Marathon Weekend 2016

[FFigawi]

What is everyone's opinions on when to replace shoes? I know 300 miles is thrown around a lot. I am probably somewhere around 250 on my current ones. My old pair(s) were fine for shorter race training but I switched sizes when I did longer races to avoid losing the toenails I am very much attached to! I have mizuno wave inspire that I got when I started feeling slight shin splints when I went past 6 miles, for more support. I like the shoes but of course they are heavier. So first, I am considering buying a 2nd pair to rotate into training so I have 2 options. And second, I was wondering if I should try a little less support now that I am in better shape for distance?

I start rotating in a new pair when my current pair hits about 250 miles or so. I will retire them once I can really feel them not doing their job anymore (knee soreness, feet hurting, etc.) which usually happens around 300-350 miles. If I've had a pair for longer than six months, I will usually retire them too no matter what the mileage is. Most don't stick around that long, though. They don't make it much past 3 or 4 months.

For your second question, I'd go to a good local running store and ask them to analyze your gait for a shoe fitting. Your gait and your stride are much more important to the kind of shoe you should wear than how fit you are. Not to say that fitness isn't important, but your body type and your gait are more important.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

Shoe replacement is closer to 400-500 miles for me. I used to run in just one pair until it was time to get some new ones but some time ago a good sale came up and bought some shoes that I put into the rotation and will go through about 4 pairs/yr.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I have no scientific evidence to support any of the decisions I make in this regard - but when my feet started feeling more tired or "hot" than they did the last run, I would start working in a second pair of shoes. If once I worked in the second pair of shoes, my feet didn't feel any relief on the originally pair - those become walking/non-running shoes and they're out of the training rotation.

That's at least what works for me. I currently have one pair that are my walking/will be my 5K shoes and then I have two pairs that are my distance shoes. I wear minimalist shoes (Inov-8s), but I'm going to be adding in another pair with a thicker sole when my training mileage gets up about 15 miles (the most I've done in my minimalists) and those will become my marathon shoes for Dopey.

Also, once I've run my race or training run, I immediately change into different shoes (either Sanuk flip flops, hard leather Reef flip flops or Chuck Taylors), and I notice that helps me determine if it's my shoes that are not cutting it or what.

As far as toenails go, I haven't lost one (yet!). But, I also get regular pedicures (every three weeks or so, and always a couple days before a race) and keep them cut back pretty short. I also haven't really had my toes pop through the toebox of my shoes, but I think that's a credit to the fabric that makes up my Inov-8s moreso than anything that I do.

For your second question, I'd go to a good local running store and ask them to analyze your gait for a shoe fitting. Your gait and your stride are much more important to the kind of shoe you should wear than how fit you are. Not to say that fitness isn't important, but your body type and your gait are more important.

That is how I got the current shoes But, that was a year ago when I was just transitioning from a 5k distance to 10 miler and half marathon training so they suggested more cushioning to help my legs ease into it. I will likely stick with those but when I didn't have my shoes with me the other day I had to pull out the older more minimalist pair and it did feel good to have something lighter on. So I am looking into a lighter pair for shorter runs and races like you @Keels! I am sticking to the half distance so I won't need to replace them quite as much. I will probably be paying them a visit in the next week or two. I've always loved new shoes! Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[hotblooded]

OMG. OMG. OMG.

Just take all my monies. ALL of them.

https://www.facebook.com/RunDisney/photos/pcb.667634283341132/1166339896725304/?type=1&theater

The Half shirt uses the same logo from the 2012 WDW Half race shirt. I'll never forget that one because it was my first!

 

[Keels]

No problem! I LOVE my Inov-8s, absolutely love them. My husband got hooked on them doing CrossFit a couple years ago and then got me to get fitted in a pair when I started working out/running in December and I LOVED them. I don't like wearing socks, so these are like heaven to me.

 

[RunDisneyDad]

I keep track of mine on my training spreadsheet and I'm getting about 550 to 600 miles per pair. I like to train in Asics Nimbus which is a cushioned shoe and I think that helps extend some of their life. One recommendation I'd make is don't hesitate buying the previous version. You can generally find them on the sale table at your local running store or on sale online (I bought a couple of pairs of Wave Rider 17's for $39/ea. early this year). Also, if there is a running event with an expo in your town, hit that, you can find really good deals at the expos.

 

[austin&pipermom]

So each race has a character. Dopey/Goofy/Mickey(whole)/Donald(Half)/10K(Minnie). What is usually the 5K character?

 

[rteetz]

So each race has a character. Dopey/Goofy/Mickey(whole)/Donald(Half)/10K(Minnie). What is usually the 5K character?

Pluto

 

[Slogger]

I track my runs on a spreadsheet with time, distance, temperature, etc.

I finally retired my last pair of running shoes after WDW this year with 1500+ miles on them. Didn't mean to hang on to them so long but they worked.
I tried rotating in a similar but newer model late last year but they never felt right. Blisters, soreness, swelling. I switched back and forth for Dopey.
And YES, it felt like I was running directly on pavement by the time I was done. But YMMV.

I have a new pair now, already with over 300 miles on them. No issues.

 

[austin&pipermom]

Pluto

Thanks so much!

 

[StarGirl11]

I can usually go to somewhere between 250-300 miles and then something starts protesting (the shins, my ankle, etc.). I just retired my Goofy's right about the 250 mark because my heel was getting really worn. I also made the decision because I didn't think it was best to have them see me through another race. I've lost enough weight since I had bought the shoes that how well they fit me depended on the day (I remember one particular 10k where in the first mile my feet were sliding in the shoes). So I retired them and started breaking in my Steamboat Willie's for Tink.

But like Slogger said your mileage will vary especially with the shoe types. I know some ultra runners in the FB group I'm in go to well in the 600s before the switch to a new pair. I'm not sure if that has to deal with trail running or not (I'm just getting into that aspect more).

Just keep an eye out on the mileage and for new pain. Because that's usually the first signs its time to retire or at least it has been with me.

 

[FFigawi]

One recommendation I'd make is don't hesitate buying the previous version. You can generally find them on the sale table at your local running store or on sale online (I bought a couple of pairs of Wave Rider 17's for $39/ea. early this year). Also, if there is a running event with an expo in your town, hit that, you can find really good deals at the expos.

A corollary to this is to be careful when buying a new version of your current shoe. Most manufacturers change something with each new version, and even the smallest change can make a difference to whether the shoe will continue to work for you or not. Once I find a version I like, I stock up with 3-4 pairs at expos or online sales.

 

[Ariel484]

Looks like Dopey is sold out.

 

[rteetz]

Looks like Dopey is sold out.

I think it has been for a while now just wasn't updated on the RunDisney site.

 

[Keels]

Is it wrong that I'm trying to talk my Mom into the Castaway Cay Challenge? She was already on-board with a cruise after race weekend, but doesn't want to do a Disney cruise. #SadFace

 

[Barca33Runner]

The Half shirt uses the same logo from the 2012 WDW Half race shirt. I'll never forget that one because it was my first!

My first race ever as well and the start of a WDW Marathon Weekend addiction. I am glad that Champion has improved their material since that race. That shirt has the nice feel and moisture retention of a wool sweater. Naturally, it was perfect for running.

 

[rteetz]

RunDisney has taken the 5k and 10k off the list of races that have yet to sell out but left the half and dopey which have sold out on there. Full is at 60 and goofy at 77. Castaway cay is at 50.

 

[Pinkflmngo]

Is it wrong that I'm trying to talk my Mom into the Castaway Cay Challenge? She was already on-board with a cruise after race weekend, but doesn't want to do a Disney cruise. #SadFace

NO!!! It is not wrong. I did the CCC with my daughter last year and we will be going again this year. If you could give us some idea why your mom doesn't want to go on a Disney Cruise, there will be a lot of people who can give you a whole list of reasons why she would love it! I have heard many people who think that it is just for families with kids and nothing could be further from the truth!!! If her objection is the cost...well that might be valid because they are more expensive I think, but it was worth the extra money. If she wants a ship with a casino, then I got nothing to answer that.
Lynda

 

[SarahDisney]

Is it wrong that I'm trying to talk my Mom into the Castaway Cay Challenge? She was already on-board with a cruise after race weekend, but doesn't want to do a Disney cruise. #SadFace

I tried to get my sister to do it ... no luck. I hope you can convince your mom to do it, it really sounds like a ton of fun!

 

[McCoy]

For the Castaway 5K Challenge, can anyone confirm whether you do have to already have the cruise booked when you register for the Challenge, or can you register for the Challenge and then book the Cruise later? There seems to be conflicting information on the site:

In the first footnote, *, it says: "To be eligible for the Castaway Cay Challenge runners must enter their cruise reservation number at the time of registration for the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge race event."

But in the second footnote, **, it says: "A reservation on the January 11, 2016 Disney Dream 4-Night Bahamian Cruise is required in order to participate. It is recommended that you register for your Disney cruise PRIOR to registering for the Castaway Cay Challenge. Cruise Line reservations must be booked by August 2, 2015 or your Challenge Reservation will be forfeited."

The two notes seem to contradict each other. We are almost certainly doing it, though not 100%, but with the Challenge now at 50%, we may end up just signing up to be safe, we're just not really sure if we can.

Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you!