2014 Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend ** Check-In ** Updated 7/29 with Corral Info

[Viva Las Disney]

In the end, do whatever feels right to you.

I follow a Galloway trainer but depending on how I feel I often mix it up. I usually do 3 min running / 1 min walking but lately I've been skipping every other walk break on my maintenance runs and doing 7 min running / 1 min walking for 5k or I'll stick to a 3/1 ratio but double the distance to 10k.

I had hit a plateau doing the 3/1 ratio to the point that even on my short runs I was feeling tired after 30 minutes, since I've increased the ratio and/or distance of my maintenance runs I feel strong even after 10k and feel like I'm making bigger gains. I completed a 10 mile run last week (my first ever double digit run ) doing 3/1 and felt great the whole time.

 

[Belle Ella]

Way to go! I'm wondering if I'll ever be able to get my run/walk ratio anywhere close to that. At least running itself makes me a runner, and not the actual speed. But I kind of understand what you mean about hitting a plateau. I've been running a 1/1 for as long as I can remember, but I just couldn't make it any time I increased the run segment. Recently I started running around the resort after work with another cast member and the motivation has helped. We're planning to increase our run time by 30 seconds hopefully every few weeks but that may be too optimistic. My long run on Tuesday was the first time I'd even attempted it and the first 3 miles were absolutely brutal for me, but I kind of hit my stride and held it together for the second 3. So maybe there's hope left for me after all.

By the way, awesome job finishing your first ever double-digit run!

 

[Jackie Skellington]

I'm in for my first half and doing the 5k with my 10 year old daughter. We are so excited!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Lookie, lookie what runDisney released this morning on their twitter:

I'm super excited that they made a change to the medal for the half marathon, and I know a lot of people will be happy with the Stitch themed medals!

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm in for my first half and doing the 5k with my 10 year old daughter. We are so excited!!

Aw, that's so exciting to do with your DD! Getting you added to the runners list now.

 

[zanzibar138]

Lookie, lookie what runDisney released this morning on their twitter:

I'm super excited that they made a change to the medal for the half marathon, and I know a lot of people will be happy with the Stitch themed medals!

I'm excited that they released the medals

But I must be really weird because not only do I not like Star Wars or Marvel, I'm also not a big fan of Stitch. And my parents won't know who any of the associated characters are either. Would have been better if it was more classic style characters. So although I was expecting it, I'm a little disappointed in the Stitch theme.

I'm sure it will still be great though!

 

[croach]

Lookie, lookie what runDisney released this morning on their twitter:

I'm super excited that they made a change to the medal for the half marathon, and I know a lot of people will be happy with the Stitch themed medals!

I like the half medal and the 10k medal is interesting. Didn't realize that Stitch was going to be on several of the medals. Thanks for posting, hadn't seen them.

 

[MarisaLZ]

I appreciate all of the info. Tomorrow I've got my 8 mile run - which will be my longest ever since running the Tinkerbell 10K in Feb.

Out of curiosity - does anyone feel like they're not really "running" the 1/2 marathon since you are using a run/walk ratio? Has anyone gotten any flack over it from family or friends?

Previously I used different training programs that had you just run the whole time. So for me it's kind of hard to get over not feeling like I'm slightly cheating doing a run/walk ratio Am I crazy?

Also - Belle Ella - I think I remember you saying you were doing a lot of your training on a treadmill. What inclination do you use? I am doing a lot on the treadmill as well, I live in AZ and it's 110 unless I wake up at 4:30am, when it is 90...

 

[zanzibar138]

I appreciate all of the info. Tomorrow I've got my 8 mile run - which will be my longest ever since running the Tinkerbell 10K in Feb.

Out of curiosity - does anyone feel like they're not really "running" the 1/2 marathon since you are using a run/walk ratio? Has anyone gotten any flack over it from family or friends?

Previously I used different training programs that had you just run the whole time. So for me it's kind of hard to get over not feeling like I'm slightly cheating doing a run/walk ratio Am I crazy?

Also - Belle Ella - I think I remember you saying you were doing a lot of your training on a treadmill. What inclination do you use? I am doing a lot on the treadmill as well, I live in AZ and it's 110 unless I wake up at 4:30am, when it is 90...

I feel the same way. I'm only doing the 10k, but I plan to run all of it apart from character stops and obviously if we get held up behind someone. I can already walk 10km, so it didn't feel like much of an achievement unless I ran the whole lot. However, a half marathon is a bit of a different story. I would probably still try to run the whole lot, but my body isn't really made for running, and I might have to stick with intervals to avoid injury (I might even have to for the 10k yet!).

I wouldn't take any notice of what people think of you. If you want to run the whole lot, run it. If you want to do walk/run intervals, do that. If you want to try and walk the whole lot (I know people do within the pace, though for me it would be more uncomfortable than running!), then do that! Just do whatever works for you. You're still doing more than most people

 

[croach]

I appreciate all of the info. Tomorrow I've got my 8 mile run - which will be my longest ever since running the Tinkerbell 10K in Feb.

Out of curiosity - does anyone feel like they're not really "running" the 1/2 marathon since you are using a run/walk ratio? Has anyone gotten any flack over it from family or friends?

Previously I used different training programs that had you just run the whole time. So for me it's kind of hard to get over not feeling like I'm slightly cheating doing a run/walk ratio Am I crazy?

Also - Belle Ella - I think I remember you saying you were doing a lot of your training on a treadmill. What inclination do you use? I am doing a lot on the treadmill as well, I live in AZ and it's 110 unless I wake up at 4:30am, when it is 90...

You aren't cheating and shouldn't feel bad at all about doing whatever gets you to the finish line. You shouldn't question it at all. Anyone who gives you flack is silly. I'm always impressed with anyone who lines up at the start line because it takes a lot of work and dedication to do a race. You have a plan and if it works for you then do it. No shame in that game! Motivational speech over.

And good luck with your eight miler today.

 

[Belle Ella]

I appreciate all of the info. Tomorrow I've got my 8 mile run - which will be my longest ever since running the Tinkerbell 10K in Feb.

Out of curiosity - does anyone feel like they're not really "running" the 1/2 marathon since you are using a run/walk ratio? Has anyone gotten any flack over it from family or friends?

Previously I used different training programs that had you just run the whole time. So for me it's kind of hard to get over not feeling like I'm slightly cheating doing a run/walk ratio Am I crazy?

Also - Belle Ella - I think I remember you saying you were doing a lot of your training on a treadmill. What inclination do you use? I am doing a lot on the treadmill as well, I live in AZ and it's 110 unless I wake up at 4:30am, when it is 90...

Of course it's still considered running, and I've never had anyone give me flack for it. In all honesty, I'm usually downplaying it when I tell people that that's how I train and run but nobody cares. There too focused on what really matters and that's the fact that you're out there and running things like half marathons which is impressive no matter how you get to the finish line. And even if anyone did give me flack about it, I'd guarantee you they aren't runners and I wouldn't care about their opinion anyways. When I first got into running my goal was to be able to run constantly without stopping but I got injured easily and often that way which is why I switched to how I run now. Just trying to take care of my body and still be able to run for hopefully many many many more years to come.

Besides, it's not the distance, the speed, or how we run that makes us runners - it's the fact that we get out there and run.

As for the treadmill, since most of my events and courses are pretty flat with the exception of a couple of overpasses, I usually stick with a 1% incline, and then every few minutes go up to a 3% for 60 seconds and then back down again. I don't see any point in setting the incline so high I have to hold on to anything, and I don't do them for very long either because it's just not realistic to what I will actually be running. And for easy run days, I just stay at the 1%.

 

[DLR29]

I'm excited for the Stitch medal! Had my 8 mile run today and I feel great!

 

[dec2009mama]

odd question:
can I get into the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday if I am not registered for any of the runs?

I couldn't get registered for the 5K or 10K so we are leaving from our trip on Thursday night but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get into the expo on Thursday before we head off to the airport!

 

[Belle Ella]

odd question: can I get into the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday if I am not registered for any of the runs? I couldn't get registered for the 5K or 10K so we are leaving from our trip on Thursday night but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get into the expo on Thursday before we head off to the airport!

The Expo is open for anyone and everyone, not just runners - so yes, you can get in on Thursday. But keep in mind that it's probably going to be a little crazy first thing when it opens depending in when you have to leave for your flight. There will be lines for the runDisney New Balance shoes, lines for packet pick up, lines for the expo store, etc.

Hopefully it will be organized chaos.

 

[zanzibar138]

odd question:
can I get into the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday if I am not registered for any of the runs?

I couldn't get registered for the 5K or 10K so we are leaving from our trip on Thursday night but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get into the expo on Thursday before we head off to the airport!

Just don't take all the good stuff

I was really keen on getting a pair of RunDisney shoes, but I'm starting to think that it doesn't sound like it's worth the effort and stress. And I'm still a bit concerned about the official race merchandise too. Hopefully it won't fly off the shelves too quickly!

 

[dec2009mama]

We aren't leaving for LAX until 6:00 or 6:30pm.....
I just want to check it out and see if I can pick myself up a treat of some sort as motivation for Tink in May! Like a proper running hat......lol!

 

[mershell]

Just don't take all the good stuff

I was really keen on getting a pair of RunDisney shoes, but I'm starting to think that it doesn't sound like it's worth the effort and stress. And I'm still a bit concerned about the official race merchandise too. Hopefully it won't fly off the shelves too quickly!

Don't loose hope for the shoes. I went to the Expo at the Tink weekend and didn't go 'til Saturday and still got shoes. They still had sizes in both styles. I found the process very smooth and was very impressed. I had no issues. I will say that the race merchandise seemed to be another story tho...so, this Expo, I plan on hitting that first thing first day.

 

[mershell]

Of course it's still considered running, and I've never had anyone give me flack for it. In all honesty, I'm usually downplaying it when I tell people that that's how I train and run but nobody cares. There too focused on what really matters and that's the fact that you're out there and running things like half marathons which is impressive no matter how you get to the finish line. And even if anyone did give me flack about it, I'd guarantee you they aren't runners and I wouldn't care about their opinion anyways. When I first got into running my goal was to be able to run constantly without stopping but I got injured easily and often that way which is why I switched to how I run now. Just trying to take care of my body and still be able to run for hopefully many many many more years to come.

Besides, it's not the distance, the speed, or how we run that makes us runners - it's the fact that we get out there and run.

As for the treadmill, since most of my events and courses are pretty flat with the exception of a couple of overpasses, I usually stick with a 1% incline, and then every few minutes go up to a 3% for 60 seconds and then back down again. I don't see any point in setting the incline so high I have to hold on to anything, and I don't do them for very long either because it's just not realistic to what I will actually be running. And for easy run days, I just stay at the 1%.

Well said and well needed. I'm not running at all. That is, I'm race walking and when I tell people I'm doing the marathon, they are impressed until they hear I'm not running...as if 13.1 miles at a minimum of 16mph is a stroll in the park. Makes me mad. I'm not a sedentary person, but this is no stroll. Two years ago I was 75lbs heavier and the notion of a marathon never crossed my mind for even a moment. Marathons were for people who were born thin and fit...not me. The farthest I'd ever strolled was a 5k...never timed. I could walk a few miles at a pace of about 20 min mile, so taking this on meant I needed to BECOME that athlete I never imagined I could be...to train, to push my body, to commit, to get up and get out there on days when I'd rather be in bed sleeping, to be my own coach and motivation, to convince myself my body CAN do this at 51 having been obese my whole life, despite arthritis, tendonitis and hot flashes.

We ARE athletes...whether we run across the finish or shuffle across. And thank you for reminding us all of that Belle.

 

[zanzibar138]

Don't loose hope for the shoes. I went to the Expo at the Tink weekend and didn't go 'til Saturday and still got shoes. They still had sizes in both styles. I found the process very smooth and was very impressed. I had no issues. I will say that the race merchandise seemed to be another story tho...so, this Expo, I plan on hitting that first thing first day.

I think that will be my plan too, hit the official merchandise first thing, then just try my luck with the shoes throughout the expo. I'll have Thursday, Friday and Saturday to keep trying

 

[kmchisholm]

I appreciate all of the info. Tomorrow I've got my 8 mile run - which will be my longest ever since running the Tinkerbell 10K in Feb. Out of curiosity - does anyone feel like they're not really "running" the 1/2 marathon since you are using a run/walk ratio? Has anyone gotten any flack over it from family or friends? Previously I used different training programs that had you just run the whole time. So for me it's kind of hard to get over not feeling like I'm slightly cheating doing a run/walk ratio Am I crazy? Also - Belle Ella - I think I remember you saying you were doing a lot of your training on a treadmill. What inclination do you use? I am doing a lot on the treadmill as well, I live in AZ and it's 110 unless I wake up at 4:30am, when it is 90...

I've done several half marathons - started running then found the Galloway method. My PR has actually been with the Galloway method - I'm not ashamed, in fact that's the only way I made it through the marathon without being completely hurt. Own it and be proud!