Perfectly Goofy, that best describes me and the Disney races. I am Goofy over them and have been doing them since my first Disney World Marathon in 1996. I have done races from 5K to the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge at both Disney World and Disneyland! I am one of 158 people that have completed all six Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (thus the term Perfectly Goofy) and will toe the line in 2012! I will be here to share my experiences and tips for participating in all of Disney's races.
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Disney travel experts agree on one thing: relax, take your time. But when it comes to Disney's marathons and other running events, they're wrong. In a race, you can't take your time. And you also can't show up with just your two feet expecting to win - or even finish! Preparing for a Disney marathon requires discipline, hard work, and good advice. We can't help you with the discipline or the hard work. But Robert Mathis, owner of DisneyRunning and one of the few people designated by Disney as 'Perfectly Goofy' for his frequent participation in their running events (since 1996!), has lots of good advice. So relax, take your time, and read his weekly column.
DEC 28Disney is rolling out a "new" race - the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Mile Night Run. If this doesn't sound new, Robert explains.
DEC 7Robert explains Pasta in the Park and why it is such a great value as a pre race meal before your upcoming Walt Disney World marathon.
NOV 23Robert gives us a full rundown on the 3 different leves of support that Disney Race spectators can contribute.
NOV 17Disney runners have their own special names for completing certain events or a series of events. Today Robert explains some of the latest nicknames.
NOV 8Training for a marathon, regardless of length or time of year, takes a toll on your body. Both physically and mentally. Robert talks about recovery methods.
OCT 31You've entered the race. The next big decision is where to stay. Robert talks about the convenience of staying on a Disney property and the benefits it provides.
OCT 26Robert gives cross training tips and information to keep you in peak physical condition between races.
OCT 20Robert talks about he Disney Mom's Panel and how they select their Disney experts. His tryout information is fascinating.
OCT 10Robert gives us a play by play of race day and some of the extras that happen when running. Is this race worth the cost of entry? Read thru to find out.
OCT 3 Robert talks about keeping your wits about you and preparing for the task ahead. Distractions are NOT needed at this point.
SEP 22 Robert goes over some last minute tips and tricks before running the Walt Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon this weekend.
SEP 15 Robert takes us around the race expo and shows us a celebrity sighting as well as some pre race merchandising.
SEP 10 Robert is lucky to receive some extra perks from RunDisney and in the process, he gets to meet a running community legend.
AUG 31 No time for pre-race jitters. Robert gives a few tips for right before the race and during your run.
AUG 23 It's race day and time to cheer on the runners. Robert talks about the best ways to view and prepare to watch the race.
AUG 16 You have entered the race and are getting ready to leave for Disneyland for the Half Marathon Weekend. Time for some pre race prep.
AUG 9 When you run in a Disney race or marathon, the event is so much more than the running itself. Disney always schedules other festivities, usually pre-race. Event-in-point: the Pasta in the Park Party during Disneyland's next Half Marathon.
AUG 2 You know who often doesn't like Disney races? The runner's friends and family members. What are they supposed to do? Stand for hours on the sideline? Enjoy the parks by themselves? Disney has an alternative: the chEAR Squad.
JUL 26 If you're planning to run in a Disney marathon, one of the things you have to carefully consider is what you'll eat the day before your race. Make the wrong choices and you risk running a poor race. Robert Mathis has tips on what to taste.
JUL 19 Every so often, I learn something new on Disney Dispatch. Thanks to Robert Mathis, I've just learned about the volunteer opportunities (and perks!) at Disney races. You can bet it's the latest item on my list of Disney things still undone!
JUL 12 If you're a princess - or even potentially a princess - slip on your glass running shoes and vye for a spot in Disney's upcoming Princess Half Marathon, scheduled for February 2012. No fair having your lady in waiting do the running for you!
JUL 5 Any activity done outside in the heat, especially a strenuous activity like running in a Disney race, will deprive your body not only of water but of electrolytes. Robert Mathis has some excellent tips on how to keep your body fully charged.
JUN 28 Nothing lasts forever, such as former Running with the Mouse author Jennifer Lazzaro, but also the Minnie Marathon 15K, a 'retired' race with a manageable length and a great course - says Robert Mathis, who's back at the helm of this column.
JUN 14 A Disney race is more than a run. As with everything Disney, it's a show, complete with music, characters, and entertainment, not just at the finish line, but throughout the course. Keep up with Jenn as she spreads some pixie dust of her own.
JUN 07 Most people like to be recognized for their efforts. And I'm not talking about a gift card for Sears. Bling! The blingier, the better. Jennifer Lazzaro reports on the new bling from Disney for those running in the next Disneyland Half Marathon.
MAY 24 I remember my parents taking me, as a kid, to our small-town shoe store every August to buy me a new pair of Keds for the school year. But if you plan to run in a Disney race, don't do what my parents did; follow Jennifer Lazzaro's advice, instead.
MAY 17 If you're a Disney runner, one of the things on your bucket list is probably the Coast-to-Coast Race Challenge. To do it, you must run races both at Disneyland and Disney World. But the rules recently changed. For the better? Let's ask Jennifer.
MAY 10 The easy part is deciding to run in the next Disney marathon. The hard part is everything else. Especially hard is how to prepare yourself for what might be the most difficult physical challenge of your life. Jennifer Lazzaro points out some possibilities.
MAY 3 I'm not much of a runner. Sure, I'll run up to the buffet when they replenish the sashimi tray, but that's not exactly a marathon, is it? Jennifer Lazzaro once despised running. (Yes: despised!) But no more. How did that happen? It's a great story...
APR 26 The Mouse has been running with Robert Mathis for the past couple of months, and Robert has given him quite the run for his money, but as we turn this next corner here is Jennifer Lazzaro to challenge the Mouse anew...
APR 19 Hey, guys: good news and bad news. Bad news first. The Tinker Bell Half Marathon is 'geared for women'. Good news: you're still allowed to register! Hello? Guys? Regardless, as Roberta Racy writes, fairies fleet of feet will not want to miss this event.
APR 5 You're wined, you're dined, then you're taken to a track and told to run as fast as you can. It's not a new reality show, it's Disney's Second Annual Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Robert Mathis tells you what to expect and how it's changed since last year.
MAR 29 Disney has a new race! What is it? I don't know. Who is eligible? I don't know. Similarity to Abbott & Costello comedy routines aside, Disney is using social media to turn an announcement into a game. Robert Mathis has the clues. Has he solved the puzzle?
MAR 22 Robert Mathis needs to take a few deep breaths, and so lucky for him that our roving (and occasionally running) correspondent Roberta Racy is here to pick up the slack with the skinny about a brand-new, team-style Disney relay race.
MAR 15 What are you wearing? On your feet, of course. I suppose it really doesn't matter now, since all you're doing is using a computer, but if you plan to run at Disney, the right footwear becomes crucial. Robert Mathis explains...
MAR 8 Unless you're a serious runner, or coming to Disney for a marathon, you probably don't think about where you'll be able to run while on vacation at Disney World. But when I'm at Disney, I try not to lose any of my 'training runs' because I keep a busy race schedule and have to keep the miles up. As a result, my Disney... MORE
MAR 1 But of primary interest to readers of this column is the 3rd annual Champion 5K race held on March 5 in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney often has 'companion' 5K races associated with some of their longer events, such as the Disney World Marathon and the Princess Half Marathon, but this is the only... MORE
FEB 22 Calling All Princesses! That's the cry ringing through the land as Disney World readies for an invasion this week of princesses in running and walking shoes. Over 10,000 people will participate in the 3rd Annual Princess Half Marathon (and Royal Family 5K) scheduled for February 25-27. The Marathon is... MORE
FEB 15 I have done the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge since it started in 2006. The Challenge is to first run the WDW Half Marathon on Saturday and then the WDW Marathon on Sunday. In all, that's 39.3 miles in 2 days. Disney gives a Donald Duck medal to those who finish the Half marathon and a Mickey Mouse medal to... MORE