Marathon Weekend 2022

[steph0808]

Q1 - Fly home on Monday. Especially if you have a long flight - I could not imagine having to get out of an airplane seat (twice if you have a layover!) after doing a marathon and then sitting on a plane for several hours. Ouchie! Walking in the parks after the race is the best recovery.

Q2 - If you do have to fly home on Sunday, I would pay for another night because trying to get clothes on and off in a tiny different bathroom would suck big time.

Q3 - I stayed at AK Jambo when doing the half marathon one year. Bus stop was convenient and barely had any wait to get on a bus. Didn't think the ride was any longer or shorter than other bus rides from other resorts (I've done the races while staying at AKL, AS Sports, Poly, and POR).

 

[garneska]

@Herding_Cats i would fly in on thrusday night after work or Friday morning and fly back on Monday. I know the flight out could be a concern for weather but generally speaking if you have weather on Thursday, Friday will only be worse.

 

[fatmanatee]

I know this has come up here before but man flying back right after a marathon seems really rough.

 

[Bree]

SAFD: I’m so focused on training for Chicago right now I hadn’t really given much thought to MW beyond registering for Dopey.

1. Stay healthy enough to run. I’ve got a lot of medical issues going on right now. Nothing too serious, but it’s enough to get me in a funk. Running is mental therapy for me.

2. Enjoy my first stay at the Riviera Resort.

3. Appreciate and not take for granted the ability of meeting up with everyone from the boards. I think 2020 has taught us that we cannot always count on something that has always been. I cannot wait for HH & DATW.

4. Reuniting with the Goof Troop!!! Dad jokes, drinks, food and rides. I’ll pass on @lhermiston sloshing shoe sounds though

 

[Bree]

Seeking experienced opinions about my MW stay. For reference, I'm registered for Goofy, and will more than likely take 6-7hrs to finish the marathon, depending on photo opportunities (if there are any), weather, etc. Currently I/we are NOT planning on renting a car because it's just too expensive.....all of the discount codes I've found are only good through 2021. If prices come down, before Christmas, a car rental is definitely on the table, especially if DH accompanies me.

(Question 1)
DH is adamant about only taking 2 weekdays off from work, regardless if I go solo or if he makes the trip with me.
That means I/we can fly down:
Option A-Thursday evening, and back on Monday morning
Option B-Thursday morning and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)
Option C-Wednesday evening and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)

Currently it makes sense to fly out of our local airport, which means we would more than likely have a short layover in either Detroit or Chicago O'Hare. I know winter weather is very much something that could throw a wrench into flights above and beyond the current staffing issues (that they will hopefully have addressed by then) and that I MUST pick up my bib from the expo no later than Friday.

(Question 2)
Additionally, assuming I/we fly back on Sunday night (this, unfortunately, is highly likely) would you book your resort for a MONDAY checkout so that you don't have to deal with dropping your luggage at bell services and showering at the pool, and then still have a quiet place to "hang out" until you needed to leave for the airport? Or are those things less of a nuisance than I'm imagining them to be in my head, and I should save that money for the expo?

(Question 3)
I'm also keeping an eye on DVC rental availability. Yesterday there was BRIEFLY some AKL, OKW, and SS availability. It's within about $150 for me to stay at one of those if I can find someone on the boards renting their points out versus my current reservation at ASMo. We have stayed at AKL twice, and in an OKW 2 bedroom (covid-closure upgrade from POR last August) but I'm wondering if any of those would be "more convenient" in any way from a race standpoint?

I would fly in on Thursday and leave Monday. I would not underestimate not feeling well after the marathon or taking a much needed nap. The weather for 2020 was disgustingly hot and they had to shorten the course for runner safety. I live and train outside Orlando and I felt absolutely freaking awful that afternoon. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have a hotel room to go back to and soak in the tub and nap. However, in 2019 I felt completely fine after the marathon. I am a “what if….?” type of person and sometimes over plan so maybe I’m not the best one to listen to My daughter has a horse show this weekend and her schedule and patterns are all laminated and in a binder

 

[Neon Cactus]

SAFD:
I've been thinking about it and honestly, I don't have any personal goals for the races other than finish them and have fun.
- I'm bringing 2 friends who haven't done a RunDisney event before. And another friend who will be doing his first half and full as part of Dopey. So I want to make sure they have a great time and get them hooked.
- Enjoy spending time with running friends I haven't seen in far too long.
- Be healthy to run. I'm recovering from a broken foot so I just want the pain to be entirely gone.
- Enjoy the new stuff. This will probably be my first visit during the 50th, so I'm excited for the new fireworks shows, Ratatouille, crepes, and hopefully the Space restaurant.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Finish my first: 5K, 10K, Half, Full, Goofy, Dopey

Finish my third Dopey. And appreciate the opportunity to be back at a live race again.

Wear a certain character outfit

This one will remain super duper secret for now as I need substantial help in pulling it off given the complexities. If it happens, I can say that it will be a mashup of two characters in different IPs both owed by Disney.

It's really interesting to me to see how many of us realize that we are letting the fun stuff pass us by in order to get a certain time... and our goals are very similar in that we want to slow down to do those things we tell ourselves we can't do because it will "negatively" impact our times. We all know it will be a challenge to change our mindsets. I keep trying to tell myself "what does a faster time really mean? Nobody really cares how fast I run this race and it's not going to change their opinion of me."

This is a great point. I was so terrified of finishing my first half that I would not allow myself to stop for anything. And I missed out on some amazing once in a lifetime photo opportunities. Now I don't regret that because of what I did not know, but that first experience taught me to not make the same mistake at future races. I can't stop for everything. I don't even want to stop for everything, but I enjoy taking a moment or two to soak it all in because it is a very unique opportunity.

Option B-Thursday morning and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)
Option C-Wednesday evening and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)

I have read many experienced marathoners strongly recommend that you NOT fly the day of the marathon. There can be some potential health risks given the how flying messes around with the body's normal recovery mechanisms. Monday is much better and safer for doing so.

 

[FFigawi]

4. Reuniting with the Goof Troop!!! Dad jokes, drinks, food and rides. I’ll pass on @lhermiston sloshing shoe sounds though

You don’t want the Disney flesh eating virus he got from that either

 

[Dopey 2020]

@Herding_Cats
Another vote to take off Friday and Monday. If possible leave right after work Thursday, then head home as late as possible on Monday. Give yourself time for recovery and as a bonus, get two four day work weeks in the process.
As far as resorts, I can only give my opinion, I try for AK on race weekends if the points allow me to. It is a longer ride to MK start but not too far from Epcot finish and I have had the best luck with race transportation by far when I compare it to others I’ve stayed at (BW,BCV,Wilderness,and Baylake)

 

[Bree]

You don’t want the Disney flesh eating virus he got from that either

DH and I just laughed our butts off over that. Hey….I warned him.

PSA: Don’t run through FL road waste water run off swales as a short cut to a porta potty. They may look dry, but usually contain a hidden surprise of muck.

 

[GreatLakes]

Seeking experienced opinions about my MW stay. For reference, I'm registered for Goofy, and will more than likely take 6-7hrs to finish the marathon, depending on photo opportunities (if there are any), weather, etc. Currently I/we are NOT planning on renting a car because it's just too expensive.....all of the discount codes I've found are only good through 2021. If prices come down, before Christmas, a car rental is definitely on the table, especially if DH accompanies me.

(Question 1)
DH is adamant about only taking 2 weekdays off from work, regardless if I go solo or if he makes the trip with me.
That means I/we can fly down:
Option A-Thursday evening, and back on Monday morning
Option B-Thursday morning and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)
Option C-Wednesday evening and back on Sunday night (4pm or later flight)

Currently it makes sense to fly out of our local airport, which means we would more than likely have a short layover in either Detroit or Chicago O'Hare. I know winter weather is very much something that could throw a wrench into flights above and beyond the current staffing issues (that they will hopefully have addressed by then) and that I MUST pick up my bib from the expo no later than Friday.

(Question 2)
Additionally, assuming I/we fly back on Sunday night (this, unfortunately, is highly likely) would you book your resort for a MONDAY checkout so that you don't have to deal with dropping your luggage at bell services and showering at the pool, and then still have a quiet place to "hang out" until you needed to leave for the airport? Or are those things less of a nuisance than I'm imagining them to be in my head, and I should save that money for the expo?

(Question 3)
I'm also keeping an eye on DVC rental availability. Yesterday there was BRIEFLY some AKL, OKW, and SS availability. It's within about $150 for me to stay at one of those if I can find someone on the boards renting their points out versus my current reservation at ASMo. We have stayed at AKL twice, and in an OKW 2 bedroom (covid-closure upgrade from POR last August) but I'm wondering if any of those would be "more convenient" in any way from a race standpoint?

I'm confused on one thing, why would your husband have to take off work if you went solo?

Of those I would choose option A but in reality I'd probably get down on Wednesday and fly back either Monday evening or Tuesday. If my spouse didn't want to take the time I'd either go solo or they would just go back earlier than me and we would drive to the airport separately. I've had a few works trips my wife came on but had to either come later or leave earlier due to our schedules.

For question 2 I would just request a late checkout and then shower and leave my stuff at bell services until I have to leave. If you aren't going to be back before check out and the hotel has a gym with showers you can just use those.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I'm confused on one thing, why would your husband have to take off work if you went solo?

4 kids is why. If MIL can make sure the oldest 3 don’t burn the house down while we are gone then Dh and the baby will go with me. Otherwise dh will stay home with the kids.

Originally I had things tentatively set up with my “snowbird” parents to watch the youngest 2 for 3 days while I did my races, and then meet them to get the kids back and fly home. But then they babysat for us overnight when we did our 4th of July race and my mom says that there’s no way they can keep up with the toddler for 3 days (and nights.) She’s an extremely busy baby, so it’s a fair point.

 

[lhermiston]

You don’t want the Disney flesh eating virus he got from that either

DH and I just laughed our butts off over that. Hey….I warned him.

PSA: Don’t run through FL road waste water run off swales as a short cut to a porta potty. They may look dry, but usually contain a hidden surprise of muck.

Listen … It took an obscene amount of penicillin, but that cleared up. Eventually.

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

 

[RoseGold]

I have a family member booked for DVC Boardwalk and AKL for marathon weekend. Person is running the full marathon. My instinct says BW is better, but I guess it depends on the route.

I have no idea what that means or where exactly all of this is happening. Would you say Boardwalk is possible without a car? Do they bus super early from other hotels, like AKL? I assume getting back to the hotels is done by bus at the end of the race?

 

[LSUfan4444]

Would you say Boardwalk is possible without a car? Do they bus super early from other hotels, like AKL? I assume getting back to the hotels is done by bus at the end of the race?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

There is bus transportation for athletes to/from all things race related (expo, race start, after the race, etc)

Boardwalk is closer to the start but the one time we were late (2018 I think), traffic was so bad that even leaving the resort by 4am still had us miss the A corral start. It was more of an exception than the norm though.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

I would fly in on Thursday and leave Monday. I would not underestimate not feeling well after the marathon or taking a much needed nap. The weather for 2020 was disgustingly hot and they had to shorten the course for runner safety. I live and train outside Orlando and I felt absolutely freaking awful that afternoon. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have a hotel room to go back to and soak in the tub and nap. However, in 2019 I felt completely fine after the marathon. I am a “what if….?” type of person and sometimes over plan so maybe I’m not the best one to listen to My daughter has a horse show this weekend and her schedule and patterns are all laminated and in a binder

Shortened the race? By ho

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Apparently my phone posted this initial reply even though I tried to delete. It was meant to say "shortened by how much?"
But I found a blog explaining that it was 85 degrees (!) and for those still under 20 miles or over 6 hours, they lopped off 2 miles. Just wow. I know that the race weekend temps can have a wide range, but I wouldn't have imagined that much.

 

[RoseGold]

Is it possible to walk through the parking lot (no Epcot ticket) from Boardwalk to wherever the start or finish is? The room I have booked at AKL is nicer, but i am worried about transportation issues.

i will never run any marathon so I have no idea what is going on.

 

[camaker]

Is it possible to walk through the parking lot (no Epcot ticket) from Boardwalk to wherever the start or finish is? The room I have booked at AKL is nicer, but i am worried about transportation issues.

i will never run any marathon so I have no idea what is going on.

No. The only way to get there from either resort is to take race transportation or drive yourself. I’d suggest staying wherever you like best. Race transportation is reliable from all resorts, with only a few isolated instances of things like buses getting lost. Those happen randomly, though, and don’t happen more frequently with any resort. Be ready to get on one of the first buses out on race morning and you’ll be fine.

 

[jmasgat]

Is it possible to walk through the parking lot (no Epcot ticket) from Boardwalk to wherever the start or finish is? The room I have booked at AKL is nicer, but i am worried about transportation issues.

i will never run any marathon so I have no idea what is going on.

So here's the course map from the most recent marathon. If you're asking about where is the best place to stay for a runner relative to race transportation, start/finish, the answer is it really doesn't matter. They all have bus (or monorail) transportation to the start at Epcot.

As for spectators seeing the start/finish--forget the start. It is on Epcot Center Drive and you won't be able to see anything really. (The spectators are kept on one side of the highway and the runners are on the other and it's dark and there are 20,000 people running.)The runners are too far away. If you want to see the finish, you will need to get to the Epcot parking lot. The race buses will take spectators to the finish (and runners back from the finish), or you can drive.