Marathon Weekend 2019

[FFigawi]

hi all, first time Disney runner and poster here... I just discovered these boards and have been reading back looking for tips/answers to my questions before I ask the same thing again. I'm finally allowing myself to plan/get excited now that it's so close and it *seems* like my injuries won't hold me back from running the full- my first one. Any advice/reassurance is appreciated!

1) my only goal is to run the whole thing- some of this is stubbornness, but a lot of it is that my knees will seize up if I stop moving them and it's really hard to get going again. I'm in corral C and don't plan on stopping for photos, and am hoping to average a 10ish minute pace (though my training has all been in 30-50 degree weather, I think I will naturally slow down in the heat). From what I've read so far it seems like a crowded course is my biggest barrier- should I try extra hard to get to the front of the corral, or do you think I will be ok anywhere in there?

2) I know I won't sleep well the night before no matter what... though I'm not running any other races, I have a friend in the half that I could go cheer for (she's not expecting it). Do you think saving the sleep wherever I can get it is better, or is it worth getting up early leading up to Sunday to try to "acclimate" to the early risings? I arrive on Thursday and and am staying at Pop Century.

3) While I'm not stopping for photos, I really want to take some myself! I tried to figure out a way not to run with my phone, though I am used to keeping it in a waist pocket and getting blurry shots as I go by things. Does anyone else do this and have tips for running photography, ie know of an app that turns your whole phone into a shutter button so I don't have to pay attention to where I'm pressing as I go, or have experience using a mini handheld remote?

4) I'd love to get a massage on Sunday or Monday if there is availability, is there a specific spa that you like more than another?

5) I'm running/traveling solo- I've heard such good things about this race and I can't wait to meet people! It's not weird that I have reservations at Cinderella's castle as a grown adult, right? If anyone else is eating dinner there alone Sunday evening at 8:40 come find me!

1. If you're running for time, it always pays to be in the front of your corral for the simple reason that there will be less people on the road in front of you. The course is really only cramped and crowded in a few specific areas, but the less people you have to pass or run around, the better.

2. Stick to your normal pre-long run routine as much as you can. Getting up early one morning will be less of a shock to your system than doing it for several nights. Also, make sure you get your best rest on Friday night. Nerves will keep you up part of the time on Saturday no matter what.

3. Can't help there. I run the Disney full with a phone and stop for pictures all along the way.

4. I've only been to the one at GF and it was perfectly fine, if overpriced like everything Disney.

5. Check out this thread for info on meet-ups all weekend long - https://www.disboards.com/threads/o...p-for-marathon-weekend-datw-has-swag.3638260/

 

[JeffW]

hi all, first time Disney runner and poster here... I just discovered these boards and have been reading back looking for tips/answers to my questions before I ask the same thing again. I'm finally allowing myself to plan/get excited now that it's so close and it *seems* like my injuries won't hold me back from running the full- my first one. Any advice/reassurance is appreciated!

1) my only goal is to run the whole thing- some of this is stubbornness, but a lot of it is that my knees will seize up if I stop moving them and it's really hard to get going again. I'm in corral C and don't plan on stopping for photos, and am hoping to average a 10ish minute pace (though my training has all been in 30-50 degree weather, I think I will naturally slow down in the heat). From what I've read so far it seems like a crowded course is my biggest barrier- should I try extra hard to get to the front of the corral, or do you think I will be ok anywhere in there?

2) I know I won't sleep well the night before no matter what... though I'm not running any other races, I have a friend in the half that I could go cheer for (she's not expecting it). Do you think saving the sleep wherever I can get it is better, or is it worth getting up early leading up to Sunday to try to "acclimate" to the early risings? I arrive on Thursday and and am staying at Pop Century.

3) While I'm not stopping for photos, I really want to take some myself! I tried to figure out a way not to run with my phone, though I am used to keeping it in a waist pocket and getting blurry shots as I go by things. Does anyone else do this and have tips for running photography, ie know of an app that turns your whole phone into a shutter button so I don't have to pay attention to where I'm pressing as I go, or have experience using a mini handheld remote?

4) I'd love to get a massage on Sunday or Monday if there is availability, is there a specific spa that you like more than another?

5) I'm running/traveling solo- I've heard such good things about this race and I can't wait to meet people! It's not weird that I have reservations at Cinderella's castle as a grown adult, right? If anyone else is eating dinner there alone Sunday evening at 8:40 come find me!

I only have answers for some of these
1) Don't worry about crowding from corral C. In fact, I always prefer to start in the middle of a corral for a marathon, because it keeps me from running too fast at the start when all of the adrenaline is pumping. It'll space out within the first mile or two, and you'll find a nice pocket to run in
2) I personally don't try to acclimate to the wake up time, coming from two time zones to the west. It really takes quite a while to adapt sleep patterns. In my experience, getting up early two days in a row (Half and Full) is fine. Just give yourself some time to wake up slowly each morning. 4 days in a row, however, of early mornings (aka Dopey) really made me tired by the last day.
3) My advice, if you want to take a picture, step to the side and stop/walk. I've seen a number of people trip on objects (pothole, cone, their own feet, etc) while trying to run and take a picture (especially of the castle when running up Main St.) It only takes a second to stop and click the shutter button, and then take off again. Running a portion of a marathon with cuts and bruises (or worse) just isn't worth it.

 

[AJruns]

Thanks for the advice so far. Don’t know how to respond with multiple quotes from my phone, but my two quick thoughts are 1) I don’t have a time in mind, just don’t want to walk and 2) if I don’t think I can get a picture safely while running I won’t, but I’ve run all my training miles/previous races taking pictures as I go- most of them are blurry but occasionally I get a good shot that’s worth it. I just don’t want to waste extra energy on it so am looking for the most efficient process. (just want a couple generic shots of the experience, I can get other pics when I’m done)

 

[jennamfeo]

Thanks for the advice so far. Don’t know how to respond with multiple quotes from my phone, but my two quick thoughts are 1) I don’t have a time in mind, just don’t want to walk and 2) if I don’t think I can get a picture safely while running I won’t, but I’ve run all my training miles/previous races taking pictures as I go- most of them are blurry but occasionally I get a good shot that’s worth it. I just don’t want to waste extra energy on it so am looking for the most efficient process. (just want a couple generic shots of the experience, I can get other pics when I’m done)

What kind of phone do you have? I know that iPhones let you take photos with your volume button which might be easier while you are running vs trying to hit the shutter button on the screen. It is totally doable to take pictures while running and they will most likely be blurry. But I run with my phone in my hand so I can grab quick shots like that and rarely do I feel the need to have to walk. Just pay attention to your surroundings and fellow runners.

 

[jennamfeo]

Last night I had a dream that I didn't bring any running shoes with me to Marathon week.

 

[AJruns]

What kind of phone do you have? I know that iPhones let you take photos with your volume button which might be easier while you are running vs trying to hit the shutter button on the screen. It is totally doable to take pictures while running and they will most likely be blurry. But I run with my phone in my hand so I can grab quick shots like that and rarely do I feel the need to have to walk. Just pay attention to your surroundings and fellow runners.

Yes I’ve been experimenting with that! Though I’ve gotten a lot of accidental selfies and pictures with my hand obscuring the shot ‍

 

[roxymama]

hi all, first time Disney runner and poster here... I just discovered these boards and have been reading back looking for tips/answers to my questions before I ask the same thing again. I'm finally allowing myself to plan/get excited now that it's so close and it *seems* like my injuries won't hold me back from running the full- my first one. Any advice/reassurance is appreciated!

1) my only goal is to run the whole thing- some of this is stubbornness, but a lot of it is that my knees will seize up if I stop moving them and it's really hard to get going again. I'm in corral C and don't plan on stopping for photos, and am hoping to average a 10ish minute pace (though my training has all been in 30-50 degree weather, I think I will naturally slow down in the heat). From what I've read so far it seems like a crowded course is my biggest barrier- should I try extra hard to get to the front of the corral, or do you think I will be ok anywhere in there?

2) I know I won't sleep well the night before no matter what... though I'm not running any other races, I have a friend in the half that I could go cheer for (she's not expecting it). Do you think saving the sleep wherever I can get it is better, or is it worth getting up early leading up to Sunday to try to "acclimate" to the early risings? I arrive on Thursday and and am staying at Pop Century.

1) Depends on what pace I want to run out the gate. For this half I'll be in Corral C but I'd like to start out easy and speed up from there instead of vice versa and I'm not planning on PRing or "racing". Though I wouldn't mind getting out ahead enough for pictures so may try for north of the middle of the corral but not the very front. We shall see.

2) SLEEP! Don't wake up that crazy early if you don't have to. Da Coach tells me that the night before the night before the race is a really good time to get rest since its sometimes hard to sleep well the night before the race (nerves, etc.)

Last night I had a dream that I didn't bring any running shoes with me to Marathon week.

So then everything is right on schedule.

 

[FFigawi]

Last night I had a dream that I didn't bring any running shoes with me to Marathon week.

That's what the expo is for!

 

[mtnmjd]

Anyone running the 5k, do you have a costume/outfit that will stand out? I want to see if I can spot anyone from here as I hand out water at the water stop in Mexico, mile 1.2. I'm sure it will be hard with all the people, but maybe if I have an idea what to look for.

Not a costume, but sort of Disbounding each races icon on the medal.
So for 5k, I'm doin Oswald. Black shirt, blue shorts
10k - Donald, white shorts, blue shirt
1/2 - Minnie/Mickey, red shorts, black shirt
Full - Dopey, lime green short, greyish blue shorts

 

[leholcomb]

How is everyone's training going? Are we all tapering? Feeling good and ready to rock in less than two weeks?
Training mojo and motivation fell off a while back but I kept up with my cross training. I am stronger and in better shape than ever so I feel confident I can finish my first marathon. How I will feel the next day is still up for debate.

What's your race strategy going to be (running, run/walk, stopping for characters, going for PRs, drinks, rides, etc.)?
5K - on pace with my boyfriend which may be a slow job or walk. His old back injury flared up again a few weeks back so he has taken some time off. I wanted to run the race with him so run or walk, we will cross the finish together!
Full - definitely run walk at some capacity. I trained under a 30:30 interval but may switch it up for the first 13.1. I am looking to find a pace group for the second half to keep me motivated to keep pushing. Rare characters I will stop for and maybe Everest. Possibly a shot at the bar in AK and a drink in EPCOT. Numerous pain numbing drinks after.
Castaway Cay 5K - Limp to the finish for my final medal

If you could stay at any hotel for race weekend, where would you stay?
I really wanted the Contemporary this trip due to my big bday celebration.

How are you celebrating after your race(s)?
Hanging/limping around EPCOT with friends then boarding the Dream for the CCC!

If resolutions are your thing (Disney-related or otherwise) and you want to share those, feel free
I haven't gotten that far yet...

 

[bananabean]

Has anybody worn Mickey ears for the half or full? I'm contemplating buying some R2D2 ears to go with my R2D2 tank that I plan to wear for the half. The ears would go over my running hat - because I never run without one - so I think it would be fairly secure.

I just worry they would weight too much/bounce around too much during the run, and then I would have to carry them the rest of the race.

I’ve worn them for a 5k before and found them to be kind of annoying, so personally I wouldn’t wear them for a longer run. For me they just felt uncomfortable behind my ears, but that’s might be negated by a running hat.

I ran with someone who wore the Minnie ears with the princess veil for the entire half and they didn’t bother her at all.

If you can’t do a practice run with them beforehand, I would say make sure you have a way of attaching them to a running belt or something so you can take them off if they bother you.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Who has experience going to the expo later Wednesday afternoon (3-4pm ish). Is it going to be mega-crazy or just kind of crazy?

 

[PCFriar80]

Who has experience going to the expo later Wednesday afternoon (3-4pm ish). Is it going to be mega-crazy or just kind of crazy?

In the past 2 years it has been "to the lesser side of crazy". On Wednesdays, Mega crazy is generally from 10:00 AM - early afternoon. With the additional arena and pick-up locations it's hard to say what it will be like this year, but hopefully it will spread the crowds out.

 

[rteetz]

Who has experience going to the expo later Wednesday afternoon (3-4pm ish). Is it going to be mega-crazy or just kind of crazy?

Last year it was still pretty crowded. With it being a down year I would expect light crowds this year in the later afternoon.

 

[Bree]

I keep getting an all circuits are busy when trying to call RunDisney.

Can DH get into early expo with me with Platinum chEar Squad? Trying to plan logistics for him to get his wristband and swag.

 

[Keels]

I keep getting an all circuits are busy when trying to call RunDisney.

Can DH get into early expo with me with Platinum chEar Squad? Trying to plan logistics for him to get his wristband and swag.

I don't think so, but ChEar Squad is usually on the concourse of the stadium so he can probably just walk in and grab his wristband and bag. Also, in years past they've let someone else pick up the ChEar Squad stuff if they were the purchaser.

 

[wdvak]

Just wanted to say - woohoo - less than a week to go before I head to Florida

I’ve spent the past 2 days not keeping much down, but today I feel like a person again and I’m ready to go runDisney

Is anyone else getting super excited (in between the nerves of marathon and Dopey) I sure am!

 

[leholcomb]

FYI - Southwest is having another sale. Just saved another $50 on our flights for next week!

 

[rteetz]

FYI - Southwest is having another sale. Just saved another $50 on our flights for next week!

My flights are like $100 more than I paid so they must be pretty full at this point.

 

[Tall Todd]

Prefacing this with I'm a lousy runner, maybe a 1:10 10k and 2:45-50 half. So I'm in whatever corral or put myself really far back in the group, because I'm pretty self-conscious about not being in other people's way...
All that being said I really find it frustrating to have to dodge people walking within the first 3/4 mile, add to that that they are in large groups four to seven wide. I'd like to say "I understand, they're having their good time too."
Any suggestions, other than 'deal with it.' I really don't feel comfortable pushing myself to the front of the corral. This would probably only put me that much closer too catching up to the slower people in the earlier corral. I dunno...