Marathon Weekend Coming Up!

wdwdreamin2

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Mar 30, 2006
Messages
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Now that Christmas is over, I am so excited about my first half-marathon! I have been training since January, and am as ready as I will ever be!

No time goal, just want to finish!

Can anyone share their previous experience? I have NO idea what to expect!
 
Good for you. I did the tower of terror 5K and my husband did the 13K. I would like to do the half -marathon some day. I would be happy to answer any general race questions not specific to the half marathon.


Are you familiar with the WISH forum on this board? People there will be able to help you
:)
 
Well....

1. Hope you had your practice meal prior to marathon morning. ;) Don't use marathon morning to try new yummy things that sound like a good idea. Trust me--they aren't. ;)

2. If your plan is to just finish--enjoy the event, but dont' get caught up with pics with the characters and mile markers until your sure that even if you crawled the rest of the way, you'd finish on time.

3. Finishing on time--you get a medal if you finish, but I can't tell you how heartbreaking it is to not get the certificate if they shut off the mats. To me--that certificate is more important than a picture with Donald along the way. So plan accordingly. ;)

4. Potty spots--I'm trying to remember the good bathrooms to avoid the port-o-toilet. The last event I did was the Goofy. I think the half--you end up going to MK first and finish at EPCOT.

There are 2 indoor bathrooms you will (or might) pass--one is on the way through tomorrowland and the other is by the teacups. There is also one as you meander through frontier land. If you can manage your pitstops accordingly, these can save you a little bit of time and a little bit of cooties. Typically no lines as there are more potty options.

If you really have to go and time is of the essence--do not be afriad of the bushes. You aren't the first, you won't be the last and it isn't worth missing out on a medal in lieu of modesty.:laughing:

5. It is too late to buy new shoes--so barring some horrific accident that renders your running shoe into a flip flop, keep with what you have. Race day is not the day to break in a new pair. ;)

6. Have fun with the crowds--you will get some comical cheerleaders along the way...if something causes you to doubletake, pause for a second and reread the sign. Chances are that it is pretty darn hysterical as it did say what you thought it did. ;)

7. Shop at Goodwill or any other thrift shop for throw away clothing. The marshmallow outfits they sell at expo are effective. But they do sometimes sell out. I remember one year, I didn't start the event with any extra layers as it was too hot. I remembmer one year, I bought the marshmallow outfit as all the layers I bought at goodwill were not enough. Goofy year, was just right. Had my layers and did shed them. I had to buy double that year so I had something for each day. IF it happens to be cold, you do not want to lose your energy shivering during your 1-2 hour wait before the race.

8. Busses--if on property, plan accordingly. I usually hit the first coupel of busses between 3 and 3:30. If anything it is to be on the bus that isn't stuck in race day traffic. If driving in, get there early enough, park and then nap for a couple of hours. Allow 30 minutes to get from your car or bus to the start line. It's a lengthy walk.

9. Bring money for the massage afterwards. Cash only and they can actually do some preemptive work to help your in your post-race recovery. It will not be like going to the spa--but in post-race recovery, it's all about facilitating recovery.

10. Enjoy it! Walk for a little bit when it is over. Don't stop dead in your tracks.

11. When you get to the finish line--look up and smile for the cameras so that you can get a post-race photo when they come out that shows you indeed DID it.
 
Wow!!

Thanks!

You are definitely a pro Lisa! As it gets closer to race day, I will pay attention to the weather. I had thought of Goodwill for layers...so, as I run and warm up, I can just take off the extra and throw it aside? I'm in Austin, so our temps are similar...hoping for 55 and no wind!

We have really good friends who live in Orlando, and I will be staying with her. She is super excited as well, and will have me there at what ever time they say. I just have a hard time wrapping my brain around the logistics of this many people! I will go on Thursday to the expo...Will they give us all the details then? Where can we park...time...etc?

And I promise...no crazy meals or new shoes!

I am familier with the parks and bathroom locations...so we can use those in the parks as well? My plan was to try to stop on the drive in and just not worry about it. If I can find one before race time, great, otherwise I was just planning to stop at the first chance, regardless.

What is the time requirement for the certificate? I know I have to finish in 3.5 hrs...Should be around 2:35-45. I definitely want to enjoy the experience and take pics if possible.

Thanks so much and congrats on the baby!

I will check out the WISH forum as well...

Amy
 

Wow!!

Thanks!

You are definitely a pro Lisa! As it gets closer to race day, I will pay attention to the weather. I had thought of Goodwill for layers...so, as I run and warm up, I can just take off the extra and throw it aside? I'm in Austin, so our temps are similar...hoping for 55 and no wind!

If temps are similar--likely you can wear what your ordinarly train in. The layers are usually for pre-race and until you warm up. Then you just toss them to the side of the road. They have crews that clean all that up and they re-donate the clothes after some company washes them.

We have really good friends who live in Orlando, and I will be staying with her. She is super excited as well, and will have me there at what ever time they say. I just have a hard time wrapping my brain around the logistics of this many people! I will go on Thursday to the expo...Will they give us all the details then? Where can we park...time...etc?

You will park and queue at EPCOT. They do offer lots of tips at EXPO. I would plan on--if driving, to be on propertly NLT 4am. I think when I did goofy, I stayed at my brother's and he lives near the airport. I think we left his house about 3:30am and it was fine. It can get congested the closer to six and the last thing you want to do is feel rushed.

And parking is FREE. ;)

You will feel like a sardine in the corrals. My tip is to try and get to the front of the corral. Every second I can gain of buffer by being in front of more people, the better. Also--dont' take off running. In the beginning, once your corral starts moving...it's a lot of start...stop...start...stop. I just start with walking until the intial sardine crowd is all jogging at teh same time without stopping.


I am familier with the parks and bathroom locations...so we can use those in the parks as well? My plan was to try to stop on the drive in and just not worry about it. If I can find one before race time, great, otherwise I was just planning to stop at the first chance, regardless.

Before race--you are stuck in teh land of port-o-potties. My coaches and past participants (myself included) will advise that your pre-race ritual be..line up, go to the bathroom, line up again and repeat. I literally go about 4-5 times pre-race and this is whether or not I have to go. Sounds silly, but it pays off at start time when the last thing you want to do is run a few feet and then suddenly need to go.

I would not stand around for 2 hours and not go--you will have to go as you will be consuming liquids pre-race.

I just liked when we could find indoor plumbing and as I got close to MK--I would hold it for the indoor plumbing. ;)

What is the time requirement for the certificate? I know I have to finish in 3.5 hrs...Should be around 2:35-45. I definitely want to enjoy the experience and take pics if possible.

Officially--it is 3.5 hours, but it is 3.5 hours after the last chip crosses the start line. 3.5 hours after that last chip triggers, the finish line mats will shut off and no more finishes will register. This happened my first full that I Did...foolishly...while sick. The mats cut off less than 1:00 prior to me crossing. But I had totally lost my mojo from being so ill and was not really aware of that. I dashed in the last few seconds, but did nto make it for the certificate. I did get my medal though.



Good luck AMY!

Definitely check out wish--they usually meet up at various points throughout marathon weekend. They usually meet for dinner on Friday Night.
 
CONGRATULATIONS AMY!! :cool1:

WTG!!

I did my first in '08 - and I missed being an "official finisher" by 10 min :sad:

I did finish at 4 hours - but since I was in the very back of the pack, I thought it would be "official" BUT I WASNT SWEPT!! :woohoo:

Now, this year is a different story - I'm really nervous!

I cant offer more than what Lisa posted - :worship: but you're welcome to come join us on my pretrip report - just a few others that post their progress - its been slow lately -

and do join the WISH threads - the Pop meet on the Friday before is wonderful - so many great people are part of this board! :goodvibes They really got me thru some "tough" moments (Mile 7 in front of the Poly and then mile 12 was bad - I'm very slow 15 - 16 min miles)

My favorite bathroom was in MK in Frontierland - a/c!! :rotfl2: and flush!! :rotfl:

Parking - again, there will be threads on WISH for this - I know that the race is starting at 5:40 so busses from the resort to EPCOT is from 2 - 4 AM :scared1: and I think if you arent there by 4:30 you may be out of luck - they close the roads! :scared1: and expect traffic when you drive in!

Just follow the masses all 24,000 of us!! :rotfl2: (or is it 23,500? I mix up the Half and FUll numbers - I think its sad that the Full has 500 more people but 2 starts - chutes/corrals - and not the Half - we're all down one long road - it is about a half mile from the porta potty race retreat area to the start of the corrals!! I think they opened at 5 am in '08!)

Expect the Expo to be crazy.

You get in line to get your packet, then you look down at the Expo exhibits and see way over at the FAR end is where you go get your shirts!!

Have you worked/trained with the gu or the gel blox? I really like the gel blox!!
 
re responding to Lisa!!

1. For the throw away clothes - accuweather is showing lows in the 30's! and the high in 60's - at 2AM its going to be cold!! but make sure you take scissors and cut up the side of the legs to get them off over your shoes!!

2. People (or dh says women!! LOL) take towels, to sit on (WalMart has towels for $1.50) and then women use them if they didnt follow Lisa's advice to use the porta potties 4 - 5 times before lining up (that trick worked for me in '08!) :rolleyes1 DH said he saw a few women (and many men!) jumping the fence to use the bushes (and a towel was helpful for privacy) and left over the fence... its also nice to sit on for the hour while you are waiting for the start!

3. Do plan on coming to Pop for Dinner on Friday (I think its from about 4pm - to maybe 6 - they take a group shot - HUGE group too!!) easy to carbo load and find seats, just listening to everyone was helpful for my first Half!

Good Luck!!
 
Good Luck! I ran the half in '07 & '08 and did the full in '09. Enjoy running down main street in the Magic Kingdom...it's awesome with everyone cheering.
 
Thanks Sandy!

Ok..,So I am trying to put together a list. Looks like it will be cold.

Throw away: sweat pants and shirt
Gloves
Towel
Water
Carry: (Light waist pack):Gel Blocks
Tissues
Chapstick
iPhone
Sunnies
Cash
Wear:Bib Number
Headband

What about the plastic bags they take to the finish? Change of clothes, and a snack ?
 
I've done 12 Disney fulls....good luck to you, and ENJOY!!! Great advice about the porta-potties, and the throwaway clothes. Yep, I always wore the throwaway pants and cut them to slip over shoes. I brought a blanket to sit on before the race, since you're there so long.

Most importantly, do lots of walking after the run. I always cleaned up and went to the Magic Kingdom!!!

Have fun...the fact that your goal is to finish (and finish feeling okay), and not worry about a time, for your first half is smart thinking.
 
Thanks Sandy!

Ok..,So I am trying to put together a list. Looks like it will be cold.

Throw away: sweat pants and shirt
Gloves
Towel
Water
Carry: (Light waist pack):Gel Blocks
Tissues
Chapstick
iPhone
Sunnies
Cash
Wear:Bib Number
Headband

What about the plastic bags they take to the finish? Change of clothes, and a snack ?


Sounds good.

I would be careful with cell phones. I have ruined 2 and I don't know why. The last one, I had it encased in plastic and the sucker still couldn't handle it.

You don't need food in your plastic bag unless you feel that the snacks they offer wont' be good enough. But they always have fruit and stuff and usually some type of energy bar. If there is something you like, included it.

I ALWAYS include a pair of slip on shoes--like shower shoes or super comfy flip flops. My sneakers come off IMMEDIATELY. I also include the tech shirt they provided us at expo OR whatever I bought at expo. B/c I want a dry shirt to wear.

There really is no place to change clothes unfortuantely, so I would leave your "change" of clothes in the car if you intend to hit a park right away. Then I'd change in the car--much more room and less icky than the port-o-potty.:thumbsup2

If you plan on changing and then doing a park, leave the change of lcothes in the park and include some wet wipes to "wash" and some deoderant.


IF you intended on any pics--I would aslo carry a disposable camera. (wouldn't want to ruin a digital camera).

I usually wear a hat instead of sunglasses--unless they are special glasses for running, they get humidified pretty quick. I found sun visors to be much more effective. ;)

And since I'm a goober with chilly temps, I always have an ear covering--my ears get a sharp piercing pain if the temp is below 70 and there is any kind of cool breeze. (And I have been the dork in a tank and shorts wearing ear muffs for that very reason.:rotfl: Cracked my TNT coaches up every time I did that.)

IF it will be chilly during the race, if you have a "jacket" layer--even if it is the marshmallow jacket...don't pitch it if you find you need to remove it. One year, I kept putting it on, taking it off--repeatedly--especially on bridges and in the shade. I had moments where it wasn't needed and moments where I was positively frigid. Something to keep in mind before you ditch all of your extra layers.
 
Thanks Lisa!

Like Lisa I bring crocs! get those shoes off me!! ASAP!!

I bring a protein bar (slim fast has one I like) to the beginning of the race - since we have to be there at 2 - 3 AM and the race doesnt start till 6ish (for me at the back!) that's too long for me to be w/o protein!! Maybe 1/2 banana again - before the race - but like Lisa says - monitor your intake!! ;)

At the expo you can buy everything (the blox, the gu) you can even buy the throwaway tyvek jackets. I have one, and I'm debating on putting it around my waist if I get hot, then I have it if I get cold...

in '08 I had my digital camera and took 5 pictures - I had no problem with my camera or my phone (I called dh at mile 11 - and I wasnt sure I was going to finish - I was at a very low point...) and I didnt have problems -

but I know many have posted both ways...

I also have the headband for my ears! During training I wear both sunglasses and a visor...
 
Good luck Amy!

My name is also Amy. I run a little, but I've never done a real race.
 
Good luck. I did the Half in 2008, and I have to tell you. Aside from holding my babies for the first time, it was the biggest emotional high of my life. Seriously. I am a big girl and eventhough I finished at the back of the pack. I finished. I did it.

Here is a link to my race report. It is kind of long though.

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22589225&postcount=37
 
It's a really cool experience! Be sure to bring a camera with you; it's nice to be able to capture the atmosphere, sunrise at the Contemporary, etc.

Oh, and if at all possible, you might want to consider driving to Epcot on race morning rather than taking the bus. You'll be able to sleep at least an extra hour that way and won't have to wait a year and a half to catch a bus back to your resort after the race (as tempting as remaining standing for an extra 45 mins- 1 hour after you've been on them for 4+ including waiting for race start is!)
 
Oh my gosh I am overwhelmed with the support and well-wishes!!

JACK----you are a ROCKSTAR!!!!!!!!!!!:worship:

Lisa, my ears are the same way!! DH laughs at me, too. I am worried about my eyes. I have always run with sunnies, not so much for the sun, but the wind. I guess I will try to have them just in case. I can do a hat for sun, though.

I am adding crocs and deodorant and wipes to the list!

Y'all are awesome!!

Thanks!!
 
Now I am REAALLLY excited!! I just watched the event video! It really helps to see the expo and the runners! They did say on the video that the first place winners will receive their medals at a ceremony that day, but that all other rewards will be sent by mail...Does that mean we will not receive medals for finishing that day? Maybe I misinterpreted it...I really hope we get the medals at the finish!

Thanks for the encouragement! Good luck to everyone!

Amy
 
Now I am REAALLLY excited!! I just watched the event video! It really helps to see the expo and the runners! They did say on the video that the first place winners will receive their medals at a ceremony that day, but that all other rewards will be sent by mail...Does that mean we will not receive medals for finishing that day? Maybe I misinterpreted it...I really hope we get the medals at the finish!

Thanks for the encouragement! Good luck to everyone!

Amy

Those are award medals they are talking about.

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy medals are finisher medals and they will have a flock of people placing them over your head (or in your hand if preferred) after you crsos the finish line.

Certificates will be mailed.

HTH.
 
Good luck to all those who are running the marathons! DH just did his first-half this year and now my DS is training for the spring, so the running fever has hit our house. Maybe next year it can be running @WDW for some of us!

I SOO admire all of you!!!:yay::yay:
 












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