Virtual Race Training Tips for the runDisney 5k Series
Worried about your upcoming runDisney 5k Virtual Series: Celebrating the Lion King 2021? Well, hakuna matata! We have some last-minute tips before you lace up.
Break in those shoes
Whether you are rookie racer or a road race veteran, the right pair of running shoes is critical to a successful event.
“You’ll need something that’ll work with your feet, as well as the way you run. It really does make a difference,” said Tara Sabo, a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and certified distance running coach in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Stick to the Plan
With a wealth of resources out there on how to prepare for a 5k, odds are good that you are already on the path to race day greatness. Professional coaches like Jeff Galloway, a former Olympian and runDisney trainer, offer a great place to begin.
“Knowing what you need to run and when you need to do it will help you progress safely,” Sabo said. “Having a plan keeps you on track to meet (and maybe exceed!) your goal! And finally, be sure to have fun!”
Check the Weather
In January and February, thousands of runners took to the freezing and snowy streets for Disney Marathon Weekend and the Disney Princess Half-Marathon weekend.
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For this 5k series, the heat of the Pridelands will be something to reckon with on the road. Running either in the early morning or after the sun sets definitely makes for more successful circumstances.
“Avoid, at all costs, the middle of the day when the heat index is often at its worst,” Sabo (@adailydoseoffit) suggests. In true runDisney race day form, you could even run as the sun is rising to get the full experience.
Make sure to choose lightweight fabrics that wick sweat off of your body, and don’t forget to hydrate.
Another must-do: Sunscreen. Studies have shown that runners have an increase risk of skin cancers due to their prolonged exposure, so make sure protect yourself.
Staying Motivated
Download race day bibs and any signage from the runDisney website to bring the in-person experience to your community. Running with a friend can also really inspire your race and training.
A playlist helps to mentally inspire any run and helps to keep race pace. If a Disney-themed list is your jam, check out runDisney’s Spotify selections, or you can always build a list.
“Pick songs with a fast beat that pump you up! And if you’re training with a friend and have access to a facility with more than one treadmill, pick two that are next to each other, so you can run together,” Sabo said.
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Disney-themed workouts can also be found on popular platforms like Peleton, including full cycling workouts with instructor Kendall Toole and many others (the Emma Lovewell and Leanne Hainsby 10-minute content in February are cool-down must-dos).
Bring the runDisney Magic to your Venue
Costumes really define runDisney events. Just because these races are virtual does not mean that you need to give up that tradition.
“I definitely get into the spirit of things with a little costuming. For example, I ran the Pricness Challenge this year. Ariel was the chosen princess, so I bought some Little Mermaid socks to wear. And for Belle, the half marathon princess, I wore a yellow headband with a red rose on it,” Sabo said.
Follow runDisney on Instagram to share your race day gear and be part of the race day excitement!
The Return of Racing
With in-person races finally making a comeback nationwide, it is only a matter of time before runDisney announces a return to race weekends at the parks.
The runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend is top of Sabo’s runDisney bucket list after running the Princess Challenge both virtually and in person. For many others, it is the return of the ultra-challenging Dopey Challenge, the cross-country Coast to Coast Race challenge, or the land-meets-sea Castaway Cay Challenge.
For now though, good luck to all of those runners roaring their way through this year’s virtual series. Run fast!
Feature Image Credit: runDisney