So does anyone have any experience in being swept at Disney? I keep going back and forth thinking that I paid to be there and that I really want to see what its like. I then think, well you did not train like you should have and why even go if you don't think you have a chance? My biggest problem is the pace. Every weekend for the past 2 weeks we have walked 8 miles each Saturday. At this point I am just trying to see if I can even walk 10 miles straight. Last weekend the goal was 10 but my hubby got paged on the 6th mile and we had to head home. Its getting easier but I am still disappointed in myself for not sticking with my training.
To tell you the truth just walking these kind of distances is kind of amazing to me. I really did not like walking much and being able to run even a bit is miraculous for me. Its really tough going but I keep trying. Maybe I wont make it to the end this time but hopefully that will spur me on for the next one. Already signed up for the 10k in January. Just have to get a Minnie Mouse medal
Jasmin
Jasmin
Coach here&.
Lets talk about your 8 mile walks. Did you complete them in a 16 mm pace or better? If not, was it close? Ideally, you are currently walking your long walks in a 15 minute pace or better, but all is not lost if you are slower.
Race day (err night) brings out a new level of energy that you simply do not have in training. You will magically speed up from the excitement around the start line and at every spot on course where you find entertainment. Your mission on race day is to not get too excited and try to hover at or below training pace (or 16 minute miles if slower)
If the fear today is the missing 2 miles forget about it. Two 8 mile training events is more than enough to get to the end of the race. Just stay on top of hydration and have fun. At mile 8 just take a deep and relaxing breath and walk. Smile as you pass the 8 mile mark and say I have this it is MINE!
Next Saturday, think about the relentless pursuit of forward momentum. Once you clear the start line, every step should focus on carrying you to the finish. If you are speed challenged, then push to the very front of your coral to maximize you time in front of the last runner to start. (the last runner starts the sweeper clock). Look at your watch at every mile marker and determine what your buffer is above your personal 16 minute pace. If you see that you have a 4-5 minute buffer at a character spot, stop for a photo op. If you find yourself with little or no buffer, then move forward.
Make sure to stay on top of your hydration and fuel. Do exactly what you did in training. No additional fluids on race night, but you need to remember to take some on board.
Once the gun fires, take a deep and cleansing breath. Hold you head high, shoulders back and step off. Practice good form through the race and smile. If you do find yourself under attack by the sweeper, double up on the effort and try to stay in front as long as you can. I guarantee that with a great attitude and the extra effort, you will be able to pace yourself away from the sweepers at least for a while. If you hang your head the first time you hear that you are near the back of the race and give up, then I can guarantee you a ride in the bus. Even if you get one or two extra miles in, it is better to fight for as long as you can. There is a point where you will go past where they sweep. For this race, it is around the point where you come in off of Osceola.
No worries today. Nerves are a huge part of road racing. We are ALL out there fighting those little inner demons; the ones that question training, feelings, ability, cause or strength. You can see it in everyones eyes. Most all folks in the corrals will go silent about the time the gun fires in their corral. Trust your training. Do not go out this weekend and cram for a 10 miler. Continue the relentless pursuit of forward momentum once you corral is released. Hold you head up and smile.
Hope this helps. Come out and start. There is a high chance you will stop only when you are in the shadows of the Tower of Terror.
. Life got in the way this year. I'm really sad to miss this race. But don't feel too bad for me for having to defer, because I'll definitely be there in January for the 10k and the half! 
) I plan to get some miles in this coming week, but more to keep me from feeling like I am slacking rather than for training. I expect I have done all I can in that regard. And... ready or not.... here I come!!! 
It wasn't as cool here as you guys got, but I was downright giddy when I left for work, nonetheless. 
