Official 2015 Disney Marathon Thread

[derekleigh]

For marathons & shorter runs, I use Clif shots (gels), Clif bloks, and SportBeans. I like to have a variety because eating the same thing over & over gets a bit tedious. For anything longer than a marathon, I alternate between gels/bloks and salted potatoes.

The GUs/gels have worked for me, kind of hoping to try something different. The Cliff Bloks (or the like) are something I haven't used but probably will test out on a long run.

The Sportsbeans were tasty (fruit punch is my favorite), but they're too gritty after while.

I use either Gu gels, Gu Chomps (which are like little fruit snacks) or Honey Stinger Waffles. I've used the gels in half marathons and the chomps in half marathons/marathons and they have worked well for me. I've only used the waffles for training runs so far, but not for really long ones yet.

I kind of want to switch over to the waffles exclusively...because they are tasty and I know they are "all natural." On the other hand, I feel like the chomps have worked well for me, so if it ain't broke I probably shouldn't fix it. I know Honey Stinger has their own version of "chomps" (called "chews" I think) and tried them and remember thinking they were slimy or something.

I have heard the chomps or blocks have worked well for people. Any particular flavors people favor?

 

[StarGirl11]

The GUs/gels have worked for me, kind of hoping to try something different. The Cliff Bloks (or the like) are something I haven't used but probably will test out on a long run. The Sportsbeans were tasty (fruit punch is my favorite), but they're too gritty after while. I have heard the chomps or blocks have worked well for people. Any particular flavors people favor?

I've had my trainer recommend peanut butter to someone as an alternative to gels before. Never tried it myself for a run (prefer my GUs) but it does come with quiet a few carbs. Justin's peanut Butter comes in packs that are similar to the GUs that you can just take out, tear, and eat if you want to try it.

 

[Ariel484]

I have heard the chomps or blocks have worked well for people. Any particular flavors people favor?

Strawberry or Blueberry Pomegranate.

 

[John VN]

Formerly a Gu person I am now very happy with http://www.cranksports.com/.

Nicer texture, more product per gel packet.

Search the comparison to other products provided on the site.

McFlurry John

Just a quick note....I once choked on a Chomp or Bean when I inhaled after popping it in my mouth. Had to get air and did not manage to get it out of the way fast enough. Yes.....Dummy Me.

 

[miker1251]

I too use Cranks e-Gel. Cherry Bomb is flavor of choice. I also use gummies and a bagel I cut up. I have found I like the variety.

 

[SunDial]

I'm down in Miami and cannot wait for the temps to come down.Today I literally did a "heat" training run,middle of the day,92 degrees,feel like of 100 or more.I went 6 miles in 1 hour 13 minutes. I did it more than anything since I'm also doing ToT in a couple of weeks which although is at night is brutally hot so I just wanted to get a downright hot run in since I haven't run more than 4 miles outside during daytime for a couple of months,I'm sure those 6 miles outside under the sun will be harder than 10 miles at night in 3 weeks .However,I don't think I'll do another one,it's insane to go too far in that kind of heat until the temps come down.

I am in Palm Beach Gardens. I have only went out during the midday time to walk a few miles. I think I sweat out a couple of pounds when I do that. I do all of the jogging after work when it cools off a little.

I hope the temps do come down some but if they don't it will not bother me that much. It will be just another loop around the block so to speak.

 

[John VN]

I too use Cranks e-Gel. Cherry Bomb is flavor of choice. I also use gummies and a bagel I cut up. I have found I like the variety.

Cherry Bomb is da bomb!!!! Just ordered 3-24 packs and container of e-fuel.

McFlurry John

 

[derekleigh]

Cherry Bomb is da bomb!!!! Just ordered 3-24 packs and container of e-fuel.

McFlurry John

Disney should have Ralph or Vanellope had these out during the marathon!

 

[My<3BelongsToMickey]

Does anyone else use the new(?) Gatorade chews? I can't stand the texture of clif blocks or honey stinger chews for some reason (slimy?)

I used the Gatorade chews in training and in the DL half and they worked well in my stomach (this coming from a very sensitive stomach). Lord knows they are likely filllllled with preservatives, etc. but at least my body has had 20+ years to become familiar with the the Gatorade fruit punch flavor lol.

Granted, I have no clue how "advanced" the ingredients are, but I figured some kind of chew is better than nothing...

(I also like the sport beans, but the shape definitely causes some choking concerns!!!)

 

[DMMarla07860]

Does anyone else use the new(?) Gatorade chews? I can't stand the texture of clif blocks or honey stinger chews for some reason (slimy?) I used the Gatorade chews in training and in the DL half and they worked well in my stomach (this coming from a very sensitive stomach). Lord knows they are likely filllllled with preservatives, etc. but at least my body has had 20+ years to become familiar with the the Gatorade fruit punch flavor lol. Granted, I have no clue how "advanced" the ingredients are, but I figured some kind of chew is better than nothing... (I also like the sport beans, but the shape definitely causes some choking concerns!!!)

I use the Gatorade chews. I had the flu, back in April 2014 and was weak and it was a few days before vacation to Disney World and a cruise. Then when I started 5k training in May and had a pack before running and found they help me training

 

[StarGirl11]

Need to vent a bit. So I am currently finding myself frustrated with whomever is in charge of setting the proof of time deadline, right now I'm blaming trackshack and getting frustrated with them again for a second go around. First time was over tracking at Dumbo (my chip didn't register at the starting gate either time). Now it's over the picked proof of time deadline. Why did they pick the 10th? I mean it's a Friday, right before two days of racing. I just wish they had gone maybe one or two days in either direction and it would have made me it feel better (yeah even if they hadn't allowed for the weekend not bordering on it would have made me a lot happier camper right now).

Long story short, I wasn't the most happy with my time at Disneyland. Huge improvement over my previous time (3:32 in Jan to 2:47). Buuut it wasn't what I wanted (2:30s) so I'm itching to get another half in and I would like to do it before the proof deadline.

But because of the Dumbo the most comfortable I would feel racing again is starting around the last week in September. So that gives me two weekends. And let me tell you there ain't a lot happening the weekend of the 4th. But there is the weekend of the 12th (I've seen at least two races I wouldn't have mind doing for proof of time, but they just fall two days short of the deadline). Which is why its so darn frustrating.

And yeah I realize they did this with the Wine and Dine/Avengers in August. I ran into this same set of problems when I decided I wanted to try and improve my corral at the last minute for those also. Ever tried finding a race in mid-July in Colorado? It ain't easy.

 

[Mgslalala]

Hi all. Hope the trainings going well!! Couple of questions, hoping someone can answer. I posted a 4 hour 11 mins time at the London marathon this summer, so my aim is to break the 4 hour mark. Has anybody got any info as to wether the wdw marathon is considered a fast course or not?
Also were staying at the dolphin, I'm looking to get the bus the way to the event but I'd like to walk back to my room after to help with the warm down. Would anyone know if that's a reasonable stroll from the finish to the dolphin?
Finally most of the other big races I've ever taken part in , it's been a nightmare meeting up with friends and family afterwards. Normally it's impossible to get phone signal so phone calls it text messages are out of the question. Anyone know if Disney have a process in place to meet up with people straight after the race.... The girlfriend will be desperate to steal my hard earnt medal!

Cheers

 

[Ariel484]

Hi all. Hope the trainings going well!! Couple of questions, hoping someone can answer. I posted a 4 hour 11 mins time at the London marathon this summer, so my aim is to break the 4 hour mark. Has anybody got any info as to wether the wdw marathon is considered a fast course or not?

I do think it's considered "fast" as it's a flat course, but it can get very crowded in areas. Definitely submit that 4:11 for corral placement - if you're in a higher corral that should help you.

Also were staying at the dolphin, I'm looking to get the bus the way to the event but I'd like to walk back to my room after to help with the warm down. Would anyone know if that's a reasonable stroll from the finish to the dolphin?

Just so you know, you HAVE to take the bus to the start from the Dolphin.

The race finished outside of Epcot, so walking back to your resort means you need to walk through Epcot and exit through the International Gateway. It's definitely a doable walk, but you'll need entry to Epcot to actually do it.

Finally most of the other big races I've ever taken part in , it's been a nightmare meeting up with friends and family afterwards. Normally it's impossible to get phone signal so phone calls it text messages are out of the question. Anyone know if Disney have a process in place to meet up with people straight after the race.... The girlfriend will be desperate to steal my hard earnt medal!

Cheers

Cell reception is good from what I remember in 2013. They have lettered tents in the "family reunion" area so you could also say to meet at the Q tent or whatever.

And if you let her take that medal, you're marriage material!!

 

[bumbershoot]

I

And if you let her take that medal, you're marriage material!!

I won't let anyone take my medals. Not sure what that says about me!

 

[Ariel484]

I won't let anyone take my medals. Not sure what that says about me!

Haha!! Me neither!

"Oh, sweetie...you want a medal? That's cute. Maybe you can run the marathon next year and earn one yourself!"

 

[Castle2Castle]

Now it's over the picked proof of time deadline. Why did they pick the 10th? I mean it's a Friday, right before two days of racing.

I understand you're just venting, but I was curious so popped up an Excel template and used a couple formulas, and it looks like from Disneyland Half forward to Marathon Weekend they're roughly between 50-60 business days when accounting for holidays and weeks of events. Unfortunately for some runners, no matter what they do or what day the deadline falls, it'll always be too early for somebody somewhere.

 

[Castle2Castle]

Has anybody got any info as to wether the wdw marathon is considered a fast course or not? . . .Would anyone know if that's a reasonable stroll from the finish to the dolphin? . . .Anyone know if Disney have a process in place to meet up with people straight after the race[?]

Echoing Ariel, the course is considered flat and fast -- aside from any crowding issues. The only real elevation to speak of are the clover leaf ramps of the roadways to get up on the overpass, which some people complain more about the angle than the incline. Having run other races, you may already be aware of it, but consider too that heat may factor into how fast you go as well. Florida can be hot and humid in January which can be tough to prepare for if you're training all fall/winter in cooler conditions -- it doesn't help on stretches like Osceola Parkway (from Animal Kingdom to ESPN WWOS) that there's little to no shade shielding you on a sunny day.

From the finish line in the parking lot back to the Dolphin is probably between 1.5-2 miles, and you'll need a valid ticket/magicband to enter the park for the walk through. I'll let you decide how resaonable a walk that is post marathon -- for me, it would have been fine after a couple, but 1.5-2 miles too far after the others!

There's a family reunion area after the finish line where you can plan to meet up with your group if you like. Pick a tent/letter to meet at and you're set. We didn't experience any issues calling or texting people we were with after our 2013 marathon in WDW.

Good luck with your training and hope you have a great run!

 

[Radiorox]

Question for other runners. On my longer training runs (longer than 10 miles) I develop blisters on the inside of my foot up near my big toe. Both feet. And in the underside area between my big toe and foot. I generously apply plenty of body glide to the area prior to my run. I've been using the same thorlo socks for years and I've been running in Brooks Revenas for years too. I've tried moleskin over the whole area but that doesn't seem to help. The moleskin ends up sweating off or slides in my sock to where it's uncomfortable. I've read a little about Bandaid Brand Blister Defense but the ingredient list looks a lot like body glide. Suggestions?

I can't handle the Thorlo socks, those give me blisters when I do anything over a 5k with them.

Shoes are a big deal - according to the pros - they should be a half size to a full size bigger than your normal size because your feet will swell.

I started using Feetures and that has reduced blisters but, I still get them on my little toe on one foot and on my little toe and 4th toe on the other.

I use body glide and that helps with anything 10 miles and under. After that, I just use normal band aids and body glide.

Oh, I've used blister shield, which I recommend buying a sample of before buying a bottle of it. It's a powder (which makes too much of a mess but, many swear by it), that has some silicon something or other in it which stops the moisture and friction which causes the blister. You need to pour it into your sock, work it into the fabric, put on your sock and immediately put on your shoes.

Maybe, I got a bad batch or didn't work it into the sock long enough but, I found it annoying after two tries and found that it clumped. But, look into it, many runners and hikers swear by it.

Another thing that has worked for me is BLISTEX! Yup, the stuff for your lips... something in it works better than Body Glide for me. I used it when I had a race to run and had forgotten the Body Glide... I figured they were both some sort of jelly product... it works! I have one in my case with my running thingies.

 

[Radiorox]

I won't let anyone take my medals. Not sure what that says about me!

Mine are locked in a safe until I figure out where to display them. No touchie zee medals.

 

[RunRookie]

I've done 2 1/2 marathons and many 10 mile races but this will be my first marathon. I have a training schedule that I will be following and for me it's easier to say in my head how many miles I need to do that day because I know I can't/shouldn't do less. If I feel good and want to tack on another mile or so, I will.

I would suggest that you follow your training plan and resist the urge to do more miles than the plan states. Most formal plans build in the 'no more than 10% increase' rule regarding mileage. That rule is to help prevent people from doing too much too quickly and risking injury.

Have fun with your training for your first Full Marathon!