About the marathon...........

[wiskband]

Hi all, I have been thinking a lot about the marathon and was wondering ......
How are you all training?
I am undecided whether I want to try and jog it or walk or do both.
I was thinking that I can;t possibly walk 3.8 MPH for that long however, I notice that once I am jogging @ 6 MPH and then I walk @ about 3 MPH, walking feels good! and is a quick relief from the 6MPH jog!
If any of you have done this before, how do you pace yourself? I can;t possible imagine how this can be done. But, I am seriously thinking that this is how I am going to accomplish this goal.
Also, I know many of you were planning on doing this "together".
Can people really stick together during this event?

Overall, how does one plan for this?
I have seen training plans before but there a bit hard to understand, I would like some to know from someone that has done this or someone who is planning on it........


thanks
renee

 

[LittleMissMickey]

THE SAME THINGS! I would love to do the marathon, but want to know how to train and how we all do it. I don't know that I can do it by myself, but I can't find anybody around me that wants to commit. Then I wonder, do we stay together for this? This is something I am really interested in. Also, for any DVCers, how quickly does this weekend tend to go for our "homes?"

And to think I want to do this all in the name of weight loss and a really nifty t-shirt! I'm such a dork.

Thanks for any info/hints!

Ashley, aka
LittleMiss

 

[karebear1]

Check www.teamintraining.org (or call 1-800-482-TEAM) - this is WDW race beneficiary. For more then 10 years, WDW, Family Fun MAgazine and Team in Training (an edurance sports training program) has raised funds for the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society. In that 10 years , they have coached more then 10,000 runners to participate in the WDW Marathon. This is a nationwide program. In return for the coaching- runners raise money for the LLS.
I have found a local marathon trining group that is not associated (at least that I know of) with the LLS. They train individually and as a group. THere are fees involved in my training- but I chose this because I have medical needs that need to be addressed. Do you know anyone that does marathons? Ask them for local info or websites- that's how I got my personal trainer.

 

[02bBarbie]

one thing about sticking together....please keep in mind race etiquette..the main thing being please don't walk more than two abreast. ...it's really not fair to force people to weave around you.

Before you think I'm an etiquette freak, just keep in mind a lot of runners have ZERO patience for walkers in half and full marathons...and some even lobby to keep us walking fools out. I think a lot of this is because walkers aren't seen as "athletes" and the quickest way to stand out as an amateur is to ignore basic common race courtesy.

Somewhere there is a great article about race etiquette..I can't find it, but here's this list which works as well:

Race Etiquette for Runners and Walkers

At The starting Line
1. Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk.
2. Pay attention to pre-race instructions.
3. Pin your race number on the front of your shirt.
4. If you drop something just as the race starts, don't stop to pick it up. Move to the side and wait.

You're Off!
1. Run or walk no more than two abreast.
2. If stopping at an aid station, move all the way to the table.
3. If you need to spit, move to the side of the road and do so, same goes for throwing up. If nature calls, pull of the course and use the port-a-potty or a kind neighbor.
4. Move to the side if someone behind you says, "Excuse me" or "Coming through." Walkers that start early, be alert for runners coming upon you.
5. If you need to tie your shoe, or stop, please move to the side of the road.
6. Feel free to shout words of encouragement to other runners and walkers.
7. Pay attention to what is going on around you during the race.

Approaching The Finish..
1. Follow the instructions of the race officials.
2. No unregistered runner or walker is allowed in finish line area.
3. Once you have crossed the finish line mats, don't stop. Keep moving to the end of the finish area.
4. Enjoy the post-race refreshments.
5. Listen for any announcements.

 

[karebear1]

02b- ounds like you've done this before! Thatnk oyu for the great tips. We sure don't want to get in anyone's way!

 

[wiskband]

KaRE bear, you reminded me of another question I had perhaps you may know.........
can I raise money for my own charity?
I would love to raise money for something closer to home like my son's condition CHD.
Would I have to somehow make this official?

 

[karebear1]

I wouldn't know how to tell you to make it official if you had to! So- I suppose if you wanted to get contributions for doing the marathon form friends etc. I'd just do it na d donate the money to your chosen charity.

Did anyone go to that site? What'd you think?

 

[02bBarbie]

actually, the 2005 half-marathon will be my first half..so far I've just done some 5K and 10Ks....

But I've had that drilled into me by my coach so I figured I'd share

 

[anniet]

wiskband- there is a really good book called "No Need for Speed" by John Bingham who apparently writes articles for Runners World. He talks a lot about walking/running the half marathon and how it actually improves times for some people than straight running-and in case your thinking "oh sure advice from a runner" he was a confessed couch potato/drinker/smoker until he was 43 and now he runs marathons all the time. It's written with humor from someone that all of us can easily relate to.

I highly suggest it.

I am going to try to run much of the half--I've been beginning to train by slowly increasing my running time.

For example- the first week I walked at 3.8 for 7 minutes then '"ran" at 4.5 for 3 and repeated that 3 times.

The Second week I walked at 3.8 for 6 mins and "ran" at 4.5 for 4 and repeated for 3 times.

This is week 3 and I'll be doing 5 and 5---You get the picture- I'm going to continue until I can run 30 minutes at 4.5 and then I'm going to work on my speed. I've seen a lot of articles that suggest the method of increasing your running time and so far it seems to be working for me at least.

Oh and as far as "sticking together" I've got 5 WISH buddies I e-mail every day-4 of them are doing the half. We have all agreed to start together and to meet at the finish line- we know we're all going to go different paces and we hope to see many of our other WISH friends along the way.

 

[karebear1]

02b- I am meeting with a personal marathon trainer on Thursday evening. Can you tell me about your trainer? Do they do this professionally or is it a friend that is training you? Tomorrow I meet with a weight loss dietician! I am so excited about this! For 2 years I've been trying to get my diabetes and weight under control- begging for help from anyone and everyone that would listen- got a small amount of limited help, but now I feel like I have all the tools I'll need to get me going!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I spoke with a number of people at last years half/full marathon who's plan was to walk 1-2 minutes (varied a bit) then run/jog the rest of the mile....then walk 1-2 minutes, run/jog the entire course that way. They'd trained for that method - sounded like a good plan to me.....warm up then run/recover!

There was a great 1/2 marathon training article in Muscle and Fitness Hers, July 2003 edition....I don't know if it's available from the publisher or not.....covered a training schedule, nutrition, proper clothing/foot wear....

Also I've gotten wonderful training info/schedules from www.halhigdon.com and www.coolrunning.com you can also try www.jeffgalloway.com all 3 have great info, and all 3 have slightly different approaches to training/racing, so you can find a method that suits you!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by 02bBarbie
one thing about sticking together....please keep in mind race etiquette..the main thing being please don't walk more than two abreast. ...it's really not fair to force people to weave around you.

Thats a very good point! The course tends to be a bit narrow in places, especially going thru some of the water stations....and traffic can get a bit tight!

Also, at WDW anyway, you must tell them your estimated time that it will take you to complete the course. If you believe that you will finish the 1/2 marathon in less than either 2:15 or 1:45, you must provide them with a proof-of-time from a previous race. They then use this info to place the runners in "start corrals" so that the fastest runners are first and the slowest walkers are last. This helps to ease the congestion, and allows folks to more comfortably proceed at their own pace.

 

[02bBarbie]

karebear1....my coach isn't a professional by any means..rather a friend of mine who's done the full marathon twice before and is just impressed my not quite in shape rump is willing to give it qa go

There are professional trainers at my gym, but I much prefer the personal interaction and hey, not paying helps as well!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I like the idea of the run/walk approach. I was going to try to make sure that I could at least walk the minimum speed for some distance and then increase as I am able.
However, I am at a bit of a stall right now with some knee problem. Was worried about further injuring myself. Ortho thinks I may need some sort of arthoscopic done, but doesn't think that this will prohibit my participation. I am just a bit sad over it all right now. Still making that TM and waiting for the weather to break so I can move out of doors.

 

[karebear1]

Tiger Lily- I know nothing about knees, but is there some kind of aerobics (water etc) , or low impact excercise you could do so that you can keep your stamina and not lose it while you're going through your recovery? For me, that's what I'd really worry about! If I stopped- it'd be so hard to start again! When do you see the Dr. next a nd what has he said to do in the meantime?

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by Tiger Lily 03
I, I am at a bit of a stall right now with some knee problem. Was worried about further injuring myself. Ortho thinks I may need some sort of arthoscopic done, but doesn't think that this will prohibit my participation. I am just a bit sad over it all right now.

I know it's hard to back off when you have set such a big goal for yourself, but TRUST ME! You need to let your body heal properly....the longer you *abuse* it, the longer your recovery will be!!!!

This time last year I injured what I THOUGHT was my knee.....after 6 weeks of discomfort (and YES, continued running with loads of advil...) the I saw the ortho....he ordered an MRI and I had actually torn my calf muscle - to the extent that it was tearing away from the bone where it connected in the back of my knee I was *ordered* not to run or even WALK for exercise for 8 full weeks. I couldn't do anything where I might have fully extended my knee! It was not fun.....but I did recover in PLENTY of time to prepare for the 1/2 marathon....I just had to cycle, or elliptical to keep my cardio conditioning.

 

[wiskband]

AKA...............

was wondering, do they need to know about astimated finish time from all of us?????
Also, I like the idea of walk 2 minutes then jog..........
gonna try that one.

Ann................
I will definity look into that book, I too have trying to find what I am comfortable with on the treadmill as far as time and speed.
Two things though, I am always pressed for time to exercise, so I get one and hit 6 mph just so I can finish fast! lol. however when I have time, I am gonna try your method.
Also, heres the biggy!
I am a smoker!
I am currently working on that, I plan to go to my Doc next week and look into a perscription to aid me in quitting. Because of this, I am not sure if I can actually work my way up in both speed and time. I can;t help but think that because I smoke, I have limits........
Promise though, I am working on that!



renee

 

[karebear1]

I'll bet ya that once you stop smoking your endurance and time will really improve. Good for you for trying to stop! ANd when you do.... what are your plans for all that extra $$$$?
I think as for the times- are they looking for official finish times from races? I think tyhey are, but certainly AKA should be able to tell us. I think if you don't put a time, they'll put you in the last corral- but I'm not sure.

 

[evansmom]

thought i might add in some advise, not professional, so take it as you will!!!
i have never done WDW before, i am signed up for the 1/2. i have however completed the cincinnati flying pig marathon 2 times and san diego rock-n-roll marathon 1 time. such a wonderful experience!!!! for all of you first timers....you will LOVE it!!!!!!

about the run/walk situation...i believe AKAsnowWhite had the website, but that is the "Jeff Galloway" program. you run 9 minutes and walk 1. it is supposed to be very effective. i have trained with "Team In Training" for all of my previous marathons, but also ran along side some "Galloway" runners and they actually carried a stop watch that beeped when they were to walk, then again when they were to begin running.

i have a "team in training" training schedule. i modify it some, but can give anyone the basic rundown of the training time frame!!

i also saw john bingham speak before one of the races i did. he is GREAT!!! an average person like the rest of us, who sees a marathon form our perspective. not from the perspective of a 5 minute mile runner, but one who sees many people in front of them!!!! i am not fast, at all, but i enjoy running and i LOVE marathons. they are adictive! and where i run, everyone is very supportive of one another! we do need to be respectful of runners and watch edicate, but i find people to be really motivating!!!


and for Tigerlily...try running in the water. i know it sounds funny, but my friend and i had to water train for the Pig for awhile due to ankle injuries. we would just put a floatie bel on, and run laps for as long as we would have ran outside. i was back to running before my friend. she actually trained all the way to the 20 mile run in the water...then tapered on land and did the full 26.2 marathon in 4:45 (pretty good for a first timer that trained primarily by water running!) just a thought...it may help!!!!

ok, i've rambled enough! like i said, i'm no professional, just someone who enjoy's running and loves marathons!!!! hope you all do to

 

[karebear1]

evansmom- I'm sure I won't be the only one to say that I enjoy your ramblings! I can feel your excitement about participating in a marathon- and it is so wonderful!
As for your friend and her time for the full marathon..... I'll be lucky if I finish the half in that amount of time! WOW! I'm very impressed by both of you!