Marathon Weekend 2016

[Waiting2goback]

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

Baloo- The simplest answer to what to do on a solo trip. Whatever you want. I personally make no fast passes or ADR's. Although I might make one for the night of the marathon to treat myself. But, I have never needed a fastpass. I go to the park I want and I head to the rides I want. I think the longest I have ever waited in line is 20 minutes.

As for me, I LOVE to people watch. I will grab a seat in a park and watch people while I relax. I get an early seat for a parade. I hop on the monorail and resort hop. I try to do something new on each trip I do, whether it is a new place to eat, a new ride, or go see a new resort. I give up my seat on the bus for people, I talk to strangers, etc... I try to make people happy on their vacations because it makes me feel better too.

I didn't realize my poor choice of words by saying I am "only" running the marathon would cause so much conversation. I didn't mean it in a bad way. I guess I just feel like a slug for just running the marathon when people are doing Goofy and Dopey. The truth is, as it has been said, any of these races is a huge accomplishment and commitment to be able to do and stay upright til the end.

But, in response to a few people talking about how they felt at these races, etc... I ran my first race. It was a 10K to give me a POT for the ToT race last year. I was scared to death. When I was at the starting line I saw a few people who had that "runner look". I was intimidated. And you know what, I beat them all. I am still carrying extra weight. I don't look like a runner at all. It means nothing. We race against ourselves. We do this for various reasons. I have yet to find someone that said finishing one of these races, or running in general, doesn't make them a better person. I sat next to a woman on the bus to run the ToT last year. I was nervous as could be. It was my first real race, the 10K I ran was very small, not really well organized. She had run Boston several times, Chicago 9 times, and lots of other races, including Disney. She calmed me down. She told me what to expect. And when we got off the bus she showed me around the starting area. I was not in her league but she didn't make me feel that way. That's what I hope to do for someone else in the future.

Everyone of us that tackles this challenge should be proud of themselves. Even if it is your 100th marathon it is still not easy. Disney will be my 3rd and I am still going to be nervous.

Hopefully this all made sense. It's late, I am tired at I was up at 5 am to do my track workout today. Yes, we are all crazy for doing this, aren't we.

 

[SarahDisney]

My 2 cents on the whole "just" thing ...
If someone doesn't intend to give offense, that doesn't mean it's not offensive. If someone bumps into you while you're running and you fall and get hurt, you're still hurt, even if the person never intended to knock you over. For me, it feels like an unintentional offense is harder to deal with because you can't say that person is just doing it to be mean.
I think that all of us (even those doing Dopey) sometimes have to remind ourselves that any race or group of races, no matter how long or short or how many races, is an accomplishment. Anyone who says otherwise is clearly not a runner and doesn't know what they're talking about.
Do I beat myself up sometimes over the fact my running plans consist of the two shortest races of the weekend? Yes, I do. But then I remember that a few years ago, if you had told me I'd be running 9.3 miles over 2 days, I'd have told you that was impossible - my knee would give out (which is still one of my biggest fears, even though I know my knee is fine). It's definitely an uphill battle sometimes, but it's worth it, and you just have to get through those moments of doubt.

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's a really great idea!
I have no idea what I'll do to reward myself ... 6 months is still a long way away. But I definitely think I'll do something!

Maybe I will win PowerBall instead.

That's the dream. If I win PowerBall ... I'm getting a Dooney and every piece of race merchandise that says either "Marathon Weekend" with no races listed or 5K or 10K.

I didn't realize my poor choice of words by saying I am "only" running the marathon would cause so much conversation. I didn't mean it in a bad way. I guess I just feel like a slug for just running the marathon when people are doing Goofy and Dopey. The truth is, as it has been said, any of these races is a huge accomplishment and commitment to be able to do and stay upright til the end.

And I think that's the lesson we all need to learn here - its easy to feel bad about yourself for not taking on as much as someone else, but you really need to remember that whatever you're doing is a huge accomplishment, even if others may (intentionally or otherwise) not acknowledge it.

 

[Neoflynn]

I don't think anyone means to hurt or demean anyone else when using the Only/just terminology and I feel like this is almost an exclusive to Disney thing (because of the challenges) but it does still do that to some extent...Ill be running my first marathon and Ill be terrified as I toe that start line and the last thing I want to hear is someone say oh You are "only" running the marathon but Im sure I will hear it then its on me to not let it bother me. I know I am the type that can handle it but Im sure there is someone out there that would hear that and it would totally just crush them.

on the topic of treating yo self post race, I may in fact be crazy as I am considering getting something like this

with 26.2 underneath as my first tattoo after I complete it.....

 

[Keels]

I don't think anyone means to hurt or demean anyone else when using the Only/just terminology and I feel like this is almost an exclusive to Disney thing (because of the challenges) but it does still do that to some extent...Ill be running my first marathon and Ill be terrified as I toe that start line and the last thing I want to hear is someone say oh You are "only" running the marathon but Im sure I will hear it then its on me to not let it bother me. I know I am the type that can handle it but Im sure there is someone out there that would hear that and it would totally just crush them.

on the topic of treating yo self post race, I may in fact be crazy as I am considering getting something like this

with 26.2 underneath as my first tattoo after I complete it.....

How about I make you a deal - I will see you before the start of the race and say "OMG!! YOU'RE RUNNING THE MARATHON!!!". Would that work?

And, honestly, I think the tattoo is a pretty great idea. I have one in mind as well.

 

[FFigawi]

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

They're not shipping to a lot of the east coast anymore. Too bad, they make great beer. A great bar in Houston is having a Bear Republic beer dinner at the end of the month with the last of their stock.

Yes, my reward after a race or long run is beer. IPAs go great with migas.

 

[Keels]

They're not shipping to a lot of the east coast anymore. Too bad, they make great beer. A great bar in Houston is having a Bear Republic beer dinner at the end of the month with the last of their stock.

Yes, my reward after a race or long run is beer. IPAs go great with migas.

I think you meant to say Double IPAs. #BreakfastBeer

And ... migas. Migas are the ONLY way to start a day, other than a breakfast taco. Now I want migas! Grrr.

 

[Neoflynn]

How about I make you a deal - I will see you before the start of the race and say "OMG!! YOU'RE RUNNING THE MARATHON!!!". Would that work?

And, honestly, I think the tattoo is a pretty great idea. I have one in mind as well.

it certainly couldn't hurt, and ill be like "You are doing dopey that's so awesome I wanna do that next time" , and like I said I am the type that it wouldn't really bother me but I know there are others that it would. My wife will be doing the 10k that weekend wich will be a first for her at that distance (she has an ongoing foot issue that really limits her distance) and I would hate for her to hear something like that because the fact that she is even running at all is amazing.

Im still debating on the tattoo but I think ive just about sold myself on it, running a marathon is not something I would have even thought possiable a few years ago so it would be pretty awesome to do something to honor it

 

[Keels]

it certainly couldn't hurt, and ill be like "You are doing dopey that's so awesome I wanna do that next time" , and like I said I am the type that it wouldn't really bother me but I know there are others that it would. My wife will be doing the 10k that weekend wich will be a first for her at that distance (she has an ongoing foot issue that really limits her distance) and I would hate for her to hear something like that because the fact that she is even running at all is amazing.

Im still debating on the tattoo but I think ive just about sold myself on it, running a marathon is not something I would have even thought possiable a few years ago so it would be pretty awesome to do something to honor it

She'll do great! I'll be honest - if she's anything like me, at my first 10K I was SO psyched out about running the race, I put my headphones in early (like 10 minutes before the start of the race) and started listening to my hype-up music. I didn't even hear a single thing the DJs at the RnR race I did say before the start of the race.

And, also, you'll be getting a tattoo to celebrate your PR in the marathon distance!

 

[Baloo in MI]

Baloo- The simplest answer to what to do on a solo trip. Whatever you want. I personally make no fast passes or ADR's. Although I might make one for the night of the marathon to treat myself. But, I have never needed a fastpass. I go to the park I want and I head to the rides I want. I think the longest I have ever waited in line is 20 minutes.

As for me, I LOVE to people watch. I will grab a seat in a park and watch people while I relax. I get an early seat for a parade. I hop on the monorail and resort hop. I try to do something new on each trip I do, whether it is a new place to eat, a new ride, or go see a new resort. I give up my seat on the bus for people, I talk to strangers, etc... I try to make people happy on their vacations because it makes me feel better too.

I didn't realize my poor choice of words by saying I am "only" running the marathon would cause so much conversation. I didn't mean it in a bad way. I guess I just feel like a slug for just running the marathon when people are doing Goofy and Dopey. The truth is, as it has been said, any of these races is a huge accomplishment and commitment to be able to do and stay upright til the end.

But, in response to a few people talking about how they felt at these races, etc... I ran my first race. It was a 10K to give me a POT for the ToT race last year. I was scared to death. When I was at the starting line I saw a few people who had that "runner look". I was intimidated. And you know what, I beat them all. I am still carrying extra weight. I don't look like a runner at all. It means nothing. We race against ourselves. We do this for various reasons. I have yet to find someone that said finishing one of these races, or running in general, doesn't make them a better person. I sat next to a woman on the bus to run the ToT last year. I was nervous as could be. It was my first real race, the 10K I ran was very small, not really well organized. She had run Boston several times, Chicago 9 times, and lots of other races, including Disney. She calmed me down. She told me what to expect. And when we got off the bus she showed me around the starting area. I was not in her league but she didn't make me feel that way. That's what I hope to do for someone else in the future.

Everyone of us that tackles this challenge should be proud of themselves. Even if it is your 100th marathon it is still not easy. Disney will be my 3rd and I am still going to be nervous.

Hopefully this all made sense. It's late, I am tired at I was up at 5 am to do my track workout today. Yes, we are all crazy for doing this, aren't we.

Yeah, we are crazy in one sense bt in another it is such a gift to set a goal, work for it and then accomplish it. Also thanks for the solo tips! Looking forward to this adventure.

 

[AmynVal]

Tattoo that's a great idea. I'm not sure where I would get one at though. I once saw one on a ultra runner. One calf had "trample the weak" and the other said "hurdle the dead". Another one of the crazy things endurance athletes do. I thought about getting something similar to triathletes "the swim bike run" people screen printed on a shirt with running Mickey except mine would be "run lift rest repeat" but a tattoo sounds much cooler. I can't believe I haven't thought about that I have tattoos already

 

[derekleigh]

Probably not asked, but I'll throw my $.02 in the wishing well. I only add to it because it was only until this year that I completed my first marathon.

This past year I ran the 5K and marathon (I attended the 10K to support my wife). At all the races I did noticed rD announcers using the term "only"'to describe some racers' goals. Now I wasn't offended but rather annoyed at rD for the poor selection of words and their glorifying of Dopey runners.

Before I go any farther I just want to point EVERYONE completing a race at Disney or anywhere should be proud of their accomplishment. There are people that do have limitations outside of their control which can prevent them finishing anything longer than a 5k or 10k. So for some, a 5K is a big accomplishment and should be celebrated so. On a side note, I was a little annoyed for other runners at the lack of 5K merchandise at the expo. But that's a different story.

Back to my agenda. I was annoyed at rD for their endless pushing of Dopey. They make out to be the cat's meow and other races, even Goofy, takes a back seat. I'm think re-wording it like, "focusing on" "setting their sights" or a bunch of other phrases. Because their are people running sub-3:00 hour marathons and there are people power walking the whole dopey challenge; both are different yet neither inferior to the other because each person has a different focus than the person next to him/her.


I hope this all made sense. I haven't gone back and re-read it yet. But that is all I'll add to this topic.

Neoflynn - great tattoo idea! Would you add other distances you did in the future under neath Mickey?!

 

[SarahDisney]

On a side note, I was a little annoyed for other runners at the lack of 5K merchandise at the expo. But that's a different story.

This also bugs me. I did the 5K at Princess Weekend last year, and I wanted to spend money ... but didn't find much 5K merchandise. You'd think runDisney would want everyone's money, no matter what race(s) they run!

 

[LSUlakes]

They're not shipping to a lot of the east coast anymore. Too bad, they make great beer. A great bar in Houston is having a Bear Republic beer dinner at the end of the month with the last of their stock.

Yes, my reward after a race or long run is beer. IPAs go great with migas.

I love IPA's! I've located two places that serve Racer 5 so far. #1 is at Wilderness Lodge the second is the 50's prime time cafe. Staying at one and eating at the other! I am 7 days into my no beer for 30 days and I miss a cold IPA already.

 

[roxymama]

So I probably shouldn't make a sign for the marathon that says "if you only just ran the 5k, you'd be home by now?" Yeah probably not a good idea.

(Hint: I would never do that)

 

[kevdad]

"The most important thing I learned [from running] is that there is only one runner in this race, and that is me."

Dr. George Sheehan, cardiologist and running philosopher

 

[Neoflynn]

Neoflynn - great tattoo idea! Would you add other distances you did in the future under neath Mickey?!

o
if or more likely when I wind up doing dopey or goofy in the future I may add those underneath as well but I think its more to honor my first marathon so I may not, I did see a cool one once with road runner that had the different distances in the clouds behind him I liked that idea and may incorporate that also but I havn't fully decided yet

 

[Ariel484]

If I got a rD tattoo...I'd copy this idea:


I like this idea too:


Mr. Ariel484 is anti-tattoo and I'm a big baby, so it'll never happen.

 

[Neoflynn]

Mr. Ariel484 is anti-tattoo and I'm a big baby, so it'll never happen.

If I got a rD tattoo...I'd copy this idea:

I like both of those too....and hey never say never LOL

 

[AmynVal]

Finally dinner reservations made room booked. How's everyone's training going. 10 miles today not fun it got hot and humid quick this morning. Got to love Florida. It's going to get here before we know and we will all question our sanity and what made us think it was a good idea.

 

[Ariel484]

I like both of those too....and hey never say never LOL

Most likely never...