Ironman Training in Disney

[scottashackleton]

So I am competing in Ironman Lake Placid July 22, and with my luck, one of my heaviest training weeks falls during my 10 day vaca to WDW. Luckily, I can shuffle the workouts around a bit and bring the total volume down.

My GF and I do plenty of running while in WDW early in the morning to get the juices flowing and to beat the tough May sun. I am more worried about being able to get some quality swims and bikes in.

We are staying at BWV, so I am aware they have a gym and hopefully a decent spin bike for rides. I was wondering if any of the pools are lap-friendly. If I got up early enough and beat the crowds would I be able to get an uninterrupted 30-45 swim in?

I guess just more generally, has anyone else done substantial training while on vaca in Disney? Obviously if any conflicts arise, vacation most certainly trumps working out!!

Thanks for the input

 

[plutolovr]

There areseeme nice running areas around the BW/BC/YC resorts. You can run down to DHS, back to Epcot, etc. I don't recall seeing any Spin bikes in the gym, but they do have stationary bikes. As far as swimming goes I never see a crowd in the quiet pool at BW, probably the pool you want to use.

Also, for a nice change try running at Fort Wilderness.

 

[Todd and Toni]

The Swan and Dolphin each have lap pools. It is a short walk from BWV but I do not know if you can pool hop there.

 

[catherine]

When we were there in Nov. my BIL spent a week with us and he was training for IM NZ. He kept up with his training by getting up early in the am and running and doing laps in the pool and going to the gym after we'd left the parks. We were staying at OKW.

 

[k_hase]

I didn't train for IM in Disney, but did travel to Korea and Ireland so know about the training in strange gyms.

BW does have a gym with stationary bikes, they aren't great for our purposes as they keep you pretty upright and the saddle is a big wide thing. I've done 2+ hours on one in a pinch, so it can be done and will at the very least maintain some fitness. You could look into ORlando bike shops and see if you can rent a trainer and bike for week and set it up in your room.

The quiet pool at BW is a rectangle but is pretty short. If you get up early enough the non quiet pool may have a longer space for laps with no people (I did this at universal once, it gets the job done and forces you to sight a bit for a straight line!).

If you are going to have a car, look for local masters programs, high schools with public lap swim or a YMCA.

 

[iluveeyore]

Just had to share my laugh - saw your title and with the new Avengers movie just out, for a second I thought the actual Ironman was seen at WDW

 

[FFWRX]

Just had to share my laugh - saw your title and with the new Avengers movie just out, for a second I thought the actual Ironman was seen at WDW

I did too! I was thinking that my sons would love that.

 

[nenis]

dont know about the swim part but i suggest biking at fort wilderness!

 

[chartle]

I did too! I was thinking that my sons would love that.

Me three I thought it was a new JTA.

 

[chartle]

dont know about the swim part but i suggest biking at fort wilderness!

Not sure how that would work, since there is traffic coming and going in all directions so there could be a lot of stopping. It wouldn't be at all like the miles of road work that they would do. And of course you need the proper bike, not the sidewalk cruisers that I'm sure they have.

 

[Padstack]

Swimming in the pools will take a whole lot of laps considering they are not very big, but it can be done. For riding, if the stationary bikes will not work for you, you could always rent a road bike. I personally have not used this service, but they have come highly recommended by a friend of mine.

Elite Road Bike Rentals