Marathon Weekend 2019

[run.minnie.miles]

I never thought it would end. I was convinced I'd be stuck in the WWOS until my funeral.

Hahahaha! I just laughed out loud.

I have never even experienced this, but it seems to be the most unpopular place!

 

[rteetz]

Hahahaha! I just laughed out loud.

I have never even experienced this, but it seems to be the most unpopular place!

There are decent aspects like sports themed characters and running through the stadium where they might call your name but otherwise yeah.

 

[cavepig]

I like Wide World of Sports, I've posted some to Instagram, but yeah they aren't the most exciting ones, hahaha! The turns not so much, but there's a lot to look at and usually multiple character stops. The best part though is leaving and knowing you just have a 10k left A lady this year had a like a whole spread of food, pickle slices I remember, she was handing out. So, the spectators that show up out there make it great too.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

There are decent aspects like sports themed characters and running through the stadium where they might call your name but otherwise yeah.

So you're saying it's not like running through Angels Stadium during the Disneyland races that offer that as part of the course. That's usually a favorite part of many runners and part of the reason why I registered for the San Francisco Giant Race. If running through Angels Stadium is that awesome, I wonder what it would be like to run through the stadium of my favorite baseball team.

I like Wide World of Sports, I've posted some to Instagram, but yeah they aren't the most exciting ones, hahaha! The turns not so much, but there's a lot to look at and usually multiple character stops. The best part though is leaving and knowing you just have a 10k left A lady this year had a like a whole spread of food, pickle slices I remember, she was handing out. So, the spectators that show up out there make it great too.

There's something about real food that isn't an energy chew or gu or gel during a long distance run. I'm pretty sure that the pretzels someone was handing out in the Animal Kingdom parking lot during this year's Dark Side Half were the greatest pretzels I've ever tasted in my life. See also the MousePlanet red vines from their cheer station at all Disneyland races.

 

[rteetz]

So you're saying it's not like running through Angels Stadium during the Disneyland races that offer that as part of the course. That's usually a favorite part of many runners and part of the reason why I registered for the San Francisco Giant Race. If running through Angels Stadium is that awesome, I wonder what it would be like to run through the stadium of my favorite baseball team.

It’s not as large or grand. It’s still fun I enjoy it. They have a band in there usually and plenty of spectators.

 

[kleph]

the only stadium i ever had any interest in running a portion of a marathon within is in the process of being destroyed.

 

[lahobbs4]

WWOS has real bathrooms. And that's about all of that haze of 5-6 miles that I remember.

 

[cavepig]

So you're saying it's not like running through Angels Stadium during the Disneyland races that offer that as part of the course. That's usually a favorite part of many runners and part of the reason why I registered for the San Francisco Giant Race. If running through Angels Stadium is that awesome, I wonder what it would be like to run through the stadium of my favorite baseball team.

There's something about real food that isn't an energy chew or gu or gel during a long distance run. I'm pretty sure that the pretzels someone was handing out in the Animal Kingdom parking lot during this year's Dark Side Half were the greatest pretzels I've ever tasted in my life. See also the MousePlanet red vines from their cheer station at all Disneyland races.

Angels Stadium during Disneyland half had way more excitement & just overall woah crazy loudness to pump you up, like just entering the stadium was amazing! During Wide World Stadium it's like a dull baby roar of that. I still really enjoy it but it's nothing like Angels and the crowd I remember when I ran it. I do like the bit of dirt running to break up all the road pounding as well.

I totally regret not taking the lady up on her pickle slices as I had calf cramp and those might have helped.

 

[cburnett11]

the only stadium i ever had any interest in running a portion of a marathon within is in the process of being destroyed.

I didn't even know this was happening. I got to step on the track in 2008 during the Olympic Trials and it felt very special... that was even before I even got into running myself.

 

[cburnett11]

I have never even experienced this, but it seems to be the most unpopular place!

I actually don't really mind it. If you're trying to PR (which you shouldn't really try to do in a rD race), it's not good. But there's less interesting places on that course for sure. If it was up to me, I'd probably just do a BUNCH of loops inside EPCOT around World Showcase Lagoon and then head straight to MK for a finish line tape across the castle. That's how I'd build the marathon course... lol.

 

[kleph]

I didn't even know this was happening. I got to step on the track in 2008 during the Olympic Trials and it felt very special... that was even before I even got into running myself.

i did a weeklong running camp on the campus about 10 years ago and the highlight was doing a workout on that track. it was a peak moment for me as a runner.

 

[mateojr]

My two cents regarding stuff and transportation:

1. Stuff. I used to buy a couple things at the expos but now I commemorate races with purchases from rawthreads, etsy, ugg and harveys seatbelt bags. For one of the princess half weekends, I bought new minnie mouse ugg slippers instead of official merch. My husband gave me a really simple etched stemless wine glass from etsy for the dopey. I've used disney races as an excuse to buy a harvey's purse occasionally! And I have lots of hoodies, tanks and t-shirts from rawthreads. Those generally hold up better than the official disney merchandise I've purchased in the past. The remaining exception: @mateojr usually gets a running mickey plush. Guessing he will ask for one for the 10K! Guessing he will get one because the 10K shirts don't come in kids' sizes (boo!) so looking for something fun to commemorate his race!

2. Transportation. I love to walk after a race, so I would prefer to walk through Epcot or walk over to the monorail and take that. But recently, the bus has always been more convenient. It's right there at the finish, and we've had either no wait or a very short wait. And even though I feel like walking, getting my family through security is not as simple as hopping on the bus. And I feel like they have been waiting around for me long enough, so I don't want to increase their wait time.

She guessed right! I will ask for that!

 

[Philo2020]

Not odd at all. I'm not much younger than you and visit Disney solo all the time on account of being single and never married. As others have said, people are so wrapped up in their own vacation that they're not going to care, and if they do care that's on them. One great advantage about being solo on a race weekend is that you are the only one who determines what you're going to do. You set your schedule and choose how relaxed or intensely you want to tour the parks after the races.

The one time I traveled with non running family members for a race weekend, I made it clear what my plans were involving park time after both races. And honestly, I prefer race weekends either solo or with another runner for the reason of controlling my schedule without someone else questioning why I want to tour the way I do before and after the races.

A few months ago I went to Disneyland with family. I had a great time with my nephews, but I also did the Disneyland After Dark Star Wars party by myself on that same trip and had an equally wonderful time. Being solo in Disneyland isn't as strange as you might think.

Just grabbing this last response as you all seem to have the same message, just go and enjoy yourself . Thank you for all the responses and support, I am looking forward to the event and making my own schedule which will be a first at a Disney property.

 

[drummerwife]

the only stadium i ever had any interest in running a portion of a marathon within is in the process of being destroyed.

As a native Oregonian and fan of Hayward Field this makes my heart ache.

 

[kleph]

As a native Oregonian and fan of Hayward Field this makes my heart ache.

you aren't alone.

 

[roxymama]

Was unplugged for a week on vacation so catching up.
1) I really like getting a sweaty band (or like brand) for any big race weekend. I use them and they almost never sellout.
2) I like the mini metal pins as xmas ornaments. I still think they'd look cute on a banshee though I do not own one. @Ariel484 gave me the idea to go to the xmas shop for a personalized ornament which is so smart and unique.
3) I find the idea of solo-traveling freeing but also maybe a tad lonely. Luckily my dad is gonna come with me so I'll have solo time and family time just on a way laid back schedule.
4) I run 12 miles tomorrow. This has nothing to do with this thread. I just know if I write it here then I have to do it

 

[roxymama]

Well I just ran 6 miles with my pants on backwards, so I guess there's really nothing I can't do.

(Well, except for dressing myself correctly)

 

[lhermiston]

Good morning, runDisney All-Stars! Summer is winding down, school will be back in session soon and we're 156 days from the kickoff of marathon weekend. I've got a feeling it's going to go fast.

As promised last week, this week's Sundays are for Disney question will be ... even more questions, and hopefully some answers. Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned pro, what questions do you have about marathon weekend? And, if you don't have any questions, what tips do you have to help everyone make the most of the weekend? There's no limit to the number of questions or answers, so go crazy.

My tip: if you typically run with headphones in for music, podcasts, etc., leave 'em at home for the Disney races and just absorb the ambiance.

My question: do I really need two pairs of shoes to train for and run Dopey? I've seen people say that, but I'm curious what others have done.

Have a good week, everyone!

 

[cavepig]

Tips -

Relax & soak it all in.
Be careful on where & what you eat leading up to races. I know it's hard at Disney.
Bring lots of hand sanitizer, anything to avoid germs to not get sick. Everyone and their hands on the tap styles for the finger entry, handle bars, railings, etc.

Bring newspapers to put in any wet shoes to help dry them out faster in case of rain.

For Shoes - Dopey I ran in two pairs, a 5k & half pair and a 10k & full pair. It rained during the 10k in 2016 so having a dry pair for the half was great.
So, yes I say 2 pairs in case it rains or who knows you could have a shoe malfunction or all of sudden one rubs funny, who knows. But 2 is safe Some people I've read bring 4 pairs even.

 

[rteetz]

My question: do I really need two pairs of shoes to train for and run Dopey? I've seen people say that, but I'm curious what others have done.

I would absolutely bring at least two pairs of shoes. If it rains you won’t want to run the next day in wet shoes. Running shoes also need a good 24hrs to recoup from a run. I wore one pair for the 5K and Half and then the other pair for 10K and Full.



I don’t have any questions. I love this race weekend. As for tips...

Also plan your travel time. WDW is a big place and when using WDW transportation it can and will take time.

I’m a big proponent of getting on an early bus on race morning so you don’t run into any bus issues.

My last tip for now, HAVE FUN!