Newbie Runner/Walker with 2008 Question...

[eeyore45]

I have been lurking, and dreaming, and wishing about trying the Half Marathon Jan '08...

I have no problems knowing I can complete the 5K today, Power Walking... but to truly set a goal, I think the Half is attainable, and would give me something tangible to achieve!!

My question is from the FAQ thread I went to the "Registration" page - but I am still confused. I understand the "Goofy" race is completely full/closed... Is that if you wanted to do the Half on Sat and the Full Marathon on Sunday? And are there spots thru the list provided on the FAQ (ie Lukemia Society et el?)

Is there a way to tell how full the Half marathon or Full Marathon is?

I appreciated reading all the tips in the FAQ thread..

Is there any of you that posted a Trip Report on your first Half Marathon experiences?

What is the realistic expectations of Park Touring within that weekend? (ie how many days of a ticket should be purchased? Light touring for me would be on the agenda... but how many days?)

Would anyone stopping in please add questions and tips and suggestions, and their experiences?

I get nervous just thinking of doing this, but I really feel excited about the possibilities!! I am not a runner... quite the opposite!! I get shin splints, and have that plantar fascia ankle bone spur thingy... My dh is a runner - has run marathons, and half marathons... and is completely and totally supportive...

TIA
Sandy

 

[Hockeychic]

Hi Sandy and welcome. Stop by the weekly thread, there is some awesome people there and newbies like us.

I have never done the event but I might be able to answer 1 of your questions. Yes the Goofy is for those amazing people what can do the 1/2 on Sat and full on Sunday. I believe the Donald and Mickey aren't close to being full but I am sure someone else here can answer that better.

I am not a runner......yet DH and I are just starting out so please come join us, there are lots here that just started last year and did amazing in the 07 Marathon weekend.

Come join us.

Kim

 

[Kristi1357]

Is there a way to tell how full the Half marathon or Full Marathon is?

What is the realistic expectations of Park Touring within that weekend? (ie how many days of a ticket should be purchased? Light touring for me would be on the agenda... but how many days?)

I get nervous just thinking of doing this, but I really feel excited about the possibilities!! I am not a runner... quite the opposite!! I get shin splints, and have that plantar fascia ankle bone spur thingy... My dh is a runner - has run marathons, and half marathons... and is completely and totally supportive...

Let's see...if memory serves, there will be a warning of sorts when the Half & Full start filling up. They put this on the official info page for each race. And if you hang around here, someone will get the word out as soon as it's on Disney's website.

Chad has been doing the WDW race since 2002 and we make that a week long vacation. So, as for park touring, we do the whole hog! It's really up to you.

There are many of us who walk, or run/walk the races (as well as runners, of course). Please come join the weekly training thread!

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

Welcome!!

I ran/walked my first 1/2 marathon at the world last year. This year I walked my first marathon at the world. So, yes, walking a 1/2 marathon is very doable. There are many websites that have training programs for runners that work well for walkers.

coolrunning.com; and runnersworld.com are 2 websites that have training programs. Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway also have websites with training programs. John "the Penguin" Bingham has a wonderful book Marathons for Mortals that will help you throughout your training.

Erica

 

[escape]

Hi Sandy!

I just did my first half (first event ever) at WDW last month. I started exercising last August and started training for the half last Oct. I followed John Binghams Walk/Run plan in Marathoning for Mortals book.

I'm not much of a runner at this point. At the half, I ended up walking 3 min, running 1 min for nine miles and then mostly walking after that. I was hoping to W3/R2 but it just didn't work out that way.

As for park touring, this is what I did:

Arrived at WDW Thurs night. Went to Downtown Disney.
Friday - Hit the Expo. Was there several hours. Ate the spaghetti dinner at the All Store SPorts Cafe - across from the Expo. Went back to hotel - met with other WISH runners, set up for next day's race, watched TV. Went to bed at 10pm.
Saturday - the half. Ended up with 4 blood blisters. Never had that problem with my training. Other than that, after an ice bath, I was fine...very little soreness. Did Downtown Disney again....hobbling.
Sunday - Cheered for friends and fellow WISHers running the marathon. 2pm - went to Animal Kingdom, dinner at Bomas.
Monday - Toured MK from opening to closing.
Tuesday - Toured Epcot from opening to closing.
Wednesday - came home.

I did very little before the race. I was afraid of zapping my energy. After the race - no problem.

Good luck with your training. If you can do a 5K now, you can certainly do a half in January.

See you next year!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

LLS does not promote its athletes to do the Goofy--so there will be no spots for teammates going that route.

However--once the regular events are full...you can do EITHER event through a charity as long as they have slots available (which they typically do).

The full and the half will post updates on capacity as warranted, and since we haven't seen anything yet--they are most definitely not even half full right now. (how's that for a pun?)

The charities listed on the FAQ are from 2 years ago--so if any new charities are on board, I don't have them up yet.

Typically they have you sign up over the summer...and depending on their contracted deadlines with Disney--determines how long you have to make a decision.

LLS athletes must "recommit" in about October....so you have until then to train, assess your fundraising and make your decision on whether or not you will continue.

In my experience of the past couple of years---if you are doing this as a "vacation"--I would reserve the first portion of your "vacation" as business...and save the park touring for after. Only b/c your body could actually use the recovery walking...and sometimes athletes who tour before...do a little too much prior to their events over the weekend. And it isn't something you replicated prior in your training...so it will definitely throw you off and make you weaker for race day.

 

[eeyore45]

Thank you all so much for your input, and insight!!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

You have plenty of time to build up for the 1/2. It is well supported and you just need to remember the 16 min pace you must keep. I believe that after mile 10 you don't have to worry about it. Long days are the key to build endurance and get you ready for being on your feet for that many miles.

I have a bunch or reports on my website(some newbies and other from experienced runners and walkers). You can learn from all types of walkers and runners.

BTW, I have walked the Goofy the last 2 years #3 is on its way