Newbie alert! Debating the '08 Mickey...should I?

[Moonie]

Hi everyone! I just signed up for the ToT13K this week, and found your fantastic forum after doing a bit of googling. You all sound like such a fun group! How do I join to be considered one of 'the band'?

I guess I want to tell you a little about my story first. I'm Moon, 24 years old, 5'5" tall and on Jan 1 of this year (2007) I weighed in at 261 lbs. I have been overweight all my life, and after high school I wasn't really active at all, and ate a lot of things that were bad for me, which led my weight to go up through college and after. For my new year's resolution, I decided to turn things around.

As of today (7 months later) I have lost over 80 lbs, am eating right, exercising 5-6 days per week and feeling grrrrreat! As a sort of reward/challenge for myself, I decided to go for the 13K race. Now, however, I'm debating doing the Mickey too I grew up in Florida, kind of grew up in Disney itself , and the Disney marathon was always one of those things that I thought was SO NEAT but was something that would be forever out of reach for me. Now, though...well, who knows?

I haven't registered for it yet, since I'm pretty poor (still in my first post-college job, which has SUCH good pay ), and I don't know yet whether I believe I can make that big of a commitment! I never, *ever* dreamed that I would be someone who could possibly do a marathon, and as much as I've progressed in the past year, the distance (and those sweepers! ) is awfully daunting.

So, I guess I wanted to ask for some advice from y'all. Currently the longest distance I can 'run' (~5 mi/hr pace...I'm slow) is 7-8 miles, and I only do that once or twice a week. Do you think there is enough time between now and the Mickey to get trained to cover such a long distance? Just how intensely do you have to train in order to get prepared?

Would you say that it is necessary to train with a group of people to get marathon-ready, or that it is possible to do by yourself? (there are some running clubs/training groups in my town, but they are sort of expensive)

Also, I'm terrified of getting swept if my pace slows down or I have to take a bathroom break or something...how many people get swept every year? I would be so sad and embarrassed

Oh, and also! My family lives in Florida about 90 minutes from Disney. Would you say it is feasible to stay with them and still be able to get to the race on time, visit the expo etc., or is it really ideal to find an Orlando-area hotel? (like I said, I'm poor, so I don't think I can afford a Disney hotel :/ )

Any/all tips from those of you who've done this great event would be greatly appreciated...

<3
moon

P.S. How do you make one of those neat siggies like you all have?

 

[scoolover]

First of all you can do it. December of 05 I weighed 375. I had weight loss surgery and lost 140 lbs. I ran the Disney Marathon 13 months later.

I have trained alone since I started running. Sometimes it is great and other times, I wish that I had a partner.

A few of the training programs that I have seen say that if you 4-6 months and start with a base of 3 miles, you can complete a marathon.

This was the book that I used:
http://www.amazon.com/Non-Runners-Marathon-Trainer-David-Whitsett/dp/1570281823

It is called the non runner's marathon trainer. The long runs are 18 miles which may seem like a lot but you get there gradually.



My opinion, if you are fairly driven and this is something you really want to do, go for it.

You can check out my marathon report at:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681

Good luck
Scott

 

[skfulkers]

Moon,

Welcome to the group! You don’t have to do anything crazy to join. Just show up here and you’re in! (we’re still working on our really cool exclusive club hand shake ).

First of all, congrats on the weight loss and life change that has allowed you to become so much healthier! I know everyone on here can appreciate the hard work and dedication you must have already gone through.

Second, heck yeah, you can do the marathon. If you’re already up to 7-8 miles for a long run (commonly referred to on these boards as a LR), you’re at a great starting point. On top of that, if you’re currently exercising 5-6 times per week, your body is already used to some of the stress you would put on it during a marathon training program.

Most beginner marathon plans are 16-18 weeks in length. For Disney in January, an 18 week plan would start the week of September 9. That gives you over a month to keep up your running and prepare for week 1 of training. Most beginner plans start with a weekly mileage between 12-16 miles for Week 1, with a long run that week of around 4-6 miles. So your week would have runs like: 3, 3, 3, 6 (15 miles total). Then, each week after that, you slowly build your long runs to longer distances, eventually topping out between 18-20 miles for your last long run 3 weeks before the marathon. The mid-week runs get longer, too, but not quite as quickly.

Having said all of that, let me offer a few words of caution as well. Starting out too quickly to train for a marathon can most certainly lead to injury. Most expert running coaches recommend having 6 months to a year of running under your belt before attempting your first marathon. Basically, this is so your body can physically adapt and build the muscle required to take the miles and hours of pounding you’ll put on it. I didn’t realize why this was so important when I started running, and I actually ended up with some decent running injuries within the first few months of marathon training. In spite of that, I did end up making it to the starting line at Disney in 06 and I’ve been hooked ever since.

My advice would be to go find a book for beginner marathon training. You can find tons of them on-line, or head to your bookstore where you’ll find TONS of info for first-timers. John Bingham has some great books that many in this group absolutely love.

If you’re really considering doing this, you’ve come to the right place. You won’t find a more supportive, uplifting, fun-loving group than this. And if you do make the commitment (the registration is at 85% full, by the way), hold on tight. You’re in for the adventure of your life. You won’t find too many things more rewarding in life than crossing that finish line.

Good luck, and welcome!

Steve

 

[Hockeychic]

Moon Welcome!!!!!!

Well by just posting here you are on the "TEAM"!!!!!

Check in at the weekly threads, introduce yourself and report your training. There are all awesome people there, full of support and information.

Congrats on the weightloss that is amazing!!!!!

Unfortunatley, since I am just training for my first 1/2 marathon I am no expert. But I would think you have enough time to train, please someone correct me if I am wrong. The pace is a 16 min mile from when you cross the start line and I believe the full is a 7 hour time limit.

I look forward to meeting you at teh ToT weekend

Kim

 

[Moonie]

Scott- wow, your story is so inspiring! I loved all the pics you took along the way, too. You run quite a bit faster than me, though, so I'm still kind of scared of those danged sweepers...maybe the book you recommended will help me get faster though!

Steve- thanks for all the encouragement and tips! I, too, have read that 'ideally' one should have a year of running under one's belt before thinking of taking on a marathon, which is also part of why I'm hesitant about going for it this year, since I've only been exercising for about 5-6 months. That 15th anniversary medal sure is tempting, though! Thanks for the heads-up about the registration percentage, I know I don't have very long left to decide...eek!

Kim- Thanks for the warm welcome! I'd sign up for the 1/2 marathon if I could (since that seems a slightly more attainable goal) but they're all full now I look forward to meeting you at ToT too!

~moon

 

[hoosmi]

Sure you can do it! (But I've signed up for Goofy having never run more than 9 miles so I may not be the most level-headed help)

Definitely get a training plan- you can find them in books or on-line. I use them as a rough guide, although I try to do whatever mileage is recommended for the weekend. If you're doing 7-8 miles twice a week, you may want to rework your plan. Maybe shorten one of those runs to 3-4 and add another day. Again, I'm not an expert, but I do know how easy it is to get so excited that you can run that you hurt yourself.

I don't train with anyone in real life. All of my friends think I am stark raving mad for running at all, much less far! Having said that, we all train together on this board. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've doubted myself but felt better after a quick visit to the WISH boards. I don't usually bother telling my family or friends how far I've run in a workout or how fast- they really don't understand. WISHers, on the other hand, totally get it. It's a funny group- someone's slow mile may be someone else's dream mile, but everyone respects each other's time/distance- I guess because we all understand the effort put into our goals.

Speaking of goals, congrats on the weight loss!

Last rambling thought- I haven't done the marathon, but I did do the Minnie Marathon. We met in the lobby of our hotel at 4 A.M. to drive to the parking lot and catch a bus. That was PAINFUL. I imagine it's even more hectic getting to the marathon since there are so many more people. I'd stay near Disney at least the night before. Also, we left right after the Minnie Marathon- if I could do anything differently, I'd stick around longer to bask in the glow!

Jen in GA

 

[Moonie]

Thanks, Jen in GA!

I guess I didn't explain very well in my original post - the longest run I've been able to do is 7-8 (the 8 was only my first this morning, lol...usually my LRs are 6, 6.5) but I do between 3-5 miles, 2 or 3 days per week in addition to the long run. So I'm not just trying to be a weekend warrior or anything with a big crazy thing on just one day

I definitely will have to get a training book, I guess...now the questions is, which one?? There are sooo many choices

Thanks for the advice about the hotel, too. Maaaybe I will be able to squeeze out one night at a Disney value hotel so that they can bus me straight to the race? (I guess I could put it on my Xmas list this year)

Anyway, thanks for the warm welcome! The more I see of the people on this board, the more I like!

~moon

 

[Hockeychic]

Kim- Thanks for the warm welcome! I'd sign up for the 1/2 marathon if I could (since that seems a slightly more attainable goal) but they're all full now I look forward to meeting you at ToT too!

~moon

Moon, I think if you book through Anthony Travel you can still get into the 1/2??? I read on here awhile ago that there was still openning through them. Worth a try. I am doing the 1/2 as well.

Kim

 

[solotraveler]

Moon--

First of all, and congrats on signing up for the Full!! (I read your post on the training club thread..)

It sounds like you have a great training base to start from as well.

As to training books, I (and a lot of others on this board) recommend John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals," which is available from Amazon and most book stores. Easy to follow plans for all training levels with inspiring stories. And they work! (Got me to the finish line, anyhow....)

As to hotels, I would highly recommend trying to find something on property for the race weekend. The transportation to the start and expo make it more than worth it. The line of cars trying to get into Epcot on race morning looks not unlike New Years Eve, so the buses are a better choice. Marathon Weekend usually means near full capacity for the hotels, so if you were thinking about going that route, try to book ASAP.

Welcome Aboard!
Kevin

 

[Moonie]

Thanks for the tip, Kim! I decided to go ahead and try for the full, though...guess I'm just a crazy girl! (not quite Goofy yet, though )

And thank you for the welcome, Kevin! I'm feeling a little overwhelmed this morning, but the encouragement from everyone is great! 2 things about the travel...1) Is there any special deals/discounts for marathoners? and 2) I looked at the Disney site to check out prices for the different resorts, and it told me that 2008 dates weren't available yet...can you only book a room if you call?

~moon

 

[Hockeychic]

Moon: Sorry I can't answer the first part of your question but for the 2nd part, yes you can still book now they just can't confirm a rate yet. I booked quite a few months ago.

Kim

 

[jeanneg]

Welcome, Moon!!!!!

I'll be doing my first marathon in January '08 also! The support from this group is amazing!

I just ordered a used copy of "Marathoning for Mortals" from Amazon. com. for under $4 (under $8 with shipping) I've heard alot of good things about it and decided to take the plunge.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Moon, Welcome to WISH!

No doubt about it, you CAN do this. You do have a good amount built up already and if you find a program that you can stick with you will make it over that finish line.

I too recommend Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham. I find that a very approachable/doable plan.

Please consider joining our weekly walker/runner thread and get ready to have the time of your life! The group will be with you through it all. We support each other and it is a fantastic journey.

I am excited that you are going to do this and can't wait to get to hear more of your training.

I would recommend staying overnight at one of the resorts if you can. Others do drive in, but it is a long drive you will have and you need to be up and there early, parking and traffic get incredibly congested so early driving means oh so much less sleep.

You definitely can do this. Please join us on the walker/runner thread.

 

[Moonie]

Thanks jeanneg and Lily! As the day has progressed, I have gotten more and more pumped about this thing! My coworkers were all super-supportive when I told them I was planning to do it, and that's helped a lot too. Aaaand I just picked up my own copy of Marathoning for Mortals tonight - can't wait to dive into it! (never woulda thunk I'd be eager to read a book about marathonning, of all things!) Picked up a yoga mat, too, since I definitely need to work some more on stretching/strength building etc...yoga/Pilates are supposed to be good for that, right? It'll be something new and interesting, anyway!

The more I have thought about it, the more I am pretty convinced that I will need to stay at least Saturday night at one of the resorts. Although, then I start thinking maybe I should plan on Sunday night too, since the after-party at PI is supposed to go until 2am?? Lol, I'm very good at coming up with reasons *to* stay in one of the park resorts, but I'm not sure how many of them hold water against the budgetary argument We will see!

 

[jeanneg]

Moon: if you'd like to stay on property, check out the All Star resorts. They are fairly reasonable and will offer transportation to the events and expo. I also think that the Swan and Dolphin offer huge discounts for teachers, gov't workers and ex-military personnel. You may be able to take along a family member who has a valid ID and qualify for one of those discounts. Another option is that you may encounter a fellow runner on these boards who is traveling alone would be willing to split the cost of a room. If you can swing it, I think staying on-site is the best way to go.