So Pete..ready to join your running team??

[sanapunk]

I loved the 10 miler segment! Listened to it on my walk and now i really want to sign up for that race!! Who is going to join and support Pete!?

 

[stenogoddess]

I would totally be on Pete's team.

I also think it would make a great fundraiser for Give Kids the World!

 

[Chropistopy]

I'd sign up...it would be a great goal. A year is totally enough time to get ready for 10 miles...I may be walking alongside Pete but I think I could cross the finish line standing up.

 

[clomahony]

I have to say that the podcast covering the TOT 10 mile race was inspiring so I'd totally join Pete's team - in fact, I've decided that I will do this next year - if they have it- and have started to prepare because I'm morbidly obese and it will take me a year to be ready for this. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[Ms. Belle]

I loved the running segment and felt so inspired after listening that I'm actually considering doing one of the races. A year would be enough time for me to work up to 10 miles. I used to run, but haven't done it in a long time and have been smoking much longer than I even ran, so this would be a good goal for me. It's scary to think about, because running was always so painful for me. I didn't realize that there are so many tools out there to help you work up to the level you want to be at. I'm going to try it and would love to be on Pete's team.

 

[DrDoodle]

I have been thinking of signing up for a run Disney event. If Pete will run I know I can do it. Now the biggest challenge is to get my husband to agree to a trip next year!

 

[stenogoddess]

I'd sign up...it would be a great goal. A year is totally enough time to get ready for 10 miles...I may be walking alongside Pete but I think I could cross the finish line standing up.

You could totally do it!! Plus, more time with me, what's not to love~

 

[Chropistopy]

You could totally do it!! Plus, more time with me, what's not to love~

I never turn down Lauren time!

 

[myweegirls]

Hey all,

I'm so glad you guys liked this segment! Eric, Ryan, Pat, and I really enjoyed doing the race and recording with Pete and Dustin, and I love that we're inspiring some of you to action.

I wanted to amend something we said during the segment - we were under the impression that if you were "swept" (picked up by the pace vehicles) you didn't receive your ToT 10-Miler medal. I've since learned from a few race reports that this isn't the case. There were many walkers who were swept for being unable to maintain the minimum pace. They were asked to board the sweeper buses, given Powerade and snacks, and were transported to the finish area, where they were able to walk across the finish line and receive their medals. Some were devastated not to be able to "really" finish, while others were proud of how far they'd come (I read one report from a poster who was delighted to walk as far as she did given that a year ago she'd weighed in over 350 pounds and saw this medal as recognizing her efforts to lose weight and get healthy). All reported that Disney handled the sweep with grace and dignity and with the utmost concern for the participants' health and safety.

So we stand corrected! And I'm still playing with my way-cool, glows-in-the-dark, elevator-moving medal.

XO
Liz

 

[disneytink29]

I did the 5k at the Wide World of Sports the morning before - it was soooo much fun. See all of the 10-mile finishers inspired me to go for the 10-miler next year!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sanapunk]

Thanks for the update on the medals, to be honest it is probably one of the main reasons I want to do this race! I just got new running shoes that glow in the dark so a glow in the dark medal would MAKE MY LIFE COMPLETE!!

 

[Frontier Girl]

I LOVED the segment and I'd really like to go do that ToT run next year too! I've always been of that "I will NEVER run unless it is to catch a train" mindset, but I've taken it up in the past two months. So let's do this!

 

[NitroStitch]

I loved the segment on the ToT 10 Miler! I ran the race myself and got sick from the heat a few hours afterward, so it's the medal I'm most proud of so far.

The funny thing was, Pete sounded just like me before I started running. My whole life, I've said: I. Don't. Run. Unless something is chasing me that I can possibly escape, forget it. When they forced us to run a mile in high school, I couldn't think of much that was more miserable and painful.

A few years ago, I kept hearing from people that looked like normal people (not the ultra-gaunt athletes I imagined) that were walking and run walking RunDisney races and talking about how much fun they were. Finally I decided I would attempt walking one of the races to see what I was missing.

I ended up deciding I personally wouldn't be good at walking fast enough for the minimum pace, and used the Couch 2 5K iPhone app to gradually insert a little running into my walks until I was able to run enough of the time to keep the required minimum pace. Starting with one of the RunDisney 5K races is a great way to get your feet wet - you get an idea of how they organize the races and expos and get a taste of the characters and entertainment they have on the courses. The 5Ks are mostly fun runs and most aren't timed, so you can enjoy the experience without worry of being swept.

I'll never run a whole race (it's not even a goal). I'm a slow runner, but with run-walk and gradual training to work up to the race distance, I enjoy the RunDisney races very much. Pete - it's very do-able, even for those of us who absolutely refused to run before.

 

[AB6876]

I loved the segment on the ToT 10 Miler! I ran the race myself and got sick from the heat a few hours afterward, so it's the medal I'm most proud of so far.

The funny thing was, Pete sounded just like me before I started running. My whole life, I've said: I. Don't. Run. Unless something is chasing me that I can possibly escape, forget it. When they forced us to run a mile in high school, I couldn't think of much that was more miserable and painful.

A few years ago, I kept hearing from people that looked like normal people (not the ultra-gaunt athletes I imagined) that were walking and run walking RunDisney races and talking about how much fun they were. Finally I decided I would attempt walking one of the races to see what I was missing.

I ended up deciding I personally wouldn't be good at walking fast enough for the minimum pace, and used the Couch 2 5K iPhone app to gradually insert a little running into my walks until I was able to run enough of the time to keep the required minimum pace. Starting with one of the RunDisney 5K races is a great way to get your feet wet - you get an idea of how they organize the races and expos and get a taste of the characters and entertainment they have on the courses. The 5Ks are mostly fun runs and most aren't timed, so you can enjoy the experience without worry of being swept.

I'll never run a whole race (it's not even a goal). I'm a slow runner, but with run-walk and gradual training to work up to the race distance, I enjoy the RunDisney races very much. Pete - it's very do-able, even for those of us who absolutely refused to run before.

That is exactly what I did as well.. It is amazing how the Disney races are so beginner friendly they make you believe you can do it. I just finished my first full marathon last weekend.
I would love to know how many people started running because they thought the could try a Disney race...
Can't wait for my first Disney marathon in January!

 

[Chropistopy]

That is exactly what I did as well.. It is amazing how the Disney races are so beginner friendly they make you believe you can do it. I just finished my first full marathon last weekend.
I would love to know how many people started running because they thought the could try a Disney race...
Can't wait for my first Disney marathon in January!

I completed my first 1/2 marathon in 2006 b/c I wanted to do a Disney race. I walked it and proceeded to run/walk the 1/2 marathon the next two years. I have not ran in the last 4 years but know that I would attempt a Disney race before any others at this point.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I loved the segment, too! I went from couch to (soon to be) two-time marathoner BECAUSE of runDisney. I think they put on amazing races.

I will give an opinion that contrasts a little to the podcast, though. If you're a walker, or a slower runner, you should NOT start in a front corral to try and "gain time" on the sweeper. Starting in a corral with faster runners is dangerous to you and them. You should be honest about your expectations for the race and start with people you are on pace with. If you train according to Jeff Galloway and runDisney's suggestions, in all likelihood you will finish strong.

 

[deekaypee]

I listened to the podcast on today's run as I train for the Goofy, after having just run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. It was interesting to hear other runners' p.o.v. on the race, especially since I've done a few other races.

I used to say, "Why would I run? Runners never look happy until they stop running." But things change. I told my husband I'd go Goofy if it meant I could get a Disney vacation out of the deal. (I'll do almost anything if you dangle a Disney trip in front of my nose.)

So here I am, a few years later. Running, along with Disney, is my sanity. Both make me a happy, healthier, nicer person.

So I think Pete and anyone else should give a runDisney event a try.

Anyone who's thinking about doing a runDisney event is more than welcome on the DISboards WISH forum, esp. the events subforum. You'll find lots of us Disney runners and walkers there for support, questions and friendship.

We're the one with the lime-green shirts that say "DLF>DNF>>DNS" which means Dead Last Finish beats Did Not Finish which greatly trumps Did Not Start. W.I.S.H. gave me the courage to start. It's a great motto; I found it very inspiring when I first started, and it's something I embrace for running and other aspects of my life.... Thanks WISH and the DIS!

WISH also holds informal meets during the race weekends. For instance, we'll have a couple pre- and post-race meets over 2013 WDW Marathon Weekend. Plus, WISH scream-teamers set up our own fueling-cheering stops along the marathon course.

For those tempted to runDisney, I also highly recommend doing a 5K as a first event.

• First, although they have an official 16 minute-per-mile pace, that's mostly not enforced. It's a good way to set the goal and test out your pace. (I will say that while 16 mpm pace sounds like a slow walk to some people others find it a brisk pace, esp. when first starting out. YMMV.)
  
• Second, the runDisney 5Ks offer fun bling, entertainment, and the opportunity to take pictures in the parks.

As a PP said, the Couch-to-5K program is friendly for beginners. So are Jeff Galloway's or John "The Penguin" Bingham's run-walk programs. Both incorporate walking intervals into running; both can be tailored to your interests - for instance, walkers can alternate between slower and faster walking intervals.

Okay, lots of information there. Can you tell I'm excited the Dis Unplugged had this segment, and that Pete is tempted to try a race?

And I wanted to say thanks to Pete, the podcast team (I listen during training) and the DIS. I wouldn't be on the course without your support. I hope to see Pete and other new runDisney athletes on future race courses!

 

[The Running Ann]

I listened to this segment today on a long run in training for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon next month. I loved it! I think everyone has such inspiring tales - it is one of the things that I most appreciate about Disney events. Walkers and Runners come in all shapes and abilities and I think that Disney's races celebrate those differences well.

I would absolutely encourage Pete, and anyone else who might be tempted, to sign up for a race. No one puts on a better show than Disney and, of course, the organization and execution are impeccable. Pete's statement that the TOT 10-Mile put the seed of participating into his mind reminds me of myself. Years ago, (the now-defunct) Walking magazine had an article about walking a marathon. I kept going back to the story, eventually signed up for a walker-friendly marathon, and finished with a pretty decent time. The thing I remember most from that first race is the national anthem. Not being a natural athlete, I had never had that played at an event where I was a participant!

Eventually, I started running and have been doing it ever since. Although I am still not a great athlete by any stretch of the imagination, I run most days and continue to improve. I am certainly a better athlete "as it relates to me." Also, I enjoy being in the community of my fellow walkers and runners at my local park. I have completed several Disney Halfs and will run with my husband, sister, and niece in the Wine and Dine. My favorite moment of any race is still the national anthem!

Thanks to the Podcast team for all you do and for highlighting the 10-Mile race. I think that my husband and I will be there next year!

 

[pjupton]

I'm another that started running to participate in a RunDisney event. It was before the RunDisney brand name was even created - the Inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge in 2008. I never dreamed I'd be able to run a 5K. After six months of working through the C25K program, I did.

Then I tackled the half marathon distance when Wine & Dine started in 2010. I'm training now for the full marathon in January. I used to only run with music, but now that I'm out for 15, 17, and 20 miles (this past weekend!) I'm listening to Disney podcasts, including the DIS Unplugged.

I'd love to see Pete train for a RunDisney race - start with one of the 5K's maybe? The Jeff Galloway programs are very do-able. I attended one of his running schools earlier this year. I've spent the past few years trying to run straight through without walking but am now fully convinced that a run/walk program is the way for me to go! I actually have had a faster half-marathon with taking regular walk breaks than I have with trying to run without walking at all.

Whatta ya say, Pete?

 

[fall08CP]

Recently i was listening back to an old podcast (1-14-09)& Kathy did a 5k review. Pete commented at the 1:21 mark that he'd train and walk it with Kathy the next year. I always wondered what happened and if they ever raced. Now it's time to make good on it Disney races are a blast, but man are they $$!