Hi all. New user here. I am seriously contemplating running the Full in 2013. I have run off and on for a few years, but I got serious back in January and run 20 miles/week now and completed a 10k.
I just worry that I won't keep up with training or I won't be able to finish. I had planned on a half marathon in October and then signing up for the WDW marathon if I felt good after that, but I don't think registration will hold out that long!
Also, I am a lone runner, so while I will probably have my husband and family to cheer me on, I will be running 26.2 miles by myself and I wonder how that is mentally. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom? Encouragement?
The environment at these Disney races is great. People talk to each other on the course a lot, and there's great entertainment. Last year my brother and I got separated at mile 6, found each other at mile 10, and then he took off for the last 3 alone. During those 7 miles that I was alone, I still had a blast just because there was so much going on around me.
The best motivation for me to keep up with training is to actually have a race on the calendar...and I think there's a real chance that the full will sell out quicker this year since it's the 20th anniversary.
But I can totally understand wanting to complete a half first. Maybe just keep an eye on runDisney.com and see when it gets up to 50% full, then you can decide?
It's not being a control freak, I prefer to think of it as being practical and prepared... I can't imagine doing a lot of runs over 20 miles, but at the same time I'll be the first person freaking out that I can't do it because I didn't practice. On the up side, signing up for the full makes the half seem sooo much shorter. Ideally I'd like something that's 3 days of running per week, since I know I can definitely handle that, although today's return to (f)unemployment has certainly freed up my schedule...
I have another training related question... There's always talk of eating something during the race, whether a bar, block, this gu, etc. I'm really curious how this works-- I've brought water along when it's warmer, but nothing kills my desire to consume solids/semi-solids quite like running or any kind of exercise for that matter....
Valuable lesson learned today while running: when I see a snake, do not panic, scream and run into the street and oncoming traffic. This can cause some additional problems, though did result in a 27 second faster 5 miles.
I think the Jeff Galloway marathon plans are 3 days per week...2 of the days being 30-45 minute runs, so maybe that will work for you.
As far as fueling - this is something you want to figure out during your long training runs. I'd suggest buying 1 each of any fuel you're interested in - Honey Stingers, Hammer Gel, Shot Bloks, Gu, etc. and see what you like best...what brand, flavors, gu vs. something solid, etc. You should be able to find these at Dick's Sporting Goods. In my case, for example, Honey Stingers were too sweet (wish I knew that before buying an entire freaking box of them
), Hammer Gel was too watery. I like Gu but not the mint flavor - very tasty but makes my stomach burn. Chocolate is also tasty, but reminds me too much of frosting - vanilla is best for me, but Gu chomps are my absolute favorite. I never would've figured this out if I hadn't experimented. It's recommended that you fuel every 45 minutes during your long run, but that's something you may want to play with too.
MightyDuck001, I see snakes on my route, too, from time to time. I absolutely hate snakes, so for me my legs get all jelly like and I feel like I'm going to fall over. If you'd like I could call Disney and ask for a few snakes on YOUR course only to help you speed up along the way??
Oh, and about running 26 miles in a training run... If I am finishing that distance somebody better be there at the end with a big shiny medal to put around my neck. 
Snakes?!
Yikes, I just have the occasional deer to contend with!
LOL at the part in bold.
I have a question on the merchandise. I am pretty sure I won't be able to go to the expo until Friday before, is it going to be slim pickings for merchandise. By the time I get out of work and get a flight out the expo will be closed on Thursday
If you go right at opening on Friday you should have a pretty good pick still. Since the 1/2 is on Saturday most people are probably following a similar travel schedule so they only have to take one day off work. By the afternoon I would imagine things would be pretty picked over, at least for the 1/2 and Goofy Merchandise. Mickey stuff might hang on a little longer since the marathon isn't until Sunday.
Totally agree with stitchfan18 - the earlier in the day you can get to the expo, the better. I got to the 2012 expo at opening on Saturday and by then it was only relay runners and non-Goofy marathoners. There was a pretty good selection left by then. I've heard that whatever's left over at the end of the weekend goes to outlets in Orlando, but I'm not sure about that.
I was wondering if any of you know when the marathon/half usually sell out. I want to sign up, but I don't want to sign up too early in case I chicken out! So I was hoping to get some more training in before registering.
I think this varies. I remember a friend of mine getting shut out of the 2009 half - she had wanted to sign up in May and it was already full. Last year I think the races weren't full until December, but I could be wrong. Since it's the 20th anniversary of the Marathon, it very well may sell out quicker this year.
I have heard good things from athletes about organic honey sticks but you have to buy them at a honey farm & make sure they're pasteurized. Try different things on your longer training runs until you find something you like. I never used to like to take anything but I do now.
Monday I have an appointment with a new orthotist. Hopefully he can do something to my orthotics and then it's off to get new shoes. These ones really didn't last long. I only got them at the end of January and haven't logged a ton of mileage on them, except for 2 half marathons.
