about the marathon...PART 2....specifics please......

[wiskband]

I have a few questions about the marathon.........


1. what should we wear? this is january so early in the morning...so do we dress warm and shed our cloths if so what do we do with our clothes? DUmb question but a good one ( kinda like the one no one wants to raise there hand and ask but, everyone is wondering..............) ( yes I was the kid that went ahead a asked lol)

2. Can I use my walkman? I mean is this allowed/ and if so, is it reasonable to so or do I want the least things possible attached to my body?

3.water? I assume there are stations I guess there prob. called.....
Someone mentioned spitting and throwing up ( I believe it was in the ediquette <---uggh spelling........ should I ask to throw up? or possibly get throwed up upon lol......seriuosly, does this happen often?

4. About training.... anyone plan on actually running the distance before the day? I mean we are all training/working o ur way up to 13 miles so should i be thinking of a dry run before the actually event ( by this I mean a week month prior).

5. The basics......... what are the basic items to have on a run? is there anything I should not bring?And how about sneakers new ones or ones I have used before and are broken in?

6.Now the biggie...........I am going to vacation during this week.........should I vacation after the marathon or before? What should I expect to feel the days after? Is it possible to venture out to the parks and do it all as I am used to?

7> Ok last one I promise......anyone planning on wearing something that says wish? also, although many of us will be rooming near one another some may not ( i am not sure yet) but are us WISHERS gonna plan something before the race to meet? is there anything organized?


I know I know many Q's but these are things I wonder about. Now that i sound like my 4 year old with all the Q's........
I let you anwser..
lol


renee

 

[decaff38]

I have all the same ???s. So glad you asked them. Can't wait for the responses. Just wanted you to know your not alone in you wonderings. Best of luck in Jan.

 

[sap1227]

Although I have never done the marathon, I have watched the start of 3 Disney marathons. There will be a lot of people "wearing" large garbage bags to keep warm--then they can just throw them down once they are warm. The same thing is done with sweats .

I could not believe how many people finished the marathon and then threw up (or passed out). I don't remember seeing this as much at the end of the half marathon.

Hopefully this helps a little. Most of the other questions I was wondering too.

Christy

 

[wovenwonder]

Check out the marathon thread at the top of this forum. YES we will have a very large WISH group. Be sure to let us know you will be part of the group. We have a group of WISHers planning activities as the time get closer. We even have Kamy booking blocks of rooms for us at group rates. Be sure to check it out.

I've read that alot of people pick up clothing at goodwill type stores and start with layers. As they shed them they just throw them to the side of the road. They are later picked up by marathon volunteers and donated to charity.

 

[DoeWDW]

All excellent questions, Renee! The only one I knew the answer to is the clothes question and Jody already answered it.

There are water stations along the route - I believe it's every 2 miles or so. However, they give you a cup of water, not a bottle. I'm thinking I'll be using a few bottle straps to carry a couple bottles with me during the half. Don't know if this is realistic, but I NEED my water.

About the training question - I haven't decided if I'll do a full 13 miles prior to the half at Disney. I've walked 11 miles in a day, although not at race pace. I'm going to wait until August - September to decide this.

I also was planning to use shoes that are already broken in. I don't think it's wise to use a new pair of untested shoes. I'll be carrying a couple band-aids with me in case I feel any blisters developing on my feet.

 

[evansmom]

*the clothes: you may shed clothes...buy old stuff to just drop! or if you can brave the chill...always start very cool, you will warm up fast (especially if you are running)
i've started runs with shorts and a tank at 40-50 degrees. it always warms up and you always warm up!!

*ususally water stations are at every mile. they also have gatoraid or poweraid. i suggest alternating. water is good to hydrate, gatoraid replenishes electrolites when exerting for over an hour (which we all will be)

*as far as doing the entire distance in train, that is not necessary. as long as you get to 10-11 miles, you will be fine! but it wouldn't hurt to do all 13. i think that is more an issue when it is the full marathon. definitely taper a few weeks before, no long run/walks for about 3 weeks prior to the day!

*items to take: sometimes i take "gu" or powerbars in a pouch. it is nice to have a boost of energy for the second and or third hours of the race. also maybe advil gelcaps. i also carry a water bottle (just out of habit- a bit of a crutch)

*vacationing: not a big problem after a 1/2...a full another story!!!! definitely add a massage into your vacation plans for the day after the race...that is a MUST!!!!!

*And...LASTLY....i think it is a wonderful to wear a a shirt with "WISH" on it!!! also a good idea would be to put your name on the front of your shirt. so many people willbe there to cheer you on, then they can yell your name to! it really does help!!!!

hope some of this helps!!!!!! i have never done WDW, but i have done a few others, and this is my experience...

also, the throwing up thing...i did DRY HEAVE after the "flying pig" usually not until the end, cause of the absolute exhaustion!! i think that is more frequent with a full!

 

[karebear1]

evansmom-= I was wondering if and at what time I should get a message- thanks for that little tip!
As for WISH shirts- I know we are planning on making WISH shirts for everyone to wear- we'll let ya know what the cost is when we're at that point.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

a few more answers....

first about the clothing.....DRESS WARM! It was 35 degrees and breezy while we waited around last January! Shedding clothes is perfectly acceptable...but PLEASE make an effort to get to the SIDE of the course before you just *drop* something that someone may trip on.....zipper sweatshirts are much easier to remove *on the go* than pullovers......and also, know that the clothes are promptly picked up, then donated to the needy....

Water/gatorade is available along the course, as well as a food station and candy for the full marathon....see course map for water station locations....they were plentiful!

WALKMANS......WDW says NO HEADPHONES......however, I did see a few runners with them, and no one seemed to care. The only thing I'd be really concerned about is paying attention to the folks around you - things can get a little *crowded* at times - especially going thru the water stations.

I also carry *gu* (Power gel is similar - I prefer the taste of Gu....) and have a water bottle belt....LOVE IT! I like my fluids on MY schedule, not someone elses.....

Massage....according to my massage therapist, you will get the most benefits of a massage within 2-3 hours after completion of the race....it will help muscles to recover faster and remove the toxins from your body!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Oh, and just so you don't think you have to remember all of this....much of this info will be in the race info packet you will recieve in the fall.....

 

[wiskband]

WOW you guys are great! with the info...........
So i have come to these conclusions
I will shed my clothing thats not a prob.

I definitly need music, perhaps, I ll buy a small radio at least with the headphones you can put in your ear.......MUSIC IS A MUST FOR me....I defintly have to bend that rule.

ABout water, no sure if I want to carry it but what is GU?

I am definitly gonna buy a WISH shirt.

I think , I will run the 1/2 marathon before I actually do it.


I am defintiyl ont he list with Kam just not definite if I will staying in a blocked room, so want to make sure I recieve all info as to meetings we may have or gathers.

Anyway, thanks again all............
Oh and when do we recieve any info in the race? from WDW.

renee

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Gu is an energy gel....basically concentrated carbs (and the very necessary potasium) ....comes in a little foil packet - it's almost like frosting! My favorite flavor is banana, followed closely by orange....raspberry is VERY sweet.....had chocolate Power gel....could barely stomach it - too thick for my tastes!

Anyway, I've found using Gu (or whatever gel you find that you like) while training and running the event gives me a much more consistant energy level throughout...DH and I *take* one 15 minutes or so before a race, then every 45 minutes during....keeps our energy levels up. The trick for us, is not to wait until we feel we need it, because by then we are a bit *spent* and the time it takes for our bodies to absorb and utilize the energy is torture!

Try checking around at your local sporting goods stores for the gels....I know Sports Authority has Power Gel (Not my prefered brand, but some flavors are o.k.) I've found Gu only at specialty running/athletic stores in my area, not at the *chain* stores.....

 

[Debbie]

Okay, here's my question. (I asked it on the other thread, too, but I'm sure that I am not the only enquiring mind that wants to know.)

Tell me about the Sweeper Car/Van/Truck/Bus. If I am slow (say 3:35, 3:45, 3:55) do I get to finish? Am I swept into oblivion? Do I have to return the t-shirt?

 

[Susan--Ontario]

About the Donald medal?? If you don't finish in the 3 and 1/2 hours do you get the medal if you finish in say 3 ours and 45 minutes.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

I wish I'd had people to answer all my questions before my first races, so for what it's worth, here's my advice

re what to wear: definitely plan on layers. I'd read on the board that it was cold, but didn't really believe it (we'd always been to wdw before Xmas and it was sunny) but the start was freezing. I wore long leggings, two tops, bought a paper throw away jacket and gloves at the expo - and used 3 pool towels wrapped round me to get me to the start - and was still chilly. I'd shed everything but two tops and the gloves by mile 2 - they all stayed on to the end.

Re GU: if you're planning on using it try it on your training walks/runs first: I cant bear the stuff, makes me really thirsty but found another one called leppin that you mix with water that works just fine. If something doesn't work for you, you don't want to find this out on the day.

Shoes: you need to have worn them in for at least four weeks before the race: ideally 2-3 months. And don't do what many people do and wear new socks - they are just as likely to give you blisters as new shoes. Wear them at least 10 times (washing in between of course!)

As for the walkman, I obeyed the rules and didn't wear mine (first event ever that's happened in). There were people wearing headphones, but I found it quite nice to have a chat to people en route and hear people cheering you on (could have done with something to sing to about mile 9 though!!!).

Oh - and try and build in a park day the day after: we did and it was great to see everyone with their medals on hobbling about (I didn't have mine on and I'm still sad). Hope that helps

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by littlegreydonkey
Ire what to wear: definitely plan on layers. I'd read on the board that it was cold, but didn't really believe it

It WAS cold at 5:00 in the morning!!!! I had purchased the mylar "car emergency blankets" (around $2 each) for DH and I to wrap ourselves in while we waited. They are similar to the mylar sheets that they hand out at the end for the runners to keep themselves warm, but MUCH larger! They worked very well - especially because they didn't let the wind pentrate them. (I did feel like a giant baked potato though.... )

 

[wiskband]

About this GU.......I am doing low acrb, is this gonna sen dmy body into shock? I mean Id be willing to use it if it helps me finish just afraid it will have some sort of strnage effect on me.........


I too am wondering about the sweepers........can I refuse them... lol @ debbie, I may be fighting to keep my shirt ! (JK)
the metal was a good question too!

thanks all
renee

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Thanks for asking the question.
This is great info that I am sure I will need to keep somewhere as a sort of check list, hope this reappears closer to race day. I will do my best to keep info on hand too.

In addition to what has been mentioned:

My basics will include kleenix and a camera! As this will be my very first (and perhaps last) 1/2 marathon, I want to memorialize as much as I can. Hope others will share their pics with me too!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by wiskband
About this GU.......I am doing low acrb, is this gonna sen dmy body into shock? I mean Id be willing to use it if it helps me finish just afraid it will have some sort of strnage effect on me.........

I know very little about the very low-carb diets...what I can tell you is (according to the package in front of me....) GU has 25g of total carbs, and 4g sugar....."usage" instructions are "Energize with one packet 15 minutes before activity, sustain with one packet every 45 minutes. Follow with mouthful of water"


As for the "sweepers"....we met a really neat woman at another 1/2 marathon (Oct. '03) who was wearing a t-shirt that said "DEAD-LAST DEBBIE". We got such a kick out of her shirt, that we asked her about it. Well, apparently she had participated in the WDW 1/2 marathon in jan '03....and was (you guessed it....) DEAD LAST! She had told us that she was concerned about the "sweepers", because she wasn't maintaining the 16 minute/mile minimum....but they didn't *force* her off the course.....and she did indeed get her Donald medal at the end!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Tiger Lily, thanks for the camera tip. I would never have thought of that, definitely gonna carry a disposable in my fanny pack.

 

[wiskband]

Well.............thats really nice to know, I mean although, I AM gonna finish it in TIME........nice to know no one will be forced off!

as for the GU MY GOODNESS so many carbs..........
Ill have to come up with somethign else int he mean time lol.

thanks again for the info
renee