*Doing the Donald in 2010* Jan. Half Marathon Support Thread!

[dislvr74]

Can I join? This will be my 7th half (after I do my 6th in a couple of weeks) and my 2nd Donald. I did it in 2009 and finished in 3:05. Since then, I have increased my running some and hope to finish in 2:45. I use the r/w method and I just love it. There was a time when I wanted to be able to run without stopping, but it was just painful and I hated it.

I always find my motivation lags a bit after an event and I need to keep up my training between the Monumental and Disney. I'm hoping that by checking in here I'll stay strong until January (and March and May).

 

[dislvr74]

Just saw the question about the powergel. You should be able to buy plenty of it at the expo if you don't want to deal with the plane issue. Lots of the venders will have several brands and flavors.

Here's my flying question: I have to tape my ankle in order to run and I need scissors to cut the athletic tape. How in the heck can I get some scissors there without checking a bag? Any ideas where I could purchase scissors on property? I won't have a car and we will be taking ME so I can't make a grocery stop.

 

[Sandy321]

Howdy everyone. I just found this thread, and thought I would pop in. I am doing the Half in Jan, and I am really looking forward to it (it is going to be my first-ever marathon).

Thanks for joining in!!

I just emailed DH that a lot of you have the Wii Fit and now he wants to shoot out and get one. I think we might!

Also, I made ressies for Boma for our party of 13 on race day. 6:10pm.... hope I'm awake still. Thoughts?

MapleGirl - thank you for posting, for joining - I too am having some major challenges - I did ok with the C25K - but I feel so much worse now then I did back then...


I believe the powergel fits within the TSA guidelines - it will fit in your 1 quart bag - dh travels with his (altho I will say he likes the gel electrolyte capsules much better!!)

and I agree with PP - get it at the expo - do practice with the beans and the gel blox (they taste better!) and do know it is important to train with it - and use it!!

 

[Sandy321]

Just saw the question about the powergel. You should be able to buy plenty of it at the expo if you don't want to deal with the plane issue. Lots of the venders will have several brands and flavors.

Here's my flying question: I have to tape my ankle in order to run and I need scissors to cut the athletic tape. How in the heck can I get some scissors there without checking a bag? Any ideas where I could purchase scissors on property? I won't have a car and we will be taking ME so I can't make a grocery stop.

I know there are medical scissors that dont have points - check the TSA website - but I have to tell you I'd take the fiscar rounded scissors - and I'd put them where the TSA screeners could see them - like with your cell phone!! because the TSA website says you can take a corkscrew - but the Chicago TSA would have none of that!! which was fine with me (I didnt realize I had it in my suitcase!)

 

[sk8ingmom]

Last night was good. I "wogged" 40 minutes at a 12:30 pace.
Is anyone else doing the run/walk Marathoning for Mortals training plan?

COLOR="RoyalBlue"]There are three of us running the half. My DH ran the marathon in '97 and I just stood

on the sidelines thinking I can never do that. But I will be turning 50 next year, DD and DS are both in college and training for a half

marathon just seemed the best way to combat empty nest syndrome. We are using "marathons for mortals" plan and it has been going

really well. I had started running on the treadmill last year to lose weight and found that running wasn't as hard as I thought it was. So

DH, DD-20 and myself will be running in the half. My DS had knee surgery last year and running is not for him. We love Disney so we are

arriving early to enjoy the parks before the race. I love reading all the posts and seeing so many training, can you believe it will be here

in 12 weeks?[/COLOR]

I love your story! I think challenges are a great way to celebrate milestone birthdays. I have a few years to figure out what I am going to do when I turn 40.

A few years ago, I'd watched DH run 2 marathons and a 1/2 Ironman. Then the year I turned 35, I decided to sign up for a triathlon. I stood at the start never having been in a swim race, a bike race, or a running race in my life and I was about to do all three! I've always been athletic, but not in any racing-type sports! Now I run a few sprint tris a year & our kids have joined us in the sport. I love that your DD is running with you - does your DS bike or swim? You could have a family relay team for a triathlon some day. We all play hockey and we all run tris - we're wierd, but we have fun!

In January, I will be starting the 1/2 never having been in a running-only race.

Bonsoir,
Training is going well even though it is a bit on the cold side. At least it is not snowing, yet.

I have a question. I have not been on a plane since 1992 and with the new rules I was wondering if I can bring my powergel with me in my carry-on bag.I want to put in this bag everything I will need for my run, just in case.

Thanks
DianeM

I'd just get them at the Expo. They have a list of exhibitors closer to the event so you can make sure your brand will be there.

Just saw the question about the powergel. You should be able to buy plenty of it at the expo if you don't want to deal with the plane issue. Lots of the venders will have several brands and flavors.

Here's my flying question: I have to tape my ankle in order to run and I need scissors to cut the athletic tape. How in the heck can I get some scissors there without checking a bag? Any ideas where I could purchase scissors on property? I won't have a car and we will be taking ME so I can't make a grocery stop.

Are you using regular athletic tape? It takes some practice, but that will tear with your fingers. My college roommate was an athletic training major - I can't tell you the number of times I had my ankle taped for 'homework'.

 

[liznboys]

dislvr74 Welcome! Wow, your 7th half, that's awesome! I'm glad we have another experienced Donald-Do-er on this thread!

You can take scissors in your carry-on. It says this on the TSA website:

Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches (are ok in both carry-on and checked bags)

I always take a little pair of those child safe scissors along for things.


sk8 I've read Marathoning for Mortals, including the plans. I chose to do the simpler plan that I'm using though. The least bit of complication overwhelms me. lol


I need to do 3 miles today, have to decide if I want to do it outside with the jogging stroller or on the TM...

 

[Sandy321]

Go Liz GO!!

I think I'm ready to try and get 2 miles in - this is the reason I will be in jeapordy of being swept - I just cant seem to get over the fear and get out there!! My mind is a powerful negative influence on me!!!

The weather in the Chicago area is so beautiful, I will try after work to get 2 miles in!! Like it or not I'm going to Disney's Half - so I have to try!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

This thread moves quickly!! I'm planning on doing some speedwork so hopefully the rain will stop by then. I'll take a soggy track over being rained on

Tracy - Long sleeves in Florida! I guess the heat wave has broken? I was there the first week of October and it was really hot! I'm wanting to do the Spacecoast Half eventually but it's so close to January, it's hard to swing two trips so close together.

sk8ingmom - I wish I could channel some of your son's speedy running!

Lynn - Thanks for the cold weather/cough tip! I get that occasionally so now I know I just have to down some tea when I get back.

Maplegirl - I agree with the advice about getting good shoes. I'd also add in that you should do some core exercises, I've found those help with knee pain. Also make sure you get in a few miles outdoors, TM running feels different than outdoor running.

Liz - Do you know if Wii Fit Plus is a lot different than just Wii Fit? I have the original version... Have you been able to get your balance in the dead center on the daily tests? Mine is always a little to the left or right even though I feel centered.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[dismagiclover]

Hi everyone! Sounds like everyone is out there getting ready. I've been doing pretty well. 5 miles Sat, 3 miles Monday and Tuesday. Didn't make it out today, but planning on getting up early tomorrow to run another 3 miles.

Sandy: Just take 1 day at a time, but commit to that one day. If I think about how many times I have to get out there before the race it can become overwhelming. I can handle just 1 day though, even if I don't feel like. Good luck

 

[dislvr74]

Thanks for all of the advice about the scissors. I just assumed I wouldn't be able to put them in my carry on. I'm flying out of a very small airport and they tend to be overzealous in applying the security rules, but I think the child safe scissors will get through.

 

[Ronda93]

Is anyone else doing the run/walk Marathoning for Mortals training plan?

I'm doing something like MfM. Tuesday is R3/W1, Thursday is all run and weekend is R10/W3.

Ronda

 

[liznboys]

Sandy: You can do this!! And it will get easier. As Jenny said, take it one day at a time. And in the end you are going to feel SO good about yourself!
Do those 2 miles and then come here and brag all about it!!


Vicky: I never used the original Wii Fit so I can't compare.
The balance thing definitely surprised me in one way. I found that even though I feel balanced, I tend to lean backwards a bit! It makes sense though, my abs are horrible (I blame all those babies I had. lol) I also lean towards the right but that didn't surprise me as I favor my left side-the side my hurt Achilles is on. So yeah, I have some balance issues I need to work on! I love that the very first time I used it, it showed me something about myself that I never knew before.
Did the rain stop for you?


Jenny: How many rest days do you have per week?
Have a good run in the am!


Me: I did my 3 miles this morning outside with my 3 yr old in the jogger. It was too gorgeous not to head out there. Running with the jogger is a lot different, and harder! I think it's actually good for me though, a different type of run. It also makes running jogger-free feel easier! lol

 

[dislvr74]

Just popping in to say that I just did 5 miles in an hour! That is pretty amazing for me.

 

[liznboys]

Just popping in to say that I just did 5 miles in an hour! That is pretty amazing for me.

Way to GO!!

 

[corinnak]

I'll be Doing The Donald for the second time in 2010. The 2009 Donald was my "dream race" when I started running in the spring of 2007. I started with C25K and ran quite a few smaller races, but The Donald was the ultimate goal in my mind. I knew several people who said they were going to go for Marathon weekend that year. Well, as the time ticked away, more people were unable to go. I was determined, however, and even though I was nervous to do it as a solo trip, I went ahead and planned it.

October 29, 2008, I was out walking my dog when another neighborhood dog saw us and came racing through his invisible fence to see us. As I was trying to lead the 90 pound golden doodle back to his house, I ended up getting jostled from behind and fell to the ground, hitting my face on the pavement. I didn't black out, even, but over the next few days, it became apparent that I had a concussion. I ended up having to take a month off of running entirely. In December, I began running again. I was not sure I'd be able to do it, but I did get a few longer runs in on my treadmill ( could not take any chances on another fall outside in the winter weather) and did go and finished the half in 2:59:34, about 15 minutes slower than my hoped for time, and I was lucky to do it. At my heaviest weight in ages, undertrained, I never lost sight of one thing: I was lucky to be running this race at all.

I immediately registered for 2010 because some of those friends who were going to go in 2009 actually ARE going in 2010, but mostly because I want a re-match. My challenge: to stay healthy and safe while training and see just how much better than last year's time I can manage.

Regarding Pre-race food - the food court at POP sells both small containers of PB (50¢ for a couple tablespoons) and uncrustable sandwiches. Last year I did my pre-race bfast shopping right after the WISH meet.

OK, this post is wicked long. So I'll end it with a question:

I'm going to the gym tonight. I'm planning on walking/running/jogging on the treadmill. What pointers do you have for me?

This made me smile. I used to live in MA, and the fact is, nobody in Minnesota says "wicked." I miss it!

Treadmill pointers - it's tough, you know? I prefer running with music, peppy music or angry music (Pink's Funhouse is a current fave) and then imagine yourself in the race. Imagine approaching the contemporary resort on foot, running up Main Street, Rounding the courner and seeing Spaceship Earth, crossing the finish line. Imagining a future race has gotten me through many a long TM workout.

 

[JoanneNC]

Everyone is doing awesome....

Tonight was speed intervals for me... oh man am I am smoked...

400 meters at 5k race pace for 7 times.... I think will be a non stair day....

 

[JoanneNC]

I'll be Doing The Donald for the second time in 2010. The 2009 Donald was my "dream race" when I started running in the spring of 2007. I started with C25K and ran quite a few smaller races, but The Donald was the ultimate goal in my mind. I knew several people who said they were going to go for Marathon weekend that year. Well, as the time ticked away, more people were unable to go. I was determined, however, and even though I was nervous to do it as a solo trip, I went ahead and planned it.

October 29, 2008, I was out walking my dog when another neighborhood dog saw us and came racing through his invisible fence to see us. As I was trying to lead the 90 pound golden doodle back to his house, I ended up getting jostled from behind and fell to the ground, hitting my face on the pavement. I didn't black out, even, but over the next few days, it became apparent that I had a concussion. I ended up having to take a month off of running entirely. In December, I began running again. I was not sure I'd be able to do it, but I did get a few longer runs in on my treadmill ( could not take any chances on another fall outside in the winter weather) and did go and finished the half in 2:59:34, about 15 minutes slower than my hoped for time, and I was lucky to do it. At my heaviest weight in ages, undertrained, I never lost sight of one thing: I was lucky to be running this race at all.

I immediately registered for 2010 because some of those friends who were going to go in 2009 actually ARE going in 2010, but mostly because I want a re-match. My challenge: to stay healthy and safe while training and see just how much better than last year's time I can manage.

Regarding Pre-race food - the food court at POP sells both small containers of PB (50¢ for a couple tablespoons) and uncrustable sandwiches. Last year I did my pre-race bfast shopping right after the WISH meet.



This made me smile. I used to live in MA, and the fact is, nobody in Minnesota says "wicked." I miss it!

Treadmill pointers - it's tough, you know? I prefer running with music, peppy music or angry music (Pink's Funhouse is a current fave) and then imagine yourself in the race. Imagine approaching the contemporary resort on foot, running up Main Street, Rounding the courner and seeing Spaceship Earth, crossing the finish line. Imagining a future race has gotten me through many a long TM workout.

So sorry to hear what happened to you before last year's race but you should be proud of your finish and good luck with our rematch...

 

[liznboys]

Corinna Thank you for sharing your story! That is inspiring!!

Thanks for the tip on getting food at POP.

And you're the first person I've heard of who imagines yourself running in WDW when you're on the TM. I do that too, and even those exact locations! It works!!


Joanne Great job! Have a good sleep!

 

[corinnak]

Oh, I forgot to mention - I'm doing a training plan from the Runner's World Smart Coach. I love it because it is FREE, it is personalized and it can be any length of time up to 16 weeks. I don't love the speedwork they suggest, however. Not that keen on 2x1600 and tempo runs as the main form of speedwork.

Today was speedwork for me as well, and it was raining. I don't mind running in cold rain if I have waterproof running shoes. Sadly, one of mine has gone missing, so it was TM today. Which works well, I think, for intervals. I did a series of 1 minute sprinty sprints. Super fun!

Liz - that is too funny that we do the same thing! There's nothing like a little race fantasy to get me through on the TM, I always say.

 

[Jennifer in MI]

COLOR="RoyalBlue"]There are three of us running the half. My DH ran the marathon in '97 and I just stood

on the sidelines thinking I can never do that. But I will be turning 50 next year, DD and DS are both in college and training for a half

marathon just seemed the best way to combat empty nest syndrome. , can you believe it will be here

in 12 weeks?[/COLOR]

Way to go!!! I love that you're combatting the empty nest syndrome with running! And, no I can't believe it's only 12 weeks away. Seems like I've been planning this forever!

[Boma sounds GREAT for a post race dinner to me! Boma is my dh's and my favorite restaurant in WDW. Jenny (dismagiclover) and I will be eating dinner that Saturday in the castle. We thought that would be a special way to celebrate the race. Anyway, we eat at 5:45 I think, and I think that will be fine. Of course I am clueless as far as how tired I'll be after a half since this is my first!

Jennifer Jenny and I are staying at BLT together. This is a mom's only trip, we're leaving the dh's and kids at home! We'll only be there for two nights (Fri and Sat) but it's going to be great.

We are close in age, I graduated in 1994! I went to a private school in Kalamazoo, but I remember our teams played Sturgis. You were athletic! I only played tennis in my freshman and sophomore years, no other sports. After I turned 16 at the end of my sophomore year I got a job and spent most of my time working from then on. I wish I had gotten into running back then, maybe it would be easier for me now! lol
?

Wow! A girl's only trip! Sounds amazing!! Someday I'll have to do that.

I didn't make reservations for after the race. Didn't even think about it! Our family hopes to make it over to Disney Studios afterward. So, we'll probably pick something up there. We do have ADRs at the Castle, Asherka (sp?), Chef Mickey's (I love that my boys still like this!), Whispering Canyon, and the place at Epcot where you watch the fish (forgot the name!). Those are our favorites. Couldn't get Le Cellier though.

I see that you're from SC now. I have a BIL in Tega Cay. Are you anywhere near him?

Can I join? This will be my 7th half (after I do my 6th in a couple of weeks) and my 2nd Donald. I did it in 2009 and finished in 3:05. Since then, I have increased my running some and hope to finish in 2:45. I use the r/w method and I just love it. There was a time when I wanted to be able to run without stopping, but it was just painful and I hated it.

I always find my motivation lags a bit after an event and I need to keep up my training between the Monumental and Disney. I'm hoping that by checking in here I'll stay strong until January (and March and May).

Hello!! Wow - 7 Halves!!! I hope to join you some day with that many.

[BMe: I did my 3 miles this morning outside with my 3 yr old in the jogger. It was too gorgeous not to head out there. Running with the jogger is a lot different, and harder! I think it's actually good for me though, a different type of run. It also makes running jogger-free feel easier! lol

Great job!!!! I hate running with a jogger. It's so hard! It was a gorgeous day here yesterday too. I did intervals. I hate those!!!

Just popping in to say that I just did 5 miles in an hour! That is pretty amazing for me.

October 29, 2008, I was out walking my dog when another neighborhood dog saw us and came racing through his invisible fence to see us. As I was trying to lead the 90 pound golden doodle back to his house, I ended up getting jostled from behind and fell to the ground, hitting my face on the pavement. I didn't black out, even, but over the next few days, it became apparent that I had a concussion. I ended up having to take a month off of running entirely. In December, I began running again. I was not sure I'd be able to do it, but I did get a few longer runs in on my treadmill ( could not take any chances on another fall outside in the winter weather) and did go and finished the half in 2:59:34, about 15 minutes slower than my hoped for time, and I was lucky to do it. At my heaviest weight in ages, undertrained, I never lost sight of one thing: I was lucky to be running this race at all.

I immediately registered for 2010 because some of those friends who were going to go in 2009 actually ARE going in 2010, but mostly because I want a re-match. My challenge: to stay healthy and safe while training and see just how much better than last year's time I can manage.
.

Wow. That's quite a story. Dogs on my run have always scared me!! I admire you sticking with it!

Everyone is doing awesome....

Tonight was speed intervals for me... oh man am I am smoked...

400 meters at 5k race pace for 7 times.... I think will be a non stair day....

Intervals are KILLER aren't they?

I'm out the door for a 6 miler!