2024 Dopey Challenge Race Report Part 2: 10K

• Race Name: WDW 2024 10K
• Location: Disney World
• Date: Friday, January 5, 2024 @ 5am

Pre-Race Prep:

Similar to the 5K, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan leading up to the race. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early.

Race Day:

I was DETERMINED to rope drop my corral for the 10K. That morning, I got on the bus around 3:00 and was getting off at EPCOT about 10 minutes later. I had gotten there so early that there was a crowd waiting to enter the corrals. When they finally let us in, I planned on casually walking to my corral. But then, I noticed that everyone around me was running to their corrals. “Shoot, I guess I’ll run too,” I thought, and sprinted to my corral. I was within the 1st 10 people in! And because of the 5K, I had a better understanding of where to stand in order to rope drop. And then came the waiting. Which again, wasn’t too bad. I spent most of the time making small talk with a lady who sat near me, and a guy on the other side of her who was also attempting his 1st Dopey. And again, the DJ did not disappoint. I will forever hear Justin Bieber’s “Baby” and think of his hilarious rocking motion.

The Start:

Although the run technically started at 5, I didn’t actually start until 5:48 since again, I was in the last corral. But this time around, first wave baby!

Nutrition and Hydration:

Fun fact: being cold makes you have to pee! And it seemed like the longer the race went on, the colder it got. I’m very much a “port-a-potty as a last result” kind of person so I wanted to hold out for a real bathroom as long as possible. Needless to say, water was the last thing on my mind during the 10K. (Yes, I know…hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I’m terrible.) I did stop for water a few times to combat any possible dehydration though.

Support and Crowd Interaction:

Much like the 5K, I was finished and back at the resort before my husband even woke up. Similarly, the time that I finished didn’t leave much room for any memorable moments with the crowds.

Highlights/Challenges:

My highlight of the 10K was the fact that it was my first official 10K! How it is that I’ve done a marathon, halfs, 5Ks, and just skipped over 10Ks is beyond me.

Finish and Post-Race:

After getting my medal, snack box, liquids, and precious banana, I was not going to let Chip and Dale end up like Pluto. I took my time, scanned the area, and found the photo op line. An hour later (yes. you read that correctly.) I got to meet Ch-ch-ch-Chip and Dale!

Results:

I ended up finishing the 10K in about an hour and a half. Nowhere near a PR but again: preservation mode.

Conclusion:

Overall, the 10K went well. If I was local, I would be interested in doing it again. I met someone while waiting in the corral who traveled to Florida just to do the 10K…and I don’t think I could justify traveling and accomodations for that distance. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that we’re not in Florida, so that my paycheck has a fighting chance against The Mouse!