Days before the marathon

[makeat]

Hello,
I am running my first half marathon ever, and I saw the dates were January 5-8.
I believe that Thursday is the check in and convention right? So the other days you just wait until your race? My main question is do you train at all on those days? Maybe a short run/jog everyday?
I believe we will be staying at either OKW or Saratoga so they are big hotels.
I am really excited to get all of this started but I am totally clueless on what to expect (as you can tell by my questions). Any help would be great! Thanks!

 

[cewait]

Welcome....

WDW Half marathon is a great first time event

The expo (check in) starts around noon on Thursday and runs through Saturday afternoon. The half is on Saturday so you will want to go to the expo Thursday or Friday. Time between the expo and race should be casual. A little park exploration is OK as long as you are not pushing hard to see everything. Many folks do not run the week of the race. I prefer to take a few light and easy 3-5 mile runs race week. Disney offers a 5k on Friday morning that is attended by several folks who run either (or both) the half or full. A quick jog through either of the two resorts lists would make a great stretch out run.

Have fun.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I would say that if you are doing the Half Marathon to take it easy on Friday, if you are doing the Full Marathon to take it easy on Saturday and if doing the Goofy to take it easy the entire weekend!

I know that plenty of the runners on this forum do jog on Thursday or Friday but that just isn't for me. The one time I didn't take it easy was the time I really regretted. Good Luck!!

 

[makeat]

Okay, so you can sign in and get your stuff Thursday or Friday? I thought I read if you dont get it Thursday that you will not be able to run.
If the race is Saturday, I will probably do a light run on Thursday just to kinda stretch.
What is the expo like? I know I saw that there is alot of stuff to buy, but do you have to stay and do it?

 

[cewait]

Okay, so you can sign in and get your stuff Thursday or Friday? I thought I read if you dont get it Thursday that you will not be able to run.
If the race is Saturday, I will probably do a light run on Thursday just to kinda stretch.
What is the expo like? I know I saw that there is alot of stuff to buy, but do you have to stay and do it?

As a first timer I am betting that you really need a souvenir or two. It is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The typical setup has you visiting the HP pavilion (formerly Milk house) where you pick up your bib (number). From there, you walk over to the Jostens Center and head down to the floor. You are funneled to the back of the floor where you will receive your free shirt and goody bag. Alongside the shirt pickup is the ‘official’ Disney stuff. Take a few moments and shop that section. From there, you have to walk through the floor of non-Disney vendors to get back out. All in all, you can work your way through the process in a half hour. Though it is cool to walk up and down the aisles to see what is out there. Very few really good deals, but if you forget to bring something, this is a great place to pick it up.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm wondering if you are planning to arrive many days before or plan to stay a bit after the event weekend? I would not necessarily advise you to arrive too many days before the event. It's just my opinion though. Either day for Expo, Thursday or Friday will work.

As far as running before, pick your desired plan and stick with the guidelines. Most have you in taper mode and light running the week before is all you need. You won't really do much by training hard that last week.

 

[Duanerice]

Nice race to start with. As others have said, just stick to your plan, it will tell you when to run.

Personally I always run the day before a race. Maybe not more than 3 miles, but do get out for a run. Heck, this past weekend I rode a hard 50 miles followed by a 30 min run on Saturday then managed a PR in my half on Sunday. Do not really recommend it but the race wasn't my goal, just happened to be a hometown half.

In past years when I did Goofy I would run on Friday, either the official 5k or a 5k on my own. Then of course the race on Sat and Sunday. On Saturday I took it kind of easy after the half, no parks for me.

My best advice is to not get to Disney too early. Save most of your time for after the race. That way you don't have to worry about wearing yourself out AND you can wear your medal to the parks.

enjoy,
Duane