Marathon Weekend 2017!

[TeeterTots]

so would I be nuts to sign up for dopey in Jan? I just completed W&D half. I've been on a good training plan so why not keep going?

 

[croach]

Appreciate advice from those who have been there / done that on (1) where to watch runners, and (2) how to get there.
DW is running the marathon. When she ran the 1/2 in 2015, I was able to go from start area of Epcot to Cinderella's castle in MK in time to see her run by and for her to see me.... and then returning in time to see her return to Epcot.

What are the areas of the Marathon that I could get to to see DW run by and how best to get there (car or Disney transportation)?

It's her first full and I want to be as supportive as possible.
Thanks very much in advance.

I can't give you any advice on this but go back to page 158 and read forward a bit. There were several suggestions there that might help you with planning.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

so would I be nuts to sign up for dopey in Jan? I just completed W&D half. I've been on a good training plan so why not keep going?

Take a look at the training plan for a marathon and see how your current half fit into there. A 12-week plan is usually the shortest plan and 18-week is better but your half training may have mirrored the first part of that plan. It is a big jump at this stage but possible, I did my first marathon coming off a half at the end of October. If you can commit to the training then I think you do it.

 

[surfde22]

so would I be nuts to sign up for dopey in Jan? I just completed W&D half. I've been on a good training plan so why not keep going?

I signed up for Dopey this year, never having run a race more than a 5K. I have since run a 10k, a couple 10 milers, and a couple of halfs, but those were my first times at any of those distances. I see no problem signing up for it if that's what you want to do. Just keep up the training and you shouldn't have too big of a problem.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm curious to learn how you all determined you were ready for a marathon (i.e. How many halfs or challenges) and then on to dopey?

I'm confident I could run the 5K, 10K and half consecutively (although I've not ran a challenge) but the marathon (never having ran one) on the last day worries me.

For me, I felt like I had to complete shorter distances before moving on to longer ones.

I did a 5K. Then moved on to a 10K...then a 10-miler...then the Princess Half Marathon. I told myself if I could train for, complete and enjoy the Princess Half, I would sign up for the marathon.
Same thing next year - I told myself if I could train for, complete and enjoy the marathon, I would sign up for Goofy. So I signed up for Goofy. Then Dopey was introduced and I signed up for that.

I think the big thing to consider is that the training for a marathon/challenge is much more of a commitment than training for a half (assuming you, you know, actually train). It's more time on your feet, more hours to dedicate to running, etc. It takes over your life more. To me, that is the true challenge of moving on to a marathon and something like Goofy or Dopey. Sure, you could half-@$$ the training (when I say "you" I don't mean you specifically, BTW), but you'll likely be miserable during the actual races. The training (and 4 early wake-ups) is the toughest part, in my opinion, but if you put the time in, it is totally worth it. I worked my @$$ off to train for 2015 and had a blast at the races.

The other thing to consider is how you want your marathon weekend trip to go. When you do Dopey, your time during the race weekend will be spent at the expo, running, likely sleeping after the races, and if you're smart, staying off of your feet. It is NOT a normal Disney trip where you can do commando park touring unless you are some sort of super human - it is work, and I think most people do not realize that.

so would I be nuts to sign up for dopey in Jan? I just completed W&D half. I've been on a good training plan so why not keep going?

No one can answer that question but you. I think you need to look at why you truly want to sign up for it (it sounds harsh but I think some people just want the medals and/or the attention - not saying that's you but it's something I have noticed) and whether you are prepared to dedicate yourself to taking your training up a notch.

I think I will be in the minority when it comes to the replies you get, but personally, I am so glad I didn't sign up for Dopey as my first marathon. Knowing that I had completed the distance before was such a confidence-booster for me that I think I was able to enjoy the weekend as a whole way more because I wasn't stressing about my first marathon coming at the end of challenge.

 

[TeeterTots]

For me, I felt like I had to complete shorter distances before moving on to longer ones.

I did a 5K. Then moved on to a 10K...then a 10-miler...then the Princess Half Marathon. I told myself if I could train for, complete and enjoy the Princess Half, I would sign up for the marathon.
Same thing next year - I told myself if I could train for, complete and enjoy the marathon, I would sign up for Goofy. So I signed up for Goofy. Then Dopey was introduced and I signed up for that.

I think the big thing to consider is that the training for a marathon/challenge is much more of a commitment than training for a half (assuming you, you know, actually change). It's more time on your feet, more hours to dedicate to running, etc. It takes over your life more. To me, that is the true challenge of moving on to a marathon and something like Goofy or Dopey. Sure, you could half-@$$ the training (when I say "you" I don't mean you specifically, BTW), but you'll likely be miserable during the actual races. The training (and 4 early wake-ups) is the toughest part, in my opinion, but if you put the time in, it is totally worth it. I worked my @$$ off to train for 2015 and had a blast at the races.

The other thing to consider is how you want your marathon weekend trip to go. When you do Dopey, your time during the race weekend will be spent at the expo, running, likely sleeping after the races, and if you're smart, staying off of your feet. It is NOT a normal Disney trip where you can do commando park touring unless you are some sort of super human - it is work, and I think most people do not realize that.

No one can answer that question but you. I think you need to look at why you truly want to sign up for it (it sounds harsh but I think some people just want the medals and/or the attention - not saying that's you but it's something I have noticed) and whether you are prepared to dedicate yourself to taking your training up a notch.

I think I will be in the minority when it comes to the replies you get, but personally, I am so glad I didn't sign up for Dopey as my first marathon. Knowing that I had completed the distance before was such a confidence-booster for me that I think I was able to enjoy the weekend as a whole way more because I wasn't stressing about my first marathon coming at the end of challenge.

Thank you!! I appreciate your honest answer! I agree that some people just want metals. I want to run and set a new goal for myself. My friend wants to run next year (2018) but I've been training since march for halfs so I would love to continue the momentum. I'm torn with just doing only the marathon first but know I can do the 5K, 10K(as these are normal weekly runs for me) and half ok. I'm just worried that back to back half/marathon may be too much but doable. Especially with run walk run method. I agree it's definitely not a "normal" Disney trip. I'm there to run. I'd leave my kids home and just enjoy the race weekend. Wish I had a running partner but also enjoy the freedom of doing as I wish. I could also work character stops into the marathon which I didn't do at the half.

By the way, I know I saw you at via Napoli Saturday night before the half and wish I introduced myself!!!

Decisions decisions....thanks again!

 

[Ariel484]

Thank you!! I appreciate your honest answer! I agree that some people just want metals. I want to run and set a new goal for myself. My friend wants to run next year (2018) but I've been training since march for halfs so I would love to continue the momentum. I'm torn with just doing only the marathon first but know I can do the 5K, 10K(as these are normal weekly runs for me) and half ok. I'm just worried that back to back half/marathon may be too much but doable. Especially with run walk run method. I agree it's definitely not a "normal" Disney trip. I'm there to run. I'd leave my kids home and just enjoy the race weekend. Wish I had a running partner but also enjoy the freedom of doing as I wish. I could also work character stops into the marathon which I didn't do at the half.

By the way, I know I saw you at via Napoli Saturday night before the half and wish I introduced myself!!!

Decisions decisions....thanks again!

Aw man! Definitely say hi if you see me!

Running the races solo isn't so bad at all. you get to control every decision made on the race course, which can be pretty great.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm curious to learn how you all determined you were ready for a marathon (i.e. How many halfs or challenges) and then on to dopey?

I'm confident I could run the 5K, 10K and half consecutively (although I've not ran a challenge) but the marathon (never having ran one) on the last day worries me.

There was never a time I didn't think I could run a marathon - it was more a decision as to whether or not I wanted to. Would I want to put in the time commitment? Would my body hold up, or would I wind up running it in misery? After running a bunch of halfs, last year I decided "why not?" and registered for the marathon with the attitude that I'd try - if I finished, great, if not, oh well. Training went better than expected, and the marathon wen WAY better than expected. By mile 20ish, I felt well trained and strong and knew without a doubt that I could have just as easily handled Goofy, maybe even Dopey. So I went into registering for 2017 for Goofy... but later decided I may as well upgrade and go for the full Dopey for bragging rights and shirts.

 

[TeeterTots]

There was never a time I didn't think I could run a marathon - it was more a decision as to whether or not I wanted to. Would I want to put in the time commitment? Would my body hold up, or would I wind up running it in misery? After running a bunch of halfs, last year I decided "why not?" and registered for the marathon with the attitude that I'd try - if I finished, great, if not, oh well. Training went better than expected, and the marathon wen WAY better than expected. By mile 20ish, I felt well trained and strong and knew without a doubt that I could have just as easily handled Goofy, maybe even Dopey. So I went into registering for 2017 for Goofy... but later decided I may as well upgrade and go for the full Dopey for bragging rights and shirts.

That's awesome!
On a side note, I've been meaning to tell you that I love your Avatar pic! I'm such a Brady bunch fan! I love their Hawaii trip and have even themed our lake house around mid century modern Brady bunch goes to Hawaii/poly like decor! Lol!

 

[PrincessV]

That's awesome!
On a side note, I've been meaning to tell you that I love your Avatar pic! I'm such a Brady bunch fan! I love their Hawaii trip and have even themed our lake house around mid century modern Brady bunch goes to Hawaii/poly like decor! Lol!

That is all sorts of awesome - I'd love to live in a Brady house!!

 

[LSUlakes]

so would I be nuts to sign up for dopey in Jan? I just completed W&D half. I've been on a good training plan so why not keep going?

Its not impossible, but lets take a look at it. I will make a few assumptions and if these are incorrect then my answer could change. I will assume that was your first half and it is also your longest run to date. I will also assume that you are using this week as a active recovery week to continue training for a marathon.

Lets just say you do your long runs on Sundays:
11/13 - 10 Mi
11/20 - 14 Mi
11/27 - 16 Mi
12/04 - 18 Mi
12/11 - 15 Mi
12/18 - 20 Mi
12/25 - 15 Mi
01/01 - 10 Mi
01/08 - 26.2 Mi

With the above long runs, and normal training during the weekdays of at least 3 more runs I think you could finish and be confident when toeing the line. It is going to hard to do and with such a short window and increased mileage, you face a increased possibility of suffering from an injury. Can you tell us what your average MPW have been over the last 10 weeks? Also if you have run more than 13.1 before than things can work out a little better depending on how many times and how much longer. I wish you the best of luck on what ever decision you make.

 

[TeeterTots]

Its not impossible, but lets take a look at it. I will make a few assumptions and if these are incorrect then my answer could change. I will assume that was your first half and it is also your longest run to date. I will also assume that you are using this week as a active recovery week to continue training for a marathon.

Lets just say you do your long runs on Sundays:
11/13 - 10 Mi
11/20 - 14 Mi
11/27 - 16 Mi
12/04 - 18 Mi
12/11 - 15 Mi
12/18 - 20 Mi
12/25 - 15 Mi
01/01 - 10 Mi
01/08 - 26.2 Mi

With the above long runs, and normal training during the weekdays of at least 3 more runs I think you could finish and be confident when toeing the line. It is going to hard to do and with such a short window and increased mileage, you face a increased possibility of suffering from an injury. Can you tell us what your average MPW have been over the last 10 weeks? Also if you have run more than 13.1 before than things can work out a little better depending on how many times and how much longer. I wish you the best of luck on what ever decision you make.

Wow! Thank you for breaking this down! This was my second half. My first was in sept. My average MPW is 10-15 miles the past few weeks. last week was 20miles because of the half. Yes I'm taking this week off.... Thanks for your help!

 

[MRL214]

Hey everyone! Does anyone have recommendations on switching FROM 100% running to a run/walk plan? I've done four half marathons in the last three months, all between 1:57 and 2:05. I'd like to switch to run/walk to slow myself down to help prevent further knee injuries and to allow myself to have more energy after the first thirteen miles. Thank you to anyone who can help!!!

 

[Ariel484]

Hey everyone! Does anyone have recommendations on switching FROM 100% running to a run/walk plan? I've done four half marathons in the last three months, all between 1:57 and 2:05. I'd like to switch to run/walk to slow myself down to help prevent further knee injuries and to allow myself to have more energy after the first thirteen miles. Thank you to anyone who can help!!!

I think you want to start here and do a Magic Mile: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/run-walk/

It takes some trial and error to find your ideal ratio...I still don't think I've found mine.

 

[Tinkerbelle14]

Hey everyone! Does anyone have recommendations on switching FROM 100% running to a run/walk plan? I've done four half marathons in the last three months, all between 1:57 and 2:05. I'd like to switch to run/walk to slow myself down to help prevent further knee injuries and to allow myself to have more energy after the first thirteen miles. Thank you to anyone who can help!!!

What I've been doing for my long runs and what I plan on doing for the marathon is to run the first mile, walk for a tenth of a mile (approx 2 minutes), then run to the next mile marker, walk a tenth of a mile, run to the mext mile marker... Seems to be working so far! I'll throw that out the window at mile marker 26, of course. Gotta finish strong!

 

[LSUlakes]

Wow! Thank you for breaking this down! This was my second half. My first was in sept. My average MPW is 10-15 miles the past few weeks. last week was 20miles because of the half. Yes I'm taking this week off.... Thanks for your help!

With you MPW being in the 10-15 range, I think it would be wise to not run a marathon in January. If you made it through training uninjured, which has a much higher chance with the majority of your planned long runs being more miles than you are accustomed to running in a week, the marathon would likely turn out to be a very unpleasant experience. If you really wanted to run a marathon I would find a marathon in March-April to run and then find a 18 week program to follow. If WDW marathon is the only one you would consider, I would wait till 2018.
Again, I am not saying it's impossible to do it and I am not trying to be negative, but WDW 2017 Marathon could turn out be a extremely disappointing experience that may turn you away from running altogether.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Hey everyone! Does anyone have recommendations on switching FROM 100% running to a run/walk plan? I've done four half marathons in the last three months, all between 1:57 and 2:05. I'd like to switch to run/walk to slow myself down to help prevent further knee injuries and to allow myself to have more energy after the first thirteen miles. Thank you to anyone who can help!!!

I switched from running full marathons with no walk breaks to adding walks, and I only did it because age was creating injury problems. For me, it was hard to transition. I experimented with many, many run/walk ratios. My biggest hurdle - the walk breaks require that you actually pay attention to time intervals during a run, and I like to totally disappear into my runs (zone out, in a way).

My friends who do run/walk intervals don't really see what I currently do as run/walk. I run a mile or two, then walk a minute, then repeat. I have no "hard" limit on my run distance or time. I run until I feel a little fatigued, then I walk for one minute. I do try to walk for one minute at least every 2 miles to mimic my walks at water stations on race courses. This allows me to disappear into my runs, though not for long. I can complete my runs/races in less time with shorter run/walk ratios, but I simply don't enjoy it. I'd rather enjoy my sport than shave minutes. I should also note that I do almost no walking on runs shorter than 8 miles. I still like my "pure" runs. So I am really hard headed about this.

Even with limited walking I am better able to enjoy the sport. I feel much better at the end of long runs, and my recovery is shorter between runs. This is important to me since I run every day.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

This morning on my tempo run I ran past a restaurant and the smell of bacon had filled the air. What is the proper running decision: 1. Slow down the pace considerably and enjoy that glorious smell or 2. Continue along at pace and not ruin my average?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

This morning on my tempo run I ran past a restaurant and the smell of bacon had filled the air. What is the proper running decision: 1. Slow down the pace considerably and enjoy that glorious smell or 2. Continue along at pace and not ruin my average?

I run past an old country diner every few days in the morning. Sometimes I am tempted to walk in and have a stack.

 

[FFigawi]

This morning on my tempo run I ran past a restaurant and the smell of bacon had filled the air. What is the proper running decision: 1. Slow down the pace considerably and enjoy that glorious smell or 2. Continue along at pace and not ruin my average?

In my running group, we had a rule of no talking or thinking about breakfast until the last mile of the run. Not easy to do when passing taco trucks & donut shops, but we persevered.