Mickeyd’s 2014 WDW Marathon training and PTR

[mickeyd78]

I’ve always been interested in doing a runDisney event one day. I am by no means a runner. I very occasionally get out for a short jog, usually when I am feeling particularly unhealthy. I usually make resolutions about getting fit, run for a few weeks and then fall off the bandwagon.

The idea:
About a month ago my wife suggested that I make a goal of running a runDisney event, hoping that it would inspire me to keep at it. It sounded like a great idea. It appealed to me because 1) I have always wanted to do a runDisney event, and 2) If I committed to a race I would have to stick to the training through fear of not being able to finish!

Now here is where things got a bit more complicated. I live in Australia, so doing a runDisney even is going to involve flying half way around the world. Given that I have to travel so far, I decided I really needed to aim to do the full WDW marathon – all 26.2 miles / 42kms to make it worthwhile. I ran 10kms once before, so I’m fairly confident I could do a half marathon 21km. To justify the time and expense of travelling from Melbourne to WDW, I decided to set a greater challenge – the full marathon.


Who to go with?:
Now my wife is not a runner either, and we are expecting our 2nd child in September, so she is not really in a position to travel or train for a marathon. I really didn’t want to travel so far alone, and I imagine I’m going to need some moral support to get me to the starting line in Orlando – so I needed a travel buddy, hopefully someone who could run with me.

Unfortunately, January is peak summer holiday airfare season to the USA from Australia –around $3000 per person just to LAX and back. That’s a lot of money to ask someone to spend to come and support my goal, and in fact more money than I could really justify spending on airfares as well. It looked like my goal of running the full marathon at WDW in 2014 was not going to happen

Then came two strokes of luck. I poked around the Qantas website and managed to find a couple of frequent flyer seats to the US for the dates I needed. Not the best routings mind you, Melbourne-Sydney-LAX on the way there and home via Dallas, DFW-Brisbane-Sydney- Melbourne. But in peak January school holidays, I was happy to find anything at all. (Although the flight home is going to be a doosy with so many stops. I’ll check the website daily to see if I can change to a direct flight)

I spoke with my Dad, who is retired and also has frequent flyer points, and asked him if he was interested in coming along. He is not a runner either, but enjoys WDW. I told him if he was going to come, he would have to commit to doing the 5K fun run, and that I would run with him – I’ll use it as a warm up for the marathon on the Sunday.

Dad agreed and I booked the flights. So now it’s official – we are going.


What have I done!!
The next day I started to get really nervous about that fact that I’m now officially planning to run 26.2miles / 42km. I felt a little sick in my stomach at the prospect when I went for my run the next day – but at the same time was super excited and motivated to get stuck into training. I managed to calm myself down after a few days, knowing that I have 10 months to prepare.


Training: Weeks 1-3
I’m now three weeks into training. I have been following the Galloway training plan from the runDisney website – three runs a week, 2 x 30 runs during the week and a longer run on Sat. In just three weeks I have been able to bring my average pace down from 7:10min/km (11:32min/mile) to 6:20min/km (10:12min/mile). At this stage most of my runs (run/walk intervals) are at about 5km (3.1miles)

Things are going well so far – although I am sure I will need to advice and encouragement from DISboards as I go.

I aim to keep you posted with my progress each week, partly to keep me accountable, and also to encourage and share the journey with anyone else who is planning to do their first marathon at WDW in 2014!

 

[Minniemum]

Wow! What a fantastic commitment to make. I'll be cheering you on from the DIS sidelines.

 

[ghtx]

Sounds like a great plan! I'll be running my first full too (though thankfully I won't have to travel half-way around the globe to do so!).

 

[zanzibar138]

Glad that you found flights and a travel buddy - although that trip back will be tough!

I'm here to cheer you on I admire your commitment going for the full straight out of the box Will be reading about your progress with great enthusiasm!

 

[RnbwSktles]

I'm with you! 2014 will by first RunDisney event/first Marathon. Actually, as of today I have not run anything over a 5k

I have no idea what I am thinking!

Actually, I do. I am thinking that I am 29 years old, married but with no children yet, and this is the best (and possibly only time in my life) where I can make this work. My friend had been considering doing the DL 1/2 so it got me thinking and I started researching the races. I read some TRs from DISers who did the marathon this year and it looked like such an incredible experience. I couldn't pass it up! I convinced my friend she could do the full as well

I plan to start the Galloway program in July. For now I am doing C25k. In warmer months, I typically run/walk for 45 minutes, 3-4 days a week. I think this is about 3.5 miles, but with hills so it's a bit tougher. Despite, a pretty consistent running schedule, I just never seem to get any better. I am hoping C25k will help improve my endurance.

Right now I have a Tough Mudder 5k scheduled in July and a 1/2 scheduled in Nov. I might try to find a 10k somewhere in between as well.

I will not be running for time, just to finish. And most importantly, I want to have fun!

 

[mickeyd78]

RnbwSktles,

That sounds like a great plan. I'm not running for a time either - my plan is just to finish. If I do a decent time, that's great - but not my aim. Best of luck with the training. Hopefully you'll start to feel that you are improving with the C25k and tough mudder etc.

I'd love to to the Coast to Coast - I'd probably have to do the Tink the weekend after the full WDW marathon on my way back to Australia - but I think it might be a bit too much for my first go.

 

[mickeyd78]

Training – Week 4
I’m still really stoked to be training for the marathon, which has helped getting up at 5:30am for training runs. Last week I found that I was developing some chafing on my upper thighs. After doing a bit of research online, I decided that some compression shorts might be helpful. I don’t know that I can be bothered applying body glide for every training session – particularly so early in the morning. Turns out Rebel Sport had compression shorts 30% off last weekend, so I picked up a pair of Body Armor shorts – and they did the trick. Feels so much more comfortable running in them. Not sure that the ‘compression’ aspect will make any difference to my muscles etc, but it has eliminated chafing!

This week I ran:

• Tues – 5k (Ave pace 6:43/km)
• Thurs – 5k (Ave pace 6:23/km)
• Sat – 9k (Ave pace 6:36/km)

So I feel I am improving.

Trip planning
So this week rumours leaked – later confirmed by runDisney - that a new 10k will be added for 2014 marathon weekend as well as a ‘Dopey’ medal for doing the 5K, 10K, ½ and full. I have no intentions of doing the Dopey – or the Goofy. However, this news did impact our plans because the 5k has moved to the Thursday. We had planned to arrive on Wednesday evening, pick up our race packets and do the Expo on Thursday and race the 5k on Friday. Not sure if we will have time to get our race packets if we arrive Wednesday night and run Thursday morning.

The 5k was the reason for my Dad to come along. I asked if he would do the 10k instead (he probably could), but he was not super keen. He has found while training for the 5k that jogging can aggravate his back. The last thing I want him to do is injure himself.

Anyway – to cut a long story short – due to the super efforts (and understanding) of my brilliant wife – we were lucky enough to be able to change our frequent flyer flights to the USA to a day earlier, which means we will be able to arrive in time to do the 5k and be properly rested (and still do the 10k if we choose to - still working on Dad for that one!) As an added bonus, we were able to get direct Melbourne – LAX flights, which will make the journey easier.

That’s about it for this week, except to say that I love my wife so much. She has been so supportive of this endeavour – even though she will be left at home with two small kids while I am away running. I couldn't do it without her. 

 

[zanzibar138]

Glad to hear you're going well with your training I use compression wear as well and have found that it does offer extra support to my muscles. Great work getting it for 30% off too!

I had heard the rumours about the 10k and wondered how it was going to work time-wise. Glad to hear you've managed to get your flights changed - phew! Also glad to see Disney putting on more 10k runs! Obviously they realised with the Disneyland one when it sold out in about 2 hours that it was going to be a popular distance!

 

[mickeyd78]

Training - Week 5
Ran a total of 20k this week (not all at once)!!

• Tues – 5k
• Thurs – 5k
• Sat – 10k

Hit my first weather related ‘speed bump’ this week. Thursday morning was pouring with rain – in fact it had been raining most of the night. I decided I didn’t really want to go out and run in the wet if I didn’t have to as I’d only end up injuring myself. So I took my running gear to work and ran around the Fitzroy gardens during my lunch break (fortunately my workplace has a shower!)

Hit two significant milestones this week. The first - my run around the Fitzroy gardens ended up being my fastest 5k to date. Not sure if it was because it was later in the day, it was light outside or because there were other ‘more serious’ looking runners training in the park making me go a bit faster. It could also be that my training is paying off. Whatever the reason, I was stoked to run my first sub 30min 5K (time 29:33).

The second milestone came today, when I ran 10k for the first time in my training (I ran 10k once before years ago and it nearly killed me). Felt pretty strong today, but was ready to finish by the end. My legs were starting to get bit tired. Really pleased that I maintained the same pace for the 10K that I had for the 9k run I did last week. I think for runs longer than 10k I’m going to have to start thinking about fuelling. Picked up some Gu Chomps this afternoon, so I’ll try them on my next 10K+ long run.

I’m quite amazed at what I have been able to achieve in the past 5 weeks of training. I’m an NOT a runner and certainly not athletic. This is all a big experiment. If you are reading this and even vaguely think you might be interested in doing a runDisney race, I say give it ago – you might surprise yourself!

I’m now toying with the idea of doing the Dopey (crazy I know!!). I’ll be doing the 5k with my Dad (probably more of a shuffle), and I can do the 10K pretty comfortably now. Still trying to talk Dad into doing the 10k– we’ll see. I plan to do the full marathon – so it occurred to me I only (only!!) need to do one more race to complete both the Goofy and Dopey challenges.

Look, I have no idea if it’s even possible to complete such a thing. Maybe I’m crazy to even think it given I have never even run a half or full marathon before. But my training is going well so far and I am enjoying the running. I’m sure the Dopey is going to sell out – so I might just sign up and see how I go. I can always ‘drop’ the half if I don’t think I can go the distance by January.

Trip planning.
Think I have settled on Port Orleans Riverside for our accommodation. I found the resort really relaxing on our visit there in 2012. In the past I have been a big fan of the Value resorts (All Star Movies and Pop), but they can be a bit of a zoo, and I think the peacefulness of Riverside will help with race focus and recovery, particularly if I do eventually end up doing the Dopey.

Normally we do the Dining Plan, but for the marathon prep, I don’t think it would be a great idea both in terms of pre-race diet and the time and effort required to get around to my favourite Disney restaurants. I’m going to need early nights. At the moment my idea is to split the stay into two parts. Marathon week – no park tickets or dining plan. Post Marathon week – park tickets and dining!!! I think this will help me focus on the race, stay off my feet and watch the diet. I may change my mind – but these are my thoughts at the moment.

That’s about it for this week!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Congrats on your two milestones

I would really love to consider doing back to back races, like the Dumbo challenge, or a C2C, but I don't think my legs will ever get good enough. Still, I'm not even 30 yet, so plenty of time to get there! I think if you feel good with your running, and not having any injury woes, why not make the most of the trip! Going all that way, you may as well come home with 5 medals

I love the look of POR and it would definitely be my first choice for accommodation at WDW. I think you're right about the relaxing atmosphere, and there's a nice looking jogging track along the river too which could be good for your last couple of training runs. I've heard good things about POFQ too.

I think your plan of attack for the trip sounds pretty sensible. You don't want to spend too much time on your feet or risk eating badly the week before the big race (especially if you attempt Dopey!). Afterwards is definitely the time to spend all day in the parks and hit all your favourite restaurants

 

[mickeyd78]

I think your plan of attack for the trip sounds pretty sensible. You don't want to spend too much time on your feet or risk eating badly the week before the big race (especially if you attempt Dopey!). Afterwards is definitely the time to spend all day in the parks and hit all your favourite restaurants

Thanks zanzibar. I think visiting the parks and restaurants are going to be part of my 'reward'

 

[mickeyd78]

Week 6
When I started keeping record of my journey to the WDW Marathon I didnt think Id have much to report but lots has happened this week. Most significantly I officially signed up for the Dopey Challenge this!! Ive put my money down and have my spot reserved for four races!!. I still dont know if I will be able to do them all it may all be too much for someone who has never done a race before, but well see. I have at least one half and full marathon lined up between now and January, so that should help me know if it is even possible or if I should drop one of the races.

I also officially joined the WDW Running Team this week so that is super exciting.

Training:
Still did my three runs this week . The two weekday 5k runs were interesting. Mrs Mickeyd travelled to Singapore for work this week, so I was a single Dad and unable to do my usual morning runs. I managed to squeeze in my Tuesday run during my lunch hour at work. Another good run around the Firzroy gardens it really is a nice place to run.

My second 5k run was on Thursday night after dinner. My Mum came to babysit for a bit. Another great run, I felt really strong and did a PR for the circuit around my house (lots of hills). However running after dinner and on a full stomach was a bit weird and there were a few times I thought I was going to see my dinner again.

This morning I completed my weekend long run 11.5km. I was excited for this run for a number of reasons.
1. It is most definitely my longest distance ever.
2. I decided to test out the GU Chomps I bought last weekend after my energy levels dropped on me.
3. This week my iFitness running belt arrived so I had something to pop my GU Chomps in.

I have to admit I felt pretty crummy doing the 11.5k. It was 26C (79F) out, so I was trying to take it easy and took water with me. I think it may also have been partly psychological as I was breaking through the 10k barrier for the first time. The second half of the run was a hard slog. But to my surprise&.

I ran my fastest 10K as well as maintaining the same pace for the 11.5km that I ran last week for the 10k. Given the heat conditions, I figure that is an improvement.
I should also comment on the Gu and the iFitness belt.

I had the Strawberry Gu Chomps and they were really yummy and easy to chew. I felt they did give me a boost and my legs felt better than the week before. I think they helped, particularly given the warm conditions and amount I was sweating.

I have the iFitness double pouch. It was fantasitic. It didnt bounce and to be honest I forgot that I was wearing it for most of the run (except when I was reaching for the Chomps then I was grateful it was there!). Im really impressed with it and would recommend to others. It will be great to use it to carry a smaller camera when I run the Disney races.

Trip Planning
So as mentioned, the most significant trip planning this week was signing up for the Dopey. I also signed Dad up for the 5k and 10k. Its exciting and kind of a relief to have the registration all organised. Im sure some of these races are going to sell out pretty quick. It looks like the 10K will fill fast.

So now the race is organised, Im on to thinking about accommodation. Still leaning towards Port Orleans Riverside, and I emailed off to my Disney Travel Agent this week to get some prices.

Thats it for this week. Onward and upwards

 

[zanzibar138]

Congrats on registering

Sounds like you're going so well with your training. And I'm the same when I run after a meal I can't even have breakfast before I run. When I was walking long distances over 10km I took some of the energy lollies and found they really helped, especially as I can get problems with low blood pressure.

 

[Minniemum]

Congrats on making it official!

I can't believe you've done 10km and 11.5km back-to-back weekend runs. Pretty impressive considering in your first post you said that you'd only run 10km once before. Woohoo! Would also like to know how your dad is going with the challenge???

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW! I can't believe I missed the start of this PTR.

What an awesome aim and what an awesome family you have. Looking forward to being here for the training and countdown!

 

[mickeyd78]

Congrats on making it official!

I can't believe you've done 10km and 11.5km back-to-back weekend runs. Pretty impressive considering in your first post you said that you'd only run 10km once before. Woohoo! Would also like to know how your dad is going with the challenge???

Dad is doing really well actually. He has been out walking most days - I had to tell him to ease up a bit so he doesn't over do it. Dad has had back issues for many years, so it is unlikely that he will be able to jog much if at all. But he has been walking under the 16/mile (10min/k) pace for the 5k. Just in the last week he managed to powerwalk 10k under the pace limit too. Given that we are stil 9 months out, he'll have no trouble completing both, all be it walking.

I have heard that because of the number of people, it's pretty hard, if not impossible, to run the 5k. The slow pace actually suits me, as I will want to save my legs for the half and full marathons.

 

[zanzibar138]

Dad is doing really well actually. He has been out walking most days - I had to tell him to ease up a bit so he doesn't over do it. Dad has had back issues for many years, so it is unlikely that he will be able to jog much if at all. But he has been walking under the 16/mile (10min/k) pace for the 5k. Just in the last week he managed to powerwalk 10k under the pace limit too. Given that we are stil 9 months out, he'll have no trouble completing both, all be it walking.

I have heard that because of the number of people, it's pretty hard, if not impossible, to run the 5k. The slow pace actually suits me, as I will want to save my legs for the half and full marathons.

Great to hear your Dad's going well with his training too!

 

[Minniemum]

Way to go Mickeyd's dad! It's great to hear that both of you are well and truly on schedule.

 

[mickeyd78]

Training – Week 7

My first speed bump.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel this week after my great 11.5km run last Saturday. I was surprised when I felt really good on my Tuesday morning run. By about half way through I realised that I was doing so well that I could probably do a 5km PB. I pushed myself and ended up doing a PB. I was very proud of myself. 5km in 29:16min. My legs felt good – but about an hour after the run my knees became sore. They were sore the next day too. I wasn’t ready to call it an injury, but it was certainly sore.

This week was supposed to be a recovery week, and I think I pushed myself too far after my long Saturday run. By Thursday my knees were feeling a lot better, but my left knee was still a little tender. I decided to still do my Thursday training, but made sure it was a slow and easy affair. I was really careful not to land heavily and took special care on the hills. I ended up doing a decent 34:21 for the 5km.

My left knee remained tender on Thursday and Friday, but was showing signs that it was improving slowly. So today (Saturday) I decided to take things really easy and walk my 5km Sat run. I just got back and my knee is feeling pretty good. Also on the positive side, I was able to walk a bit faster than the 10min/km (16min/mile) pace limit. The next two days are rest days before my Tuesday run, so I am hoping that it will continue to improve so I can get back to running.

Me looking pleased with myself.

The lesson of the week: stick to the training plan and take things easy. There are still 40 weeks until the marathon – plenty of time to build endurance and distance. No need to rush things. The biggest threat to my ability to complete this challenge is injury. So I need to be a bit smarter. This week really opened my eyes to the importance of avoiding injury. Hopefully this is just a minor setback and I’ll be back to normal soon.

It also reminded me that I still haven’t been properly fitted for running shoes – so the plan is to head out to a specialist running shoe store tomorrow.

Trip Planning
Not much to report here, except to say that it wasn’t until after I registered for the Dopey Challenge that I found the Disney shirt sizing chart on the runDisney website. Looking at the chart the sizes seem to run a bit big, so I was able to email runDisney and they changed the size on my registration. Much easier than trying to swap sizes at the expo.

That’s all for this week. Hopefully by the next update I will have proper shoes and good knees!

 

[PrincessInOz]

way to go for running 5km.