Marathon Weekend 2017!

[CP3uhoh]

There's a lot of great people on here with great attitudes. For anyone that has not completed a half, if you completed a training regimen, you should still feel great. I am no expert but the first thing I learned is that the training is the hard part. The races (at any venue) are just fun and I find much easier than a training run of a similar time. Enjoy your time at WDW, you earned it. Hopefully I will be there this time next year.

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

After working at Disney at an outdoor attraction during the rainy season...I am not at all shocked by the nastiness that some people are showing towards Disney. I had guests scream at me, and one even used a very rude word in front of her child. I can't even tell you how many times someone asked me to close the "Mickey dome" or treated me like I had personally made the call to close the attraction.

That being said, there's a reason I love this board. You all are very reasonable and calm despite disappointment! I'm so sorry you didn't get to run the race this time

 

[Keels]

In the light of day, I think that RunDisney made absolutely the right call, and for once, I was impressed with their communication. Between social media, pop-up alerts, text messages, emails and even a voicemail on my hotel phone, all the information was communicated quickly and pretty easily.

@Ariel484 was the one who broke the news to us last night when she found the cancellation announcement at AKL - even before the social media announcements and emails. @FFigawi, @mbwhitti and I - along with friends and family - were having dinner last night. And while I think the immediate reaction was slight disappointment at the cancellation, for ME - it was actually a feeling of relief.

I had a perfect Dopey experience in 2016 ... unfortunately, every race after that seemed to just be a disaster and I ended up spending most of the year hurt and in some form of recovery. I came into this Dopey off of two pretty serious injuries and was definitely undertrained, and the half marathon was the race I was most worried about. Now, I know I can finish the full and will be able to give more effort.

I'm very sorry for all those doing their first Challege this time around - finishing Dopey is one of the greatest moments of joy that I've had in my life ... and I truly hope everyone gets to experience the full Challenge at some point. But even when you cross the finish line tomorrow, remember that you are still Dopey ... you ran ALL the races RunDisney out on for you - including a dang marathon, which is a major feat in itself.

I'll be walking my 13.1 miles around Epcot today wearing my bright yellow shirt.

 

[Rory CB]

FYI for those needing to get to the Expo: I checked with the POP front desk, Expo shuttles (from here at least) are starting around 10:30.

 

[rteetz]

Saw videos on Facebook of people at different resorts running. SSR where I am had a bunch of people out. I saw pop had people handing out snacks, and water.

 

[hauntedcity]

I feel no guilt at accepting the Half Medal. I ran many half marathons during the training. For all of you with the courage to be out there right now running your own half marathon.....be safe...and go for it!.

The way I see, I will earn the Marathon medal, PLUS the first ever virtual Half and Virtual Goofy!

Doug

 

[jwblane]

Correct. 11-4 today

They just let us in

 

[jwblane]

Cheers, think I'll try and sneak in early

They just let us in.

 

[jwblane]

They let us in because of weather. Said it will be about another 30 minutes before they are ready to start with refunds, etc.

 

[CarolynFH]

Out on our balcony watching everyone running the Epcot Resorts Half, including DD & DSiL.

They hope to defer their registration to Wine & Dine in November. I hope runDisney allows some priority for them!

 

[croach]

Did the Poly, GF, TTC tour multiple times to get my 13.1. I don't anticipate coming back for a Disney race anytime soon for various reasons and wanted to get it all in. Was nice to see a lot of friendly people out running. And someone set up a water stop outside my building which is just another reminder of how great the running community can be.

 

[mrsg00fy]

From the Virtual Race Guide: (sorry I'm not better at copying the image). To see this level of detail you need to click on the first option available to half marathon participants.

• Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge and/or Dopey Challenge Participants: For your convenience, there is no need to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Medals will be awarded on Sunday, Jan. 8, after the full marathon. Your refund will be automatically sent to you via electronic Disney Gift Card.

 

[alexksmith]

Hm, any idea when it will be sent to us? I was hoping to spend it while here.

 

[camaker]

The way I see, I will earn the Marathon medal, PLUS the first ever virtual Half and Virtual Goofy!

Doug

Ditto (plus virtual Dopey). Just checked Fitbit logs and I was at an extra 5.4 miles Thursday and an extra 8.2 miles yesterday. So with park time today and tomorrow I'll be WAY over that 13.1 virtual race miles! I'm run/walking this weekend anyway so I think running (to the buses) and walking (in the parks) fits the bill nicely. It's all an elaborate rationalization, I realize, but what the heck? It's my running vacation, after all, not anyone else's.

 

[mrsg00fy]

Hm, any idea when it will be sent to us? I was hoping to spend it while here.

Unfortunately even when I called RunDisney to confirm that the challenge participants had but one option....I didn't think to ask about timing on reciept of the gift card.

Now another case of making the best of something. The lack of options means not having to go to the expo again.

 

[hauntedcity]

Hm, any idea when it will be sent to us? I was hoping to spend it while here.

I was told that's the gift cards emails would start next week.
I was hoping to use it for a spa massage and Jiko, but no luck.

 

[Z-Knight]

POP Century Half Marathon

 

[team weasel]

Lots of yellow shirts and lots of luggage medals. Went with my yellow shirt over my running shirt as the temps are supposed to drop. Loving the vibe and spirit.

Ran into @Ariel484, which was cool. Sorry about that awkward handshake, but I am an awkward human.

 

[bearsgirl]

Currently standing in long line inside at HP ground floor. Nothing happening yet for Half participants. Lots of fellow runners voicing thoughts that they were just going to get here early and get out with gift card and medal. Not the case.

 

[Rory CB]

Currently standing in long line inside at HP ground floor. Nothing happening yet for Half participants. Lots of fellow runners voicing thoughts that they were just going to get here early and get out with gift card and medal. Not the case.

Line up is out the door now. I am currently standing outside.