Marathon Weekend 2019

[PCFriar80]

My tip for those of you flying in is to give yourself some buffer when arriving if your schedule allows for it. The winter months can throw havoc into air travel causing days of delays if the timing is right. It's a shame when folks train so hard and plan for so long, and that goes out the window due to mother nature.
Likewise, as @rteetz noted allow for ample time when traveling internally, either by car or Disney transportation. This goes for the Expo, getting to all race starts, and any other non-race activities you may have that coincide with marathon weekend.

 

[PCFriar80]

My tip for those of you flying in is to give yourself some buffer when arriving if your schedule allows for it. The winter months can throw havoc into air travel causing days of delays if the timing is right. It's a shame when folks train so hard and plan for so long, and that goes out the window due to mother nature.
Likewise, as @rteetz noted allow for ample time when traveling internally, either by car or Disney transportation. This goes for the Expo, getting to all race starts, and any other non-race activities you may have that coincide with marathon weekend.

Oh, and "Warning, course narrows ahead"!

 

[mankle30]

I don't really have any questions right now. I'm just trying to get my fitness back. Just ran 8 miles in the pre-heat (T+D of about 137 at the end of the run, but it's going to be over 90 degrees today) and I really felt slugging (it could also be due to the 4 miles yesterday).

But my 2 cents on running with headphones at Disney - For the marathon, I ran with headphones but no music. It helped drown out the "slap slap slap" sound of so many running shoes on the tarmac but I could also get periodic pace updates through my phone app. I usually ran with one ear bud in and one out. I have run races with music on before though and found it helpful. Also, in the marathon, there are long boring areas where there isn't much going on, so one might find it helpful to have some music for those portions of the race. I'm "running" the 5k with my wife (although we're not sure whether she'll be able to run it, she's been dealing with a knee injury for the past few months and, as a dancer, she can't really rest it, especially in the busy summer season) and will certainly not wear headphones for that.

 

[FFigawi]

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!

Yes, you should have two pairs of shoes. Plan on using one for the 5k and half, and the other for the 10k and full. This is especially handy if it's raining during one of the races leading up to the full.

Oh, and "Warning, course narrows ahead"!

"Caution runners, speed bumps ahead" - gets you ready for TTC and Magic Kingdom every time

 

[JulieODC]

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

Oh no!! I literally saw a photo of that stadium yesterday and thought to myself that it would be cool to visit someday...that’s sad!

 

[TheHamm]

I hope @roxymama got 12 in and had someone help with wardrobe this morning.

SAFD: my question would be as to the quantity of running gear is necessary. I hear pack for everything- do I need a tank, shorts, short sleeves, capris, fleece pants, long sleeves, and a throw away layer? That would be more volume than I would pack for my two no -race days! I realize people were upset about frost last year, and I have winter gear, will I really need it all?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

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.

It is pretty much universally accepted that runners should have more than a single pair of shoes, and alternate. And those shes should not all be identical. There are a lot of good reasons, but read here for more information: https://www.active.com/running/arti...otate-your-running-shoes-that-is-the-question

 

[rteetz]

"Caution runners, speed bumps ahead" - gets you ready for TTC and Magic Kingdom every time

I don’t know why but it’s not a Disney race until I hear that.

 

[lhermiston]

I hope @roxymama got 12 in and had someone help with wardrobe this morning.

SAFD: my question would be as to the quantity of running gear is necessary. I hear pack for everything- do I need a tank, shorts, short sleeves, capris, fleece pants, long sleeves, and a throw away layer? That would be more volume than I would pack for my two no -race days! I realize people were upset about frost last year, and I have winter gear, will I really need it all?

I would prepare for all weather outcomes. In 2017, it went from about 80 to 35 in two days. I’m pretty sure I saw people wrapped up in towels, comforters and anything else from their rooms that wasn’t nailed down just to stay warm before the start.

I’m planning on hitting up some consignment stores to get used sweatshirts, hats and gloves that I can wear and then pitch.

 

[rteetz]

I would prepare for all weather outcomes. In 2017, it went from about 80 to 35 in two days. I’m pretty sure I saw people wrapped up in towels, comforters and anything else from their rooms that wasn’t nailed down just to stay warm before the start.

I’m planning on hitting up some consignment stores to get used sweatshirts, hats and gloves that I can wear and then pitch.

And this year is was cold pretty much the entire week. It’s like Spring in Wisconsin.

 

[kleph]

I’m planning on hitting up some consignment stores to get used sweatshirts, hats and gloves that I can wear and then pitch.

can anyone confirm if disney collects these and donates them? typically, if i'm in a race that does this, i'll try and buy something cheap -- but good enough it can be useful to someone that needs it -- rather than just picking up something used.

 

[PCFriar80]

can anyone confirm if disney collects these and donates them? typically, if i'm in a race that does this, i'll try and buy something cheap -- but good enough it can be useful to someone that needs it -- rather than just picking up something used.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...from-walt-disney-world-marathon-participants/

 

[kleph]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories...from-walt-disney-world-marathon-participants/

thanks. that's what i wanted to know.

 

[roxymama]

I hope @roxymama got 12 in and had someone help with wardrobe this morning.

SAFD: my question would be as to the quantity of running gear is necessary. I hear pack for everything- do I need a tank, shorts, short sleeves, capris, fleece pants, long sleeves, and a throw away layer? That would be more volume than I would pack for my two no -race days! I realize people were upset about frost last year, and I have winter gear, will I really need it all?

I wore my clothes the right way but I can't say I recommend running ina t+d of 166+. Blerch
Hubby did a sprint tri this morning with his shorts on inside out. Soooooo

My question is what is best strategy for my dad who is staying at AOA with me and would maybe like to watch me finish but I don't want to make him go so early with me to the race start? For the half on Sat. I'll probably finish somewhere round about 2:15-2:30 give or take character stops/congestion but possibly longer if I run with my friend?

 

[cavepig]

It is pretty much universally accepted that runners should have more than a single pair of shoes, and alternate. And those shes should not all be identical. There are a lot of good reasons, but read here for more information: https://www.active.com/running/arti...otate-your-running-shoes-that-is-the-question

I actually have tried rotating with other types over the last few months and all I did was mess myself up. The other shoes were fine, felt fine, type I should where, but weren't fine after awhile. For me, anyway, identical shoes for rotation works just fine. I actually have stopped all together rotating at all unless I have back to back races, like I'll bring 2 for Goofy, but for training I just don't notice any difference in the shoes or shoe life.
I'm glad it works for others though as everyone is different.

So, yes bring 2 pairs, but personally if they are the same model I think it's fine.

I wore my clothes the right way but I can't say I recommend running ina t+d of 166+. Blerch
Hubby did a sprint tri this morning with his shorts on inside out. Soooooo

My question is what is best strategy for my dad who is staying at AOA with me and would maybe like to watch me finish but I don't want to make him go so early with me to the race start? For the half on Sat. I'll probably finish somewhere round about 2:15-2:30 give or take character stops/congestion but possibly longer if I run with my friend?

He can get on a race bus later to see the finish.

What we did last year to watch the half was took regular park buses and saw runners at the bus area then by Spaceship Earth. The Regular Bus transportation area was crazy & they held us at times to let runners through. Bag check line to get into EPCOT was also very backed up.

So, the least crazy would be to take the race bus and then walk to the finish area to watch I think. He can get on it anytime they are running. Exact times will be in the guide.

 

[SarahDisney]

SAFD:
I love all the advice!

My question is this: Do they ever close off the lines for characters pre-race? I know they've had to do it at least once for the Star Wars races, but I don't remember seeing it happen when I've been there. Pre-race characters are very important to me.
Also ... is there such things as too many pairs of shoes? I'm contemplating adding a third shoe into my rotation in a few months ... but I'm not sure if bringing three pairs of shoes for three races is too much or if I should stick to two pairs. Unclear if I will have room in my suitcase for all three pairs (although the 5K shoes go in my carryon), since I'll also be bringing at least two pairs of park shoes and a pair of heels (those are not for the parks ... probably).

My advice:
Know that things won't go according to plan. Roll with the punches. Remember that you're at Disney and nobody can take the magic away from you.
I hate to say it, but there will be rude and inconsiderate runners at the races. Don't let them bother you. Do your best to get away from them if you can, and if you can't, find a way to ignore them. The weather might not be what you want ... just try to embrace it as a new challenge. The character you were hoping to see might not be out there ... take that time to take a fun non-character picture (or maybe take a picture with a character you don't love but have never met before). Like in most races, things are not going to go exactly as you planned. But you're in Walt Disney World - remember that there's magic everywhere and you can make magical moments even in rough situations.

 

[TheHamm]

And this year is was cold pretty much the entire week. It’s like Spring in Wisconsin.

Oh, good! Something to look forward to in the slushy grey we have here!

Hubby did a sprint tri this morning with his shorts on inside out. Soooooo

Soul Mates!

 

[rteetz]

y question is this: Do they ever close off the lines for characters pre-race? I know they've had to do it at least once for the Star Wars races, but I don't remember seeing it happen when I've been there. Pre-race characters are very important to me.
Also ... is there such things as too many pairs of shoes? I'm contemplating adding a third shoe into my rotation in a few months ... but I'm not sure if bringing three pairs of shoes for three races is too much or if I should stick to two pairs. Unclear if I will have room in my suitcase for all three pairs (although the 5K shoes go in my carryon), since I'll also be bringing at least two pairs of park shoes and a pair of heels (those are not for the parks ... probably).

I don’t believe they officially close as spectators waiting in that area can still meet characters. They will announce when all runners should be at the corrals though.

No such thing as too many shoes. I bring 4-5 pairs to WDW.

 

[SarahDisney]

No such thing as too many shoes. I bring 4-5 pairs to WDW.

On the one hand, this makes me happy.
On the other hand ... this is coming from someone who has more shoes than I do.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Advice: My advice is for spectators- friends and family. Spectate if you can. It was so fun to follow DH around and meet up with him a different points. I even got to 'beer' him right before he got to Epcot.

Question: Tell me the truth: How bad was getting to the start from a monorail resort?