Official 2015 Disney Marathon Thread

[Weluvdisny]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

I am with you. I myself need to find the motivation to get going. I have almost identical race records as you except I did 2 sprint tris last summer. Maybe it's just the word. Marathon. Definition: a difficult undertaking: a lengthy and difficult task, event, or activity.

Are you following anyone's program or just making up your own?

Hopefully, once I get more training under my belt, I think I will feel better. Life gets in the way and there are so many excuses to not get out there, but I need to make running a priority again.

 

[sumlee]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

Hugs for you! You can do this!!! Just stick to your training plan. Think how great you'll feel when you cross that finish line and show him what you're made of!!!

 

[Castle2Castle]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

HOGWASH.

I barely made it through a local 10-miler (my then-longest distance) at the end of March 2012 before my fiancee and I signed up for the Goofy Challenge the next month. She hadn't run so much as a 5k.

That is not the optimal way to go about a first full marathon, but we researched it ahead of time and thought it possible with a goal only of finishing and the relatively lenient 16:00/mile pacing requirement for runDisney races. We started training with the Galloway run/walk method a little bit before the official training program so she could start getting comfortable with her running form. We both finished our first ever marathon at Disney World a day after running our second half marathon (ran one prior in training) in some pretty nasty heat and humidity.

We've both gotten stronger and faster since then and are looking forward to an even better Goofy experience this coming January. Galloway worked for us when we were newer runners, and we're going to go with a mixed plan of Higdon's Intermediate II (to guide our weekly mileage) and Furman Institute's FIRST running plan (to guide our Tue/Thu runs).

I'm not sure what plan you may be using, but you already have a much stronger running base from which to build. If you have a solid plan of action and are committed to sticking with it, you absolutely can get there.

Don't let yourself be discouraged by naysayers!

 

[Ariel484]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

Awwww, come on, RD-SOX hubby. If you don't have anything nice to say...

I'll echo what others have said here, if you are capable of finishing a half marathon - which you have - you are capable of finishing a marathon. Find a good training plan and stick to it. You can do it!!

I am with you. I myself need to find the motivation to get going. I have almost identical race records as you except I did 2 sprint tris last summer. Maybe it's just the word. Marathon. Definition: a difficult undertaking: a lengthy and difficult task, event, or activity.

Are you following anyone's program or just making up your own?

Hopefully, once I get more training under my belt, I think I will feel better. Life gets in the way and there are so many excuses to not get out there, but I need to make running a priority again.

Motivation...mine is being well-trained enough to be confident that I will make it through 26.2 miles and see THIS with a big smile on my face:

And earning the finisher medal afterward, of course...hope they put out some pictures of them soon!

 

[tri4life]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

Hate to say it....but your husband sounds like real ****** making a statement like that. Understand that you will have good and bad days during your training runs. Take the good with the bad. The humidity down here in Ga is terrible right and that's what I have to do. Trust me as a a soon to be 2nd time around Dopey runner it is all worth it. I've never had as much fun hurting like hell as I do at mile 24 of the marathon. It's a good hurt. It's why nobody ever says "let's go play marathon".
You got this mam. Happy training.

 

[dreamsail]

I'm signed up for the half marathon. The plan was for my family to go with me and make a family trip out of it as well. Now my husband doesn't think he will get to go, but I can't just tell my son he can't go now either.

So, I'm planning to take my son - and hopefully it will end up that my husband CAN go, but in the event that he can't ...what are my options with my son during the half marathon?

He will have just turned 11 when we go, but I just couldn't leave him alone in the room by himself...I would spend the entire time of the half marathon worrying and probably back out of it.

Edited to add: we are currently booked at a value resort, which doesn't seem to have the childcare through disney available.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm signed up for the half marathon. The plan was for my family to go with me and make a family trip out of it as well. Now my husband doesn't think he will get to go, but I can't just tell my son he can't go now either.

So, I'm planning to take my son - and hopefully it will end up that my husband CAN go, but in the event that he can't ...what are my options with my son during the half marathon?

He will have just turned 11 when we go, but I just couldn't leave him alone in the room by himself...I would spend the entire time of the half marathon worrying and probably back out of it.

Honestly, if he's 11, he will probably sleep until the half marathon is over. You'll be back in your room before 9.

 

[PrincessV]

He will have just turned 11 when we go, but I just couldn't leave him alone in the room by himself...I would spend the entire time of the half marathon worrying and probably back out of it.

Honestly, if he's 11, he will probably sleep until the half marathon is over. You'll be back in your room before 9.

You've got to know yourself and your child and what each of you can handle, of course, but in case it helps... My then-11yo was used to me being gone on early morning runs (as well as shopping, running errands, etc.) and stayed in our room while I ran the half this year. I made him get up to lock the inside door locks when I left, and had previously gone over what to do in an emergency. I made sure he had the phone numbers of several of my friends, as well as his grandmother, in case something happened to me in the race and I didn't call or come back to the room by an agreed-upon time.

I'll admit that I was more nervous than he was, but the excitement and distraction of the race took over as soon as it started. I called him just after I finished and he was fine - had just gotten up, made himself some breakfast and was happily eating in bed while watching TV - HIS dream vacation, lol!

 

[frisbeego]

Edited to add: we are currently booked at a value resort, which doesn't seem to have the childcare through disney available.

I haven't used childcare at a value resort, so I'm not sure what you meant by "through Disney." However, I believe that there are third-party (non-Disney) child care services that will come to your room.

Kid's Nite Out is listed on Disney's site as a preferred child care vendor.

 

[steves1019]

Honestly, if he's 11, he will probably sleep until the half marathon is over. You'll be back in your room before 9.

I initially thought this was nuts. Then I asked my wife if we'd do it with our 11YO and she says "I was thinking about it." So maybe I'm just a big wuss. Me and the DW are both running the 1/2 and we going over options. But we have a few local options with family and friends we can call on if needed. Sounds like we may not. My main concern is an emergency like a fire alarm, or worse yet a real fire or something of the sort. My DD11 is super mature and responsible, but I'm just. It sure I could be comfortable with it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm signed up for the half marathon. The plan was for my family to go with me and make a family trip out of it as well. Now my husband doesn't think he will get to go, but I can't just tell my son he can't go now either.

So, I'm planning to take my son - and hopefully it will end up that my husband CAN go, but in the event that he can't ...what are my options with my son during the half marathon?

He will have just turned 11 when we go, but I just couldn't leave him alone in the room by himself...I would spend the entire time of the half marathon worrying and probably back out of it.

Edited to add: we are currently booked at a value resort, which doesn't seem to have the childcare through disney available.

I'm lucky to have relatives that live in Daytona, and my aunt came out to watch my 9 year old overnight when I had to leave the room at 3:30ish for the Half.

If she hadn't been available, however, I would have used Kid's Night Out. They usually don't do overnights (or they have different rules for them) but for the Marathon Weekend they had different rules, more relaxed ones so you didn't have to have the sitter come ALLLLL night long.


Is your son signed up for anything? Last year DS and I did the 5K, and he did a Mickey Mile. I messed up and didn't get him or DH (who is going with me this year) into the 5K (which is OK with them because it means I will bust my rear to get him signed up for either Avengers next year!), but he'll be doing the Mile again. The Mickey Mile is open to all 13 and younger (or all below 13? either way, your son and mine still qualify).

 

[Nole95]

Both DW and I are running the half and we will have an 11 and 8 year old along with us.

We do have family in Orlando we hope to be able to use, but if that falls through we would have to look at other options.

We do leave them at home when we go on short 4 and 5 mile runs at home. However leaving them in a room from 3:30 to 8:30 or 9 might be stretching it.

 

[Weluvdisny]

So I added this song to my playlist today and just kept hitting "repeat". It's the Euro beat version of Go The Distance. I love it!! It really helped me get my 5 miles done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftsOgiu8mKs

 

[derekleigh]

I just read last night that 47% of 2013 marathon finishers were over 40. I'm amazed by that!

I ran my first marathon in my mid-40's and never, ever, ever thought I could. I am the proverbial "If I can do it, anybody can do it" guy.

So...you're not "way over" your head by ANY stretch. In my mind - anybody that can finish a half marathon in decent shape can finish a marathon.

I know this sounds crazy but I am firmly convinced that finishing a marathon is not twice as difficult as finishing a half marathon. Once you get moving and "in the zone", you can just ride-that-out as long as you stay at a comfortable pace and pay attention to your body - slow your pace or even walk if you need. Plenty of people will be doing the same.

And I contend Disney is the best place to run a first marathon. The hardest part (to me) of a typical marathon is the long, boring stretches between miles 14 and 20. In the couple of non-Disney marathons I've run, those are where there are few spectators, runners are sparse, and no "hoopla" on the course. That is not the case at Disney. There are spectators and characters and bands and DJs seemingly everywhere!

I'm just getting excited again typing this post! (Thanks!)

Nope - the difficult part is sticking to the training in prepping for the marathon. If you do that, you're golden. You will have a FANTASTIC run through the Disney parks!

It is SOOOO not over your head. In fact, it's below your head....probably knee-level. Just try not to trip over it on your way to the finish line!

I have to say your posted got me a little psyched for the full in January, my first full I should mention! I am looking forward to the entertainment bits on the course. Since running my first half (at Disney) in January 2012, I had told myself if I only ever run one full, I want it to be at Disney. I'd love Boston, but I'd never qualify.

I've felt since signing up that I am more nervous of my training runs, more so than the actual race itself. I did a 15-miler this past weekend and felt good, shot, but good. Mainly I believe I ran too fast (9:17) and it had a few good hills (100+ feet gain).

But its a learning experience so next month I will aim for a longer distance but slow things down a bit.

 

[NCrunner]

Anyone doing any events at WDW Marathon weekend that is traveling alone and would consider sharing room at Poly? I am running the Half and plan to be there from Thurs 1/8 and leaving Mon 1/12. Any or all of the time is considered....I havent booked yet but am looking to soon. I want to wait until the room discounts are posted, usually Oct, but afraid it will not be available then. THoughts?

 

[Dug720]

Just last night changed my reservation from POFQ where I've never stayed to CBR which I consider my home at WDW. I just decided that doing Goofy for the first time, I need to be at a resort where I know I'll feel comfortable and at home (and doesn't have cobblestones to turn an ankle on or creepy masks that will give me nightmares hanging in the food court). Super at peace now!

 

[Castle2Castle]

Anyone doing any events at WDW Marathon weekend that is traveling alone and would consider sharing room at Poly? I am running the Half and plan to be there from Thurs 1/8 and leaving Mon 1/12. Any or all of the time is considered....I havent booked yet but am looking to soon. I want to wait until the room discounts are posted, usually Oct, but afraid it will not be available then. THoughts?

The soon-to-be wife and I will be staying at All-Star Sports already for the weekend, but you might consider reserving a room for that time period now with the option to change your reservation later depending on the availability of discounts and whether or not you've found somebody to split the cost with you. We took that approach for Wine & Dine booking POFQ, and from my conversation with the rep, I believe we had until 45 days prior to the check-in date to switch it to a different package or otherwise change the reservation (relying on memory here).

Of course, the flip side of that approach is that if enough people apply the strategy, it decreases the likelihood or the magnitude of any discounts Disney may offer for the resort. But you would have it as a viable option and a starting point at which to discuss a price split with any potential roomies.

Good luck!

 

[sumlee]

I need to be at a resort where I know I'll feel comfortable and at home (and doesn't have cobblestones to turn an ankle on or creepy masks that will give me nightmares hanging in the food court). Super at peace now!

Haha!

 

[sumlee]

Anyone doing any events at WDW Marathon weekend that is traveling alone and would consider sharing room at Poly? I am running the Half and plan to be there from Thurs 1/8 and leaving Mon 1/12. Any or all of the time is considered....I havent booked yet but am looking to soon. I want to wait until the room discounts are posted, usually Oct, but afraid it will not be available then. THoughts?

Hello! I might be interested! My mom and I are currently booked at POP 1/4-1/12, but we'd love to be able to do a split stay with time at the Poly!!! I'll message you.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I started my "official" training but feeling depressed.... My hubby thinks I am way over my head doing the marathon. This will be my first full. I am in my 40s's and have been running for 2 1/2 years and have done various races from 5K to 10K and completed my first half marathon this past November. With him saying how he feels I am now feeling deflated....UGH

You can do this!!!! Lots and lots of people are going to question you, but I know you can do it. Just work through your plan day by day, and when someone criticizes, just smile and say, "thanks, it's nice that you care about me so much." I am in my 40s too, and ran my first marathon just a few weeks before my 40th birthday. You have plenty of time to get ready. It will be hard. It is supposed to be hard. But there is nothing in the world like turning the corner for home in the WDW marathon. You should have seen me cry! I'm talking the "ugly cry," not just polite little tears. I have three kids and a husband....after three births and a wedding, this was the best day of my life.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!