Mission Inn Run 2024 Race Report

The event itself: Where? How long? When? Weather?

The weather was good. It was about 55 degrees at the start and around 70 degrees at the finish, not too windy. Mt. Rubidoux shaded a good part of the trail, and the residential neighborhoods and parks had a nice amount of shade from mature trees. The 10k started at 7:45 a.m., and I was done by 9:10 a.m. It was enough time to stretch, cool down, and eat breakfast before the kids' race started at 10 a.m.

Course description and evaluation of event logistics

Downtown through a park, on a bike path, along another park, through residential, back through downtown. Plenty of potties, a simple start and finish line, and no waves at the start.

How you trained for the event

I followed a mixture of the Fit4Mom 10k training plan, the LA Roadrunners LA Marathon training plan, the Jeff Galloway runDisney half marathon training plan, and the Dumbo Double Dare training plan for the Disneyland race. I did observe a taper week before this race. I also focused on nutrition, hydration, and electrolytes in the week leading up to the run. I started to add hills and speed work 4 weeks before race day.

Your gear and nutrition

I had two cups of coffee two hours before the run. I ate a banana and Rx bar 30 minutes before my run. I drank an electrolyte drink about 1 hour before the race. I wore my Nathan Trail Mix waist belt to carry my Gu. I used the toilet about 20 minutes before the race started. I ate one Gu at mile 2 and another Gu at mile 4. Both had no caffeine. I drank some of my water with my Gu and some of the water ended up on my head, arms, legs, and chest.

Conversations you had

Dressing like Tinkerbell was a great idea. I had Disney Hits blasting on my Muzen, and people sang along. People were cheering Go Tink! It was excellent. I met a lady who was training for the Dumbo. She had hurt her foot, so she wasn't running that day. Lots of people started talking about the Disney races when they saw me. I saw a man who was wearing a Dopey 2025 shirt.

Your finish and associated emotions

Somewhere between mile 5 and 6, I started to run out of gas. I considered walking and giving up. I started thinking, how can you think you can finish a marathon if you can't even finish a 10k and I almost started crying. I just wanted the race to be over and for my family to come pick me up. But then we got to downtown, and many people were cheering. It gave me a kick of energy to finish the last half mile. My playlist got to "You'll Be in My Heart," I thought about my run club, and they carried me when my legs were tired. I felt like they were with me. Also, two dozen high school cheerleaders were yelling Go Tinkerbell!!!!! That inspired me to run through the finish line.

Your overall evaluation of the event

Overall, I loved staying at the Mission Inn and running the race. We parked the car and didn't need it. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance.

Budget Tracker

10k Registration $60.31 (4 months early) + $33 for kids race (day-of)

Lodging $182.35 (4 months early) + $489.52 (at check out)

Costume = Pom Poms for shoes $7.29

Food 10/19 IHOP + BBQ = $50 + $55

10/20 Simple Simon + Spaghetti Factory = $50 + $60

10/21 Taco Station = $35

Snacks CVS + Market = $22 + $11.5

Race Photo = $20

Total $1075.97