Marathon Weekend 2019

[run.minnie.miles]

Funny thing was, because I had to go to Tennessee this weekend (my wife's best friend of 30 years was throwing a surprise 50th wedding anniversary for her parents, so we had to go up there), I didn't get to run until yesterday afternoon/evening. Yep, as soon as we got back to Tuscaloosa, the rain started. So, I ran all 13.1 miles in 55 degree weather under a steady rain... Fun...

I just did the run throughout a few neighborhoods near us, essentially breaking it down into a 5-mile and 2 4-mile loops. The nice thing about that was, after the first loop, I went by the house, so I did a quick shirt, sock, and shoe change. I ended up completely soaked, but glad I did it. That being said, I REALLY hope that it doesn't rain on race day...

Nice! It's always hard to run at the end of a busy weekend. Funny that we both ran in the rain! I wore an old pair of shoes (maybe not the smartest?) and my feet were completely soaked when I got home. I need to figure out a good way to dry them. Temps were upper 30's when I ran, so my gloves were also soaked.... and YES. I really hope it doesn't rain as well!

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Flights are booked!!
I know most of you have had them booked for months, but we needed to wait on a few scheduling things. Plus I always feels like I can get a better deal a little closer Because of this, we changed dates and are going Wed - Tues, instead of Thurs-Wed... So I need to re-work my schedule!

 

[Jason Bryer]

Training is going well. Did 15 miles last week and 12 yesterday and my last < 13.1 mile weekend run before tapering. I feel good, but I still get nervous starting those looooong runs (18 next weekend). Really pushing to break that 4 hour marathon. Anyone imagine where they would be in Disney at certain mile markers? Mile 6 to 7 is often hard mentally when I realize I still have 20 miles to go, but I remember that on race day I'll be in Magic Kingdom at that point of the run.

The family is going to Universal between Christmas and New Years for three days. We are staying Loews to get the express pass. The entire family is big Harry Potter fans and promised our oldest we would go when he finished the books. Anyone have tips on park tickets? Their website is so confusing as compared to Disney. Grandparents are going too who are Florida residents which add a level of confusion.

 

[SarahDisney]

Flights are booked!!
I know most of you have had them booked for months, but we needed to wait on a few scheduling things. Plus I always feels like I can get a better deal a little closer Because of this, we changed dates and are going Wed - Tues, instead of Thurs-Wed... So I need to re-work my schedule!

Now you can join @jennamfeo and me at MK EMH on Wednesday night.
Also, is the 5k still available? You'll be there anyway...

 

[tidefan]

Flights are booked!!
I know most of you have had them booked for months, but we needed to wait on a few scheduling things. Plus I always feels like I can get a better deal a little closer Because of this, we changed dates and are going Wed - Tues, instead of Thurs-Wed... So I need to re-work my schedule!

Unfortunately, I have classes to teach on Friday and Monday, so we'll get to SSR late on Friday night and head out after the Marathon on Sunday...

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Now you can join @jennamfeo and me at MK EMH on Wednesday night.
Also, is the 5k still available? You'll be there anyway...

Sorry to disappoint you (2x)... but we probably won't go to the parks on Wednesday (paying per day for tickets and not sure it's worth it by the time we get in!) and... a big no to the 5K. 1 crack of dawn wake up call for me is enough!

 

[SarahDisney]

Sorry to disappoint you (2x)... but we probably won't go to the parks on Wednesday (paying per day for tickets and not sure it's worth it by the time we get in!) and... a big no to the 5K. 1 crack of dawn wake up call for me is enough!

Understandable. On both counts. I guess I'll just have to catch you on marathon morning.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Understandable. On both counts. I guess I'll just have to catch you on marathon morning.

Definitely! What days are you going to the other parks? Are you going to the meet-up?

 

[SarahDisney]

Definitely! What days are you going to the other parks? Are you going to the meet-up?

I have no idea. I haven't thought about anything beyond "all the EMH" yet. I should probably figure it out soon ... I think my FP+ day is Saturday.

 

[Keels]

Now that W&D is done, I can start thinking about all the details for Marathon weekend! For storybook dining, is everyone dressing up? Wearing the race shirt? Should we all make matching shirts??

A group of us are running as Mouseketeers for the half. Message me if you want in - I’m going to order shirts this week so I can get them done and turned around by Thanksgiving.

 

[sandam1]

So, who has been to Universal? Who is going around marathon weekend? What random tips, tricks, or advice do you have for this first timer?

My marathon weekend trip is actually going to be completely based out of Universal. It was a well-thought out/well-reasoned decision to focus on Universal rather than try to do Disney. The primary reason was that Universal is MUCH more chill than Disney. There will be less pressure to "go go go" - partially because my friend and I have both been there before and I am going on year 4 of being an annual passholder, and partially because that's just the way Universal is. If the trip doesn't go the way we planned (we're more tired/sore than we expected, things come up, etc.), it will be easy to bail on plans and head back to our on-site hotel as necessary.

That being said, a few pieces of advice:
- Get a park to park pass. Just do it! The parks are side-by-side so "park hopping" is a 5 minute walk or a Hogwarts Express train ride away.
- Single rider is your BEST friend. While there are rides that you want to do the regular line at least once (particularly the main HP rides), after that go single rider. Most of the major rides have a single rider and it usually saves you some major time.
- If you buy anything, you can have the bags sent to the front and pick them up at the end of the day. This includes your empty wand box.
- In Hogsmeade, don't wait for butterbeer at the carts. Go into the Hogs Head (the bar attached to the Three Broomsticks) and order it there.
- When using the lockers to store your loose items before going on a ride (and A LOT of the rides require using them), send ONE person from your party in (we tend to alternate the designated person). The spaces are small and you don't all need to be there. If you have a hard time remembering locker numbers, have a pen available to write it on your hand.
- Do the Raptor Encounter. Again, just do it. It isn't a ride, but a meet and greet and watching it during your wait is almost more fun than participating.
- If you plan on doing the water rides, you will get WET. As in drenched! As it dunked in the swimming pool. You have been warned.

Hope that helps! We will be at Universal from the 9th through the 14th.

 

[AFwifelife]

A group of us are running as Mouseketeers for the half. Message me if you want in - I’m going to order shirts this week so I can get them done and turned around by Thanksgiving.

Hmmmm. I made Donald shirts for the half but I could always use them for the 5k and get in on the matching shirts...

 

[LSUfan4444]

When is everyone's FP+ day...I'm next Monday so hoping to hear some success stories for Slinky Dog Dash!!

 

[a-mad]

When is everyone's FP+ day...I'm next Monday so hoping to hear some success stories for Slinky Dog Dash!!

Saturday morning! 7am ET (so 5am for me... )

 

[Keels]

When is everyone's FP+ day...I'm next Monday so hoping to hear some success stories for Slinky Dog Dash!!

I made some for a client today that has their tail end of the trip during Marathon Weekend and SDD was available every day with MULTIPLE timeslots for a party of 6. Be ready to go at 7 a.m. and you should have luck!

 

[AFwifelife]

My FP day is forever from now.

 

[lhermiston]

When is everyone's FP+ day...I'm next Monday so hoping to hear some success stories for Slinky Dog Dash!!

Friday!

 

[PCFriar80]

Saturday morning! 7am ET (so 5am for me... )

Ditto!

 

[Keels]

Hmmmm. I made Donald shirts for the half but I could always use them for the 5k and get in on the matching shirts...

Having the name on the front of your shirt makes it easier for spectators to cheer for you!!

If anyone else wants to be a Mouseketeer for the half (or any Marathon Weekend race), PM me. I'm going to order shirts by Friday. They're the same cut as the race weekend shirts - Champion Double-Dry - and have short and long-sleeve options. Depending on how many people order, they'll be between $15-17 per shirt including me mailing them to you. I'll have them out by Thanksgiving.

 

[AFwifelife]

Having the name on the front of your shirt makes it easier for spectators to cheer for you!!

If anyone else wants to be a Mouseketeer for the half (or any Marathon Weekend race), PM me. I'm going to order shirts by Friday. They're the same cut as the race weekend shirts - Champion Double-Dry - and have short and long-sleeve options. Depending on how many people order, they'll be between $15-17 per shirt including me mailing them to you. I'll have them out by Thanksgiving.

Did I completely miss what they look like? And names on the front? Awesome!