• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2012

November 19, 2012 | Disney, Race Recaps, runDisney, running

 

Happy Monday! It’s finally here, so sorry for the delay! my runDisney Wine and Dine half marathon race recap! The whole weekend was amazing, but not going to lie, this wasn’t my best race. I have mentioned here and there that I have been having some health problems, and these problems decided to show up loud and clear race day afternoon, and didn’t subside until mile ten of the race, only to start again right after I crossed the finish line. Let me back up and then recap the race!

The day of the race we slept in and then walked to EPCOT for some lunch. We snagged a reservation at Via Napoli, and continued our pre race pizza tradition.

We decided to walk back to the resort and try to take a nap, since the race didn’t start until 10:00 pm and we knew we would be tired. We made it back to the room and soon after I started having really (really!) bad stomach cramps! I took some tylenol, and took a 1.5 hour nap…only to be woken up again by the cramps that were still there. I felt shaky, feverish, and was seriously considering my ability to run tis race. We hung out in the room resting and slowly getting ready for the race.

The pain would come and go, but mostly stuck with me to varying degrees. I took more tylenol, and we walked to the bus at 7:40, to be greeted with a line that stretched from the convention center at the Boardwalk to the lobby. Crap. We stood in line for over 45 minutes, and then were on our way to the start.

We had the worst bus driver, kept jerking the bus stop go, stop go, going up on the curb, etc. This was making me nauseated and not helping my stomach. I was so thankful to get off the bus!

The start already had a ton of people milling about, resting, dancing, and standing in the bathroom lines. We went over to bag drop and stood in line to drop them off, and then headed over to stand in yet another line. We stood in the bathroom line for about 20 minutes and then headed to the corrals as they were announcing over the microphone for everyone to do so.

Sorry for the blurry photos. Between not feeling well and it being dark I didn’t focus too much on them.

We headed to corral B and realized we still had thirty minutes until the start. We sat down to save our legs, but soon had to keep scooting up in the corral to fit more people so the sitting didn’t last long.

Megan was texting me and found us in the crowd and we chatted for a few minutes until the start. I told her about my stomach issues and that I was making a GI doctor appointment for when I got back home!

Then, the race began, and corral A took off, and we moved up to the start.

The beginning was a big blur. I was hoping running would actually make my stomach feel better, but boy was I wrong. From that first jolting step, I realized it was going to be a long race. Every step shook my abdomen and made it cramp even worse. I was leaning/bent over in pain trying to run, it wasn’t pleasant.

Keeping it real, I was angry. Why was this happening to me? and why today? On this night when I wanted to have so much fun? Miles 1-3 were miserable, and there were some tears shed. I felt bad because I wanted this to be special for Bobby because it was his coast to coast race, and I was ruining it. We were pushing the pace because I wanted to see what I could do, but by mile three I knew there was no way I was going to be able to “race” this race. We took a couple walk breaks which was easier on my stomach, and made it to Animal Kingdom.

Bobby had to make a bathroom stop, and I welcomed the break.

At this point we started seeing characters and just decided to see how many characters we could stop and take photos with, and hopefully the breaks standing in line would help my stomach.

Animal Kingdom was really cool to run though but also difficult because it was very dark and crowded, and the ground was uneven so I found myself watching the ground a lot to make sure I didn’t fall.

We came out of Animal Kingdom, and I saw a medical tent. I took two more tylenol, and we kept going, and taking photos with characters.

We kept running out on the road, I loved how many water stops and volunteers there were along the course. I never had to stop or wait at a table to get water and they did a great job of clearing the trash off the roads quickly so the runners didn’t trip or slip.

Sometime a little bit before we made it to Hollywood studios, the pain in my stomach started letting up a bit. It still hurt but not nearly as intense and I was so excited! I was finally able to enjoy the race more, really look around, and soak it all in. In Hollywood studios we saw several characters, I love how long we get to run in this park during the race. The first one we saw this this guy. I haven’t seen the movie yet but still had to have a photo!

We wound through the studios and found some more friends.

Bobby had to stop for another bathroom break, and then we found one of Bobby’s favorites! It had a long line (as did Woody) but this one was a must.

We ran some more and then hit my absolute favorite part of the race, the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights! Bobby asked if we could use this time as a walk break so we could stop and take photos, so of course we did.

This was an emotional part of the race for me. I started thinking about all the issues, illness, and injuries I have had that have hampered my running in one way or another, including the disappointment of that night. I may not be where I want to be, but at that moment, I felt so blessed to be in my favorite place, running through these beautiful Christmas lights, with the physical ability to run. I got a little teary eyed as I said a quick prayer of thanks.

We made it to the front of Hollywood Studios and headed out on the Boardwalk. At this point, my pain was completely gone and I had a huge smile on my face. I was suddenly having a great time and was so thankful to be feeling good. So, we did what any normal person would do right? We started running fast! It was crowded on the skinny boardwalk path so we had to do a lot of weaving, but we were booking it! We made it around to EPOCT and it was interesting to see us winding around a different route. I loved the amount of spectators there were cheering in EPCOT, it was the extra boost I needed to finish strong, which is what I wanted to do. We kept sprinting and passing huge clumps of people.

We could hear the finish, and turned the last corner and it was in sight! I pushed hard and grabbed Bobby’s hand as we crossed the finish line of yet another runDisney race together. We got our medals, and then headed to the Coast to Coast booth where Bobby got his second medal! I am so proud of him.

We got our snacks and bags then headed towards EPCOT to change. I stood in line to change clothes and when I came out, my stomach pain had returned. Ug! Thankful i was able to finish the race pain free, but seriously?!? We made it into the World showcase and we both got a snack and after I ate it, I started feeling even worse. I was so angry because I had been looking forward to enjoying the post race party for a long time, but I could barely stand. I told Bobby to stay and use up our gift cards and that I was walking back to the room. It was so frustrating for me to have to do but I think it was the right decision. Bobby texted me to make sure I made it back, I showered, and collapsed into bed.

Here are my thoughts on the race in a nutshell:

-I really LOVE the idea of this race. It’s at night, it’s different, it’s fun, and who doesn’t like the food and wine festival?

-The post race party is such a good idea, a great way to celebrate and also to close out the food and wine festival

-The volunteers were amazing and plentiful, as were the water stops. Amazing course support.

-The finish line was great, although crowded. It was very difficult to get out of the family reunion area and into EPCOT because spectators were crowding the gate where the runners come out, waiting for their family members I guess.

The “could have been better”:

-Standing in line at the Boardwalk in the cold for over 45 minutes for a bus was not cool. We even got there in plenty of time, 7:40, when they said to be at the bus stop by 8:00. I’m not sure if there weren’t enough busses, or if just people who weren’t actually staying there were trying to get on the busses or what, but this needs to be fixed.

Overall, I loved this race and would love to do it again in a heartbeat, and especially have another chance since I didn’t get to fully enjoy this one. runDisney really knows how to put on a race and a party, and if there were any glitches I didn’t really see them! Thanks runDisney for putting on another great event for everyone to enjoy. If you have any questions about the race I would be happy to answer them for you.

QOTD: Ever been sick on race day and run anyway??

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ami G says

    November 19, 2012 at 7:12 am

    We also ran the Wine and Dine this year….there were over three thousand additional runners this year so I think that accounts for the bus issues….the line was just as long at the Yacht and Beach Clubs…the runners who are not staying at the host resorts, and there had to be a ton, have no choice but to either get to Epcot or use the transportation at one of the host resorts. My other complaint is that they sold so many tickets to the post race party, the lines were all way too long by the time I finished. We ended up skipping the food and the party. My husband and one of my daughters ran this race last year, we all ran it this year. Loved the Osborne lights at Hollywood Studios but I’m not sure I would run this again….starting after 10 PM is just really tough! Sorry about your stomach issues….do you think you could be lactose intolerant?

  2. Marcia says

    November 19, 2012 at 7:48 am

    So sorry about the stomach issues but congrats on pushing through! How did I not know that was a night race??

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:50 am

      haha I have no idea! it started at 10!

  3. Kim says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:42 am

    I ran the Wine & Dine for my second time this year. I found that the All-Star resorts have some of the best access to the start. I have never stood in line for the bus and the trip to ESPN is fairly quick. Hope your stomach issues get resolved…nothing worse than running with cramping!

  4. Laura says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:42 am

    Wow, you’ve been getting in so many half marathons lately, congrats on another one! I’ve never done a night race, and have a feeling my stomach wouldn’t be a fan. I’m glad the stomach issues eased up toward the end.

  5. Kierston says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:49 am

    Congrats on another half!

    Sorry to hear about your tummy 🙁

    I’d love to do a night race!

  6. Caroline says

    November 19, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Congrats on making it to the finish line! Stomach pain is no fun, especially if you have to move around.

  7. Rick says

    November 19, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    So so sorry about the GI issues. (Get thee to a doc). And thanks for all the posting from your time at WDW – I read them with glee and envy! Love your upbeat spirit despite the pain!

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:49 am

      thanks! I go to the dr today!

  8. Danielle says

    November 19, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    Hi Heather, so sorry to hear you felt so terrible during the race! I can’t imagine pushing through 13.1 miles feeling that way, you’re definitely a very strong person – fingers crossed you’ll feel better for Goofy!

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:49 am

      thanks so much! the thought of goofy makes me ill right now!

  9. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    So sorry you weren’t feeling well! I’m shocked you made it through, you are a real trooper…I don’t think I could have done it, I’m such a baby when I’m sick!

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:48 am

      thanks! I knew I had to finish for Bobby, to get his coast to coast medal!

  10. Tod Kehrli says

    November 19, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Great recap. I’m planning on doing the Wine & Dine Half next year. Any suggestions for lodging or specials for the trip?

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:47 am

      e mail me at heather@travelwiththemagic.com I would love to book for you! (its free for you!) I always look for the best deals!

  11. Mindy @Road Runner Girl says

    November 20, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Girl you just can’t catch a break lately…so sorry you had tummy issues! Yes I’ve been sick before a race and ran it anyway. Two years ago at the RnR Half in New Orleans I wasn’t feeling good the day before. But I was determined to race. During the race I felt awful but I finished. When I got back home I went to the doctor and found out I had the flu!!! We runners are just stubborn when it comes to our races lol!

    • Heather says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:43 am

      oh girl the flu? that sucks! good job for finishing!

  12. Emily says

    November 20, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Oh wow, I’m sorry to hear about your stomach issues. But congrats on the race! Running through the Osborne lights would be so fantastic!! Congrats on another race!

  13. Moyra says

    November 25, 2012 at 12:29 am

    Congrats for making it. Hope you find some answers to your GI issues. Do you take a good probiotic?

    • Heather says

      November 25, 2012 at 4:24 pm

      yes every morning 🙁

  14. Tifa says

    August 11, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    I just found this blog when looking for ideas of what to do the day of the Wine and Dine this year, and I must say I’m glad I did! This post got me so excited for the race– and then slightly upset that it’s still 3 months away!

Trackbacks

  1. runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2012 - runningwithsass - SE Ambassadors - VZW Monitor says:
    November 19, 2012 at 2:16 am

    […] Comments 0   Happy Monday! It’s finally here, so sorry for the delay! my runDisney Wine and Dine half marathon race recap! The whole weekend was amazing, but not going to lie, this wasn’t my best race. I have mentioned here and … Continue reading → …read more […]

  2. RAD Reads and Weekly Review: November 25, 2012 | Running At Disney says:
    November 25, 2012 at 6:00 am

    […] there are some great ones out there by We Run Disney, Live, Run, Grow, RunningToward the Prize, Running With Sass, Disney Every Day, and Kimberly […]

  3. runDisney’s Wine and Dine Half Expo | says:
    November 27, 2012 at 1:01 am

    […] may have already read the recap I wrote about the Wine and Dine half marathon, but today i want to talk a little bit about the expo. I LOVE runDisney race expos. Not only have I […]

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🚨 Homeschool decision!! If you have been aroun 🚨 Homeschool decision!!

If you have been around here since Christmas time, then you know we pulled Emma Kate out of her private school after the first semester and put her in a hybrid homeschool for the spring. The main reason being we wanted more absences than the school allowed. 

What is a hybrid? In our case, she went to a school all day 3 days a week, and we taught her at home two days a week. 

It seemed like the best of both worlds, not having absences count since we were also her teachers, being able to stay home some, sleep in, and travel. 

Well, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. For one, the school we sent her to ended up not being what we thought. We were told being absent wouldn’t be a problem, but it became clear very early on her teacher was not a fan and she was not kind or accommodating to Emma Kate. There’s a lot of other reasons we didn’t blown the school I won’t go into. (If you are local and considering hybrid feel free to dm me and I will share my concerns and grievances.)

Teaching your kid is hard. There were lots of tears and frustrations, and she got bored since Bobby and I also work from home/I’m not a stay at hoke mom. We couldn’t just sit with her all day and teach her with our crazy long hours owning two businesses. 

It was tough to keep a schedule and while getting to travel a lot was great, she didn’t thrive on not having a routine and struggled with the randomness of everything.

She is also a very social only child who missed her friends and also wants to play sports for her school.

 In the end while there were a lot of pros to hybrid homeschool, the cons outweighed them for us so we are returning to her old school in the fall. 

Am I glad we did it? Yes! I always would have wondered otherwise and now we know. We will still be pulling her out of school some to travel in the fall, just not as much. 

If you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments below and I will be happy to answer the best I can! 🩷

#hybridhomeschool #homeschooler #homeschoolquestions #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolfail #knoxvillelife #knoxvilletn
✨ Staying steps from the magic! ✨ We loved our ✨ Staying steps from the magic! ✨ We loved our visit to Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel—especially with Disneyland celebrating its 70th anniversary! 

🏰 From the dreamy castle-themed rooms to the lush gardens, on-site dining, and a pool perfect for post-park relaxation… this place has it all. And the free shuttle to the parks? A total game changer! 🎉 

@anaheimmajestic 
#AnaheimMajesticpartner #anaheimmajestic #anaheimmajesticgardenhotel #Disneyland70 #HotelNearDisneyland #CastleRoomVibes #FamilyTravel
If people who believe these are at my table, it’ If people who believe these are at my table, it’s time for me to find a new one.
 (And you are always welcome at mine!) 🩷

#propaganda #momliferocks #momtruths #summer2025
Tucked away just outside of Gatlinburg, Alpine Hav Tucked away just outside of Gatlinburg, Alpine Haven was everything we wanted in a mountain getaway—and then some. ⛰️ 

This luxury cabin has 4 spacious bedrooms (including one with built-in bunks that my daughter loved) and 4 full bathrooms, making it perfect for a family trip or group vacation.

We spent our days soaking in the hot tub with mountain views, lounging on the deck by the fireplace with coffee in hand, and playing pool in the game room. 

The cabin even has its own private sauna and steam room—YES, really! It felt like a full-on spa experience right in the woods. ✨ 

And one of the best surprises? It has its own playground, which was a total hit with with daughter and such a bonus for keeping little ones entertained.

We were just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, but honestly, we barely wanted to leave. If you’re planning a Smoky Mountains trip, Alpine Haven is that perfect mix of cozy, modern, and wow-worthy. 💫

🚨 Use code Heather10 at the 🔗 in my bio to save 10% on your stay at one of their 3 cabins! 
@alpine_haven_cabin_spa 

#AlpineHavenCabinpartner #alpinehavencabin #GatlinburgCabin #TennesseeCabin #LuxuryCabinRental #SmokyMountainGetaway #FamilyTravel #CabinGoals #luxurycabin
Looking to sneak away without the kids and reconne Looking to sneak away without the kids and reconnect as a couple? #For21+ #Sponsored ✨ 

Hendersonville, NC is open and ready to welcome you with small-town charm, sweeping vineyard views, and incredible local flavor along the Cheers! Trail! 🍷🍻

We spent two amazing days exploring everything from cozy coffee shops to vibrant wineries — and you can steal our exact itinerary for your next getaway! 🧳💑

🍽️ Stayed at: The Charleston Inn @thecharlestoninn

🍕 Lunch: West First Wood-Fired @westfirstwf

🍇 Wine tasting: Marked Tree Vineyard @markedtreevineyard

🌮 Dinner: Tipsy Taco @tipsytacoofficial

☕ Next day coffee: Arabella’s @arabellahvl

🍳 Breakfast: Mike’s on Main @mikesonmainstreet

🛍️ Shopping: Downtown (McFarlan Bakery = must-visit!) @mcfarlanbakery 

🍷 Lunch + Tasting: Burntshirt Vineyards at The Vintner’s Table @burntshirt.vineyards 

Want to sip and explore like we did? Download the NEW Digital Cheers! Pass from Visit Hendersonville — your gateway to a flavorful adventure! 🍻

This free digital pass unlocks exclusive tasting experiences at Hendersonville’s best breweries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies. Whether you love bold IPAs, crisp ciders, or smooth reds, there’s something for every artisanal beverage lover. Check in as you go to earn points and redeem them for exclusive Cheers! Trail merchandise — all while supporting local makers.

After Hurricane Helene, they are so happy to welcome visitors back to @visithendersonvillenc! Their wineries, breweries, cideries, and more are ready to pour, and their charming downtown is eager for you to wander. Local businesses are so welcoming and ready to invite you to experience the southern hospitality of the area—come rediscover what makes it so special. 

Plan your trip to Hendersonville today — your next romantic adventure is just a sip away.

#VisitHendersonville #CheersTrail #HendersonvilleNC #CouplesGetaway #SipStayRepeat
🏰 We have been planning this for months. I th 🏰 We have been planning this for months. 

I thought about the right time to surprise her, and after then lost the state AAU tournament in the championship game, AND she was sick (crazy cough at the end of the video haha!) 

I knew this would be the perfect time to cheer her up. I think it worked. 😜

Check out my story highlight on my profile called “Disneyland70” if you missed all the fun! 

#disneyland70 #disneyland70th #surprisedisneytrip #disneycreators #disneylandpark #disneylandsurprise #disneyland70thanniversary
GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 I feel so blessed to be at openi GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 

I feel so blessed to be at opening weekend of @disneyland’s 70th celebration, that I wanted to give something back to one of YOU! 

I picked up the light up balloon 70th popcorn bucket AND a travel wine tumbler that I am gifting to one of my followers just for following along and being here. 💙 (I really want to keep them both but I’d rather spoil one of yall!) 

See below for entry!

1.) Follow @heatherslg 
2.) ❤️ this post 
3.) tag at least 2 friends in separate comments (can tag more, each tag is one entry!)
4.) Tell me your favorite Disney movie 

BONUS!
Share this post to your stories and TAG ME! Counts for 5 entries ONLY from this account! 

BONUS 2: F0llow @bobbymontg  for 3 extra entries! 

Not associated with IG. Must be 18 to enter. US only (sorry to my international friends!) ends May 25th, I will announce in stories! 

#disneyland70th #disneyland70 #popcornbucket #disneymerchandise #disneylandmerchandise #disneyland #disneygiveaway

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d