Half-marathon questions.

[swilphil]

I am trying to decide if I want to do the half-marathon in Jan. 2006. I posted some of these questions on the marathon FAQ thread, but I haven't had any responses.

1. I've read that if you don't register early for the marathon it gets full, but does the same exist for the 1/2 marathon? When is the latest I need to register?

2. I remember seeing something about the course for the 2006 1/2 marathon changing. Where will the race end and begin?

3. I've run in a couple of 5K races, but never 13 miles. Will I be so tired after the 1/2 marathon that I won't be able to tour the park with my family for a day or two?

4. I may not be able to get to WDW until Friday night, and the race is Saturday. Do most people get in the night before or is it better to go a few days early?

Thanks in advance,

[littlegreydonkey]

I'll answer what I can for you...

1) When the race fills up varies, but I think the last two years it's been full by August - it's possible that they may be increasing numbers this year but it's best not to wait - also, I always find that once you've entered a race, it's a lot easier to commit to the training - even just in your brain.

2) The course has changed in that you finish at Epcot, Lisalovespooh will help with that one I'm sure as she has the map on here somewhere, but I'm not technical enough to post you the link

3) Park hopping afterwards: this one's tricky as everyone is different. I really think it depends really on how much you train. I was fine the morning after, but other people couldn't contemplate park hopping post race, in a nutshell if you exercise regularly and you get plenty of sleep, you shouldn't have a problem

4) Arriving the night before. More time is always better, but if you do have to fly in that day, don't get a 6am flight or anything. You really do need to sleep the night before, the night before the race to make up for the nervousness the real night before (if you see what I mean).

Hope that helps.

[NCRedding]

1. It is my understanding that the 1/2 fills up more quickly than the marathon, although with the race being split, who knows. I wouldn't wait too long before applying.

2. Can't help with the course--I had enough trouble following the map for this year's race.

3. I toured the parks after the 1/2, but took it MUCH more slowly than normal. My legs hurt in select spots, but my feet bottoms killed me!! No blisters, but sore. I did notice people around the parks walking a slow rolling gait--usually wearing either a medal or a T-shirt from the race.

4. If I do next years, I plan on arriving on Thursday to pick up packets and to get used to the hotel bed. I slept OK the night of the race (which was Sat. night this year), but getting up at 2:30 am was rough. If you do wait to Friday, you want to allot enough time to pick up your race packet on Friday.

[MelanieC]

Also, you will not be able to race unless you pick up your race packet and chip by Friday when the expo closes. It has your number, which is how you get onto the start line. If you do Friday, make sure you get there as early as possible and make sure your first stop is the expo to pick up your packet and chip.

[swilphil]

Thanks for the answers. I may be returning to teaching after being a stay-at-home mom for 3 years and am unsure if I'll be able to take that Friday off work.

I'm also unsure if I'll be able to have enough time to train. I'll start training 12 weeks before the race, but how many days a week do I need to run?

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

the book by John Bingham - Marathon for Mortals

the book has schedules that you can follow - also a very enjoyable read!