Getting nervous - last minute marathon questions...

[Cruz91]

Hi All -

I've been a DIS member for quite a while, but just finally had a reason to come to this forum. I'm "running" the upcoming Disney Marathon and have a couple of questions. This is my first time ever doing anything like this. I'm 38, and have trained pretty strictly over the last 3-1/2 months. I did most of my training as a run-walk style, but found the re-starting after the walk was worse than just jogging at a steady, slower pace. Here are my questions (and feel free to toss any extra advice you think I may need as a first time runner)...

- I signed up for the 5:30 Cliff Bar pace group. My goal is NOT a time, but just to complete the darn thing. I still was wondering, though - will I be the only middle-aged dude in this time bracket? If I am, it's not a big deal to me. I have become perfectly accustomed to being completely annihilated by grandma's 20 years my senior and moms pushing jogging strollers who lapped me during my long training runs.

- How early should I get up and get on the bus? I'm staying at All Star Sports, and I'm sure there will be a TON of people going from that resort to Epcot.

- What do you usually carry while running? I didn't train with a hydration belt or anything. For my long runs, I just carried two large bottles of water in my hands and/or coat pockets (I live in Ohio, so some of my morning runs were sub-30 degrees at the start). I was planning on just using the hydration stations for water, but would probably like to keep my phone on me...

- Please give me any other tips and tricks to make this easier for me. I'm really a fish out of water here. I'm doing this trip all alone (long story, but my wife didn't want to come down with me without the kids, and I didn't want to spend all that airfare on just a 3 day weekend). Any advice you have to offer would be very much appreciated!!!

 

[stitchfan18]

Hi All -

I've been a DIS member for quite a while, but just finally had a reason to come to this forum. I'm "running" the upcoming Disney Marathon and have a couple of questions. This is my first time ever doing anything like this. I'm 38, and have trained pretty strictly over the last 3-1/2 months. I did most of my training as a run-walk style, but found the re-starting after the walk was worse than just jogging at a steady, slower pace. Here are my questions (and feel free to toss any extra advice you think I may need as a first time runner)...

My run/walk times are pretty similar to my slow jog times, but the main difference is how my legs feel afterwards. My legs are a lot more sore the after the race when I try to run straight through. Also, I have no problems finishing a marathon distance doing run/walk. I struggled to get through a fall marathon with a pace group that did straight running, only stopping to walk at water stops.

- I signed up for the 5:30 Cliff Bar pace group. My goal is NOT a time, but just to complete the darn thing. I still was wondering, though - will I be the only middle-aged dude in this time bracket? If I am, it's not a big deal to me. I have become perfectly accustomed to being completely annihilated by grandma's 20 years my senior and moms pushing jogging strollers who lapped me during my long training runs.

I've been the only girl in a 5 hour pace group before, with the 4:30 pace group being almost all girls. It just depends on the race. I bet the people running in that group will be pretty diverse.

- How early should I get up and get on the bus? I'm staying at All Star Sports, and I'm sure there will be a TON of people going from that resort to Epcot.

You have to be on the bus no later than 4:00. It doesn't hurt to be early, and it's a lot less stressful that morning not worrying about whether you'll get there on time. I would aim for 3:30ish to be on the bus.

- What do you usually carry while running? I didn't train with a hydration belt or anything. For my long runs, I just carried two large bottles of water in my hands and/or coat pockets (I live in Ohio, so some of my morning runs were sub-30 degrees at the start). I was planning on just using the hydration stations for water, but would probably like to keep my phone on me...

Water stops are about every 1.5 miles or less. The longest stretches without water are in the parks. In addition to my cell phone I carry my sports beans/ gels, and a camera.

- Please give me any other tips and tricks to make this easier for me. I'm really a fish out of water here. I'm doing this trip all alone (long story, but my wife didn't want to come down with me without the kids, and I didn't want to spend all that airfare on just a 3 day weekend). Any advice you have to offer would be very much appreciated!!!

Take some extra time to walk around the expo and see everything since you won't have kids in tow. If you think you want to buy something, wait until you see all the vendors. A lot of vendors have similar products, so you might see another version at a better price a few booths later.
If you want any of the official run disney merchandise make sure you get it at the expo. There may or may not be anything left after the race, and clothing might not be in your size.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Once you get to Disney and experience the atmosphere your nerves will most likely melt away. Try to enjoy the experience!

 

[RunningGirl]

- What do you usually carry while running? I didn't train with a hydration belt or anything. For my long runs, I just carried two large bottles of water in my hands and/or coat pockets (I live in Ohio, so some of my morning runs were sub-30 degrees at the start). I was planning on just using the hydration stations for water, but would probably like to keep my phone on me...I also carry a couple of tissues, Gu, Chapstick and money to stop in the massage tent afterward

- Please give me any other tips and tricks to make this easier for me. I'm really a fish out of water here. I'm doing this trip all alone (long story, but my wife didn't want to come down with me without the kids, and I didn't want to spend all that airfare on just a 3 day weekend). Any advice you have to offer would be very much appreciated!!!

Bring a sweatshirt or jacket you're willing to dump to wear before the race starts. It's a long walk and a long time from the bag drop to the start line. Also, check a bag with a change of shirt and jacket, along with maybe some flip flops to change into after the race. You'll be waiting in a pretty good line to get on the bus to get back to your resort. Finally, you should be able to sign your wife's cell phone up to receive text updates on you as you run the race. Sometimes they come in a timely manner and sometimes they don't, but it's free so you may as well give it a go! Good luck and have fun!

 

[cewait]

Hi All -

I've been a DIS member for quite a while, but just finally had a reason to come to this forum. I'm "running" the upcoming Disney Marathon and have a couple of questions. This is my first time ever doing anything like this. I'm 38, and have trained pretty strictly over the last 3-1/2 months. I did most of my training as a run-walk style, but found the re-starting after the walk was worse than just jogging at a steady, slower pace. Here are my questions (and feel free to toss any extra advice you think I may need as a first time runner)...

First, restarting issues after a walk can be from a couple things. If it is happening early in your run, you may be running too long. Depending on your current ratio you may want to take a minute off the runs.

It may also be a sign that your run pace it too hard. You may want to back off just a bit on race day to see where you slot in. What ever you do pace wise, make sure to stay near training pace or slower for the first half.

Finally, if the difficulty is late in a training run, then it may just be normal. Each time you extend distance you are stressing the body. Follow some of the above from the start. Also, spend some time between now and race day visualizing how you made it through those tough restarts. Birn those thoughts in your mind as pull from that experience on race day.

OK really final, if you are stuck on walk on race day do not fret. Just go through a couple intervals walking only and then pull back into a run walk or find someone on course to pull you. If you look around and see someone following a similar interval, stick with them and use their energy to keep it moving forward.

- I signed up for the 5:30 Cliff Bar pace group. My goal is NOT a time, but just to complete the darn thing. I still was wondering, though - will I be the only middle-aged dude in this time bracket? If I am, it's not a big deal to me. I have become perfectly accustomed to being completely annihilated by grandma's 20 years my senior and moms pushing jogging strollers who lapped me during my long training runs.

First do not feel like you must keep up with the group. Go by the expo and introduce yourself. Find out how they plan to run. Since you are a run walker and they more than likely will run straight through, understand that you will be ‘rubberbanding’ with the group. They will pull away while you are walking and you will catch up when running. Scratch that, start just in front of the group and pull away first then allow them to catch you on your walk.

Again do not feel obligated to stay with them. I find that several groups will tend to speed up and fall off. The last pace group I was running with was running a consistent 45 seconds a mile faster than required. The pace group leader’s philosophy was to run was and fade into the time. I let the move on after about 3 miles and caught them about 4 miles from the end….

- How early should I get up and get on the bus? I'm staying at All Star Sports, and I'm sure there will be a TON of people going from that resort to Epcot.

Buses run from 3-4. How early you get up depends on your practiced routine. A conservative play is to grab the 0330 bus to assure you are not in the last minute panic. For me, I am up around 2 and leave for the race about 0315.

- What do you usually carry while running? I didn't train with a hydration belt or anything. For my long runs, I just carried two large bottles of water in my hands and/or coat pockets (I live in Ohio, so some of my morning runs were sub-30 degrees at the start). I was planning on just using the hydration stations for water, but would probably like to keep my phone on me...

Since you are training with water, I would carry a disposable water bottle to the start. Use it to sip from prestart and then during the race. In general, the water stops in the marathon are every other mile during the first half and once a mile there after. By having the bottle with you at the first, it helps get you through the irregularity of the first stops. You can always toss if you figure you do not need.

- Please give me any other tips and tricks to make this easier for me. I'm really a fish out of water here. I'm doing this trip all alone (long story, but my wife didn't want to come down with me without the kids, and I didn't want to spend all that airfare on just a 3 day weekend). Any advice you have to offer would be very much appreciated!!!

Plan for all weather between 30F and 80F as you lay things out. Do not go to the parks on Saturday and be a hero. If you want to visit a park, then take your time and remember to do some crowd watching and hydrate. Coming out of Ohio, you will feel the humidity to some extent. Oh and flying will also dehydrate you some. Also, try to get your rest the night before the night before (Friday). You will not sleep well on Saturday night. You may try to get into bed early, but I find that if you go too early, you are woken up by Epcot folks coming home. If you are looking for something to do on Saturday AM, come out and watch the half. Folks can always use another spectator.

HAVE FUN

 

[ironz]

Water stops are about every 1.5 miles or less. The longest stretches without water are in the parks. In addition to my cell phone I carry my sports beans/ gels, and a camera.



Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Once you get to Disney and experience the atmosphere your nerves will most likely melt away. Try to enjoy the experience!

Mostly wanted to address this about the water...though there are not frequent RACE water stops in the parks, there are the water fountains throughout the parks.
I do not like to carry things when I run, and don't carry a water bottle. The race water/aid stops do me just fine.

As for your phone...a little waist pack like a Spibelt or similar will be good to hold a phone as well as nutritional products, without adding too much bulk.
Since I am hurt and am probably going to be looking at very long marathon (longer than the 6:05 I did in 2010), I am thinking about carrying my phone during the marathon and torturing my FB friends with a play-by-play as I run/walk.

 

[Cruz91]

The one thing I've found that is really cool about this endeavor is that the "running community" really appears eager to help new folks out. I've gotten a lot of support from many different people when they find out I'm planning this, and the advice you were all so quick to share is just awesome. It really does inspire me and give me confidence that I can do it. See you all at the finish line (probably after you've already had a celebratory beverage or three!)

 

[JJ721]

The one thing I've found that is really cool about this endeavor is that the "running community" really appears eager to help new folks out. I've gotten a lot of support from many different people when they find out I'm planning this, and the advice you were all so quick to share is just awesome. It really does inspire me and give me confidence that I can do it. See you all at the finish line (probably after you've already had a celebratory beverage or three!)

I'm all in for the three beverages! One of the best memories I had of the 2010 Marathon was walking around World Showcase Sunday night and sharing some good times with all of the runners (make sure to wear your medal!).

On a practical note, I'll toss in two more suggestions. First, watch your pace at the start. It is extremely tempting to begin fast - there are a lot of other excited runners who might cause you to start quicker than you'd like. Second, and how do I say this delicately, but from one guy to another make sure to wear Nip guards or some other protection. Nothing worse than finishing your race with blood on the front of your shirt!

Good luck!!!

 

[Cruz91]

...someone mentioned massage tent at the end of the run. Anyone know if this is going on at the marathon this year? I already scheduled a full hour for the Monday after the race at Saratoga Springs, but if I could get a quick one right after the race, it'd be fine...

And by the way... Already all over the nip guards. I found out after my first 8 mile run on a cold Ohio day that this was a must!

 

[braycon]

First of all, congrats on just getting through all the training runs and following your plan - that's a huge accomplishment in and of itself. I live in Columbus also - well, Hilliard - and I've personally had just about enough training in the cold, wind, and rain, but what can you do? So kudos to you and GOOD LUCK!

I ran my first Disney Marathon in 2007 and I can relate to all your questions and concerns. I wouldn't worry too much, though. I can assure you that you've gotten some great advice already from those on this thread. But the best advice yet was Coach telling you to have fun! The marathon is a challenge, but it's such a unique, spectacular experience - particularly so at Disney! I used to be one of those people who said they didn't even like to drive 26 miles, let alone run that far, but it's amazingly addictive. You meet so many people and volunteers that just make the experience special...ENJOY!

This will be my third Disney and my last was in 2009. I can tell you that in 2007 and 2009 they had the massage tents. In 2007, I didn't take advantage - I am definitely NOT a "get a massage" guy normally (as my wife will attest) - but in 2009 I did. It was an enormous benefit! Saratoga on Monday will be great, I'm sure, but having that massage right after was a godsend! In fact, I had cramped up and was struggling just to walk at the race's conclusion. The massage made a world of difference...I was still sore, but at least I was getting around. Do remember to take a few dollars - like most things Disney - it wasn't free. But it's worth every penny... I can't imagine they won't have it again this year.

By the by, I agree completely on the walking/running combo. I've tried that in the past and I just hate it. It requires patience (of which I have little) and it can be difficult for me to get started back up, as well. But some have great success with the Galloway run/walk sytle, so I'm not knocking it as a rule. It just hasn't worked for me. This year my entire goal is to run the whole thing!

I think that 5:30 is a great goal, too. It's a great place to start. It's not terribly fast, but it's not as slow as you probably think and, frankly, does it matter anyway? My first year I was hoping for 4:15 and it was just absurdly hot and I was death-marching by mile 15 and finished in just a hair under 5 hours. But, as you said, I finished the darn thing.

And that, my friend, is something you'll never forget.

 

[RunningGirl]

...someone mentioned massage tent at the end of the run. Anyone know if this is going on at the marathon this year? I already scheduled a full hour for the Monday after the race at Saratoga Springs, but if I could get a quick one right after the race, it'd be fine...

Yes, it will be there; it's on the map in the program. In the past it's been $10 for 10 minutes or $20 for 20 minutes I believe. Since I'm doing Goofy a massage after the half is a must!

 

[cewait]

From a physiological stand point, the finish line massage is not really a great thing.... The muscle really needs to cool and settle prior to getting worked over.

Now if you hopped up on the table and insisted on stretching only, that would be another thing. A good stretch is well worth the $$... But I would stop them the first time they tried to dig into the muscle

 

[Cruz91]

Again, you've been so helpful! Good point about just doing a good stretch right afterthe run.

I must admit I have cheated some (or a lot). While I did all of my long runs outside in the elements, most of my shorter through-the-week runs were on the treadmill. I did this for a couple of reasons. I ran outside because obviously I needed to condition my body for that pounding. I ran the short ones on the treadmill to minimize the impact on my joints and, frankly, I'm not a fan of running in the cold, dark outside. I never noticed my body negatively reacting on the long outdoor runs, so for me, it felt like a good balance. We'll see, though...

 

[jmasgat]

CRuz91 I run 2 of my 3 weekly runs on the TM. It has worked fine for me--for all race distances. IMO, you'll be fine.

Maura

 

[cewait]

Again, you've been so helpful! Good point about just doing a good stretch right afterthe run.

I must admit I have cheated some (or a lot). While I did all of my long runs outside in the elements, most of my shorter through-the-week runs were on the treadmill. I did this for a couple of reasons. I ran outside because obviously I needed to condition my body for that pounding. I ran the short ones on the treadmill to minimize the impact on my joints and, frankly, I'm not a fan of running in the cold, dark outside. I never noticed my body negatively reacting on the long outdoor runs, so for me, it felt like a good balance. We'll see, though...

I run lots of hill work... Here in Houston that means overpasses, parking garages or treadmill. I run most all short runs on the mill

 

[flatlandcycle]

I wouldn't get wrapped up in the pace groups. Every once in a while they completely miss their pace or start too fast. Runners in these groups tend to get into lemming mode. Hoard mentality really takes over.

I would just get a pace-band from the cliff bar booth and use your own watch for pacing. Mile markers will have big digital clocks you can't miss them.

 

[cewait]

I wouldn't get wrapped up in the pace groups. Every once in a while they completely miss their pace or start too fast. Runners in these groups tend to get into lemming mode. Hoard mentality really takes over.

I would just get a pace-band from the cliff bar booth and use your own watch for pacing. Mile markers will have big digital clocks you can't miss them.

Your lemmings comment got me to thinking.....

A lot of folks will inappropriately blast walkers as a moving road block..... Try working through a pace group. Course wide and everyone keying off the runner beside and in front of them.

 

[DISaholic's]

One thing that everyone else didn't address is 'Am I going to be the only middle age guy running at that pace'. NO! There will be women and men of all ages in every pace group. Don't worry about that at all!

With 15,000 runners and walkers in the marathon you will not be the only one! Also the Disney marathon is a bit more about 'fun' than other marathons. Less people are concerned about their race time here than you see at other marathons where more people are trying to qualify for Boston or other. As a friend of mine told me, don't worry about your time in this one, just have fun, take a few pictures with the characters and enjoy the Disney experience!!

See you there!
Jeanne

 

[cewait]

I just ignored it as 38 is still a kid ... I am just now middle aged at 53



(OK No flaming)

 

[buckeyecinderella]

A lot of folks will inappropriately blast walkers as a moving road block.....

Question about this. What is the etiquette for walkers or walk runners? When I ran the princess half I heard other runners commenting on why there were so many walking? Well a lot of people do walk runs and most I saw were trying to stay to the side of the course. Is this the appropriate place to take walk breaks? I don't want to be blasted, but I would like to start in the corral is best suited for my overall pace but I don't want to slow anyone down when I take my walk breaks. Thanks!

 

[DISaholic's]

I just ignored it as 38 is still a kid ... I am just now middle aged at 53



(OK No flaming)

No flaming here!!

I'm in between both of you at 46 so consider myself the 'true middle age'. I'd love to be a 38 age middle-ager again! Less aches and pains (on a daily basis), and I didn't need reading glasses or say 'What??? I didn't hear you...' all the time! LOL