Couch to WDW 2012 1/2 Marathon..... AKA running for my life

Laurabearz

I cant load my bobbin!
Joined
Nov 25, 2001
Messages
13,634
I have been gearing up to try this for a while (in my head dontcha know), and decided I needed solid goals, and begin walk/jogging with a purpose.

I want to complete the WDW 1/2 Marathon in January 2012.

:dance3: So I booked a two bedroom villa at OKW!!!! :dance3:

Using C25K as a model, I have started easy interval training to ease into it. I am 48 and 70 lbs over weight, and have had a tendency to over do it, get hurt and stop. I can't continue that pattern, that pattern got me to be 70lb overweight... hahaha

My PRE C25K plan consists of 30 sec jogging and 2 minutes rest. Way under the 60 sec jog 90 second rest of wk1day1 of C25K but even after three 'runs' I feel great improvement and no pain, so I am pleased. Coupled with a 4 lb weight loss last week, I am going to move it up to 45 second jog with 2 minutes rest for next week and see how that goes :thumbsup2

Loooooooooooong way to go, but I have 11 months to train. :cheer2:

To keep myself in check, I have registered and paid for a 5K Fittness walk in April and a 5K walk/run for May. And I might add a second 5K walk/run in May depending on how my training is going.

I am nudging some real life friends to jump on the walking bandwagon, and booked the 2 bedroom in hopes they join me..... My 9 year old daughter walks with me sometimes, and she gives me a push :-) But I am also fine with walking alone... I can sing that way :rolleyes1

It is nice to have support though, so that's why I am here :goodvibes

Anyone else gearing up for 2012 Half? :cool1:

:upsidedow And lastly... Anyone on Daily Mile or Use Run Keeper and want to be friends on that? Or Weight Watchers online for that matter?? :upsidedow

Let me know! :flower3:
 
I will join in for support - I am on week 7 of the C25K program and plan to do the 1/2 marathon in Janaury.

I think your plan is fantastic - keep up the good work and great attitude.

Tammy
 
OooOoooh I like your marathon ticker!! Might have to get me one of them!!:banana:
 
just wanted to say good for both of you for setting the 1/2 as a goal:thumbsup2

I started C25K last spring and loved the program. I ran a 5K onThanksgiving and really enjoyed it!

I think Im going to sign up for a 10K this April; I run 3.1 miles on a regular basis so I am currently working on getting my distance up to 6.2.

This past week I've been running 5.25 miles and walking the rest of the way to 6.2, so now I feel pretty confidant that I can do the full 10K running the whole way. I dont think I'll ever get to the point of being able to do a 1/2 marathon though...just the thought is overwhelming me:laughing:

I tried getting my Dh to run with me, becuase I think it will be more fun with someone, but he won't bite. My DD13 offered but only if we run a Disney race :laughing: which I would love to do, but its not going to happen this year. :sad2:
 

Tammy and Laura:

These are great goals. Before my first 1/2 I too wasn't much better than a couch potatoe and definately had pounds to lose. That was 11 years ago and I've been so happy that I got off the couch and started training. I LOVE the Disney races!!

While I don't run, I walk my races, since that first half, I've done a ton more and this year I set a goal of doing a half a month to celebrate my 50th birthday.

Good luck with your training and your goals.
 
Had a bad run* today... calves tightened and I couldn't get them to loosen up. I did some stretching before I ran and I started off with a 7 minute walk (5 minute warm up, 2 minutes med) I think what did me in today was... two cups of coffee and not enough water. I am dehydrated big time. :sick:

I really need to work on hydrating myself through out the day. Any suggestions to get me to drink more water/non caffeinated drinks? I came close to buying a Britta water pitcher today, but want to price them out more. I'll set that as a priority. :goodvibes

Started reading John Bingham's The Courage to Start today. Really enjoying it so far! Just those words in itself have been my mantra.

:woohoo: DLF>DNF>DNS :woohoo:

:cool1: I've started! :cool1:

QOTW

WHAT BRAND OF SOCKS DO YOU BUY?



*and by run I mean mostly walk with more and more running, but still mostly walking
 
just wanted to say good for both of you for setting the 1/2 as a goal:thumbsup2

I started C25K last spring and loved the program. I ran a 5K onThanksgiving and really enjoyed it!

I think Im going to sign up for a 10K this April; I run 3.1 miles on a regular basis so I am currently working on getting my distance up to 6.2.

This past week I've been running 5.25 miles and walking the rest of the way to 6.2, so now I feel pretty confidant that I can do the full 10K running the whole way. I dont think I'll ever get to the point of being able to do a 1/2 marathon though...just the thought is overwhelming me:laughing:

I tried getting my Dh to run with me, becuase I think it will be more fun with someone, but he won't bite. My DD13 offered but only if we run a Disney race :laughing: which I would love to do, but its not going to happen this year. :sad2:

That is terrific - I am running/walking for about 42 minutes with warm up and cool down - although I can't seem to run for more than 6-7 minutes with a 1 min walk break, but I am working on it. I run on the treadmill and can't wait to get outside, if only the weather would break.

My DD is 13 as well and we are doing a 5k run next Sunday - she runs cross country and track and I told her she had to slow down to my turtle pace
:snail:

Tammy
 
laurabearz - Great goal! You can totally do it!

I am planning on doing that race, and/or the full marathon.

We are not booked yet, but that's the week we have planned to go to Disney. We went in 2009, Friday before the races, and the week after, and it was a WONDERFUL time for us to be there. That got me motivated, and I started running last summer. After a few false starts, (started, quit, started, quit), I am now consistently running 2 miles 3-4 times a week. When it gets warmer out, I hope to increase that dramatically.

My original goal was to run a 1/2 this coming May, but right now, I'm not sure if that's realistically going to happen. I think the hardest part for me is finding the TIME to run. I work full time, and when I get home, I have to make dinner, help DD with her homework, then spend a little time with her before getting her ready for bed. Then clean a bit, do some laundry, spend time with DH, and before you know it, it's past my bedtime!

How do you fit your runs/walks into your everyday? I know it would help me immensely to just get up early and do it, but at 6:00 am, the whole house is dark adn cold and quiet, and my bed is so warm and comfy, and it's hard for me to tear myself out. Terrible, I know, but it's the truth!
 
I am a SAHM with the kids in school, so the day is mine for the most part... in other words I have NO EXCUSE not to get my workouts in...

Had a good walk/jog today. Started slow. I seem to need a long warm up period, so I switched up my runkeeper program and it went well today :-)

Lost a total of 9 lbs in two weeks...

Joined Team All Ears :-)

Movin forward!!!
 
I'm in too!

I'm on week 3 of C25K but haven't run in a week, kids home and DD was sick.
So I'm thinking of kicking back to week 2.

I'm signed up for the Everest Challenge at WDW in May and I'm thinking of signing up for the 5K there in October.
My goal is the Princess 1/2 and my second goal is to not get swept. LOL

I'm not a runner but my kids are, they are all on the Cross Country teams at their schools. I figure this is a good family thing to do, I just need to get DH's back healthy enough to run, he's actually a mountain bike racer.

I ran today and I was able to do a mile in 16:03, which is my best time yet. now to keep that up and get some more distance in too.
 
Just want to chime in that you CAN do it! I did couch to marathon last year. In November 2009 I started the C25K program having never run before. A few weeks in I decided I needed a big goal, so I made it the 2011 Disney Full.

So congrats on setting a big, but attainable goal. Best of luck to you!
 
I am also signed up for the 1/2 Marathon in January having not run a step in the last 5 years. I am starting the C25K tomorrow morning.

I am a graduate student and mother of a 1 year old so I am sure that finding the time to run is going to be difficult but I am looking forward to having something to plan for.... Yay a Disney trip!!!

My DH is running the marathon in January but he was a cross country runner in high school and reguarly runs 5-6 miles at a time. Needless to say we don't exercise together.

Looking forward to sharing and hearing more about 1/2 marathon training.
 
I just signed up for the Disney Half-Marathon too, and I'm working the same program. Before this, I swore I would never run unless something very scary was chasing me. I still plan to walk more than run, but definitely will need to run to have a quick enough pace. I'm glad there are other first timers out there and we can help cheer each other on!

Laurabearz, I have started using a bunch of the Crystal Light packages added to water that we run through the Brita Water Filter pitcher. Crystal Light has lots of choices for flavor and it definitely helps me when I don't feel like drinking plain water. :)
 
I have been gearing up to try this for a while (in my head dontcha know), and decided I needed solid goals, and begin walk/jogging with a purpose.

I want to complete the WDW 1/2 Marathon in January 2012.

:dance3: So I booked a two bedroom villa at OKW!!!! :dance3:

Using C25K as a model, I have started easy interval training to ease into it. I am 48 and 70 lbs over weight, and have had a tendency to over do it, get hurt and stop. I can't continue that pattern, that pattern got me to be 70lb overweight... hahaha

My PRE C25K plan consists of 30 sec jogging and 2 minutes rest. Way under the 60 sec jog 90 second rest of wk1day1 of C25K but even after three 'runs' I feel great improvement and no pain, so I am pleased. Coupled with a 4 lb weight loss last week, I am going to move it up to 45 second jog with 2 minutes rest for next week and see how that goes :thumbsup2

Loooooooooooong way to go, but I have 11 months to train. :cheer2:

To keep myself in check, I have registered and paid for a 5K Fittness walk in April and a 5K walk/run for May. And I might add a second 5K walk/run in May depending on how my training is going.

I am nudging some real life friends to jump on the walking bandwagon, and booked the 2 bedroom in hopes they join me..... My 9 year old daughter walks with me sometimes, and she gives me a push :-) But I am also fine with walking alone... I can sing that way :rolleyes1

It is nice to have support though, so that's why I am here :goodvibes

Anyone else gearing up for 2012 Half? :cool1:

:upsidedow And lastly... Anyone on Daily Mile or Use Run Keeper and want to be friends on that? Or Weight Watchers online for that matter?? :upsidedow

Let me know! :flower3:

Great goal. Like others my first long event was Disney in 99. I too was a real couch slug and had lots of joint issues as a result. Today, I live a life I knew nothing of back then.

We are currently booked at OKW but will be moving resorts once the home resort lock passes. We like BWV or BCV due to their proximity to the courses and Epcot. We stayed BLT once but again will need a two bedroom place, and that is a tough resort to get into when looking for 2 rooms.

Feel free to ask any questions, PM if you think they are silly. I have been an endurance coach for a few years.
 
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing - I finished the C25k program on Sunday and started Jeff Galloway's 21-week 1/2 marathon training program in preparation for what I hope is my 1st 1/2 marathon in July.

My DD and I did a 5k this past weekend and while my time was slow, I was so happy to finish it. I ran the majority of the way, with a few walk breaks. I tried to do walk/run intervals, but I forget my timer, and I keep forgetting where I was on the timer :laughing: I've got alot of training to do to get this running thing down ;)

Keep working hard everyone - we can do this together!!!
 
I did my second C210K day yesterday and I'm still amazed at how good I feel with the run/walk alternating pace. Granted, it's very short running intervals so far, but I don't run....didn't run. :)

We're booked for BLT for Marathon Weekend!

Congrats on finishing your 5K - slow or not, you finished! Slow and steady...
 
Oh my... I could have written ever word you did! I too am dreaming of going from couch to Princess 1/2 Marathon in Feb 2012. I was wondering if it's a crazy plan, or too lofty a goal. I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. The question is, is it wise?

My first trip to WDW was during the 2009 Princess weekend and I was so inspired by the runners. I've been thinking about it all this time and realized that if I didn't set the date it would forever be just a dream. So I've told DH that I want to do the 2012 and he's onboard with plan and is behind me 100%. We have friends that we travel with and they have agreed to the trip date too.

So I've made some noise about it and I'm excited. I want to make it happen. I have the support I need and the determination. Had we not been hit with the biggest snow storm of the season, I'd have been out there walking today.

We're DVC members and DH is making noise about booking the room this month if I'm sure. Before I go any further, can someone tell me if I'm nuts?

I'm 48, overweight but otherwise in great health. Am I crazy to think I can be ready in time for the 1/2?

Thanks!
 
Hi all,

I've just started c25k and am thinking about doing a race at Disney. I've been reading TRs and thinking about the Princess Half, but right now I just need to see if I can make it to the 5K. One step at a time.

I know if I can successfully accomplish a 5K, and then a 10K this summer, then maybe I really can train for a half marathon in February. I hope I can join in and be inspired by this group!

Cate
 
I'm so glad I found this thread!

My DBF and I have registered for the Disneyland 5k in September, and we've also registered for the WDW Half next January. We're totally stoked about both events. (BTW, is it TOO early to be booking for January? hehe) My parents recently completed the Princess Half last month (they will be going for the Coast to Coast medal, after they complete Disneyland's half in Sept), and that was much of our inspiration to do the WDW Half: The Coast to Coast medal, and DBF wants one. lol

I'm not much of a runner, and while I'm only 23, I haven't been very active throughout my college years. I have started jogging a bit though. I've been doing interval jog/walk on the trails by my house. I usually jog about 3 minutes and walk about 2 minutes. I'm just trying to build my endurance. Every time I jog, I always feel better though!

I've downloaded the training program that I found via the WDW Half Marathon website and I'm hoping to possibly start that, or even if I can't, at least just keep on jogging. I've done 5ks before and it usually takes me about 45 minutes walking. I want to beat that time!

Good luck to everyone on their training, this is such an inspiring and supportive thread!
 
Oh my... I could have written ever word you did! I too am dreaming of going from couch to Princess 1/2 Marathon in Feb 2012. I was wondering if it's a crazy plan, or too lofty a goal. I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. The question is, is it wise?

My first trip to WDW was during the 2009 Princess weekend and I was so inspired by the runners. I've been thinking about it all this time and realized that if I didn't set the date it would forever be just a dream. So I've told DH that I want to do the 2012 and he's onboard with plan and is behind me 100%. We have friends that we travel with and they have agreed to the trip date too.

So I've made some noise about it and I'm excited. I want to make it happen. I have the support I need and the determination. Had we not been hit with the biggest snow storm of the season, I'd have been out there walking today.

We're DVC members and DH is making noise about booking the room this month if I'm sure. Before I go any further, can someone tell me if I'm nuts?

I'm 48, overweight but otherwise in great health. Am I crazy to think I can be ready in time for the 1/2?

Thanks!

I'm not sure if I'm sane to be doing this myself, but I'm using the run/walk/run method that so many people advocate to avoid injuries and build up stamina and endurance slowly and safely. We all have to make our own choice about whether to jump in or not, and after that maybe check with your doctor to be sure you're healthy enough to take on the challenge. Then pick a good slow program and see where you go. Of course, I've just started training for my first half, so I really have no idea how tough it's going to get. :rotfl2:
 












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