Do you train for your Disney trip?

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We train for Disney. But even walking doesn't prepare you for the long amount of time you're simply standing. And believe it or not, standing is actually harder on the muscles and legs as far as pain goes than walking.

First Day=No Prob
Second day= Hmmm.
Third Day = Uh oh Ouch. Hope I don't cramp up.
4th to the end = No problem again because the legs are numb anyway.

 

[pugcrazy]

I am in training for our trip next yr. I not only want to be able to keep up a good pace on our entire trip, but I also want to look great in my Photo-ops with The Mouse.

I intend to be about 50 pounds lighter on our trip next year. After doing the Dining Plan I will have to start "training" again when we get home

 

[serendipity]

I would DEFINATELY suggest walking before the trip for at least a month. I'm a college student and a dancer and already walk and dance CONSTANTLY but I still walk with my fiancee for at least one month at least 1-2 miles every other night, and our feet STILL hurt at the parks!!!! Plus walking can be really fun, we really end up having such great conversations on our walks

 

[Plantlady]

We started walking four months before Disney. We made a goal to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and joined a program called Walk Kansas, where within like 8 weeks, our "team" had to walk the distance across Kansas, which averaged out to about 2 miles a day per person, including the four year old.

We kind of started slacking after that program ended though, and I was in pain the first couple days at Disney. Next time I will walk more closer to the trip.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I'm in training. There is no way I can go 8 days without preparing for it.

The "Stroll" advice is great advice-- We are learning to "stroll".

The kids are in better shape than me, but I have them walking at least 1/2 mile + a day with me.

My DH - he has longggg legs so he doesn't take as many steps are me and the kids LOL. But seriously, he never trains, but then he never complains either!!

 

[Redwitch]

DD and I were well into our training in July whe she fractured her ankle and injured her tendons. Now, we are looking at a scooter as she is still hurting; it seems that her ankle now "twists" easily and more severely.
Now, the question is if I can keep up with the ECV.

 

[mattsdragon]

I just played 18 holes today, training for Lake Buena Vista course. But otherwise, no.

 

[Tiffer]

I don't, but DM 65 started walking to get readu for C-Mas trip!

 

[Corryn]

It's so funny that you've posted this because I was just thinking that I better get out and start walking more to get ready for our trip!
I don't want to be in the type of shape where I walk for an hour and then drop.
We usually do Disney like Commandos - we walk/run through the parks!
I know some people don't like it to have people briskly walking past them, but we can't help it, we're just naturally fast walkers.

So yes, I've started "training" for our trip next week. I slip back into shape pretty quickly, so I don't need to start so far out. I always use my Gazelle in the mornings and do some weights, but the extra walking helps me with stamina and gets these peds used to hitting the blacktop.
As far as feet hurting, we All get at least one blister. Last week I bought these little gel thingies that go between my toes (I have bunions - hereditary) and I think that will help with the blisters.
I hear a lot of people "talk" on these boards about Mole Skin. I don't know how to work it, but I'm sure a wonderful DIS'er will let us know what to do with it

Also, I gotta wear-in my new Nike's!

 

[whogirl'smom]

Yes!! Our first WDW trip is in 2 weeks and I started walking DD5 to school 1st week of August to get her little legs stronger. When she complained about the walk home in the hot weather, I just told her we had to "train for Disney" so we won't poop out! I upped my Curves workouts to 5 days a week and added walking about 1 1/2 miles in the afternoon, so hopefully I'll be ready! (Also I didn't want to look like the pumpkin when I'm beside Cinderella in a picture!!)

 

[aterriq]

I start going to buffets about 2 months out to get ready for the DDP.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I have a question for everyone:
I am overweight but pretty agile (sp?) LOL, i can walk all day long but its just my feet that kill me, does anybody else's feet hurt???

Brooke

Here's what I do. I have a similar problem.

In your bag/backpack/pocket, bring one or two gallon-sized zip-loc bags with you when you leave for the day. They fold up very small, so they really aren't a bother to carry (plus they can come in unexpectedly handy).

On your way back to your room, fill the bag(s) with ice from the ice machine.

When you get to the room, dump the ice into the bathtub. Turn on the water so it's about an inch deep.

Place a towel on the floor next to the tub.

Stand in the tub in the cold water, as long as you can stand it (maybe only 30 seconds the first time). Step out of the tub onto the towel, and as soon as you can take it step back into the ice water. Repeat for as long as it takes.

My feet never felt better. As long as you've got shoes that fit well, the pain is usually from swelling. Doing this for 5-15 minutes at the end of the day has kept my from getting blisters, etc. on my last few trips.

Good luck!

NED

 

[brooke1]

Here's what I do. I have a similar problem.

In your bag/backpack/pocket, bring one or two gallon-sized zip-loc bags with you when you leave for the day. They fold up very small, so they really aren't a bother to carry (plus they can come in unexpectedly handy).

On your way back to your room, fill the bag(s) with ice from the ice machine.

When you get to the room, dump the ice into the bathtub. Turn on the water so it's about an inch deep.

Place a towel on the floor next to the tub.

Stand in the tub in the cold water, as long as you can stand it (maybe only 30 seconds the first time). Step out of the tub onto the towel, and as soon as you can take it step back into the ice water. Repeat for as long as it takes.

My feet never felt better. As long as you've got shoes that fit well, the pain is usually from swelling. Doing this for 5-15 minutes at the end of the day has kept my from getting blisters, etc. on my last few trips.

Good luck!

NED

Sounds good i will try that, and i also read on the boards that a lady brings golf balls with her, she rolls her feet on the balls....

1) put your feet in the cold water for swelling
2) then roll your feet on the golf ball for the pain
3) take two tylenol and go to bed

 

[DisnyMama]

About a month ago I finally got a treadmill as I need to lose quite a bit of weight. We are going to WDW in mid Oct. so my goal was not so much for weight loss due to the lack of time but to build up some stamina. Well, The day I got it I walked for 20 minutes and after 15 I started to notice a slight twinge in the bottom of my right foot just in front of my heal. When I finished and went downstairs and sat down for a while it got worse and worse within about a half hour to the point that by later that evening I could barely walk on it. I new it was plantar fascitis because it happened a few years earlier and I hoped it would go away the same as it did then within a few weeks. Well, I am now pain free and three weeks away from our trip and I really need to get walking I just hope that it doesn't happen again and I end up in pain for our trip. Wish me luck.

 

[Kyralyn]

Well, I am now pain free and three weeks away from our trip and I really need to get walking I just hope that it doesn't happen again and I end up in pain for our trip. Wish me luck.

Sending you some PixieDust!!!

 

[Kyralyn]

I start going to buffets about 2 months out to get ready for the DDP.

BTW, did you try Cape May Cafe for their AllYouCareToEat Seafood Buffet???
DEEEEELIcious!!!!!

 

[Foladar]

I'm pretty out of shape but I have no problem walking at Disney, we just take our time since we'll be there for 8 days.

 

[Bibbidybobbidy]

I am worried about walking and standing for great lengths at WDW parks. My knees just will not take a lot of standing. So I am walking to increase some stamina, but also planning to rent ECV's as much as possible. I am crossing my fingers for luck that everything goes okay.

Oh, and I am practicing getting up early. Am such a night owl. not such good luck so far but, i have time.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I start going to buffets about 2 months out to get ready for the DDP.

 

[AKLRULZ]

Nope. We're very active in life - exercise is just as a regular part of our routine so no need to condition.