Marathon Weekend 2019

[Simba's Girl]

Good morning, runDisney all-stars, and welcome to the final Sundays are for Disney of 2018! It's hard to believe the year is almost over and, oh yeah, marathon weekend festivities kickoff in nine days!

So, let's finish the year with a bang and some of the questions I have left on my little SAFD list. How is everyone's training going? Are we all tapering? Feeling good and ready to rock in less than two weeks?

What's your race strategy going to be (running, run/walk, stopping for characters, going for PRs, drinks, rides, etc.)?

If you could stay at any hotel for race weekend, where would you stay?

How are you celebrating after your race(s)?

If resolutions are your thing (Disney-related or otherwise) and you want to share those, feel free.

Have a great week, everyone!

Training is going amazing! I also started tapering during the last week. As a first time marathoner I'm still questioning how the heck I'll get it done but also confident and trust my training, a weird combo for sure. I am however, ready because I miss swimming and would like to get back to the pool.

Marathon Strategy: I have a set of HR limits that are part of my race plan and I plan on sticking to those however it needs to be done. I hope to stop for a few characters and maybe a drink at the end. No rides though.

If I could stay at any hotel for race weekend it'd be...hmmm. I absolutely LOVED BW last year. Poly would be a good one too. This year we're staying at BLT which is also a good one.

After the race: After rolling and showering I'll be sporting some compression socks as we walk gently over to MK to do some FPs. That evening we have a ressie at California Grill and the next day at AP for the Storybook Dining.

I don't really do resolutions but Happy New Year!!!

 

[chpmnkfan]

Happy New Year Everyone! I have never done a Disney race so I am not sure what to expect. I called Run Disney to ask some questions, but they weren't very specific. I am just starting out with the 5k to see if I like it.
1. Can we park directly at Epcot for the 5k? On the morning of the 5k do they close any roads since the race really isn't outside of Epcot?
2. It appears we can't bring bags except for the clear ones that they supply us? What do people use to carry their phones for pictures?
3. I noticed that they said that they have food there also, I assume that there is a charge for that?
Thank you for your assistance, and have a great marathon everyone!

 

[rteetz]

Happy New Year Everyone! I have never done a Disney race so I am not sure what to expect. I called Run Disney to ask some questions, but they weren't very specific. I am just starting out with the 5k to see if I like it.
1. Can we park directly at Epcot for the 5k? On the morning of the 5k do they close any roads since the race really isn't outside of Epcot?
2. It appears we can't bring bags except for the clear ones that they supply us? What do people use to carry their phones for pictures?
3. I noticed that they said that they have food there also, I assume that there is a charge for that?
Thank you for your assistance, and have a great marathon everyone!

1. Yes you can.
2. I carry my phone in my hand. Others will use armbands or running belts.
3. Yes you have to pay for that.

 

[chpmnkfan]

1. Yes you can.
2. I carry my phone in my hand. Others will use armbands or running belts.
3. Yes you have to pay for that.

Thank you very much! I was hoping that we could park directly at Epcot.

 

[ZellyB]

Training is good and we are tapering. I had to take several weeks over after the Chicago marathon because of a surgical procedure so our training has just been to get me back to a point I can comfortably finish the 10k and the full ( the mouse challenge). We will be going slow and stopping for as many pictures, characters, rides, beverages as we can cause that's how we runDisney.

If money were no objection I'd love to stay in one of those Poly Bungalows.

Celebrations after the race are some nice meals out and just relaxing. DATW on Monday which is also our 30th wedding anniversary.

 

[jhoannam]

Are people using ride share to get to the start line? Is it just easier to take the shuttles?

 

[margot31]

I will be spectating and wondering how it works with busses and little kids (stroller needed) do the buses allow me to put the stroller underneath? Also can I have balloons on the bus? We want to make sure my runner can see us and we thought a ballon would be a good idea as he runs.

 

[bevcgg]

SAFD:Getting excited for my first Marathon and Dopey!

Taper: Had some ITB issues the last few weeks and tried dry needling this week (AWESOME!) and did an 8 mile run Saturday PAIN FREE. One more treatment on Monday and I feel better about finishing. Didn't get as many training runs in the last few weeks- nursing that ITB. But yesterday felt strong & healthy- I am ready to go!

Resolutions/2019: Time to pivot my attention, energy and efforts to a new career path. Looking forward to seeing what that means! I gifted my DD (17) a trip to Wine&Dine Half marathon so that will my next RD race. (I always need one to be looking forward to!) She is heading towards a culinary career- it will be a great Mom/daughter trip!

Resort wish list: Poly- no doubt! Especially on a trip that would permit lounging at the resort all day. Had hoped that would be with Dopey 2019- but the budget didn't permit. Looking forward to trying Beach Club the first time for the last few days this trip.

Post Race- Storybook with Dopey at 4:00, hot tub, drinks and early bedtime!
Monday- DH's Birthday. Breakfast at Kona cafe (both tonga toast and macadamia nut pancakes!), all the mountains/ Haunted Mansion at MK, Medal shots at MK, Dinner at Boathouse and ride in the AmphiCar

Thanks to all the folks that post all the time on this list! Although I lurk frequently/post rarely- your posts and witty banter (@rteetz @Keels) and SAFD questions (@lhermiston) have kept me training and moving forward.

As coach use to say years ago (still miss his posts) - the hay is in the barn!

 

[rteetz]

Are people using ride share to get to the start line? Is it just easier to take the shuttles?

Vast majority drive or take buses. You could use Uber or Lyft if you want though.

 

[lhermiston]

I will be spectating and wondering how it works with busses and little kids (stroller needed) do the buses allow me to put the stroller underneath? Also can I have balloons on the bus? We want to make sure my runner can see us and we thought a ballon would be a good idea as he runs.

I’m pretty sure there is no storage on the bus for strollers. We always collapsed ours and carried it on.

I assume balloons can go on the buses.

 

[Wendy98]

How is everyone's training going? Are we all tapering? Feeling good and ready to rock in less than two weeks?

I am a pain-filled mess right now. I have had pain in my foot tendons for about 5 weeks now. There are some small tears that I have battled off and on for a couple of years. I see a specialist foot orthopedic and he says I can continue running, just boils down to how much pain I can tolerate. I have had anxiety before every run the past few weeks because I know it is going to hurt. Then the day before Christmas Eve, my back started troubling me (I have a huge Icy Hot patch on it now!). I get this about every 8-9 months, although I had it in August. I have no idea why and had an MRI the last time (nothing was found beyond inflammation and I have degenerative disc--yeah, I 'm over 40, who doesn't?). The runs I have been doing are nowhere near the paces I usually hit. I have skipped most long runs--last long run was NYC Marathon in November, in an effort to not damage things further. I have Boston on the calendar for April and that is a goal race.

What's your race strategy going to be (running, run/walk, stopping for characters, going for PRs, drinks, rides, etc.)? Go out there and try to hang on! I always shoot for anything close to 3 hours. I am going to try to hold a 7:30 pace this time and see how that unfolds. If it really starts to suck, then character stops will be rampant.

If you could stay at any hotel for race weekend, where would you stay? I'm at BWV and happy with that. We are DVC, that is the deciding factor. I am happy anywhere on property.

How are you celebrating after your race(s)? Brunch at California Grill. Our plans are loose although we have some fp planned. I have an ADR for Sanaa that evening--it is my favorite.

If resolutions are your thing (Disney-related or otherwise) and you want to share those, feel free. I am trying to get out of this running funk I am in and want to rediscover my love of running.

 

[Bree]

Training has been going well! I have one last 10 miler on Tuesday then it’s short easy runs. I’m dealing with tight hips and glutes, but it’s not hindering me. I’m just super stiff after sitting to watch tv or in the car.

I’m still up in the air with race strategy for the full. My training plan for the full is for a 4:30:00 moving time plus another 30 minutes for Everest and a couple photos. I’ve also toyed with the idea of playing leapfrog with one of the Galloway pace groups for the whole race. I’m probably going to run the 5K, 10k & half around my LR pace.

I’d love to stay in one of the Poly bungalows!

How are you celebrating after your race(s)? Dinner at AP so I can get a pic with Dopey while wearing my Dopey medal. DATW on Monday even though I’m a lightweight.

I’m not big into resolutions, but I’d like to keep up my running progress. I’ve been on dopeybadger plans for almost 1 year and the gains I have made has blown me away!!!

 

[margot31]

I’m pretty sure there is no storage on the bus for strollers. We always collapsed ours and carried it on.

I assume balloons can go on the buses.

OK good thing i asked...now getting two different answers. I was told in a post i made the busses are coach busses not disney busses. I'll have my double running stroller which isn't exactly small.

 

[CDKG]

Good morning, runDisney all-stars, and welcome to the final Sundays are for Disney of 2018! It's hard to believe the year is almost over and, oh yeah, marathon weekend festivities kickoff in nine days!

So, let's finish the year with a bang and some of the questions I have left on my little SAFD list. How is everyone's training going? Are we all tapering? Feeling good and ready to rock in less than two weeks?

What's your race strategy going to be (running, run/walk, stopping for characters, going for PRs, drinks, rides, etc.)?

If you could stay at any hotel for race weekend, where would you stay?

How are you celebrating after your race(s)?

If resolutions are your thing (Disney-related or otherwise) and you want to share those, feel free.

My training went fantastic and I was able to stick to my plan (Hal Higdon Intermediate 1) with only minor modifications. I am tapering now, with my final long run (20) a week ago and my final double digit run (12) today. I am feeling good and confident that I can do this in just... two... weeks!


My race strategy for the 5k is to take it easy. Run when I feel like running, walk when I feel like walking, and stop for photos when I feel like stopping. For the marathon I will be running 5 min:30 sec intervals. I always pace based on how I feel that day, but I anticipate my average will be in the 11:25-12:20 range. I may stop for a character photo or two, but again, it depends how I am feeling at the time. As tempting as a margarita in Mexico is...since this will be my first (and potentially only) marathon, I do not want my finish line photo of me with alcohol in my hand. So, I’ll reserve that for DATW.

I would love to stay at the Boardwalk or Beach Club, but I’ve never been able to get a studio there through DVC.

I will be celebrating my accomplishment with dinner at Boma!

New Year’s resolutions are not my thing. Personally, I don’t like the idea that there is only one day a year where you can make positive changes in your life. Why not today!?!

 

[ScooterScott44]

My plan is to do 9-10 min miles throughout the challenge and finish uninjured. My knee has just been a bother lately so I've been taking it easy and stretching a ton.

While doing the marathon part of Dopey, if you get say knee pain/ injury, would you finish the run or call it quits if it's a level of pain that you can mentally accept and run with. If stopping and tending to it, is there a cutoff distance where you'd personally just finish?

Like mile 5 of marathon, I would probably stop, but say mile 20, I'd probably be stubborn and finish it.

The good news is taper time can really help with injury recovery. I just pulled my calf but rest, cross training and foam rolling, etc. should all get me to the start. Hopefully you will find that things clear up over the next 10-14 days. Just don’t take things off completely.

My feeling is unless you are an elite and really trying to hit specific goals you can always get a finish. As long as it is a minor thing and not something that really should be under the care of a physician. It is possible to slow down and listen to your body just to get to the finish line. Like another poster, I pulled something at mile 4 of the half doing goofy a few years ago. Tylenol, KT tape, compression and a little care got me to the marathon finish. Sure it was a little slower than planned but one more done.

 

[AFwifelife]

OK good thing i asked...now getting two different answers. I was told in a post i made the busses are coach busses not disney busses. I'll have my double running stroller which isn't exactly small.

They are coach buses but I’m not sure how they handle strollers. There was a lady next to us who just came from the spectator bus during W&D and she had a stroller so it’s possible.

 

[lhermiston]

OK good thing i asked...now getting two different answers. I was told in a post i made the busses are coach busses not disney busses. I'll have my double running stroller which isn't exactly small.

I guess I was thinking of the regular Disney buses. The buses for the races are coach buses, but I have no idea if you can stow anything underneath. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[margot31]

I guess I was thinking of the regular Disney buses. The buses for the races are coach buses, but I have no idea if you can stow anything underneath. Sorry for any confusion.

Coach busses have storage underneath...its the matter of has anyone fully confirmed this. I will say I am feeling very lost here with this planning. This is my husbands first Disney run event. Last event I spectated was the MCM years ago when no kids were involved and i was with people who knew DC like they lived there...oh cause they did.

 

[AFwifelife]

SAFD: I decided to take it easy after some ankle pain. Been icing and will see how it feels tomorrow.

5k: going to run this one with DH so it will be faster than I was going to do it. Still taking it easy though.

10k: walking with my mom so will definitely take this one super easy.

Half: will wait until that morning to see how I’m feeling but I’m considering PRing it.

Full: my sister isn’t trained nearly as much as she probably should be so I’m expecting to go with the flow. I know we will finish and I do want to do the whole thing with her.

A Boardwalk room right above the course would be awesome. I would consider taking the kids then lol.

 

[lhermiston]

Coach busses have storage underneath...its the matter of has anyone fully confirmed this. I will say I am feeling very lost here with this planning. This is my husbands first Disney run event. Last event I spectated was the MCM years ago when no kids were involved and i was with people who knew DC like they lived there...oh cause they did.

You can find information for spectators here: https://guide.rundisney.events/reminders/spectators/

My two cents: ask your husband what kind of expectations he has for you spectating and make sure those expectations are reasonable. My family watched me finish the marathon at Epcot. That was it and it worked well since we were able to take the bus back to our resort together. You can get into MK free to spectate the marathon (but not stay for rides, etc.), but will need a ticket to observe in any of the other parks. There are loads of other "free" places you can spectate from, such as the Animal Kingdom parking lot or Wide World of Sports. Signing up for runner tracking will help you keep tabs on your husbands progress. If you know his pace, it shouldn't be too hard to have a general idea of when he will be at certain points during the race.

If you just search for tips online, I'm sure you'll find plenty. Others on here may have some tips, as well.