A small gripe and a couple of questions?

[BamaEd1]

Ok WISH'ers, I have a grand total race experience of 2 races which makes me huge veteran, right?!? Here's my gripe first. In the two races that I've done (a 10k and a 1/2 marathon), there have been people that I have passed early in the race who were walking....slowly. In the 10k, there were no corals so it was kind of a start behind the Kenyans and guestimate where you should line up...it will shake itself out en route. At the 1/2, there were 38 corals and an announced participation of over 40,000 people. If you are planning on walking a 1/2 marathon, you will not finish in under 2 hours. Please, the coral system and wave start system is designed to have people with a faster pace an unencumbered course. Please, measure your pace before you sign up and start in the correct coral, then everyone can have a more smooth race. Also, please do not take this as a criticism of walkers; it is not. I am married to one. I'm very impressed with anyone who chooses to undertake such a huge challenge like a 1/2 marathon. My wife walked a marathon in Dublin, Ireland before we were married and said that there were several walkers who were literally pushed out of the way by runners. I don't condone this at all but I can understand the frustration a little bit. Also, please do not think of this as a "runners are better than walkers" thing, again it is not. Ok, gripe over.

Question 1: Does a full marathon have the same aches and pains as a 1/2 and are they twice as bad? I can handle the aches and pains of the half but if it is much worse, I don't think I would have been able to work today. I have a feeling that if you train properly, they would probably be about the same.

Question 2: Now that I've run a 10k and a 1/2, a 5k doesn't even sound fun or challenging any more. I'm thinking that I want to do only 10k's and up and am even thinking about the Disney Marathon instead of just the Tower of Terror 13k. Is that normal (as if wanting to run 26.2 miles was normal)?

If I'm off base with my gripe, please say so and any input on the questions would be most appreciated. Remember....keep moving forward...quickly!!!!!

 

[gatorphipps]

I have run several marathons and here is my opinion.
1. a marathon is harder than a 1/2 even with training...BUT..with the right training, it can be, well, fun. I also think it is (for me) more rewarding as you cross the finish line...26.2 baby! WOW! I say do it...If I can, anyone can.
2. I totally understand wanting to go up in mileage...been there, done that! After running marathons, I had not even "bothered" with a 5k for years until May of last year. Then I went and ran it and placed 3rd in my age group. I think the major mileage helped with this...I knew I "only" had 3.11 miles so I pushed harder. So YES...I think you are normal...but now you have to question if I am normal.
3. I also understand people not understanding how to race...I don't think it is a walker/runner issue as much as ignorance. People do not understand the "rules" of running in a race...like to line up near the back if you are slower, to get over to the side b/4 starting a walk break, ect. I find this is worse at the Disney races. I think b/c there are so many people who are new to racing there.

 

[Cruella de mom]

Ed -

I started in corral 9 (missed 8) and there were lots of people that didn't belong up there starting with me. It kind of defeats the whole purpose! there was noone controlling the start or the corals at all. CMM this year was the worst congestion I have ever seen - and I have run the Peachtree! I also thought that these runners were the absolute worst about crowding you out. I expect it to be rough going at mile 1 but when you are still having to go half way across the road to get around people at mile 11 there is something wrong with the system.

So, all races won't be like that.

Question 1: No. You will train into it. As your mileage gets progressively higher the aches stay the same. Ice baths REALLY help this.

Dh could barely move yesterday and I had to remember to be sympathetic because other than my chest, I felt fine.

Question 2: Yes. You met the challenge and now you are ready to meet another. You will eventually want to do a 5K again but it will never feel the same. Races are addictive!

Welcome to the insanity!

Cecilia

 

[escape]

I can only speak for myself but I believe, like you said, if you train properly it shouldn't be any worse.

I'm a walker with a little running mixed in. My first half was at WDW '07. It was not a good half for me - pain and blister-wise. My first full was this past marathon at WDW '08. I was pain-free this time except for a nasty blister on the bottom of my left foot. I believe that my marathon experience was better than the half in '07. Most of my other/later half experiences have been better as well (for pain and blister problems). I attribute some of this having to do with me finally figuring out what works training-wise and what doesn't.

As for question # 2, I can't help you there. I guess I have a different attitude about doing these races. I do these events more for the fun of it rather than the challenge....although they are all very challenging for me. I say this with my fingers crossed because I mainly did the marathon for the challenge - to see if I could do it. And, it was a challenge! But, I was pain-free (except for the blister ). I was probably pain-free because I walked much more than I ran. As Cecilia implied....ice, baby, ice.

As for the ToT race - it really is a lot of fun. I don't think it was designed to be a 'serious' race and that's one reason I liked it. This may not be your idea of fun, though.

As for your vent, I agree. I'm a walker but I do try to be courteous and get out of a runner's way when needed. It gripes me when I see 3 or 4 or more slower walkers side by side in a race when there are a lot of runners behind them.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Yay! for your accomplishment and oh boy watch out for your addiction! Welcome to the fun!

Question 1: Does a full marathon have the same aches and pains as a 1/2 and are they twice as bad? I can handle the aches and pains of the half but if it is much worse, I don't think I would have been able to work today. I have a feeling that if you train properly, they would probably be about the same.

As you are developing and strengthening you will find that the aches and pains should begin to ease. I am a wogger and not fast by any standard. Let me tell you though that when I first started doing any of this I used to literally crawl out of the car after my training and crawl up the stairs. (Not exactly too much too quickly, but older onset training. I knew what I was doing was good for me and I knew if I continued with things that it had to get better. It did. Keep your cross training where you build strength, pay attention the developing your core and definitely make sure you stretch after each training. You cannot take those miles lightly. I experimented with that some and found for myself that all you read is true about the need to put in the training and the steps. Happy first marathon!

Question 2: Now that I've run a 10k and a 1/2, a 5k doesn't even sound fun or challenging any more. I'm thinking that I want to do only 10k's and up and am even thinking about the Disney Marathon instead of just the Tower of Terror 13k. Is that normal (as if wanting to run 26.2 miles was normal)?

You might consider the smaller events good for short training runs and contributing to whatever cause that the event supports. ToT is to me more of a fun run than a race event.

If I'm off base with my gripe, please say so and any input on the questions would be most appreciated. Remember....keep moving forward...quickly!!!!

As for the gripe, I don't know how it is at the front of the pack, but at the back I see runners going at it then coming to a dead walk, forgetting where they are. I look at it as the hazzards of the event and hope that through conversations like yours here we will all become better educated to the etiquette of events.

 

[ironz]

Hi, Ed!!
Good job on your races!

A full marathon hurts, IMHO. But you train for it, and it is a very cool thing to do.

I still think there is benefit to the shorter races because you can push yourself to go HARD, which sometimes is tougher than going LONG.

Don't even get me started about the walkers who clog running traffic. I know most people who post here have gotten the message about the etiquette, but...ugh.....
In fact, I won't run the WDW 1/2 or full again until I can qualify for a higher start corral position after my experience at the half last year, I hate to say. And I'm not even that fast, but if you are strolling casually, start in the back!

Now let me lead you to the dark side....triathlon!!

 

[Mooshu]

In my opinion....people feel/think that if they start closer to the start line they will finisher faster than if they lined up in the back with the walkers. Even if they are walking...only because they cross the start line earlier so they will finish earlier if they were walk/running.

As far as the aches and pains....it doesn't go away. Have you tried walking down stairs after a marathon? feels the same way after your first 1/2 marathon. LOL Yes, ice baths do help...A LOT! and yes training with more mileage helps A LOT. But for us runners that are just in to finish the marathon...you do feel the pain.

I haven't run a 5K in a long time, but that would seem like a sprint after a 1/2 or full marathon.

I hope I answered your questions...even though they were only my opinions. LOL

 

[windwalker]

Let's call them slower people who walk, run or walk/run slowly and stay in a line of 3 or 4 or more spread out over the road. We have a lot of walkers on the WISH and we are good race citizens.

Erica and I start back in the last couple of corrals and spend the race continually passing other racers, both slow runners and other walkers, we often get colgged in by the people who are walking or running slowly abreast.

Last year at the Goofy Erica had a lot of problems with the heat, (hot flashes at mile 18 on the second day of racing) and started with sore feet. We still walked both races in the required time, even slowing for her and encouraging our team mates at different times. We never got in anyones way.

Yes it's a problem. How about we discuss solutions instead of just griping. I'll start: We approach Disney endurance sports to include a page of rules to be a good race citizen in the packets. With things like not walking/running more than 2 abreast when the race is congested. We could even make it up and present it to them to print.

About the 5K: For me the races above 10K are fun and adventures. The shorter distances are racing.

Walking Panda

 

[BamaEd1]

Outstanding ideas, everyone. Thanks for the input. I'm not sure about a triathlon, though. I have a friend that does those and hardly ever sees his family. It sounds very cool though.

Mr. Panda, sir....that is a fantastic idea. A list of racing etiquette that Disney could even send to everyone.

 

[wtpclc]

I'd like to add a smidgeon to your grip about people who don't follow race ettiquette (and i know it's no one here, as I'm sure Ed does.) This last marathon I had so many people who would say excuse me as tehy elbowed tehir way through. Even worse, they'd elbo their way between me adn dh. Hello, group of 2, wide road, shirts match, could you elbos us on teh outside at least, because often, that woudl open a flood gate and it was hard to get back together again. Yes, my main gripe is people elbowing. Personally, when they say excuse me while doing it, it makes me want to elbow them in teh theeth.

As for races, I find I stay away from 5Ks because:

1: I'm too slow for such a short distance and
2: Once I get into training, those distances are too short for my weekend runs and with teh time a race takes up, I don't have time to run extra. I still do some, but you are right tah tthe desire to do them is much less.

BTW, congrats on getting to this point! It's a great accomplishment!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hi everybody!

I am pretty sure that Disney includes info about racing etiquette in their marathon guide. It's kind of like in the parks, there will always be some people oblivious to their surroundings and the fact that they are blocking the way, and then there are those who don't care if they do. The best we can do is be good race participants and try to spread the word.

 

[solotraveler]

My three cents:

Question 1: I don't know about "hurts more." I mean, when I do a race, I'm sore after 13.1 and I'm sore after 26.2. Certainly the full is a much tougher mental challenge... but in terms of the physical demands, you'll train into it and be OK. Get the miles in and stay healthy.

Question 2: Oh yeah, I'm the same way on 5Ks. I only run them if I think it'll be a really neat one and when I run it, I'm always trying to PR. (Not that my 5K PR is anything worth bragging about...)

As for your gripe... I think you're preaching to the choir on this one. If you are walking a 5K and line up near the front and you get run over.... you have no right to complain.. that's just inconsiderate planning on the part of the walkers. Now, if you are doing a marathon with a corral system, then that strikes me as poor planning by the race organizers. While the course at Disney is tight and congested at times (especially the start), they do a pretty good job with corral assignments-- specifically requiring proof of time for the more forward corrals. 40,000 people, 38 corrals!?!? They need to do assignments, period..... and make the event more fun for everyone.

Kevin

 

[amykab]

I am new to doing races, I will be doing my 2nd 5K and 1st 15K at disney this weekend. I run/walk, so I'll definitely be corraling myself towards the back of the pack.

Can someone direct me to a website that lists proper race etiquette? I want to do my best to make sure I do all I can to make sure everyone's race is enjoyable!

 

[ironz]

WW---if you were referring to my post, that is why I specifically wrote in one phrase "walkers who block running traffic"...not just "walkers."
I'm very supportive of people getting out and getting fit, no matter how they do it.

And I agree with another PP who said we would be preaching to the choir...there was a very thoughtful discussion on here about that topic right before the WDW races and it was not the WISH people who were clogging those races, by any means.

And Ed...the short triathlons take less training time than a marathon!

 

[wtpclc]

Her's a site with teh basics:

http://running.about.com/od/runningforbeginners/tp/etiquettetips.htm

Really, use common sense. Go where you're assigend, don't block teh whole road adn don't cut people off. I'm sure you'll be fine!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Thanks for posting the link Carrie! I'm a little unsure of what to expect for the MM on Sunday so that was really helpful.

I think I'll probably be doing a combination of running and walking. If I slow down to a walk, am I going to annoy everyone around me? Will it be enough for me to see if there's anyone else around and move over to the right?

 

[Lynn G]

I am also pretty new to racing, having done 3 1/2 marathons, and have signed up for my first full marathon at WDW next year. I now really enjoy the 5K and 10K races, because they are no longer stressful for me, and I can really enjoy them, getting out to see people. Yes, it is just like a short training run, but that is why they are now fun to me.

I am also a walker/runner, and I will start as close to the front of the last corral as I can get (need those few extra minutes to keep ahead of the sweepers). I will try to stay to the right, and I will look around when I go from running to walking. I think that is all anyone can ask for.

 

[windwalker]

I'd like to share something that happened her last year a race. There were two races a competitive walk race and a competitive run race. Seperate starts for both. The walk starting first and finishing before the run started.

The announcer called for the walkers to come to the starting line. Then announced that there were several elite walkers there. I lined up on the front row and was flanked on the front line by the Kentucky Senior Men's and the Kentucky women's champion on my right and the Tenn Senior men's champion and the Tenn Silver Medalist as well as some visiting racewalkers from Indiana.

This race was open to all walkers just like the run. However there was prize money and nice trophys for the winners.

A couple of seconds before the start two women pushing baby strollers came off the sidewalk right in front of the pack to get on the front row. The gun fired and we took off, the Kentucky women's senior champion fell over the top of one of the strollers that just seeming appeared out of no where. She sprained her ankle and not only missed what would have been a first place womens finish with a $250 prize but she had to miss the next weeks national racewalking championships at KingsPort Tenn. She had trained hard for a year for the KingsPort race and this was a final tuneup race for her.

I was in third place with a good 100 meter lead over fourth place. Two kids about 10 to 12 years of age were in the race they were running and not walking. At the last quarter mile of the race their parents were yelling at them to run faster so they could catch the last four walkers and win. There is a hill at the end and I still beat them on the hill but the 4th place walker was passed by them.

We collectively protested the actions of the kids and their parents who called us "Bad Sports".

In another race last year a fellow runner in our track club was doing a race and fell over a runner who stopped dead in the middle of the road to tie their shoe.

These things happen all the time, every race has problems, usually caused by people. Some times it's the course that is hazaerdous. One of my dear WISH friends was starting the half last year and in the first mile he fell over one of the reflectors embeded in the road and face planted. He still sucked up the pain and finished the race.

At the Marathon last year one of our princesses also fell at the first part of the race. She to continued on.

Sometimes it's the weather that is the biggest hazard. Last year we did the Disney Half and Full marathon under almost identical conditions that caused the Chicago marathon to be shut down. Some of our WISHers were overcome by the heat but still went on till they had nothing left to give.

I told all this to make a point, yes I get motor mouth. We are warriors we accept the challange of whatever is thrown at us. We are the poster children for the saying:

God give me the strength to change what I can, the courage to accept what I can't and the wisdom to know the difference".

We have the strength to change some things, this year let's find out if there is a list of rules for being good race citizens in our race packets. If not let's make that happen. Another thing we can do is to ask the announcer to announce the proper way to walk or run in a large group like this.

Ok I'm shutting up now.

Walking Panda

 

[chimera]

Question 1: Does a full marathon have the same aches and pains as a 1/2 and are they twice as bad? I can handle the aches and pains of the half but if it is much worse, I don't think I would have been able to work today. I have a feeling that if you train properly, they would probably be about the same.

Question 2: Now that I've run a 10k and a 1/2, a 5k doesn't even sound fun or challenging any more. I'm thinking that I want to do only 10k's and up and am even thinking about the Disney Marathon instead of just the Tower of Terror 13k. Is that normal (as if wanting to run 26.2 miles was normal)?

If I'm off base with my gripe, please say so and any input on the questions would be most appreciated. Remember....keep moving forward...quickly!!!!!

#1. Everyone's different and your training will have a lot to do with how you feel after the marathon vs the half. After the full, on poor training, I really didn't feel as bad in the legs as I thought. I do have an ankle issue that blows up with any run more than 12 miles, but as far as quads, not much problem. The blisters on the bottom of my foot were worse. I generally don't get those, even after 20 miles, but did after the full. What's truly hardest for the full is the mental aspects of training and the race itself.

Also, I've done 5 half marathons...the first hurt a lot more the next day than the 5th.

#2 A 5K is a different race than a half or full. You do a 5K for pace/speed, half/full is for endurance. Totally different mindset for totally different races. What was fun was doing a 5K in the middle of marathon training...total PR! Increasing distance really helps with pace.

Etiquette

There will always be people who don't know proper race etiquette especially in races like WDW that are friendly to new athetes. It can be frustrating, but best you can do is make sure you're doing the right thing and pass the info along.

RAce Etiquette with Miss Road Manners

 

[wtpclc]

Vicky, looking adn tehn going to the right is perfect. Just common sense. I have had people cut m off to go right and stop right in front of me. That's not so good. (No, not implying you would at all)