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

[cewait]

Mmmmm, sponges. Just the fiber you need to get through the last 9 miles.

In 07 when I was in heavy triathlon mode and the second warmest marathon I snagged two. I warm them as shoulder pads. and soaked them as often as I could.

Those icy water sponges were great with the temps in
the 80's this year.I'm going to assume if it's in the 40's-50's for this year there won't be any sponges.If it's like in 2010 the sponges might freeze.Instead of chocolate entering DHS I think I rather have starbursts or skittles.

Yes they were there in 2010 and yes they were VERY refreshing.

Funny thing about the 2010 mary... It wasn't really that cold. Sorry 27F is a long way from cold even for a Gulf Coast boy like me. Yes the mile 2, 4, 13 and 14 water stops had frozen crust on top of the water due to a lac of sun shining, and yes the area around stops 13 and 14 was slick but still if one layered it was a lot better for the runner than the spectator.

I wore a tights, shorts, a long sleeved tech shirt, a short sleeved tech shirt over that, a fleece ear warmer and painters throw down gloves as a base. I then had a long sleeved cotton tee and a top and bottom grey flannel worm ups and a Tyvek suit. I donated the Tyvek at the National Anthem. The flannel bottoms went as the corrals collapsed in anticipation of the start. The old course looped Epcot so I knew I would face the north wind again so I kept the flannel top until I knew I was ok...it went as soon as we faced north and I felt like I was sweating too much. Knowing the course, I knew to keep the cotton tee on until MK. I donated that at the guard shack coming into MK. I was OK with my base up through DAK, mile 17. I took on the sponges at the stop as we left DAK and ditched the gloves in front of DAK. Heading east/west for the next 4 miles we were really out of the breeze. But, I realized that I should not have ditched the gloves as we turned north onto World Drive. That shady. windy mile ripped a new one on the hands. I saw a really old sock and one glove road side and started thinking of picking them up, but decided to hustle into DHS. From there, things were great.

I did change tops in the family reunion area and did freeze my thighs and buttocks as I waited for the monorail. No need for an ice bath - the sweat evaporating did just fine.

As a gentle warning for those who hate the cold, let me give you a little hint of race weather as predicted by the resort we choose to stay.

The 3 warmest marathons since 1999 were in 2005, 2007 and 2013. I have stayed in the OKW resort for three marathons; you guessed it, 05, 07 and 13.
The most runner friendly marathons occurred when I stayed in BWV and CBR; though note that the coolest marathon for any resort I have stayed was the first year I stayed in that resort.
The coldest marathon was Disney on Ice in 2010 and I stayed BLT to see the new resort.

So, if there is any correlation between Charles staying in a resort for the first time, a new resort and a monorail resort and cool temps, start picking up throw down clothing NOW. We have sleeted the GFV as our marathon resort. There may be a blizzard since this is also our first FLA winter.

 

[cewait]

In 07 when I was in heavy triathlon mode and the second warmest marathon I snagged two. I warm them as shoulder pads. and soaked them as often as I could.



Yes they were there in 2010 and yes they were VERY refreshing.

Funny thing about the 2010 mary... It wasn't really that cold. Sorry 27F is a long way from cold even for a Gulf Coast boy like me. Yes the mile 2, 4, 13 and 14 water stops had frozen crust on top of the water due to a lac of sun shining, and yes the area around stops 13 and 14 was slick but still if one layered it was a lot better for the runner than the spectator.

I wore a tights, shorts, a long sleeved tech shirt, a short sleeved tech shirt over that, a fleece ear warmer and painters throw down gloves as a base. I then had a long sleeved cotton tee and a top and bottom grey flannel worm ups and a Tyvek suit. I donated the Tyvek at the National Anthem. The flannel bottoms went as the corrals collapsed in anticipation of the start. The old course looped Epcot so I knew I would face the north wind again so I kept the flannel top until I knew I was ok...it went as soon as we faced north and I felt like I was sweating too much. Knowing the course, I knew to keep the cotton tee on until MK. I donated that at the guard shack coming into MK. I was OK with my base up through DAK, mile 17. I took on the sponges at the stop as we left DAK and ditched the gloves in front of DAK. Heading east/west for the next 4 miles we were really out of the breeze. But, I realized that I should not have ditched the gloves as we turned north onto World Drive. That shady. windy mile ripped a new one on the hands. I saw a really old sock and one glove road side and started thinking of picking them up, but decided to hustle into DHS. From there, things were great.

I did change tops in the family reunion area and did freeze my thighs and buttocks as I waited for the monorail. No need for an ice bath - the sweat evaporating did just fine.

As a gentle warning for those who hate the cold, let me give you a little hint of race weather as predicted by the resort we choose to stay.

The 3 warmest marathons since 1999 were in 2005, 2007 and 2013. I have stayed in the OKW resort for three marathons; you guessed it, 05, 07 and 13.
The most runner friendly marathons occurred when I stayed in BWV and CBR; though note that the coolest marathon for any resort I have stayed was the first year I stayed in that resort.
The coldest marathon was Disney on Ice in 2010 and I stayed BLT to see the new resort.

So, if there is any correlation between Charles staying in a resort for the first time, a new resort and a monorail resort and cool temps, start picking up throw down clothing NOW. We have sleeted the GFV as our marathon resort. There may be a blizzard since this is also our first FLA winter.

Errr, thanks spell corrector. selected - not sleeted

 

[ADP]

Does anyone know if it's possible to downgrade from the full to the half? What are my options? Thanks!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Does anyone know if it's possible to downgrade from the full to the half? What are my options? Thanks!

You can't, unfortunately. If you are registered for Dopey or Goofy you can pick and choose what races you want to do, if you can't do them all, or you can transfer your registration to 2015.

 

[belle2211]

As a gentle warning for those who hate the cold, let me give you a little hint of race weather as predicted by the resort we choose to stay.

The 3 warmest marathons since 1999 were in 2005, 2007 and 2013. I have stayed in the OKW resort for three marathons; you guessed it, 05, 07 and 13.
The most runner friendly marathons occurred when I stayed in BWV and CBR; though note that the coolest marathon for any resort I have stayed was the first year I stayed in that resort.
The coldest marathon was Disney on Ice in 2010 and I stayed BLT to see the new resort.

So, if there is any correlation between Charles staying in a resort for the first time, a new resort and a monorail resort and cool temps, start picking up throw down clothing NOW. We have sleeted the GFV as our marathon resort. There may be a blizzard since this is also our first FLA winter.

I am soooo hoping that it will be "Florida cold" now that you live in Florida. So like 50s. Since Floridians (me included) think 50 is cold. I am soooo hoping for nothing much below that. I hurt all over, my throat and chest being the worst, when it's cold. As for clothing, if I put a lot on, I get hot super quick. but if I don't have a lot on, I stay cold the whole time.

 

[DOOM1001]

What are you guys thoughts on KT tape?Since the ToT 10 miler the inner tip of my left knee cap has gotten a bit swollen on runs over 5 miles,it's basically been the ToT race,a couple of runs on the treadmill and a half marathon Oct.26th.After that race I tried using this ice gel therapy that's really more for muscles but amazingly it worked very well in easing the swelling.I've never tried the tape but if it helps prevent it from hurting and getting swollen in the first place I'll be using it in all my longer runs and in the marathon.

 

[PaGaLaGirl]

What are you guys thoughts on KT tape?Since the ToT 10 miler the inner tip of my left knee cap has gotten a bit swollen on runs over 5 miles,it's basically been the ToT race,a couple of runs on the treadmill and a half marathon Oct.26th.After that race I tried using this ice gel therapy that's really more for muscles but amazingly it worked very well in easing the swelling.I've never tried the tape but if it helps prevent it from hurting and getting swollen in the first place I'll be using it in all my longer runs and in the marathon.

I love that stuff. Used it in the past and right now for Achilles and arch issues. I am sure some don't like it, but it gives me enough support to work through minor injuries just using ice and slightly modified training rather than full rest and/or medication. The precut strips make it so easy to get the taping just right too.

 

[cewait]

Does anyone know if it's possible to downgrade from the full to the half? What are my options? Thanks!

Prior to Goofy's inception when the race was split across two days, one would simply stop at the half and you would receive a medal and official time. However, since split there is not method short of working a deal out with a runner looking to do the same. Look around on other 'trading' lists and you may find something.

 

[cewait]

What are you guys thoughts on KT tape?Since the ToT 10 miler the inner tip of my left knee cap has gotten a bit swollen on runs over 5 miles,it's basically been the ToT race,a couple of runs on the treadmill and a half marathon Oct.26th.After that race I tried using this ice gel therapy that's really more for muscles but amazingly it worked very well in easing the swelling.I've never tried the tape but if it helps prevent it from hurting and getting swollen in the first place I'll be using it in all my longer runs and in the marathon.

It has it's place - but not everyone I see taped up should really be using it. I wish I had a photo of this gentleman I saw with both hammier, knees, calves and ankles taped up a few weekends ago. Just not sure the utility of the tape is aimed at that. [ADDED] or he may have been trying to make a statement?

It may not prevent post run swelling but will help keep the patella in alignment and lower the pain associated with the chronic injury. When properly applied, it is like a good knee j-brace. I am in the camp of try it and if it helps, then work with it.

I still suggest getting professional help as your primary method of addressing the issue. As long as there is an underlying condition that creates the issue, you are still grinding away at the injury.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Prior to Goofy's inception when the race was split across two days, one would simply stop at the half and you would receive a medal and official time. However, since split there is not method short of working a deal out with a runner looking to do the same. Look around on other 'trading' lists and you may find something.

This is a super bad idea. In the past few years, runDisney has had their own people pretend to be selling/buying bibs. If you get caught, you get banned.

 

[cewait]

This is a super bad idea. In the past few years, runDisney has had their own people pretend to be selling/buying bibs. If you get caught, you get banned.

I am just trying to say take it off the forum and do it elsewhere..... not commenting on the contractural issues or internet rumors.

 

[ADP]

Prior to Goofy's inception when the race was split across two days, one would simply stop at the half and you would receive a medal and official time. However, since split there is not method short of working a deal out with a runner looking to do the same. Look around on other 'trading' lists and you may find something.

Where would I find the trading list?

 

[RnbwSktles]

What are you guys thoughts on KT tape?Since the ToT 10 miler the inner tip of my left knee cap has gotten a bit swollen on runs over 5 miles,it's basically been the ToT race,a couple of runs on the treadmill and a half marathon Oct.26th.After that race I tried using this ice gel therapy that's really more for muscles but amazingly it worked very well in easing the swelling.I've never tried the tape but if it helps prevent it from hurting and getting swollen in the first place I'll be using it in all my longer runs and in the marathon.

I tried it for my first half-marathon about a month ago. I followed instructions on a YouTube video that was specifically for the pain I had (ITB issues). I just could not get some of the tape to stick right and the second I started to sweat during the race, they just started to fall off. I think I had ripped them off and ditched them by the first water stop. My conclusion is that my skin was probably not clean enough, but since my knee has been doing well, I haven't tried it again.

Also, just wanted to throw in a note about the hydration belts. I have carried one with two bottles of Nuun for every long training run and half-marathon I've done so far. I have never trained with just water, so I am always nervous to go without it. I'm not big on the yellow gatorade most races have either and I don't want to to take my chances on a race serving something other than what I expected. However, with that being said, as it gets colder, I drink less of the Nuun. I did a race this past Sat that was the coldest weather (by far) I have run in, and I barely drank half of the Nuun. I felt bad dumping it out at the end. I'm considering only training with water from now on so I can ditch the belt during the marathon, but my training runs will probably be in colder weather than what I expect on race day.

I think by writing this out I've just convinced myself to stick with the belt

 

[cewait]

I tried it for my first half-marathon about a month ago. I followed instructions on a YouTube video that was specifically for the pain I had (ITB issues). I just could not get some of the tape to stick right and the second I started to sweat during the race, they just started to fall off. I think I had ripped them off and ditched them by the first water stop. My conclusion is that my skin was probably not clean enough, but since my knee has been doing well, I haven't tried it again.

KT Tape makes a 'sticky' spray for those who are heavy sweaters or have a little oilier skin. The tape really sticks well for about 2 days if properly applied. For those who have sticking issue, look up the sticky spray.

Also, just wanted to throw in a note about the hydration belts. I have carried one with two bottles of Nuun for every long training run and half-marathon I've done so far. I have never trained with just water, so I am always nervous to go without it. I'm not big on the yellow gatorade most races have either and I don't want to to take my chances on a race serving something other than what I expected. However, with that being said, as it gets colder, I drink less of the Nuun. I did a race this past Sat that was the coldest weather (by far) I have run in, and I barely drank half of the Nuun. I felt bad dumping it out at the end. I'm considering only training with water from now on so I can ditch the belt during the marathon, but my training runs will probably be in colder weather than what I expect on race day.

I think by writing this out I've just convinced myself to stick with the belt

Electrolytic balance is tough to manage and if you head from the chills of the upper Midwest to the balmy central FL peninsula you may well need to up the electrolytic loading. You may want to bring the belt for the extra re-assurance. The 2013 and 2007 marathons were nothing less than great spectator weather – meaning way too hot for most runners.

As an alternative thought and for others reading… A 50% yellow Gatorade solution is about the same as the PowerAde served in a Disney race. They are not exactly the same, but the PowerAde is only mixed to a 50% of recommended strength to assure good mixing. The one thing you cannot train for in the US is using the same PowerAde as the race uses. Consumers cannot easily get the powdered PowerAde used in races. As a result, in training you are stuck with training with a HFCS based sport drink (PowerAde) or attempting to use an alternative brand. My research shows that the Gatorade is one of the closest matches.

High Carb drinks can throw many marathons into the dumper... Race with what you train with, if possible.

 

[MRS AR]

I read some questions about Garmins in this thread and had to post today. I bought the new 620 at the R&R Savannah expo then ran with it for the 1/2 the next day. I know "don't use anything new" but my old garmin had been unpredictable so I figured it wouldn't give me any more trouble than I already had. The 620 is fantastic. The weight is much lighter. The screens are easy to set up and move between. The pace is much more dependable so I could catch when I had slowed down before it was too late to make corrections. Because of that I had a 5 min PR and 15 min improvement on my last race 4 weeks ago. I still had 85% battery life left after the race so it should take me through the hours it will take to complete the marathon with no problem.

Downloading the info from my watch to my I phone was a breeze. It has a HRM but I didn't use it Saturday.

All in all it is a 2 thumbs up from me. I hope this partial review from a novice helps others looking for a garmin.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I read some questions about Garmins in this thread and had to post today. I bought the new 620 at the R&R Savannah expo then ran with it for the 1/2 the next day. I know "don't use anything new" but my old garmin had been unpredictable so I figured it wouldn't give me any more trouble than I already had. The 620 is fantastic. The weight is much lighter. The screens are easy to set up and move between. The pace is much more dependable so I could catch when I had slowed down before it was too late to make corrections. Because of that I had a 5 min PR and 15 min improvement on my last race 4 weeks ago. I still had 85% battery life left after the race so it should take me through the hours it will take to complete the marathon with no problem.

Downloading the info from my watch to my I phone was a breeze. It has a HRM but I didn't use it Saturday.

All in all it is a 2 thumbs up from me. I hope this partial review from a novice helps others looking for a garmin.

I have the new 220 and totally agree. LIGHT years better than any other Garmin on the market.

 

[NitroStitch]

I read some questions about Garmins in this thread and had to post today. I bought the new 620 at the R&R Savannah expo then ran with it for the 1/2 the next day. I know "don't use anything new" but my old garmin had been unpredictable so I figured it wouldn't give me any more trouble than I already had. The 620 is fantastic. The weight is much lighter. The screens are easy to set up and move between. The pace is much more dependable so I could catch when I had slowed down before it was too late to make corrections. Because of that I had a 5 min PR and 15 min improvement on my last race 4 weeks ago. I still had 85% battery life left after the race so it should take me through the hours it will take to complete the marathon with no problem.

Downloading the info from my watch to my I phone was a breeze. It has a HRM but I didn't use it Saturday.

All in all it is a 2 thumbs up from me. I hope this partial review from a novice helps others looking for a garmin.

Oh dear...I'm not sure I needed to read this! I love my Garmin 610, but it is VERY heavy. I probably still won't buy the 620 until I need a new watch, but now I'll have a bit of watch envy, knowing it's much lighter and has other improvements.

 

[cewait]

Since leaving Lifetime I am so out of the tech loop. Garmin has a new unit? Dang, I need to look it up. Thanks for the quick review.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Since leaving Lifetime I am so out of the tech loop. Garmin has a new unit? Dang, I need to look it up. Thanks for the quick review.

I still have the 305 that I affectionately call my "garage door opener"
It's old faithful and I will be sad when it bites the dust

 

[rachlovestv]

I still have the 305 that I affectionately call my "garage door opener" It's old faithful and I will be sad when it bites the dust

Haha, that's the one that I have. It's been going strong for almost 2 years now, so I'll stick with it until it dies, but it is so tempting to see the new ones out there!