First Half Marathon - EVER!! AM I CRAZY??!!

[floydfamily4]

Hi everyone! First let me admit that while I love Disney I didn't even know the Dis existed until last year and didn't know this forum existed until...well a few minutes ago I was looking for posts, reports, help because I let my dear friend talk me into the Disney Half-Marathon in Jan 2011. I don't know if it was all the talk about how long we've known each other and she never asks for anything or the "I believe in you - you can do it!" talk but I agreed. I should mention that I am not a runner...nope not at all. I can count on 1 hand the number of jogs I've been on. Not a lot. However, I love my friend of 20+ years and really want the trip to Disney So, any advice out there? I found marathonrookie.com and also printed off the disney marathon training schedule. I plan to start training next week but need a plan. On the disney training schedule it has XT15 or XT with a number next to it. Is that "cross training"? And if so what should I do on those days? Should I just admit defeat and tell her I can't do it? Oh Disfriends, what to do? What to do?

Dawn

 

[SAHDad]

Welcome to the WISH section of the forum!

First, you are not crazy. Even though you say you are not a runner, you have plenty of time to get ready for the half-marathon in 2011. And, over here on the WISH section, you will find plenty of encouragement and advice.

XT does mean cross-training. Basically, you want to do something other than running or walking on those days - cycling, rowing machine, elliptical, that kind of thing.

I recommend seeing if you can get a copy of some of John Bingham's books (No Need for Speed, The Courage to Start, Marathoning for Mortals) and read through them. Chock full of good advice, especially for a novice runner.

Don't be afraid to go slow. Too fast, too hard, too soon is a good way to injure yourself.

Get a good pair of shoes. It is nice to have a tech shirt, shorts, and so forth (remember - cotton is rotten, at least for running), but shoes make more of a difference than anything else. I would recommend going to a running store and getting properly fitted.

(more later - the kids are fighting!)

 

[johde]

Hi Dawn
No your not crazy, and if you are reasonably healthy you can do it. You don't need to be a runner to be a half marathoner. Alot of people run the whole thing but there is also a large number of people who walk the whole way. Still others, do a combination of walking and running. The only hard and fast rule is that you need to complete it in 3 hours and 30 minutes. That equates to about 16 minutes per mile. I would second the recomendation to get a John Bingham book. I have Marathoning for Mortals and did his Half Marathon Walking plan to complete the Cleveland Half Marathon 2 weekends ago. His plan is 14 weeks long and progresses at a slower rate. But, it tops out at 10 miles and that was fine with my goal of finishing.

You have 32 weeks to get ready. If you do a 14 week plan, that leaves 18 weeks to get ready for your training plan. If you are planning on running a significant portion of the event, I would start a couch potato to 5K program. The most popular one is at http://www.coolrunning.com it is 7 weeks long. But there are others around the internet. I am looking at doing one at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/Ron/starting_from_scratch.htm . They have 2 programs that are either 16 weeks or 28 weeks.

Good luck

 

[WDWFAN9]

Welcome!! You've come to the right place!

I did my first half in WDW strictly because it meant another trip to my favoritest place in the World. I used John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals training plan for walkers and when I completed the half and got my Donald medal it was such a sense of accomplishment. You can do it too! SAHDad's started you off with some excellent advice. There's lots more info in the Welcome to WISH sticky at the top of the Events page.

Looking forward to seeing you in January!

 

[floydfamily4]

See this is why I love the Dis! So much encouragement and advice I placed the Bingham books on request at the library and will get them as soon as available. I will look at the couch potato program. Will keep ya'll updated on my progress

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi Dawn! Welcome to WISH! It is great to have you here!

Are you crazy? Really, not even a bit, nope, not at all. Um, well, maybe just a teensy bit, it's more fun being a bit crazy--This coming from someone who is, so take that for what you will.

Seriously, you definitely can do this. I think you've got good recommendations for reading material. I am a Marathon for Mortals fan. Couch to 5k is also good, just depending on the condition you are in, the C25k may be a bit strenuous. It is ok to repeat weeks if you need.

I look forward to seeing you in January! Please let us know how you're doing. I love living the training for events through new participants. This is part of the fun of the event too.

 

[escape]

You can do it, Dawn! I was in your shoes a few years ago. A good friend of mine ecouraged me to do the 2007 WDW half with her and with the help of the fine folks on this board, I was able to complete it. I was never a runner...and I'm still not. I mainly walk. For that first half, I walked with a little running mixed in. Now I just walk. However, I'm going to try to get back to adding running intervals.

As for XT, there are many options. For my first half, most of my XT involved strength training. I now incorporate bike riding into the mix. Some of the other WISHers can tell you what works for them.

Good luck with your training. Let us know how it goes!

 

[floydfamily4]

Are you crazy? Really, not even a bit, nope, not at all. Um, well, maybe just a teensy bit, it's more fun being a bit crazy--This coming from someone who is, so take that for what you will.

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[floydfamily4]

You can do it, Dawn! I mainly walk. For that first half, I walked with a little running mixed in. Good luck with your training. Let us know how it goes!

Now we're talking - walking with some running mixed in...that I think I could handle

You all are great and definately making me feel like this is doable.



dawn

 

[evhorizon]

Be careful. You sign up for the half-marathon, soon you'll be signing up for the full marathon. I ran the 2008 1/2M and the 2009 M. As far as races go, Disney's are very well run (which shouldn't be much surprise).

As a runner, IMO the first 6 weeks or so is not fun when you're starting out (either from scratch or recovering from an injury). It takes about 2 weeks for the effects of a workout to change your body. About 6 weeks in you'll start to feel the effects of a month's worth of workouts and the change to your lifestyle habits to running regularly. If you can get over the 6 week hurdle and stay with the running lifestyle, you're golden.

 

[floydfamily4]

Be careful. You sign up for the half-marathon, soon you'll be signing up for the full marathon.
I can't even imagine but I appreciate the advice
As a runner, IMO the first 6 weeks or so is not fun when you're starting out (either from scratch or recovering from an injury). It takes about 2 weeks for the effects of a workout to change your body. About 6 weeks in you'll start to feel the effects of a month's worth of workouts and the change to your lifestyle habits to running regularly. If you can get over the 6 week hurdle and stay with the running lifestyle, you're golden.

I'll let you know when I hit 6 weeks. I start tomorrow

 

[queen mimi]

Did you start?? Let me warn you, these Half Marathons become addictive. I am soooo!! not an athlete. But, I started training for the first Princess Half Marathon that Disney had in 2009 to do it with my daughter. I just registered for my 5th Half Marathon and will be back for my 3rd straight Princess Half in Februrary. I use the Hal Higdon program for walking your first half marathon. Because of the pace at Disney, I ramp the speed up a bit during the last 6 weeks of training. Also, I have begun adding a little bit of running (whenever the course goes downhill!). Keep in touch and good luck!

 

[floydfamily4]

Did you start?? Let me warn you, these Half Marathons become addictive. I am soooo!! not an athlete. But, I started training for the first Princess Half Marathon that Disney had in 2009 to do it with my daughter. I just registered for my 5th Half Marathon and will be back for my 3rd straight Princess Half in Februrary.

I can't even imagine but I hope I become addicted - better than being addicted to Hostess Ding Dongs!!

 

[disney_mommy]

You are not crazy! You have plenty of time to train and you will have such an amazing experience at your first race, you will be so glad you decided to go for it (and so will your friend)!

 

[monte]

Dawn, you can do it and you'll love it! WDW marathons are so much fun and motivational, plus you have US cheering you on!

 

[MaryJ]

No, you are not crazy at all! I was in your shoes two years ago. A friend from church wanted to do the WDW Half Marathon and knowing that I am also a Disney fan, she asked me to do it with her. You didn't tell us your age, but I was 51 at the time and she was 31! So, I felt she had quite an advantage on me. I'm happy to say that I finished 15 minutes ahead of her!

Everyone has all ready given you great advice. I'll just be here to be your cheerleader!

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm right there with you Dawn! A beginner who is training for the January 2011 half-marathon. I think I'm crazy!!!

Amanda

 

[floydfamily4]

I'm right there with you Dawn! A beginner who is training for the January 2011 half-marathon. I think I'm crazy!!!

Amanda

Welcome to CrazyLand! So glad you could join me!! Looking forward to getting to know you

 

[chimera]

You're not any crazier than the rest of us. I did my first WDW half in 2006. Someone said this is addictive...they are so right! I never thought I'd finish the first one, but now have gone from that to joining the half marathon fanatics and am trying to fit in 8 races this year.

 

[acox17]

So excited, haven't signed up or even started training, but after reading these and talking to my sister about doing the Disney Half in January I am super stoked!