2013 marathon? half marathon?

[My crazy dream]

Wow! Im NOT alone!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello to everyone - Ive read great advice already. I will be using a lot of it to get me going.

I have never posted "threads" or been in chat rooms or anything like this so excuse me if I don't know the correct protocal

Anyway, this is my story and you may get more information than you ever wanted to know about anyone but I need some help

I am a 237 lb woman who had her last child 7 months ago. I have never ran in my life but I am obsessed with this dream of doing the Disney Marathon in 2013! What a way to celebrate my 40th birthday.

I am looking for some positive but realistic feedback. Can I do this?? What books should I read? What program should I follow? I just started Zumba so I can say as of 2 weeks ago I am no longer a complete couch potato anyway

I hope I get some replies to my thread because I would love to talk to someone who doesn't know me and doesn't judge me by my previous promises to change or previous failures. Thanks for listening.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Wow! Im NOT alone!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello to everyone - Ive read great advice already. I will be using a lot of it to get me going.

I have never posted "threads" or been in chat rooms or anything like this so excuse me if I don't know the correct protocal

Anyway, this is my story and you may get more information than you ever wanted to know about anyone but I need some help

I am a 237 lb woman who had her last child 7 months ago. I have never ran in my life but I am obsessed with this dream of doing the Disney Marathon in 2013! What a way to celebrate my 40th birthday.

I am looking for some positive but realistic feedback. Can I do this?? What books should I read? What program should I follow? I just started Zumba so I can say as of 2 weeks ago I am no longer a complete couch potato anyway

I hope I get some replies to my thread because I would love to talk to someone who doesn't know me and doesn't judge me by my previous promises to change or previous failures. Thanks for listening.

First welcome to disboards.

YES! You can do this! I received wonderful help here. One of the things I did after getting advice here,is check out several of Jeff Galloway's books from the library. I love the app Runkeeper on my iphone because you can set intervals.

Start with walking and slowly add running intervals. You might start with 2 minutes walking and 15 seconds running. Then gradually decrease your walk and increase your run. I started out with long walk intervals and short run. Now most training days I do 1 min. 30 sec. run and 30 sec. walk. Some days I do longer run intervals with just short walk intervals. I have increased my time doing this over when I "tried" to just "run" it.

Warning: You might find yourself enjoying this.

I look forward to my "runs." The fresh air and dose of Vitamin D from the sun...awww....changes ones mental outlook.

If you are going to focus on numbers...DON'T focus on the ones on the scale. Look at the number of minutes you exercised each day. Try to increase that each week. Or the amount of distance traveled and try to slightly increase that each week. Chances are if you slightly increase those each week the other number will decrease but don't focus on that. FOCUS ON BEING HEALTHY!!!!

I hope you get some wonderful advice and help from others.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!

I quote that I came across shortly after deciding I want to run the Disney Half was from long distance runner, Jim Ryun- "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."

In January it was the motivation of doing the Disney Half and then going on a 7 night cruise on the DIsney Fantasy. At this point it is habit that keeps me going.

Another factor that keeps me going is doing races along the way. I will do a 5k in July and a 10k in August. Probably another 5k in the Fall. Then a 10k early spring. Then a half marathon in late Spring. Another 5k or two, maybe another 10k or possibly another half in the Fall and THEN DISNEY HALF, JANUARY 2013!!!!!!!!!!

 

[My crazy dream]

Actually, I was hoping you would reply since it was your thread that gave me the umph to write this. Thank you for all the great advice - I will definetly get one of Gallows' books. It seems so strange that just increasing a little bit will help you so much. Im typically an all or nothing gal so I will push myself too hard and then of course, fail miserably and feel horrible when I can't keep going. But not anymore! Ive decided that I too will enter the half marathon in 2013 not the full marathon (see Im keeping it real already) Hope to stay in touch over the next year or so and maybe even see you at the race! That would be a hoot! Talk more soon I hope - have a great night!

 

[My crazy dream]

I wonder when we can actually get information on the 2013 race - xtra motivation you know

 

[stitchfan18]

Wow! Im NOT alone!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello to everyone - Ive read great advice already. I will be using a lot of it to get me going.

I have never posted "threads" or been in chat rooms or anything like this so excuse me if I don't know the correct protocal

Anyway, this is my story and you may get more information than you ever wanted to know about anyone but I need some help

I am a 237 lb woman who had her last child 7 months ago. I have never ran in my life but I am obsessed with this dream of doing the Disney Marathon in 2013! What a way to celebrate my 40th birthday.

I am looking for some positive but realistic feedback. Can I do this?? What books should I read? What program should I follow? I just started Zumba so I can say as of 2 weeks ago I am no longer a complete couch potato anyway

I hope I get some replies to my thread because I would love to talk to someone who doesn't know me and doesn't judge me by my previous promises to change or previous failures. Thanks for listening.

You definitely have plenty of time to train for 2013. Starting to get in shape with Zumba is a great starting point. If you want to read some books, check out some Jeff Galloway books. He believes in the very popular run/walk method to avoid injuries and complete longer distances. I know so many people who think you have to run the entire race, which is silly. I don't even run entire 5k's.

If you started a program like couch to 5k, you would be ready to run a 5k by early fall. I would recommend doing some local races to get motivated for the longer distances. Just a warning, running can be addicting, and you might end up planning something Goofy for 2013 instead (pun intended.)

I wonder when we can actually get information on the 2013 race - xtra motivation you know

Official information for the 2013 race won't come out until marathon weekend in January. It seems to be pretty consistent from year to year though.

 

[cewait]

2013?

As far as dates...
Expect the 2013 weekend to be Jan 10-13, 2013.

Officially Disney will publish these dates in the November timeline, when the 2012 race program is published. There is a definite pattern and only once has Disney not followed the date pattern.

Look at these links for past race programs
http://disneyrunning.com/2010WDWMarathonProgram.pdf
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/disney/wdwmarathon09/index.php

As noted above, the information changes very little year on year, but you can look and enjoy.

If you want to read about what it feels like on course -

http://disneyrunning.com/fullreportcw.html
http://disneyrunning.com/halfreportcw.html

Galloway is the official RunDisney Coach
John Bingham is a well know couch potato to marathoner who became know for his blog then Runner's World Penguin Chronicles.

Both have programs that will get you safely to the start.

Then you have me

or is it

I have coached hundreds or more to the marathon both through the USA Fit program and through a group I run/ran myself. I am generally active on the board once training season starts and through the race.

I was like you... though I would have qualified for Big Loser at one point. It ran my first marathon at an obscene weight. I finally got the house in order.

One thing I want to offer up front is to not grow impatient or bored. it is so easy to just chunk the program especially when one is looking for an event 18 months out. I suggest getting into a few 5ks this fall to keep the fires stoked.

I also will offer up that aerobic activity (and nutrition control) will not necessarily be the answer. One really needs a strength program to assure a continued and healthy weight loss. Strength training adds muscle (no you will not look like the really fit Arnold), increases the resting metabolic rate (you burn more Kcal just sitting) and if improves injury RESISTANCE.

So remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with ONE step.

 

[My crazy dream]

I am sooo happy I decided to come to this site - I have gotten so much support already - you guys are great. Thanks for the sites and book ideas - they will be very useful and motivating Im sure. I like the couch to 5K one. The reason I call myself My Crazy Dream is I have two bad knees (because of xtra weight) and have never ran before but something inside of me wants to run. It seems so romantic in a way I can see myself really clearing out the clutter in my head if I can just take that first step on the road. Thank you Coach Charles! I can tell already that you will be a great help to me in my long journey! Im very excited - just trying to figure out how to work my life into my dream.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Actually, I was hoping you would reply since it was your thread that gave me the umph to write this. Thank you for all the great advice - I will definetly get one of Gallows' books. It seems so strange that just increasing a little bit will help you so much. Im typically an all or nothing gal so I will push myself too hard and then of course, fail miserably and feel horrible when I can't keep going. But not anymore! Ive decided that I too will enter the half marathon in 2013 not the full marathon (see Im keeping it real already) Hope to stay in touch over the next year or so and maybe even see you at the race! That would be a hoot! Talk more soon I hope - have a great night!

YAY! I am so glad that you were motivated to start a thread for encouragement. I thought I subscribed to your thread but it must not have went all the way through. I reclicked it so hopefully I am with you now.

I really want to start a thread were I post journal type entries- exercise, amount, temperatures, food, attitude, sleep, etc.

I will let you know if I get it going. Maybe you could join in. Accountablity is a another big factor in success.

My knees used to give me trouble but THANK GOD they have been doing great. I did get shoes that cost more than I have ever spent on athletic shoes from a running store and I take a joint supplement from Melaleuca called Replenex. Not to mention I have a few less pounds now as well.

If you are exercising outdoors in the heat remember your times will be slightly less. You will see an increase as temps drop. I started my journey towards the 2013 half when there was snow on the ground. It is easier to run in 26 degree temps than 90 degrees!!!

 

[My crazy dream]

I would love to join your thread that holds me accountable for my exercise and eating habits as well as tracking how far Ive come. I will look into that supplement for my knees but they are improving with Zumba so my thigh muscles must be increasing at least a little so they are supporting the knees better. Im very excited. My husband who was hoping to go anywhere else for our next vacation is on board with us spending a week at Disney! Im thinking about having he and my then 9 year old do the 5k with my husband pushing my then 2 1/2 year old. What a fun way to celebrate health and family. Well, Im gibber jabbing - Ive got all these ideas I just need to put them in motion with one single step. Luckily I have a treadmill in my basement for the really hot days like today so thanks for the advice. Talk soon!

 

[johde]

Hi

I'm going to agree with everyone else here. You can definitely be ready for the 2013 half marathon. I starting out with John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals", and have since transitioned to something closer to Jeff Galloway Plan on the rundisney website. If you are thinking about doing the Full, I would do a 5K or 2 this fall, then a half marathon in late spring. You can then decide on the full or the half at Disney. If you decide on the full, you could possibly do another half marathon in the fall as part of your training.

 

[My crazy dream]

Thanks for the plan, I will check out the "mortals" book. Anything to keep my motivation up and fear under control.

 

[Andrea runs 26 pt 2]

Hi...I am also thinking of training or the 2013 full marathon. I too struggle with my weight and will be turning 40 in Nov 2012. I think running a marathon with about 15 months to train is a fantastic goal. I'd love some newbie company in training for this lofty challenge

Hope your training is going well.

Andrea

 

[RunRookie]

You can definitely reach your goals!

Back in May 2010, I weighed 351 pounds and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I was definitely a couch potato, sitting at my computer at work all day and in front of the TV at night. I decided that I needed to make a change. I started Weight Watchers, meds for my blood sugar, and the journey began.

In January 2011, I started at the gym, walking on a treadmill. Then I started doing some strength training. In March, I started adding jogging to my workouts and started a Couch-2-5K program. In mid-May, I walk/ran my first 5K race! Since then, I have been running for exercise, running 5K and 10K races, and preparing for my first Half Marathon at WDW in 2012.

Two weeks ago, my doctor took me off my diabetes medications because my blood sugar has been normal for the past 6 months, thanks to eating better and exercise. And my weight is now 242 lbs.

I still have a lot more work to do, but I can tell you that with running, strength training, healthier eating habits, and the support of family and people here on the disboards, I am going to make it.

You can do this!

 

[Princess Roo]

Another vote for 'Marathoning for Mortals' (can get cheap used on Amazon) and Galloway's website. 7 months ago I couldn't run a mile and was a total couch potato and now I love running and can run a half marathon. You can do it - or a full marathon - too!!

As another mom to a little one, one thing to think about once you get to the point of starting an actual training plan is lining up the support (childcare) for all those long runs. You don't want that to be holding you back, but it has been a big issue for me and would have been more so with the longer midweek runs needed for a full.

Good luck!!

 

[moonbill2002]

You can definitely do this!! Last year, I ran my first 5k after never being able to run more than 30 seconds at a time. I shocked myself by coming in at 35 minutes and it put the idea in my head I could do this "thing". Then, I injured my left knee playing a stupid video game on our Xbox Kinect and it put me out of commission for months. This summer, I got a wild hair up my rear end that I was going to sign up for the Tinkerbell Half in January.....we went to Disneyland for a family vacation and it just fueled idea even more. So I've been running for a couple of months now, have completed 2 5k's and will be doing another 5k weekend after next (at 1:50am in the morning! They turn the clocks back at that time so my race time will be a negative one....hahaha!). I am also doing a 10k Turkey Trot in November to help my confidence even more.

Yesterday, I went out for my 6 mile training run and completed it. That is a miracle in itself. So you can do this.....I went from running 30 seconds a time, feeling like I was going to die and a mile was LONG to doing 6 miles (admittedly, it was difficult because we did it in the middle of the afternoon and there were HILLS!!). I have rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis in my knees...surprisingly, it is helping my joints. And now, I'm actually contemplating entering the California International Marathon in Sacramento December 2012. Me....a marathon!!! That's some crazy stuff right there.

The best part about all of this is how it's helped me change internally. I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to and it's given me an undeniable level of confidence I never had before. I also use Jeff Galloway's method because frankly, anyone who's run over 100 marathons and hasn't had an injury in 25 years....well, that's saying something. I'm still working on the mindset of "I have to run the ENTIRE distance" because sticking to my intervals can be difficult at times (I do a run 2 minutes/walk 1 minute and it keeps me to about a 12 minute mile pace). Yes, I'm a turtle but the fact is, whether it's a 7 minute mile or a 14 minute mile....it is STILL a mile!! Go get 'em and sign up for a few races in between, like some 5k's. Last year, the idea of a 5k was DAUNTING and now, I think "oh, is that all? Just a 5k?". Amazing what running has done for my life and now, it's very difficult for me to NOT to go out and run everyday (my training schedule, which is from Galloway, designed for the Tinkerbell, is 3 days a week).

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress! I'm sure weight loss will come naturally as a part of this. I haven't lost much weight, but I've lost almost 3 inches in my waist! I read somewhere that running burns a lot of belly fat and I'm now a believer

 

[dragitoff]

My only regret from this site is I didn't find it sooner! Unfortunately for me, I didn't find this site until I had already lost 50lbs. and been running for months. Had I found it sooner, I might be doing the full marathon on 2012 as opposed to my first 1/2! This site is amazing for encouragement. I've got a journal and encourage everyone here (especially newbies) to start one. It's great for accountability, support, and personal reflection on your journey! I had kept a detailed log of my weight, distance, and speed through my own journey. It was a great motivator for me, but I wish I had somewhere public to display it. It would have probably pushed me more when I was in a rut!

 

[GaryS]

Another great site to view and stay motivated is Active.com. If you're on Facebook find the Active page and become a fan. Lot's of encouragment from others throughout the Facebook page. Plus they have many pictures posted weekly of others taking part in events.

The photos throughout the year can be very motivating. I've been running the past couple years, but haven't done a full marathon yet. January 2013 in Disney will be my first.

 

[Fionaturning50]

My husband and I both did the Family 5k in 2011 and really enjoyed it (walking). We are both incredibly overweight and trying to find better health. I would love to train for and walk the 1/2 in 2013 with him. He did it back in 2003 when it was full and half on the same day and just crazy.... I stood in the dark for hours to watch him walk by twice!

I would definitely be up for an accountability/reasonable goal setting process!

 

[Cruz91]

I'm a 38 yr old man and I am generally in decent shape. I've got the "typical" purge around the middle -three being 5'10" and 220 pounds. I started training 3 months ago for today's marathon. I was pretty diligent about training, and ran 3 to 4 times a week. I felt ready to hit 5:30. Long story short, I went out too fast (yeah, I know, rookie error) and ended up walking more than running over the last 8 miles. I can't tell you the number of heavier, older ladies that flew by me. It was classic tortoise and hare. And you know what?! I didn't feel bad at all because I know they busted their @sses to get in the shape to make it. You can do it! If I can, if they can, you can! Train within your limits, and keep putting one foot in front of the other!!!

 

[tragicallynuts]

First thing you need to do if this is your first Half or Full is go to a running store and buy the 13.1 or 26.2 magnet you see on the back of trucks and cars. Next, put it on your frig with a note that says "You Can Do This!"

Great little reminder when you walk through the kitchen.