Just back from the 2004 1/2 Marathon!

[welovedis]

I know that AKA Snow White had posted a bit on her family's experience. We arrived on the 7th and got back last night so we did tour the parks and do lots after the 1/2 marathon.

My husband ran his first 5K at the Family Fun Run and my son did his first 400 yard dash there as well on the Saturday before the race.

I finished the 1/2 despite a terrible nosebleed that started at about the 4 mile mark and lasted until after the 8 mile mark--that made it really difficult since I had to slow to a very slow walk instead of jogging.

I was still pleased that I finished and received my medal. I have to admit to those here that are worried about being in shape to do it next year--don't worry! I really was bad about sticking to my training for the last few weeks and I still finished well within the sweep time. There are so many people there that are every shape, size, athletic ability, etc... you will be fine!

If anyone has any specific questions about the race, the family fun run, the great massages that I highly recommend, etc.. just ask away. I'll be happy to post some pics too when they are uploaded!

BTW-Someone asked about photos during the race. There is a company called Action Sports International (www.asiorders.com) that takes pictures throughout the course and at the end of the race (posed with medal). They track you by your bib number that you wear on your clothing. After the race you just type in your bib number and it will bring up every pic they have of you during the race--plus a couple of that show the start of the full & hall marathon. They have about 5-6 of me thoughout the half--one was taken by the castle in MK, another during the route, a couple at the finish line and the one I posed for with the medal.

At the expo there are other places (After the Race--www.CTLProducts.com and Fond Memories Graphics www.marathongifts.com) that will sell you a commemorative plaque that can showcase your medal along with your name and you can even buy one with space for your photo too. I brought one since it is my first 1/2 marathon and wanted a special way to remember it.

I also took along a disposable camera to take some shots during the race myself--hopefully they will come out. There are lots of chances if you want to stop (quickly) and post with a character and have a CM snap a photo.

Anyway--if you have any questions, fire away!

Ok I edited this to add some links to my trip reports from that board:
Pre Marathon Report
Expo Report
Family Fun Run/Walk 5K & Kids Races

Marathon Report

 

[pixiechick]

Karen:
I've been waiting for your report. Sorry to hear about the nosebleed! No way to prepare for that happening.
Did you get to try the run with walk breaks? 8 minutes with a 2 minute walk, is that right? (I'm reading Jeff Galloway's book to help prepare.)

I'd love some info about the Family 5K. Unfortunately, my son will have just turned 9 and will be too old for the kid's races. But he really wants to participate so he and DH are signed up for the 5k. Did many people walk that, or was it mostly runners? Was there a time limit on the 5k? I know he can walk it, but highly doubt he'll be able to run the whole thing.

Did you run or walk at all on the day or so prior to the marathon? I registered for the 5k and thought about doing a slow run/walk but am afraid it might be overtiring. Worst case, I lose the $$. I blown more money on smaller things in the past!

Any details you'd like to share, I'd love to hear! And pictures would be wonderful!

 

[welovedis]

Hi pixiechick-
I was doing great with my run/walk intervals until the nosebleed. I don't run fast (more like a jog) so I was averaging about a 10 minute mile before the nosebleed, then I had to walk since running made the bleeding much worse. I averaged about a 15 minute mile or so by the end because of the slow walking, but the run/walk method would have worked out great otherwise.

The Family Fun Run/Walk was a non-timed event and was something that a lot of marathoners participated in too. You can go at your own pace and since it is just 3.1 miles you can easily finish in a reasonable amount of time. We plan on doing it together (me, DH & 8 yo (then) DS). We figure even if we walk to course together we want to cross the finish line holding hands & think that will be a terrific experience.

DH ran/walked that course but there were lots of people walking and some pushing strollers, etc... I would say it is something that a family can definitely do together. DS probably won't run in the kids races even though he can (although that might change). They were not as organized as I had hoped and there were some kids at the finish line looking for parents that hadn't made it there yet, but they do not let the kids leave that area without a parent that has a matching bib number tag. Just a little confusion that's all.

 

[pixiechick]

Originally posted by welovedis
We plan on doing it together (me, DH & 8 yo (then) DS). We figure even if we walk to course together we want to cross the finish line holding hands & think that will be a terrific experience.

That's our plan as well. I'm a sap and the idea makes me a little "teary". It just seems like such a cool thing to do together!

And, I'm loving the run/walk idea. I finished my run today way faster than I started. Just when I thought I was wearing down, I got a burst of energy and really picked up my speed.

Thanks again!

 

[welovedis]

That's great! It sounds like you will do terrific next January!

I get a little teary thinking about it too & DH & I will be doing the same when we cross the 1/2 marathon finish line-even though he is a faster runner than me, we plan on staying together to the finish line and crossing together too. Easier to stick to a running schedule when your mate is doing it too!

I wish you the best of luck with your training and hope things go smoothly all year.

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

How exciting but what a bummer about the nosebleed. What a trooper to hang in there and finish!

I did ask about the photos thanks for the info. I thought that this money opportunity would not be missed Never thought of taking a disposable camera - good idea. I will be walking so I am sure that it won't slow me down!

Can't wait to see the pix you post.

I may be back with questions - thanks again for being ready to answer!

 

[JRoglitz]

Thanks for the post. Lots of great information. My question is about the kids races. Where are they held and do the children get anything for their participation?

 

[wiskband]

LOL......... I have tons of questions........
Where does all of the other activites take place? ( kids family races)
I know the marathon goes through parks, do they closed them for that day?
Also, do you have to use your park entry ticket to get in? How about your family?
OMG.....you said ask away! lol.
you mentioned massages wheres that? how much?
As you could see.......most of my questions are money related.....
so do tell about money matters...
Also, do you also have your vacation at this time?
NOW BIG Q..........
We will be vacationing during this so should I ( the marathoner) plan my vacation before or after the marathon? you know where you too tired to next few days?
SORRY for all the questions but I am very excited and love to plan things earlier as well as save.
thanks for any info
renee

 

[perfectmatch300]

Karen, congratulations on your finish in the 1/2 marathon!
Thanks for the excellent trip reports. Sounds like you had a really great time! I was planning to do the 1/2 marathon with the WISH group next year, but that is just about the exact time I expect to be moving into our new house, so DH & I decided the 1/2 marathon would have to wait another year for us. I'm really disappointed, but I agree with him that we would be taking on a little too much since neither of us has ever done a race like that before. We will be there as cheerleaders, though, & maybe if the completion date on our new house changes we will still be able to sign up for the 5K.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Just wanted to add my congratulations too, Karen, on finsihing the 1/2 marathon, especially with a nosebleed. What a trooper!! DH and I are going to be doing this together, and neither of us has ever done a marathon before. We've just started training two weeks ago, and although DH has ran in the Army, and has done a couple races, I've never so much as jogged a mile in my life, so it's a totally new experience for me. Thanks so much for all the great info. Now I'm off to read your trip reports!

 

[Debbie]

Oh, wow! All these posts on the ½Marathon sure make my heart go pit-a-pat. . .get workin' girl. Congratulations, Karen on this year's feat! Your trip reports help me to seee what things will be like next January! Between the two of you, I'm pretty excited!

 

[welovedis]

Thanks for the congrats everyone! I hope the reports are not too boring, I must admit I feel I am not the best at putting things into written word. But get me talking on the phone, lol.....

JRoglitz-If you read the trip report that says Family Fun 5K & Kids Races I go into more detail, but they are held were held in the Epcot parking lot and ended there too. The kids got a rubber Brother Bear medal for finishing. You can look at my son's once I get the pics posted. It says Family Fun magazine Family Fun Run 2004 Walt Disney World with the2 bears from Brother Bears (Kenai & Koda) on it. It is on a dark maroon/brown ribbon that has a velcro to hold it together. I believe every child gets one--we didn't stick around long after my DS ran/walked as we were tired and headed back to the resort.

wiskband-No problem, I had lots of questions before I did it too!
Most of the activities take place in the Epcot parking lots for the Family Fun activities. They also has other kids only activities that were taking place but DS & I watched for my DH to finish his 5K and then lined up for the kids races so I couldn't really tell you what they were doing.

The parks are all open on the day of the marathon-Epcot is the first that the runners do thru and MK is next, for the full marathon they also go thru AK & MGM, then back thru Epcot. You didn't have to use your park entry to get into MK, but you did have to get a special wristband and then leave quickly. I know that most runners were thru the MK before it opened. I think that to see the end of the runners thru AK, MGM or Epcot you would need park admission. There are lots of opportunites for spectators to see the runners throughout the route without paying for park admission. The specific spectator info will come in the marathon packet for next year.

You could either get a massage at the health/medical tents right after the marathon for $10 for 10 minutes or you can get an appointment for one at one of the health clubs at the resorts. I did that and got a 50 minute massage-I think it is about $80 or so plus tip. It was worth it!

We did vacation at WDW from 1/7 (the Wednesday before the race) until 1/18 (the Sunday after the marathon)-I know-LONG trip! We did this for several reasons-1-we bought PAPS this year and went in May, July & January to get out money's worth. 2-we thought we weren't going back to WDW for at least a few years and wanted to see everything we missed and have a good, relaxing time. 3-We live in NY so getting away from snow in Jan sounded great. 4-the value season is great to see many things in WDW with little to no wait. I felt that the trip was just long enough, our family had a great time and we toured and did lots without feeling rushed or hurried at all! We saw Wishes 2xs, Spectromagic, Share a Dream Come True Parade, Fantasmic 3xs, Illuminations 2xs (once on a cruise and once from the UK area of Epcot) and had a blast while we were there. While I was sore the first 1-2 days after the marathon, I felt I wouldn't have been so sore if I had not slacked off during December here at home in training. I would definitely go again and vacation in WDW either before or after the marathon. I chose to stay after so I could keep up with training before the race.

perfectmatch300-congrats on moving toward a new home, that sounds like a big project and I would agree that you shouldn't push too hard to do something like this if you don't feel ready. I hope you can go and at least do the 5K. I have to admit that once I crossed my first finish line, I was hooked on the 5K and the even more 1/2 marathons. This coming from a woman who could barely walk a mile last January!



BTW--I don't mind if you check out my race pics online. My bib number was 21484 and if you go to www.asiorders.com you'll see me there if you check out the 1/2 marathon pics. Just enter my bib number and they will come up. Not the most flattering but I don't mind sharing with my WISH friends. At least all the bloody clothes were gone by the time those pics were taken!

 

[JRoglitz]

Karen...

I read your trip reports and just cried when I read about you running through the castle with your family cheering you on. I could feel myself doing that next year. You have really motivated me. I have another quick question. Was family able to see you cross the finish line or just meet you at the reunion spot? Also, about how long into the race do you cross through Magic Kingdom? Thanks again!

 

[mishoe01]

Karen - thanks soooo much for the reports and allowing us to see your pics!

Everything I read just makes me more psyched/excited about doing this in 2005!

 

[welovedis]

JRoglitz-
Sorry I made you cry! I actually tear up everytime I even think about seeing them Guess I am just a big softie! It honestly was so awesome to see them along the route right as I turned into the MK park, they were there and we all just started crying...it was truly amazing!

The finish line was really packed with people along both sides so it possible to see someone finish if you knew when they would be coming along. Lots of runners had their cell phones with them to call their friends or family and figured out a spot to see them go by ahead of time. Like lots of people got out their phones as they went thru the castle & stuff like that. Unfortunately for us, my DH is deaf and can't talk on a cell phone so we only have one and had to just plan ahead that they would try very hard to get into the MK to see me go by.

At the finish line area, right past the end, there was a huge tent for the runner's food and right beyond that were the smaller reunion tents. Lots of family members were at the back of the food tents peering out at the finish to try to see people there. I'm not sure how they regulated the spectators along the route, but there were people all along the roads (except in certain areas where the traffic was along one side and we ran on the other). I would say that once you think of an area for your people to try to see you, then just keep in touch via cell phone, if that works for you. The TTC was packed with people and so was the area from the MK entrance to the castle-there was a rope to keep the spectators seperate.

The 10 mile mark was right before we entered the MK and the 11 mile mark was shortly after we left it, so we needed to run quite a distance before we got there. I am trying to find a course map online to link so you can see where the run took place, but I can't seem to find one. I will see if my DH can help with my scanner-it is not networked properly right now and get the map from 2004 in my system. It is really neat to see the info and it might help you get a better idea of what might happen next year.

Anyway-sorry for the long reply! Hope this helps

 

[welovedis]

One more thing--a couple of people have PMed me asking what was the worse part (besides the nosebleed-lol) and I would have to say that I didn't have someone running with me. Since lots of you are going to be together, it might be a good idea to try to match up someone (obviously later in the year) who runs or walks a mile in a similar time to you.

The course gets pretty dull after the 4 mile mark (right outside Epcot on Epcot Center Drive) until about mile 8 when you are nearing the MK resort area and speedway, so that was really tough for me-especially since that is where my nosebleed occurred. I think the rest of it was easy since the beginning was going around Epcot and then once I was in the Mk resort area, I knew the worst was over.


Anyway--my point again being that a race "buddy" in not a bad idea. Once you begin to get into a walking or running plan you have a good idea of your mile time will be and maybe can match up with someone who does the same or similar training.

Again--just an observation-hope this helps!

 

[DoeWDW]

Karen, thanks so much for posting all this information!! I especially enjoyed looking at the pictures by putting in your bib number. I didn't know they do this, and it will be great to be able to see pictures of myself after the 1/2 marathon next year!! My family won't be with me, so it will help them feel a part of things too.

I have a question. I am "visually impaired" - I have poor eyesight. Is there any chance of me missing a turn or getting off the course during the half? Did you always have lots of other runners around you so you just had to follow the crowd?

Thanks!

 

[welovedis]

Glad the pics were of some help! I'm not really thrilled with the way I look in them, but hopefully by next year there will be a lot less of me to see in them!

Hmm..the other question is something I am not sure about. I guess it would depend on how you do in the dark (since the race start is really dark) and how you do in crowds (since there are so many runners all around you). The other part I would think about is the area where the water or Powerade is handed out-people discard their cups all over the roadway and it becomes slippery from the drink and the cups on the road.

I am not trying to discourage you in any way--I just wanted to mention a couple of things that occurred to me when I read your post. Is anyone going to be running/walking with you? You definitely won't go off course since there are always runners right there with you--closer in some areas but mostly within one or two strides of you at least. There are also cones (pylons) set up and many WDW workers and volunteers along the route so I don't think that would be a problem.

I wish you the best in your planning!

 

[DoeWDW]

Karen, it sounds like I'll do OK. I don't do too well in the dark but if there are lots of others around, I'll just follow the crowd.

Thanks for the tip about the water stations getting littered and slippery! How do they mark the water stations and the miles? Are the mile markers large and easily seen?

 

[MelanieC]

Karen-
Thanks for sharing this with us. You sound like you had such a terrific time (except the nosebleed). Congrats!! It's so exciting to read your accounts. Thanks for answering everyone's questions!