Last minute tips/tricks and what NOT to do on Marathon/Half-Marathon Day

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Michelle,

My first race ever was the WDW half last January. It really was an exciting time. It's not only about the race itself but the whole marathon weekend, meeting fellow WISHers, and just being at Disney.

I was concerned about the sweepers due to my speed but all worked out well. I wish I could have had more time taking pictures with the characters but I didn't want to take any chances with getting behind. I listed a few of my minor problems at the beginning of this thread just as a note. The heat and humidity did affect me somewhat and even though I didn't try anything new, I learned what I would do differently next time.

As others have said, relax and enjoy the surroundings, thank the volunteers and just have a good 'ol time.

 

[TXBelle]

Don't forget your ChampionChip in your room! Put the chip on your shoes the night before the race.

 

[escape]

Don't forget your ChampionChip in your room! Put the chip on your shoes the night before the race.

Uh, oh! Do we know this by experience?

This is a good point. Have everything laid out the night before.

 

[wfloyd]

the worst part of my marathon last October in Scranton PA was the almost 2 miles I ran/walked feeling like I was going to pee myself because not only were there no port a pottys, but there wasnt even a nice wooded area to go. ugh.

Supposedly this is what the elite marathoners do since they don't stop for anything. You can be in good company in this case.

Bill

 

[keenercam]

Lily was very smart to point out that you should not step off the road into the grass -- all sorts of uneven ground issues present significant risk.

DO NOT WEAR DIFFERENT SOCKS ON RACE DAY!!! Seriously, I cannot believe I made the most amateur of mistakes last year. DH and my friend were just going on and on about a particular sock they LOVED and DH let me use his extra pair for the full. I never considered that they were extra padded. Not only did this make my feet sweat, but it also made my shoes fit differently. I was used to a thin, dri-fit, 2 layer sock and I really should have stuck with that. I ended up with blisters from the arch of my foot all the way forward to the base of my toes that were so bad that they went between my toes, spreading them apart and making wearing even my crocs an adventure. Sorry if TMI!

If you are a crocs lover, put yours in your checked post-race bag. It felt great to get my feet out of hot socks & running shoes and into something looser and that let air get to my feet.

Don't leave the finish area without stopping by the "W" family tent to check in with the WISH team. We all want to hear how everyone did, and for the late finishers, knowing there are teammates at the finish is a lifesaver. The happiest moment of my marathon finish last year wasn't crossing the finish or getting the medal (as I thought it would be). It was getting to the "W" tent and finding WISHers there. I literally got hysterical crying and saying "I can't believe you guys waited around. I love you. Thank you." To me, that was the most amazing feeling, being part of a team and being surrounded by all those people.

Okay, sorry I've blathered on. It was supposed to be a "don't do" thread, wasn't it?

 

[Maherae]

Just a little thing...don't worry about turning your GARMIN or whatever device off until you are getting your chip cut off!! You don't want a FINISH picture of you looking at your wrist!!

 

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Just a little thing...don't worry about turning your GARMIN or whatever device off until you are getting your chip cut off!! You don't want a FINISH picture of you looking at your wrist!!

So true. I've seen several finishes with people doing just that. As a matter of fact, I think I'm guilty of this as well.

Cam - I changed the title of this thread to include last minute tips and tricks as well. After all, when discussing what not to do, it's good to tell what works for you instead.

 

[hockeygirl]

Thanks so much for all the great advice! WDW will be my first marathon and and I am a bit nervous about it, but this advice will be great for me!! Keep it coming.

 

[TEK224]

Uh, oh! Do we know this by experience?

This is a good point. Have everything laid out the night before.

I'm not TXBelle, but yes I DO know this by experience In 2006, I did the DL 1/2. Stayed off-site, across the street from DL. Had everything laid out the night before, clothes, shoes, nutrition, waistpack, etc. Got up early, ate light breakfast and headed off to the start area (wanted to get there early to get a spot at front of my corral so I'd have a little cushion). Got to corral, there were about 5 people there. Sat down on curb to start stretching, looked down at me shoes and no chip. I left it on the table in the room. Had to hustle back to hotel, get chip put on and hustle back to start area. Got there 5-10 minutes before start. Corral was packed, but I did manage to work my way 1/2 way to front. I ended up walking 3 miles BEFORE the race even started.

So definitely, put chip on the night before!

Terri

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Make sure you do not put your race stuff in your luggage--put it in your carry on so you can have something to wear if your luggage is lost.

 

[chimera]

Don't forget your ChampionChip in your room! Put the chip on your shoes the night before the race.

I don't know of anyone who has ever done this the night before their very first half marathon ever And I'm sure they didn't get all the way to EPCOT before Howard was kind enough to notice and point it out, thus saving the race

 

[Kimmumum]

I have read this thread to DH who ran his 1st 1/2 marathon last year. He had a thought of what not to do.....

When your are going down the big steep hill that goes under the lake going toward the Contemporary do not yell " On your right!! On your right!!" when you are out of control and actually on their left

 

[escape]

I have read this thread to DH who ran his 1st 1/2 marathon last year. He had a thought of what not to do.....

When your are going down the big steep hill that goes under the lake going toward the Contemporary do not yell " On your right!! On your right!!" when you are out of control and actually on their left

Or how about when someone tells you "On your right" so that's where you move.

I thought of something else although many people already know this....

Don't jump into a hot shower or a hot tub after the race. Ice down or get thee into cool/cold water afterwards. Your body will thank you for it.

 

[Sandy321]

Susie, that made me lol ! My first race people were screaming one thing, the course people were screaming something different, its my first race, and I was spent - I just stayed to the middle, I was so confused!!

Question just curious - what's the difference between the Marathon red and blue course? I'm caught up in the Half mental game, it just occured to me that dh is going to ask me this, and I should've prepared him for some information!!

 

[solotraveler]

OK, I'm late to the game, but....

Do NOT attempt to eat anything, even on the course, unless you have tried it in training first. That includes fruit.

Do NOT attempt to open aforementioned fruit with gloves on....

Do NOT be afraid to chat people up on course.... it's part of the fun.

And finally.....

Do NOT doubt yourself. No matter how bad your training, or how scary this may seem... YOU CAN DO THIS!

Kevin

 

[wdw4us]

I leave tomorrow and would like to have some pictures taken during the race. Can anyone tell me if we can use a photo pass? Will there be CM's taking pictures at the MK and the end of the race?

Hate to carry my camera for nothing, it's kinda big.

thanks

denise

 

[JimB.]

ASI Sports Photography will be stationed various places around the course and at the finish.

The pix will be posted to the internet within a few days and will be available for purchase. Be warned, They Are Not Cheap.

Hint: make sure your bib number is not obscured. That's how you can find them. Hunting through the "lost & Found" section of the website is a PITA.

 

[hoosmi]

Denise- the photographers will be there for the action shots, but I don't think they are with the characters (except at the end). So, if you want pictures with characters on the course, you may have to bring your own camera. I brought mine to the Minnie- a CM took my picture for me with the characters. It's a pain, but I love pictures!

I find it crazy that Disney doesn't do a PhotoPass thing- wouldn't it be great just to have one of those cards?! (This is my first year at the Marathon, but I think I'm right about the camera thing...)

Jen in GA

 

[panthergirl]

Another tip - watch what you eat the day before the race and eat dinner early. I made a huge mistake by having a wonderfully rich meal at Spoodles the night before the 06 half. I was very uncomfortable for the last three miles due to "gastric distress." This year it will be a large lunch and a light dinner at around 5:00. (and no Sangria )

 

[Kristi1357]

Do NOT doubt yourself. No matter how bad your training, or how scary this may seem... YOU CAN DO THIS!

Thanks Kevin, I really needed that! My training this time around has been really scattered to non-existant at times.
But once that adrenaline starts pumpin'...watch out!