Disney half marathon questions

[kdiana]

I'm going to try walking the half marathon, have never done anything like this before. I have a LOT questions for you pros out there: It sounds so crowded, is it possible to get so far behind in the beginning because of the crowds? Is there a particular way to pass people? Do runners stay on one side and walkers on another, I know from walking at the track that runners have the left side. Do many people use cd players or ipods and do you recommend this? Is it possible to walk along with someone or do you get kind of mixed up in the crowd? I am going to walk a half in North Conway in October, I may learn some of things, but I'm sure it's not on this scale. A few more questions- where do you pick up the chip and why is necessary to be at the stating gate so early? Is it wise or not wise to carry a small backpack or bag or should you just put stuff in your pockets? What stuff would you need to bring anyway? Thanks in advance!
Kris

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Walkers to the right to allow runners to the left. That was a big pet peeve...I tried to remember this rule--but constantly found a line of walkers across the roadway. I had lots of med tent stops--so I was always passing runners. But if you are towards the back---you won't encounter as many runners passing you.

You can walk with a buddy if they are participating with you. I did. It is very motivating. I finished late--but I would not have finished at all without my buddy. We both had major setbacks within days of the event that basically almost shot our chances of finishing (And we had respectable pacings that would have yielded a great finish).

Carry a hip pack if you need anything. I did see people with backpacks. If you don't mind wearing one for up to 3.5 hours...then go for it.

I brought gu, a camera, my salt, room key, and I ended up having maxi pads as well.

Next time--I will get sample sizes of diaper cream and have those for emergencies.

Chip is picked up at expo.

Starting gate so early--b/c it takes a while to transport and line up 10,000+ participants. If you stay at Port Orleans or Old Key West...you can walk to the start. But for the half--it is an additional half mile away. The full start is right across the street.

There is entertainment on the course....listening devices are prohibited...some people use them anyway. I would have KILLED for one last year. I'm still contemplating it. But it is one extra thing to carry.


Pacing--b/c of the crowd conditions--your training pace and other event paces should be 15:00 minute miles. This is cumulative average....not event average. What this means is--you cannot start too slow and then pick up several miles down the road....you become at risk for sweeping. Your warm up should be in the parking lot prior to the event and not in the actual event. The congestion will slow you up---and then once you hit your best pace.....towards the end, most taper off a bit. If you can do that half in October in 15 minute miles or less...then you'll be golden for Disney.

More details on the FAQ thread at the top of the board

 

[NCRedding]

I wore a small fanny pack last year that had chapstick, sunglasses, cell phone, room key, hand lotion in it (my hands always feel chapped when I walk). I carried a water bottle but won't be doing that this year--they had sufficient stops along the way, and it just seemed to hit me at the wrong place.

I met a buddy in the corral and we talked as we walked. I plan on asking for a mini-ipod for Christmas that I will smuggle in. It was very crowded at the start, but thinned out fairly quickly. Pacing was an issue for me.

It was a wonderful experience.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Also forgot--I will carry a cell phone the next time!

 

[kdiana]

Thanks everyone for your input- I think I will only need to carry a cellphone as my 15y.o. daughter will be most likely still sleeping in our room. Lisa loves pooh- good for you for fundraising for LLS- I work for the Cancer Information Service which works closely wih LLS, but I am employed by the the National Cancer Institute (a government orgnization)and am not allowed to participate in fundraising, but I think that LLS is an outstanding patient advocate organization. They are one of the few cancer organizations that actually gives money to patients for whatever they need for their cancer treatment, no questions asked. Just wondering, why did you choose to sponser LLS?
~Kris

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Have told this story soo many times--and I'll share it again!

A young boy whom I babysat for had leukemia. He was diagnosed late courtesy of the military. (only found this out recently--never knew he didn't have a chance). He had chemo immediately once they figured out he had leukemia. But it was only to prolong his life. He got a trip to Disney courtesy of Make a Wish. He got sick on the trip on the Haunted mansion ride and wasn't allowed to finish his trip . He was transported home to the hospital. I don't recall the date of all this--sometime in the fall. He died on December 21, 1987. And another detail for this story--my mother took a tree out of our window display in our home to take to the hospital so he'd have a tree for Christmas. When she arrived, he was dying. . I was only in middle school at the time--it was my first exposure to death. It didn't hit me of how sad it was until we accompanied his mother to the toy store to return all of his Christmas presents . I don't wish to ever have to do something like that and never wish for any other parent to have to do this. So Team in Training for the Disney Marathon--was the perfect match for me.

I am proud to say I am in registered in the bone marrow registry as well .

I don't understand why you can't participate in fundraising, though.

 

[kdiana]

I can do fundraising on my own,but because I work for the government (National Cancer Institute) I woundn't be able to fundraise through all of my partners and work-related organizations that I know well that have to do with cancer. It's kind of sticky when you work for the gov, but on the other hand, the NCI provides lots of great information free of charge (actually it's your tax dollars at work) and most Americans(when they find out) really apprieciate that. It's one of those best kept secrets, I worked as a nurse before joining NCI and never knew about them. Our # is 1-800-4CANCER or online cancer.gov

 

[NCRedding]

kdiana: I found the cnacer.gov website last year when my brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was so helpful to give info that we just couldn't find elsewhere. Thank you for the work you do.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I don't really have much else to add b/c all was pretty much answered. I just thought I'd welcome you aboard.

I carried a camera and cell phone. DH appreciated the cell phone b/c it helped him get lined up to greet me along the way.

Based on Lisa's comment about the long boring part of the full, I thing I am planning on having an iPod shuffle with me. On the half, I did not find the need for any tunes. The people participating were quite chatty and since I was participating on my own, I appreciated the chat ups along the way.

Come on over to the marathon thread and post up there. We'd love to have you and would look forward to your participating in our planning.