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

[steves1019]

But I was definitely done after 18. Really not sure how I'm supposed to do 8 more!!

I asked myself the same question, 8 more miles??? Lol. I'm putting faith in my training plan and the fact that it'll be a "race" in Disney to push me through. I'm lucky that I have no issue with the mental aspect, I can push myself to do anything. My thoughts are with how I'll feel post run. I have 2 days left in Disney after the run and I want to be able to at least gimp around ;-).

 

[cewait]

Just noted a small revision to the 2014 marathon course. All the revisions are in the DAK section of the course. For the last 8 years or so the course has come on stage in DAK through Africa Gate behind the Tamu Tamu Refreshments House in Africa, run through Asia, by Everest, in front of Dinoland and then out beside Restaurantosaurus and finally out into the parking lot through DAK Gate 3.

For 2014, we enter through Asia Gate located north of Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe and south of Maharajah Jungle Trek (or across from Kali River Rapids). We still run from there to Everest and then to Dinoland but this year hang a left and exit the on stage section of the park at the Chester and Hesters Gate to the right of Primeval Whirl . There is a little make up around cones just behind this gate.

From what I see, the only course modifications are located within the DAK. Basically, this takes out less than 100 feet of on stage running in the newer version, if that much.

Guess I should add for those who wonder, the half course did not go through a revision.

 

[cewait]

Today I ran 18 miles in pretty windy weather. I started out when it was still just barely dark at about 60 degrees and by the time I was done it was only 64ish. Absolutely perfect. I don't want any colder! (coach--cough cough )

But today's run went well. I felt better throughout it than I did for last week's 17 miler. And my time for today's 18 miler was almost 10 minutes FASTER than the 17 miler last week! My knee and heel only hurt sporadically so that's good. Around mile 11, I got a weird pain on my second toe, all the way down to the ball of my foot in a line. No idea what that was. It lasted for a few miles then would come and go. It doesn't hurt now though. I ran 2:1 intervals the whole time without having to drop to more walking so I'm proud of that. But I was definitely done after 18. Really not sure how I'm supposed to do 8 more!!

You have it bagged, just need to get to race day. It's just a short jog from the WWoS Softball fields to the Epcot Parking Lot.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just noted a small revision to the 2014 marathon course. All the revisions are in the DAK section of the course. For the last 8 years or so the course has come on stage in DAK through Africa Gate behind the Tamu Tamu Refreshments House in Africa, run through Asia, by Everest, in front of Dinoland and then out beside Restaurantosaurus and finally out into the parking lot through DAK Gate 3.

For 2014, we enter through Asia Gate located north of Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe and south of Maharajah Jungle Trek (or across from Kali River Rapids). We still run from there to Everest and then to Dinoland but this year hang a left and exit the on stage section of the park at the Chester and Hesters Gate to the right of Primeval Whirl . There is a little make up around cones just behind this gate.

From what I see, the only course modifications are located within the DAK. Basically, this takes out less than 100 feet of on stage running in the newer version, if that much.

Guess I should add for those who wonder, the half course did not go through a revision.

Thanks for adding in the info about the Half.

Thinking about all the stuff the marathoners get to see makes me wish I could visualize myself running that long. First time I've ever wished that!

 

[PE_TCR]

Where can I see the map? It's not on the rundisney site yet. Also, is it true that runners can ride Everest during the run? I'm not concerned about a finish time. I'm running my first marathon and just looking to finish and have a good time.

 

[DOOM1001]

Where can I see the map? It's not on the rundisney site yet. Also, is it true that runners can ride Everest during the run? I'm not concerned about a finish time. I'm running my first marathon and just looking to finish and have a good time.

Runners can definitely ride Everest but I'm not sure at what time it exactly opens.Last year I started in corral G and that start put me in front of Everest like 3-4 minutes before 9am,I think I had a great shot at riding it last year but skipped it just in case it may have delayed me too much.I assume I'll be in an earlier corral for this year and plan to be around Everest well before 9am and totally expect to try and ride it if possible.At what time will it open,I'm hoping it opens earlier than park opening time for runners,otherwise my best shot may have been this past year.

 

[miker1251]

Where can I see the map? It's not on the rundisney site yet. Also, is it true that runners can ride Everest during the run? I'm not concerned about a finish time. I'm running my first marathon and just looking to finish and have a good time.

Although they are somewhat technical, the maps used to certify the races can be found at

http://www.usatf.org/events/courses...tionYear=&lastName=&format=view&submit=Search

 

[Diskidatheart]

I remember last year there was a link where you could enter your expected time for the half marathon and marathon and it would provide you different location options of where family members could see you. Does anyone have that link? I'm hoping to run the marathon in just under 4 hours (very wishful thinking) and I want to start planning where my wife can see me along the course. I know she will go to the Ticket and Transport Center and then walk across the Polynesian to see me on the other side. After that, I'm not sure what options she will have after she gets back on the monorail.

 

[JeffW]

Today I ran 18 miles in pretty windy weather. I started out when it was still just barely dark at about 60 degrees and by the time I was done it was only 64ish. Absolutely perfect. I don't want any colder! (coach--cough cough )

Coach promised heat last year, and we (maybe just me?) suffered coming from Colorado. I'm counting on his consistency, because I'd really like to see some low 40's this year.

 

[cewait]

Where can I see the map? It's not on the rundisney site yet. Also, is it true that runners can ride Everest during the run? I'm not concerned about a finish time. I'm running my first marathon and just looking to finish and have a good time.

Do the math prior to the race. I am not sure how the 2014 corrals will line up due to expected revisions in the system. You will want to figure out how long it will take you to run 13 miles. Once you have that take 9 AM and subtract that time. That will give you the 'starting time' so that you arrive at the front of the ride at 9 AM straight up. If the corral lining up with that time is behind you, I would suggest moving back at the start to accommodate a continuous run to that point in the race. I suggest starting in the appropriate corral for getting to the EE with little wait as I would think standing around for 30 minutes could make the back half of the race feel long.

Of course this is predicated on EE opening at park open. It appears as though no refurbs are scheduled in Jan for the ride

Coach promised heat last year, and we (maybe just me?) suffered coming from Colorado. I'm counting on his consistency, because I'd really like to see some low 40's this year.

If it's any help, I am staying on the monorail this year.... The only other time on the monorail was 2010 aka Disney on Ice where we had sleet on Saturday and the marathon was sub freezing for most runners.

 

[cherrybomb11]

I froze this weekend too. I had 20 miles scheduled and when I started, it was 25 degrees but 9 with the windchill. I actually felt like it got colder as time went on. The water in my fuel belt was getting slush crystals in it! Eventually I made it to 10 miles before I said, this is crazy, (actually more swears than that) and did the remaining miles on a treadmill.

 

[Castle2Castle]

Where can I see the map? It's not on the rundisney site yet. Also, is it true that runners can ride Everest during the run? I'm not concerned about a finish time. I'm running my first marathon and just looking to finish and have a good time.

I still had a copy of the 20th anniversary map from this year on my system if you'd like to try referencing it. We aren't running the marathon this year and I haven't followed news as closely as when we were, but I don't believe it's changed much (if at all) from this.

 

[cewait]

Mapmyrun was balking at my revisions...

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/243214561/

This is a close approximation

 

[cewait]

I remember last year there was a link where you could enter your expected time for the half marathon and marathon and it would provide you different location options of where family members could see you. Does anyone have that link? I'm hoping to run the marathon in just under 4 hours (very wishful thinking) and I want to start planning where my wife can see me along the course. I know she will go to the Ticket and Transport Center and then walk across the Polynesian to see me on the other side. After that, I'm not sure what options she will have after she gets back on the monorail.

Keep an eye to the Spectator page of the runDisney Marathon page. It should pop back up soon.

In the mean time, assuming that your wave starts around 5:40, you should pass the TTC about 6:15 and the Poly about 6:48. I would estimate a 7:40ish passing by the front gate of DAK; more than likely too quick for a spectator to get there from the Poly or even the TTC for that matter.

The better bet would be to try for a spotting in the WWoS Ball Park. You pass there about 8:30 giving your crew 1:40 to get to the complex. Assuming 40 minutes for the monorail and an hour for the bus seems to work well.

That leaves a finish line rendezvous for the conclusion – or about an hour for her commute.

If I were to cut one, I would have her cut the WWoS and substitute standing at the point where the marathon comes into the World Showcase. Technically, that part of Epcot is not open yet but she would be able to stand there at the point; or at least my crew has been able in the past. It makes seeing you at the finish line problematic but she should have no issue getting to the reunion area about the same time as you.

 

[RnbwSktles]

This might be a silly question, but I want to know the answer either way!

Should the distance walked after a training run count towards the total mileage? Can walking an extra mile or two after the run be an advantage/disadvantage in training?

I ask because this Saturday I ended up leaving myself at least an extra mile to get back to my car after my 16 mile run (I usually leave about .5 mile to force myself to walk and not be tempted to just sit in my car and go home right away.) So I really did 17 miles.

I was cursing myself at the time because I was freezing and it felt like it took an hour to get back to my car! It got me thinking though: would adding an extra mile or 2 of walking to a run allow me to get in more miles with less risk of injury, would it make no difference, or would it actually hurt me because I am walking on already sore muscles?

If it makes any difference, I am a Galloway run/walker.

 

[FloridaNative8]

So, had 20 miles on the schedule yesterday, but after going through my training log, I remembered I missed my 18 mile run due to my injury. I figured that I should probably do that, so I don't risk injury again. To my surprise (especially after my horrible 10 miler last week), this was a good run!! Weather was perfect, my legs were of course sore near the end, and I wondered how I could do 8 more! But, that's what these training runs are all about! I think I might actually be able to do this thing!

Even better, my legs feel great today... I'm hoping my training continues on this route!!!

 

[FloridaNative8]

Today I ran 18 miles in pretty windy weather. I started out when it was still just barely dark at about 60 degrees and by the time I was done it was only 64ish. Absolutely perfect. I don't want any colder! (coach--cough cough )

But today's run went well. I felt better throughout it than I did for last week's 17 miler. And my time for today's 18 miler was almost 10 minutes FASTER than the 17 miler last week! My knee and heel only hurt sporadically so that's good. Around mile 11, I got a weird pain on my second toe, all the way down to the ball of my foot in a line. No idea what that was. It lasted for a few miles then would come and go. It doesn't hurt now though. I ran 2:1 intervals the whole time without having to drop to more walking so I'm proud of that. But I was definitely done after 18. Really not sure how I'm supposed to do 8 more!!

GREAT JOB!!!! I thought the same thing at the end of mine yesterday, but we can do it!!!

 

[Diskidatheart]

Keep an eye to the Spectator page of the runDisney Marathon page. It should pop back up soon.

In the mean time, assuming that your wave starts around 5:40, you should pass the TTC about 6:15 and the Poly about 6:48. I would estimate a 7:40ish passing by the front gate of DAK; more than likely too quick for a spectator to get there from the Poly or even the TTC for that matter.

The better bet would be to try for a spotting in the WWoS Ball Park. You pass there about 8:30 giving your crew 1:40 to get to the complex. Assuming 40 minutes for the monorail and an hour for the bus seems to work well.

That leaves a finish line rendezvous for the conclusion – or about an hour for her commute.

If I were to cut one, I would have her cut the WWoS and substitute standing at the point where the marathon comes into the World Showcase. Technically, that part of Epcot is not open yet but she would be able to stand there at the point; or at least my crew has been able in the past. It makes seeing you at the finish line problematic but she should have no issue getting to the reunion area about the same time as you.

Thanks Coach. I'll keep an eye out for the reappearance of that link.

Another option that I was thinking about after seeing your map of the route is since we are staying at Beach Club Villas, maybe it would be possible to see me after Mile 22 before I go into HS (she could just walk over to that area), then head over to the finish line to pick me up off the ground once I cross . I think it may be more beneficial/inspirational to see my wife between mile 22 and 24 than it would be for her to see me crossing the finish line. Maybe if I got lucky, she could see me after mile 22, then catch a bus to the finish line area and maybe see me there too. I'm sure things would all have to fall in line, but even if she is a few minutes late, I'd still see her in the reunion area shortly after I finish, wouldn't I?

 

[JeffW]

I think it may be more beneficial/inspirational to see my wife between mile 22 and 24 than it would be for her to see me crossing the finish line. Maybe if I got lucky, she could see me after mile 22, then catch a bus to the finish line area and maybe see me there too. I'm sure things would all have to fall in line, but even if she is a few minutes late, I'd still see her in the reunion area shortly after I finish, wouldn't I?

Last year my wife and kids saw me inside Hollywood Studios, and I think that was far better than the finish line. I was actually able to see them, high five, take pictures, etc. whereas the finish they are so far back that none of that is really possible. It was also great to have that mental boost to close out the last 3 miles. They then met me in the reunion area, as it took me a while for medal, pictures, ice station, etc.

We're planning the same HS location for this year, but they will just stay in the park and I'll meet them for lunch.

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach. I'll keep an eye out for the reappearance of that link.

Another option that I was thinking about after seeing your map of the route is since we are staying at Beach Club Villas, maybe it would be possible to see me after Mile 22 before I go into HS (she could just walk over to that area), then head over to the finish line to pick me up off the ground once I cross . I think it may be more beneficial/inspirational to see my wife between mile 22 and 24 than it would be for her to see me crossing the finish line. Maybe if I got lucky, she could see me after mile 22, then catch a bus to the finish line area and maybe see me there too. I'm sure things would all have to fall in line, but even if she is a few minutes late, I'd still see her in the reunion area shortly after I finish, wouldn't I?

That is the reason we meet up at England in the World Showcase. That is the point where I am absolutely my lowest and the kick in the pants works well.

Note that you will be mostly through DHS before the rope drop. A good idea for the mile 22.8 (entrance into DHS) would be for her to walk over to the Swan/Dolphin and walk up the sidewalk along Epcot Resorts Dr towards the back stage entrance into DHS. She should do this early (maybe as early as 0800) to see if she will be allowed to cross and stand in the area of the turn into the back stage area. Since it is a CM area past the gate, Security may have a say in whether spectators can stand there.

Getting back and forth to the DHS front gate is problematic from the Beach Club. The boats have reduced service and there is no bus from BC to the park. The sidewalk is the race track so walking is not going to happen.

One other easy alternative would be the mile 24 water station area. It is next to the BW tennis courts and is wider than most of the other side walk area. Ot one could set up camp in the Beach or Yacht area. The Yacht end is far less crowded than the Beach end so it would be easy to spot one another.

Hope this helps