First timers running Disney 1/2......

[PCFriar80]

Hi -
My DW and I are planning on running the Disney 1/2 marathon next January 6th and have a few questions. First off, I apologize if these have been answered already on previous threads but I'm relatively new to this board. I personally, am not an early morning runner....usually run at luch time during work. It seems to take me a while to get going in the AM and I was wondering if anyone else
fit this mold and what their experiences were with a 6:00 AM start. I also understand the 1/2 is taking a different route this year and I assume the course is relatively flat? I would appreciate an upbeat experiences folks had and advice on training pitfalls etc. My DW has never run a 1/2 and my last one was
in Hartford in 1997, so we're back to the drawing board for training!! Thanks in advance for any tips!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Looks like I have to add another FAQ to the FAQ thread.

The course is flat in terms of racing flat...but the overpasses and on/off ramps--are anything but flat. Your training program should include some training to compensate for this...some bridge runs or hill runs (or walks) in your area.

You are sooo pumped with adrenaline before the start--that though you are tired..it is not the same tired as when you attempt to rise early for a training day at home.

FAQ thread is at the top of the WISH board.

 

[pixiedust27]

Regarding the early start, I don't really consider myself a morning person and I definitely do not fall into the category of morning runner but I was fine at the 6 am start. By the time I got my 3:15 am wake-up call, get on the bus, hung out in the first holding area, moved to the 2nd holding area, walked to the start. sat in my corral at the start I was more than ready to get going. Also, there's the pre-race jitters (I can't be the only person that gets them) that kind of get your blood pumping. So, don't worry about the early start -- you'll be ready to go.
I can't really answer questions as to the new half marathon route but I can tell you that the course this past year was relatively flat with the exception of some overpasses.
Have fun!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

"flatness" information has been added to the FAQ.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome aboard! You will find that no matter your body clock doesn't wake up until noon that you will be awake. There are tons of folks to keep things interesting. As you get ready for step off they have music, and gatherings going on all about. You will wake up because you will! You will have trained for this event all year and you will wake.
I had the best experience and had never participated in anything like this before. Overpass is not too bad on the 1/2 course as you have some, but they are not straight up hills and you will have trained for this event all year and you will make the overpasses.
There is plenty of time to train if you are starting your training now. Make the best of that for you will have trained for this event all year and you will do great!

Stop by the training threads. The group is always in need of input and it helps to hear about everyone making progress.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

Hi there, I agree, I train most nights at 5pm, but can always run a race first thing because of the adrenaline.

As for upbeat experiences...

Standing at the start listening to Donald Duck doing the countdown and telling everyone to just 'run fast, run fast'. Even now, my partner sends me off on runs with a 'run fast' and it makes me smile.

Seeing two guys who were running the marathon, lying down in front of the steam train (it wasn't moving obviously) by big thunder mountain for a photo. One had his legs in the air, the other had both arms -and they still had 16 miles to go.

Running through Cinderella's castle, it's just fantastic.

Crossing the finish line - doesn't matter how many races you've done nothing beats it if you know you've done well.

As for this year when I do the full, I'm just looking forward to the moment I see Eyeore (one of the main reasons I'm doing the full, so if anyone from Disney is reading this, please get the other little grey donkey (tee hee) out on that course). I think I might cry.

 

[chimera]

Come on over, PCFriar!

We've got first-timers and experienced runners already training. It's a great group!

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=734877&page=1&pp=15

 

[PCFriar80]

Thanks Everyone!! Now if I can just lay off the chips and ice cream for the
next 11 months!! See you in January!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Thanks Everyone!! Now if I can just lay off the chips and ice cream for the
next 11 months!! See you in January!

Hi PCFriar80! Welcome to our training group! Another first timer here, my husband also if he decides to join us. We just moved to FL from Wallingford this past May. If you can handle the hills in CT, you'll have no problem here. Looking forward to meeting you in Jan!

 

[MelanieC]

I agree, although it seemed scary to think about getting up at 2:45am, I was up and at them easily. The nerves kept me pumped and it was really easy. Finishing the race so early in the day was such a high. I was tired later that afternoon. Glad you are joining us!