Official 2014 Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k Thread!

[zanzibar138]

I've just hit another snag - this time with my calves... If it's not one part of my body giving me problems, it's another Other than that, I'm not where I originally wanted to be by this point, but given I've had 2 surgeries in the last 6 months (one involving quite major surgery on both legs which they haven't recovered from yet), I'm pretty happy with my progress.

Seeing the physio tomorrow, hoping he can sort me out. I'll go every day from now until we leave if I have to

I'm only doing the 5k and the 10k, but I'll join in the tapering discussion. I've tweaked the Galloway program for myself, so I'm following his long run plan. I did just under 10k the weekend before last, and I'm due for just over 10k this weekend. The second last week I've planned for a 24 minute walk/run interval session, then a 20 minute jog, then a 28 minute walk/run with even shorter intervals. The week of the event, I was planning to go for a short (like 15 minutes) easy jog when I arrive in Anaheim on Tuesday. It's always been my plan to really taper off to try to save my legs since they've been giving me so much grief.

Depending on how I go at the physio, that might all change. I'm not sure I should do another long run before the event. If anything, I might walk it, just to keep the mileage up. If I'm in pain on the day I'll just push through and deal with the consequences afterwards, but I don't want to risk worsening any injury I might have at this point.

I haven't needed to take any nutrition (including water) on any runs yet. The longest I've been out is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has been winter here, but I don't think I'll need to take any nutrition on the day. I will need the water stops though at least on the 10k.

 

[mr noodle]

The week before race week: 15 miles? I'll do 14-15 Sunday, then get a couple shorter runs in San Fran (coming from Orlando)
Are you reducing your mileage? No
What workouts are you doing? 3-4 runs per week, no cross trainings
How long is your last long run? 14-15

Race week:
Are you resting the day before your race(s)? Will not run after Thursday 3 mile run

If your finish time will be < 2 hours:
Are you using gel? No

 

[Vistaway]

I love the idea of bringing my WDW medal with me, but I am not checking a bag so I want to keep my luggage light, and I am packing three pairs of shoes, which have to take priority

In terms of my training, here goes:

The week before race week: I will be in Northern California visiting friends the week prior, so just a few shorter runs planned, but I do have a race on the Tuesday (I love to hit local races while travelling, and this was a nighttime 4.4 miler, which is a strange distance I couldn't resist)

What workouts are you doing? I have been running 4 days a week, plus one day cycling (approx 40km).

How long is your last long run? I did 28km yesterday (17 miles?) and will probably do 21k next Sunday as my last long one.

Are you resting the day before your race(s)? I have that short race on Tuesday, but probably nothing after that.

Are you using gel? Yep, Clif Mocha (probably just one at 10k); I plan on stopping at all character stops, but would like to finish around 1:50, depending on the weather.

 

[RnbwSktles]

Yeah!! We're almost there! I'm ready, and wish everyone good health and no injuries these last weeks

Question Runners: How are you tapering?

The week before race week:
Are you reducing your mileage?
What workouts are you doing?
How long is your last long run?

Race week:
Are you resting the day before your race(s)? Resting two days before?
Other?

If your finish time will be < 2 hours:
Are you using gel? Sports drink? Both? Neither?

Thank you for any sharing of techniques... I'm interested in exchanging ideas and trying new strategies (during my NEXT training cycle)

My normal training pattern for the last few months has been 5 miles each on T,W,Th, then long runs on the weekend rotating through 8, 10, and 12 miles. I threw one 14 miler in 2 weeks ago. Last weekend I started back-to-back weekend runs, so the last 4 weekends before the race are 4/8, 5/10, 6/12, 4/8. After the last weekend (8/23 & 8/24) run of 4/8, I will be doing 4 miles on Tues and 3 on Wed. Flying out on Thurs, so that will be it before the races!

My normal half time is 2:20-2:30. I will probably be slower in DL just because I am more interested in having fun then a PR. I typically eat a gel (love the Cliff Razz) at miles 4-5 and 8-9. Sometimes I'll have one before the race. During a few long training runs, I haven't felt the need for a gel and skipped them, so we will see. I will drink the gatorade on course when needed.

I've noticed that I have gotten slower since I stopped going to the gym. The weather has been too nice to not run outside, and I HATE the treadmill! I can't do speed workouts on the road though, so I am planning to force myself to go to the gym once a week, or maybe every other week.

 

[sdchickie]

I brought my medals with me and ran with them so I could have a picture with all medals at end!

Wow, you ran with the medals? That's more than I could do, those things are heavy! I plan on having my mom hand them to me at the finish line just in time for the pictures. I am going to bring the marathon medal out, thanks for your input guys.

 

[nervous1sttimer]

These are great questions! I never thought about bringing my medals. Would I bring just the GSC medal or all three? After the PHM, I only wore the GSC medal into the parks because I figured if I had that one, it would be obvious that I also had the others. On the tram into DHS, we sat with another running family and the woman was wearing ALL her medals - 5K, 10K, 1/2, and GSC. I actually think she also had her daughter's kids' race medal on too. I definitely gave the eyebrow raise when I saw it, but if that made her happy then good for her! I do think she became embarassed, however, when she got off the tram to walk to the turnstiles. The medals are loud when they bang together! So every step she took, it was CLANG CLANG CLANG LOOK AT ALL MY MEDALS. Maybe I will pack the GSC medal for a pic of it with the DDD and C2C medals, but I probably won't take all of them.

I am not tapering, I am actually racing a 10-miler the weekend before. I will probably run 15-20 miles that week, then we will be touring the parks the week leading up to the DDD. I expected to finish in <2 hours, but we will see how I feel about the character stops. At W&D in 2012, I stopped for almost every shot and finished in 2:11. I thought that was slow too because it was a night race and we'd done the parks that day - I became totally exhausted around the 9 mile mark. But I also didn't need to contend with the sun, so I'm expecting a time somewhere around 2 hours, give or take.

I really dislike gels, but will take either honey stinger chews or sport beans along with me. I will eat one package in 3-4 parts over the course of the race. I will drink mostly water, although I might pick up some sports drink toward the end of the course depending on how hot it is and how much I've been sweating.

I am getting so excited!! I can't believe it's almost here!

 

[Vistaway]

For any past DLHM participants who have used the ART: do you have to be staying at that hotel (where the ART stops are) to take advantage of the free pass for Half Marathon Weekend? My hotel has its own non-ART shuttle, but I will need to take the ART to get there on race mornings.

 

[boricuarunning]

Yeah!! We're almost there! I'm ready, and wish everyone good health and no injuries these last weeks

Question Runners: How are you tapering?

The week before race week:
Are you reducing your mileage?
What workouts are you doing?
How long is your last long run?

Race week:
Are you resting the day before your race(s)? Resting two days before?
Other?

If your finish time will be < 2 hours:
Are you using gel? Sports drink? Both? Neither?

Thank you for any sharing of techniques... I'm interested in exchanging ideas and trying new strategies (during my NEXT training cycle)

I'm tapering the week before so my long run the weekend before the race will probably only be around 6-8 miles. I'll probably still do my normal speed work and pace run the Tues & Thurs before the race since they're only 30 minutes. Plus, I have my finaly PT (Physical Therapy) appointment that Wednesday. That might affect how I feel about running Thursday though, lol. I'll need to through in some Yoga that week as well to make sure my IT Band's good and flexible and ready. Maybe a swim too. I'm going to listen to my body and see how it goes.

I'll definitely take it easy Friday and Saturday before the 1/2 on Sunday. Maybe walk around the parks a little but will watch my mileage and try not to go more than 2-3miles.

My time will be >2 hours so I have to use some nutrition. Finally figured out some Hammer products seem to work for me through a lot of trial and error. Due to the heat and humidity right now in Phoenix I'm having to use them for anything over an hour.

 

[SgtTibbs]

Yeah!! We're almost there! I'm ready, and wish everyone good health and no injuries these last weeks

Thanks! And the same to you!

Question Runners: How are you tapering?

The 10k will be my first race ever so I'm doing a long taper. I finished my last "training" 10k on Sunday at just a tad under 13min/mile in 85 degree temps and high humidity. From here until race day I'll watch my diet, do a lot of walking (5-6 miles/day) perhaps a few 2 or 4 mile easy runs but that's about it. I'm most worried about injury so I just want to maintain without stressing myself physically.

Are you using gel? Sports drink? Both? Neither?

What's a 'gel'? I'll have some water, but that's all. (Not that I fit the criteria you mentioned time wise since I'm just doing the 10k)

Other than training for the distance, I've been working hard not to need "Dumbo's feather" to complete the race. I've run in the sun, dark, rain, heat, snow, early in the day, late at night, with and without: music, pacing app, water, sunglasses, hat, etc. I feel comfortable that whatever race day tosses at me I'll be ready to go. (queue Rocky theme music.....)

 

[Outonarun]

I am as ready as i think I will be. I hit 14 last weekend. Did 13 yesterday. next Sat. I plan to do just 12. Then I am undecided. 8 or 6 on 8/23. I normally get in 10 or 11 during the week. That final week I will not get in that many miles. Probably more like 8 total...with my last 4 mile being thursday. I am not doing anything but the half, so that will give me a couple days of no running before the half.

My finish time will be between 2 and 2:30 (most likely right in the middle at 2:15) I will use chews that I bring (honey stinger, yum)... probably not the on course gel. No sports drink until after I finish and then it will be a tablet in my water bottle that I myself will bring and not the powerade.

I think I will join you in a 12 miler next weekend, a couple short runs during race week, and two rest days (... add to notes 'honey stingers', no gel, no powerade...) Thanks, annmarieda And if you don't mind me saying, you sound very well trained for this race! See you at the meet up? And if not, good luck on Sunday!

 

[Outonarun]

I expect to finish between 2-2:15. Hopefully closer to 2. Sub 2 is possible but I expect in the heat, not probable.

I will likely have a java gel before in lieu of coffee and then 2 shot blocks in half block increments during the race. No sports drink, before during or after. Water on course only.

Plan is for 14 next Sunday, then it may be a little wacky due to a work trip that goes tues- sun. For sure I will walk Monday. Hard to say after that, ideally I'll run 3x about 4-5 miles each time and hit the gym twice for cross training but we will see. Maybe I'll paddle board one night instead of the gym. Could end up being shorter tempo runs and not sure of the gym situation at my hotel or running path. After that, the week before the race my plan is

Monday - walk 4 miles
Wednesday - run 4-5
Thursday - gym, cross train
Friday and Saturday walk in the parks

Cool... thank you for sharing your plan! You certainly 'go the distance' even in the last weeks of your training (14 miles and cross training)! I have done the gel instead of coffee, too, most races, and was thinking of trying coffee and food instead this time... but now, I may not change my tested race morning routine, and rather stick to the eandesmom's method of pre-race caffeinated gel And, like annmarieda, you supply your own on-course fuel. Do you ingest the half-blocks at set intervals? Or as needed? Hope to see you at the meet up If not, have a great race!

 

[Outonarun]

1) This is a bit complex because me trainer hasn't officially put in my runs for taper week. So I don't know what he wants me to do the week before we arrive in CA. I know once I get to CA I will probably be visiting Disneyland a lot (has a habit of using her AP to go to the parks and walking on run days or walking on off days, yes bad habit but still does it). But that's another matter all together.

2)See above thing about trainer not having put all runs in.

3) Some walking once I get to CA. I might do some biking if I feel like it? I keep meaning to go get a new swimsuit and so some more swimming but I keep forgetting to.

4) 9 miles next Sunday (my longest run since Tink and I am torn between being excited about this and excited).

5) Depends on what you mean by resting. I mean I am doing the 5k and Dumbo. So technically no. But outside of the races on the day of the 5k and the 10k after I'm done I probably won't be doing much walking around if I can. Will try to get that done before the races or after.

I'm not aiming for a sub two hour half. But as someone whose speed is jumping for a 10k to the point where I'm only consuming one gel (I just ran my first sub 74 10k today in training)). Maybe I can answer that question? -shrugs- I use gels anytime I get above a 45 minute mark on the run mainly because I do feel the energy boost.

As for the sports drinks. Those are pretty mandatory for any run no matter how long. I'm post WLS so my salt and potassium intake is lower than average. So I need to make sure I'm consuming enough to replace my sweat. And while in the past the aid station drinking has been enough. I'm not sure it will do the trick this time. I don't normally carry drinks on race runs. But I'm thinking I'm going to have to for the half since its get hot (I'll be going out fast for the first portion of the 10k until I catch up with some friends and then slow down, don't think I'll need the bottles).

Thanks for your contributions to my interest in improving my pre-race and race habits First off, StarGirl11... blast out that 9-miler!! And then post here and tell us all how fantastic you feel!!! Biking, swimming, walking pre-race days (is there no slowing you down?!?! ) ... and you take a gel every 45 minutes, or there abouts. Got it. If you bring additional fluids for the race, if you don't mind, will you let me know (post-race) how it goes, in regards to needing supplemental on course water/Powerade? Thanks! Congrats on the speed increase you mentioned, and have fun blasting the first part of the 10K to meet up with your friends! That sounds really fun!! See you at the meet up?

 

[RnbwSktles]

See you at the meet up?

Did I miss a post (or several) about a meet up for the race, or is this the same one discussed in the other thread over on the CA boards? I'd love to join!

 

[Outonarun]

Training...whimper. I haven't had the opportunities to train outside because DH has been traveling so much. DS isn't up to running long distances and he's too young to leave at home, so... I've been doing spin and doing strength training, and I know those certainly will not HURT me, but the time on the feet (and especially in the shoes, which are a constant problem for me) just isn't there since the WDW Half and a St Patrick's Day half.

I fessed up to my brother, who will be running with me. I think he's disappointed, but we're both hoping that the fun of running with someone will help.

I think I've actually decided to use water on the course, even though it's not my fave. The Nathan water backpack is just so heavy, and I'm not anticipating that this run is going to be nice and cool, weatherwise. Maybe carry a small bottle of my clif electrolyte powder drink and just use the water on the course along with shot bloks and beans, and see how it goes.

This is also because I started wondering if I was OVER hydrating; read into it, and the symptoms are the same as under... I didn't drink anywhere near as much during the March run, and kind of felt better than in Jan or my longer training runs before that, so it really got me thinking. Of course, as I've mentioned, I haven't had the opportunities to test it all out! And here we are, another week closer, and they are sending DH off for another 4 days. No opportunities again.

Well, at the very very least, I know I can WALK at that speed. I just have to deal with the fallout from my serious-runner brother.

Hi, bumbershoot! Thanks for your comments! Another cross trainer -- I bet that keeps you strong and healthy (... taking notes... integrate more cross training...). I haven't tried clif electrolyte powder (now, I will research). What is the difference between shot blocks and beans? I know what each product is in general, but how do you use them in conjunction with each other? Are their ingredients substantially different? Very good point: Do Not Overhydrate (both dangerous and uncomfortable). Do you ever hear the fluids sloshing around in your stomach while you run?? I did last weekend... not pleasant I appreciate the reminder to be conscious during these races not to over drink. Though you say you are under-trained, your confidence in your ability to walk the race is a great strength to bring to the starting line Have a great time with your brother on the course! See you at the meet up?!

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi, bumbershoot! Thanks for your comments! Another cross trainer -- I bet that keeps you strong and healthy (... taking notes... integrate more cross training...). I haven't tried clif electrolyte powder (now, I will research). What is the difference between shot blocks and beans? I know what each product is in general, but how do you use them in conjunction with each other? Are their ingredients substantially different? Very good point: Do Not Overhydrate (both dangerous and uncomfortable). Do you ever hear the fluids sloshing around in your stomach while you run?? I did last weekend... not pleasant I appreciate the reminder to be conscious during these races not to over drink. Though you say you are under-trained, your confidence in your ability to walk the race is a great strength to bring to the starting line Have a great time with your brother on the course! See you at the meet up?!

Thanks for your words.

The beans and bloks work very similarly for me. I use the margarita bloks b/c they have extra salt and I seem to need that.

As I was typing all those supplements I was getting overwhelmed. Felt like overkill, but I think they are good for me to have, just in case.

The Clif powder is real sugar, not weird corn based stuff, and that works for me. In the past I've brought a serving of powder in a small bottle, then I take extra water when I take a swig of that mix.

 

[Vistaway]

I love the margarita bloks! They kept me going through the WDW Marathon.

 

[eandesmom]

Cool... thank you for sharing your plan! You certainly 'go the distance' even in the last weeks of your training (14 miles and cross training)! I have done the gel instead of coffee, too, most races, and was thinking of trying coffee and food instead this time... but now, I may not change my tested race morning routine, and rather stick to the eandesmom's method of pre-race caffeinated gel And, like annmarieda, you supply your own on-course fuel. Do you ingest the half-blocks at set intervals? Or as needed? Hope to see you at the meet up If not, have a great race!

I do set intervals. I have played around with either every 45 or 30/60/90.

every 45 seems to work better but with the heat I may do the 30/60/90. I just have to be careful to only do half a block. My last run of 13 I did a half block/full block/half block and boy was that full block a bit too much for me.

I also use the margarita ones

For normal running I do coffee before but for the race and the last 2 long training ones (and last weekends long hike), have switched to the gel to try to minimize the need for a bio break during the run.

 

[StarGirl11]

Thanks for your contributions to my interest in improving my pre-race and race habits First off, StarGirl11... blast out that 9-miler!! And then post here and tell us all how fantastic you feel!!! Biking, swimming, walking pre-race days (is there no slowing you down?!?! ) ... and you take a gel every 45 minutes, or there abouts. Got it. If you bring additional fluids for the race, if you don't mind, will you let me know (post-race) how it goes, in regards to needing supplemental on course water/Powerade? Thanks! Congrats on the speed increase you mentioned, and have fun blasting the first part of the 10K to meet up with your friends! That sounds really fun!! See you at the meet up?

Will do!

And yeah I consume a gel around the 45-50 mark. I try to get it as close to 45 as I can but I sometimes miss it and consume it slightly later.

And I will try to write up how much supplemental I'll need (now leaning towards carrying bottles).

As for the meetup. -scratches head- I actually don't know when it is. So it depends on what my predicting plans are.

Thanks!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Finally printed out my packet today, I'm doing the 10k and I'll be bib #30609.

Does anyone know if the street closures will be the same as last year prior to the race? I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn south of the convention center on Harbor which means I'll have to drive to the garage rather than walking this race. Will I be able to just drive north on Harbor, turn left on Ball, and then turn left again at Disneyland Drive or will Harbor be closed? I'm starting to regret not staying at my normal hotel within walking distance.

Other than the parking situation I'm so excited for this race I could scream, I've been training hard for the Avengers half so the 10k has turned into a comfortable distance I'm running 2 to 3 times a week in about an hour, this should literally be a nice stroll in the park.

18 days !!!

 

[Outonarun]

I've just hit another snag - this time with my calves... If it's not one part of my body giving me problems, it's another Other than that, I'm not where I originally wanted to be by this point, but given I've had 2 surgeries in the last 6 months (one involving quite major surgery on both legs which they haven't recovered from yet), I'm pretty happy with my progress.

Seeing the physio tomorrow, hoping he can sort me out. I'll go every day from now until we leave if I have to

I'm only doing the 5k and the 10k, but I'll join in the tapering discussion. I've tweaked the Galloway program for myself, so I'm following his long run plan. I did just under 10k the weekend before last, and I'm due for just over 10k this weekend. The second last week I've planned for a 24 minute walk/run interval session, then a 20 minute jog, then a 28 minute walk/run with even shorter intervals. The week of the event, I was planning to go for a short (like 15 minutes) easy jog when I arrive in Anaheim on Tuesday. It's always been my plan to really taper off to try to save my legs since they've been giving me so much grief.

Depending on how I go at the physio, that might all change. I'm not sure I should do another long run before the event. If anything, I might walk it, just to keep the mileage up. If I'm in pain on the day I'll just push through and deal with the consequences afterwards, but I don't want to risk worsening any injury I might have at this point.

I haven't needed to take any nutrition (including water) on any runs yet. The longest I've been out is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has been winter here, but I don't think I'll need to take any nutrition on the day. I will need the water stops though at least on the 10k.

You are a trooper! Talk about determination!! I'm sorry to hear of your physical challenges. You are staying healthy (still active) through it all!! And that is encouraging and good (for this runner) to remember for adjusting to present and future injuries. Taking notes that you do fine with no food or water for runs up to 1:15, but take water in warmer weather. I hope you continue to recover, and have a great time at the races!