Goofy....recooperation time and how many races

[Qltrgrl2]

I am looking for good advice on how many races you should do in a year. As a relatively new runner (16 months since first 3 mile run on a treadmill), I am interested in completing all the Disney races. So, would it be stupid at my advanced age of 58 to try for Goofy? After seeing everyone with their beautiful medals, I would love to try. I have run three halves, Princess, DL and Chip & Dale last weekend that I finished in 2:03. ( all running). With W & D in mid November, I thought that might have to wait until 2013. ( too close to marathon weekend) I also may try to get back to CA in September for the half. Thanks in advance for advice.
Pam

 

[cewait]

One (even at your YOUNG age) can run several races a year. One needs to understand their body's needs and what it is telling you. Also, setting priorities for certain races is always in order. Running each Disney race is a great priority, though it is impossible to run all in one year now with the concurrent relay.

Honestly, the only restriction for running the W&D and Goofy is a budget issue. The race itself should not be a limiter in Goofy training. I usually run 3-5 half marathons during the Goofy training season

 

[RunRookie]

This is a great question. I am 51 (52 in August) and I plan to run 4 Half Marathons this year, and in October run my first Full at the Chicago Marathon. Then I plan on running the Goofy in 2013.

I have spread out my races throughout the year to provide recovery time and I try to schedule my training so that some of those races can be treated as Long Runs.

Right now, I have no races scheduled after October so I can recover from the Full and then work on getting used to doing back-2-back long runs.

Is this a sound strategy, Coach?

 

[cewait]

This is a great question. I am 51 (52 in August) and I plan to run 4 Half Marathons this year, and in October run my first Full at the Chicago Marathon. Then I plan on running the Goofy in 2013.

I have spread out my races throughout the year to provide recovery time and I try to schedule my training so that some of those races can be treated as Long Runs.

Right now, I have no races scheduled after October so I can recover from the Full and then work on getting used to doing back-2-back long runs.

Is this a sound strategy, Coach?

Seems so.

With the Chicago being you very first full, do not be 100% firm in your plans between then and Goofy. You may go through some of the post run fink that many first time marathoners. It's ok and preferable to lay out a schedule, just understand that recovery can take a lot longer than one would think... both physically and mentally.

I think it a good idea to plan a couple back to back runs, but not all the time. I would also suggest that for those back to backers to reverse the order. The long run is the critical run while the short one is more an experience run. The whole purpose of the back to backers is 1) learning how to deal with dead feeling legs and 2) learning a post run nutrition strategy for the afternoon between the half and full.

Finally, prior to Chicago, anoint either the Chicago or Goofy your A race of the two. Setting a priority will allow you mentally to bail on the other in the slight case of injury in a race.

 

[RunRookie]

I think it a good idea to plan a couple back to back runs, but not all the time. I would also suggest that for those back to backers to reverse the order. The long run is the critical run while the short one is more an experience run. The whole purpose of the back to backers is 1) learning how to deal with dead feeling legs and 2) learning a post run nutrition strategy for the afternoon between the half and full.

Finally, prior to Chicago, anoint either the Chicago or Goofy your A race of the two. Setting a priority will allow you mentally to bail on the other in the slight case of injury in a race.

Thanks for this good feedback! At this time, I see Chicago as the "A" race. If things go south during the Disney Full, I can decide better how to deal with it based upon my experience from the Chicago race. Plus, I would likely not be trying to PR the Disney Full but rather have it be more of a fun experience where I could take some photos, etc.

I understand about the recovery issue and the post-race funk (haven't experienced it tho). I figured on taking the remainder of October easy and then restart Goofy training in November. But I don't have a real schedule thought through yet but keeping it flexible is wise. Luckily, I have a lot of time before the Fall to consider options. My race schedule is here if you want to take a look.

 

[cewait]

Thanks for this good feedback! At this time, I see Chicago as the "A" race. If things go south during the Disney Full, I can decide better how to deal with it based upon my experience from the Chicago race. Plus, I would likely not be trying to PR the Disney Full but rather have it be more of a fun experience where I could take some photos, etc.

I understand about the recovery issue and the post-race funk (haven't experienced it tho). I figured on taking the remainder of October easy and then restart Goofy training in November. But I don't have a real schedule thought through yet but keeping it flexible is wise. Luckily, I have a lot of time before the Fall to consider options. My race schedule is here if you want to take a look.

That is a nice build up for the full. One ting I would also add... you are on the right track understanding that the 3-4 weeks post Chicago are not going to have a lot of miles.

 

[RunRookie]

Thanks, Coach! I am looking forward to this year!

 

[halvnorsk]

Hey Rick,

I've been noticing your posts with interest (does this make me a cyber stalker?) because your story is so inspirational and I grew up in Palatine. My husband and I were there almost 10 years before relocating. I used to ride the Metra NW line into the city to work. Most of your races are in my old stomping grounds. It makes me a little homesick.

I am considering a similar plan - run the Chicago Marathon and then the WDW Marathon. I did the Goofy this year (my second full), but I'm not sure I'll do it again next year. Physically I think it's doable, I'm just not sure yet about the financial, emotional and time investment. But it's a long time off. Who knows?

 

[johde]

As far as running multiple races during Goofy training, I think it would be very doable. The biggest thing in my mind would be deciding which ones to race and which ones to use as "supported training runs". Galloway's training plan for the W&D includes the option of running Disneyland as a supported training run. He also has a pair of Marathon plans for people who completed those races. Galloway's plans are a little light in the midweek running, especially for people who don't take the walk breaks. But, they could serve as a guide for your own plan.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Thanks coach for the advice. I have tried to race my half marathon's, (and have improved my time at each). However, Goofy would be entirely different and perhaps even a run/walk program would be suggested. Do you have a good training program that you recommend for Goofy? You are so experienced with the race that perhaps you could share your plan with those newbies that want to conquer the back to back races.

Thanks, Pam