Marathon Weekend 2026

[The Expert]

Agreed. If you did 23 you can do Dopey. Focus on avoiding injury!

 

[Dopey 2020]

Slightly freaking out. I just completed my 23 mile run last Friday, and the last 5 miles I was battling IT band issues. I pushed it out to get the run done and I know, I should’ve just stopped. I started cold plunging everyday to recover, went on a walk on Sunday about 2 miles, and then tried running yesterday for 3 miles, about 2.5 miles in it flared right back up. I’ve done marathons before, but this will be my first dopey.My plan is to continue to cold plunge daily, leg exercises daily to strengthen the IT band and muscles around it. As well as changing my runs into walks. I still have 1 more run for 26 miles slotted for 12/19, but debating on changing that. I’m not looking for a great time, but just to be able to do all races within the time allotted.

What others said, Galloway is a great get you ready plan but runs over 20 are not needed - unless you’re fast enough to go sub 3 - focus your long runs more on time on feet. 3 hours is great for your longest, whether that gets you 20+ miles or 12 miles doesn’t matter. You’ve gone to 26 before, stay healthy with less miles and you can do it. Injure yourself and chances of finishing or even starting decrease. You’ve got this!

 

[Dopey 2020]

SAFD looking forward to time with family and friends, the meetups, and this time planning on finally making it to Monday’s DATW!

Really looking forward to FL in January as well, really not liking NE winters…

 

[nancipants]

Slightly freaking out. I just completed my 23 mile run last Friday, and the last 5 miles I was battling IT band issues. I pushed it out to get the run done and I know, I should’ve just stopped. I started cold plunging everyday to recover, went on a walk on Sunday about 2 miles, and then tried running yesterday for 3 miles, about 2.5 miles in it flared right back up. I’ve done marathons before, but this will be my first dopey.My plan is to continue to cold plunge daily, leg exercises daily to strengthen the IT band and muscles around it. As well as changing my runs into walks. I still have 1 more run for 26 miles slotted for 12/19, but debating on changing that. I’m not looking for a great time, but just to be able to do all races within the time allotted.

I'm in Galloway Customized but will agree with the others - don't do the 26 miles if you're still hurting. Get to the start line as healthy as possible. You did 23 miles so you will be good!

And during Dopey, definitely walk the 5k and 10k, and as much of the half as you can while still beating the balloon ladies.

 

[dobball23]

3) We are trying a new resort - Old Key West, 2 BR Villa. Really looking forward to the extra space. Plus then I am clicking off one more DVC resort; got to get to all of them eventually!

I'm staying at OKW, too! Only a studio. Stayed there in 2024 as well and it worked well for us.

 

[Zutroy]

And during Dopey, definitely walk the 5k and 10k, and as much of the half as you can while still beating the balloon ladies.

I’ve seen this advice so many times and I never understand it. If you’ve trained for the Dopey, then race like you’ve trained and trust your training. I’ve found that walking around the parks takes more of a toll on my body than the actual running. Why add more time on your feet by walking the first three races? Why add different stress on your body by changing your gait pattern? I did 5 Dopeys before switching to doing Goofys, and it was much easier to recover from running a 20 minute 5k than walking for an hour.

 

[nancipants]

I’ve seen this advice so many times and I never understand it. If you’ve trained for the Dopey, then race like you’ve trained and trust your training. I’ve found that walking around the parks takes more of a toll on my body than the actual running. Why add more time on your feet by walking the first three races? Why add different stress on your body by changing your gait pattern? I did 5 Dopeys before switching to doing Goofys, and it was much easier to recover from running a 20 minute 5k than walking for an hour.

Lol, if I ran a 20 minute 5k, I would die.

 

[princesspirateandrunner]

We’re currently in Disney withdrawal. After DH ran a successful Space Coast Marathon on Sunday, we decided to celebrate at Disney, rather than head home. We spent most of yesterday at DS, with a celebration dinner at Morimoto’s. We would have stayed longer today, but decided to get ahead of the heavy rains and drive north. Yesterday was a beautiful warm day at DS, the crowds weren’t bad, the Christmas decorations were up, and it was fantastic. It does feel better knowing that we’ll be back in just a few weeks for MW.

SAFD: Staying in two new resorts (Poly and YC), doing the meetups and DATW (I’m determined to avoid catching the flu this year), and being finished with the training plan (although I’ll need to stay in maintenance mode until PW). I always enjoy the atmosphere of MW, and am looking forward to spectating instead of running the marathon. I’m doing the half; DH is doing the full. Spectating on Main Street is the best way ever to watch a race!