Official 2015 Disney Marathon Thread

[wellesleyprincess]

Are Christmas decorations still typically up for Marathon weekend? I feel like I've seen pictures before where they are, but now I can't really remember.

It varies but a lot them still are. When we stayed at POFQ they were but they weren't when we stayed at the All Stars. Castle lights are still up but EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are typically down.

 

[thill]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

 

[Ariel484]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

No fuel belt, no music for me. I've found that Disney has a lot of well-stocked water stops, and I don't bring music because I want to fully soak in everything that is going on around me.

Other things to bring in addition to what you said (Garmin, sunglasses, fuel - which I keep in my running skirt pockets, so no fuel belt needed):
- Magic Band/park ticket...and I think I've brought my ID in the past
- Phone (only race course where I find myself pulling off to the side to text people that are trying to find me)
- CAMERA (only race course where I take pictures)!
- Cash
- Kleenex/TP...trust me
- Extra hair tie
- Throw-away clothes for waiting at the start (haven't needed them for the past few years but you never know)
- I also bring my breakfast with me to eat while waiting in the start area (coffee, bagel with peanut butter)
- Apply sunscreen beforehand

I think that's it. I'll have to think about this more.

 

[IamTrike]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

Disney has fuel on the course but not at the frequency that I train with so I bring 1 or 2 packets of Gu. I'm able to pick cliff shots along the course to make up the rest of my fuel. I don't carry a bottle. I usually have my phone in a pouch and have a set of headphones, but I haven't used them much.

I usually run disney races with a group of friends so we chat and joke most of the time. (during mile 11 of the marathon on guy gave a lecture on Warren G Harding) As a result I haven't really wanted music. I have found that in the earlier corrals if you don't have friends with you people are particularly quiet for the first 2 miles or so.

 

[DOOM1001]

I don't bring any kind of hydration pack with me,Disney has more than enough water/Powerade stops in the race.No headphones either,I paid a lot of money to soak in the race and even then I've never used them.Gu's,beans,chomps and blocks are another story,Disney has gels on the course but I'm always going to bring my own,for a full marathon I'm bringing at least like 8 different ones.Less for shorter races.I just bought some for ToT,going in with 6 as even though its a shorter race,it's a hot race,I remember sweating more at ToT last year than at the full marathon in January.I bought some honey stinger gold gels,never had them before and they're supposed to be 95% honey,I like honey so I might sub them in the future for Gu's if I like them.

 

[RnbwSktles]

No fuel belt, no music for me. I've found that Disney has a lot of well-stocked water stops, and I don't bring music because I want to fully soak in everything that is going on around me.

Other things to bring in addition to what you said (Garmin, sunglasses, fuel - which I keep in my running skirt pockets, so no fuel belt needed):
- Magic Band/park ticket...and I think I've brought my ID in the past
- Phone (only race course where I find myself pulling off to the side to text people that are trying to find me)
- CAMERA (only race course where I take pictures)!
- Cash
- Kleenex/TP...trust me
- Extra hair tie
- Throw-away clothes for waiting at the start (haven't needed them for the past few years but you never know)
- I also bring my breakfast with me to eat while waiting in the start area (coffee, bagel with peanut butter)
- Apply sunscreen beforehand

I think that's it. I'll have to think about this more.

Where the heck do you put all of that??

I ran with a fuel/hydration belt for the 2014 Full because I was afraid to rely on Gatorade I didn't train with. Will not be doing that this year! I am looking forward to not having the extra weight. I might need the belt sans water bottles though for my gels. Haven't thought that far ahead yet.

 

[Ariel484]

Where the heck do you put all of that??

Fair question!

- Magic Band - wrist
- Phone (only race course where I find myself pulling off to the side to text people that are trying to find me) - carry in one hand
- CAMERA (only race course where I take pictures)! - carry in the other hand
- Cash - shoe wallet (also put ID in here if I bring it)
- Kleenex/TP...trust me - skirt pocket along with fuel
- Extra hair tie - around wrist
- Throw-away clothes for waiting at the start (haven't needed them for the past few years but you never know) - wear and put into donation bin at the start
- I also bring my breakfast with me to eat while waiting in the start area (coffee, bagel with peanut butter) - i eat it
- Apply sunscreen beforehand

 

[Ariel484]

Remembered another one - Body Glide before the race!

 

[DOOM1001]

Remembered another one - Body Glide before the race!

I apply bodyglide before the race using my regular sized one and I take a small travel sized bodyglide with me on the race to reapply.For the full marathon in 2013 I reapplied at mm 12.5 in the bathroom by Everest and made it through the race fine but amazingly as soon as I was finished and was walking to the hotel bus I started chafing.In 2014 I reapplied twice and had no issues.

 

[Outonarun]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

Like IamTrike, I bring 2 gels (GU or Clif Shot). That's it.

Good luck on your first marathon! And, hope you really enjoy the RunDisney race!

 

[MRS AR]

I think it totally depends on what you are comfortable with. I always use a fitletic belt for runs over 5 miles. I ran the marathon last year and used my own gu. I have flavors I like that aren't on the course. I can usually only take a swallow of fluids at a time and always sweat profusely, so I need a sip more often than at the water stations. I also prefer nuun to gatoraide. I like having my own music to supplement the harder sections of the course. While you are training you will know what is right for you. There are no one fits all solutions. I would love to run and not carry anything but that would turn me into a DNF. Figure out your own needs then go with that.

 

[bumbershoot]

For this year's Half (and a local one after) I used my Nathan hydration backpack. My stomach is very finicky, and since Dasani is just local municipal water, it can easily rebel against that water. I don't use powerade, but use Clif electrolyte drink. I cannot deal with gels. So I really do have to pack my own stuff in.

I tried the course water for the Disneyland Half, and had three lovely portapotty stops that were not short. Could have had a PR, if it hadn't been for the time spent in those things. That was not good.

As I get more fit, however, I need less stuff. But I think I'll end up using the backpack again, for the upcoming Wine and Dine and for this half as well. Especially for that night race. So hot.

I only recently started running with music again, and I found it's a GREAT help to me. I wasn't enjoying my silent rundisney events, as I am an irritable runner and am also generally solo, and I don't enjoy listening to other peoples' choices of conversation or (horror) their choice of music on their external speakers (this should not be a thing during races! please stop using clip on speakers! I have no interest in your choice of music!). And it's so motivating to have your own personal "that song" that you can skip to when needed. (Katy Perry's Roar! thank you 2014 WDW Half for making me aware of what an awesome running song that is for me!)

I carry room key, ID, insurance card, credit card. Phone b/c I didn't carry that for TOT and I regretted it but I find it tremendously annoying. I don't bother with a camera. Shotblocks, sports beans. Hydration pack.

 

[bryana]

All the castle lights were still up and on this year during the marathon. Of course the later the corral you are in, the more chance that it will be getting light by the time you get to the castle.

It varies but a lot them still are. When we stayed at POFQ they were but they weren't when we stayed at the All Stars. Castle lights are still up but EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are typically down.

Thank you both!

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

No music for me. As far as gear goes, for rD I bring a lot of the following:

No fuel belt, no music for me. I've found that Disney has a lot of well-stocked water stops, and I don't bring music because I want to fully soak in everything that is going on around me.

Other things to bring in addition to what you said (Garmin, sunglasses, fuel - which I keep in my running skirt pockets, so no fuel belt needed):
- Magic Band/park ticket...and I think I've brought my ID in the past
- Phone (only race course where I find myself pulling off to the side to text people that are trying to find me)
- CAMERA (only race course where I take pictures)!
- Cash
- Kleenex/TP...trust me
- Extra hair tie
- Throw-away clothes for waiting at the start (haven't needed them for the past few years but you never know)
- I also bring my breakfast with me to eat while waiting in the start area (coffee, bagel with peanut butter)
- Apply sunscreen beforehand

I think that's it. I'll have to think about this more.

Except that I have a handheld water bottle that I bring with me to every race I do (except for 5Ks), because I don't want to depend 100% on the water tables provided. I've heard too many horror stories about tables running out of water, etc and don't want to end up in that position.

 

[WDWarchitectureguy]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

For my last three 1/2's:
1. Ifitness (now fitletic) fuel/hydration belt as I do not rely on rDn to provide and I sip water/gatorade frequently as I'm also a heavy sweater. In my belt I carry as much fuel as possible. I'm partial to Stinger or Gatorade Endurance energy chews. The Gatorade chews fit better in the belt pouch. I'm a 3 hour half marathon runner and I eat a chew pack every 45-60 minutes as needed.
2. Smartphone (which is also my camera) is a neoprene arm band or additional belt pouch. I have a LARGE phone (Samsung Galaxy Note II) that doesn't fit in most pouches. Think slightly larger than a Iphone 6+.
3. Garmin watch on my wrist.
4. Slim Runners ID bracelet on the same wrist.
5. Magic Band on the same wrist.
6. Cash/Credit Card/Drivers License/Insurance Card in my hydration belt.
7. Preapplied Sunscreen
8. Full size Body glide in a pocket because I reapply as needed along the way.
9. I haven't been running with music lately, but I have run with music previously. Personally I've found I can listen to my body better when I don't have Daft Punk Technologic grooving in my head.

 

[FFigawi]

I've never run a marathon or a Disney race before so my race experience, outside of 5k and 10k, is the one time I did the Savannah Rock N' Roll half marathon. I'm not sure how to compare the two race environments and also what to expect from the full versus the half. I'm purely looking at this in terms of what gear to have on me. When I ran the half I had my Garmin, sunglasses, and gu packets on me. I did not bring my headphones or a fuel belt with water/gatorade because there are plenty of fluid stations and lots of cheer groups and bands. For the Disney races, and especially the marathon, do most of you bring more gear including fuel belts and music?

I bring a SPI belt with 4 gels, 2 packs of bloks, and 1 bag of Sport Beans. Not only do I like the variety this offers, I also end up giving some away to people who really need it around mile 18-20. The only other gear I have with me is my Garmin and my sunglasses. Everything else - room key, phone, etc. - goes in my check bag.

 

[bryana]

So, I went to my local running store last night to talk to them about what happened at my race on Sunday. The owner of the store ended up helping me; what a nice guy. He said it sounds like it was my IT band, and since it wasn't painful, just noticeable, it probably isn't anything serious (yet) and just to keep an eye on it. Could have been from running on the sides of the road instead of in the middle, or the unevenness of the boardwalk. He also fit me for new shoes and said that I probably just don't need as much support as the Adrenalines offer since I've lost so much weight since being put in them. He brought out a couple of different shoes from a variety of brands, and I ended up going with the Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s. I am going back to pick them up today, and I am just chomping at the bit to get a run in them done. They felt like heaven on my feet yesterday. Here's hoping they do the trick or else the 15 miler I have on tap this weekend is not going to be a fun one.

 

[PrincessV]

Could have been from running on the sides of the road instead of in the middle, or the unevenness of the boardwalk.

Welcome to my world! I'd probably be fine in moderate stability shoes IF I only ever ran on flat surfaces... but I live in FL where no paved surface is flat. Combine pronation control in a shoe with steep cambering on roads and sidewalks and it led to a majorly painful and debilitating case of ITBS. Once I got into the right shoe for my body and the roads I run, I've been able to stave off the ITBeast since April.

 

[Weluvdisny]

Can we talk about nutrition and what we eat to fuel our body during our training (I don't mean while we run) and the day before/right after we run? What works best for everybody? I want to keep my weight under control while still getting enough, but not too much carbs and calories. Is there a formula, like if you run x amount of miles than you need y carbs?

Thanks for all the advise so far. You guys are the best!!

 

[Ariel484]

Can we talk about nutrition and what we eat to fuel our body during our training (I don't mean while we run) and the day before/right after we run? What works best for everybody? I want to keep my weight under control while still getting enough, but not too much carbs and calories. Is there a formula, like if you run x amount of miles than you need y carbs?

Thanks for all the advise so far. You guys are the best!!

I think this is a hard question to answer...different things work for everyone.

For me personally, I will have pizza for dinner the night before a long run. Because I like pizza and because my dinner ADR the night before the marathon is at Via Napoli, so I'm sort of practicing for that. On the flipside, I've read blogs where people had pizza the night before a marathon and spent the entire race in the porta-potties.

For right after, I have heard that it's good to have something that is a 3 or 4 (I forget which)-to-1 ratio of carbs to protein. Chocolate milk is supposed to be a good choice. I also found a smoothie recipe on the Runner's World website that I like, but it's pretty caloric so I only have that after my longer runs. But it's got carbs, protein, antioxidants to help with inflammation, etc.

I really think it's just something everyone needs to experiment with. I totally sympathize with you on the weight concerns, though. It's tough...really common to gain weight during marathon training.

 

[Nole95]

Can we talk about nutrition and what we eat to fuel our body during our training (I don't mean while we run) and the day before/right after we run? What works best for everybody? I want to keep my weight under control while still getting enough, but not too much carbs and calories. Is there a formula, like if you run x amount of miles than you need y carbs?

Thanks for all the advise so far. You guys are the best!!

One thing I do not like eating the night before a long run is beef. Especially something like a greasy burger. Beef just seems to sit like a lead brick in my stomach. Anything else the night before really does not bother me.

After a long run I drink a big glass of whole chocolate milk. That seems to work pretty well for me as far as recovery.