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

[creativeamanda]

Joining in--I registered fro the marathon about a month ago and added Race retreat today. So excited, but a little intimidated at the same time.

 

[FloridaNative8]

Joining in--I registered fro the marathon about a month ago and added Race retreat today. So excited, but a little intimidated at the same time.

Welcome!!! This will be my first marathon too, and I'm scared to death, already!

 

[cewait]

I recall my first. I was so excited and like many scared to death.

I recommend spending the next 2 weeks in a maintenance run set up, running 2-3 x a week during the week and one longish run of 3-5 miles on the weekend. (or something within your current raining levels). Read through several training plans if you have not selected one. Your goal is to look at your life’s schedule and overlay the running commitment. Decide on a plan. Frankly, any written plan aimed at first timers will get you to the race. Finally during this couple of weeks, plug the schedule into your calendar as a series of meetings/appointments. You want your phone or computer to push you out the door. At first you will readily head out the door, but there will be a stretch or two where you must be reminded and pulled out.

During your training and after long runs hit about 90 minutes, you will want to learn about hydration and fueling on the run. These are the two critical variables that will help you make the distance. There are guidelines on when, where and how much to drink and eat, but these are so personal that you will need to tweak to fit your needs.

Keep a log of your runs. Specifically this is to track shoe miles but I find it a good way to recall any specific issue that may have occurred. Note things like weather, feelings, etc. It will help you understand the little mental tracks you used to get through a tough run.

Finally, as you pass through the Holidays, you will begin to understand how far you have come. You will begin to enjoy your short 10 mile run. You will start to realize that you only need to add a few short miles and you will be running 26 miles. It’s kind of a mind blowing thing when this occurs. Then on race day, all the anxiety you are feeling today will pop back up. Think back on your training. You will draw some comfort from knowing that you are prepared. But also know that even the most experienced runner out there is also feeling some of the same feelings. We all are a little anxious just before heading out on course.

Have fun out there

 

[creativeamanda]

I recall my first. I was so excited and like many scared to death.

I recommend spending the next 2 weeks in a maintenance run set up, running 2-3 x a week during the week and one longish run of 3-5 miles on the weekend. (or something within your current raining levels). Read through several training plans if you have not selected one. Your goal is to look at your life’s schedule and overlay the running commitment. Decide on a plan. Frankly, any written plan aimed at first timers will get you to the race. Finally during this couple of weeks, plug the schedule into your calendar as a series of meetings/appointments. You want your phone or computer to push you out the door. At first you will readily head out the door, but there will be a stretch or two where you must be reminded and pulled out.

During your training and after long runs hit about 90 minutes, you will want to learn about hydration and fueling on the run. These are the two critical variables that will help you make the distance. There are guidelines on when, where and how much to drink and eat, but these are so personal that you will need to tweak to fit your needs.

Keep a log of your runs. Specifically this is to track shoe miles but I find it a good way to recall any specific issue that may have occurred. Note things like weather, feelings, etc. It will help you understand the little mental tracks you used to get through a tough run.

Finally, as you pass through the Holidays, you will begin to understand how far you have come. You will begin to enjoy your short 10 mile run. You will start to realize that you only need to add a few short miles and you will be running 26 miles. It’s kind of a mind blowing thing when this occurs. Then on race day, all the anxiety you are feeling today will pop back up. Think back on your training. You will draw some comfort from knowing that you are prepared. But also know that even the most experienced runner out there is also feeling some of the same feelings. We all are a little anxious just before heading out on course.

Have fun out there

Thanks! I've run 3 half marathons, and I started the Galloway marathon method. In October I have another half marathon in Myrtle Beach, because I wanted a good long run in there in the middle to keep me training. I'm also hoping for a little better time.

Only issue I'm having now is I have tendinitis from my last race (in April) where I did not warm up properly, so I'm taking my training runs right now at a slower than normal pace. Hoping my local library has Galloway's Marathon book, too, so I can read it.

 

[FloridaNative8]

I recall my first. I was so excited and like many scared to death.

I recommend spending the next 2 weeks in a maintenance run set up, running 2-3 x a week during the week and one longish run of 3-5 miles on the weekend. (or something within your current raining levels). Read through several training plans if you have not selected one. Your goal is to look at your life’s schedule and overlay the running commitment. Decide on a plan. Frankly, any written plan aimed at first timers will get you to the race. Finally during this couple of weeks, plug the schedule into your calendar as a series of meetings/appointments. You want your phone or computer to push you out the door. At first you will readily head out the door, but there will be a stretch or two where you must be reminded and pulled out.

During your training and after long runs hit about 90 minutes, you will want to learn about hydration and fueling on the run. These are the two critical variables that will help you make the distance. There are guidelines on when, where and how much to drink and eat, but these are so personal that you will need to tweak to fit your needs.

Keep a log of your runs. Specifically this is to track shoe miles but I find it a good way to recall any specific issue that may have occurred. Note things like weather, feelings, etc. It will help you understand the little mental tracks you used to get through a tough run.

Finally, as you pass through the Holidays, you will begin to understand how far you have come. You will begin to enjoy your short 10 mile run. You will start to realize that you only need to add a few short miles and you will be running 26 miles. It’s kind of a mind blowing thing when this occurs. Then on race day, all the anxiety you are feeling today will pop back up. Think back on your training. You will draw some comfort from knowing that you are prepared. But also know that even the most experienced runner out there is also feeling some of the same feelings. We all are a little anxious just before heading out on course.

Have fun out there

Great advice!!! Thank you!!

 

[MRS AR]

I recall my first. I was so excited and like many scared to death.

I recommend spending the next 2 weeks in a maintenance run set up, running 2-3 x a week during the week and one longish run of 3-5 miles on the weekend. (or something within your current raining levels). Read through several training plans if you have not selected one. Your goal is to look at your life’s schedule and overlay the running commitment. Decide on a plan. Frankly, any written plan aimed at first timers will get you to the race. Finally during this couple of weeks, plug the schedule into your calendar as a series of meetings/appointments. You want your phone or computer to push you out the door. At first you will readily head out the door, but there will be a stretch or two where you must be reminded and pulled out.

During your training and after long runs hit about 90 minutes, you will want to learn about hydration and fueling on the run. These are the two critical variables that will help you make the distance. There are guidelines on when, where and how much to drink and eat, but these are so personal that you will need to tweak to fit your needs.

Keep a log of your runs. Specifically this is to track shoe miles but I find it a good way to recall any specific issue that may have occurred. Note things like weather, feelings, etc. It will help you understand the little mental tracks you used to get through a tough run.

Finally, as you pass through the Holidays, you will begin to understand how far you have come. You will begin to enjoy your short 10 mile run. You will start to realize that you only need to add a few short miles and you will be running 26 miles. It’s kind of a mind blowing thing when this occurs. Then on race day, all the anxiety you are feeling today will pop back up. Think back on your training. You will draw some comfort from knowing that you are prepared. But also know that even the most experienced runner out there is also feeling some of the same feelings. We all are a little anxious just before heading out on course.

Have fun out there

I love your advice. I started reading the 2013 marathon thread when preparing for my first 1\2. I'm glad to read I'm on track now that I'm getting ready for my first full. Wish I were in a faster corral. I'd love to shake your hand (maybe even buy you a coffee?) and say thanks a million for keeping me encouraged last year that even a late blooming runner can be successful.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

Thanks - did you just go over there after the race or could you buy during the expo. Any idea how much they were discounted?

I don't recall the price but you had to purchase them the day you were going to use them.

 

[goofeygirl]

I would love to meet some of the people who post on this forum. I want to put a face to a name...and yeah thank them for helping us prep and answering our questions...

 

[FFigawi]

I would love to meet some of the people who post on this forum. I want to put a face to a name...and yeah thank them for helping us prep and answering our questions...

There's always several meet ups during marathon weekend. You'll have multiples chances to see lots of us.

 

[CaptHomer]

There's always several meet ups during marathon weekend. You'll have multiples chances to see lots of us.

Does this mean you changed your mind and are running now?

 

[LSUfan4444]

Awesome! I'll book as soon as I can, when the cheapest airlines for me start offering those dates. I'm coming from the Philadelphia area. I like AirTran or SouthWest. Also looking at Frontier out of Trenton this year. It will be my first Marathon too

Currently, Southwest is booking flights for travel through January 5. They are expecting that on June 24 that will be extended through March.

You might want to check back a bit closer, but if you want to book early (I know we will, be ready in two weeks.

 

[swimfly]

Joining in--I registered fro the marathon about a month ago and added Race retreat today. So excited, but a little intimidated at the same time.

Welcome! You will go through a whirlwind of emotions as you train. I'm not an emotional person but broke down and cried at the finish line of my first and every finish line since.

Welcome!!! This will be my first marathon too, and I'm scared to death, already!

You'll rock it!

I recall my first. I was so excited and like many scared to death.

I recommend spending the next 2 weeks in a maintenance run set up, running 2-3 x a week during the week and one longish run of 3-5 miles on the weekend. (or something within your current raining levels). Read through several training plans if you have not selected one. Your goal is to look at your life’s schedule and overlay the running commitment. Decide on a plan. Frankly, any written plan aimed at first timers will get you to the race. Finally during this couple of weeks, plug the schedule into your calendar as a series of meetings/appointments. You want your phone or computer to push you out the door. At first you will readily head out the door, but there will be a stretch or two where you must be reminded and pulled out.

During your training and after long runs hit about 90 minutes, you will want to learn about hydration and fueling on the run. These are the two critical variables that will help you make the distance. There are guidelines on when, where and how much to drink and eat, but these are so personal that you will need to tweak to fit your needs.

Keep a log of your runs. Specifically this is to track shoe miles but I find it a good way to recall any specific issue that may have occurred. Note things like weather, feelings, etc. It will help you understand the little mental tracks you used to get through a tough run.

Finally, as you pass through the Holidays, you will begin to understand how far you have come. You will begin to enjoy your short 10 mile run. You will start to realize that you only need to add a few short miles and you will be running 26 miles. It’s kind of a mind blowing thing when this occurs. Then on race day, all the anxiety you are feeling today will pop back up. Think back on your training. You will draw some comfort from knowing that you are prepared. But also know that even the most experienced runner out there is also feeling some of the same feelings. We all are a little anxious just before heading out on course.

Have fun out there

I always enjoy reading your advice. Seek it out in fact.

I would love to meet some of the people who post on this forum. I want to put a face to a name...and yeah thank them for helping us prep and answering our questions...

Definitely! I'm planning to make it to a few of the G2G. I'll be traveling solo up through Saturday afternoon. Then my family will join me for the marathon.

 

[FFigawi]

Does this mean you changed your mind and are running now?

Sadly, no. My mind hasn't changed - I still want to run - but my boss feels differently. No vacation in January next year during our year-end close.

 

[cepmom]

ran my first 10K on Sunday, official time was 1:01:51 but I think I will fit in another 10K in the fall and see if my time improves then submit my proof of time then.

Last week, my DD decided that she wanted to run the new Enchanted 10K in February and convinced me to go with her. Then at the last minute she changed her mind and decided to go for the 1/2 and I found myself signed up for the 1/2 as well so now I guess I'm running the 1/2 in January and then another 1/2 6 weeks later lol. I was *this*close to pulling the trigger on the Glass Slipper Challenge then decided I should see how my first 1/2 in January goes befoer I commit. Maybe next year!

a few weeks ago I started having pain on the outside of my right knee...I think maybe it's my IT band acting up taking it easier this week and comtemplating getting into a Dr and therapy to work it out. Anyone else deal with IT band issues??

I need to get on board with a training plan as well. Not sure which plan to go with yet. Also need to research more on what to eat before, during and after a race. For the shorter distances I'm used to I didnt really need to think too much about it but I noticed on my 10K I felt kind of sluggish about 1/2 way through and kind of felt crummy the rest of that day. I don't think I hydrated enough maybe? Any good websites or books with this type of info you can recommend?

 

[goofeygirl]

My right knee always acts up though I haven't seen a doc about it. Though oddly it really doesn't when I am in a race...its strange really. I did a 5k race a few weeks ago and I was aware of it and had to wear a knee band which I always do in a race anyway. However for the Goofy challange ... nothing. Very odd. It doesn't hurt, I am just aware of it.


Meanwhile following the maintence advice from the many runners on this forum is what helped prep me for the Goofy this past January. Both mentally and physically....esp the mental part. Though I always still have a lot to learn.

 

[PrincessV]

a few weeks ago I started having pain on the outside of my right knee...I think maybe it's my IT band acting up taking it easier this week and comtemplating getting into a Dr and therapy to work it out. Anyone else deal with IT band issues??

Have I ever. My ITBS was so bad by the TOT last year, I couldn't run more than a mile without excruciating pain. My advice? 1. Start looking for the root cause; no point in fixing the issue until you've ID'd and fixed the cause. For me, it was always running the same side of our very steeply canted roads coupled with stability shoes. But there are many, many things that can bring on ITBS; Google and experiment. 2. Get yourself a foam roller and look up foam rolling techniques for ITBS. 3. Find a PT or chiropractor that does targeted massage, Active Release Therapy and electrical stimulation. My chiro is an absolute miracle worker; I'm running now because of her! 4. No running until the pain is gone. The knee pain stems from the tightened ITB rubbing against the knee joint, causing inflammation. You must wait until that inflammation is gone. When you do start running, keep it short and very slowly start rebuilding mileage. Stop immediately any time you start feeling the tell-tale ITB pain.

I didn't do any of that until I was in really bad shape... don't be me.

 

[cepmom]

Have I ever. My ITBS was so bad by the TOT last year, I couldn't run more than a mile without excruciating pain. My advice? 1. Start looking for the root cause; no point in fixing the issue until you've ID'd and fixed the cause. For me, it was always running the same side of our very steeply canted roads coupled with stability shoes. But there are many, many things that can bring on ITBS; Google and experiment. 2. Get yourself a foam roller and look up foam rolling techniques for ITBS. 3. Find a PT or chiropractor that does targeted massage, Active Release Therapy and electrical stimulation. My chiro is an absolute miracle worker; I'm running now because of her! 4. No running until the pain is gone. The knee pain stems from the tightened ITB rubbing against the knee joint, causing inflammation. You must wait until that inflammation is gone. When you do start running, keep it short and very slowly start rebuilding mileage. Stop immediately any time you start feeling the tell-tale ITB pain.

I didn't do any of that until I was in really bad shape... don't be me.

Thanks for all the info! I did notice it after I had been running across a hill in my route where my right leg was always on the downhill so I changed my route to avoid that for now.

Also, I do wear stability shoes (asics 2170)...always have but now you have me wondering? I have been fitted a few different times at Marathon Sports and that's what they recommend for me. My legs are super tight so I really need to focus on stretching better. And foam rolling!

 

[PrincessV]

Thanks for all the info! I did notice it after I had been running across a hill in my route where my right leg was always on the downhill so I changed my route to avoid that for now.

Also, I do wear stability shoes (asics 2170)...always have but now you have me wondering? I have been fitted a few different times at Marathon Sports and that's what they recommend for me. My legs are super tight so I really need to focus on stretching better. And foam rolling!

I'm not a shoe expert, but I think if you've been in stability shoes happily and the ITBS thing has just come up, it's probably not your shoes. I have complicated feet - highly flexible arches that can appear flat if I'm just standing, a fore-to-midfoot strike and a tendency to pronate while walking but suppinate while running. I'm a shoe-fitter's worst nightmare, lol!

 

[Figment1990]

I'm not a shoe expert, but I think if you've been in stability shoes happily and the ITBS thing has just come up, it's probably not your shoes. I have complicated feet - highly flexible arches that can appear flat if I'm just standing, a fore-to-midfoot strike and a tendency to pronate while walking but suppinate while running. I'm a shoe-fitter's worst nightmare, lol!

Hey v- I completely remember your feet from last year! We have nearly identical feet issues (and we're both dancers, right?) running shoe shopping just stinks! Hope you're doing well. Looks like lots if Disney miles this year!

 

[cepmom]

I'm not a shoe expert, but I think if you've been in stability shoes happily and the ITBS thing has just come up, it's probably not your shoes. I have complicated feet - highly flexible arches that can appear flat if I'm just standing, a fore-to-midfoot strike and a tendency to pronate while walking but suppinate while running. I'm a shoe-fitter's worst nightmare, lol!

Sounds complicated!! I will add that I just started back to running in the middle if February after taking about 6 months off...had shoulder surgery in September and couldn't run during that time. So maybe I advanced to quickly also? 3 months to go from 0 miles to 6 miles