of the last of the 2017 runDisney races and the end of Disneyland races - for a while. It is really sad for many of us – especially those of us – like me - who love to run at Disneyland. I loved the quaintness of running through the Disneyland parks, I loved that the Resorts were just steps away from the starting line, and l loved running through the streets of Anaheim.
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Disneyland races made you feel so very special and that you were truly running a magical race!
There has been so much swirling around the postponement of Disneyland races – was it really construction? Was it a feud with Anaheim politics? No one really knows but Disney. And I think that in the end – it’s the runners who really lose.<br />
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But, as Luke Cage would say, we have to keep moving forward…<br />
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and that brings us to 2018 and beyond and what awaits us in Walt Disney World!<br />
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We still have the 4 races in WDW and the 1 in Disneyland Paris.<br />
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2018 Walt Disney World Marathon<br />
January 3-7, 2018<br />
-Still Open to Charities<br />
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2018 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend<br />
February 22-25, 2018<br />
-Still Open to Charities<br />
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2018 Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side<br />
April 19-22, 2018<br />
-All races still open<br />
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2018 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend<br />
September 20-23, 2018<br />
-All races still open<br />
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2018 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend<br />
November 1-4, 2018 (on sale March 13, 2018)<br />
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2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend<br />
January 9-13, 2019 (on sale April 17, 2018)<br />
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2019 Disney Princes Half Marathon Weekend<br />
February 21-24, 2019 (on sale June 12, 2018)<br />
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2019 Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side<br />
April 4-7, 2019 (on sale August 7, 2018)<br />
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Listen in on my Podcast for What we know for sure about the 2018-2019 runDisney Season:<br /></div>
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<iframe data-link="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ntpdx-7af22d?from=yiiadmin" data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ntpdx-7af22d?from=yiiadmin" width="100%"></iframe>
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I would love to know how these runDisney changes have affected your plans. please let me know at <a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a>
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Next week we will be talking about a very new and interesting trend in recovery!. So stay tuned!
But for now, that is all from my runDisney galaxy – May the Force be With You!<br /></div>
<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-72787531232315195902017-11-10T15:41:00.000-06:002017-11-12T15:42:43.525-06:00Finding the Runner’s Mindset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-i6c4h7z24/Wgi9Htr245I/AAAAAAAAFt0/3Mo2JobnfvY1jJZMF9utgHxAZA4w1qHngCLcBGAs/s1600/costumeCollage2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to Think Like a Runner" border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1320" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-i6c4h7z24/Wgi9Htr245I/AAAAAAAAFt0/3Mo2JobnfvY1jJZMF9utgHxAZA4w1qHngCLcBGAs/s640/costumeCollage2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="The Runners Mindset" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now if this is your first time to run a half Marathon or your 100th, if you are like me you get nervous. I don’t know why – but I do. And what you have to do, is find your Runner’s Mindset to get you back on focus so that you can finish strong. We do not want the Balloon Ladies… right?</div>
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So, now everyone has to find their own way of getting the Runner’s Mindset, but I am going to share mine with you – and hopefully it will get you to thinking about yours!
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The idea behind being focus and being ready, is being prepared the night before.<br />
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1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lay out what you are going to wear<br />
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2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Set out what you are carrying with you<br />
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3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pack your Check-in Bag<br />
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4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Charge everything<br />
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5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Plan for Breakfast<br />
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6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be Out at the Bus Stop Early<br />
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7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last Minute Fixes<br />
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8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Set your Alarm<br />
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The more your get off your mind the night before, the better rested you will feel, and the easier it will be to find your Runner’s Mindset!<br />
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Listen to all the details of how I get my Runner's Mindset<br /></div>
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<iframe data-link="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/xea39-79ead0?from=yiiadmin" data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/xea39-79ead0?from=yiiadmin" width="100%"></iframe>
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May the Force Be With You!</div>
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<a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-18320202355574522942017-10-31T10:39:00.000-05:002017-10-31T10:40:56.024-05:004 Things You Need to Know About the Wine and Dine Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is one of the best weekends you can have as a runDisney participant! The After Party is the main reason many people run it, and it’s no wonder why! Having your own mini Food and Wine Festival is amazing and a great way to reward yourself for your weekend!
But before you go, here are 4 things you need to know!<br />
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<b>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dogs are Welcome!</b><br />
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This will be the first runDisney weekend that you can bring your lovable dog with you!. Well…. That is if you are staying in certain resorts…<br />
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There is a fee involved and not all rooms are included at these resorts:<br />
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Art of Animation<br />
Port Orleans Riverside<br />
Yacht Club<br />
Cabins at Ft Wilderness<br />
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If you are staying at one of these resorts, give Disney a call to see if your room qualifies to bring your pets. 407 – W – DISNEY<br />
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<u><i>Now the flipside to that would be</i></u> – if you are staying at one of these resorts, and are <b>allergic</b> to dogs! Give Disney a call to request that you are not in a dog friendly room.<br />
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<b>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The New Course Includes Pandora!</b><br />
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How exciting! This will be the first runDisney weekend that you can run through Pandora! Animal Kingdom is your first park after leaving the Starting Line, so hopefully you will still be able to see it in the dark!<br />
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<b>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Course Details!</b><br />
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I love looking at everything on the course and figuring out all the details!. And you guys know I don’t like porta potties so first up - where are the real bathrooms!<br />
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<b><i>Real Bathrooms</i></b><br />
Animal Kingdom<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As you enter Rfiki’s Planet Watch area<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Past the Festival of the Lion King on the Discovery River Side<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><none in Pandora><br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Across from Isle of Java on Discovery Island<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In Dinoland as you are leaving Animal Kingdom<br />
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Hollywood Studios<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Past Tower of Terror as you enter Sunset Boulevard<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As you leave Hollywood Boulevard by the Exit<br />
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Epcot<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Morocco<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>American Adventure<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Germany<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Norway<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As you Leave Epcot<br />
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Next up is water stations and First Aid!<br />
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They have added more water stations than in earlier years of runDisney and this is a good thing! It can be so hot and humid that staying hydrating is really important! 9 Total this year!<br />
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<b><i>Water Stations</i></b><br />
Miles: 1,3,4,5,6,8,10,11,12<br />
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<b><i>Food</i></b><br />
Mile 8<br />
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And It is always a good thing to keep in mind where the first aid stations are. Another big improvement this year is the number of first aid stations: 6 total. Just knowing where they are can help you push through to get there!<br />
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<b><i>First Aid</i></b><br />
Miles: 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 9, 11<br />
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<b>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The Weather</b><br />
Always look 10 Days Out and start planning. The Wine and Dine has seen wild weather in the past – don’t go into the weekend blind.<br />
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Highs in 81/64 40% chance of thunderstorms<br />
Very typical November Florida Day!<br />
Plan for humidity – should be your biggest problem. But, check the weather again before your leave!<br />
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Know about the weather...<br />
<a href="http://www.kesselrunner.com/2017/01/episode-011-being-rundisney-weather.html" target="_blank">Being Weather Wise in WDW for runDisney</a><br />
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So those are the 4 things you need to Know about the Wine and Dine Weeknd!<br />
Having run in many different types of Half Marathons, runDisney really is the best at taking care of you - And giving you a Magical Race to enjoy! As will be the case for the Wine and Dine Weekend!<br />
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Please let me know if you bring your pets and how you felt the pet services were.<br />
And let me know how much fun you had at the After Party!<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_162291571"><br /></a>
<a href="mailto:Kesselrunner77@gmail.com">Kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/mf/play/y33z2v/045BeyondTheKesselRun_-_10_25_17_11_47_PM.m4a" target="_blank">Download this episode of the Beyond the Kessel Run Podcast (right click and save)</a></div>
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<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-62072423039477525402017-10-19T06:09:00.002-05:002017-10-19T10:15:16.808-05:00We Rebel! A FanGirl Conversation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGOdErL27Lg/WeiFPgnISBI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/aBjn10MLi3cJ1R5N0AVoPc4N76bwb-OSACLcBGAs/s1600/BeatingTheDarkSideofCancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGOdErL27Lg/WeiFPgnISBI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/aBjn10MLi3cJ1R5N0AVoPc4N76bwb-OSACLcBGAs/s640/BeatingTheDarkSideofCancer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This week on the Broadcast I talk to FanGirl Megan Cullinan on beating Breast Cancer, being a FanGirl, loving Star Wars, and running the Dark Side 5K!<br /></div>
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Megan's blog, <a href="https://rebelcancerwar.wordpress.com/">https://rebelcancerwar.wordpress.com/</a>, is about her journey through Breast Cancer and surviving!<br /></div>
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Megan not only shares her survivor story with us, we talk Phasma, The Last Jedi and The Dark Side Weekend coming up in April!<br />
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If you have any questions on the podcast, please let me know <a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
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If you are a FanGirl and want to join us for the Star Wars Dark Side 5K, let me know! We will all meet up!<br />
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You can find all my podcasts, Beyond The Kessel Run, on Podbean, iTunes and Stitcher!
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Need help planning your Dark Side Vacation, contact <a href="mailto:sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com" target="_blank">TravelWithTheMagic! </a></div>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-58665451431005935222017-10-12T14:13:00.001-05:002017-10-12T14:15:00.104-05:00FAQ on the runDisney Health and Fitness EXPO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Health and Fitness Expo is essential to the runDisney Experience! It’s a big deal and a big topic to discuss, so I’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions on the Expo.</div>
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The Health & Fitness Expo is your first step in completing your runDisney weekend. You need the Expo for 4 Reasons:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mandatory Packet Pick-Up: race number, t-shirt, and check-in bag<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Official runDisney Race Merchandise<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Latest in apparel and fitness equipment<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speaker Series – Guest speakers with seminars including race tips, training and nutrition<br />
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<b>When is it held?</b><br />
The Expo is open one day prior to the 5K and ends the Saturday before the last race event. For example, the Marathon Weekend, holds the 5K on a Thursday and the Marathon on Sunday. The Expo will open on Wednesday and end on Saturday. For all other races, the Expo will open on Thursday and end on Saturday.<br />
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<b>Where is it located? And how do I get there?</b><br />
For Walt Disney World, the Expo is held at the ESPN Sports Center. For those staying at the Host Resorts, there will be bus transportation to and from the Expo from your Resort. For those staying off-site, park in the ESPN parking lot.<br />
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For Disneyland, the Expo is held at the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall. The Disneyland Hotel is within walking distance from any of the Disney resorts, and just a short walk from the Transportation Center is using the Anaheim Resort Transportation buses. Parking at the Disneyland Hotel will be limited to Hotel guests only, so if you need to park, use the Disneyland Parking and head through Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Resort.<br />
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For Disneyland Paris, the Expo is held at the Disney Events Arena. The Arena is<br />
within walking distance of the Resorts and the Train Station.<br />
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<b>What is Packet Pick-Up?</b><br />
The first stop at the Health & Fitness Expo should be Packet Pick-Up. Since Packet Pick-Up is not available on the morning of any of the races, you must do this at least one day before your race. To receive your packet, you will need to bring your signed waiver and a Photo ID. If you forget your waiver, there are printer stations for you to do it at Packet Pick-Up. Everyone, 18 and older, must pick up their own packet.<br />
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This step is only part 1 of your packet. You must head over to the main Expo floor to get your race shirts and Check-in Bag.<br />
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Read More: <a href="http://www.kesselrunner.com/2017/01/princess-weekend-packet-pickup-and-expo.html" target="_blank">Packet Pickup Tips </a> and <a href="http://www.kesselrunner.com/2014/10/rundisney-race-check-in-bag-remember.html" target="_blank">How to Use Check In Bag</a><br />
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<b>Can I exchange my race shirt for a different size?</b><br />
Yes! There is a specific table for exchanges. I suggest doing this early so available sizes don’t run out. I usually look at the shirt, try it on and handle it before I forget.<br />
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<b>What is “Official Merchandise” and will it run out?</b><br />
runDisney Official Merchandise is specific runDisney race clothing and memorabilia for the race: shirts, jackets, hats, pins, glasswear, I DID IT shirts, headbands – anything you can imagine.<br />
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It can sell out quickly. If it is a big race – like the Princess – you might want to do Official Merchandise FIRST, then head over to Packet Pick-Up.<br />
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<b>Will New Balance Shoes be there and How do I get an appointment? </b><br />
I love New Balance runDisney shoes! These are shoes designed by New Balance specifically for runDisney. The styles and character inspiration of the shoes change every year, so it’s a very popular booth. To handle the crowds, you must sign up for a spot in the <a href="http://www.nbvirtualqueue.com/" target="_blank">New Balance Virtual Queue</a>. Runners are given first priority, but anyone can sign up. If you missed out on the Queue, stop by the booth anyway, I’ve been able to get shoes as a walk in also.<br />
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<b>What kind of vendors will be at the Expo?</b><br />
Everything the running community has to offer will be at the Expo! From running outfits, jewelry, socks, compression, post race needs, pre race nutrition, running belts, etc.. Usually if you forgot something, you will be able to find it at the Expo!<br />
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<b>Is the Expo worth it?</b><br />
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Yes! Of course, you could just pick up your packet and leave – but I love the runDisney merchandise, New Balance Shoes and looking at all the fun things running companies have to offer!<br />
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It’s a great place to get ideas. You don’t have to buy here, you can go home and order online. It is very energetic and you might want to spend a lot of money! So – if you go – put yourself on a budget!<br />
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Plus – it’s a great place to meet up with friends!<br />
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Didn't see your question? email me at <a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
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Find more Beyond The Kessel Run Podcasts on Podbean, iTunes and Stitcher!<br /></div>
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<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-29997312467770887302017-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:002017-10-10T10:52:32.056-05:00The Princess 10K and The Frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px;">
<b><i>October 2017</i></b></div>
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Jonathan Seal joins me on the podcast to relive his experiences running the Inaugural 10K at the Princess Half Marathon Weekend in 2014! Listen to the broadcast <a href="https://thekesselrunner.podbean.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and enjoy his blog below!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m not really much of a runner, but my family is. It’s not that I dislike running, but I’m always trying new exercises and routines and not sure if I have the discipline to build endurance to the level of the rest of my family. But I want to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Combine this desire with my childlike love of all things Disney, and running my first 10k during Disney’s Inaugural Enchanted 10k seemed like a perfect fit. Of course, training in one of the coldest winters South Mississippi has seen in decades didn’t go as planned and before the race my artistic side got more into the fun of creating a costume for the race (I went as a Mardi Gras homage to Prince Naveen). Needless to say, I wasn’t quite in tip-top performing shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Still, runDisney had way more to teach me than just how under prepared I was physically. In fact, that was the least important thing I took away from the weekend. Here are the top four things I learned from my first Disney run that I can take with me into my day-to-day life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. It’s Never too Early for Fun</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Waking up at 3:30 in the morning for a race while on “vacation” may not seem like fun to a lot of people, but this was perhaps the biggest surprise I had in store for me over the weekend. The energy of everyone waiting in line for the bus at our hotel was intoxicating. All of us shared a love for Disney, we were all kids at heart and every single one of us was dressed up. It was almost like Halloween, except everyone was dressed as Disney characters in running gear.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the moment we got to the Epcot parking lot where the whole thing took place, it was one gigantic party. It didn’t matter that I was the only one I knew (everyone else I came with that weekend was running the Princess Half-Marathon), but it didn’t take long for people to notice my costume and make conversation on the way to our respective corrals to await the start of the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the time 5:30 rolled around and the Fairy Godmother announced that she was going to be counting down to the start of the race, I was nearly bursting with anticipation. Early is all a frame of mind and this race couldn’t start soon enough!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. A Little “Magic” Goes a Long Way</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Around the half-mile mark, I was lagging behind big time. The sun wasn’t up yet, I was sleepy, it was almost too humid to breathe, I was already dripping with sweat and people were passing me left and right. I was trying to pace myself since I knew that I was in for a long morning, but it never feels good to have that many people speed by you from the start.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Just when my mind started going to that dark place that says “you can’t do this”, I followed the stampede of runners to an over pass and started hearing something strange. Up ahead I could see that the overpass was flooded with a pale blue light and saw someone on a stage that had been erected at the top where cars would normally be zooming pass. I took my earphones out and heard “Let It Go” blaring from the distance. That’s when I saw what appeared to be rain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I got closer, I realized that the person on top of the overpass was Elsa from the movie<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Frozen</b>, using her magic to shower us runners with actual snow! It might sound like something small and insignificant, but this little act of Disney magic not only brought a smile to my face but gave me an instant burst of energy that helped me get through to the 5k mark before feeling the least bit tired. After all, I knew I had it in me but it was the negative thinking that was keeping me back. I just needed to “let it go” and look ahead to the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Greater Orlando isn’t really known for it’s hilly scenery, but that didn’t mean that there weren’t plenty of inclines to be tackled on this run. Manmade hills are kind of a staple of the landscape at Disney Parks. It’s how a place as flat and uniform as the pine swamps of Central Florida are transformed into far off fantasies. In total, I counted six hills, including one long on-ramp. But it’s quite possible that I missed a few and miscounted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How could I miss a few “hills” in one of the flattest areas of the country?</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Soon after the 5k mark, the race took us behind Epcot and through the back doors into the World Showcase. Entering the park before hours was the highlight of the experience, but it was also the toughest part of the race! People like me who weren’t normally runners were beginning to get exhausted and the landscape suddenly began to change. There were plenty of characters and other cast members nearby to cheer you on and distract you, but when your legs are screaming at you to stop, it’s hard not to listen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By this point in the race, though, you’ve found your pace and nearly everyone around you has been with you for the past mile and will be with you till the end. I was running by myself and one of the things I wasn’t expecting was the instant camaraderie that the runners I kept pace with formed for those twenty minutes or so of our lives. Whenever the incline got a little tough, we kept each other going simply by reminding each other “It only seems too big.” In the end, it’s the positive feedback of even the most unexpected friendships that help you get through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. You’re Never Too Old to be a Kid</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This last lesson is less about what runDisney taught me, and more what my family’s love for Disney has taught me over the years in general. I’ve always enjoyed every fun run and 5k I’ve ran I didn’t expect any less of this 10k. The difference was the frame of mind and the total abandon to the “inner child” that all the runners had that Disney brings out of everyone. From teenagers to grandmothers, each athlete was running this race and enjoying themselves. It’s this joyful “Disney life” that addicts so many adults to these kinds of experiences. By the end of the weekend, I knew I was going to have to go back to my job and return to my University classes, but for one weekend with 35,000+ strangers and their friends and families, I was just another kid again running through crowds of my favorite movie characters all cheering me on and encouraging me to the finish. It was a literal childhood dream come true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If that’s not reason enough to go back and run again, I’m not sure what is. I will definitely be going back to run a Disney race again, and might even try for a half-marathon this time just to extend the fun. And from this non-runner who sometimes runs, that’s something I definitely haven’t said before.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5UF5hjyyp0/UxE8CFhgwuI/AAAAAAAAEAA/FJ6KnqbASD0/s1600/jonroy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5UF5hjyyp0/UxE8CFhgwuI/AAAAAAAAEAA/FJ6KnqbASD0/s1600/jonroy.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="158" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>J<i>onathan L. Seal<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b><i>enjoys his life in Baton Rouge as a published author and artist. You can find the first book of his fiction trilogy<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Darkened Glass<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Darkened-Glass-Jonathan-L-Seal/dp/0983534306/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1393636129" target="_blank">HERE</a> And enjoy his newest endeavor <a href="https://artishtheory.com/blog-posts" target="_blank">Art(ish) Theory </a> : a blog and podcast for art education.</i></span></div>
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Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-88842961769210990362017-09-28T10:26:00.001-05:002017-09-28T13:13:56.264-05:00Wine Not? FAQ on the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend!<br />
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The Wine and Dine Half Marathon is one of my favorite runDisney races! I love the theme and the after party! Grant it - I loved the race more when it was at night -but it is still a great time to runDisney! Epcot is beautifully decorated and the Food and Wine festival is amazing!
I receive a lot of questions about the Wine and Dine! Mainly, I think because it is so much fun! And everyone wants to do it! It is a smaller race, with average of 12000 participants, but it is the only one with a Super, Awesome After Party!
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So - Here are the most asked questions:<br />
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<b>What events are offered at the Wine and Dine Half Marathon?</b>
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Half Marathon
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10K
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2 Course Challenge
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5K
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Kids Races
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<b>Is it too late to register?</b>
No!
If you want to register just with runDisney,<br />
Half Marathon <br />
2 Course Challenge <br />
Kids Races <br />
Are open through runDisney's website.<br />
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Charities have ALL openings including the 5K and 10K.<br />
You can find the Charity Groups @ <br />
<a href="https://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/#charity-groups">https://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/#charity-groups</a><br />
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Be willing to provide a donation of $500 or more to run! It is a great option! I have run for charities many times. If you need to know more - Check out my Podcast #014 to see if it is right for you!
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<b>What Resorts are Host Resorts?</b>
First of all, a Host Resort, is a Disney Resort where runDisney provides transportation to and from the Expo and to and from the Race. Luckily, ALL Disney resorts are Host Resorts for the 2017 Wine and Dine Half Marathon!<br />
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This was not always the case - we have stayed at non-Host Resorts in the past and having runDisney transportation is a BIG Plus!<br />
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<b>What is the After Party? And do I need a Ticket?</b><br />
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The Post Race Party for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is held on Sunday, November 5th at 10pm - 1am. It is an exclusive after hours entry into the Food and Wine Festival.<br />
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Runners who ran the Half Marathon or 2 Course Challenge are FREE. Anyone else must purchase a ticket. They are $79 dollars each and can be purchased here -->
<a href="https://www.mydisneygroup.com/17dwdhmprp/tickets--more#Party-Information">https://www.mydisneygroup.com/17dwdhmprp/tickets--more#Party-Information</a><br />
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This party is a lot of fun! It's a great way to celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy the Food and Wine festival!
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<b>Is it too late to update my Proof of Time?</b>
Yes - Unfortunately!
The deadline for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon was August 1st.
You can learn more about Proof of Time in Podcasts #23 and #28 - and be ready for your next race!
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<b>What time do the races start? What time do I need to be in the Corrals?</b>
All the races, 5K, 10K, and Half start at 5:30am. I suggest being in the staging area at 4:30am. Plan on being on the bus - if you are staying at a host resort - at 4am.<br />
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If you are staying off site, be sure to add in time for traffic and road closings.<br />
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The 5K starts in the Animal Kingdom Parking Lot<br />
The 10K and Half Start in the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot<br />
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<b>How do I get back to my Resort after the Race?</b>
runDisney provides buses to and from the Race. Just be sure and look for signs to the bus areas, or just ask a CM.
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<b>Can I go directly to the parks after the race?</b>
The 10K and Half end in the Epcot Parking Lot. Be sure and pack a change of clothes in your Check In Bag so that you can change in a Restroom. Include anything you need like wipes, deodorant, compression socks. ( I highly suggest compression socks after the races to keep your legs from cramping. )<br />
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Remember to drink a lot of water while in the parks! Stay Hydrated.<br />
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All the parks open at 9 am on Sunday, November 4th and 5th.
Use the Monorail to get to the Transportation Center for transfers to your favorite park!
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<b>What will the weather be like in November?</b>
The average weather in Florida in November
High 78 / Low of 60 / Humidity 89%
That doesn't mean that it won't rain, thunder, or turn cold. November is a transition month in the South and you can still have temperature swings. Be prepared and look at the weather before you leave for Disney. Have options for your costume.
You can find out more about being Weather Wise in Episode #11 of the Podcast.<br />
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<b>I have a question for you!
Are you ready for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon!?
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<a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com" target="_blank">If there was an issue I didn't address here, please let me know at kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
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And take a look at the Podcast tab on my blog<a href="http://www.kesselrunner.com/http://www.kesselrunner.com/p/blog-page_18.html" target="_blank"> kesselrunner.com </a> for more information!<br /></div>
<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-44967135813240449842017-09-27T11:07:00.001-05:002017-09-27T13:01:39.422-05:00Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!<br />
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Hydration is Very important!
If you remember from my recent review of the Disneyland Half Weekend, we had very very hot weather with heat indexes in the 100s! A Disney Security Guard told me that he was hearing on his radio that lots of people were having issues. He told me to stay hydrated.
And that was really good advice!<br />
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The heat can be deceptive, especially in California where sweat just evaporates from your body. You never want to have heat sickness! So, here are some common hydration mistakes to avoid:<br />
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<b>1. Letting the weather sneak up on you. </b><br />
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I am always checking my destination weather: I am always worried about not having the right clothes with me. But more important than clothes, when it comes to a race, is how hot will it be? How humid will it be? Heat and/or humidity can sneak up on your body. Don't be naive about race day. Know what the race conditions will be.<br />
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<b>2. Forgetting to hydrate the day(s) before. </b><br />
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I really try to focus on hydrating the afternoon/ night before a race. This step is really important to prepare your body for any race - let alone one that is going to be hot! Skip the alcohol and sugary drinks. Add water or powerade!<br />
Forgetting to hydrate is like forgetting to add yeast to your bread: you will run flat!
If you are flying in, remember that flying can dehydrate you as well, so drink lots of water before, during, after your flight.<br />
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<b>3. Staying out in the sun.</b><br />
I know - we are at Disney - but at least avoid the afternoon sun before your race. Save all that Fun in the Sun when you can truly celebrate your accomplishments!<br />
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<b>4. Not acclimating to the environment.
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If you are running someplace new, such as a higher elevation, more humid, more arid than you are used to, then, if you can, arrive a couple of days early, to acclimate to the environment. I am almost at sea level, so usually, any change in elevation affects me! Know your environment before you go!<br />
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Now, As race day comes, and you are heading to the corrals, here are some<b> tips </b>to help you get through the race:<br />
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- Get water at every water stop (or at least every other stop). If you want the sports drink (which you should if the temperatures are 70 or higher), switch at every other station. Aim for 3-6oz of fluid every 15-20 minutes.<br />
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- Energy gels or gummies are great for short-term energy, but be sure to wash them down with water (not a sports drink). If people are handing out oranges - take them!<br />
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- A lot of people worry about having to go to the bathroom during a race. but if you have to go, go! I know the porta potties are gross! I usually have a guide for the bathrooms in the parks along the race course so that you can plan your potty stops there.<br />
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- Remember this is Disney. Relax and have fun. A really hot day will slow you down. If you are having issues, not feeling well, then run to the water stops. Walk and drink. Then run to the next water stop: it's a great way to get through those tough spots.<br />
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- Know where the first aid stations are on the course and stop if you need to.<br />
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- Since race day starts early, bring extra food and drink to the staging area so you can stay fueled and hydrated in the corrals!<br />
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<b>Looking at upcoming races:</b><br />
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The Super Heroes Race may involve long flight times, so be sure to hydrate before/ during / after the flights:<br />
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The Wine and Dine Race can still humid in November in Florida, so don't let the humidity sneak up on you!<br />
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Just remember to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!<br />
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Be sure to check out my podcast for more info hydration and runDisney and Beyond!! <br />
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<b>Beyond the Kessel Run, Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast can be found on iTunes, Podbeen and Stitcher!</b><br />
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<a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a></div>Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2488503560703233062.post-24306648175939260602017-09-09T12:18:00.001-05:002017-09-09T12:18:09.161-05:00Disneyland Half Weekend - 5K Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A race in Disneyland is always fun! I love that you have a lot of park time during the runs. Having the parks so close together makes a really fun and interesting way to get through the miles. Even though it was a short weekend, as usual, a lot went on – here’s a quick review!</div>
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<b>First of all, It was hot!</b> Very, Very Hot! We had heat warnings and advisories. The Heat index in the afternoons was over 100 degrees! And even though the races started at 5am, 5am was warm and muggy. It was just a bad weekend for the run. The week before and after the race saw really nice temperatures. I was glad it wasn’t raining… or stormy… or windy… but the heat was tough – especially for those not used to it. </div>
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Coming from Mississippi, I understand hot and muggy. The difference is, our weather in Mississippi we are being steamed to death; in California this weekend, we were being baked to death! The dry heat made you dehydrate quickly, and for a lot of people, it was an unexpected side affect. I talked to Disney Security who told me it was really taking a toll on the runners: that they had several overtaken by the heat. So – the heat was a big factor this weekend.<br />
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<b>Second, the characters on the course were great!</b> There were a lot of places for selfies with characters – which was ok! We are all a very friendly bunch and no one minded helping each other with pictures. I thought the character placement in the parks was perfect. I was hoping for the picture stations in the staging areas - as in the Dark Side Half Marathon – but that hasn’t caught on yet for other races – would love to see it though!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" height="100%" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.photosnack.com/iframejs/widget.html?hash=pti0z0ssh&t=1504968761" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<b>Third, the crowds were down:</b> that is good and bad. <br />
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The Good: The lower crowds, made the parks easier to navigate and the Expo manageable. In years past, the convention center has just been overwhelmed and hard to get in and out of. <br />
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The Bad: This year there were 8710 finishers in the half marathon. Which was down from 2016 where we had 13084 finishers. And in 2015 we had 15248 finishers.<br />
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There is a downward trend in participation in Disneyland Races, but this is a really big drop for the Disneyland Half – could be a concern.<br />
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<b>Which brings up the Fourth topic – Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon</b>.<br />
runDisney told me that they had no news. However, the charity that I was running for this past weekend, My Brighter Tomorrow, announced that they will be able to seel bibs for the race in the next couple of weeks. So – maybe there will be an announcement soon.<br />
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Overall, it was a great weekend. Pixar was an awesome theme and I thought it was very successful and gave everyone a wide range of creativity for their costumes!<br />
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Disneyland Half will always hold a special place in my heart since it helped me gain my first Coast to Coast back in 2008!<br />
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If you went this past weekend, don’t forget to download your pictures for the race. You can get your PhotoPass codes by going to the rundisney.com/results and selecting the Disneyland Half for 2017.<br />
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I will be talking about Beyond the Run next week to review what I did outside of runDisney and Disneyland! It would be a great idea for those of you heading to the Super Heroes race in November!<br />
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email: <a href="mailto:kesselrunner77@gmail.com">kesselrunner77@gmail.com</a><br />
podcast: Beyond the Run Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast on Podbean, iTunes at Stitcher<br /></div>
<br />Kessel Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03016132586541607079noreply@blogger.com0