ChEar Squad! Grab It While You Can!

ChEar Squad is a great way to get your family involved in your runDisney Experience!  They've been there through the months of training, you've relied on them for support, and you've promised them the parks when you finish!

Anyone can show up at the finish line and be a part of the ChEar Squad.  However, if you want great ChEar gear, special seating and private potties, you need to sign up!

There are 3 paid packages: Silver, Gold, Platinum

Silver:  
- $39
- ChEar Gear

Gold:
- $65
- ChEar Gear
- Bleacher Seats
- Private Bathroom
- Hot and Cold Beverages

runDisney Registration Tips

Updated July 2015 
Registering for a runDisney race seems simple right?  Well it can be, but it can also be stressful when
the race sells out in minutes!  And the servers crash!  And you didn't get in!

So, over the years I have learned my lessons the hard way, and I have some tips to share with you to help make registering easier!

1. Know What You Will Be Registering For:  Don't wait till you log in to think about what you are going to register for, know before you go!

• Will you be doing the Family 5K and Kids Races?  
• Do you need the Chear Squad for your family?
• Will you be doing the 10K or half or both?  
• Did you want commemorative merchandise?
• Did you want the Pasta Party?

Make a list and be ready!

Road ID : Be Seen Wearing It!

I've been a Road ID proponent for years!  And it's not just popular with me;  the Road ID is a favorite
way of identification for sports enthusiasts, too!

But, what exactly is a Road ID? The Road ID is a wearable bracelet, anklet, necklace or shoe Identification that contains an essential message you want others to know in an emergency.  You have up to 6 lines of information that you can add to your ID such as your name, emergency contacts or special medical information: the ID becomes your voice when you are not able to speak.

Is it just for athletes?  who really needs it?  I believe that it is essential for everyone in your family to own a Road ID.  If you are not sure about how your family could use one, here are some considerations to think about:

Surviving the Princess Half Health and Fitness Expo!

The Princess Half Marathon was one of my favorite races!  Having all of my friends there with me made it all the more special!  But before we headed for the starting line, we had to make it through the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo!  Here are 6 ways to survive the somewhat chaotic show!

1.  Plan your Expo:
Before you even arrive at the Health and Fitness Expo you need a budget.  Review the vendors posted in the Event Program, have a list and know what you are looking for!

And decide when and where to meet.  It's packed, busy, and noisy.  Cell coverage may or may not work, it's best to have a meet up plan ahead of time!

Tip:  Typical prices include Jackets, $75; Shirts, $35; Pins, $16; Accessories, $35.

Tip:  If you are staying at a runDisney Host Resort, you will be able to catch a bus at your resort to and from the Expo.  The Buses will marked :  just look for "Event Transportation".  If you are staying offsite, be aware that parking at the ESPN Wide World of Sports will be packed and busy.  If you plan on taking a taxi, allow for $30 or more each way. 

2.  Pre-register for New Balance shoes:  If you are planning to purchase the New Balance Disney shoes, then I would suggest pre-registering.  The attendance at the Princess Half Expo is a very large and the slots for trying on and purchasing shoes will go quickly.  Runners and spectators can sign up at the New Balance Virtual Queue during the Expo.

The Force Was With This Race! The Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon!

"The circle is now complete," the Inaugural Star War Half Marathon race was a success!

I have been looking forward to this race since its announcement!  The Galaxy far, far away was coming to runDisney, and I was going to be a part of the very first race!  And race day was so exciting!

It was awesome being up close and personal with our hosts for the start of this race!  Rudy Novotny and Carissa Bealert were joined by a Jedi Master and his trusty droids, R2D2 and C3PO.

The Jedi told us that we were all safe:  the course had been cleared of the Dark Side.
What a relief!!  No worries!   All that was left for me to do was stretch and watch clips from the original movies!  We had the best pre-race show ever!

The Inaugural Star Wars 5K!

I really love the runDisney 5Ks because these races aren't as serious as the other races in the
weekend:  just really a lot of fun!

Star Wars Half Marathon Packet Pickup Tips!

It is the final days to your magical race!  Lots of excitement, nerves and unknowns await for anyone who has never run this race or a runDisney race!

Put those nerves aside, and get ready!   Here is what you need to do to be ready for Packet Pickup

1. Print out your waivers.

If you don't have your waivers, you can't get your packet with your race bib, etc.  Very Important!

For Star Wars Half Weekend you will need waiviers for
Your Races
Wookie Welcome Party
Chear Squads

 and these can be found on the runDisney Star Wars Event Page.

Tip: Bring a photo ID to the Expo; you won't get your packet without the Waiver and an ID.

If flying, put your waiver in your carry-on bag, and print out an extra copy.

2. Each One Gets Their Own

With runDisney's new packet pick up policy, you must pick up your own packet and are not allowed to pick up for anyone in your family or team.

The only exception is for minors under 18, and a family member will be able to do this for them. 

Tip:  Recent races have shown that the weather can play havoc with your schedule, and you need to be prepared for running late.

3. Determine Your Corrals

Your Corral will be printed on your bib.

You will no longer be able to bring your proof of time at Runners Relations to change your Corral.  

**Get everything together as soon as you can, this should be a happy race!  Being prepared helps you put your worries behind and focus and the amazing fun you will be having!

Need more Info?  Check out these Race-Ready Tip!

1. What You Need for the Race

Your Race Check-in Bag
Packing for a runDisney Race
Last Minute Checklist

2. How to Survive !

What to do the night before your race
Having the right nutrition for your race

---

Get everything together as soon as you can, this should be a happy race!  Being prepared helps you put your worries behind and focus and the amazing fun you will be having!

If you need any help with race preparations, please contact me! kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Star Wars Half Marathon Tips

Getting to the finish line isn't easy and there are many steps in between.  Here are some tips to help you finish with confidence and obtain that much deserved medal!

1. What You Need

Packet Pick up is #1
Your Race Check-in Bag
Packing for a runDisney Race
Last Minute Checklist

2. How to Survive

What to do the night before your race
Having the right nutrition for your race

If you have any more questions, please contact me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Virtual Coast to Coast: Step Challenge from Disneyland to WDW

January 2015

The Disney Coast to Coast Medal was one of my favorite memories of participating in runDisney.  It
was also the most challenging!  You couldn't slow down your training and you had to stay focused.

Since I'm running the Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland this month, I'm thinking about including the Wine and Dine Half to achieve another Coast to Coast Medal.  So, I thought...

What a great idea for our Step Challenge!  We will walk from Disneyland to WDW!

- You will have from Monday, January 5th 12am to Saturday, November 7th Midnight to complete the challenge.

My Basic Traveling First Aid Kit

On my first trip to Disney I may have carried Band-Aids.  However, each time we went, something new happened:  from stomach aches, to falls, to insect bites, to allergic reactions. These little calamities required a trip to the mini store at the resort.  Always a pricey excursion, I left the store wishing I had been better prepared.  As a result, I learned that there were 8 basic things that needed to be in my Traveling First Aid Kit: 

1. Band-Aids!  Inevitably, there is going to be a blister, a scrape, or a cut.  I take the bandages out of the box to save room, and I try to buy Disney ones for fun. 

2.  Wipes:  From alcohol, to antibiotic, to saline, those blisters and cuts will need to be cleaned.

3.  Antibiotic Creams:  Nothing worse that a cut or blister getting infected, and I pack a variety.   

4.  Cotton Balls and Q-Tips:  So many uses for these staples!  I pull out just a few from each box and store them separately in a small plastic bag.

5.  Pain Relievers:  I also plan for the unexpected headache, swollen knee or cramps.  We all take different types, and I try to pack a few of each.

6.  Stomach Remedies:  We've had everything over the years.  I pull one sleeve from a store box and stick it inside my kit to include ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion and gas.

7.  Allergy Relief:  Benadryl cream along with seasonal allergy relief is the bag.

8.  Eyes and Ears:  The hot sun and chlorine pools require some added care on the ears and eyes.  A small bottle of Visine and Swim-Ear are in there, too.

Tips:
I use a brightly colored cosmetic bag that I received free from a department store promotion, and clearly mark it "Band Aids  First Aid".  

I place the bag right next to the TV where it can be easily found.

I keep the bag stored in my suitcase while at home so that It will never be forgotten.  I do a quick check a few days before I leave to make sure everything is still within the expiration date, and put what needs to be replaced on my shopping list.

I leave room to add extra items, such as an ace bandage, if I expect to have problems on the trip.

This kit is just my might-need-essentials and is perfect for Disney or any family getaway.  (I do keep all prescriptions separately)

We are learning to be prepared for almost anything - because almost anything happens with us!

What are the basic things in your First Aid Kit?
 kesselrunner77@gmail.com

December Step Challenge - A Success!

As our December Step Challenge comes to an end, we can all look back and feel accomplished!  We had a lot of fun, met and exceeded personal goals, made new friends, and kept moving through the Holidays!

We had 8 challenges that we sometimes breezed through, and sometimes struggled through!

Date	Challenge	Prize	Winner
Dec 1 – 5	Workweek Hustle:  Chubby No More	$20 Disney Gift Card	Kevin Jones
Dec 6 – 7	Weekend Warrior:  Agony of Da Feet	Feetures Socks	Lee Carver
Dec 8 – 12	Workweek Hustle: Booty Busters	$20 Disney Gift Card	Kathy Fayard
Dec 13 – 14	Weekend Warrior:  Shop Till You Drop	Yorkberg Compression Sleeves	Kathy Fayard
Dec 15 – 19	Workweek Hustle:  Cut The Caboose	$20 Disney Gift Card	Kevin Jones
Dec 20 – 21	Weekend Warrior:  Walkie Talkies	$10 Starbuck Gift Card	Tash Solangi
Dec 22  - 26	Holiday Hustle:  Holy Walkamolies	$20 Disney Gift Card	Missy Jones
Dec 27 – 31	Holiday Hustle: Honey I Shrunk The Gut!	$50 Disney Gift Card	Kevin Jones

And here are the amazing statistics!

How To Join a Kessel Runner Step Challenge

We Love Step Challenges here at Kessel Runner!

Everyone should achieve 10000 steps each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and we are a community that works together, encourages each other, and provides some great competition!

Want to Join?

What do you need?
A Fitness Tracker, Pedometer, Step App on your Phone - that's all!

How Do I Report Steps?
-Fitbit: Join me on fitbit and I will keep track of your steps!  Send a fitbit friend request to brightseal@gmail.com
-Other Trackers: Post weekly in an event page or send me a weekly update via messenger.

Where Can I Join?
The following are active Step Challenges  :

Coast 2 Coast Challenge
Mardi Gras Step Challenge

When Can I Join?
Now! There is no time like the present!  We'd love to have you in our fitness group!

kesselrunner77@gmail.com