Marathon Weekend Tips

[TEK224]

Wish I had some to give, but instead I'm asking for them. I thought there was already a thread like this started, but I couldn't find it.

For all you WDW marathon veterans out there, please help us newbies.

1. What do they give out on the course (gatorade or Powerade or something else; energy bars - what kind?)

2. Easiest restroom to use (someone posted which ones in MK to avoid crowds). Any other suggestions "just in case"?

3. Photos along the way (Do they have "helpers" with the characters along the course who could take photos with personal cameras?) Not that I should be worrying about photos, with the sweepers on my tail

4. How easy/hard is it to get the buses in the AM to get to start area? What about after the race, getting back to resort? What time should we realistically be on a bus to get to the start in plenty of time?

5. How much does it cost for the post race massage? How long does it last?

6. How strict are race officials regarding iPods, etc? (I know "officially" they're are not permitted, but what is the reality?)


Those are my questions at this time. If anyone else has ??, please post. It may be something the rest of us haven't thought about yet.

TIA for any answers you can provide!

Terri

 

[TiffJ]

Great idea for a thread. What is a post race message?

 

[skfulkers]

Great thread, Terri. Krista and I came up with all sorts of questions after we spent a week down there at the end of last month.
Let me add to the list:

Realistically, how hard is it for our "support team" to get around the morning of the races? Krista and her mom are doing the half, and I'm doing the full (my father-in-law will be cheering us on with a donut in one hand and a coffee in the other ). We plan to cheer each other on the days we're not running, but I need to know what time I need to be up and moving to see them run. If I avoid the main drag up to the MK (from the Epcot exit through the Contemporary), should I be ok driving around? We are staying at POFQ and I had planned to make a right out of the resort and head up towards the TTC by way of Fort Wilderness, but I know I'll have to make a right hand turn onto the stretch after the MK parking toll boths to head up towards the turn off for the Poly and TTC. Make sense? How crowded is this road around 5:30am?

I am also curious about the Powerbars/gels they offer on the course. We're addicted to the Snickers Marathon bars at our house, but I know they won't offer these. We'd like to start training now with whatever they're going to have there.

And have I heard it mentioned that Disney has allowed late-check out (as late as 3pm) for people the day of the marathon?

Thanks in advance to all you veterans who help us marathon newbies out!

Steve

 

[keenercam]

Great idea for a thread! I know we have had all sorts of really vital information imbedded in the weekly training threads. I intend to print them all out and cut and paste them into a WORD document, but just haven't had the time yet. Here are a couple of notes I've made so far:

1. carry in fanny pack -- cell phone, kleenex, gu or powerbar, camera

2. wear to start line -- dress in layers: wear old sweatpants and sweatshirt over running/walking outfit. Discard outer layer at the start line and Disney will collect for local homeless shelter or the like

3. use the portapotty as soon as you get to the start and then get in line to use it again

4. hard candies in fanny pack may be a good idea for a sugar fix (thanks, Helen!). I think jolly ranchers may have been suggested.

5. Do your warm up mile or whatever before the start, so that you don't blow your pace "warming up" -- also, it may be hard to get warmed up or get to your pace because of the crowds.

6. If your pace has improved since you registered, take your proof to the expo to have your corral assignment changed.

I know there are tons more hints. I think Craig (Calcio) did a comprehensive list a couple of weeks ago. One of the things he said in that post that really struck me had something to do with remembering that it is up to you to finish that day -- no one's feelings will be hurt if you have to move faster or slower than the people you start with. I know some people may need to be "paced" and therefore will move with someone who will keep them on target, but I am more of a "get out ahead as quickly as possible and build a cushion" kind of girl. This was an especially enlightening and encouraging post for me. Thanks, Craig! In the words of my favorite fairy, that day "it's all about me!"

 

[welovedis]

1. What do they give out on the course (gatorade or Powerade or something else; energy bars - what kind?)

When I did the 1/2 in 2004, I thought there was only water on the course, but others said they got Gatorade. I think it depends on how far back in the pack you are, perhaps they ran out by the time I got there?

2. Easiest restroom to use (someone posted which ones in MK to avoid crowds). Any other suggestions "just in case"?

Depends on where on the course you'll need to go. In Epcot people were dashing off to the regular restrooms, also keep in mind there will be port a potties along the route in decently placed areas so you won't have to wait forever to use one of those. If you prefer an actual restroom just be careful where you pick to stop. Some of the smaller restrooms with a couple of stalls will really slow you down.

3. Photos along the way (Do they have "helpers" with the characters along the course who could take photos with personal cameras?) Not that I should be worrying about photos, with the sweepers on my tail

Every character had a handler that would take pictures with personal cameras, but sometimes it takes them a second to figure it out or there was occasionally a small wait.

4. How easy/hard is it to get the buses in the AM to get to start area? What about after the race, getting back to resort? What time should we realistically be on a bus to get to the start in plenty of time?

I stayed at BWV, the buses came to the convention center entrance, not the regular bus entrance so it was not difficult. I got to the race area with way too much time to spare (it was really cold that year) and spent most of it trying to keep warm. After the race we had a tough time getting back to BWV because the race end was in the MK parking lot. We took a bus from there to Epcot but we either had to walk all the way to the International Gateway to get back to the BW area or try to find a bus at the marathon finish to get us there. We eventually found a bus but it took forever, got bad directions from a number of volunteers and I walked so far/long that I got really sore, just wanted to sit for a bit! I would say that you should follow the guidelines that they'll give you in the race packet & just get to the bus stop within those limits, you'll be fine.

5. How much does it cost for the post race massage? How long does it last?

I didn't get one at the race end (see above post for why) but got one at the BW health club it cost me about $80 (with tip) for an hour!

6. How strict are race officials regarding iPods, etc? (I know "officially" they're are not permitted, but what is the reality?)

I know they aren't permitted, but I saw plenty of the course 2 years ago.

Steve, it can be really tough to get around. My DH & DS got up at 6am to get to the MK to see me there (around mile 10) and barely got there in time (and I was really slow, right about the 16 minute mile mark since I walked it). They didn't drive because we were told that driving around would be even worse than use WDW transportation. Not sure because we didn't try driving but hopefully congestion will not be as bad because the number of participants each day will be less and the finish is now moved.

GL!

 

[welovedis]

I also wanted to say that I'm not the expert on these matters, only have done one Disney 1/2 marathon, others here have more experience doing this particular run.

I will add my own .02!

If you are not terrifically coordinated, don't try to run & drink at the same time, you'll end up spilling most of it on you and end up wet, possibly sticky and that's not good.

Be careful in the areas where drinks and/or food is offered, the road becomes extremely littered and the cups are smashed everywhere. Some runners avoid the area and run on the grass behind the tables to make sure they are safe.

I agree with Cam to warm up prior and remember when you are in your corral there will be lots of people around you and not tons of space so jogging in place or jogging around in a small circle may be your only warm up once you are corraled. Some runners/walkers wait until they have to be corraled before moving in there so they can keep moving around and not be crowded in.

Also, I agree that if you need to leave your pals and run/walk at your own pace, then do it. No one should be upset with you for doing this, you need to do what your training plan calls for and depending on the amount of participants, you may get stuck in a crowd at times & need to make up some seconds or even minutes.

Remember that crossing the start line is more than most of the population will ever do, don't be hard on yourself if, for some reason, you can't finish. I know that people don't like to talk about it, but sometimes it happens and you have to proud of what you've accomplished and hopefully there will be another shot down the road for you.

I liked the prayer session that occured in the start area before the race, personally, that helped me really get things in perspective and got me to the finish line. If that sounds like it would help you check out that tent for yourself this year.

Remember that the "carb loading" dinners the night before are not really necessary...that was from a time when trainers thought you needed to stay away from carbs totally before a race, then carb load the night before. If that is your thing, then go for it, otherwise eat normally and you'll probably feel better for it.

Also--at the expo they will be selling disposable garments, they are made from a Tyvex-type material and work to block the wind, plus you can toss them if you like. I got a zippered jacket for about $4-5 and was thrilled to have in that year when the temp was in the 30's. Remember a cap/hat if the temps are going to be cold, that will help you stay warm before the race so your body doesn't have to work so hard to keep you warm. Same thing for a small pair of gloves/mittens, if it is cold, you'll appreciate them.

If you see something at the expo you really want, get it. I saw a shirt I liked, passed it up and then never saw it again. We did see some men's marathon shirts at the Sports store in DtD about a week after the race but never got the one I really wanted.

HAVE FUN!

 

[ohMom]

1. What do they give out on the course (gatorade or Powerade or something else; energy bars - what kind?)

in 2005 1/2 marathon it seemed to be everyother station was water than Powerade (lemonade) at mile 9 they gave snacks -- i think i remember Nestle cookie bars and powergel, probably depends on who corporate sponsors are this year

2. Easiest restroom to use (someone posted which ones in MK to avoid crowds). Any other suggestions "just in case"?

i stopped along the port-o-potties a couple times and had no wait (i'm a walker about a 14 min pace)

3. Photos along the way (Do they have "helpers" with the characters along the course who could take photos with personal cameras?) Not that I should be worrying about photos, with the sweepers on my tail

yes there were CMs to take pictures but expect a few moments delay as was earlier mentioned to 1) wait for those ahead of you 2) let CM get bearings on your camera and 3) wait for folks not paying attention who walk inbetween you and the camera. i was add don't let this tiny delay stop you from getting a picture on the course, i TREASURE my picture with Western Goofy near Frontierland at MK -- that is truly a once in a lifetime picture!

4. How easy/hard is it to get the buses in the AM to get to start area? What about after the race, getting back to resort? What time should we realistically be on a bus to get to the start in plenty of time?

We stayed at CBR and boarded a 1/2 empty bus at 3 a.m that took us directly to the drop off with no delays. We actually sat around and waiting about 45 mins before heading to the start line -- better safe then sorry though


HAVE FUN!! i second the suggestion to establish within your party that it's ok to slow down/speed up individually. it's fun to be in a group -- but bottom line is this is your moment, your day, your event...........do it for you!

I wore a fanny pack with hard peppermints, disposable camera and it didn't bother me. but i always walked with a fanny pack at home

 

[TEK224]

I really appreciate all the answers. A lot of this stuff is not in the official race material (at least not as plain as it is here)

Steve - I love the Snickers Marathon Bars, too. I'm planningon bringing some with me, just in case I don't like what is offered.

My niece will be running the half with me (I'm on my own for the full. Niece told me I was goofy for doing both and I said YEAH - that's the whole point! ). She's almost 1/2 my age and weight, so I told her to go at her own pace and I'll see her when I get to the finish line. She's usually a 9-10 min. mile pace. I'm in the 14 min/range.

Think I'll wait on the massage. I'm planning on one at SSR on Monday after the races. Don't think I want to spend another $80 on Sunday.

Keep posting. I'm taking notes.

Terri

 

[TEK224]

At the Expo, if you buy official race merchandise, can that be charged on the room card. I know anything from outside vendors can't be, but what about official stuff? (Boy could my credit limit be in trouble! )

Terri

 

[Jodi]

I'm really diggin' this post!! Thanks for starting it. Anyone know when the last bus leaves? We're staying @ BWV & were thinking of walking to the start of the 1/2 for a warm up....Too far? Thanks for any input.

Jodi

 

[littlegreydonkey]

Hi - okay a few tips I've picked up along the way....

1) Take something to sit on: I was amazed at how many people we're milling about at the start for 90 mins before the race. If you stand or walk about for that long you'll have done another 10km!!! Pool towels work well and stop your bottom getting cold - and apparently, they get returned to the resorts safe and sound. You can also have breakfast while you sit to conserve sleeping time.

2) If you follow the candy tip, apparently you must keep one in your mouth at all times once you start using them or you'll get a sugar (and energy) crash. Also, individually packed sweets get slightly less sticky.

3) If you can travel with your own water/sports drink bottle then do. It doesn't need to be a big one, remember you can refill it at water stations, but it's much better to have your own supply so you can drink when you want to, not when the organiser wants you to.

4) Pack bathroom tissue (is that the right translation!!). Nothing worse than queuing for 30 minutes to discover your bathroom just ran out!

5) Not sure this is relevant this year as the finish has moved - but avoid the specific marathon buses after the race if you can. I couldn't work out why everyone was queueing for marathon buses when the ticket and transportation centre was only a short walk away - I was the only person on my bus back to AKL!!! If you can get to alternative transport, use it as it's unlikely to have 12,000 other people trying to get on it at the same time!!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

1. What do they give out on the course (gatorade or Powerade or something else; energy bars - what kind?)

If you look at the course map--it will indicate where all the water stops are. Food seemed to have appeared earlier than the course map suggests (we were told food AFTER the halfway makr last year--though I and another poster distinctly remember some in the TTC parking light prior to heading to contemporary--about mile 9).

2. Easiest restroom to use (someone posted which ones in MK to avoid crowds). Any other suggestions "just in case"?

For the full---Norway is EASY EASY EASY to access and not crowded b/c most don't know about it.

We used the one in MK by the teacups--though in the scheme of things..it is too signifcant a departure from the course to use. So if you are close on your pacing--avoid unless of emergency.

Avoid the 1st set of port-o-toilets at ALL costs. Lots of lines that add precious seconds and minutes to your time. Unless it is a clear and present emergency (and if you peed within 30-45 minutes of this point--it will only feel like an emergency). The 2nd set and later--you can get into one very easily. This year the crowd is much larger in size..but comparable to when the half and full were running together last year, so this rule of thumb should be pretty much the same.

3. Photos along the way (Do they have "helpers" with the characters along the course who could take photos with personal cameras?) Not that I should be worrying about photos, with the sweepers on my tail

To be avoided if you are at risk for sweeping. They do have a CM that will take your photo for you--it is pretty quick and easy to do.

They do have cameras along the course--be sure to look pretty when emerging from the castle--they will have 2-3 cameras set up b/c it can get pretty crowded. I missed coming right out of the castle..but as I went down the hill---the was a guy there and I smiled pretty.

Remember--no matter how bad you feel (I was SICK like you would not believe)--ALWAYS smile pretty for the camera!

when you cross the finish line--DO NOT look at your watch....look up--smile and clear the area. Who cares if your watch has a few extra added seconds. Your time and will be documented on camera.

4. How easy/hard is it to get the buses in the AM to get to start area? What about after the race, getting back to resort? What time should we realistically be on a bus to get to the start in plenty of time?

Very easy. We did 3am call for our huge team...the busses are plentiful and moving. If you are runnign with someone...I suggest a convening area for when you arrive to the holding area and a just in case meeting spot in the corral. Our TNT team got separated many times--but we knew where to find each other in the corral (we all listed similar finish times so we could start together). They tell you to not line up any later than 4am. So realistically--you have until 4am to line up at the bus to be able to get to the start in plenty of time. Much later than that--Disney will not promise to get you to the start on time.

5. How much does it cost for the post race massage? How long does it last?

I believe this is listed in the race booklet. I think I had a $10 bill with me. I want to say that woudl have covered a 10-15 minute massage. But I went straight to the med tent and could not partake of this service. It is rather inexpensive service.

6. How strict are race officials regarding iPods, etc? (I know "officially" they're are not permitted, but what is the reality?)?

They aren't. They officially say it, so that if something happens to you as a direct result of utilizing the IPOD..you can't go and sue them b/c they told you not to do it. However--so much is going on..that many many many will tell you--to just go and enjoy the race. Though there are moments where having an IPOD is nice..just be open to turning it down or off...to be able to enjoy the environment. Kick it back up when you need that extra boost of motivation.


HTH!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Realistically, how hard is it for our "support team" to get around the morning of the races? Krista and her mom are doing the half, and I'm doing the full (my father-in-law will be cheering us on with a donut in one hand and a coffee in the other ). We plan to cheer each other on the days we're not running, but I need to know what time I need to be up and moving to see them run. If I avoid the main drag up to the MK (from the Epcot exit through the Contemporary), should I be ok driving around? We are staying at POFQ and I had planned to make a right out of the resort and head up towards the TTC by way of Fort Wilderness, but I know I'll have to make a right hand turn onto the stretch after the MK parking toll boths to head up towards the turn off for the Poly and TTC. Make sense? How crowded is this road around 5:30am?

I am also curious about the Powerbars/gels they offer on the course. We're addicted to the Snickers Marathon bars at our house, but I know they won't offer these. We'd like to start training now with whatever they're going to have there.

And have I heard it mentioned that Disney has allowed late-check out (as late as 3pm) for people the day of the marathon?

Thanks in advance to all you veterans who help us marathon newbies out!

Steve

Realistically--traveling the monorail is the most effecient way to get your spectators to where you want them to be.

Both races--run in the left double lanes on the way to the toll plaza (aka outbound traffic). the right lanes (aka inbound towards the toll plaza when driving) are open to traffic. Going in will be easy..coming out...well, not so easy, ESPECIALLY on half marathon day.

5:30am..a bit late to be drivign the roads. If it involves a car--you need to be on the road at 5am.

Before too long--traffic will get congested (hubby was stuck on a bus for 90 minutes).



I met soem marathoners last year that were given a late checkout. You will probably need to request it at check in and I do believe that they will be more lenient (i.e. not charge you).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

At the Expo, if you buy official race merchandise, can that be charged on the room card. I know anything from outside vendors can't be, but what about official stuff? (Boy could my credit limit be in trouble! )

Terri

I believe in the huge Disney booth--yes...but any other merchandise at expo, no as those are individual vendors.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know for a fact that it does not cost that much in the massage tent. The massage tent will do a general post race sports massage--and if you are having an issue..they will try to fix it for you within the 10 minutes they work on you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm really diggin' this post!! Thanks for starting it. Anyone know when the last bus leaves? We're staying @ BWV & were thinking of walking to the start of the 1/2 for a warm up....Too far? Thanks for any input.

Jodi

Too far-and impossible.

 

[welovedis]

I know for a fact that it does not cost that much in the massage tent. The massage tent will do a general post race sports massage--and if you are having an issue..they will try to fix it for you within the 10 minutes they work on you.

I quoted the cost of $80 for a 1 hour massage at the health club at BWV. I didn't particpate in a post-race massage at the marathon end.

 

[welovedis]

4) Pack bathroom tissue (is that the right translation!!). Nothing worse than queuing for 30 minutes to discover your bathroom just ran out!

Hey old PM buddy! GL w/ your run!

Just wanted to say that in 2004, even with both the 1/2 & full running at the same time, there was rarely a line-up for the potties, there were huge rows of them with maybe 1-2 people lined up at the most (this was before the corral area). Hopefully it would be the same (or better) this year!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I thought I would add for those doing character pics. The person assisting with the character and taking the pics can work from 2 lines on either side much more quickly than if all line up in one line. I learned that early on and it really does work. So, be sure to line on the left and right side of the person taking pics and things will go quite quickly and very smooth.

Meet after the race at the "W" for Wish family. Tell your sur-name family to meet you there too. (Cam, I'll do my best to be there. Wait for me too! )

Plan on sharing pics you take please.

Take pics of the mile markers. These are fun to have! I even got some nice folks to offer to take my pic for me while I was standing in front of a couple of them.

Bring a garbage bag. You can use it as "rain gear" in case you need it whilst waiting or it will make a good ground cover to sit and relax as you wait for the start. I though this tip particularly good for my January event.

If you bring "old throw-away" clothes, some people cut them up the sides then "closed" them with duct tape. It made tearing them off as the race begins easier. You don't want to have to remove shoes to get any of those sweats off.

Very Important! Do your best to relax and enjoy the event. It is spectacular. But, be mindful of your time so you finish. Unless you are racing for a PB, have lots of fun in many ways along the way. Chat up with runners/walkers/woggers.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I quoted the cost of $80 for a 1 hour massage at the health club at BWV. I didn't particpate in a post-race massage at the marathon end.

I'm sorry if I sounded like I was not being nice....

I read your second post and thought someone had told you that the post-race massages were priced the same. Just letting you know that they are very reasonably priced especially if you need something fixed right away.

I didn't have a post-race massage at Disney and did for another event. It was quite nice to have.