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

[paxsarah]

I love that movie! I know for me on the treadmill (or bike trainer), I have to have something really engaging to take my mind off of it - a really fun/exciting movie or tv show, or the best storytelling podcasts, e.g. This American Life, Snap Judgment, etc.

 

[cherrybomb11]

Congratulations to all of us who completed their final long runs today!

I intended to do 23 miles today but it ended badly. You know how some days you get out there and it just doesn't click? That was me today. I usually settle into my groove by mile 6 but today it never came. I also choose a much hillier route than normal early on which may have zapped my energy too early.

I started to have ankle and foot pain, which is something new. The only thing I did differently to my feet was wear compression socks but it could have been the early hills that caused it. I stopped running altogether at mile 15 and walked another 5 miles for a total of 20 miles. I'm beating myself for it, and I also know that this going to affect me possibly more mentally than physically. I don't want this mental shake-up so late in the game; Especially now that I'm reading how the last 10k is so important.

I hope you are right about the crowds helping me out, McFlurry John

 

[WaDiWo]

Congratulations to all of us who completed their final long runs today!

Ditto!! I ran/walked my last long run today of 23 miles. Sooo true that there is a definite mental game. Already at mile 10-11 I was feeling it. ("the wall perhaps?") but it was too early to feel it! Maybe because per the Galloway goofy plan I completed the 10 miles yesterday. So i kept on fueling (gatorade, clif bloks, water), and even sat for a few seconds to get my bearings, put on some music, recalled some mantras, and finished 23. let's crush this guys!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

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)!

Hi! Northwest Mississauga here - we're practically neighbours!

I had 10 miles planned for yesterday and 20 for today, but I quickly decided to do 20 miles yesterday and ditch the 10 miler, once I saw the weather forecast. I finished, but it took FIVE FREAKING HOURS of trudging through ice and slush and snow. AWFUL! I guess the one good side to it is that I barely felt the distance, because I was so cold and going so slowly.

Still better than the treadmill. Heh.

 

[Vistaway]

Hi! Northwest Mississauga here - we're practically neighbours!

I had 10 miles planned for yesterday and 20 for today, but I quickly decided to do 20 miles yesterday and ditch the 10 miler, once I saw the weather forecast. I finished, but it took FIVE FREAKING HOURS of trudging through ice and slush and snow. AWFUL! I guess the one good side to it is that I barely felt the distance, because I was so cold and going so slowly.

Still better than the treadmill. Heh.

Hi Neighbour! Good on ya for a run like that. There's very little enjoyment one can get out of that - I don't mind snow as long as it's reasonably light. The heavy stuff and especially the ice we have now are just too dangerous for my liking. There is an indoor running track in Milton that I am going to check out tonight...

 

[John VN]

We are west and south just a bit from WDW and the central air conditioning just kicked on. Sure hope things get a little cooler in 2 weeks.

McFlurry John

 

[steves1019]

We are west and south just a bit from WDW and the central air conditioning just kicked on. Sure hope things get a little cooler in 2 weeks. McFlurry John

Yes, let's! Lol
With the snowy cold winter up here in PA I've found that high 40's is my peak running temp. We don't need any 70's!

 

[ironz]

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.

You're not alone, if it makes you feel any better. For various reasons and a handful of just plain excuses, I'm in the same boat. I see by your signature you did Goofy last year...so at least your body pretty much knows what you're in for, and experience will be a plus on race weekend. Heaven knows I'm counting a bit on that!

I've got tomorrow to get a good long run in, and if it goes bad/short, then the day after Christmas. I've done 2 week tapers for long triathlon, so that isn't a worry for me. Besides...with our training being behind, we don't *need* the same taper as some others.

Good luck!

 

[ironz]

Yes, let's! Lol
With the snowy cold winter up here in PA I've found that high 40's is my peak running temp. We don't need any 70's!

I'll take about 50, please. I sure hope the WDW weather changes soon.

 

[belle2211]

2 Questions:

1) Yesterday was my 20 miler. I was running with a training group that was doing a 10 mile course. We showed up early and did 3 miles, took about a 30 min break then did 10 miles with the group. By the time that was done, it was way to hot and we were aching (I think the 30 min break hurt us) so we decided to finish the last 7 miles last night (which we did). So we did the 20 miler by doing 13 in the morning and 7 at night. Is that going to be okay for my longest run for the full? I did 19 two weeks ago. I was already nervous about only doing 20 miles, and now I'm worried about my 20 miler being broken up and that it doesn't count.

2) Does anyone know where, mile-wise, the Great Movie Ride is? I work there and want to know where it is incase I need to have one of the coordinators bring me out a drink or something.

 

[UNCBear24]

2 Questions:

1) Yesterday was my 20 miler. I was running with a training group that was doing a 10 mile course. We showed up early and did 3 miles, took about a 30 min break then did 10 miles with the group. By the time that was done, it was way to hot and we were aching (I think the 30 min break hurt us) so we decided to finish the last 7 miles last night (which we did). So we did the 20 miler by doing 13 in the morning and 7 at night. Is that going to be okay for my longest run for the full? I did 19 two weeks ago. I was already nervous about only doing 20 miles, and now I'm worried about my 20 miler being broken up and that it doesn't count.

2) Does anyone know where, mile-wise, the Great Movie Ride is? I work there and want to know where it is incase I need to have one of the coordinators bring me out a drink or something.

The Great Movie Ride is just after mile 23. Only a 5k left when you pass it.

 

[EMHDad]

2 Questions:

1) Yesterday was my 20 miler. I was running with a training group that was doing a 10 mile course. We showed up early and did 3 miles, took about a 30 min break then did 10 miles with the group. By the time that was done, it was way to hot and we were aching (I think the 30 min break hurt us) so we decided to finish the last 7 miles last night (which we did). So we did the 20 miler by doing 13 in the morning and 7 at night. Is that going to be okay for my longest run for the full? I did 19 two weeks ago. I was already nervous about only doing 20 miles, and now I'm worried about my 20 miler being broken up and that it doesn't count.

2) Does anyone know where, mile-wise, the Great Movie Ride is? I work there and want to know where it is incase I need to have one of the coordinators bring me out a drink or something.

Another person responded to a post like this. He said that a break (I am paraphrasing) of more than 30-60 minutes doesnt really work. The reason being that your break from morning to night allowed your body to rebuild its stored fuel so to speak. Still, if you did 19 just before, I wouldnt worry about not doing 20 in one shot.

 

[smallsy]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

 

[ironz]

I did my last long run today. Gonna max out here at 17.3 miles, which is ok for me.

And I disagree with the PP about splitting the long runs....while your body has had "some" recovery, it still is time on the feet and time in the training bank. We used to do split long runs often in Ironman training. But I do agree that the poster doing 19 miles already and then the split 20 is in fine shape for race day.

 

[rachlovestv]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

I did a nice, relaxing 6-miler this morning. I like running on holidays!

 

[steves1019]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

Did 5 today. I'm planning to find time to run 6 tomorrow, but wouldn't be too disappointed if I miss it.

 

[cutigress]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

Yep, my work schedule pushed my 20 miler back to today. DH and I knocked it out this morning before festivities began this afternoon. Glad to get that done and get some confidence for the marathon!

 

[belle2211]

The Great Movie Ride is just after mile 23. Only a 5k left when you pass it.

Ok perfect...I've done 20...so I can break it up in my head--5k to GMR, then 5k to done!

Another person responded to a post like this. He said that a break (I am paraphrasing) of more than 30-60 minutes doesnt really work. The reason being that your break from morning to night allowed your body to rebuild its stored fuel so to speak. Still, if you did 19 just before, I wouldnt worry about not doing 20 in one shot.

Ok..thanks!

And I disagree with the PP about splitting the long runs....while your body has had "some" recovery, it still is time on the feet and time in the training bank. We used to do split long runs often in Ironman training. But I do agree that the poster doing 19 miles already and then the split 20 is in fine shape for race day.

Ok..I just need to get that through my head!! Thanks!

 

[DEA]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

I did 14 in below freezing temps, the last mile and a half through some light snow flurries. I liked running in the 70ºF temperatures way back… let's see… oh, right, THREE DAYS AGO.

 

[IamTrike]

Finally got in my 20 miler! Actually ended up being a little over 21. Any other Christmas Eve runners?

I did just over 21 today too. My taper starts tomorrow.

I did 14 in below freezing temps, the last mile and a half through some light snow flurries. I liked running in the 70ºF temperatures way back… let's see… oh, right, THREE DAYS AGO.

We went from 70's to 40s. I actually like running in the 40s better. It's good practice for Disney though as who knows what the temperatures will be there.