2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Two Week Training Guide

So, you are participating in the Disneyland Half Marathon, and with your busy summer schedule you are shocked to discover Labor Day is just around the corner. Not to fear. The Disneyland Half Marathon course is as forgiving as the event is well-run; and that is to say exceedingly.

The 2011 race, taking place Sunday, September 4, is the 6th annual Disneyland Half Marathon. Veterans of the race praise the accommodating course, which is at once flat and entertaining. First-timers will marvel at how quickly and easily they will complete the supposedly intimidating 13.1 miles. Where everyone agrees is how they can’t wait to do it again next year.

Worried about being out of shape? You aren’t. Disney races allow for 16-minute miles. A human being can walk a mile, at a brisk, but not aggressive pace, in 14 minutes. This means a Disney enthusiast may walk the entire course, and still have time to pose for pictures with Snow White, Buzz Lightyear or the cast of Cars and A Bug’s Life.

The Disney course has no hills, no hairpin turns, no mountains, rivers or untenable terrain of any kind. There is a modest 30-foot change in elevation where Disneyland Dr. passes beneath Downtown Disney, but you’ve trained for that walking up and down your driveway.

There are a couple potential bottleneck areas, but, Disney being Disney, they are clearly delineated. Charmingly, the familiar booming voice that announces Disney’s parades, and cautions us to remain seated on the Matterhorn, comes melodically through well-placed loudspeakers, warning participants of even the most minor potential hazard.

The first four miles of the race run through Disney’s California Adventure, and Disneyland itself. A multitude of characters and cast members are out along the course, not to mention fountains, lights, music, and the scent of the Blue Ribbon Bakery.

Walk or run, you will be done with the first third of the race before you know it. A couple miles further and you are halfway home. Live bands, fans, and whimsically attired fellow participants virtually carry you along, and before you get a chance to cramp up you will be reentering the Disneyland Resort for the home stretch.

If the Disneyland Half Marathon is your first of fiftieth race, you have nothing to fear. If it is your first half, it won’t be your last.

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