Dopey 2015 Official Thread

[matthew schmidt111]

Question for the group. Is anyone trying to PR any race within Dopey or is your goal just to finish all feeling good. No PR goals for me - although being my first Dopey it will be a PR as a whole. I've done Goofy twice, most recently in 2012. Caught the flu prior to the race and both runs were miserable (sick, no energy, very tough). So....my goal is to be healthy and finish all four races feeling good.

I always start out with 3 goals.. The first one is usually just to finish (survivor mode), the second is a good finishing time... the third goal is my PR time. That being said a lot can go wrong in a race let alone 4 races. Like spraining my ankle in Goofy challenge 2010.. never made it to the marathon.. I do have a PR combine time for all of the races, but my time will include time for photos .. I am having fun at this races... my only question is what favor margarita to get at mile 25.5 ( at Mexico)

 

[Barca33Runner]

Question for the group. Is anyone trying to PR any race within Dopey or is your goal just to finish all feeling good. No PR goals for me - although being my first Dopey it will be a PR as a whole. I've done Goofy twice, most recently in 2012. Caught the flu prior to the race and both runs were miserable (sick, no energy, very tough). So....my goal is to be healthy and finish all four races feeling good.

I managed to PR all four races running the Dopey last year. This was not by some conscious attempt to do so, but merely a byproduct of the very limited number of races I have run and my weight loss in-between those races. I had only run one 5k, zero 10K's, two half marathons, and a single marathon before taking doing the Dopey last year.

Began running in September 2011 after agreeing to join my sister in running the 2012 WDW Half Marathon (astonishingly you could still register in late September for that race just a few years ago). Finished that race in around 3:20 and was a bit angry with myself for seemingly trying to prove that I could finish a half marathon without putting in the necessary work. I paid for it the next few days. I decided that in 2013 I would run the WDW Marathon and take it seriously. I lost around 25 pounds in the interim and was proud of my achievement but was hindered by inexperience and heat and limped to the finish in just over 7 hours. Was determined to run the Goofy in 2014 but couldn't resist when the Dopey was announced. I lost another 35 pounds before running the Dopey, so despite taking the half marathon at a very leisurely pace and stopping for some photos, I was able to set PR's in all four races including cutting almost 2 hours off my marathon time.

I am running the Dopey again this year hoping to improve my times in all four races again, based on once again losing some weight and getting in better shape. I like to keep the WDW Marathon Weekend special since it is really what spurred my increased health and fitness and that is why I only train for the rest of the year rather than running races.

So, long story a little longer, if you want to set PR's in the Dopey Challenge it helps to only run the Dopey Challenge. I did find that running the 5 and 10k at a relatively fast pace, taking the half marathon pretty easy, then leaving everything on the table in the marathon worked well for me. I don't think putting a full effort in for all of the first three races would necessarily work out that well unless you are very fit, but it probably wouldn't be impossible.

 

[John VN]

..........So, long story a little longer, if you want to set PR's in the Dopey Challenge it helps to only run the Dopey Challenge. I did find that running the 5 and 10k at a relatively fast pace, taking the half marathon pretty easy, then leaving everything on the table in the marathon worked well for me. I don't think putting a full effort in for all of the first three races would necessarily work out that well unless you are very fit, but it probably wouldn't be impossible.

Super congratulations on weight loss and PRs! Make sure to treat yourself upon your successes.


McFlurry John

 

[matthew schmidt111]

What a great running day in southern New Jersey.. temp was 58 degrees with no wind. I was able to cut 4 minutes off my 16 miles run.. I'm afraid this might be my last weekend to run outside in shorts and a tee shirt... The cold weather is coming as is winter.. Tried Gatorade energy chews for the first time.. they were not for me. I will just stick with my Gu chocolate gel..

 

[ClewRunning]

What a great running day in southern New Jersey.. temp was 58 degrees with no wind. I was able to cut 4 minutes off my 16 miles run.. I'm afraid this might be my last weekend to run outside in shorts and a tee shirt... The cold weather is coming as is winter.. Tried Gatorade energy chews for the first time.. they were not for me. I will just stick with my Gu chocolate gel..

Nice run. Amazing how cooler weather can bring down times. We have low 60s planned in Nashville for the foreseeable future which is almost perfect. I've had some stellar runs lately as well. I've been trying a Hammer Gel and HEED combination on long runs. Has actually worked well for me.

 

[SmoothRunner]

I .. I am having fun at this races... my only question is what favor margarita to get at mile 25.5 ( at Mexico)

Oh oh...I just had the most wonderful EPCOT Mexico margarita about a month ago and I think it was a blueberry hibiscus...AWESOME!! Mexico is my favorite! I too and headed out for a good time and solid finish times. No aspirations of PRs during Dopey. There is an outside chance if things are going really well on Marathon day we could kick it up and set a PR, but I'm not that strong a marathon runner to begin with, I'm really more suited for the half distance.

As for nutrition, back in the day I was a Hammer gel guy, then moved to Power Bar Gel. I'm now trying out for Dopey training a Hammer product called Perpetuem. Its a powder you mix and is meant for distance athletes. I have one 10 miler with it under my belt and so far I like it. The real test will be this weekend when I'll do 14 miles and fuel only with that. May carry a gel just in case though...

 

[IamTrike]

I always start out with 3 goals.. The first one is usually just to finish (survivor mode), the second is a good finishing time... the third goal is my PR time. That being said a lot can go wrong in a race let alone 4 races. Like spraining my ankle in Goofy challenge 2010.. never made it to the marathon.. I do have a PR combine time for all of the races, but my time will include time for photos .. I am having fun at this races... my only question is what favor margarita to get at mile 25.5 ( at Mexico)

I'm in that boat too. I don't shoot to PR at disney, but I do usually have a goal time in mind. My goal last year was on my finish time for the Goofy portion of the race. I didn't set a Dopey goal time because I wanted to be able to do the 10k with my wife at her pace.

Last year my wife went and got Coke Icee's from club cool to give to her friends who were running the marathon when they passed by us in WS.

 

[FFigawi]

I always start out with 3 goals.. The first one is usually just to finish (survivor mode), the second is a good finishing time... the third goal is my PR time. That being said a lot can go wrong in a race let alone 4 races. Like spraining my ankle in Goofy challenge 2010.. never made it to the marathon.. I do have a PR combine time for all of the races, but my time will include time for photos .. I am having fun at this races... my only question is what favor margarita to get at mile 25.5 ( at Mexico)

You should really invert your goals. Go for a good time or great experience first, then settle for finishing. I find it easier to go big and then scale back rather than start small and work my way up.

 

[matthew schmidt111]

Oh oh...I just had the most wonderful EPCOT Mexico margarita about a month ago and I think it was a blueberry hibiscus...AWESOME!! Mexico is my favorite! I too and headed out for a good time and solid finish times. No aspirations of PRs during Dopey. There is an outside chance if things are going really well on Marathon day we could kick it up and set a PR, but I'm not that strong a marathon runner to begin with, I'm really more suited for the half distance.

As for nutrition, back in the day I was a Hammer gel guy, then moved to Power Bar Gel. I'm now trying out for Dopey training a Hammer product called Perpetuem. Its a powder you mix and is meant for distance athletes. I have one 10 miler with it under my belt and so far I like it. The real test will be this weekend when I'll do 14 miles and fuel only with that. May carry a gel just in case though...

Thanks SmoothRunner for the drink suggestion. I have heard Mexico has the best mixed drinks.. Had my wife worried when I showed her the YouTube video of the Disney marathon runner who stopped at Mexico Tequila bar and had 4 shots of Tequila then finished the race... he was a little off balance to say the less...LOL. I teased her that I might try this... I run hard all year long... but I am going to have fun at this race!!!

I have tried Hammer gels but I stay with Gu only because it has 10 more calories than Hammer( I know a whole big 10 calories LOL)

Another great weather weekend this week in New Jersey.. sunny and mid- 50's.. I'm planning to do 13 miles .. Good luck SmoohRunner on your 14 miles run .. hope you have great weather

 

[John VN]

Thanks SmoothRunner for the drink suggestion. I have heard Mexico has the best mixed drinks.. Had my wife worried when I showed her the YouTube video of the Disney marathon runner who stopped at Mexico Tequila bar and had 4 shots of Tequila then finished the race... he was a little off balance to say the less...LOL. I teased her that I might try this... I run hard all year long... but I am going to have fun at this race!!!

I have tried Hammer gels but I stay with Gu only because it has 10 more calories than Hammer( I know a whole big 10 calories LOL)

Another great weather weekend this week in New Jersey.. sunny and mid- 50's.. I'm planning to do 13 miles .. Good luck SmoohRunner on your 14 miles run .. hope you have great weather

Past Gu user but have found Crank Sports e-gel to be better all around. Will be using during my full Ironman next Saturday before the 2.4 mile swim, during the 112 mile bike and the marathon.

http://www.cranksports.com/products/eGel/comp/gu.asp

Extra calories per packet, more electrolytes and much smoother flow of the gel convinced me to switch. Better $$$/packet helps also.

McFlurry John

 

[ClewRunning]

Oh oh...I just had the most wonderful EPCOT Mexico margarita about a month ago and I think it was a blueberry hibiscus...AWESOME!! Mexico is my favorite! I too and headed out for a good time and solid finish times. No aspirations of PRs during Dopey. There is an outside chance if things are going really well on Marathon day we could kick it up and set a PR, but I'm not that strong a marathon runner to begin with, I'm really more suited for the half distance. As for nutrition, back in the day I was a Hammer gel guy, then moved to Power Bar Gel. I'm now trying out for Dopey training a Hammer product called Perpetuem. Its a powder you mix and is meant for distance athletes. I have one 10 miler with it under my belt and so far I like it. The real test will be this weekend when I'll do 14 miles and fuel only with that. May carry a gel just in case though...

As I recall, Perpetuem is strawberry flavored so you might consider a strawberry margharita at Mexico on 25.5.

 

[sunnygal041]

Thanks SmoothRunner for the drink suggestion. I have heard Mexico has the best mixed drinks.. Had my wife worried when I showed her the YouTube video of the Disney marathon runner who stopped at Mexico Tequila bar and had 4 shots of Tequila then finished the race... he was a little off balance to say the less...LOL. I teased her that I might try this... I run hard all year long... but I am going to have fun at this race!!! I have tried Hammer gels but I stay with Gu only because it has 10 more calories than Hammer( I know a whole big 10 calories LOL) Another great weather weekend this week in New Jersey.. sunny and mid- 50's.. I'm planning to do 13 miles .. Good luck SmoohRunner on your 14 miles run .. hope you have great weather

Oh my!! I need to see that YouTube!

 

[matthew schmidt111]

Oh my!! I need to see that YouTube!

Here is the site :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYleSU2Em78
I want to party with these guys....LOL

 

[matthew schmidt111]

Past Gu user but have found Crank Sports e-gel to be better all around. Will be using during my full Ironman next Saturday before the 2.4 mile swim, during the 112 mile bike and the marathon.

http://www.cranksports.com/products/eGel/comp/gu.asp

Extra calories per packet, more electrolytes and much smoother flow of the gel convinced me to switch. Better $$$/packet helps also.

McFlurry John

Thanks for the info... I just ordered the cranksports trial pac... Good luck on the Ironman this week.. What one are you doing?? I could have used these gel on my last Ironman

 

[John VN]

Thanks for the info... I just ordered the cranksports trial pac... Good luck on the Ironman this week.. What one are you doing?? I could have used these gel on my last Ironman

Glad to help with the e-gel. A friend put me on to the gel and fuel. Works great, NO upsetting the system and the extra amount in each pack just fills the bill better.

Ironman Florida on November 1st. Got my last bike ride in this AM, a jog and swim tomorrow AM then done. Not well trained for this year's event. Just want to get it done and come out with no issues. Will then prepare for other upcoming events.

 

[tri4life]

Glad to help with the e-gel. A friend put me on to the gel and fuel. Works great, NO upsetting the system and the extra amount in each pack just fills the bill better. Ironman Florida on November 1st. Got my last bike ride in this AM, a jog and swim tomorrow AM then done. Not well trained for this year's event. Just want to get it done and come out with no issues. Will then prepare for other upcoming events.

Good luck with IM Florida hoss. My girlfriend and I did it last year. Tough day but all was well. Give em hell next week!
Anyways we just finished a 15 mile run today. Perfect weather in NW Ga today! Sunny and 80. Low humidity. Thank goodness. Training is going well for Dopey 2015 thus far. Now it's time for some rest and relaxation. Everybody continue to be safe during y'all's training.
C

 

[John VN]

Good luck with IM Florida hoss. My girlfriend and I did it last year. Tough day but all was well. Give em hell next week!
Anyways we just finished a 15 mile run today. Perfect weather in NW Ga today! Sunny and 80. Low humidity. Thank goodness. Training is going well for Dopey 2015 thus far. Now it's time for some rest and relaxation. Everybody continue to be safe during y'all's training.
C

Thanks! Last year's swim was a killer. DW was looking for me to come out of the water and she said lots of people were body surfing in since the waves were really forceful enough. Looking at long range surf forecast is indicating much calmer water.

Truly hoping to just survive this year. My body is hurting all over. Thinking this will be my last FULL. Be doing Haines City next year and maybe 1 or 2 other halves.

Good training to you for the Dopey.

McFlurry John

 

[matthew schmidt111]

Thanks! Last year's swim was a killer. DW was looking for me to come out of the water and she said lots of people were body surfing in since the waves were really forceful enough. Looking at long range surf forecast is indicating much calmer water.

Truly hoping to just survive this year. My body is hurting all over. Thinking this will be my last FULL. Be doing Haines City next year and maybe 1 or 2 other halves.

Good training to you for the Dopey.

McFlurry John

Hey John... How did your Ironman go?? I hope you had better weather than up here in New Jersey(cold and raining)

 

[John VN]

Hey John... How did your Ironman go?? I hope you had better weather than up here in New Jersey(cold and raining)

NOT WELL!!!!

Cold temps for sunny Florida as a front had pushed thru. Winds never turned as predicted either.

Got to beach in wet suit, stood around watching water not liking what I saw. Had smaller breakers than last year but water beyond looked angry to me. Pros were set to go and the announcement came, swim cancelled due to wind and rip currents. The safety boats couldn't handle the water conditions. 0700 water start became a TT bike start for pros at 0800.

Getting to bags and changing was a mess. Stood around freezing, high 40's winds 25/30 and gusting higher until my wave start in numerical order. Swim cut-off was 0920 with T1 cut-off at 0935 and I went off at 0955. Last person started at 1016 so they extended run cut-off until 16 minutes after midnight.

Bike was murder due to high winds and cold temps. Some people had shoe booties to keep feet warm. I bough arm warmers, ski cap for over ears, full gloves over riding gloves, wore my leg compression sleeves, long sleeve tech shirt under cycling shirt with newspaper under for a barrier for chest. Took outer gloves off around 40 mile mark. Did not stop at Special Needs as planned so completed the 112 miles straight away.

Took 15 minutes in T2 to settle down, get feelings back then slowly got moving. Marathon was worse ever. Took along my full finger gloves and cap since it was still cold. Some had face covered and today I can feel why. Hot chicken broth beginning at 7:00pm was much needed and welcomed.

Since I had not trained properly for the entire event due to 2 bike crashes, carpal tunnel surgery and being told I need a wrist joint replacement, right shoulder getting worse every day after being told I need a total shoulder joint replacement 2 years ago, knees causing issues for last 2 months and the wicked wind, the marathon was a shuffle fest.

With 1/2 mile left a 61yo guy passed me doing a nice jog. I didn't want this younger dude to beat this 64yo so I started to walk faster, then into a jog and finally a very rare for me run mode. I passed him as we began our finishing chute approach. The crowd really went crazy as I was flying by and catching up to much younger finishers. I couldn't even slap hands since I was going so fast.

A VERY LONG DAY and I am still aching right now. Turns out that the 138.2 was much harder than last year's 140.6.

McFlurry John

 

[matthew schmidt111]

NOT WELL!!!!

Cold temps for sunny Florida as a front had pushed thru. Winds never turned as predicted either.

Got to beach in wet suit, stood around watching water not liking what I saw. Had smaller breakers than last year but water beyond looked angry to me. Pros were set to go and the announcement came, swim cancelled due to wind and rip currents. The safety boats couldn't handle the water conditions. 0700 water start became a TT bike start for pros at 0800.

Getting to bags and changing was a mess. Stood around freezing, high 40's winds 25/30 and gusting higher until my wave start in numerical order. Swim cut-off was 0920 with T1 cut-off at 0935 and I went off at 0955. Last person started at 1016 so they extended run cut-off until 16 minutes after midnight.

Bike was murder due to high winds and cold temps. Some people had shoe booties to keep feet warm. I bough arm warmers, ski cap for over ears, full gloves over riding gloves, wore my leg compression sleeves, long sleeve tech shirt under cycling shirt with newspaper under for a barrier for chest. Took outer gloves off around 40 mile mark. Did not stop at Special Needs as planned so completed the 112 miles straight away.

Took 15 minutes in T2 to settle down, get feelings back then slowly got moving. Marathon was worse ever. Took along my full finger gloves and cap since it was still cold. Some had face covered and today I can feel why. Hot chicken broth beginning at 7:00pm was much needed and welcomed.

Since I had not trained properly for the entire event due to 2 bike crashes, carpal tunnel surgery and being told I need a wrist joint replacement, right shoulder getting worse every day after being told I need a total shoulder joint replacement 2 years ago, knees causing issues for last 2 months and the wicked wind, the marathon was a shuffle fest.

With 1/2 mile left a 61yo guy passed me doing a nice jog. I didn't want this younger dude to beat this 64yo so I started to walk faster, then into a jog and finally a very rare for me run mode. I passed him as we began our finishing chute approach. The crowd really went crazy as I was flying by and catching up to much younger finishers. I couldn't even slap hands since I was going so fast.

A VERY LONG DAY and I am still aching right now. Turns out that the 138.2 was much harder than last year's 140.6.

McFlurry John

Damn.... now that's a tough day. Sorry the weather wasn't better.. Now you can rest up and heal up a little. I'm happy to see you still had that killer competitive instinct the last .2 miles