Disney 1/2 Marathon for Dummies

[cobbler]

Ok, I am committed, I am going to do the 2009 1/2 marathon. The application is filled out and going in the mail tomorrow.

Now since I have never run any kind of marathon before and my only race experience is the ToT 6.5K (which apparantly was a disaster), I have NO clue what to expect, what goes on and what anything means.

I have been trying to read the recent threads with the reports and such but some of the things still leave me clueless. Here are some questions I have.

I have figured out corrals I think. Basically there are 3? and if your fast then you get to get out of the gate first, the slower you are, the last corral you are in, is this correct? Does anyone know the breakoff limits for the times for each corral?

Now I read about waves? And then different corrals in the waves? Someone needs to explain that to me please.

And what is this "official finisher" thing. If I understand it right, say you are in the last corral and you start at 6:30, you finish in the 3.5 hour time limit given by 9:45-10am. But since you didn't finish by 9:30 which is the 3.5 hours after the first people get to go you are NOT considered an official finisher? What is up with that? So basically if you are slower you may get a medal but don't really finish? I need some explaining on that one too.
Does this mean you don't get an official time?

So what does an official finisher mean, what do you get or what are the benefits?

Then it seems they want you there a good 1.5 hours before the race actually starts, any reason? I know there are probably lots of people to herd but do you really just twiddle your thumbs during that time. Seems like it was a lot of hurry up and wait at the 6.5K.

Any advice for training? Does everyone really run or jog the entire 13 miles? Do you break up the run/walk into segments, for example jog miles 1-4, walk 5, jog 6-9, walk 10 and finish jogging the rest? What kind of run/walk schedule does everyone follow?

Ok, I think that is all the questions I have for now, sorry for so many.

I would appreciate any insight that can help me understand and get me better prepared.

Thanks again

 

[JimB.]

1/2 start is 7 corrals (A-G) that start in 3 waves (6:00, 6:10, 6:25 a.m.)

Wave #1 is corrals A & B, wave #2 is C & D, wave #3 is E,F, & G.

Any advice for training?

Anecdotally, I would say start slow & easy & build up your base. The hardest thing for me was getting my legs used to going for 2 hours without stopping. You can be a cardiovascular stud, but if your legs are not used to RUNNING for that time, you will have difficulty.

There are lots of good books out there to help you train. I can't recommend any one specifically. Just check the sports section of B & N, or even better, find a "real" running shop in your area.

And what is this "official finisher" thing.

I THINK the course actually closes at 10 a.m. (3 +30 after the final wave), but I'm not positive on that.

Then it seems they want you there a good 1.5 hours before the race actually starts, any reason?

I'm sure it's just for crowd control purposes. Being the paranoid kind of guy I am, I was probably one of the 1st 100 people there on Saturday. Yes, there IS a lot of standing around, but personally, I would rather do that than be one of the hundreds of cars streaming into the parking lot 1/2 hour before race time. It's a good time to relax & decompress before the start. Bring a throwaway towle and sit/lay down for a while. I actually fell asleep for a few minutes in my corral. Fortunately, I was surrounded by kind people who did not step on me (much).

Also. I would recommend doing some organized race (10K or more) prior to doing the WDW 1/2. You learn the race atmosphere & learn how you will react. A lot of people tear out like you-know-what & bonk later down the road. It's good to learn how to keep a tight grip on the reins at the start.

Be advised, I am no expert. This is just based on my experience & what has worked for me.

The biggest piece of advice: Keep your head UP, take in all of the experience that you can & have a GREAT time!!

(And don't attack the hill coming out from under the water at the CR. Take it nice and easy. Please)

 

[MomofCKJ]

Thanks for asking these questions, I had many of the same. I have never run a race and have signed up for the 09 Half as well.

About being swept, I know you need to keep a 16 minute pace per mile. How is that measured exactly? Is it by when the last person in each corral leaves? I just am kind of confused by how that works.

Allyson

 

[escape]

I just typed out a nice long reply that took me 30 minutes to compose (I'm a little slow) and darn computer kicked me out.

Here it is in a nutshell! In addition to what JimB says...

I went from couch potato to doing the WDW half in '07. Here's what worked for me...

I bought the Marathoning for Mortals book by John Bingham (JB) and Jenny Hadfield as recommended by several WISHers. This is a book for the average Joe - which I am. JB was a couch potato as well before he started running and eventually training for a marathon. This book is full of humor, inspiring stories, tips and tricks, and how to prepare and what to expect mentally and physically for your first half or full marathon. The book also contains 4 training plans for the half and for the full which several WISHers, including me, have used for our training. The plans included are for those that want to walk only, walk/run (walking emphasized - I did this one), run/walk (running emphasized) and run only. I HIGHLY recommend this book for the inspiration and tips and tricks alone. There are many, many other training plans available - on the Internet and in other books. You just need to find the one that best fits your schedule and needs.

I must add - this board is also a great place to get tips, advice and MUCH support. You just can't beat the WISHers here. We range from novices to very experienced. THere is something for everyone.

As for the finishing thing, and from my understanding, this comes in two parts:

You must maintain a 16-min/mile. This is measured from the time the last person crosses the starting line. As long as you are able to continue and finish without getting swept (when race officials stop you from proceeding) then you will get a medal*. This is what is important if you just want to finish the darn thing.

However, just because you get a medal, it doesn't mean that you finished within the "official" required time. You must maintain a 16-min/mile based on your chip time (the total time it took you to finish based on the time you crossed the start line). If you finish within the required chip time, you will receive a finisher's certificate and a final chip time. I say this with my fingers crossed as I thought I read where some people finished within the required time but still didn't get a finishing chip time. So, I'm confused there.

I hope this helps. It's really all about the medal and not the certificate - unless you are qualifying for Boston or some other event that requires you to have a certain chip time.

First advice - get thee to a bookstore to check out the Marathoning for Mortals book. It is very motivational and fun reading.

*You should get a medal if the POWERS THAT BE DON'T MISPLACE THEM...AGAIN!

 

[ironz]

I'm going to echo a comment by a PP...a 1/2 marathon is a big deal. You have ample time to train (good), but also you have ample time to get some race experience (also good).

Find a 5K and a 10K event in your area and go do those. It helps give you an idea what to expect. You won't come into the huge Disney event all "deer in the headlights"....well, maybe you will a little, because it is a big deal event. But at least you will know more than by coming in without any experience.

Things to try to learn along the way (besides the actual training)...
how to put a timing chip on your shoe, how to race courteously (there is a great thread on this, but basically, don't start at the front of the pack if you are going to walk the whole thing, don't walk 3 and 4 abreast--particularly if you are on a one-lane road, stuff like that), you can practice your race nutrition and hydration.

There are lots of good books out there, and I recommend that, plus do some races! It's great practice!!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Things to try to learn along the way (besides the actual training)...
how to put a timing chip on your shoe, how to race courteously (there is a great thread on this, but basically, don't start at the front of the pack if you are going to walk the whole thing, don't walk 3 and 4 abreast--particularly if you are on a one-lane road, stuff like that), you can practice your race nutrition and hydration.

QUOTE]

I'll have to look for that thread, I bet that is really helpful for newbies. There is a local 5K in my town in October and I think one in June as well. My plan is to try and take part in those for sure.

Thanks to all of you who answer these questions, you are super helpful and encouraging!

Allyson

 

[Sandy321]

THIS was so me last January!!

I was so hyper I started a Pre trip report that lists lots of my paranoid thoughts and feelings, and some pictures to enhance!!

I joined WISH team, I bought a WISH Shirt (so please watch the threads here, I believe the organizer said they order twice a year!!) THIS was the BEST thing I did for dh and I - buying the shirts, it made me FEEL like part of the team - and when the going got tough - and believe you me it got tough!! The Screaming WISH'ers were there, and when Mahaere/Anne looked in my eye around mile 7, she jogged next to me encouraging me telling me, I COULD do it!! So buy the shirt, the hat, and take all the advice -

I echo the 5K race - I joined the couch-to-5K printed it out and started, at times I thought, hmmm this isnt so tough!! I can do this!! Then the 5K race it was a shock - I mean I was training at 3 miles 3 times or more a week - and not having to walk - (now my jog is slower than many people's walk, let me just say!!) So when the 5K race went out - I had a wonderful coach my future daughter in law - who runs 11 min miles, I was training at 15min miles, and pretty darned proud of myself!! That race took the wind out of my sails - and I trained harder for the Half!!

I got "sick" in bed for 2 weeks sick in October - it was tough going to get back on track. Real tough - but the incentive of the Disney Half, along with glorious stories of overcoming challenges here - motivated me - and got me out there!! Christmas Eve I did my first longest run of 8 miles - 2 hours - a slow 8 miles!!

I kept checking in here and made lists, and took every bit of encouragement the WISH'ers gave - and they gave so freely!!

I was in Wave 3 Corral F or C or G - anyway, when the call came to move to the corrals it was around 4:45 am - and I just walked with the crowds - I knew I was there 2 hours before, but I knew I had to be close to the start!! Then some wonderful DIS'er found me, and we sat and talked - many people jump the pastic fence to potty - but I had gone till there was nothing to give!!

I crossed the start line around 6:35 am - and the first 2 miles, ok maybe 4 (mile 4 you see the entrance for cars to MK!!) no sweat - no worries - Then as you leave the MK the bikes appear, and the panic set in - "Make it to Mile 7 before ____ min or you'll be swept" So I did NOT follow the wisdom - I stopped and took pictures, I thought I was ahead by 20 min, but I was only ahead by 10, so wasting 5 min in the MK cost me, mentally and physically!!

I know I should've trained more, but I know I couldnt. I know now I will do it again, and I will finish and get a photo of ME FINISHING!

I finished on the clock at 4 hours and 7 min - so even tho my personal chip says I finished in 3 hours 30 min - the Disney clock was turned off, so for me I feel as if I failed myself. It only means I hit a road bump, and I will keep on trying!!

Here are some pictures for you!!

 

[Sandy321]

Main street!!

stopping in MK for photos - I only went where there wasnt a line, but it still took precious moments -

I hesitate to tell others not to do this - because for me, it was a first, I finished, I have a medal, I have memories - and I have pics of the fun - and I may never pass this way again, there are no guarentees for tomorrow, but I had this!! I also stopped in Frontierland for the flush potties, and a/c!!

Next time in 2010 my goal will be for time, not pictures!!

Pre race morning - the DAYGLO shirts are easy to spot, and you do belong on the team!! its a great feeling... I of course was too nervous to sit, too nervous NOT to sit - please take a towel, take throwaway clothes to sit on tho!!

Mile 12 the scream team stood out as I debated whether I could make it to the last sweep point in 2 min - it was all downhill, but still - then the dayglo shirts, like I could let them down!! I was motivated now!!

NEENER NEENER SWEEPERS - I did it, I got passed it!! The bikes have flags they roll up as they bike from mile marker sweep point to mile marker sweep point, so as you made it to the one point, and you start wondering how far the next mile post is - there comes a bike sweeper - DH/Tim felt sorry for them, knowing how much all of us hated them!!

I thought, if I could only keep up with the pack, I would be ok, I couldnt keep up with the pack! and it didnt matter, the sweepers come out and flag down, and a busses are pulled in front at mile 10... Mile 11 there was one bus in the center median - Mile 12 no busses in site!! Another poster Eva, was behind me, and her bike person said she was fine after mile 10 or 11 - but the bikers by me were cruel, they said I had 2 min to get to point 12 as the sweeper bike went by!!

Finish - those SCREAM TEAM WISHers got to the finish line as well!!

and there were no medals left - again, so I hope we all write Disney to ask keep that timer on for us at the end of the pack, (and still meet the 3 hour 30 min requirement!) and GET THE BLOODY MEDALS THERE - and the last to finish work harder than most - so save some medals for us!!

(and I cried to my concierge, who stayed on the phone till she found where I could get my medal, so I did get it that afternoon!!)

 

[chimera]

There's a link to this in the walking/running info websites sticky, but here's the stuff from Road Runner Clubs of America. I would add to #5 in the You're Off section, particularly for WDW races, if you stop to take a picture, move to the side. I ran square into a guy who stopped dead in front of me to take a picture of his friends crossing the finish line.

RULES OF THE RACE:
RACE ETIQUETTE FOR RUNNERS
By Miss Road Manners
Freddi Carlip

In the interest of promoting an enjoyable race experience for everyone, the Road Runners Club of America sought the advice and counsel of their own race-etiquette maven Miss Road Manners. Whatever the pace, wherever the race, race manners matter.

AT THE STARTING LINE
1. Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk. Slower runners and walkers should move to the back of the group.
2. Pay attention to the pre-race instructions. What you hear will not only help guide you through the course but will also keep you safe. Examples are: stay on the right side of the road, or stay inside the traffic cones, or watch the course marshals (they control traffic to make your race a safe experience) for which way to go at major intersections.
3. Pin your race number on the front of your shirt. This is where it is most visible for race officials. It will also make it easier to pull the tag off at the end of the race. Miss Road Manners has been tempted to pull off errant race numbers. You don't want to feel the pull of her white-gloved hand on your derriere, do you?
4. If you drop something just as the race starts, don't stop and pick it up. You'll endanger yourself and others. Trust that a race official will get it, or move to the side and wait until everyone has crossed the starting line and then retrieve it. Miss Road Manners waits till all of the runners have passed before she picks up the white glove she's dropped at the start (after hordes of runners have left their footprints on said glove, it no longer qualifies as white*let's call it grimy gray).

YOU'RE OFF!
1. Run or walk no more than two abreast. Other runners will want to get by you. If you are walking in a group, stay in the back of the pack.
2. If you are stopping at an aid station, move all the way over to the table, grab water, and move away from the table so others may get water too. If you want to stop and drink, move to the side of the road, out of the way of other runners. If there's a trash receptacle, by all means use it. If not, don't go too far with your cup. The race volunteers will be collecting the cups and
will appreciate not having to go on an extended "litter patrol."
3. Even those of us who perspire instead of sweat may have to deal with bodily functions during the race. If you need to spit, move to the side of the road and do it there; same goes for throwing up. If nature calls, pull off the course and check for a port-a-potty or kind homeowner, or, as a last resort, a discreet clump of bushes. Even Miss Road Manners, who admits to sweating, has been known to spit, hurl, and heed the call of nature during a race.
4. Move to the side if someone behind you says, "Excuse me" or "Coming through." Yes, you are about to be passed and the person behind you is giving you a heads up. It's proper race etiquette to let that person through.
5. If you need to tie your shoe, or stop for any reason, please move to the side of the road. People coming up behind you are still moving and if you stop in front of them, the scene is set for a collision. Miss Road Manners almost took a header in a race when someone abruptly stopped in front of her. In addition to the bruises to her dignity, just think of what the fall would
have done to her white gloves!
6. Feel free to shout words of encouragement to other runners. The other runners will appreciate your cheers. Miss Road Manners is confident you will hear encouraging words in return.
7. Pay attention to what is going on around you during the race. Just as in real life, expect the unexpected. Think loose dogs, lost kids, low branches, and looming potholes.

APPROACHING THE FINISH
1. Follow the instructions of the race officials at the finish. You may be told to stay to the right or to the left.
2. Most races don't allow your nonregistered friends and relatives to run with you in a race. If, even though Miss Road Manners frowns on it, a friend is running the last few miles with you, and hasn't officially entered the race, tell your friend NOT to cross the finish line. He/she should move off the race course before the finish.
3. Once you have crossed the finish line, don't stop. Keep moving to the end of the chute; stay in the exact order in which you finished. Please don't get ahead of anyone in the finish chutes. This is very important for accurate scoring.
4. Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember others want to enjoy the goodies too. Moderation is the key so there's food for the last people finishing the race. Miss Road Manners asks that you not cut in front of her in the food line. She's as hungry as you are and she has a temper that flares up mightily when she is starving. Be fair to the runners who have been patiently waiting in line.
5. Don't forget to turn in the stub on your race bib if there are random prize drawings. You've got to enter to win. Listen for the announcements.

A FINAL REMINDER FROM MISS ROAD MANNERS:
ENJOY THE RACE AND HAVE FUN! AND DON'T FORGET TO MIND YOUR RACE
MANNERS!

 

[ironz]

Excellent info, chimera!

I would like to stress #1 of the Starting Line, and #1 for You're Off!

Keep in mind that, even though slower runners are not out for the win, they would like to run their comfortable or goal pace, so blocking them isn't very nice. I did a local run at Thanksgiving, and some woman who was walking (more like strolling) the thing started next to the pace sign that said 9:00 miles or faster. Hope she wasn't scared or hurt by the hundreds of runners flying by her. I know some runners will throw a elbow or give you a nudge to let you know you're in the way.

Anyway....(off the soapbox)...
Doing some races leading up to the WDW races is a great idea...you get some event experience, and it is fun and helpful to have these shorter events as milestones on your marathon or 1/2 marathon journey! You can treat them as rewards for keeping up the training, or as training days, or try to go out and be as fast as you can! I do love this healthy lifestyle.

p.s. Sandy, you are going to PR so much next time! Love your pic with Piglet!

 

[Sandy321]

While working out I thought of another hint -

1. DONT take your ipod - you wont need it, there is so much going on, and Disney had so much music on the course - I just loved taking it all in - and while going thru the MK - you have to listen to that music!!

2. DONT take a fanny pak - because then you will fill it, and the weight of the thing will get annoying... and you will put your cell phone in it, and at mile 11 when you have nothing left and you call your dh and tell him, you cant do it, both of you will feel emotional - and then you will be spurred on by someone on the course, and you WILL FINISH!!!

3. If you pack your camera, then of course you will use it, and it will eat up those minutes - but then again, its a personal call!!

well maybe I would take a fanny pak because having the gel goo blocks really was much better than the goo... but dont take the heavy digital camera!! *grin

Ironz thanks...

 

[cobbler]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I will look it over more thoroughly and digest it more and I am sure to come back with some questions.

I am signing up the the Minnie 15K this May to give me a feel for things too so that should help.

I really like the sound of the book too. I will check that out.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[hoosmi]

Do try to get some racing experience before Disney. It will help you learn how to pin on your number, deal with water stops, and just have a basic feel for what happens.

If you pick a local race (5k or 10k), see if they have results posted from past years. A time that may be middle of the pack in a bigger race may be dead last in a smaller one (trust me on that one! ) It's no big deal to be DLF, you just need to know it's a possibility before you start so you aren't freaked out.

Don't get discouraged if some of your runs/walks don't go well. People call them stonkers here. They happen.

At some point you will catch a cold or worse- you can recover and get back to training!

I loved every minute of the half, and the Minnie 15k isn't bad either!

Jen in GA

 

[tigger2esq]

this was totally me in 2001. I had just run my very first full mile without stopping in January, and went and signed up for the Disney half in 2002. I started slowly,joined my local gym, recruited a friend of mine to workout with me and signed myslef up for a 5K in April, 2 in May, 1 in June etc. and my local half marathon in September. I only used the september half to gauge my progress knowing full well running the entire distance was not going to happen (I made it to mile 10 that day and walked the last 3). by the time Disney rolled around I was a racing pro (knowing NOT to pin my number to my back... how to stop at a water stop without getting run over, how to get through a finish line chute etc.). and MOST of all--how to ahve FUN! I got myself a subscription to Runners Wold which kept me motivated (esp. John the Penguin Bingham's column) and checked out some training plans on thier website. I picked the 16 week plan for when the seriousl training time swept in, counted back the days from the start and hung my plan on my fridge. in the end I lost 20 lbs, finisehd what would technically be my second half marathon and had a GREAT time!

 

[ironz]

hoosmi....excellent point about the stonker training days. Actually some of the best training days are the bad ones...because you learn that you can endure even on a bad day.

And...another little hint....
you don't have to wear your race shirt on race day! In fact, many runners will not wear a shirt until after they have finished the event. But the reason I'm saying is that there were so many people at the full (and half) last weekend, wearing those long sleeve shirts...and it was much too warm.

 

[wdw4us]

I going to disagree with someone here and hope they are not offended. I am a walker. Out of 5 in our family that did the 1/2 I was the only walker and did it at my own pace. Thankfully they left me behind as I had requested so I could do the whole thing at MY PACE which is different than theirs. Hence my legs were not as bad as training with them.

Since I was alone I had no one to talk to. I had my shuffle with a whole much of 80's music to get me through.

Billy Ocean when the going gets Tough,

Lionel Richie - Dancing on the Ceiling etc. When I really needed a lift, and to pick up the pace, these songs helped me through.

My training song was always Dreams by Van Halen, when I needed a boost Sammy was singing in my ear.

I did shut the suffle off a couple of times - yes in the MK, yes for the Gospel singers at the end and a few other places but if your alone on the course and need a bit of encouragement, it might me a handy item to bring along. You may not need it but a shuffle is so small, it won't be in the way.

denise ( the 53 year old in the pink)

 

[swim-mom]

I am so proud of all of you!!!

Just to be able to complete the 1/2 is a wonderful and non-forgetable experience!!!

I hope to do the 1/2, soon. However being in grad school the future is uncertain for that!!

Great job and great information!

 

[angietuck2]

I will jump in here on a couple of things:

• I do use my MP3 in races, I need the constant music for motivation. I just take it out when something fun is going on .
• I like to get there at 4 when they say you should. DH did 1/2 by himself this year and decided that was stupid and did not need to get there that early. We pulled into parking lot at 5 and by the time he used port - a - potty and got to starting line who could not get any where near the corral he was supposed to be in. I guess there is a reason they tell you to be there so early
• We actually did a couple 13 mile runs before any races we did. But I have a friend who did 1/2 this year who never did more than 7 miles. I would not reccommend that but I guess it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with. I just wanted to know I would be able to do it.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope it helps a little.

angie

 

[shell78]

I'd say start training now! It will be good to get your base miles in training now. You can google all sorts of training plans by putting in a distance and "training plan" and you will get tons of different ones. Most are 12-18 weeks long so you should plan on really getting serious about a training plan come Sept., or even in the middle of August. If you want you can double a plan and repeat weeks (i.e. pick a 12 week program, double it to 24, then for weeks 1 & 2 you do Training Plan Week 1, for weeks 3 & 4 you do Training Plan Week 2, etc).

Now I'd say start on a couch to 5k program (couchto5k.com). When you finish that, try out a 10k training plan.

 

[corinnak]

I'll second the suggestion of C25K - it's a great program. You can find the plan at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

and there are many helpful links for beginning runners at http://www.c25k.com/

There is also a great thread for people going through the program on the DISboards:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1330720

It's long as it is over a year old, but you can just jump right in at the end! The people who went through it a year ago aren't the same people who are talking about the program now, for the most part.

I am also registered for the Minnie and am planning on the half in 09, so hope to see you there!