any runners out there?

[mafibisha]

I'm a runner (of sorts) running 3 miles, 5 days a week (registered for my first 5K this month!!!) and i'm in shape and can EASILY keep up with our two kids!

I say all this because WHY OH WHY am i sooo exhausted after a day at WDW? I mean, my knees NEVER hurt when i'm running (or later) but after a day at Disney, they're stinkin achin!! lol

I buy GREAT shoes (and i replace them every 4 months) but i'm thinking maybe i needed WALKING shoes vs. cross-trainers? .....does anyone know?

Don't misunderstand, i'm FAR from incapacitated lol, but i was VERY surprised to be so tired and achy after our visit there last week. We DID spend at least 14 hours at each park......

I DID however, run FOUR miles monday.....trying to run off all the FABULOUS calories i savored there last week. yum yum yum.......

Thanks for any feedback!!

 

[Trinity721]

I am also a "sort of" runner, but I'm more of a sprinter... can't hang doing long distance, sorry! But I would say that it takes a lot of endurance and energy to do WDW with kids, whether you're used to running marathons or not! It also might be due to activities you might not be thinking about that you do at the parks, like picking up your little ones when they're tired or whatever. And you mentioned spending 14 hours at the park, so I think that contributed in a major way to the pain you're feeling.

As for shoes, I wouldn't recommend walking in cross-trainers. If your running shoes didn't end up being comfortable enough for you I would suggest the walking shoes. But I never had a problem with shoes at WDW, and usually I just wore my favorite flip-flops. But that's just me. I have been working out every day, running and weight training so hopefully I will be in top shape for our trip!

 

[disneyrunner]

I'm not an expert but I am reading a book by Dr Phil Maffetone ( he's consulted with Mark Allen "Ironman winner". He indicates that walking uses your muscles in a different manner than running. That's why your knees may be sore. You may have a muscle imbalance that walking that much causes your pain. In his book he suggests runners trying walking at a fast pace once a week to help with your fat burning and muscle tone. Take this for what it's worth. Just a theory to consider.

 

[CamColt]

I agree! I run 3 miles just about everyday and walk the same maybe 3x a week, and yet in WDW my feet and legs do get sore. Someone once suggested that it has to do with standing still so much, not really the walking.

 

[cavepig]

I'm a runner and I get exhausted at WDW. The back of my knees is what starts aching on me and then my feet start hurting from standing in line. Usually I don't start feeling worn out until the 2nd week of a 2 week trip, and by the last day it's hard to keep going but I've got to make every minute count so I just keep on a walkin. Walking does use different muscles and standing in line probably doesn't do much wonders for feet that have walked miles all day.

I usually wear sport sandals or running shoes at WDW and don't think that's the problem of my aches, but I have seen people wearing shoes that don't look like they could be very comfortable. Also the getting in and out of odd ride vehicles all day can add to aches since you're bending different then normal on some rides to get in and out.

Also I'm usually short on sleep at WDW since I go from open till close, but I do take a break in the afternoon to swim/resort hop. I don't have any small children with me, but I'm sure that keeping track of them adds to the exhaustion. I think being a runner helps keep you going at Disney but I don't think it makes you immune to aches and exhaustion at Disney.

Just some thoughts on the Disney aches from a fellow runner

 

[Deb & Bill]

I did my first 5K a few weeks ago - just walking, not running. But this week we had an inspection at my hospital. We walked 28 miles with the inspector (she had a pedometer) and my feet are real sore. With the 5K, I do it in about 45 minutes. But this went on all day. Walk a little, stop, look around, walk a little more, stop, look around - all day long for 4 days. It's the standing that gets me tired. I changed shoes after the first day - wore my Weejuns. Changed to my New Balance walking shoes and they made my feet feel better, but they still hurt some.

At WDW, I will wear my NB shoes, Nikes and Tevas.