Castaway Cay 5K First Timer Support Thread

[y2khardtop]

I ran the CC5K yesterday, great flat course. I didn't find it to be all that hot, but I ran every day during the cruise (4-6 miles) so 3 flat miles was pretty easy. Also there is water everywhere.

I'll warn you, get you bathroom break out of the way. Once we reached the starting point, they briefly went over the course, then gave a 3-sec countdown and we were off! No dilly-dallying allowed!

I'll try and post my gps data once we get home, mile markers etc. I ran a 20:52 and I know there were plenty that took 3x that long. It's great this 5k ( which I never heard of until Thursday) is motivating new runners

 

[PiMCTaylor]

You all inspired me to download the c25k app for my phone! It's an eight week program and I have 103 days, so I'm golden! That being said, I already informed my partner he's to pick up a CC5k shirt for me when he gets off the ship, you know.... Just in case.

 

[KTJ]

A friend and I are training to do our first 5K in December - a Santa run. Of course, December in Virginia will feel different than CC in January! The bummer is that I was hoping my son could run with me - he's only 7 but he's already done a 5K. I know he'll be sad if I do it without him.

 

[fall08CP]

I had a weird CC5k experience. I ran it in December 2010, about 4 weeks before running the Disney half. It was very hot and I started and ended near the end of the pack, which was fine by me. I ended up pacing (~11 min/mile) with a middle aged lady and we had a great chat, but we got terribly lost. The CM only gave us a very general idea of the path and obviously we hadn't been there before. There was no one around to ask so we stopped and walked a bit, trying to find our way. Eventually we found a cm who directed us back towards the starting line, but I'd say we probably did 4 miles instead of 3.1. No medals, but we got water bottles. I probably wouldn't do it again unless I was traveling with a runner friend.

 

[cruisecrasher]

I had a weird CC5k experience. I ran it in December 2010, about 4 weeks before running the Disney half. It was very hot and I started and ended near the end of the pack, which was fine by me. I ended up pacing (~11 min/mile) with a middle aged lady and we had a great chat, but we got terribly lost. The CM only gave us a very general idea of the path and obviously we hadn't been there before. There was no one around to ask so we stopped and walked a bit, trying to find our way. Eventually we found a cm who directed us back towards the starting line, but I'd say we probably did 4 miles instead of 3.1. No medals, but we got water bottles. I probably wouldn't do it again unless I was traveling with a runner friend.

That's how it was back when I did mine in October 2010. Since then they've changed a lot (course is more straightforward, timing clocks, registration and T-shirts and medals sometimes.

 

[y2khardtop]

the route is now clearly marked, with arrows at each turn, in both directions.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

I just finished day one of week eight and for the first time since I started C25K, I didn't feel like quitting!!!!!

 

[y2khardtop]

You now start at the bike rental, proceed to the air strip, loop around the bike trail to the Lookout Tower, go the end end of the runway and back, loop around the Bike Trail/Tower again, then back to the start. My Garmin measured 3.01miles total

 

[hoosthatmouse]

I am soo excited I found out that Castaway Cay has its own 5k! I started a couch to 5k program last April and just completed my first half Marathon this weekend (yes, couch to half-marathon in 6 months! )

I really urge anyone that is motivated to give it a try to put one foot in front of the other and do this. You will feel really great about yourself.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Bravo to all those training, and all those who've done the CC 5k. DW and I did it for the first time last fall. When we spur of the moment (for us) decided to cruise this month (when the vgt rates came out in late August), first thing we talked about was doing it again. The number bib has such a nice design, I really should frame it or something.

This thread is getting us inspired to think about a WDW 1/2 sometime. I've changed my stride, have less pain, and can now run a distance of 5k 2-3 times a week. DW is looking to start running again, with the Galloway method (run/walk).

Check out the RunDisney site, as there are training tips and such over there. It will also help to inspire you. DW and I have Run Disney "Every Mile is Magic" shirts that we'll be wearing 2 weeks from tomorrow.

 

[raceboymom]

That's great! Do they do 5K's for every cruise?

 

[ksinglet]

I am running my first 5K this Saturday and if it goes well I want to do the Castaway Cay one at the end of this month. I ran 3.35 miles tonight....more than a 5K. I am so proud of myself......If I can do it anyone can....

 

[boogabuzz]

I just ran the CC5k last Friday. It was hot hot hot!! I live in Florida and run in the heat all the time, but I'm usually out there at 8am. We seemed to have a late start. I think by the time everyone walked to the start point, it was close to 10. The sun was strong and hot at that point. I did a 14/min mile but whatever...I'll take it! Got my medal(plastic..lol) and got a t-shirt after....all sizes were available!

 

[CruznLexi]

Cool going to do it in 2 weeks!

 

[cruisecrasher]

What's your distance today? I've run around two miles.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

That's great! Do they do 5K's for every cruise?

From what I understand, if the ship docks at Castaway Cay, the 5K will be available.

What's your distance today? I've run around two miles.

I'm in week 8 which is "28 minutes or 2 3/4 miles".

 

[hoosthatmouse]

Does anyone here have any experience or advice for running on the ship? I understand that Level 5 has a wraparound promenade. can you run on it or is it too crowded.

Also, anyone here doing any of the disney races? My best friend I are signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in January.

 

[AnotherPrincess]

Does anyone here have any experience or advice for running on the ship? I understand that Level 5 has a wraparound promenade. can you run on it or is it too crowded.

Also, anyone here doing any of the disney races? My best friend I are signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in January.

I just finished the Tower of Terror 10 miler. There is a board on here for the races. I found it very helpful for my training and information. Go to "just for fun" then "wish" then "events and competition". There is a long thread dedicated to the January races.

 

[greedyhenry]

I didn't do the Couch to 5K - so pretty out of shape. Just picture a chubby middle-aged librarian running in the heat and panting like a dog - but it was fun! I am glad I did it- once. Wish I had been better prepared. There is also a beach walk around CC that I think might have suited me better. I was the last one to cross the finish line and am happy to report the CMs were waiting for me. It was lots of fun.

There is a track on the Dream on deck 4. On our 3 nighter it was easy to run the track - not too crowded. Good luck to everyone!

 

[degrapevine]

Thank you, greedyhenry, for the reassuring post!

I've been a little worried about doing the CC 5K on 10/20. I started doing C25K two months ago and made it to W5D2, but once I was able to do 5 min at a time, I left the plan and just kept on doing 5 min jog/3 min walk intervals. It seems to work well for me and I can do the 5K distance in 45:30, but I know to get faster I'm going to eventually increase the jogging and decrease the walking. I lag behind my 6'1" husband (I'm 5'2"), who graciously turns around during the walks to come back and meet me. I'm also doing the 5K with my sister who has done the Disney Half Marathon and runs 10 minute miles consistently. She is going to slow down (to a crawl) to stay with me and I'm glad to hear that there is a good chance I'll still have a CM to meet me at the end.

I am by no means a runner, but jogging has taken 15 lbs. off so far and I'm going to keep on doing it. CC 5K, here I come!