Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread-Part 2

[kmg148]

I'm right where you are in my training. Great job! Getting to 30 miles in a week is a big mental hurdle for me. I've done 16 miles twice now.. those 18 and 20 mile runs are just going to be

Great job to you too! We're almost there!!

 

[MightyDuck001]

16 miles in 3 hours and 11 minutes and I finished smiling! Possibly because I was pretty numb by that point and immediately ate the best fall recovery food possible: cider donuts.

Nothing is going to get me through the post-Christmas blues like a great taper.

 

[Ariel484]

Runningwarehouse.com is running a deal on the 610...$299 down from $399: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-GF610HRM.html

Not sure how long it will be at this price. I just got a 210 and like it so far.

ETA: same price on Amazon for the 610: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Foreru...id=1353899993&sr=8-10&keywords=garmin+watches

 

[ColleenG]

Wow! I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[ccgates]

Hey everyone, thought I'd throw out my story and a question for everyone.

I'll be doing Goofy in January, which will be both my fifth half and full. I started training back in early September and at the end of the first week I knew something was wrong. Since I've had PF issues before, I knew the feeling, so I immediately shut down for a couple of days hoping that the pain would subside, but a couple of days turned into a couple of weeks, and as the pain started subsiding in my right foot, the PF in my left foot flared up out of nowhere.

The pain finally subsided enough to run again after about a month, which gave me 10 days to train for the first half marathon (of two) that were part of my training plan. I survived that run and quickly moved on. I was able to up my long runs and the first weekend of November, out of nowhere, I PR'd in the second half of my training plan (1:32). Since then, things have been fine, and today I ran 18, but due to travel, wasn't able to run yesterday to make it any form of back to back to simulate Goofy's at all.

Anyways, on to my question, which I don't think I missed in the original thread (I apologize if it has). Where are the best places for friends/family to see runners during the marathon, and how can they get around to those places? My wife, sister, and mother will be there (wife and sister are running the half) and I would consider all of us experienced at getting around, but this is our first marathon weekend. (Side note, no rental car, so they are dependent on buses, boats, and monorail.)

We are staying at the WL, so I'm thinking they can get to the TTC or Main St without issue, but from there, I'm not sure. It looks like all of the parks open at 9 (save for the World Showcase). I'll hopefully be going through AK around 7:30 and DHS around 8:45, so inside those parks is out of the question, but would they be able to get to AK to wait outside that far before rope drop? Is there a good way to get to WWoS (will they even let people out there)?

Is the only decent option to go back and forth between the TTC?

 

[Ariel484]

Question for Goofy runners (past and present)...or anyone else that wants to weigh in!

Any thoughts on how to tackle the half? I've been thinking about what pace I want to run it at: not too fast that I totally trash my legs, but not too slow that I'm on my feet for longer than necessary...I feel like it's got to be just right. I just ran a half on November 18, so I was thinking about maybe aiming for the pace of that half + 60-90 seconds/mile. Of course, this could all go out the window depending on what characters are out on the half course.

Just curious to hear what others think about this...THANKS!

 

[lisah0711]

Subscribing to the new thread. Nice to read how everyone's training is going.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Question for Goofy runners (past and present)...or anyone else that wants to weigh in!

Any thoughts on how to tackle the half? I've been thinking about what pace I want to run it at: not too fast that I totally trash my legs, but not too slow that I'm on my feet for longer than necessary...I feel like it's got to be just right. I just ran a half on November 18, so I was thinking about maybe aiming for the pace of that half + 60-90 seconds/mile. Of course, this could all go out the window depending on what characters are out on the half course.

Just curious to hear what others think about this...THANKS!

It's definitely a delicate approach, but it is one that is hard to answer without knowing how you train. Are you doing two long runs a week?

My goofy training plan had me running half of my long on on Saturday. Which means if I had to run 18 on Sunday, I had 9 on Saturday. 20 on Sunday meant 10 on Saturday, etc.

My approach was similar to yours as running slower is not necessarily easier. The change in running form and increased time on your feet doesn't keep you more rested for Sunday.

Most training plans ask for a training pace on your long runs about 1:00 - 1:30 than your expected race pace (for just a regular marathon). My experience has shown I still train at a pace as if I was doing just the marathon, but I don't increase my pace on race day.

If my training on my long runs are done in a 8:30 - 9 min pace, insetad of me racing at a 7:45 - 8 min pace, I will just run both races in what has shown to be a comfortable training pace somewhere around 8:45.

 

[sunshine girl]

Random thought here. I am doing the Galloway method (run/walk), and following a modified version of his training plan (I incorporate more mileage and some hills/speedwork during the week, it's kind of a Higdon/Galloway cross). This coming weekend will be one of the looong runs. I already did a 20 miler, so I feel confident that I can do it. However, I feel like I have to start mentally preparing for this long run already, and it's 5 days away!

Does anyone else feel like this in the days before a long training run?? I feel like I need all 5 days of this week to get psyched up to do the training run. Aaah!

 

[jmasgat]

Runningwarehouse.com is running a deal on the 610...$299 down from $399: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/des...ut your own training yet? :laughing: Maura

 

[wvjules]

Yesterday I did 17 miles. Around mile 12-13ish I started to get pain behind my knee on the leg where the bend is (not under the kneecap) where the calf and hamstring muscles meet. Well I can barely move that leg now. Bending it is fine, like sitting on a chair it doesn't hurt at all. But walking, moving, getting up and down it is excrusciating! I can't straighten it at all. It is not sore, it is PAIN. I have an appointment with Sports Med Doc on Thursday but does anyone have any ideas?

Also, I see the transfer date is Dec 1, which doesn't do me any good anyway. But when is the Deferrment deadline, if there is one?

 

[Ariel484]

It's definitely a delicate approach, but it is one that is hard to answer without knowing how you train. Are you doing two long runs a week?

My goofy training plan had me running half of my long on on Saturday. Which means if I had to run 18 on Sunday, I had 9 on Saturday. 20 on Sunday meant 10 on Saturday, etc.

My approach was similar to yours as running slower is not necessarily easier. The change in running form and increased time on your feet doesn't keep you more rested for Sunday.

Most training plans ask for a training pace on your long runs about 1:00 - 1:30 than your expected race pace (for just a regular marathon). My experience has shown I still train at a pace as if I was doing just the marathon, but I don't increase my pace on race day.

If my training on my long runs are done in a 8:30 - 9 min pace, insetad of me racing at a 7:45 - 8 min pace, I will just run both races in what has shown to be a comfortable training pace somewhere around 8:45.

Sounds like my schedule is similar to yours - long run + a run that's about half the distance of the long run (except for step-back weeks). I do them back-to-back sometimes but not every weekend.

The portion of your response that I bolded is exactly what I'm talking about!

That's for your input. I think what you're saying about doing the races at training pace sounds like a good idea.

Random thought here. I am doing the Galloway method (run/walk), and following a modified version of his training plan (I incorporate more mileage and some hills/speedwork during the week, it's kind of a Higdon/Galloway cross). This coming weekend will be one of the looong runs. I already did a 20 miler, so I feel confident that I can do it. However, I feel like I have to start mentally preparing for this long run already, and it's 5 days away!

Does anyone else feel like this in the days before a long training run?? I feel like I need all 5 days of this week to get psyched up to do the training run. Aaah!

Absolutely. You are not alone there. I try to look at each long run being one step closer to marathon weekend...one more thing that makes me stronger and will make the races that much better. If I look at it that way it seems to help...but sometimes I just get nervous and anxious.

Eyes on the prize!!!!

And don't forget to try the WISH discount on top of that...[snip]...

You know, I'm not sure that the WISH discount works on Garmins. I ordered a 210, put in the discount code and it showed up as a whopping $0 off. Oh well.

Ariel484 Running the half at an easy training pace is generally considered the common/smart thing to do.

As for me.....will try my 10 miler tomorrow when I get back from LA.

And for everyone who needs a laugh....I will be doing Goofy for the first time with minimal training, no back-to-back runs and my longest LR since August is 8 miles. Oh, and I'm probably going to wreck my foot in the process.Feel better about your own training yet?

Maura

Thanks for your input, Maura! So that's 2 votes for doing the half at training pace.

Good luck with your 10-miler...I feel like just having the experience of having been there before will help you SO much with Goofy, even if your training hasn't been where you've wanted it to be.

 

[FFigawi]

Any thoughts on how to tackle the half? I've been thinking about what pace I want to run it at: not too fast that I totally trash my legs, but not too slow that I'm on my feet for longer than necessary...I feel like it's got to be just right. I just ran a half on November 18, so I was thinking about maybe aiming for the pace of that half + 60-90 seconds/mile. Of course, this could all go out the window depending on what characters are out on the half course.

I think there are three ways to tackle Goofy. 1) race the half and survive the full. Not a bad plan if you feel like hitting most or all of the character stops on Sunday. 2) easy half and race the full. If you race well on tired legs, this can work very well for you. 3) easy half and easy full. This is what most people do. It allows you to have two fun and relaxing days, fitting in plenty of character stops during both races. Running both days at your typical long run pace (a minute or so slower than race pace) keeps your legs fresh and removes the mental strain that kicks in when trying to run fast for a goal time.

 

[Weluvdisny]

I ran in the snow for the first time yesterday. Ugh! It was supposed to be my long run but I only ended up doing 5 miles because the lightly falling snow when I started turned into a lake effect snowstorm!!

Ariel-484
I just read your TR from your marathon last year and loved it!! I'm so glad I signed up for the 1/2 this year but now, after reading about your adventure, it makes me think I could have pushed myself a little farther. I could do the full but also have some fun like you did and take lots of pictures! I would love to have that anniversary medal. I will definately try for next year. Hope to see you at the 1/2!

 

[jenifred]

Morning everyone! Advice please?

Training for the WDW 2013 Full. My first. Last week I picked up a nastly cold bug that took me out of commission for the last few days. Note to self - do not get sick before Marathon Weekend! I'm following Higdon's Full program and should have done 16 miles yesterday. So, for this week's long run should I do the 16 miles and go right to the 18 next weekend or stick with Higdon's plan and drop to 12 before the 18???

I can't shift the weeks back and drop a taper week, because I'm registered for a Half on December 15th during a down week. So that would throw everying off. Thoughts?

 

[Ariel484]

I think there are three ways to tackle Goofy. 1) race the half and survive the full. Not a bad plan if you feel like hitting most or all of the character stops on Sunday. 2) easy half and race the full. If you race well on tired legs, this can work very well for you. 3) easy half and easy full. This is what most people do. It allows you to have two fun and relaxing days, fitting in plenty of character stops during both races. Running both days at your typical long run pace (a minute or so slower than race pace) keeps your legs fresh and removes the mental strain that kicks in when trying to run fast for a goal time.

Thanks for the input! Yep, I think you've covered the bases here, and for me I think strategy #3 is the winner! What you have described - fun, relaxing 2 days with fresh legs and character pictures - is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for.

I ran in the snow for the first time yesterday. Ugh! It was supposed to be my long run but I only ended up doing 5 miles because the lightly falling snow when I started turned into a lake effect snowstorm!!

Ariel-484
I just read your TR from your marathon last year and loved it!! I'm so glad I signed up for the 1/2 this year but now, after reading about your adventure, it makes me think I could have pushed myself a little farther. I could do the full but also have some fun like you did and take lots of pictures! I would love to have that anniversary medal. I will definately try for next year. Hope to see you at the 1/2!

I got snowed on during my 18-miler on Saturday...it actually wasn't as bad as I expected, but then again, it wasn't lake effect.

Thanks for checking out the TR, glad you liked it! You will have a BLAST running the half, don't you worry. The full for 2014 sounds like a great goal. Hope to see you too the morning of the half...less than 45 days from now!

Morning everyone! Advice please?

Training for the WDW 2013 Full. My first. Last week I picked up a nastly cold bug that took me out of commission for the last few days. Note to self - do not get sick before Marathon Weekend! I'm following Higdon's Full program and should have done 16 miles yesterday. So, for this week's long run should I do the 16 miles and go right to the 18 next weekend or stick with Higdon's plan and drop to 12 before the 18???

I can't shift the weeks back and drop a taper week, because I'm registered for a Half on December 15th during a down week. So that would throw everying off. Thoughts?

I'd follow the rest of the plan as scheduled - forget about the 16 and do the 12 this week, 18 next week, 14, 20, TAPER! The step-back weeks are important, especially as you're getting into the higher mileage weeks and ESPECIALLY when recovering from a bug...at least that's what I think. Hope you're feeling better!

 

[robynslp]

At the last minute, I decided to run a half marathon on Thanksgiving at my parents' house. I figured it was easier than scoping out a long run through a bunch of neighborhoods and the race came within blocks of their house so I'd probably be using the same roads. I didn't go start with any plans other than to treat it like a long(ish) run. I worked very hard to start slow and stay fresh and was able to finish with a PR by 19 minutes (2:44)! I am still slow, but I am so much happier with my time. I was very comfortable at the end of the race and walked partway back to my parents house before calling for a ride to finish out the few miles.

We of course sat down and ate a huge lunch then watched too much tv after. By that evening my left outer hip region was killing me. What is that? What do I do to strength it? I feel confident that I can put my feet one after the other for 26.2 in January, but I want to take care of these little hinderances. My groin muscles hurt for long runs, but this hip pain was totally unwelcome.


Thanks for all the advice and support! I love this forum and am so excited for January. I'm already starting the pre-race nightmares - no gels, no socks, overslept...

 

[jimandami]

At the last minute, I decided to run a half marathon on Thanksgiving at my parents' house. I figured it was easier than scoping out a long run through a bunch of neighborhoods and the race came within blocks of their house so I'd probably be using the same roads. I didn't go start with any plans other than to treat it like a long(ish) run. I worked very hard to start slow and stay fresh and was able to finish with a PR by 19 minutes (2:44)! I am still slow, but I am so much happier with my time. I was very comfortable at the end of the race and walked partway back to my parents house before calling for a ride to finish out the few miles.

We of course sat down and ate a huge lunch then watched too much tv after. By that evening my left outer hip region was killing me. What is that? What do I do to strength it? I feel confident that I can put my feet one after the other for 26.2 in January, but I want to take care of these little hinderances. My groin muscles hurt for long runs, but this hip pain was totally unwelcome.

Thanks for all the advice and support! I love this forum and am so excited for January. I'm already starting the pre-race nightmares - no gels, no socks, overslept...

Nice pr....congrats! It sounds like maybe your IT band is tight. The best thing you can do for that is to stretch it frequently (google IT band stretches) and use a foam roller or stick.

 

[cewait]

Morning everyone! Advice please?

Training for the WDW 2013 Full. My first. Last week I picked up a nastly cold bug that took me out of commission for the last few days. Note to self - do not get sick before Marathon Weekend! I'm following Higdon's Full program and should have done 16 miles yesterday. So, for this week's long run should I do the 16 miles and go right to the 18 next weekend or stick with Higdon's plan and drop to 12 before the 18???

I can't shift the weeks back and drop a taper week, because I'm registered for a Half on December 15th during a down week. So that would throw everying off. Thoughts?

As stated above, just hop back on the schedule and move forward.

Thanks for the input! Yep, I think you've covered the bases here, and for me I think strategy #3 is the winner! What you have described - fun, relaxing 2 days with fresh legs and character pictures - is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for.

Just make sure that you do not go out too slow on the half eg walking a half at a 16 minute pace may not be a great idea if you are a 10 minute runner... Just head out at training pace both mornings.

If well trained, I usually run the half harder than a training pace. The logic is that one only has fresh legs one day of the weekend and why not take advantage of the fresh legs... It's really a practice in understanding recovery and working a little magic on Saturday afternoon. In 7 Goofies, I have PR'd the half 4 times, PR'd the full once and set a personal course record for the the full once. The last couple years I have come in a little under trained and have just run training run pace. I actually like the former strategy but understand that leaves one open for a longer Sunday if things do not go right.

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

Did my 16 miles on Sat morning - not pleasant mentally or physically

It was completely overcast. The wind was a constant 15-20 mph so the temps with windchill stayed between 20 and 24 and apparently just to irritate me it snowed the whole time - just flurries, but for some reason I found them infuriating.

Couldn't get into a smooth pace on a frozen and bumpy trail and became more and more paranoid that I would twist an ankle or knee, so I moved out to the park road at the 7 mile mark. The road is a 1 mile loop so that became a little mind numbing.

Mentally I was on the "dark side" - I wanted to stop every 4 miles or so and call it a day. I did stop twice for the restroom, but was able to force myself back past my car each and every loop. I think it was sitting there mocking me with its nice warm heater and chocolate milk waiting for me to finish

Physically I was feeling lousy all over, so I finally conceded a little at the end and walked the last 3 miles. I claim a small victory in that I was able finish and not fold up.

I am hoping that this bad long run was the one I have often heard others mention. The one you just need to get over and move on with your training.....

I have never had this happen in my half marathon training so mentally I was not prepared to have this hit me so hard in training for my first full. I think this week's cutback will be better for 2 reasons: 1- it is only 8 miles and 2 - a couple of hours after I run I will be boarding a plane for WDW for a short trip to see my son

I hope the trip will give my personal batteries a much needed re-charge. End of whine!