Official 2015 Disney Marathon Thread

[croach]

I sure hope not because I can't get down there until Friday afternoon. I don't plan to buy a lot of gear but I really want to get a Goofy "brag" magnet and would like pick up a few other items most likely.

My biggest fear right now isn't not waking up in time, or getting swept, or not finishing, or anything like that. It's not getting there in time on Friday to pick up my race packet and also get checked into the resort. I have to work on Thursday and will be driving down from the Atlanta area with DW, DD (5), and DS (1.5) so it's going to be tight.

I would be happy to offer to pick your packet up for you if needed but I dont Disney allows that any more right?

 

[bumbershoot]

More bagcheck answer...

I tend to totally change afterwards. I just don't want to be in those clothes anymore; they are too sweaty, and even after the '13 TOT when it was so hot I got chilled VERY quickly after the finish. I want to get into a bathroom, take care of bathroom stuff, and change from head to toe. So I tend to pack underclothes, a yoga dress, a warm top, and fresh compression sleeves. And flipflops. Crocs to be specific; I had DH bring me my new Sanuk flips with a complicated cloth thing on top and it exhausted me to get into them, LOL. Simple is good.

A new hair tie is good, too, or my little clips to put my soaking hair up in a bun. Oh and a small towel to try to dry off the hair.


And all of this is even at the events without an afterparty. I just want to be as dry as possible and warm for when the shivers start.

But now Im getting worried - I had a bunch of stuff for the PHM and have been gradually weaning off the gear. For every half since (I did four his year) I trained with what each race provides. I've trained for the WDW full with lemon lime powerade, bananas, water and chocolate at approximately the time each is provided on the course. So I'm not carrying fuel or my water bottle. I don't carry a phone or camera. I tried to run 20 with my magic band and it bugs me so I took it off around mile 16. I plan to put my race retreat band in my skirt pocket and my bib will have emergency info. And here's the big one: I'm thinking of running without my Garmin because it stresses me out. Is this crazy? Does anyone else travel light?

If the Garmin stresses you and you don't like the info it gives you during and/or after, no reason to have it.

Does your skirt pocket have a zip so the band cannot fall out? That would be bad to lose it.

No one is going to try to find you after the run? If you're solo and no one wants a phone call, no need to have a phone. I do carry one with me because DH is as big a worrywart as I am, and I ran my first Disney race without one and for me/us it was a big mistake.

I've been slowly decreasing the things I need both because carrying a hydration backpack is annoying and sloshy and also because as my base fitness level improves I don't need all of it. I do carry sports beans and/or shot bloks, and a small bottle with a serving or two of Clif brand electrolyte drink. I now drink the water on the course (my stomach is sensitive so I was avoiding it, but avoiding it wasn't creating any different situations), and as I drink the water I drink my not-diluted-enough Clif drink. The MB didn't seem to bug me and running with the other wristbands didn't bug me either.

I also tend to bring a CC and some cash in a snack sized zip top, either in my shorts pocket or small running belt.

And believe it or not that's LESS than I used to bring.

I love my grandmother but have accepted that she will be passing probably sooner rather than later. I know this is a personal question but I am trying to go ahead and think about what I should do if she happens to pass sometime around marathon weekend. Does anyone have experience or suggestions?

I would normally say to talk to your grandma to see how she feels, but you can't really do that.

But I think that many people who know they are on their way don't want their loved ones to give up everything.

Can you talk to your dad, to clear the air with him and ask if it's OK if you still go? Maybe they can delay a funeral, should it happen while you're gone. (barring any religious requirements, of course) Funerals don't *have to* happen absolutely immediately.

If more distant family members are angry with you...as long as you've talked to your dad and he won't be upset, they have nothing to discuss with you. And even if dad objects, you have had your OWN relationship with your grandma; you don't have his relationship and you don't have to do what he says. If you are OK with missing a funeral, then you are OK with it.

 

[pixarmom]

Speaking of.......my grandmother is really in a bad way with Alzheimers and Dementia. She is currently in the hospital. They don't know if she will make it past Christmas. She is in the late stages and having recurring problems swallowing. She has lost about 20 pounds in the last month because she can't eat well....but as far as I know feeding tube is not an option(because of her health) and my granddad is against a live in helper because he still has all of his faculties. My dad takes care of her pretty much all the time. I love my grandmother but have accepted that she will be passing probably sooner rather than later. I know this is a personal question but I am trying to go ahead and think about what I should do if she happens to pass sometime around marathon weekend. Does anyone have experience or suggestions? My feelings won't be hurt. Just looking for some insight. I guess my question is would you skip marathon weekend if a loved ones funeral ended up being scheduled then? I had to sound selfish and petty.....but we have rented dvc points that are nonrefundable....paid for the dining plan (not sure if it is refundable...bought it through dvc)....paid for tickets (which could be used at another time).....plus I have been telling my kids that we are going and they are excited. I know there will probably be family members that would just hate me if I didn't go.....but it isn't that I didn't/don't love her. I started grieving the loss of my grandmother years ago and have accepted it.........Thoughts?

Really sorry to hear about your grandmother and I entirely understand - we are similarly situated. I would go ahead with the race, but would likely have the support of my family.

 

[bumbershoot]

The post about the fear of not getting in on Friday caused me to go back and find Bavaria's awesome thread about travel during the winter!

It's here.

Especially if you're a relatively new flyer, if you've never flown during winter, if your area is prone to storms, etc, give it a read. Good stuff.

Keep an eye on weather, on airline websites, on airPORT websites, on traffic revisions and construction in your area, and outside. Be prepared! Be prepared to leave early if something is about to happen weatherwise and they start letting people rearrange travel for no fee.

 

[Ariel484]

Ever since I got swept in 2009 I have always had recurring dreams about not even being able to start my race in the months leading up to the race. Normally my dreams had to do with arriving to Disney after the expo closed and not being able to get my packet so that I didn't even have a chance to prove myself and finish. This year though I have had zero. I feel so much better about my training and mindset this year. I hope they stay away. Leading up to marathon 2013 they were almost every night. In the past we have pulled some close trips where we drove up on friday to race on Saturday and something could have delayed us....so I guess that is where that came from somewhat. This time around we should be getting in on Wednesday so we will have several days buffer in case we have to deal with something.

Speaking of.......my grandmother is really in a bad way with Alzheimers and Dementia. She is currently in the hospital. They don't know if she will make it past Christmas. She is in the late stages and having recurring problems swallowing. She has lost about 20 pounds in the last month because she can't eat well....but as far as I know feeding tube is not an option(because of her health) and my granddad is against a live in helper because he still has all of his faculties. My dad takes care of her pretty much all the time. I love my grandmother but have accepted that she will be passing probably sooner rather than later. I know this is a personal question but I am trying to go ahead and think about what I should do if she happens to pass sometime around marathon weekend. Does anyone have experience or suggestions? My feelings won't be hurt. Just looking for some insight. I guess my question is would you skip marathon weekend if a loved ones funeral ended up being scheduled then? I had to sound selfish and petty.....but we have rented dvc points that are nonrefundable....paid for the dining plan (not sure if it is refundable...bought it through dvc)....paid for tickets (which could be used at another time).....plus I have been telling my kids that we are going and they are excited. I know there will probably be family members that would just hate me if I didn't go.....but it isn't that I didn't/don't love her. I started grieving the loss of my grandmother years ago and have accepted it.........Thoughts?

I'm really sorry about your grandmother. Really sorry. What you're saying is almost exactly what we went through with my grandmother in 2007 (except my grandfather had been gone for years). I can especially relate to what you said in the bolded portion...I was almost relieved when she was gone because she hadn't been *her* for weeks/months at the point.

I don't have any advice for you on this point, just wanted to say that I'm sorry and that I understand.

...Also, quick expo question! After seeing Ariel's awesome raw threads shirts, I'm thinking I'd like one for the parks during marathon weekend. Also thinking our teens would love the "run for dole whip" shirts from one more mile. Both the raw threads booth and the one more mile booth are on the way to the race shirts at the expo. We'll be there Wednesday afternoon. What would you all do? Just wait until the expo or order online now? I think I'd go with XS for my shirt and S/M for the boys' shirts, but not sure, and seeing them in person at the expo could help with decisions.

If I remember correctly, the RT booth had a huge line at Wine & Dine. They have also offered expo pick-up in the past (order what you want online and pick it up there) so that may be an option. I have found their sizing to be hard to nail down, though, and with the price of the shirts I'd definitely recommend trying them on before buying.

 

[pixarmom]

More bagcheck answer...

I tend to totally change afterwards. I just don't want to be in those clothes anymore; they are too sweaty, and even after the '13 TOT when it was so hot I got chilled VERY quickly after the finish. I want to get into a bathroom, take care of bathroom stuff, and change from head to toe. So I tend to pack underclothes, a yoga dress, a warm top, and fresh compression sleeves. And flipflops. Crocs to be specific; I had DH bring me my new Sanuk flips with a complicated cloth thing on top and it exhausted me to get into them, LOL. Simple is good.

A new hair tie is good, too, or my little clips to put my soaking hair up in a bun. Oh and a small towel to try to dry off the hair.

If the Garmin stresses you and you don't like the info it gives you during and/or after, no reason to have it.

Does your skirt pocket have a zip so the band cannot fall out? That would be bad to lose it.

No one is going to try to find you after the run? If you're solo and no one wants a phone call, no need to have a phone. I do carry one with me because DH is as big a worrywart as I am, and I ran my first Disney race without one and for me/us it was a big mistake.

I've been slowly decreasing the things I need both because carrying a hydration backpack is annoying and sloshy and also because as my base fitness level improves I don't need all of it. I do carry sports beans and/or shot bloks, and a small bottle with a serving or two of Clif brand electrolyte drink. I now drink the water on the course (my stomach is sensitive so I was avoiding it, but avoiding it wasn't creating any different situations), and as I drink the water I drink my not-diluted-enough Clif drink. The MB didn't seem to bug me and running with the other wristbands didn't bug me either.

I also tend to bring a CC and some cash in a snack sized zip top, either in my shorts pocket or small running belt.

And believe it or not that's LESS than I used to bring.

This is all such good info. I was super shivery after the PHM and it was warm then, so I'm using your checklist for my race day bag. Love the idea of a yoga dress - that sounds wonderfully comfy! Had not thought of the hair tie - another good idea.

I think I'm close to deciding against the Garmin. Good point on the race retreat bracelet - my run skirt does not have a zip pocket, so I think I'm going to keep race retreat on my wrist. I did PHM with a pink Garmin, pink magic band and pink race retreat thing and was going to tear my wrist off by the end! But the race retreat bracelet is the least of the offenders.

Definitely bringing the phone along to the retreat - I left it in my checked bag last time wrapped up in my after-race sweatshirt. Not worried about theft - it's an awful phone - someone can have it. So I get my bag, call my family and they meet me outside the race retreat. But my husband has not yet agreed to this plan for the full . . .

 

[ell13]

Way-too-soon Weather Update:

 

[Outonarun]

Ever since I got swept in 2009 I have always had recurring dreams about not even being able to start my race in the months leading up to the race. Normally my dreams had to do with arriving to Disney after the expo closed and not being able to get my packet so that I didn't even have a chance to prove myself and finish. This year though I have had zero. I feel so much better about my training and mindset this year. I hope they stay away. Leading up to marathon 2013 they were almost every night. In the past we have pulled some close trips where we drove up on friday to race on Saturday and something could have delayed us....so I guess that is where that came from somewhat. This time around we should be getting in on Wednesday so we will have several days buffer in case we have to deal with something.

Speaking of.......my grandmother is really in a bad way with Alzheimers and Dementia. She is currently in the hospital. They don't know if she will make it past Christmas. She is in the late stages and having recurring problems swallowing. She has lost about 20 pounds in the last month because she can't eat well....but as far as I know feeding tube is not an option(because of her health) and my granddad is against a live in helper because he still has all of his faculties. My dad takes care of her pretty much all the time. I love my grandmother but have accepted that she will be passing probably sooner rather than later. I know this is a personal question but I am trying to go ahead and think about what I should do if she happens to pass sometime around marathon weekend. Does anyone have experience or suggestions? My feelings won't be hurt. Just looking for some insight. I guess my question is would you skip marathon weekend if a loved ones funeral ended up being scheduled then? I had to sound selfish and petty.....but we have rented dvc points that are nonrefundable....paid for the dining plan (not sure if it is refundable...bought it through dvc)....paid for tickets (which could be used at another time).....plus I have been telling my kids that we are going and they are excited. I know there will probably be family members that would just hate me if I didn't go.....but it isn't that I didn't/don't love her. I started grieving the loss of my grandmother years ago and have accepted it.........Thoughts?

I am sorry for your Grandmother's suffering, and the difficult time this is for you and your family.

I understand and respect that each of us thinks and feels differently about illness, death, and intimate family matters. In 2013, I had a similar situation, and handled it in a way that turned out to be 'right' for me:

The night before my flight, I decided not to board the plane on the Thursday before marathon weekend (Goofy). Two days later, my loved one passed late afternoon, the day of the half marathon. I was with him as he passed. In my heart and mind, dying -- leaving your loved ones and the earth forever -- is a significant event. I have no regrets for the financial and opportunity losses incurred.

Best to you in your decision-making. I wish you and your family strength and peace.

 

[Outonarun]

I have started racing with less stuff. I think I'll probably have my watch and 1 or 2 Gu's. I'll wear my magic band because I don't check a bag.

Ditto.

 

[JeffW]

Way-too-soon Weather Update:

One low in the high 40's? I can only dream... (knock on wood, lucky rabbit's foot, etc)

 

[RnbwSktles]

I had a feeling my Garmin was being glitchy on my 20 miler run yesterday. What the heck happened here?? This was an out and back trail. The line parallel to the road is the correct one.

 

[bumbershoot]

This is all such good info. I was super shivery after the PHM and it was warm then, so I'm using your checklist for my race day bag. Love the idea of a yoga dress - that sounds wonderfully comfy! Had not thought of the hair tie - another good idea.

The only issue with the yoga dress is that the ones I have have inside bras. They aren't, um, enough for me, so a bra and the attached bra get a little fussy in my exhausted state. I really should cut the attached one from the dress. And they (the dresses) are SO comfy to wear after.

Those of us who get cold after long runs must unite!

I had a feeling my Garmin was being glitchy on my 20 miler run yesterday. What the heck happened here?? This was an out and back trail. The line parallel to the road is the correct one.

How was that swim?

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

One low in the high 40's? I can only dream... (knock on wood, lucky rabbit's foot, etc)

I would love that for the day of the half

 

[IamTrike]

I had a feeling my Garmin was being glitchy on my 20 miler run yesterday. What the heck happened here?? This was an out and back trail. The line parallel to the road is the correct one.

You aren't supposed to take your ice bath during your run.

 

[FFigawi]

For those of you that check bags or have people meeting you post race, what's something you like to have after a race?

A dry shirt and a pair of flip flops. First two things that go into, and come out of, my checked bag.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

For those of you that check bags or have people meeting you post race, what's something you like to have after a race? For me it's either flip flops or sandals. Particularly after the Marathon, the first thing I want to do after I grab my food box is take my shoes off. I'm fortunate because someone usually meets me at the finish with them. ( I also love Chocolate milk after a race, but runDisney doesn't provide that)

After Disney on Ice, all I wanted was the big hoodie sweatshirt.

 

[derekleigh]

A dry shirt and a pair of flip flops. First two things that go into, and come out of, my checked bag.

Ditto! I cannot express in words the feeling of freeing my feet post-race! Plus the feeling of a dry cotten (for me) shirt! It's the simple stuff

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Ok....tell me what degree of crazy this is:

The situation: I have the start of a sore throat. The forecast for tomorrow is 40 degrees and constant rain/mist. This is literally the last day I can do my 20-miler before the start of holiday travel. It is tomorrow or never, and I am almost sick thinking about being out in the cold and wet for so long.

Would it be completely, utterly insane to do 20 miles on a treadmill in the warmth and comfort of my basement? Has anybody ever done that long on a treadmill? Beyond the boredom of the slowly passing miles, is there risk of injury? Would it be better than being out in the rain?

I did an ok 19 outside, but really want a 20 under my belt before race day. I know it is not much difference physically, but it's a big difference for me mentally.

Am I just out of my mind and I should haul my butt out into the rain?

All opinions welcome! Thanks!

 

[FFigawi]

Ok....tell me what degree of crazy this is:

The situation: I have the start of a sore throat. The forecast for tomorrow is 40 degrees and constant rain/mist. This is literally the last day I can do my 20-miler before the start of holiday travel. It is tomorrow or never, and I am almost sick thinking about being out in the cold and wet for so long.

Would it be completely, utterly insane to do 20 miles on a treadmill in the warmth and comfort of my basement? Has anybody ever done that long on a treadmill? Beyond the boredom of the slowly passing miles, is there risk of injury? Would it be better than being out in the rain?

Insane? Absolutely, but a better option than running in the rain if you've got a sore throat and/or cold coming on. There's not much risk of injury unless you fall asleep from boredom and go flying off the back. And if you do fly off the back, please recover smoothly like this guy

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Insane? Absolutely, but a better option than running in the rain if you've got a sore throat and/or cold coming on. There's not much risk of injury unless you fall asleep from boredom and go flying off the back. And if you do fly off the back, please recover smoothly like this guy

That is BRILLIANT! I will make sure that if I wipe out, I will do so with spectacular style! Thanks for the smile.