Marathon Weekend 2016

[Mickey Momma]

My two cents on run/walk ...
I don't do it to improve my speed or have a specific pace in mind. I started running using run/walk, then cut out the walk intervals, then threw them back in during the summer when we were having heat waves every week and I just couldn't keep up straight running (even once I slowed down my pace and tried to take it easy). I'm keeping them even now that the weather is cooler because on my long runs I've found that I kinda like having some time to refocus and figure out how my run is going and whether I can do better (I know many people do this while running, but if I think about running while I'm actually running, suddenly running gets harder for me).
I chose 4/1 intervals because I think that 4 minutes is a good amount of time that I can run without wearing myself out too much on each individual run period, so that when I stop for my walk breaks, I don't have to spend the first 30 seconds catching my breath (for a longer run interval, I might), I just spend a few seconds breathing deep and then can spend the next 45-50 seconds thinking about the run and how I'm doing (or eating ... I can't refuel while running, I have to do it while walking). During the summer I was doing 3/1 intervals because with the heat, even 4 minutes was too much and I spent much of the walk break trying to catch my breath and guzzling water.

I am trying to eliminate the walk breaks from my shorter runs, because at 3-4 miles I don't think I need that time to refocus. But that's still a work in progress.

I don't know if this makes any sense ... but this is what works for me. Of course, I'm also one of those runners who only cares about covering the distance and doesn't care about effort, heart rate (unless it's gonna cause me to collapse or something), or pace, so remember that when reading about my strange training habits.

Makes total sense. I introduced HR into my training initially because I end up doing a lot of runs on the treadmill and I stink at pacing when on the road. (This was very apparent during my first marathon.). It has helped me do a much better job identifying my exertion level during a run.

 

[Mickey Momma]

Has anyone ever done grocery delivery? I'm debating trying it out to save a little money on food, save suitcase space. Any suggestions? I'll be at the Boardwalk.

I haven't used any of the grocery delivering companies in the area, but I have used Amazon to ship water and snacks to my room. Yay Amazon Prime!

 

[DOOM1001]

This will be my 5th run disney race. I normally bring bars for breakfast to eat on the way. But was wondering if the Disney hotels offer any sort of breakfast race mornings? I know it is early so just curious. I thought I remember race boxes the night before but never took advantage. Any help would be great! Thanks!

I don't know about the other hotels but at Pop Century they open the food court for all the grab and go items,basically everything in the refrigerated shelves and other items like bagels,muffins and bananas.They also had the runners bag that probably had a combination of those items,bananas,bagel,etc...None of the manned food lines for prepared items are open,just a cashier for the quick items.

 

[Waiting2goback]

If it helps my trainer didn't start revving up my miles for WDW last year (and usually doesn't really in general) until December. I don't think I saw a run on the other side of 10 until the first week of December (a 12 miler actually). And then it increased by two until right after Christmas topping out at 18. After that tapering started.

Late evening runs are hard (I run around that time somedays because of classes). Anyways just remember all these nights are for something.

I did some math on my ride home from work tonight and I am feeling better, thanks. I am at 7 for my longest since I am back from my injury last month. I could have done more on those days too, I just had to get to work so I stopped. But, if I increase my long runs by 2 miles each week, which should be pretty easy, in 6 weeks until I need to taper, it will get me to 19 miles for a long run. That should be plenty for me. Of course, this is if all goes well and I don't miss any runs due to illness, etc... But, I am going with it for now because it makes me feel better.

Is that runners math?!?!

No wonder I'm having trouble!!!

I've never totally understood the Galloway math in his run walk tables, how can he come up with those times unless the run portion is a consistent speed?? Again! That runners math!!

But seriously, my feet seem to only go one speed.
In reviewing my training times I just seemed to have stayed at a pretty consistent time all summer training..... And I think that's partly what happened to me... I didn't slow down enough on my longer runs and I burned myself out.
I think some of the challenge I'm finding as a run/walker is how to slow my feet down.
So my question to you other r/w's, is how do you slow your long runs. Is your run portion actually slower, or do you stretch out your walk intervals?

My question to everyone in general is how do you slow yourself down? I just can't seem to feel a different stride. Any input gratefully received




Yay Kathy! Congrats on the PR!!! It easy when seeing others paces, to diminish our accomplishments, this is so personal for us. Your victory at your speed means more to me, than- sorry folks!- those who are breaking 2 hour halfs. Thanks for sharing your personal victory!!! Keep up the good work


And @Z-Knight , so glad you avoided the snalligators and PR'd too!

I also have a problem slowing myself down so I do 2 things. I go by heart rate. On my easy days I try to keep my heart rate below 140 bpm. On days when I push myself I usually stay between 140 and 152 bpm. Since I can't slow my feet down I just increase the length of my walk breaks on slow days or increase my running intervals on my more challenging days.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I don't know about the other hotels but at Pop Century they open the food court for all the grab and go items,basically everything in the refrigerated shelves and other items like bagels,muffins and bananas.They also had the runners bag that probably had a combination of those items,bananas,bagel,etc...None of the manned food lines for prepared items are open,just a cashier for the quick items.

I am planning to just bring some food to my room the day before. I might get a Danish or something like that and just save it for the next day.

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I am planning to just bring some food to my room the day before. I might get a Danish or something like that and just save it for the next day.

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

If you are able to sleep the night before you would probably be ok. I am more of a night owl, so bed early up scary early is not my favorite. I still usually don't nap after my half runs, but last time I stayed out to midnight at MK and was really feeling some sore muscles by then.

 

[SarahDisney]

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

I hit the parks tired, but drink some coffee. Probably not the best idea, because I do have to take it a little easier at the parks (we normally have a very intense park touring style), but the idea of missing park time just to take a nap doesn't sit right with me. Just try to make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before the race, and be willing to call it a day early if you're too exhausted at the parks.

 

[Neoflynn]

That's awesome on the improvement...I told you that you rock!!!

As for runDisney...I'm also sad about how little, if any, pictures/videos/etc are posted by them about these events - I can't find squat unless it is from actual runners themselves. For example the facecrap site has only a few pics of the 5K but nothing since!!! ***, Disney!!! I love seeing pictures of these things and they have photographers everywhere but are they hiding all the pics for themselves?!?!? I don't get it.

It seems like their facebook page has really been slacking lately, hopefully they get back on track because up until recently they were really good at the photos and videos

@margitmouse asked how to slow yourself down for training runs. This is just my newbie advise. I asked the same questions a lot a few months ago. I got some great advise and this is what worked for me.
Go by conversation...as in talking out loud. At race pace I can grunt out small syllabic things "On ur Left", "stopping", "woo hoo" etc. My breathing is controlled but heavier than normal.
Training runs at my comfy pace I can totally hold conversations. Although I'm generally running by myself...so yes, I have talked to the air before to check in with myself. "I am doing fine, I have two more miles left and I think I'll run to the college and past the lake" Seriously...I do this. I also use my yoga breathing to make sure I can do long breaths that are not heavy panting and are very controlled.
I also learned that comfy "easy" runs are not devoid of effort. It's still running (or run/walking for those who do intervals) and so I should not get down on myself for being tired at the end of them. I'm can talk but it's not like talking while sitting down.

this is actually really great advice and I've heard it other places as well that a really good test for how much effort you are expending is the "speech test" wich is basically exactly how @roxymama explained it, easy runs you should be able to hold a conversation even if its with yourself

Has anyone ever done grocery delivery? I'm debating trying it out to save a little money on food, save suitcase space. Any suggestions? I'll be at the Boardwalk.

we have not done delivery but we are doing click and pull with sams club for our trip although if you are flying in that may not be an option for you

Interesting (to me at least) question based on a conversation I just had with my father ...

For those of you headed back to work shortly after the races, will you be wearing your race weekend medal(s) to work?
Students, will you wear your medal(s) to school?
Parents, would you allow/encourage your kids to wear their medal(s) to school?

My dad had two kids in his class today wearing Avengers medals. And one was wearing an Avengers sweatshirt/jacket.

I generally will wear mine up until I get home from the event then it goes onto my rack, but for Disney I will definitely be wearing in the next day

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

for the 5k(DW and I both running) and 10k (wich my DW is running not me) we have some park time planned after but for the marathon I plan on a nice soak and nap post run before we hit the after party at Springs later in the day

 

[Keels]

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

If you want to do the parks, I would do your best to add those miles in to your training now while you still have time!

Before W&D, I wanted to see how much I could do because I got burned pretty, pretty bad at Disneyland when I was putting in 10+ miles a day in the parks in the time leading up to the half.

So, I would go and walk/stand around the parks for anywhere from 10-13 miles a day in the time I was in Florida leading up to Wine and Dine. Also, most of this was done during the hottest part of the day as well.

On the day of W&D, I also ran the JJ5K (and between the race, and walking to-from parking, I racked up almost 6 miles on my Garmin), walked from parking to France and back for lunch (ugh, that day was just a debacle) and then did all the dumbness that came with that race. Even with the after-party, I finished with over 24 miles done run/walking on W&D day and I WAS HURTING by the time we got back to our room, and even moreso the day after.

Personally, after morning races, I clean up on the quick but I don't shower or nap - because once I go down, I'm out for a minimum of 4 hours (I like naps) and that's just a waste of a day. So, I change and freshen up and then just keep moving and rolling until I can't go any longer. Then it's shower and I'm down for the count until the next day.

That said, I'm probably in the minority because when I'm at Disney, I'm actually in Orlando for like a month at a time and not for a vacation.

 

[IamTrike]

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

I usually go back to the room and take an ice bath. (If you fill the resort laundry bag up with ice, it's a fast way to get a really chilly bath.) I've also gone down and spent time in the pool/hot tub. For Goofy I usually wind up going back to the room and getting cleaned up. I'll take it slow but I don't usually take a full on nap. I then usually go for a relaxed park day. I find the walking helps keep me loose for the full. After the full I take and ice bath (and sometimes some aleve and then do another easy park day).

Your milage may vary but I find I only really struggle when trying to stand up. (getting up out of the space mountain car is not my friend)

I also really stink at sleeping when I'm at Disney. I usually am so excited for the races that I can't fall asleep so the 2:45 am wake up calls come way too early.

this is actually really great advice and I've heard it other places as well that a really good test for how much effort you are expending is the "speech test" wich is basically exactly how @roxymama explained it, easy runs you should be able to hold a conversation even if its with yourself

On the plus side if you get into an argument with yourself the adrenaline provides an energy boost.

 

[dancingtodisney]

I like that idea about pace bands and I may use it sometime!

Asics were giving them out at the Dublin Marathon, you just had to fill in some info online and then collect your band at the expo so maybe you can get them at other events too.

 

[cavepig]

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

No napping (yet anyway), I'm too pumped up, but I do take a long hot shower. Then we hit the parks, obviously trying not to add extra walking but touring more leisurely than if a non-race weekend. I find walking around helps the muscles from stiffening, but agree with @IamTrike getting in & out of Space Mt. is rough - or at Disneyland the Canoes was a hard one.

 

[LadyDi13]

Has anyone ever done grocery delivery? I'm debating trying it out to save a little money on food, save suitcase space. Any suggestions? I'll be at the Boardwalk.

We have ordered from Garden Grocer before. They usually deliver to Bell Services at the Disney Resorts and your order will be held there. They do have a $40 minimum. We were just discussing this yesterday for ourselves. We are a party of 9 with 5 kids and 4 "racing" adults. We are probably going to order water and other beverages and plenty of snacks to have on hand. You can't replace a Mickey ice cream bar, but there is no reason to pay $3 for a banana. My husband and I did ToT last year and took a cab to the nearest Publix to stock our room. While it wasn't a big expense it definitely cut into our Disney time, so Garden Grocer (even with it's $14 delivery fee) seems like a good option this time.

 

[DopeyBadger]

We have ordered from Garden Grocer before. They usually deliver to Bell Services at the Disney Resorts and your order will be held there. They do have a $40 minimum. We were just discussing this yesterday for ourselves. We are a party of 9 with 5 kids and 4 "racing" adults. We are probably going to order water and other beverages and plenty of snacks to have on hand. You can't replace a Mickey ice cream bar, but there is no reason to pay $3 for a banana. My husband and I did ToT last year and took a cab to the nearest Publix to stock our room. While it wasn't a big expense it definitely cut into our Disney time, so Garden Grocer (even with it's $14 delivery fee) seems like a good option this time.

We are trying Garden Grocer this year too. We made our order already and got free shipping and got to choose when it would be delivered. My wife did it, but I believe it had to be done 60 days in advance to get the free shipping. We ordered 40 bananas, and they called us to make sure we didn't mean 4. LOL! It was nice to see they were looking out for us.

As for after the Dopey races, I usually go back to the hotel, shower, eat a large breakfast and hit the park for a full day. My family kinda expects me to participate in all of the Disney World events so I don't really get a napping option (not that I probably would anyways). I am usually snacking, drinking water, or leaning/sitting on something constantly while at the parks. I do go to bed around 6-7pm though, to try and ensure a good chunk of hours of sleep overnight (the optimal muscle repair occurs between 8-9 hours of sleep). I also replicate park time during my training by doing the same at home (shower, eat, then shopping/yard work all day). I try to minimize couch time after long training workouts.

 

[rteetz]

Star Wars fans Season of Force starts January 5th at DHS

 

[LSUlakes]

We are trying Garden Grocer this year too. We made our order already and got free shipping and got to choose when it would be delivered. My wife did it, but I believe it had to be done 60 days in advance to get the free shipping. We ordered 40 bananas, and they called us to make sure we didn't mean 4. LOL! It was nice to see they were looking out for us.

As for after the Dopey races, I usually go back to the hotel, shower, eat a large breakfast and hit the park for a full day. My family kinda expects me to participate in all of the Disney World events so I don't really get a napping option (not that I probably would anyways). I am usually snacking, drinking water, or leaning/sitting on something constantly while at the parks. I do go to bed around 6-7pm though, to try and ensure a good chunk of hours of sleep overnight (the optimal muscle repair occurs between 8-9 hours of sleep). I also replicate park time during my training by doing the same at home (shower, eat, then shopping/yard work all day). I try to minimize couch time after long training workouts.

That is a lot of bananas! It would take me almost 2 years to eat that many. I rarely eat in the morning, and when I do its after my run. The only time I eat before a run is if I am running for more than 2.5 hours and the last 2-3 long runs before the marathon to make sure I get used to it. Marathon morning is a banana and a slice of toast with OJ and/or powerade. It is not a very ideal way of doing things.

 

[DopeyBadger]

That is a lot of bananas! It would take me almost 2 years to eat that many. I rarely eat in the morning, and when I do its after my run. The only time I eat before a run is if I am running for more than 2.5 hours and the last 2-3 long runs before the marathon to make sure I get used to it. Marathon morning is a banana and a slice of toast with OJ and/or powerade. It is not a very ideal way of doing things.

Haha! Don't worry all 40 bananas aren't for me. My mom, wife, and cousin-in-law are running too. I think only 21 have my name on them (3 per day).

 

[PrincessV]

I've never totally understood the Galloway math in his run walk tables, how can he come up with those times unless the run portion is a consistent speed?? Again! That runners math!!

That's the thing with Galloway's info: you really have to read aaaalllll his stuff to get a full understanding of how he calculates... and even then, it's a little confusing lol! Basically, his interval ratios are based on Magic Miles: you follow his Magic Mile instructions, then use that time to determine your interval ratio. I've never found that to work for me, though - I was better of trying a bunch of different ratios and seeing how they felt; I use the ones that feel best to me.

So my question to you other r/w's, is how do you slow your long runs. Is your run portion actually slower, or do you stretch out your walk intervals?

For me, it's almost 100% dependent on weather: in the heat, I actually do better with longer run intervals because they force me to slow down some. But then I also add extra walking in: I'll skip a run interval every mile or half-mile, for example. In cooler weather, I make no attempt to go slower - I just go at whatever pace feels comfortable that day. Outside of Disney, where all bets are off, I just naturally go faster on race day.

I like that idea about pace bands and I may use it sometime!

I find them to be very helpful! I think I'll have to go with 2 or 3-mile splits for a marathon paceband, though: I need a huge font to read them without my reading glasses and I have tiny wrists, lol!

For those of you headed back to work shortly after the races, will you be wearing your race weekend medal(s) to work?

Nope, though I might bring it in to look at it adoringly My office truly does not care what I run, so no point in wearing it, lol!

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

I live near WDW and go often, so getting to the parks isn't a priority for me on race weekends - that colors my approach a lot. I'm not usually ready for a nap until late afternoon, but I do take a long time to shower, stretch, foam roll, eat, relax after a race. I'll go to a park for an hour or two if friends are there that I want to see, but at a relaxed pace and with minimal time on my feet if I have another race the next morning. If it's the last race of my weekend, I'm usually good for some extra park time. I'm in bed by 6-7pm for early Disney races, so I generally end up skipping the nap, or I may take a short one around 1pm if I'm done racing.

 

[cburnett11]

For people that have run this before and know the crowd situation, is it feasible to assume that I could get from the Marathon finish to the Polynesian in an hour?

 

[Pleglech]

For those who run the morning Disney races, do you nap after the race or do you just hit the parks tired? I really want to get myself in shape enough where I won't be dead tired after the race because I don't want to nap and miss park time.

I always get in a 40ish minute nap ... on Ellen's Energy Adventures. Sometimes I add in a shorter one at HoP or CoP.

For people that have run this before and know the crowd situation, is it feasible to assume that I could get from the Marathon finish to the Polynesian in an hour?

Could just take the monorail, right? That definitely would take less than an hour.