Marathon Weekend 2016

[mbwhitti]

Yeah, what he said! You've put in all the work. Trust your training, let @mbwhitti keep you occupied and entertained during the race, and you'll be just fine.

Ah, no pressure! In the words of my good friend Barney Stinson, "Challenge Accepted!" I need a bunch of corny jokes prepared. Ooo, or each mile is representative of a drink earned. I have a tendency to make a fool of myself in any situation so that should be enjoyable. No worries, @Keels WILL make it to that finish line, drink in hand!!!

 

[LSUlakes]

I'm behind on QOTD, so...

From 2 days ago: My out of the ordinary thing happened yesterday. I slipped on ice and took a nasty fall, badly bruising my butt & back. I'm hoping it doesn't affect my running too much and hopefully I'll be fine by next Sunday. Horrible timing!

From yesterday: half marathon

Today's QOTD: I'm most worried about hitting the wall at mile 20. I don't think I've quite mastered fueling on my 20 milers and seem to start breaking down around mile 17. I think maybe I need to eat something more substantial than just gels or bloks but never had a chance to try this and not sure if I should during the race.

About the wall. 20 miles in is the number thats used because of the average marathon finish time and mentally it's a marker most don't surpass in training. I think (others feel free to correct me here) it really has more to do with time running and the amount of energy your body can store. Usually that time is about 3 hours which occurs for the average runner around mile 20. As long as you take in nutrition as your running, you can theoretically avoid the wall. All that's left is the mental barriers. That's at least how it was explained to me.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD:
What are you most afraid of happening during your race?

I think my biggest race day fear is that the margarita in Mexico may be one too many after my beer in Germany and whatever it is @FFigawi handing out at the Boardwalk (tequila shots maybe??), causing me to pass out before the finish line

 

[gjramsey]

QOTA:

Cramping. It has happened to me during my last 2 marathons where the start was extremely warm, and the forecast for next weekend is trending the same way.

 

[FFigawi]

About the wall. 20 miles in is the number thats used because of the average marathon finish time and mentally it's a marker most don't surpass in training. I think (others feel free to correct me here) it really has more to do with time running and the amount of energy your body can store. Usually that time is about 3 hours which occurs for the average runner around mile 20. As long as you take in nutrition as your running, you can theoretically avoid the wall. All that's left is the mental barriers. That's at least how it was explained to me.

That's pretty much correct. If you take in enough fuel and hydration along the way, there should be no fear of hitting the wall. That's why you should always practice your fueling on your long runs so you know how much you need and when in order to keep your energy up. Disney will have a few Clif stands on the course, but I always recommend that people bring their own so they're certain to have as much as they will need to get through the finish.

I think my biggest race day fear is that the margarita in Mexico may be one too many after my beer in Germany and whatever it is @FFigawi handing out at the Boardwalk (tequila shots maybe??), causing me to pass out before the finish line

Unfortunately, the FFigawi family will not be handing out beer at Boardwalk this year. My plane does not land until 11, and most people will be finished by the time I get through customs and over to Disney. You'll just have to find me at the BC/YC bar that afternoon or at DATW on Monday.

Cramping. It has happened to me during my last 2 marathons where the start was extremely warm, and the forecast for next weekend is trending the same way.

Drink plenty of water in the days before the race to make sure you're fully hydrated. I'd also suggest using salt tabs every hour during the race. The extra sodium and potassium will help avoid dehydration and cramping while you're out there.

 

[SunDial]

What time will you start the DATW on Monday and which country first.

 

[Tennesotans]

QOTD: a) injuries (lower back/IT Band seizing) b) having an "off" day... I'm trying for a PR and hope my training shows up on race day

 

[CamColt]

Another one here worried about injuries/pain, therefore not being able to finish. I know I've probably said this before, but when I did my longest training run (20.5), for the first time I felt, I am going to do this, and do it good! Even if I had to walk the last 6 Id be fine. Since then (a month ago) I have had 1 issue after the next, and I'm at the point of thinking I may not be able to do this. I'm not against having to walk some...or a lot, if I can just keep under the pace and deal with whatever pain I may have that day.

It's 1:00 Pm...If all goes well a week from now I will be laughing at this post.

 

[CamColt]

Oh, and I'm also worried about making it to the Expo on time, but this running thing is consuming my mind so I barely think of that issue.

 

[RunningPrince]

Yesterday's QOTD:

Definitely the half marathon. Allows me to balance training with all the other demands of life. Also my kids are only patient enough to last for 2 hours as my cheering section and are always wanting me to finish by park opening so we can be first in to get on all the rides before the queues get too long.


Today's QOTD:

Biggest fear - I don't want a repeat of this past Wine and Dine half weather-related delays on any of the races. Ran that race fine but the energy level of people was least I've experienced in 8 years of Disney races.

 

[stitchnj]

Last long run done! I can't wait for Wednesday to be here so I can get going!

ATTQOTD:
1. Freaking out in the corrals and on the course with the crowding. This is a bigger race than I have ever done, and I am nervous about navigating with my walk/run intervals. And I tend to get a little claustrophobic, so the waiting in the corrals is going to be tough.
2. Sobbing like a baby when I get close/cross the finish line. I think long distance running makes me a little delirious, then I have some motivational/power songs on my playlist - if they come on later in my long run I get a little emotional.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Today's QOTD: I'm most worried about hitting the wall at mile 20. I don't think I've quite mastered fueling on my 20 milers and seem to start breaking down around mile 17. I think maybe I need to eat something more substantial than just gels or bloks but never had a chance to try this and not sure if I should during the race.

If you PM me your race time goal, weight, and VO2max
(use this calculator if you haven't had it tested - http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/vo2max-calculator.aspx)

I can give you a pretty good idea about the wall, using a mathematical formula based on scientific research. You can also give me your planned carb consumption strategy and I can input that as well.

*Also this is for anyone else running the marathon as well. Although I will be traveling without my computer starting Monday morning and wouldn't be able to do the calculation after that point.

Biggest fear - Really nothing, because I know that if something happens I just need to relax and deal with it.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Another marathon day "commute" question: How long should DH allow to drive the rental car over from the All-Stars to Epcot to see me at the finish line? I'll be in corral L and moving along at a slow pace, so we're looking at him coming over well after the parks have opened. I'm guessing he should allow an hour to drive, park, walk over to the finish line area. Is that enough time?

 

[RunningPrince]

Just had to respond. I use to work as a ranger in California State Parks. The last park I worked in before moving out of the state had real issues with mountain lions. Take those signs seriously! Dusk is not a good time to be on the trails alone; especially if you are running. Sorry - my inner ranger coming out again.

I appreciate the inner ranger concern - I rarely run dusk for that reason (and skunks now). While I haven't encountered mountain lions on my runs, I have encountered them camping with the scouts and one was treed in the empty lot across from my house - CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife tranquilized it and took it back into the Sierras. I've also had a Jaguar in my backyard but that's a story over beers...

Also have run into black bears during runs and camping in Tahoe and Yosemite. Used to them as I regularly encountered them when growing up in Wisconsin.

 

[roxymama]

Biggest fear... Every character line is 20 min and I just give up and run without pics. That would be a bummer.

 

[SunDial]

Another marathon day "commute" question: How long should DH allow to drive the rental car over from the All-Stars to Epcot to see me at the finish line? I'll be in corral L and moving along at a slow pace, so we're looking at him coming over well after the parks have opened. I'm guessing he should allow an hour to drive, park, walk over to the finish line area. Is that enough time?

I dont think it would take an hour but has the potential to be close to it. Eastbound Osceola will be closed. World Dr will be open. I would expect a minor delay on the All star/Coronado road along with getting into EPCOT along with the non running guests.

 

[Frankster]

Ugh! I have heard that as long as the reservation number is correct it'll be okay (and that you should cross out AS Sport and write "Contemporary" on it), but if it were me, I'd call and check. Maybe there's time for them to send you new tags?

Same situation here. Disney Customer Service advised that the luggage would be routed to current resort based on same reservation number and to cross out and indicate actual resort name on tags.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Good morning folks. It's finally here, it's race week!

Update on Weather:
Looking a little warm and wet. It's still early and I'm praying for a change. I'll post a more detailed forecast on Monday.

QOTD:
What are you most afraid of happening during your race?

QOTD:
Sleeping in! I will have 3 alarms set and will ask for a wake up call. Still I keep invisioning waking up and seeing 6:30 on the clock! I have been known to sleep through alarms... So the alarms will be loud and across the room. My neighbors are going to love me!

 

[NurseRunner]

So I've been wondering. Looking at the forecast it's going to be warm and likely humid. Are we permitted to bring camelbak water packs with us? Or are they forbidden items for the race?

 

[AmynVal]

Ready or Not