Marathon Weekend 2025

[marty3d]

Additionally, have people found it more enjoyable to plan a fun dinner on marathon day or opt for brunch/lunch instead? From my previous marathon experience, I remember not feeling hungry until much later in the day. I also want to avoid feeling rushed to shower and get ready after the race just to make an ADR.

After the Marathon I usually try to eat lunch even if I'm not hungry. I've always done Epcot in the past on marathon day so my "tradition" was to walk back through Epcot, cheer on runners who are still finishing (will obviously be different this year!) and force myself to eat lunch at WS (I'm rarely hungry right after but I done I'll be miserable later that day/ night if I don't get food down).

We always book a celebration dinner on Sunday night - by then I'm usually starving so tend to go for something like a steak at Le Cellier.

 

[cburnett11]

Not sure if everyone will have the same luck, but my direct flights for MW on Southwest that I’ve been stalking for months dropped substantially today and I finally booked my airfare. Might be worth taking a look for anyone who considers Southwest.

Thanks! Between my wife and I, we got almost $200 back.

 

[cburnett11]

@nancipants as you’ve probably figured out by the responses, some people eat right after a marathon and some cannot. I’ve experienced both. For my FIRST marathon, I had a late ADR for Kona breakfast. I finished the race (stated to my wife that I’d never run another marathon) and we immediately went to Kona. I sorta cleaned up in the lobby bathroom and then was prepared for my celebration. I ordered the big kahuna. When it came I picked at it and maybe finished half of my meal. I just wasn’t feeling it.

Since then I’ve done another 20 marathons and have had everything from leftover Lou Malnati’s pizza, cheeseburger & fries, or the entire rD box of crap. You just won’t know until you know.

Eat smart the couple days before your race and hydrate plenty for a few days. When you finish the marathon, you’ll either be craving something you aren’t thinking of now or food may sound gross. Best of luck!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I've never done a marathon, but I do remember I got the race retreat in 2012 for my first half. I kept thinking about all the stuff I was going to eat, and then just picked at it. Afterwards I read Jeff Galloway give advice and said you should eat something within 30 minutes of a long run (I know there were more specifics, like how many calories, etc). I used to stuff a Cliff bar in my car as my snack, but then those started giving me heart burn. Now I dive into the rD box, mostly looking for the Honey Stinger waffle, and then whatever else I may want to eat. I don't like the plastic cheese, but I'll eat the chips or pretzels, or whatever they have. Then I'll hit up the food court before heading to my room to clean up. It buys me time before I'm ravenous.

 

[sandam1]

Afterwards I read Jeff Galloway give advice and said you should eat something within 30 minutes of a long run (I know there were more specifics, like how many calories, etc).

I know that one thing Jeff mentions is protein. This is always the hardest for me at Disney, because there isn't really anything in the box that fits that bill and it's usually at least 45-60 minutes after I finish before I get back to my hotel room. I go with the "something is better than nothing" theory and usually eat the banana or something else not likely to upset my stomach (the animal crackers they had the one time were perfect). But after long runs at home, I make sure to get that protein in.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I know that one thing Jeff mentions is protein. This is always the hardest for me at Disney, because there isn't really anything in the box that fits that bill and it's usually at least 45-60 minutes after I finish before I get back to my hotel room. I go with the "something is better than nothing" theory and usually eat the banana or something else not likely to upset my stomach (the animal crackers they had the one time were perfect). But after long runs at home, I make sure to get that protein in.

Very true. Now that they're posting the nutritional facts of the snack box, I don't think it even has 10g of protein.

 

[marty3d]

I know that one thing Jeff mentions is protein. This is always the hardest for me at Disney, because there isn't really anything in the box that fits that bill and it's usually at least 45-60 minutes after I finish before I get back to my hotel room. I go with the "something is better than nothing" theory and usually eat the banana or something else not likely to upset my stomach (the animal crackers they had the one time were perfect). But after long runs at home, I make sure to get that protein in.

Likely not the healthiest protein but one of my favourite foods at race weekend (if they are there) is the bacon, egg and cheese grilled cheese at the Toasted food truck. Have had it both as pre-race breakfast and post race snack (though not right after the marathon).

 

[jrsharp21]

Likely not the healthiest protein but one of my favourite foods at race weekend (if they are there) is the bacon, egg and cheese grilled cheese at the Toasted food truck. Have had it both as pre-race breakfast and post race snack (though not right after the marathon).

I may have to try this instead of the breakfast/pizza cone truck. The pizza cone after the marathon is heaven though.

 

[DopeyBadger]

For immediately post-race, I'll put a shelf stable Nesquik chocolate milk (available at most resort shops/quick service) in my checked bag. Then I can have a chocolate milk without having to worry about refrigeration.

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

I know that one thing Jeff mentions is protein. This is always the hardest for me at Disney, because there isn't really anything in the box that fits that bill and it's usually at least 45-60 minutes after I finish before I get back to my hotel room. I go with the "something is better than nothing" theory and usually eat the banana or something else not likely to upset my stomach (the animal crackers they had the one time were perfect). But after long runs at home, I make sure to get that protein in.

I always eat one of these after my long runs... P3 packs are a good source of protein, small and convenient and easy to fit everywhere and even if I am not hungry... I can always at least get this down.
https://business.walmart.com/ip/P3-...-Ct-Box-2-Oz-Trays/47512009?classType=REGULAR

After my marathon I had my mom get me a burger from our quick service at our hotel in AKL. The was the best tasting burger ever... burgers and fries are just the perfect thing after a long run for me.

Then I do my dinner at a sit down place. I love sit down places so I do not have to move. I did Spice Road table on my last marathon it is great and would highly recommended for anyone to do after the Marathon. First if you are tired you can just take the boat over... it is right next to the dock. Also they do lots of tapas, lots of small snacky things which was perfect for me to nibble on and share with my mom. We also got to sit outside in the shade, so we had lots of fun people watching. And reservations are easy to get at Spice Road table too.

 

[sandam1]

After my marathon I had my mom get me a burger from our quick service at our hotel in AKL. The was the best tasting burger ever... burgers and fries are just the perfect thing after a long run for me.

A good burger is a favorite of mine post-race as well!

One pro-tip that I like to give first-time Dopey runners is to consider the quick-serve food options before deciding on your hotel. I can't say enough how much I appreciate the ability to have a good choice of good food that is available quickly without having to travel further than my hotel's lobby. We also do a grocery store run and buy a couple of food options (pre-made sandwiches, salads, individual sides, etc.) to also have in the room for the "I don't even want to leave my room" moments.

 

[kps7795]

I hate to think of this happening, but I have to wonder if we’re not going to have medals at Marathon Weekend if the dockworkers strike lasts for a significant period of time.

 

[camaker]

I hate to think of this happening, but I have to wonder if we’re not going to have medals at Marathon Weekend if the dockworkers strike lasts for a significant period of time.

Depends on where they're manufactured and the shipping route. If they come in via the West coast they should be fine. The dockworker strike is currently limited to the East coast.

 

[Naomeri]

I hate to think of this happening, but I have to wonder if we’re not going to have medals at Marathon Weekend if the dockworkers strike lasts for a significant period of time.

Honestly, I'd worry more about W&D medals than MW medals at this point, since there's plenty of time to adjust the shipping method for MW. I remember the inaugural Springtime Surprise races, when they sent out the notice that we might not get medals due to pandemic-related delivery issues.

 

[jrsharp21]

I hate to think of this happening, but I have to wonder if we’re not going to have medals at Marathon Weekend if the dockworkers strike lasts for a significant period of time.

I bet there is a good chance the medals are already in WDW.

 

[kps7795]

I bet there is a good chance the medals are already in WDW.

I hope that you’re right, but I’m afraid that they wouldn’t store medals and merch for more than one race at a time. I really hope that you are right and that I’m wrong.

 

[nancipants]

I'm less concerned about the medals than the hats. I want my hat, dammit!!!

 

[SimbaMufasa321]

I know that one thing Jeff mentions is protein. This is always the hardest for me at Disney, because there isn't really anything in the box that fits that bill and it's usually at least 45-60 minutes after I finish before I get back to my hotel room. I go with the "something is better than nothing" theory and usually eat the banana or something else not likely to upset my stomach (the animal crackers they had the one time were perfect). But after long runs at home, I make sure to get that protein in.

Recent studies have shown that you dont need to get protein in as quickly as they used to say. Muscles remain sensitive for protein for up to 24 hours after a hard workout! I always try and get protein is as quickly as I can, but I also like to respect my appetite in that moment and sometimes protein is not what I want straight away!

 

[kps7795]

I'm less concerned about the medals than the hats. I want my hat, dammit!!!

This is most likely going to be a one-and-done Dopey Challenge for me, so I really want a Dopey shirt.

 

[Herding_Cats]

This is most likely going to be a one-and-done Dopey Challenge for me, so I really want a Dopey shirt.

There are definitely ways that us Dis'ers help eachother out when it comes to the expo, "boarding groups" and whatnot. This past January DH and I added Z-Knight to our queue group, and I grabbed a jacket for someone else and then met them by the quickservice restaurant at the expo building. Even in 2022 there was merch, and with this much lead-time I'm sure they'll have stuff for us.


Also....one-and-done. Muahahahahhahahaha. Suuuuuuuuure.