Goofy 2011 Question

[abwilliams22]

It looks like the goofy race is at 50% capacity as of today, so I have a big decision to make. I am definitely going to do the Full (which is will be my first full), but I want to do the Goofy Is it wise to do the Goofy without ever attempting a full? I have finished four half's (around 2:15 time), and will do the DL half in September.

If I do the Goofy, anyone got any suggestions on training. I looked at Hal Higdon's Int program where you run long on Saturday & double that on Sunday, but I'm afraid that might be too much for me.

I would appreciate any help, as am I a major planner & not having a confirmed running schedule is driving me nuts

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

I did the Goofy 2010 having never done a full. If you train well then you will be just fine; you will finish the half feeling awesome, and not have a problem doing the full on the Sunday - I say go for it.

As for training I did the MFM program, but switched it up a little (adding in back to backs most weekends - I know many people say there is no need to do many back to back runs, but I just needed to know that I could!) I am sure some more experienced people will come along and give you some good training advice.

Have fun training and see you in 11

Kirsty

 

[FFigawi]

There's a really good training program available at RunVie. It's geared towards more advanced runners, but you might be able to tailor it down for your needs. You could also just follow a regular marathon training program as if the full were the only race you're running and add in a few back-to-back days to get used to running tired. Truth be told, since you'll most likely end up running the half much slower than you normally would, it won't take as much out of you as you think it will.

 

[cewait]

I truely recommend doing a full before the Goofy....

Saying that, I think that if you are well trained for the full you should do fine.

I am not a big proponent of back to back runs every weekend. I think that you should lock into a training program for a full maarthon that suits you. Then add a few back to back runs on the shorter weekends.

FFigawi hit a point that I think is important and that is you will run the half slower than you are capable on Saturday. Your focus on Saturday should be recovery, recovery, recovery. Once you finish the half take on fluids appropriate for the day, eat a nice recovery meal and keep moving lightly through the afternoon.

I remember my first Goofy thinking it was a daunting task but really found the weekends to all be a pleasant memory on this side.

 

[Hockeychic]

I also did my first goofy, while never attempting a full. I trainned as if I was only doing the full and actually due to major bone spurs and PF only got to a long walk of 16 miles.

I think everyone is different and if you feel you have it in you go for it. It was a awesome sense of accomplishment when I finished.

 

[abwilliams22]

Thank you for your responses. I don't have anyone to talk a/b this b/c (A) No one around me is crazy about Disney (except my 3 & 6 yo), (B) My family thinks I'm crazy for running two miles, much less a full marathon, & (C) the people I run with don't travel very far to run races.

I know the wise thing would be to run a full before January - I may look for one toward the end of September just so I know what the feeling is like (I haven't slacked up yet on my training from last half - ran 10 miles this weekend). But if I only run the full at WDW, I will always wonder "what-if"...especially when I see those Goofy medals. I can say well there's always the next year, but I'm trying to do a different Disney race each year (even though I will do this year - C2C medal).

Thanks again!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I agree that having the experience on knowing how to handle the last 6 miles of a marathon is valuable, you can finish without it.

I only do marathon training and NO back to backs EVER for any of my 5 Goofy finishes. The back to backs to increase the risk of injury if you don't have some rest days.

Good luck and stay injury free!

 

[Bephus]

I haven't done the Goofy yet, but I am signed up for 2011. I am planning on using Hal Higdon's intermediate program for my training. I used it for the MCM and liked the increased milage. If not for a 17 minute potty break at mile 17, I would have PRed for the second time in one year. I liked the back-to-backs each weekend and the middle-distance runs in the middle and I think it will work great for the Goofy Challenge. GL and see you there in Jan!

My DS wants to add an emoticon, so this is from him

 

[WDWMarathonManiac]

I did my first Goofy last year. I followed Galloway's regular marathon training plan, but on the day before my long run, I "ran" half the distance by deep water running. You can find out more at the aquajogger website. It enabled me to prepare for the added distance without exposing myself to injury.

Alternatively, you can cross-train on the day before the long run for a period of time equivalent to half of the long run, similar to the way that you train for a triathlon. I do half-ironman distance races, and I feel that a long bike (spinning or on a trainer) can provide valuable training with minimal injury risk.

 

[IamTrike]

Ab, so what did you decide to do? If you decided to do the goofy I'd love to get your thoughts post race. I'm thinking about doing the goofy or more in 2012, but like you most people think I'm crazy when I bring it up.