OFFICIAL 2014 WDW Marathon Countdown: WE DID IT! Congrats everyone!

[rachlovestv]

Coach, I just want to say, your detailed posts about the course have been so helpful and appreciated. I'm the kind of person that likes to know what's going on and can tend to freak out if things don't go the way I planned, so it's helpful at least to know the areas that might be trouble spots, so I know there will be an end in sight and something to focus on during those tough miles. So thank you, very much.

I ran my 20 miler today, the last run of my 4-day Dopey test run. I ended up doing 3-5-3-20, because I didn't have time to do the 10 yesterday with work and family obligations, but I feel confident I will be ok on race days. Today's 20 miler was going pretty well until about mile 15, when I stopped to use a restroom and take a work phone call, and my foot cramped up. The foot pain lasted the rest of my run, but has subsided now, so I think it will be ok.

Overall, I'm super nervous, but so excited! I can't believe the races are coming up so quickly! Good luck to everyone as you do your last long runs and start your tapers!

 

[DOOM1001]

What shoes are you guys wearing on race day,after having a bit of knee pain after the ToT 10 miler and a half marathon in October and not being a very light runner (200 pounds) I went out and bought a pair of Skechers Go Run ultras that basically feel like I'm running on a pillow with extreme flexibility.I know Skechers aren't considered top of the line running shoes but they seem to always pass my comfort test.I like my shoes flexible and after trying on shoe after shoe after shoe,most of them feel stiff and hard(it seems like every Asics model is like that).I'm wearing the Skechers around the house right now and they feel great,now I gotta go for some runs in them.The only issue I can see is maybe they might lack a bit of stability but the comfort level and cushioning just made me overlook that.The other shoes I was considering getting were the Altra Instinct 1.5 and the Brooks Pure Cadence.The Altra has a lot less cushioning but is supposed to be pretty comfortable with a wide toe box but some reviews of the materials not being great and wearing out quickly stopped me from getting them along with that new models are supposed to be coming out soon and that I want to go with something more cushioned.The Brooks actually felt very good,not as cushioned but more stable than the Skechers.I think I just wanted to go with what had the most cushioning which was the Skechers,with this particular model being compared to the Hoka One One in online reviews which I've never tried but it's supposed to be one of the most cushioned shoes out there.

 

[goofeygirl]

What shoes are you guys wearing on race day,after having a bit of knee pain after the ToT 10 miler and a half marathon in October and not being a very light runner (200 pounds) I went out and bought a pair of Skechers Go Run ultras that basically feel like I'm running on a pillow with extreme flexibility.I know Skechers aren't considered top of the line running shoes but they seem to always pass my comfort test.I like my shoes flexible and after trying on shoe after shoe after shoe,most of them feel stiff and hard(it seems like every Asics model is like that).I'm wearing the Skechers around the house right now and they feel great,now I gotta go for some runs in them.The only issue I can see is maybe they might lack a bit of stability but the comfort level and cushioning just made me overlook that.The other shoes I was considering getting were the Altra Instinct 1.5 and the Brooks Pure Cadence.The Altra has a lot less cushioning but is supposed to be pretty comfortable with a wide toe box but some reviews of the materials not being great and wearing out quickly stopped me from getting them along with that new models are supposed to be coming out soon and that I want to go with something more cushioned.The Brooks actually felt very good,not as cushioned but more stable than the Skechers.I think I just wanted to go with what had the most cushioning which was the Skechers,with this particular model being compared to the Hoka One One in online reviews which I've never tried but it's supposed to be one of the most cushioned shoes out there.

Since you like the cushioning have you tried the Adidas boost shoes? They are pricey at 150/pair but my goodness...talk about a pillow! If you are near a shop that sells them go try them on and compare them with the sketchers...I am just curious about that...to be frank...I cannot wear Sketchers...they are stylish looking okay but would never work for my feet.

 

[goofeygirl]

Most people I noticed training have done 20 miles...and job well done for that! Esp for the folks doing it in the snow as I just read a poster did...and in the cold and feeling a cold...not an easy thing to do.

When we get to 20 miles in the full we ONLY have 6.2 miles to go...and to me last year, those were the hardest most difficult...mentally...also physically but I got through it. Last week on the treadmill, and I still cannot believe I did this, I did 23.2 miles. I did that distance because it was important for me to get beyond the mile 21...where I really lost my mojo last year. I did NOT enjoy going through HS nor Epcot and this time around I want to.

So when you get to mile 21, raise your hands and give a 'woo hoo' because the fun will be just beginning! Yeah. You will have another couple of miles of highway after that before you go into that final stretch of HS and E.

I must admit this but when I was on the treadmill and got to mile 21 I felt my mind slipping into the zone...not a good zone...I was raising my hands like it was all good and fun and joy joy joy!!! Then it went away and I was fine for the two miles I did after.

I would have done the whole full but my dvd collection ran out and I was bored...I mean a full marathon on a treadmill??

So remember, after mile 20...yeah yeah yeah! Fun. The final 6.2. You are there. Blast great music and enjoy the crowds in the HS and E.

 

[steves1019]

Since you like the cushioning have you tried the Adidas boost shoes? They are pricey at 150/pair but my goodness...talk about a pillow! If you are near a shop that sells them go try them on and compare them with the sketchers...I am just curious about that...to be frank...I cannot wear Sketchers...they are stylish looking okay but would never work for my feet.

I agree on Adidas Boost sole comfort. Lots of give. And the shoe is very light. The only issue for me is Adidas is a more narrow shoe. In the store they felt good because the material is very soft and comfortable. But I've found out running I tend to feel the slim fit (my feet are a bit wide) compared to my Brooks Ghost. It's not so bad I won't wear my $150 shoes ;-), I'll just wear them for 10k's and such. I've had no blisters or hot spots, I just don't want to chance it so close to the marathon.
I recommend if you get the Adidas Energy Boost you go a 1/2 size larger than your normal size, this helps with the narrowness.

 

[cutigress]

I wear the Brooks Ghosts. I have four pair of them in my rotation. Prior to surgery in Feb 2012, I wore Saucony Kinvaras all the time but post surgery felt I needed more cushion, and haven't looked back.

 

[steves1019]

I wear the Brooks Ghosts. I have four pair of them in my rotation. Prior to surgery in Feb 2012, I wore Saucony Kinvaras all the time but post surgery felt I needed more cushion, and haven't looked back.

I just went to the Ghost this season as well. How many miles do you take them too before taking them out if the rotation?

 

[smallsy]

Most people I noticed training have done 20 miles...and job well done for that! Esp for the folks doing it in the snow as I just read a poster did...and in the cold and feeling a cold...not an easy thing to do.

When we get to 20 miles in the full we ONLY have 6.2 miles to go...and to me last year, those were the hardest most difficult...mentally...also physically but I got through it. Last week on the treadmill, and I still cannot believe I did this, I did 23.2 miles. I did that distance because it was important for me to get beyond the mile 21...where I really lost my mojo last year. I did NOT enjoy going through HS nor Epcot and this time around I want to.

So when you get to mile 21, raise your hands and give a 'woo hoo' because the fun will be just beginning! Yeah. You will have another couple of miles of highway after that before you go into that final stretch of HS and E.

I must admit this but when I was on the treadmill and got to mile 21 I felt my mind slipping into the zone...not a good zone...I was raising my hands like it was all good and fun and joy joy joy!!! Then it went away and I was fine for the two miles I did after.

I would have done the whole full but my dvd collection ran out and I was bored...I mean a full marathon on a treadmill??

So remember, after mile 20...yeah yeah yeah! Fun. The final 6.2. You are there. Blast great music and enjoy the crowds in the HS and E.

You're a rock star! The most I can handle on the treadmill is about 6 miles and that is pulling teeth to me... even with a good movie/tv show on.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

I am on my third pair of Ghosts. Before them, I wore Brooks Adrenaline. I have started wearing lock laces too because my shoelaces would rub against my ankles and seriously drive me crazy! Love my lock laces. I can slip my running shoes on and off so easily.

Guess what? Only three weeks until race weekend!

 

[goofeygirl]

You're a rock star! The most I can handle on the treadmill is about 6 miles and that is pulling teeth to me... even with a good movie/tv show on.

Lol. If anyone told me I would do 23.2 miles on a treadmill I would have scoffed at the idea! How bloody boring! But you see, I was watching The Real Housewives of Beverly hills dvd collection...no commercial interruption just non stop nonsense! It really kept me going! I started watching this dvd collection a few weeks earlier and did a few miles at a time but last week the weather was so darn bad out I would never chance injury...so I watched the remaining dvd's. The Reunion special was over and I stayed on the treadmill for maybe another mile before I had it with the boredom! I don't think I could duplicate that again...if not then for a long time.

 

[goofeygirl]

I agree on Adidas Boost sole comfort. Lots of give. And the shoe is very light. The only issue for me is Adidas is a more narrow shoe. In the store they felt good because the material is very soft and comfortable. But I've found out running I tend to feel the slim fit (my feet are a bit wide) compared to my Brooks Ghost. It's not so bad I won't wear my $150 shoes ;-), I'll just wear them for 10k's and such. I've had no blisters or hot spots, I just don't want to chance it so close to the marathon.
I recommend if you get the Adidas Energy Boost you go a 1/2 size larger than your normal size, this helps with the narrowness.

Yes this is true..you need to up a half size for that reason.

 

[baugus4]

Answered about but wanted to add that in addition to Cliff Shots there are Cliff Blocks as well

At least for the 11 mm runners and faster

First I Just wanted to say "Thank You" coach for all your advice and commentaries about Run Disney events on Disboards!!
By your comment do you expect cliff blocks and other energy sources to run out for those of us slower than 11mm pace? Would it be the same for the half marathon also? Again thank you for all your help!

 

[paxsarah]

What shoes are you guys wearing on race day,after having a bit of knee pain after the ToT 10 miler and a half marathon in October and not being a very light runner (200 pounds) I went out and bought a pair of Skechers Go Run ultras that basically feel like I'm running on a pillow with extreme flexibility.I know Skechers aren't considered top of the line running shoes but they seem to always pass my comfort test.I like my shoes flexible and after trying on shoe after shoe after shoe,most of them feel stiff and hard(it seems like every Asics model is like that).I'm wearing the Skechers around the house right now and they feel great,now I gotta go for some runs in them.The only issue I can see is maybe they might lack a bit of stability but the comfort level and cushioning just made me overlook that.The other shoes I was considering getting were the Altra Instinct 1.5 and the Brooks Pure Cadence.The Altra has a lot less cushioning but is supposed to be pretty comfortable with a wide toe box but some reviews of the materials not being great and wearing out quickly stopped me from getting them along with that new models are supposed to be coming out soon and that I want to go with something more cushioned.The Brooks actually felt very good,not as cushioned but more stable than the Skechers.I think I just wanted to go with what had the most cushioning which was the Skechers,with this particular model being compared to the Hoka One One in online reviews which I've never tried but it's supposed to be one of the most cushioned shoes out there.

If you like the Skechers, I say go with them. Runblogger actually reviewed them quite positively, so they are not some second-tier running shoe. What have you been doing your long runs in? I would get nervous changing shoe models this close to the race.

For the future, if you're interested in the Altra Instinct, I can also recommend the Altra Torin, which has more cushioning than the Instinct. I own both the Intuition and the Torin, and both work well for me. I'll be running in Torins for the marathon, but I've been using them for months. I've also heard good things about the Hoka One Ones from runners who are also big Altra aficionados, though I haven't tried them myself.

Edit: Another thought - depending on what you've been running in, and if you're set on trying a new shoe, you will not want to change to something with a big change from your old shoes in heel to toe drop right before a big race. For instance, the Altras selling point is zero drop. But if you've been running in something with a larger heel to toe drop - say, 8mm or greater - you will not be able to adjust in time and could cause yourself some serious pain if you try to ramp up to 26.2 in just a few weeks.

 

[cutigress]

I just went to the Ghost this season as well. How many miles do you take them too before taking them out if the rotation?

I started noticing a slight change at 300 or so, then used them until around 375 strictly on the treadmill. Could probably go farther, but I am uber cautious after my hip surgery.

 

[steves1019]

I started noticing a slight change at 300 or so, then used them until around 375 strictly on the treadmill. Could probably go farther, but I am uber cautious after my hip surgery.

Thanks. I'm at 150 now for my one pair. I also started working in a set of Adidas Energy Boost. I'm a little larger for a runner so I plan to play it safe as well. Thinking about getting a second set of Ghost's to work into the mix and maybe wear the lower mileage pair for the marathon.

 

[bumbershoot]

First I Just wanted to say "Thank You" coach for all your advice and commentaries about Run Disney events on Disboards!!
By your comment do you expect cliff blocks and other energy sources to run out for those of us slower than 11mm pace? Would it be the same for the half marathon also? Again thank you for all your help!

Regardless of what they have, I say take the stuff you've been training with, and enough of it to make it through. If they have something that has worked for you, it's a bonus. Free fuel!

My brother is a seasoned runner and didn't think he was sensitive but destroyed a marathon for himself by trying something new during it. It has been years and he's still disappointed in himself for trying something new during that race.

Editing to mention that for me even a different flavor could cause problems for me.

 

[cutigress]

Thanks. I'm at 150 now for my one pair. I also started working in a set of Adidas Energy Boost. I'm a little larger for a runner so I plan to play it safe as well. Thinking about getting a second set of Ghost's to work into the mix and maybe wear the lower mileage pair for the marathon.

Yep. My lowest mileage pair are the ones I'll take for the marathon.

 

[cobbler]

Need some help / advice... Slight background:
Marathon training went well until the long 15 mile run in early October. Just when I was about to jump up to that next long run I was derailed with illness.

Once I started feeling better I devised my own plan where I would do 10, 13, 16, & this weekend 19 & taper for my last 4 weeks of long runs. I did the 10 & 13 fine but last week was lots of snow and I trudged 9 miles in 6" of snow, 18 degrees & 9 degree windchill before I became too cold and had to call it.

Now this weekend as luck would have it we had an ice storm so well no way to go outside. I did the 10 miles on an indoor track and was mentally preparing myself for the 19 that lay ahead of me on a freaking treadmill. And let me tell you that 10 miles on the indoor track was pure torture... I literally wanted to shoot myself in the left foot.

So I got on the treadmill psyching myself up for the long road ahead. Well I was unsuccessful. I only got 3 in before I threw in the towel because I couldn't handle it.

So my last long runs were 8,13 & 9.

I'm thinking it's too late to try to attempt another long run next weekend but since my longest run was 15 miles 2 months ago I'm very worried.

Suggestions please.
Thanks.

 

[John VN]

Need some help / advice... Slight background:
Marathon training went well until the long 15 mile run in early October. Just when I was about to jump up to that next long run I was derailed with illness.

Once I started feeling better I devised my own plan where I would do 10, 13, 16, & this weekend 19 & taper for my last 4 weeks of long runs. I did the 10 & 13 fine but last week was lots of snow and I trudged 9 miles in 6" of snow, 18 degrees & 9 degree windchill before I became too cold and had to call it.

Now this weekend as luck would have it we had an ice storm so well no way to go outside. I did the 10 miles on an indoor track and was mentally preparing myself for the 19 that lay ahead of me on a freaking treadmill. And let me tell you that 10 miles on the indoor track was pure torture... I literally wanted to shoot myself in the left foot.

So I got on the treadmill psyching myself up for the long road ahead. Well I was unsuccessful. I only got 3 in before I threw in the towel because I couldn't handle it.

So my last long runs were 8,13 & 9.

I'm thinking it's too late to try to attempt another long run next weekend but since my longest run was 15 miles 2 months ago I'm very worried.

Suggestions please.
Thanks.

HUGE difference when 20,000 other athletes are out there with you. Striking up some conversations could help things to go better. Works for me.

McFlurry John

 

[Vistaway]

I gave in and admitted defeat with 2 inches of ice covering every surface outside...had to do my last long run on a treadmill. 3 and half hours of hell, but I got through by telling myself it was the first and LAST time I would ever have to run on one (and watching Run, Fat Boy, Run helped a bit too)!