Official 2013 Tower of Terror 10 Miler

[bumbershoot]

Nothing new before the race, right? Do (does?) one or two half-hour runs using/in the something new count as practice?

Different outfit. Though in my defense it's the same styles as the stuff I've been running it, just different colors.

Different waistpack. I've been using a RRS single pack and I just noticed the double SPIbelt at REI. Tried it out today...can't pack it as full as I wanted to so that's annoying. But when I put camera in one pack and iphone in the other, it bounced BIG time. AUGH.

Tempted to go in these new shoes I got *for the parks*, but no no no I will not! OK so I tried them today, but I sized them based on park-walking support, not running for a million years, so they are too small.

But I did get all the EXACT fuels that I've been using. Whew.

 

[kmchisholm]

Upgraded to business class using credits on airtran - now to check in tomorrow am!

 

[Weluvdisny]

It's after midnight here so I can finally say that I am leaving for the race TODAY!!!

 

[cewait]

Just want to put it out there because this is actually an option in MY plans...if you hurt yourself, just rent some wheels for the rest of the trip. I've budgeted for an offsite-rental scooter if I am too hurt afterwards.

But you're going in hurting, so be careful and don't hurt yourself more. Just...if you do...there are rental companies that can help you continue with the rest of the trip.

This is something I just could not do. Not throwing stones but if I got myself into the position where I could not walk in the parks, I am probably not riding a scooter. I think that comes from Dad saying if I ever found a way to end up in jail - I needed to find my own way out. Even though I would not, I can see a few reasons why one would head to the scooter store. Though, honestly,from a recovery perspective, it is better in the vast majority of cases to hobble and wobble and work through the post run stiffness and inflammation. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[cewait]

Nothing new before the race, right? Do (does?) one or two half-hour runs using/in the something new count as practice?

Different outfit. Though in my defense it's the same styles as the stuff I've been running it, just different colors.

Different waistpack. I've been using a RRS single pack and I just noticed the double SPIbelt at REI. Tried it out today...can't pack it as full as I wanted to so that's annoying. But when I put camera in one pack and iphone in the other, it bounced BIG time. AUGH.

Tempted to go in these new shoes I got *for the parks*, but no no no I will not! OK so I tried them today, but I sized them based on park-walking support, not running for a million years, so they are too small.

But I did get all the EXACT fuels that I've been using. Whew.

I would say you are safe. The most trying items I found through the last few years have been tops and different seam treatments from different seamstresses. I am talking about same shirts off the same rack and one chaffed while the other was perfect. Those you probably will not find until an hour or so into a run and even then, not until the post run shower.

In a do as I say not do as I do confession, I have run in new shoes and in new tights on race day. The new shoes were a new pair that arrived the day before I was leaving for a half marathon. I did wear them on the flight to the race to check them out and had my old shoes as standbys. The tights I picked up at an expo and run in them the following day.

I would runner lube area around the newer clothing where you have chaffed in the past and say have a great run.

 

[Dominda]

Ha! I just had a moment of clarity. Training is not just about building endurance for distance and time requirements of a race buts also testing clothes, shoes, tempretures, energy, hydration and mental endurance to name a few. Its trial and error, what works and what doesn't.

For most of you, your probably realized this a long time ago but im new to this running world. So I am asking stuff you probably answered a bunch of times already. Well thanks again for the patience. I am ready as I can. Im sure I will learn alot from the experience on saturday! Super excited!

Jasmin

 

[Figment1990]

Does anyone have specific raceday advice in regards to eating and staying hydrated? For the more experienced people do you eat anything specific? I was reading and they advise to drink 2 hours before. I wish there was a formula of how much to drink to be hydrated but hopefully never have to use the restroom because I dont want to waste any time stopping. I am a heavy sweater and noticed during my longer walks thats water doesnt seem to keep me from feeling dehydrated, tried G2 and that made a significant difference.

Thank you for your advice!
Jasmin

I used Jeff galloways pre-race nutrition and hydration advice and I think it was spot on. I don't remember if it was on the race information brochure or his website. Basically one of the things to remember is PRE-HYDRATE. Don't go overboard but definitely start sipping water and Gatorade (or powerade or other sports drink of your choice) now and up thru Saturday. For night races for me, I eat a carby lunch (pancakes usually), a subway sandwich for dinner, and a snack pre race. I then stop at each water stop for powerade and/or water and I bring shot bloks for fuel and don't use what they hand out.

The last piece of advice I have is to just enjoy it and try not to worry to much. Get on the bus early, you will be at the start early and can relax and enjoy and use the port a potties and make new friends. Then when its your turn to run- just do your thing. Trust your training. Look around at where you are running and soak it in. I couldn't believe how much Fun a Disney race was. People are happy to be slogging through hours of running because its in Disney. Even Volunteers are super cheerful.

And remember if you do have to stop to use the bathroom, it's not the end of the world! You get a moment break, maybe even in a/c if u use one in the park and you will be back on your way in no time.

Good luck to all the runners this weekend! I wish I was there with you guys! I hope you have fabulous weather and fast feet and see lots of fun characters both on the course and in the parks!

 

[cewait]

Ha! I just had a moment of clarity. Training is not just about building endurance for distance and time requirements of a race buts also testing clothes, shoes, tempretures, energy, hydration and mental endurance to name a few. Its trial and error, what works and what doesn't.

For most of you, your probably realized this a long time ago but im new to this running world. So I am asking stuff you probably answered a bunch of times already. Well thanks again for the patience. I am ready as I can. Im sure I will learn alot from the experience on saturday! Super excited!

Jasmin

I hope that you have a great and wonderful race Saturday. It's kind of funny how things just click. I have had several clarifying moments in my running career, many developed as a result of questions and trying to explain the whys and whats. Finally, we (or at least I as well as the many numerous lurkers) love the fact that you are asking questions.

I think it great that we have so many new participants (runners, walkers) in this sport. There are only a handful of runners in the sport who are really trying to win the race. The rest of us are trying to win the internal battle or race against the mind. Just by stepping on the line in a race, we are all runners just the same as the skinny fast guy at the pointy end of the race. By passing the line and working to get to the end we are all winners. You will join the ranks of the less than 1% of the population who run an event longer than 15k this year. That is a major accomplishment.

Head up, eyes wide, smile in place and have a great run. Let us know how fun it was Sunday

 

[pix13dust]

Just popping in from the Wine and Dine thread to wish everyone good luck at the ToT this weekend!!

 

[minniebeth]

Also wishing everyone a great time and a great race! Did it last year and it was a blast!
To all the first timers out there, that was me last year...I had never done anything more than a 5K and I had bronchitis during the ToT.
I've gone on to do two 1/2 marathons for my Coast to Coast~
believe in yourself and have fun!!

 

[sanapunk]

Not sure what Saturday will bring. With my sore leg I realize that I will likely not be able to run the race Saturday night. I am going to go...walk (and run a bit if I feel up to it) and stay as far ahead of the sweepers as I can...until I can't anymore.

Its frustrating....but I also don't want to spoil the rest of the trip. I need to be able to walk for 2 more days in the parks after the race. I may try and do a 10 miler at the end of Oct just to get a time for the Glass Slipper Challenge that is better than mine from the Peachtree this past summer if it is better.

But the good news is we leave Friday morning...only one more work day and we are headed that way!!

In a similar boat...I trained all summer to run this race and a little over a month ago, hurt my leg and now will be mostly walking it. I'll be in Corral E!

 

[drlaurafsu]

In a similar boat...I trained all summer to run this race and a little over a month ago, hurt my leg and now will be mostly walking it. I'll be in Corral E!

At least that buys you a little more time in front of the sweepers! You should be pretty safe.

Leg is feeling a little better today after the chair massage I had. She worked on it good for about 15 minutes. Gotta get through work, then DS's baseball game and then home to pack!! Leaving early in the am planning to hit Blizzard Beach for a while then the Expo.

 

[Castle2Castle]

Just have to get through today and tomorrow before we'll be in the Happiest Place on Earth again!

This truly will be a "runcation" instead of a vacation for us, since we're flying in late tomorrow night, taking it easy ahead of the run on Saturday and flying back home Sunday night. Still, we're excited to have the opportunity for the race, and I've worked out a small surprise for Katie by scheduling Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast at the Polynesion -- very lucky to have had a reservation open up earlier this week! We're hoping to run as Lilo and Stitch bell hops for the race -- still not done with costumes -- so it will be nice to get to see them on our first real day in WDW.

With exception to trying to finish costumes after work today, this day and tomorrow are going to be the loooongest days of the week!

Hope everyone else has just about everything ready and packed, and that everyone has safe travels down! Already jealous of those of you who are already there!

 

[RunnerRen]

Hey yall! I posted pics of my and my husband's costumes for this weekend on my blog! If you see us come say hi!

http://laurensglassslipper.blogspot.com/2013/10/costumes-for-tower-of-terror-10-miler.html?m=1

 

[acpalmer]

Hey yall! I posted pics of my and my husband's costumes for this weekend on my blog! If you see us come say hi!

http://laurensglassslipper.blogspot.com/2013/10/costumes-for-tower-of-terror-10-miler.html?m=1

When are you going to MNSSHP? We'll be there tomorrow night--dressed as Mousketeers.

 

[bumbershoot]

...I then stop at each water stop for powerade and/or water and I bring shot bloks for fuel and don't use what they hand out.

That's worth repeating!!! My brother, a very experienced runner, ruined what was a great run when he lost his mind and tried a gu that the race offered that he'd never had before.

And I love what you said about looking around and soaking it in. I will try SO hard to do that. Sometimes (often) I get so nervous for things and I'm afraid of doing things "wrong" that I forget that I'm actually doing something neat. Even our first Disneyland/world trips were like that. Thank you.

I think it great that we have so many new participants (runners, walkers) in this sport. There are only a handful of runners in the sport who are really trying to win the race. The rest of us are trying to win the internal battle or race against the mind. Just by stepping on the line in a race, we are all runners just the same as the skinny fast guy at the pointy end of the race. By passing the line and working to get to the end we are all winners. You will join the ranks of the less than 1% of the population who run an event longer than 15k this year. That is a major accomplishment.

You keep making me all sniffly with what you post!

 

[PrincessV]

Do (does?) one or two half-hour runs using/in the something new count as practice?

Yes! I can usually tell within 15 minutes if something will be problem.

Different waistpack. I've been using a RRS single pack and I just noticed the double SPIbelt at REI. Tried it out today...can't pack it as full as I wanted to so that's annoying. But when I put camera in one pack and iphone in the other, it bounced BIG time. AUGH.

SPIBELT, GRRRRRR!!!! You are not alone. I hate mine - it bounces all over the place! Good for carrying a driver's license, but not much else. My iFitness and Amphipod belts don't budge much at all... but I'll be darned if I can tell what makes them so special.

Upgraded to business class using credits on airtran - now to check in tomorrow am!

It's after midnight here so I can finally say that I am leaving for the race TODAY!!!

This is something I just could not do. Not throwing stones but if I got myself into the position where I could not walk in the parks, I am probably not riding a scooter. I think that comes from Dad saying if I ever found a way to end up in jail - I needed to find my own way out. Even though I would not, I can see a few reasons why one would head to the scooter store. Though, honestly,from a recovery perspective, it is better in the vast majority of cases to hobble and wobble and work through the post run stiffness and inflammation. Just my 2 cents worth.

May I add my 2 cents, too? I learned my lesson last year: I don't ever again want to push myself in a race to the point of needing a scooter the next day. It's not the scooter that's the issue, but the months of recovery to fix what I'd done by pushing through an injury. It SUCKED. As proud as I still am that I finished last year, I'd trade in my medal in a heartbeat to get back the ensuing 5 months it took to rehab my leg. Just something to ponder for those who are going into this injured.

Ha! I just had a moment of clarity. Training is not just about building endurance for distance and time requirements of a race buts also testing clothes, shoes, tempretures, energy, hydration and mental endurance to name a few. Its trial and error, what works and what doesn't.

We all learn so much from asking questions and doing our homework, but sometimes the bigger learning experiences come from our own trying of things. I spent a LOT of time learning as much as I could for my first couple long races, and I'm glad I did... but some things, that no one else could tell me, came out of my races. The biggest was probably that races aren't as important to me as I thought, that they make great goals for me, but it's the training, the long runs on my own with my own thoughts and away from the pressures and details of life, that are most meaningful to me a runner. I couldn't know that until I'd done the training and run the races.

Hey yall! I posted pics of my and my husband's costumes for this weekend on my blog! If you see us come say hi!

http://laurensglassslipper.blogspot.com/2013/10/costumes-for-tower-of-terror-10-miler.html?m=1

They look so cute - and comfy, too!

 

[drlaurafsu]

May I add my 2 cents, too? I learned my lesson last year: I don't ever again want to push myself in a race to the point of needing a scooter the next day. It's not the scooter that's the issue, but the months of recovery to fix what I'd done by pushing through an injury. It SUCKED. As proud as I still am that I finished last year, I'd trade in my medal in a heartbeat to get back the ensuing 5 months it took to rehab my leg. Just something to ponder for those who are going into this injured.

This is my feeling too. I've been through a year of physical therapy for my knee and once it was better had to have shoulder surgery and rehab that too. This is not something I want to be down and out for and extended period because of. So I'll get swept if I can't do it. And live to run another day. And if it gives me a little extra time to see villians...I guess thats the upside.

Plan is to do the Glass Slipper Challenge in Feb...so I have to get back to training soon! Can't wait for more rehab.

 

[Figment1990]

This is my feeling too. I've been through a year of physical therapy for my knee and once it was better had to have shoulder surgery and rehab that too. This is not something I want to be down and out for and extended period because of. So I'll get swept if I can't do it. And live to run another day. And if it gives me a little extra time to see villians...I guess thats the upside.

Plan is to do the Glass Slipper Challenge in Feb...so I have to get back to training soon! Can't wait for more rehab.

I've been there too! Spent 3 - yes THREE - years rehabing my leg from a knee injury. Then after the wine & dine last year, I sprained my foot, ended up off it for 4-6 weeks, then this summer, twisted the OTHER ankle, and then was back in PT for a shoulder issue (unrelated to running). That's why my main goal for all races are to finish smiling and uninjured, regardless of time.

I wanted to add an injury warning to all this injury talk. Don't forget to not do anything stupid AFTER the race either. 6, 10, 13, 26 miles - they all take a toll on your body. Don't go running off to a celebration dinner in sky-high heels or dashing to get a TSM fastpass the morning after. I mean, accidents happen (I simply twisted my foot wrong the next day) but our bodies need time to heal from the race and you might as well minimize the chance of injury if you can. Even walking around the parks in unsupportive flip flops that you aren't used to wearing can take a toll on your fragile legs/feet/knees.

SAVOR the moment runners! You've all got this - I know you do!

 

[RunnerRen]

When are you going to MNSSHP? We'll be there tomorrow night--dressed as Mousketeers.

We'll be there tomorrow as well!