Official 2013 Tower of Terror 10 Miler

[PrincessV]

How did you find out what corral placement you were?

I'm talking about last year - when waivers came out, maybe 3 weeks to a month before the race, they gave our bib numbers. Shortly after, runDisney posted a chart of the corrals, showing which bib numbers were in which corrals. I dug up last year's chart:

This running thing is expensive!

Per runDisney: "If proof of time is not provided, you will be placed in the last start corral."

That's not always how it was, though.

Exactly. Up until TOT 2013, I've never had proof of time to submit - for both TOT 2012 and Princess 2013 I was placed in C.

Now, they say they'll start placing no-proof people in the last corral going forward. We'll see... for Princess, that would be one GIGANTIC corral! They may well put anyone without proof behind those who do, but they'll have to spread it over more than one corral. For TOT, who knows? I expect they've upped the cap and may increase the number of corrals, so they may have the same situation: enough people with no proof that they need more than one "last" corral. Which effectively means that you could have no proof of time and still be a corral or two ahead of the sweepers, KWIM?

 

[rigsfhdgnv]

I was thinking about doing that costume also. I've looked everywhere for those socks! Will you let me know if you find them? Please and thank you. Otherwise I think I'll have to find a different villain.

FYI - I did some serious searching last night and found some great options for socks. Links:

http://www.q-sport.com/podottuso.html

http://www.sportwide.com/ItemMatrix.asp?Cc=spw_vb_socks&GroupCode=7935&MatrixType=1

http://www.absolutesportsocks.com/rl-2808white.html

Hope that helps! I know I'll definitely be choosing one of those!

 

[Weluvdisny]

FYI - I went to Walmart tonight and they had sports beans and Clif blocks back in the sporting goods dept. on clearance. I picked up what I could because I needed some for my first triathlon tomorrow morning. I'll try the blocks on a run this week and see if I want to go pick up some more. Hope this helps someone!

 

[bumbershoot]

Following the Galloway "finish in the upright position" training plan, I had my first "magic mile" yesterday. I surprised myself! I mean, it was on a treadmill, as usual (the issue of where to leave the kiddo during longer runs remains, well, an issue, so it's still treadmills on an incline and making sure to USE my hamstrings while running), but still, it felt really good.

But since I run to get more WW "activity points" which I then eat, I couldn't leave it at just a mile. So I took a little break then did some more, and that some more was at a faster pace than I normally do. Felt great!

 

[kramerzoo]

I'm alittle confused on the MM from the Galloway program. Are you suppose to run the entire mile? Or continue with the run walk intervals??

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Hi again, all! I was wondering if any of you have run a longer Disney race toward the end of a long-ish Disney trip?

We had our trip scheduled for 9/26-10/8 before we even realized ToT fell during this period. So that means I'll be running the 10-miler (MY FIRST) after 8 days of touring WDW. Not ideal, probably... Some questions...

1) Any advice for what to expect in this scenario?

2) How should I expect to alter my training program given all the walking we do on a Disney trip? Maybe further shorten some of the runs in that last week??

 

[swimfly]

Following the Galloway "finish in the upright position" training plan, I had my first "magic mile" yesterday. I surprised myself! I mean, it was on a treadmill, as usual (the issue of where to leave the kiddo during longer runs remains, well, an issue, so it's still treadmills on an incline and making sure to USE my hamstrings while running), but still, it felt really good.

Woohoo! I'm glad you had such an awesome training run. Be sure to get a MM off the treadmill. Treadmills are know for not being calibrated properly. Additionally, treadmills assist your momentum with the belt. Keep running!

I'm alittle confused on the MM from the Galloway program. Are you suppose to run the entire mile? Or continue with the run walk intervals??

Either. It's whatever you need to do to complete your mile. We just wrapped up our MM trials for our local group amd we had loads of different approaches. The most important thing is flat, known distance.

Hi again, all! I was wondering if any of you have run a longer Disney race toward the end of a long-ish Disney trip?

We had our trip scheduled for 9/26-10/8 before we even realized ToT fell during this period. So that means I'll be running the 10-miler (MY FIRST) after 8 days of touring WDW. Not ideal, probably... Some questions...

1) Any advice for what to expect in this scenario?

2) How should I expect to alter my training program given all the walking we do on a Disney trip? Maybe further shorten some of the runs in that last week??

Train with this is mind to get your weekly mileage above your training for TOT. Also, be sure to practice a few night runs and how to eat leading up to the race.

 

[Weluvdisny]

I raised the bar from being just a runner and completed my first sprint triathlon today. It went about how I expected. The swim was not so great, the bike better, and the run was the best (and made me feel great when I could pass some of those that passed me on the swim and bike!).

Overall it was a great experience and I learned that you are never to old to try something new. I met a 78 year old woman today who proved that to me. Push yourself to that next uncomfortable level and see if you end up actually enjoying the view from there.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm alittle confused on the MM from the Galloway program. Are you suppose to run the entire mile? Or continue with the run walk intervals??

I figure that it's however you'll be doing the run you're training for. I did intervals because that's almost certainly how I'll be doing the run. Still did it faster than I've done in the past!

Woohoo! I'm glad you had such an awesome training run. Be sure to get a MM off the treadmill. Treadmills are know for not being calibrated properly. Additionally, treadmills assist your momentum with the belt. Keep running!

Thanks, and yes, the goal is to get off the treadmill. It's the childcare issue I've got going against me, and the fact that the school district has told me that tracks are off limits officially, even during the summers. OK she said that they know people climb the fence, and if I want to do that no one will catch me. But I don't WANT to climb a fence. And the most local school to me is the school featured in Ten Things About I Hate You, and the track/field is the same (though nicer now) as it was in the movie, and it's a really steep hill down! Lots and lots of stadium stairs to fall down, LOL.

So there are issues with that. And that's why I really focus on using hamstrings when running on the mill, to remember that I'll be doing more work when on the ground.

Actually I'm getting a little time on the ground in, because my son and I are training him for the 5K in January. So I get reminders of what earth feels like.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm alittle confused on the MM from the Galloway program. Are you suppose to run the entire mile? Or continue with the run walk intervals??

I still use my run/walk, but push the pace by reducing walk breaks and speeding up the runs. The idea is to really push it for that mile, as you would if you were racing it.

Hi again, all! I was wondering if any of you have run a longer Disney race toward the end of a long-ish Disney trip?

We had our trip scheduled for 9/26-10/8 before we even realized ToT fell during this period. So that means I'll be running the 10-miler (MY FIRST) after 8 days of touring WDW. Not ideal, probably... Some questions...

1) Any advice for what to expect in this scenario?

2) How should I expect to alter my training program given all the walking we do on a Disney trip? Maybe further shorten some of the runs in that last week??

Honestly, I don't do well after being on my feet for days, so I just can't hit a race immediately following a Disney vacation. But my recommendation in your case would be to limit time on your feet the day before and really try to stay off of them on race day; give your legs and feet time to rest before racing. I do tend to both shorten the distance and slow the pace on my short training runs while at Disney, for the same reason - my legs and feet are just too tired from so much walking and standing.

I raised the bar from being just a runner and completed my first sprint triathlon today.

Very cool - congrats on trying something new!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Train with this is mind to get your weekly mileage above your training for TOT. Also, be sure to practice a few night runs and how to eat leading up to the race.

Thx for the advice! I am actually using a program training for a half, that brings me up to a 12 mile long run, then back to 9 then 8 the weeks before the race. Do you think that sounds good? As a newbie, all advice totally welcome!!

Honestly, I don't do well after being on my feet for days, so I just can't hit a race immediately following a Disney vacation. But my recommendation in your case would be to limit time on your feet the day before and really try to stay off of them on race day; give your legs and feet time to rest before racing. I do tend to both shorten the distance and slow the pace on my short training runs while at Disney, for the same reason - my legs and feet are just too tired from so much walking and standing.

Uh, oh... this makes me nervous! Thanks for the honest feedback, regardless!! I think I'll build in more breaks than I had planned... wasn't really planning on taking it much easier the day before.

If I follow the program I have, I'll be doing three 3mi runs and one 8mi run while in WDW. My initial thought was to maybe knock these back to 2mi each and maybe 6mi for the long run (I'll have done a max of a 12mi long run 2wks prior)... or maybe eliminate one of the 3milers?

I know that I probably need to experiment over the next several weeks, but any feedback you all have would be AWESOME!!!

 

[kmchisholm]

I did Wine and Dine at the end of my visit last year and took all day of the race off. Big breakfast, expo and legs up (on a pillow) rest of the day. Have to admit I was tired and the Segway tour a day before probably wasn't the right thing to do, but since they cancelled them now, glad I did it!

 

[HiMagicFan]

Thank you for the info about the corrals - Now I am not so worried about that anymore.

 

[HiMagicFan]

Train with this is mind to get your weekly mileage above your training for TOT. Also, be sure to practice a few night runs and how to eat leading up to the race.

I am now getting worried about my training schedule....and I still have to do night runs (maybe I will do them at WDW).....

I also have 8 nights prior to the TOT weekend at WDW plus I am doing the 4 night Disney cruise before that. I know I will be getting some training done on the ship and maybe one or two prior but herez my question -

I don't really like to run too much and so was training to walk the TOT. I have been doing around 15 min mile, 3x per week about 5-6 miles ea. I am not following any program but am thinking of doing a minimum of running next month prior to our going.

I know I can walk an 8 mile comfortably without training (we have a Great Aloha Run (GAR)/walk at the beginning of the year that I do like this cuz of the holidays)....but I wasn't going to increase my 5-6 mile trainings but sounds like I should....

suggestions? I guess I should start following a program as well as checking out the eating part - I don't usually eat at GAR or my trainings just drink - and I have a banana before and after the GAR...and then we eat breakfast after so I know I am gonna have to figure out the meals for the night run.

Just starting to freak out a little hearing about everyones journey and starting to worry that I won't make it : and will be swept off the course

 

[wilkeliza]

I am now getting worried about my training schedule....and I still have to do night runs (maybe I will do them at WDW).....

I also have 8 nights prior to the TOT weekend at WDW plus I am doing the 4 night Disney cruise before that. I know I will be getting some training done on the ship and maybe one or two prior but herez my question -

I don't really like to run too much and so was training to walk the TOT. I have been doing around 15 min mile, 3x per week about 5-6 miles ea. I am not following any program but am thinking of doing a minimum of running next month prior to our going.

I know I can walk an 8 mile comfortably without training (we have a Great Aloha Run (GAR)/walk at the beginning of the year that I do like this cuz of the holidays)....but I wasn't going to increase my 5-6 mile trainings but sounds like I should....

suggestions? I guess I should start following a program as well as checking out the eating part - I don't usually eat at GAR or my trainings just drink - and I have a banana before and after the GAR...and then we eat breakfast after so I know I am gonna have to figure out the meals for the night run.

Just starting to freak out a little hearing about everyones journey and starting to worry that I won't make it : and will be swept off the course

I did the first 10 miler last year. It was my first run of distance. In my training I had never gotten over 6 miles. I'm relatively fit so I wasn't worried. Mile 5 I hit a wall mentally and almost took myself off the course. I was no where near the sweepers but was scared. I just kept reminding myself that every step was closer to the finish and when I couldn't run any more I walked. I finished and actually had a finishers time! I'm doing it again and and at the same pace as last time.

 

[PrincessV]

Uh, oh... this makes me nervous! Thanks for the honest feedback, regardless!! I think I'll build in more breaks than I had planned... wasn't really planning on taking it much easier the day before.

If I follow the program I have, I'll be doing three 3mi runs and one 8mi run while in WDW. My initial thought was to maybe knock these back to 2mi each and maybe 6mi for the long run (I'll have done a max of a 12mi long run 2wks prior)... or maybe eliminate one of the 3milers?

I know that I probably need to experiment over the next several weeks, but any feedback you all have would be AWESOME!!!

It may help ease your mind to hear that I really, really suffer being on my feet standing and/or walking slowly for long periods of time - much more so than most people I know. So if you typically don't, those pre-race Disney days may not bother you at all! But you won't know for sure until then, so... my best advice is to take things a day at a time; see how you feel each day and cut back as needed. I've gone into WDW trips with my training runs planned, but always allow myself the option of cutting them short or skipping them entirely, depending on how my body's doing. You'll already have put in the training work, so a few skipped runs won't hurt. I usually end up running something, even if it's short and/or slow, because, well... running at WDW is pretty nifty!

Thank you for the info about the corrals - Now I am not so worried about that anymore.

I'm so glad! Honestly, the corrals produce more stress and anxiety in every race than they warrant. Totally not worth worrying about!

I know I can walk an 8 mile comfortably without training (we have a Great Aloha Run (GAR)/walk at the beginning of the year that I do like this cuz of the holidays)....but I wasn't going to increase my 5-6 mile trainings but sounds like I should....

suggestions? I guess I should start following a program as well as checking out the eating part - I don't usually eat at GAR or my trainings just drink - and I have a banana before and after the GAR...and then we eat breakfast after so I know I am gonna have to figure out the meals for the night run.

Just starting to freak out a little hearing about everyones journey and starting to worry that I won't make it : and will be swept off the course

It's such an individual thing, but for me, there's a chasm of difference in how 6-8 miles effects me vs. 9 and up. I don't know why, but that seems to be the cutoff point for me. (Oddly, that's not my wall, though; my wall hits between around 4-6 miles on every run, no matter the distance. ) Anyway, if you can comfortably do 8, you're probably in the clear, but if it'll ease your mind, I say go for 9 or 10 before the race, just so you know, y'know?

 

[kramerzoo]

Question about transportation...we are staying at Ploynesian. Does the monorail run after the race and after the Villians Bash? Or do we have to take the bus back to resort after everything TIA!!

 

[HiMagicFan]

I did the first 10 miler last year. It was my first run of distance. In my training I had never gotten over 6 miles. I'm relatively fit so I wasn't worried. Mile 5 I hit a wall mentally and almost took myself off the course. I was no where near the sweepers but was scared. I just kept reminding myself that every step was closer to the finish and when I couldn't run any more I walked. I finished and actually had a finishers time! I'm doing it again and and at the same pace as last time.

That is so cool that you had a finishers time! So I will just keep plugging, doing what I am doing and remind myself one foot in front of the other

It may help ease your mind to hear that I really, really suffer being on my feet standing and/or walking slowly for long periods of time - much more so than most people I know. So if you typically don't, those pre-race Disney days may not bother you at all! But you won't know for sure until then, so... my best advice is to take things a day at a time; see how you feel each day and cut back as needed. I've gone into WDW trips with my training runs planned, but always allow myself the option of cutting them short or skipping them entirely, depending on how my body's doing. You'll already have put in the training work, so a few skipped runs won't hurt. I usually end up running something, even if it's short and/or slow, because, well... running at WDW is pretty nifty!

This is good advice! I don't think I am gonna do anything at WDW different than I usually would. I did recheck our schedule and find that I did (maybe unconsciously) lighten our plans for the day before - only doing the expo! not even a special dinner....

I'm so glad! Honestly, the corrals produce more stress and anxiety in every race than they warrant. Totally not worth worrying about!

Thank you - puts the mind at ease and the ability to concentrate on the training and actually having fun on the run!

It's such an individual thing, but for me, there's a chasm of difference in how 6-8 miles effects me vs. 9 and up. I don't know why, but that seems to be the cutoff point for me. (Oddly, that's not my wall, though; my wall hits between around 4-6 miles on every run, no matter the distance. ) Anyway, if you can comfortably do 8, you're probably in the clear, but if it'll ease your mind, I say go for 9 or 10 before the race, just so you know, y'know?

My wall is at 6 miles for the 8 so I am thinking I should be good. I will definitely try to do a 10 next month! Great advice...

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and tip and insight! Feeling better

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I just wanted to note that if you are hitting a "wall" before the 20 mile mark, it is a result of racing beyond your training preparation. You are running too far or too fast (or both) for your current level of running fitness. Please keep this in mind, as many runners have been badly injured by pushing themselves too far, too soon - or by not adequately training for a distance.

 

[wilkeliza]

I just wanted to note that if you are hitting a "wall" before the 20 mile mark, it is a result of racing beyond your training preparation. You are running too far or too fast (or both) for your current level of running fitness. Please keep this in mind, as many runners have been badly injured by pushing themselves too far, too soon - or by not adequately training for a distance.

My wall is very much mental though. I've walked long distances with no problem and in the middle of a race even if I'm just walking I start to tense up. It is all because of my teenage years when I was constantly told ill never be able to run. My JROTC instructors, my dad, my track coach. They all said I was a hopeless case. Now that I've found Hal Hogan and the runDisney guy and have been following their plans I can do a 5 mile at a 12-13 min mile pace and 10-half marathon at a 15 min mile pace.

However this time around I am training a little better. I only have 10 weeks to train this time due to an injury but I'm sticking with it. I didn't even hurt myself running! I slipped in the shower after a run and tore a tendon in my foot, talk about luck haha. Now I'm all better and still gunning for TOT.