Mission Inn Run 2025 Race Report

We had a blast at the 2025 Mission Inn Run. I met all my goals. My husband didn't get to run his race, but he seems okay with that. We got two nights in the hotel without our kid, since he stayed the night at his grandma's house. That was a first!

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

This event benefits a historic landmark that has been a hotel for over a century. It was restored 30 years ago, but needs constant maintenance to remain a cultural landmark. It's been a stop for travelers for 150 years. It even served as dormitories for UC Riverside at one point in the mid-20th century. Nixon was married there, so was Bette Davis, Reagan honeymooned there. My husband and I spent our wedding night there and all of our out-of-town guests stayed there for the wedding weekend. The weather on race day was ideal. Sunday, October 19th, 2025. Mostly Sunny. Low: 54℉ High: 79℉.

Course description and evaluation of event logistics

The 10k course goes through Fairmount Park, along the Santa Ana River Bike Trail (SART), around Mt Rubidoux and re-joins the half marathoners at Ryan Bonaminio Park. You climb Palm Ave, adjacent to Evergreen Memorial Park, go over the Buena Vista bridge. Then it's mostly flat or downhill through the Eastside neighborhood, which is one of Riverside's oldest residential neighborhoods. Founded in 1870, the Eastside was originally home to many workers in Riverside's citrus industry. It is known for being one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Large trees, wide boulevards, lots of gardens and shade. At 3rd Street, the 5k merged with the 10k and half marathon. It re-energized me for the last mile.

How did you train for the event?

The training that helped me most was beach miles with valley runners Los Angeles x Goodr. I changed my split from 2 min run / 1 min walk to 2 min run / 30 sec walk and I did practice that on my last long run before the race (8 miles). I'm following the LA Road Runners level 3 plan for the Los Angeles Marathon. This was supposed to be a taper week. We have 20 more weeks until the full marathon.

Gear and Nutrition

I carried very little with me. I knew roughly where the water stops would be. The 10k had four water stations. I also knew where the photographer would be. 😉 I wore my new Crowned Athletic flow top, red Arabian Nights. People called me "red dragon" or just "red." One guy said it looked like a troll threw up on me, since I had glitter on my face and a sequin headband. Sorry, I passed you, on the right, going up a hill, LOL.

I drank an electrolyte drink (325 mL) electrolit during my warm-up walk. I probably drank 2 cups of coffee with one packet of collagen in the hotel room. I ate one Rx bar 1 hour prior to the race start. I ate two fruit strips about 15 minutes prior to race start. I waited until I passed the 3 mile mark to take my Gu Raspberry Lemonade flavor. I took the Gu much earlier last year and got tired in mile 5. I felt strong and powerful throughout the race all the way into the finish line. My heart was pounding but I stayed in zone 4.

Specific experiences

My goal was to make it to the kids race. I did make it. But it felt like my mouth was totally dry. I couldn't run with my son, he's definitely faster than me on a good day. But that cottonmouth feeling was so bizarre. I ate two bananas and drank about 16 oz of water between my race and his. I had to speed walk from the finish line back to the start line to catch him in time. I had about 10 minutes to spare.

I had a profound thought between miles 1 and 2. This was my first 10k race as a marathoner. Even though I had already done the Bimbo Global race this season, I didn't feel that it was as important as the Mission Inn Run. I felt the sense of pride that I have experienced a marathon build and now racing a 10k seems like no big deal, just a stepping stone during a taper week, on my way to training for the full marathon. It gave me a sense of peace and allowed me to settle in to the race.

Finish and associated emotions

I was happy when I finished. I wasn't looking at my watch while running. I was just looking at my Gym Boss. I told myself not to worry the whole race about finish time. But I knew from my playlist and from the time on the clock at the finish line that I was going to make it. We ran past the start line and I saw my son and husband there. It was so cute to hear them cheering. My son wanted a hug but I gave him 2 high fives instead.

Overall evaluation of the event

Overall, I loved this event. Really enjoyed my time in Riverside. There were enough port-a-potties to use before all the races. Enough people were milling about starting very early, like 5am, so if you want to walk to warm up like we did, you wouldn't have to feel unsafe. The weather was great. By the race start at 7:45am, the sun was up and very bright.

Budget

$900 for three nights

$139.24 for parking & incidentals

$129.70 for race registration

$59.78 for gas

$284.28 for Crowned Athletic stuff from 70% off sale

$291.95 for food & dining

$1804.95 for the race weekend

10 things I have learned from being a Disney mom

It is rare for me to have an original thought these days. Even less likely is that I actually write it down. And further, following up on that thought is the rarest event—like seeing a unicorn. Speaking of magical, I wanted to formalize some things Disney has taught me. These lessons translate into other areas of my mom life, so I wanted to share them in a list format.

1. On time is late. Early is on time. Way early is best. 

For Disneyland, I love doing rope drop. The first hour of the day is the most efficient. You want to be there as early as possible. If there's a virtual queue, join it. This extends to registering for after school programs, summer camps, marathons, whatever. Find out when the registration opens and know exactly what you want to purchase beforehand. Have your credit card ready and check out quick!

2. Having a magical day is your responsibility. Make a plan. Do your research.

Coming to the park with your top three already decided is really helpful, like what attractions and experiences are on your bucket list. This applies generally to prioritizing your life. You can be happier if you know what your goals are and celebrate when you achieve them. I'm not saying obsess over every single thing, but you don't want to be feeling FOMO when that holiday parade you saw last year just happened yesterday because you forgot to plan this year.

3. Bundle and save, but don't sweat the spending. If you are on a budget, use gift cards to limit your spending.

Buying in bulk at Disney isn't a thing, but you can save money with an annual pass (magic key). You can also save by purchasing a promotional 3-day ticket with flexible dates. Waiting until promotions are available will save you money in the long run. I'm not into unlimited spending, but I'm more of a 50-50 strategy. Bring 50% of the calories you plan to consume and plan to buy the other 50% while in the park. Same with toys. We try to stick to a $100 budget for each park day. We've used gift cards to restrict kiddo's spending too. I'm doing reverse budgets for our runcations to see how much we spend; that way, we can make a plan for 2025.

4. Bring enough hats and sunglasses for everyone. Make a packing list and stick to it.

Prepared is armed. If you forget a hat, you'll be paying extra $$ for a hat in the park that is more expensive than it has any business being. Likewise, with sunglasses, even if the day starts out grey, it will probably get sunny by the afternoon. Being outside all day leads to eye strain and fatigue. The best idea is a one-to-one ratio of sun hats and sunglasses to people in your party. This goes for any function like a beach day or a hike.

 
5. Stay ready so you don't have to stress while getting ready.

We have a corner where we keep our suitcases, park bags, toiletry bags, and diaper bags all packed. We copy and paste from previous packing lists and check off items as they are loaded into bags, which are loaded into the car. We keep track of when we leave the house, get to the parking structure, and get to the park. That way, we will know next time if it's worth leaving sooner or if we can try leaving later, and we don't stress about it. We even load up the car the night before so that in the morning we can just make coffee, get dressed, and walk out the door.

6. Comfortable over cute every time.

If you have two pairs of shoes, choose the more comfortable one. Don't even think of wearing something new that you haven't worn before for an extended period of time. Consider bringing a poncho if it's raining. It's not cute, but you'll enjoy the day more if you're not stuck in wet clothes. Make sure you have a pocket for your phone that is easily accessible because you'll need it often and quickly to capture those magical moments.

7. Cast members will move your stroller. It will not remain in the exact location where you parked it. Do not panic. Personalize it.

One of the best things we did was to get a stroller sign with our name on it. When you get enough different strollers in one place, the odds of someone else having the exact same model as you are finite. You need to be able to find your stroller when it's not where you left it, and you don't want anyone walking off with yours accidentally. This could be extended to any piece of luggage for travel. Also this can be extended to life in general, it won't always go to plan. Remain calm. 

8. Any moment is perfect for a sing-along, parade or dance party.

Leave your inhibitions at home. This is the time to make memories with your kiddo. Sing out loud if you know the words. March along with Mickey and friends. Dance in the street. Seize the day. Nobody cares if you look ridiculous. Just have fun and be in the moment. The biggest thing kiddo says is Mommy stop looking at your phone. So if you can, just be immersed in what's happening right now.

9. Calories don't count when you're walking all day.

We typically walk 7 miles or so in the parks. That's about 400 extra calories. Yes, I know Disney treats can be very caloric but as long as you stick to your budget, there shouldn't be too many extra calories involved. Enjoy what you do eat. Don't worry about it. Choose something fun and memorable that you can't get elsewhere.

10. A kiss goodnight is sweet.

I don't know how people stay all day until the nighttime events. I think I've only seen one night parade. But I think this is one of the nicest things about the parks, in concept. To say goodnight with music and fireworks. Or a dancing fountain. Or projections set to music that tells a story. I think this can be generally extended to parenting. Kind of like the saying, "don't go to bed angry." Kiss and make up. Go ahead and apologize for losing your temper at 2pm when you were dehydrated, sunburned, and exhausted. Tell a bedtime story. 

Everything we program into our little ones is stored in their amazing brains. I find it fascinating to see what pours out of my kiddo. I can see that those long days and nights of investment are already starting to pay dividends. Albert is an impressive storyteller. He remembers Disneyland and wants to go back.

ambiance

What are the components of ambiance? Architecture, landscape design, lighting and smells. Inspired by "Women of Walt Disney Imagineering: 12 Women Reflect on their Trailblazing Theme Park Careers," I have been putting in touches of ambiance into our home to evoke opulence and cozyness.

I've written previously about which aromas I have, which ones I really like, and which ones I want to buy next. I have found that the oils containing musk just aren't to my liking. In my humidifier, it ends up smelling like "wet dog" and that's just the worst!

http://bitchonabike.blogspot.com/2024/01/mom-rage.html

I have been following Provost Park Pass's Walt Disney World hotel challenge on YouTube. One day, I put on the corresponding aroma while watching the resort tour and it was really fun. I immediately felt more immersed and transported, which is important if you are stuck at home, saving money.

The YouTube videos are all in a playlist, but it doesn't say the hotel name in the title of the video, it just says Day 1, Day 2, etc. so I made a list of which hotel was on which day and which scents I have already.* If there is an ❌ then it means there is a corresponding scent but I just haven't bought it (yet).

1. All Star Sports Resort

2. All Star Music Resort

3. POP Century

   ❌ Century

4. All Star Movie 

5. Art of Animation 

   ❌ Animation

6. Caribbean Beach

   ❌ Caribbean Resort

7. Port Orleans Riverside 

8. Port Orleans French Quarter 

   *Orleans Resort

9. Coronado Springs Resort 

   ❌ Destino

10. Polynesian Village 

   *Polynesian 

11. Contemporary 

   *Contemporary

12. The Grand Floridian

   *Floridian 

13. The Wilderness Lodge

   *Wilderness Resort

14. The Boardwalk Resort

   ❌ On The Boardwalk 

15. The Riveria Resort

   *French Riviera

16. The Beach Club

   ❌ Beach Resort

17. Yacht Club Resort

    ❌ Yacht Resort 

18. Saratoga Springs Resort 

19. Old Key West

   ❌ Key West

20. Animal Kingdom Lodge

   ❌ African Lodge

https://magiccandlecompany.com/collections/resort-collection

Century: green tea, lemongrass

Animation: lemon, aloe, lily of the valley, rose petals, white tea leaves, sweet musk

Caribbean Resort: lemon, orange, pineapple, lime, caramel, coconut, buttercream, coconut milk, vanilla bean, musk

Destino: grapefruit, peach, pineapple, cassis, Meyer lemon, Brazilian orange, rose, jasmine, ylang, sandalwood, amber, musk

On The Boardwalk: sweet clover, aloe, marine air, lavender, bergamot, sea minerals, green tea, fresh florals, driftwood, amber, sea moss

Beach resort: green clover, aloe, jasmine, lily of the valley, ylang, cedar

Yacht Resort: green clover, aloe, watery green floral

Key West: coconut, passion fruit, guava, pineapple, banana, melon, grapefruit

African Lodge: sandalwood, jasmine, violet, orchid, bergamot, sweet plum, sheer vanilla, cashmere, amber

🌟 BUY 2 GET 1 FREE SALE - Use Code: B2G1

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3OTvS5E1CgmMRpKmAioGiTgIRHwFGySP&si=Tny05EgIoHYLVFeW

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGCmsltIxRpHYch1hzoJ2ksIyLK95JbX8&si=HXJvGz1Hls6pvRxh

There's another YouTube channel called Park Pass TV that does walking tours of the outside of resorts. They also have a curated playlist of the resorts. I like and watch both. Park Pass TV has motivational 45 minute walks that live stream. I find it somewhat fun to participate in the chat. These content creators are amazing. I so appreciate the work they're doing to inform, entertain, and inspire!

Disneyland Day Trip

Disneyland Day Trip! Well, I wanted to post a quick blog to recap our visit to Disneyland last Friday during the Lunar New Year celebration. We had overall a good day. I tried to keep our spending under $100, which I failed. But we had a good time and a memorable day trip. 

Albert remembers the treehouse; he's still talking about it 3 days later. While riding the teacups for the first time, he was brave but didn't enjoy Star Wars Smuggler's Run. He was scared because they locked us in the spaceship. He didn't like that they sealed the exit. He loves the Blue Milk and had fun talking to the droids outside the droid depot. 

Cars Land is still his favorite place but causes more meltdowns than any other place in the two parks. He's still obsessed with coin collecting. He didn't really register that Web Slingers is about Spiderman and isn't impressed with Avengers Campus in general, with the exception of the oversized pretzel. He's still not super into parades, but he had fun blowing bubbles with his bubble wand during Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. 

He danced like crazy at the Disney Jr Dance Party, although he complained that the music was too loud. He surprised me by having fun in Frontierland, pretending to shoot cannonballs over the fort. If you ever try to recreate the magic from a previous trip to Disneyland, that is a mistake. It's much better to go with the flow and let each trip show you something new.

5am leave house
6am arrive Garden Walk
6:30 walk to park
7am security
7:30 gate

$10.63 Coffee + cake pops
$9.68 chips + juice

8am Jungle cruise
8:30 treehouse

$20 pirate coins

9am Pooh Corner
10am Galaxy's Edge

$4.30 chips
$18.30 blue + green milk

11am Fantasyland
(carousel and teacups)
11:30 Small world

$19.38 two cars
$10.17 lunch stew

12:45 Lunar New Year Parade
1:20 avengers assemble

$12.60 pym pretzel 🥨

2pm Cars Land

$9.60 for Guido + Luigi

3pm walk around Pixar Pier
4pm Disney jr dance party
4:30 Frontierland snacks

$5.50 fruit popsicle
$7.53 cheese + ham croissant

5:30 shaboom
6pm park exit

$119.21 in-park spending + $30 Garden Walk parking




Packing List

• ✨Spray sunscreen (didn't use)
• Mickey Backpack
• two hats
• Minnie ears
• two pairs sunglasses
• ✨Albie change of clothes (didn't use)
• ✨flour sack towel (didn't use)
• Think sunscreen bag
• phone charger / battery
• first aid kit
• 5 toy cars
• Albie medications
• 3 diapers
• ✨wetbag for dirty laundry (didn't use)
• glasses lens cleaner
• bubble fidget toy
• bubble wand + extra bubbles
• ✨AA Batteries + screwdriver (didn't bring)
• Diaper change kit
• Tow Mater + remote control
• ✨Photopass QR card (didn't bring)
• extra ziploc bags
• BOB stroller
• Water bottle
• Red Snack Bag
• ✨raisins (didn't use)
• ✨apple (didn't use)
• ✨goldfish (didn't use)
• ✨cheerios (didn't use)
• ✨pretzels (didn't use)
• Insulated Cooler
• milk
• juice
• Cucumber
• Blueberries
• raspberries
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• plastic silverware + knife
• reusable straws
• string cheese
• ✨three fruit pouches (didn't use)
• Granola bars

If we had wanted to save more money, we could have brought a full-size bag of Lay's potato chips since we bought 3 small bags for $4 each.

Market House is located on Main Street USA on the northeast edge, near the Plaza Inn and the Little Red Wagon (aka Corn Dog Cart). I have never been in there because the line is always out the door, but this time, we rope dropped so early that we got in and beat the crowds. It was a waste, though, since I never drank the coffee and Albert never ate the cake pops. I wanted to sit there for a bit, but kiddo was on the go and wanted to leave almost immediately.

• Main St Fruit Stand – Just outside of Market House
• Fruit Cart – Located Between New Orleans Square and Critter Country
• https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/fruit/

Troubadour Tavern is adjacent to Fantasyland Theatre, near Small World and Toontown. I got the Serengeti Stew with Roasted Chicken and Chermoula Sauce with Steamed Rice and Roasted Kale. It was perfect on a cold day. Warmed me up without being too much food. I shared the rice with Albert.

• Frozen Treats Cart – Located at the Entrance of Adventureland
• https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disneyland-ice-cream/

Maurice's Treats is adjacent to the Royal Theater, within sight of the Plaza, the Partners statue, and Sleeping Beauty Castle. I saw people walking away from it with something cheesy and warm, which made me curious. I had just eaten a pretzel, so I skipped the pretzel cheese bread and opted for the Ham and Cheese Croissant instead. It was something easy, quick, cheap and hot.

• https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/pretzels/

As Imagineer Alex Wright wrote, Main Street USA presents "fanciful flair" and gives you a sense of "overriding optimism." The right side (towards the castle) has things you might need in the morning: coffee, hats, and Main Street Photo Supply Co.. The left side (but on your right as you walk away from the castle) has more souvenirs (Emporium) and things you would do at the end of the day, like one last ice cream scoop. It's slightly uphill as you go to the castle to slow you down in the morning, and slightly downhill as you leave the park to give you the feeling of getting to the exit with your exhausted kids faster.  ~MousePlanet

https://www.mouseplanet.com/13294/Walking_Down_Walt_Disney_Worlds_Main_Street_USA
https://insidethemagic.net/2020/09/main-street-disneyland-guide-ba1mmb/
https://www.themouseforless.com/disneyland/dining/disneyland-resorts-restaurant-menus/disneyland-snack-cart-menus/

Main Street USA "creates a sense of intimacy, an area that was less threatening but also communicated to the unconscious mind that this was slightly different than the real world. As a result, the guests' minds are already being prepared to accept the next level of fantasy presented in the other lands." ~MousePlanet

"You know the expression, 'A man's home is his castle.' So, in the end, this castle is Everyman's home, stated Imagineer John Hench." ~MousePlanet

We're about to enter our renewal window for our magic keys and it's time to let go. I have one more reservation on the keys booked, but time will tell if we actually use that reservation. Whether I bring Albert or go by myself. I had fun imagining it was Adventureland Day (Sunday, March 3rd, 2024) and wearing my military-style jacket with explorer patches on it and my ears with animal print. I lost those ears, but I also let them go.

late summer or early autumn

This past month, since we've returned from our big summer vacation, I've been shoring up our home. The homeyness of our home, the hygge, if you will. I love writing about all the stuff I bought because it makes me feel less weird for wanting that stuff. It helps me explain to myself why I bought it.

Well firstly, I'm keeping my son home from daycare. So that is saving us $1300 per month for June, July, and August. Last summer, I enrolled kiddo in art classes and swim lessons and gymnastics. This year it just made more sense to Not run around town all day and save money on gas.

I guess I could categorize my spending thusly:

Disneyland at home. Cold brew pot. Karo syrup. Creme de menthe syrup. Shave ice attachment. Aroma oils. Humidifier diffuser.

Upgrades to cottagecore. Blackout curtains. Narrow shelf. Mermaid nightlight. Flower stems.

Zhuzh the office. Keurig pods. Fancy clock. New labcoat. Teacher planner.

Fairy garden project. Tealight candles. Tiny gnomes. Preserved moss.

Halloween costumes. Racing PJs. Steering wheel. Pitcrew tshirts.

Gifts for myself. Wagon handle. Breastfeeding jewelry. Clothes and apron. Watch band. Sunglasses.

https://www.dictionary.com/e/how-to-speak-queer-eye/

Well, when I write it all like this, it doesn't seem so crazy. Yes some of it was a bit frivolous, but if you can't spend your money in a bit of a frivolous way then you are just "buying vitamins," or something else that is boring and doesn't really make you enjoy spending money.

In general, it looks like May was an unusually expensive month but June and July were less than average. We had a hiccup this month (August) when our Air Conditioner froze up. Luckily I had a stockpile of popsicles and a shaved ice attachment to distract us from the heat. We had a fun but expensive and unplanned 3-night getaway to Santa Clarita. We ended up having a great time just riding the bus and visiting local garden centers and swimming in the hotel pool.

I bought a Sous Vide setup because I wanted to try it and because there is a pre-made lunch that we like that is Sous Vide chicken and I wanted to see how difficult it would be to recreate at home. If I learned anything from my Disneyland cookbook, it's that some things are best left to the professionals. Gonna give it a try today.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13aUa6scSGGL80OBDqfk8ybWuD-rrqBYb/view?usp=drivesdk 

I titled this post early autumn because Halloween stuff is everywhere in the stores and because Back to School gives me fall vibes and because I am ready for summer to end.