Marathon Weekend 2017!

[Keels]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'm just going to have my wife go directly to Epcot. Sounds like that's the path of least resistance. Will they be able to spectate from world showcase and how long will it take to get from pop into the park?

Also, had a cold and snowy 20 miles this morning. 16 degrees. My water bottles froze, as did my face mask. Glad to have that done and ready to punch my ticket to Taper Town! Bring on Florida!

Yup - I would tell them to go directly to the UK ... that's where the Marathon "pops out" into World Showcase. Once they see you, they can head out the front gates into the finish line area! If they hustle, they might be able to get to see you at the Finish Line! Tell them to stay to the left from the UK (to the left of Spaceship Earth) on the way out.

The UK is also a real "triumphant" cheering spot - the World Showcase torches are lit, they soundtrack they play is AMAZING, there are tons of people there cheering, and it's basically Mile 25 and the last "sprint" to the finish so it would be a great and joyful spot for you to see them I think.

 

[PCFriar80]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'm just going to have my wife go directly to Epcot. Sounds like that's the path of least resistance. Will they be able to spectate from world showcase and how long will it take to get from pop into the park?

Also, had a cold and snowy 20 miles this morning. 16 degrees. My water bottles froze, as did my face mask. Glad to have that done and ready to punch my ticket to Taper Town! Bring on Florida!

Yes, they will be able to spectate from world showcase but Epcot will not be open for guests until 9:00 AM. There are a few spots I would recommend. One would be in UK where the runners enter WS from backstage. They can see you there and then head towards future world, past Canada and see you make the final turn towards spaceship earth. The walk for them is a few hundred yards and they should get there before you.
The other option would be right at the mile 25 marker in France. Belle is usually there and you could have a photo op with you and the family.

 

[Wendy98]

Thanks for the pics StarGirl11, that helps.

As far as a warm up, I will do the best I can and whatever happens or doesn't happen will be fine. A long warm up isn't quite as crucial in a marathon for me, not like a 5k or 10k when your running legs need to be ready at the start.

Another question: Do you wear your Magic Band while racing? I doubt I would stop for any pics, although it will pain me not to. I am too competitive to take the time.

Another another question: Are there timing mats throughout the course giving live updates for tracking? Many times that is how my husband can predict where I will be in a race. I like to run "naked" in a race if I can, meaning no phone. I have to rely on meeting him at the end.

 

[Keels]

Thanks for the pics StarGirl11, that helps.

As far as a warm up, I will do the best I can and whatever happens or doesn't happen will be fine. A long warm up isn't quite as crucial in a marathon for me, not like a 5k or 10k when your running legs need to be ready at the start.

Another question: Do you wear your Magic Band while racing? I doubt I would stop for any pics, although it will pain me not to. I am too competitive to take the time.

Another another question: Are there timing mats throughout the course giving live updates for tracking? Many times that is how my husband can predict where I will be in a race. I like to run "naked" in a race if I can, meaning no phone. I have to rely on meeting him at the end.

MagicBand: I do, but mostly so I don't have to bag drop with my wallet, etc., in to get back to my room. Also, I buy a drink on the course past Mile 25, so it just makes it easier.

Timing Mats: For the Marathon, they are at 5 Miles, 10 Miles, Half, 20 Miles, Finish

He can sign up for Runner Tracking here.

 

[DerTobi75]

MagicBand: I do, but mostly so I don't have to bag drop with my wallet, etc., in to get back to my room. Also, I buy a drink on the course past Mile 25, so it just makes it easier.

How does your body react on drinking a beer at Mile 25? My fear is, that I could mess up everything, doing that "stunt" at this time of the race and not be able to finish the race.

 

[Dis5150]

Well the weather people were completely wrong. I got my whole run in with no thunderstorms and it only rained on me about 1/4 of a mile. It was pretty much a perfect running day. 50-60's, cloud cover, light breeze. DH rode his bike with me the first 15, then I finished up the last 10 on my own. I listened to every playlist on my phone lol. Yay for taper time! I know a lot of you don't go that high in mileage but my JG plan called for 26 so I compromised with 25. But while I was obsessing over the weather I forgot to check what time sunrise was lol. We got out there way too early and had to sit in the truck a half hour! We have no street lights out here.

 

[wdwjoe13]

Any good resources out there for spectators or any advice on here? My wife and our 2-year-old are going down and staying at Pop Century. I've already told her I don't expect her to get up and watch me early on, but it would be nice to see them later along the course and then meet up at the finish.

I was thinking either Wild World of Sports since it's close to Pop or maybe they could get over to Boardwalk for breakfast and watch me go by there? My wife is not a seasoned Disney traveler, can get stressed when things don't go smoothly and will have a 2-year-old with her, so I want to make this as easy as possible on her.

Links? Advice? Thanks in advance!

We stayed at AoA last year. My parents had our 3 kids (ages 4, 1, & 1) They drove to the corner of Osceola and Victory Way (you could also easily walk, but would take some extra time. The parked on the grass on the side of Victory Way. The hung out in the median there, so we saw them at Mile 17 as we headed into WWOS. They could hang out there until mile 21 as well. We told my parents we would prefer them outside of DHS as we headed to Boardwalk area. So, they headed there after we saw them at mile 17. Then they were there at mile 23. They missed the finish, but that wasn't a big deal for us. The boost once you leave AK of knowing you have support in just a just miles helped out. Then, that boost heading towards DHS to see them and that extra smile they gave us made the last few miles easier.

The nice thing is Victory Way is kind of the back door way to access DHS and then get back to Epcot. Leaving after Mile 17 would give her about 1:15 to get to World Showcase or just park at an Epcot resort and catch you before entering Epcot, or close to 1:30 to get to finish area.

 

[DerTobi75]

Probably not. I do enjoy seeing them as I run by but it would have to be something pretty special for me to stop. What about you?

Nope for me, though maybe a castle picture if it's quick. I'm mildly concerned that if I stop, I might not start again.

Yes, these are also my concerns. I try to slow down / walk at the waterstops and the one and only character stop, I would stay in line might be Snow White

I am kind of nervous, because my last two long runs did not work out so well. Normally I would say, let's run together, but I do not know if I am the best run buddy right now ;-)

 

[cavepig]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'm just going to have my wife go directly to Epcot. Sounds like that's the path of least resistance. Will they be able to spectate from world showcase and how long will it take to get from pop into the park?

Also, had a cold and snowy 20 miles this morning. 16 degrees. My water bottles froze, as did my face mask. Glad to have that done and ready to punch my ticket to Taper Town! Bring on Florida!

pop isn't that far from Epcot, 10 min it seems at most by bus, but add time for bus waiting/walking if no car or tram if car and bag Check/tapstiles, walking in Epcot -especially if heading into world showcase France. I would allow an hour to be safe at least or 1:15 if catching a bus, based on my experience heading to a France adr from pop using buses in the past but not during a race.

Awesome getting that run in too!

Another question: Do you wear your Magic Band while racing? I doubt I would stop for any pics, although it will pain me not to. I am too competitive to take the time.

I do since I need it to get in my resort room. You don't use it for photos during the race though, after the race you'll enter a code with your bib number at photopass to claim/purchase photos. The code is in the event guide, back of bib & should be on rundisney results page too after the race. On course photos & any you stop for show up this way. So magic band not used for race photos.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Well the weather people were completely wrong. I got my whole run in with no thunderstorms and it only rained on me about 1/4 of a mile. It was pretty much a perfect running day. 50-60's, cloud cover, light breeze. DH rode his bike with me the first 15, then I finished up the last 10 on my own. I listened to every playlist on my phone lol. Yay for taper time! I know a lot of you don't go that high in mileage but my JG plan called for 26 so I compromised with 25. But while I was obsessing over the weather I forgot to check what time sunrise was lol. We got out there way too early and had to sit in the truck a half hour! We have no street lights out here.

Congrats! You've got this!

 

[Keels]

How does your body react on drinking a beer at Mile 25? My fear is, that I could mess up everything, doing that "stunt" at this time of the race and not be able to finish the race.

I had half a beer at Mile 24 and then we split a Grey Goose slush at Mile 25. The only ill-affect I had wasn't a popped tendon in my big toe in Africa, but I'm fairly certain the two are completely unrelated.

I usually have a beer right after I run and after I finish a race, so - to me - it's basically no different than when I drink after a long run.

When I did it this year during the marathon, it really helped me to take a break, get my emotions in check and ultimately realize the enormity of what I'd done - I was literally a distance I have traveled hundreds of times away from finishing the most intense endurance event I'd ever done. That last mile was a celebration for me, and I'm glad I didn't have a time goal because I enjoyed those moments with my besties the most out of the whole Dopey experience.

Also, I take on A LOT of fluids during a race, so I didn't feel "sloshy" like some people do when they mix things up.

 

[Keels]

Well the weather people were completely wrong. I got my whole run in with no thunderstorms and it only rained on me about 1/4 of a mile. It was pretty much a perfect running day. 50-60's, cloud cover, light breeze. DH rode his bike with me the first 15, then I finished up the last 10 on my own. I listened to every playlist on my phone lol. Yay for taper time! I know a lot of you don't go that high in mileage but my JG plan called for 26 so I compromised with 25. But while I was obsessing over the weather I forgot to check what time sunrise was lol. We got out there way too early and had to sit in the truck a half hour! We have no street lights out here.

I think you're East of me (Arkansas, right?) and I thought we'd have until at least six or seven before this stupid front started blowing through.

Nope. I got a hard gust of wind at 4 and my windows immediately fogged up and are now frosting over. This is crazy, like a disaster movie.

I was sitting out on my deck enjoying the beautiful weather ... now I wish I was in Florida.

 

[FortWildernessCamper]

Race: 10k
Name: Maureen
Dis'er name: Fortwildernesscamper
Costume/clothing: Regular running clothes (purple shirt)
Coral: D?
Early arriver
Back of coral
Pace: 14.5

 

[SheHulk]

Yes, these are also my concerns. I try to slow down / walk at the waterstops and the one and only character stop, I would stay in line might be Snow White

I am kind of nervous, because my last two long runs did not work out so well. Normally I would say, let's run together, but I do not know if I am the best run buddy right now ;-)

I would totally run with either of you! My biggest problem in every race is an exuberant start followed by an exhausted second half so if you are looking to do negative splits you can only help me there. I've actually been doing a run a mile/walk a minute type routine on my long runs this training cycle to try to force myself to slow down but the plan to walk through the water stops sounds good too. Look for me at the pre-marathon meetup if you will be there. We can start out together if you want and I won't take it personally if you need to ditch me and go solo at any point.

 

[DerTobi75]

I would totally run with either of you! My biggest problem in every race is an exuberant start followed by an exhausted second half so if you are looking to do negative splits you can only help me there. I've actually been doing a run a mile/walk a minute type routine on my long runs this training cycle to try to force myself to slow down but the plan to walk through the water stops sounds good too. Look for me at the pre-marathon meetup if you will be there. We can start out together if you want and I won't take it personally if you need to ditch me and go solo at any point.

Ok, I am looking for you at the pre-marathon meetup.

 

[mollybloom]

I would totally run with either of you! My biggest problem in every race is an exuberant start followed by an exhausted second half so if you are looking to do negative splits you can only help me there. I've actually been doing a run a mile/walk a minute type routine on my long runs this training cycle to try to force myself to slow down but the plan to walk through the water stops sounds good too. Look for me at the pre-marathon meetup if you will be there. We can start out together if you want and I won't take it personally if you need to ditch me and go solo at any point.

Ok, I am looking for you at the pre-marathon meetup.

Guys, I am a complete disaster and my splits in my training runs are like... 12, 10, 13, 9, 15... LOL. So I know I would be a horrendous run buddy. But I'm still up for it!! (Uh, if you are, after that sterling recommendation I've just given myself.)

 

[willieT]

So it appears we have no Clif Bar Pace Groups this year -- maybe we should form our own Disboards Pace Groups. Anyone marathoners looking to run around 8:10 pace (sub 3:35 time)? It would be nice to have a running partner (or several) for part of the race.

I was really hoping to tag along with the Clif Bar Pacer and put my brain on auto-pilot, but I'm still feeling pretty confident because I just checked my training log ... and noticed a weird collection of LRs. Here is how I spent my last 7 Sundays before taper time:

20 miles (fast finish w/ last 10m at marathon pace)
15m (half-marathon + warm-up/cool-down w/ my 3rd fastest time)
20m
20m (fast finish)
21m
15m (HM w/ 25 second PR - 1:37:47)
20m (tomorrow)

I think I'm ready -- now I just need to stay healthy and pray for cool weather.

 

[DopeyBadger]

So it appears we have no Clif Bar Pace Groups this year -- maybe we should form our own Disboards Pace Groups. Anyone marathoners looking to run around 8:10 pace (sub 3:35 time)? It would be nice to have a running partner (or several) for part of the race.

I was really hoping to tag along with the Clif Bar Pacer and put my brain on auto-pilot, but I'm still feeling pretty confident because I just checked my training log ... and noticed a weird collection of LRs. Here is how I spent my last 7 Sundays before taper time:

20 miles (fast finish w/ last 10m at marathon pace)
15m (half-marathon + warm-up/cool-down w/ my 3rd fastest time)
20m
20m (fast finish)
21m
15m (HM w/ 25 second PR - 1:37:47)
20m (tomorrow)

I think I'm ready -- now I just need to stay healthy and pray for cool weather.

Ask and you shall receive. Thus far, we have the following "close" to a 3:35 marathon.

@surfde22 - Corral F - 3:42
@JohnFilipoff - Corral D - 3:36
@JMashuda - Corral B - 3:29

Part of the beauty of this sheet will help others of similar goals to find each other if they wish to buddy up. As always, the decisions are left to the individuals.

My prediction models have me anywhere between 3:11-3:39 at this time. I haven't honed in on my final guess for the marathon portion of Dopey yet. So I might end up in this pool too. I am a "blind" runner purely going by effort and not paying attention to GPS pace at all. I am in B as well.

 

[Dis5150]

@Keels Yep, Arkansas. It was 74 here when I left my house at 4:45 to go to our church nativity. 30 minutes later it was a downpour. 20 minutes after that (when we had to go outside for the program) it was in the 30's with a wind chill of 16! It's insane! We had a tornado watch and a winter weather advisory on the same day!

 

[rteetz]

@Keels Yep, Arkansas. It was 74 here when I left my house at 4:45 to go to our church nativity. 30 minutes later it was a downpour. 20 minutes after that (when we had to go outside for the program) it was in the 30's with a wind chill of 16! It's insane! We had a tornado watch and a winter weather advisory on the same day!

I'd take that over what we have. Currently snowing after it snowed 5 inches yesterday. This will be another 3-4. Currently 17 degrees but tomorrow the high... 1... 1 Degree! With probably a wind chill in the -20s. I'm so ready for Florida.