Marathon Weekend 2016

[kevdad]

@FFigawi exactly. I love doing the challenges but hate that they seemingly make people feel like it's now not enough to do a single race by itself. The announcers adding to it just make me cringe.

I've never run at Disney and therefore haven't heard what the announcers say, but that sounds like it could be offensive to some people particularly in races where I imagine there are a lot of first-timers. Does it make sense to contact someone at runDisney about this?

 

[purplekicks]

Is there a thread about the WISH meet Friday and the DATW after the races?

I am going solo to run the Marathon. It would be good to meet other people!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

There is clearly no intent to diminish the efforts of folks running single events. I try to keep that in mind. There are several groups of runners running challenges along with those running single events and they are trying connect with each person. They could do so without using the word "only", but why let it get to you?

If I take offense when/where no offense is intended, that is really my problem.

 

[FFigawi]

Is there a thread about the WISH meet Friday and the DATW after the races?

Not this far out. You can count on the WISH meet being on Friday afternoon at Pop. DATW will be on Monday after the races are over.

 

[Ariel484]

This is going to be my last post on this...

I get that it's not their intent to make people feel bad...I just think they could be a little more tactful in what they say when they know there are so many new runners there.

I remember at my first-ever 5K, waiting in the starting area, I saw someone with a 10-mile race shirt and someone else with a Boston Marathon jacket. I was already incredibly self-conscious, and seeing these way more "serious" runners was incredibly intimidating. I was terrified and thought that I didn't belong there or didn't deserve to be there.

That memory/feeling has stuck with me all these years later and I'd hate for others to feel the same way. That's all I'm saying.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I remember at my first-ever 5K, waiting in the starting area, I saw someone with a 10-mile race shirt and someone else with a Boston Marathon jacket. I was already incredibly self-conscious, and seeing these way more "serious" runners was incredibly intimidating. I was terrified and thought that I didn't belong there or didn't deserve to be there.

Everyone feels this way at their first race, no matter the distance. I don't think that Disney saying "only" or not saying "only" is going to change that. Unless your name is Meb, you are still surrounded by people who are faster and more fit than you, and you feel intimidated until you gain experience, which brings confidence, racing.

Heck - I am an experienced runner and feel a bit intimidated every time that I travel to Boston. Why? My morning runs along the Charles river. Beautiful run, but it seems like everyone running (and there are thousands every morning) is really, really fast.

 

[Baloo in MI]

@FFigawi exactly. I love doing the challenges but hate that they seemingly make people feel like it's now not enough to do a single race by itself. The announcers adding to it just make me cringe.

I absolutely agree. This last year hearing the announcers say "how many of you out there are running the Dopey and who is just running Goofy". For that matter anyone running the event for that day - half-marathon or full marathon, none of those efforts is "just" anything! Wish they would find a better way to express this that recognizes everyone's efforts regardless of if it is a single day event or a challenge.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Same things you'd do if you were with someone else. Go to the parks, have some nice meals, hang out at the WISH meet on Friday afternoon. The nice thing about going solo is that you can take advantage of the single rider line at a lot of the rides without wasting a Fast Pass. Being by yourself also gives you time to sit somewhere with a book and a drink and watch the world go by.

Hey good point! I did not even think about the single rider opportunity, I will surely take advantage of that.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Not this far out. You can count on the WISH meet being on Friday afternoon at Pop. DATW will be on Monday after the races are over.

What is the DATW? Looking forward to the WISH meet at Pop though!

 

[FFigawi]

DATW = Drinking Around the World. It's an afternoon of walking from one end of the World Showcase at Epcot to the other having a drink at each country along the way. Rehydration at its finest.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

What is the DATW? Looking forward to the WISH meet at Pop though!

Drinking around the world - Epcot.

 

[AmynVal]

I absolutely agree. This last year hearing the announcers say "how many of you out there are running the Dopey and who is just running Goofy". For that matter anyone running the event for that day - half-marathon or full marathon, none of those efforts is "just" anything! Wish they would find a better way to express this that recognizes everyone's efforts regardless of if it is a single day event or a challenge.

Its really hard because people doing the bigger challenges want the recognition. So in reality for people doing anything but Dopey is "just" doing part of the weekend. I kind of felt that way when I read the first post about "just" doing the marathon but it's the truth. The truth is also that we are all crazy. If your giving 100% your not working any less than anybody else at any distance or number of races. It always makes me feel weird standing running or even walking with so many runners. I don't consider myself fast but in comparison to others I may be seen as lightning. Everyone that goes onto a new fitness journey just need to remember. It never gets easier we only get better.

 

[AmynVal]

And on a side note. A coworker and I like to refer to Disney as the machine. The other non magical side. They want you saying to yourself I don't want to "just" do part of the weekend I'm going to spend a lot more money and do the whole weekend.

 

[roxymama]

I always teach this lesson to my dance students (even though it's still hard to practice even as the teacher):
You can spend your life being intimidated by people who seem better than you and the result is you not living up to your potential. Or you can see these intimidating people, then stick around them, let them inspire you, learn from them, and then use that to exceed your own potential.

Easier said than done. This year I'm letting my dance mantra extend into trying running. I'm a 5k runner in a marathon weekend thread because I want to be like you super runners one day! (And yes I'm totally guilty of falling into the "just a 5k" habit, but I'm getting better at not feeling that way)

 

[roxymama]

Off current topic, but still on topic...I saw the pic of the fellow with the No Way Jose ice cream after his race. Does anyone else have a go to reward or a reward in mind for finishing your race. You know, other than the disney medal they give you?

I'm kinda thinking id like to finally do the pick a pearl at Epcot and make a ring. I've never done it because I can be weirdly frugal about souvenirs.
Also thinking about grabbing a bottle of wine for our villa fridge for that night

 

[Keels]

Off current topic, but still on topic...I saw the pic of the fellow with the No Way Jose ice cream after his race. Does anyone else have a go to reward or a reward in mind for finishing your race. You know, other than the disney medal they give you?

I'm kinda thinking id like to finally do the pick a pearl at Epcot and make a ring. I've never done it because I can be weirdly frugal about souvenirs.
Also thinking about grabbing a bottle of wine for our villa fridge for that night

That sounds like an awesome Treat Yo'Self!!!

I'm doing a cruise with my Mom and BFF after Marathon Weekend. But then, the evening of the Marathon, my parents are hosting a dinner/party at a location to be determined (ugh, group dining takes forever). I've got about 18 or so friends coming in from out of town for the weekend, plus my closest friends and family that still live in Orlando (I grew up there, went to college there, etc.), so it's going to be like 36-40 people. My ultimate would be to have it at one of the private Illumnations areas - but my parents don't have a money tree AND weddings get first priority on spaces like that too.

Maybe I will win PowerBall instead.

 

[roxymama]

Treat Yo Self! Yes, perfect description and I loved Parks n Rec.

If you do win power ball, you should hire Dopey to come to your party

 

[roxymama]

I'm putting this here specifically for @Keels but I know you all will enjoy it too.
Let's not forget to practice our prancercise.

Ok now I'm done hijacking this thread for the day

 

[LSUlakes]

Off current topic, but still on topic...I saw the pic of the fellow with the No Way Jose ice cream after his race. Does anyone else have a go to reward or a reward in mind for finishing your race. You know, other than the disney medal they give you?

I'm kinda thinking id like to finally do the pick a pearl at Epcot and make a ring. I've never done it because I can be weirdly frugal about souvenirs.
Also thinking about grabbing a bottle of wine for our villa fridge for that night

The resort we are staying at serves a beer called Racer 5 by Bear Republic. It's no longer shipped to Louisiana and I will be sure to have one once I'm done running.

 

[Keels]

The resort we are staying at serves a beer called Racer 5 by Bear Republic. It's no longer shipped to Louisiana and I will be sure to have one once I'm done running.

Bear Republic doesn't make it to Texas any longer (thanks, distributors!). It's a good one!