Last Minute Advice For First Time Marathoners?

[westcliffemom]

Wow, thanks so much for the answers! Especially you Charles! So I guess I don't need the salt packets because I do gels about every 4-5 miles. I think I will carry a small body glide with me just in case.

Thanks again!!
Becky

Where can I get a small Body Glide? I only have the deoderant size, and it won't fit in my pack. TIA!

 

[princessrunner]

If no one else can tell you where to pick one up or you are unable to fine one, let me know and I will grab one and bring it with me. I think I paid $4.99 for mine.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Where can I get a small Body Glide? I only have the deoderant size, and it won't fit in my pack. TIA!

I got my small one at an expo. It is actually almost gone and the part inside falls out. I think if I take just that piece and put it in a ziploc then it won't take up much room.


Becky

 

[Sandy321]

for the body glide, I was just going to "shave" off a piece put it in the ziplock bag for race day -

 

[wtpclc]

Where can I get a small Body Glide? I only have the deoderant size, and it won't fit in my pack. TIA!

I have "Sports Wax" It ocmes in trail packs that are perfect fro teh race

Salt - If you don't do well in heat, I highly reocmmend it. I took ift pre-marathon and at 17 miles this eyar (never tried before) and it did wonders. My hands don't swell when I use it too. Also, I got a jar of Lava Salt at an expo. It's salt in a capsule. Much easier to take.

Smiley - No, ther ewil lnbe no request fro proof of fitness. You will need to sign a waiver before the race, though.

 

[tigger2esq]

i got some trial packets of "udder cream" at a half I did in september. after getting past the name I DID try it and it works great! LOL

 

[Steffwalks]

I have a trial size body glide that has an spf rating of 30. I carry it for the body glide part and also to prevent a sunburned nose or worse....a sunburned part in my hair!

 

[10nis]

so much great advice on this thread...I have only a few things to add which have been touched upon briefly.

Use the bathrooms in the parks!!! It is so convienent!

-- EPCOT, there is a convienent bathroom that is close to the park entry--to the right.

-- Magic Kingdom we always use the bathroom in Tomorrowland-across from the racetrack. There are more bathrooms in Frontierland which is further along the race route.

I can't tell you exact locations in Animal Kingdom or MGM--but they are there.

It is just nicer to use the park BR than to wait in line for a nasty port-o-potty. Last year when it was so hot we washed our faces off w/ water from the sink and it was absolutely delightful--so refreshing!!!

If it is hot--they give you water sponges after Animal Kingdom. Keep it for a little while, it is refreshing to fill that up w/ water and douse yourself with it.

Even though you get used to carrying your pack w/ you when you run, I would try to put the least amount of stuff in there as possible. It just gets really old after a while--I didn't have a ton of stuff in there, but I did have my cell phone, gels, $, park passes, chap stick, hard candy. I should have had sunscreen We got suncreen from one of the medical tents after Animal Kingdom.

Remember--have fun!

 

[Steffwalks]

The one thing that I really, really wanted after my first big race (it was just a 20k, but it was a trail race!) was soft clothes! I couldn't stand the thought of putting on a pair of jeans! My body was swollen and puffy in spite of the cold shower!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

There is the bathrooms in Germany(on Red course around mile 3) & mile 25. Also TTC works well. In AK they are before you get to EE & Kali.

I agree much better than porta potties!

 

[westcliffemom]

for the body glide, I was just going to "shave" off a piece put it in the ziplock bag for race day -

Genius! Thanks everybody for the ideas!

 

[tigger2esq]

ahh yes... the park pottys are much nicer than the port a pottys. my first disney half I hit the one in the world showcase near Germany and the one at TTC beofre heading to the MK. heaven...

my favorite memory though was seeing an entire line of squatters then to round a corner and see an entire line of empty port o pottys only about a hundred yards away....


my running buddy laughed at me though as I was SOO nervous at the start that I hit the line of pottys just after crossing the START!!!

 

[cewait]

I want to chime in on Epcot park potties. The first potty on the red course, just inside the Epcot gate on the right is always over full. The last time I tried to go there the ladies line was well out the door. I poked my head in the mens room and (I still freak out over this ) found the crowd to be 50-50. I ended up coming out of the mens room and making a facility at the cast member gate (along with 5-10 others)

There is another park potty on the left as you enter. Never a crowd (OK based on the one time I tried it). Others on the red course include the Odessey. There are two others but I am not sure that you will have access …the facilities in Norway and behind the Innoventions Building (In front of Test Track).

Blue course park potties include Morocco (overlooked) as well as the one between Italy and Germany.

 

[tigger2esq]

see someone needs to do a map of the "pottys of the world" for the marathon and half... LOL

 

[cewait]

see someone needs to do a map of the "pottys of the world" for the marathon and half... LOL

I'd volunteer but after Epcot if I need the facilities its a bad day and I am looking for the most open facility regardless. So my knowledge base is limited to that first, "Oops I really should have gone one more time before the start" set of facilities.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Does anyone know of a toilet in a park around mile 12 - 14? That is when I think I may need to use one and I would prefer one in a park. If there is one mile 15 or so I may be able to make it knowing there is one there.

I agree we definately need a map with all the potties marked out!

Becky

 

[10nis]

Miles 12-14...I am sure there are port-o-potties

mile 12 is the GF resort, then the wedding chapel and lastly you run past the Polynesian Resort before heading down the back roads to AK (mile 16+).

It is NOT convienent to go into the resorts to use the BR! I would make the pitstop while in MK as that is mile 10-11.

Have fun!!

 

[cewait]

Does anyone know of a toilet in a park around mile 12 - 14? That is when I think I may need to use one and I would prefer one in a park. If there is one mile 15 or so I may be able to make it knowing there is one there.

I agree we definately need a map with all the potties marked out!

Becky

OK here you go...

Starting at the first park Epcot

Red Course

• Just inside the gate. Right side is most obvious and crowded. Left side is not as obvious.
• The Backside of Innovations in front of Test Track (you may be prevented from going back there)
• The Oddessey
• Norway – again may not be able to hit this one.

Blue Course

• Morocco (not too busy)
• Between Italy and Germany

TTC Mile 9

• On the right just after you pass the ticket booths and I mean just past.

Magic Kingdom - Miles 10.3-11.0.

• Main Street near Tony's Town Restaurant
• Tomorrowland near Stitch's Great Escape and Cosmic Ray's
• In Liberty Square near Liberty Tree Tavern
• In Fronteerland near Pecos Bills

Of these the Tomorrowland facilities are the ones that are most obvious.


Animal Kingdom - Miles 16-18

• Just as you come onstage and right before the Birds of Flight.. It’s in a left right turn sequence and will be on the left.
• In Asia just before Mount Everest and near the Ice Cream Truck
• The course passes close to a couple in Dinoland but they are far enough off course that I would not look for them.

I am familiar with the first one in AK and have seen the second one from the course.

Disney Studios Miles 22.5 - 23.5

• At the corner of Streets of America and Commissary Lane
• The other end of Commissary Lane near the Hat.

The second one near the hat is closest to the course.

Finally back through Epcot Mile 25-26

Morocco, and between Italy and Germany. Note this time through you will be leaving the course and entering no mans land.

Sorry you are on your own for a map.


Though is you want a map of the course hit this link

Red Course

http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/fl/lbv/516484600

Blue Course

http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/fl/lbv/517137178

Half Course

http://www.mapmytri.com/run/united-states/fl/lbv/517180387

I guess I could mark potties on these but permanent ones seem obvious once you know what part of the park to look in. As far as these maps go, play around with them. Hit the aerial button and you get the photo view.

Have fun

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

...After last years marathon, I will even more never trust a race for anything I need. If you are very slow make sure you take care of yourself...

After this past January, I definitely agree with this. I'll probably be bring a suitcase along the trek!

Really, everything mentioned is spot on and really nothing more to add that I can think of exactly.

If it is warm I will probably carry my own body glide. I've determined that I sweat it off and will reapply as needed.

Don't forget the camera. And I actually take my cell phone to contact DH when I'm getting to the line so he can enjoy my crossing over.

I'll be wanting to carry the list of sweep points/times and now potty locations!

 

[scoolover]

At about mile 19 or 20 there is an overpass. Don't jump even though it may be an easier way to the finish.