Official 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Thread.

[Z-Knight]

When i say i'm a new runner that wasn't exactly accurate. I've been running on a treadmill 5 times a week for over 4 years now, BUT during that time I averaged about 4 miles. What has changed is that from last Thanksgiving to about March I upped my distance, speed and effort to try to lose weight. In about 3 months I had lost 40lbs with running and diet, though I still have about 15 more to lose but I had gone on a month vacation so that has been on pause. As a result of all of this training I believe I have become very fit - my resting heart rate is between 45-50 and with my increased indurance I can run longer than before but it feels like I am fit for running 10Ks but not yet fit enough for the marathon, so that is why I've been pushing so hard.

I think, as per your suggestions, I need to do some cross training - looks like I need to go back and do some P90X again.

I hope you do believe me that I like all of your advice and I will change up my plans to work other things in because the main thing I want to do is finish and I can only do that if I am injury free.

 

[Z-Knight]

Btw, I love these forums. So glad I found them.

 

[FFigawi]

Runner's World has a timely article out about running in the heat. Some useful information about how to properly acclimate and hydrate.

 

[zanzibar138]

When i say i'm a new runner that wasn't exactly accurate. I've been running on a treadmill 5 times a week for over 4 years now, BUT during that time I averaged about 4 miles. What has changed is that from last Thanksgiving to about March I upped my distance, speed and effort to try to lose weight. In about 3 months I had lost 40lbs with running and diet, though I still have about 15 more to lose but I had gone on a month vacation so that has been on pause. As a result of all of this training I believe I have become very fit - my resting heart rate is between 45-50 and with my increased indurance I can run longer than before but it feels like I am fit for running 10Ks but not yet fit enough for the marathon, so that is why I've been pushing so hard.

I think, as per your suggestions, I need to do some cross training - looks like I need to go back and do some P90X again.

I hope you do believe me that I like all of your advice and I will change up my plans to work other things in because the main thing I want to do is finish and I can only do that if I am injury free.

Oh, that makes a lot more sense! Congrats on your weight loss so far - that's a great effort! Not sure if you're aware, but strength training is also very good for weight loss. It helps to increase your metabolism. The bigger the muscles you work on, the greater effect it has (so core, quads and glutes are all good!). It will also mean that when you do get to your goal weight, you will look even better because your muscles will be defined and toned already.

You have plenty of time to train for the marathon - I don't think you need to be worried about that just yet. One step at a time

We all want you to finish injury free too Keep us posted on how you're going.

Runner's World has a timely article out about running in the heat. Some useful information about how to properly acclimate and hydrate.

Oooh. Thanks for sharing. I wonder if it has any tips on how to acclimatise yourself in 2 days... only one way to find out!

 

[Terry70]

There are only a couple of distance runners where I work and they have commented that they think I train too much as well. I follow Runkeeper training plans and am currently using the half marathon plan which has me running Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and a long run on Sunday. Using those plans I finished my first 5K, 10K, and half marathons last summer. At the end of the summer my ankles started bothering me and I wound up going through a round of physical therapy for it. I was surprised at how much the core and hip exercises helped. I now try to incorporate more than just running.
Having said that, my training plan called for a 5 mile run this past Saturday and a 11 mile run on Sunday...those are close to a 6.2 and a 13.1, right? So I ran a mock DDD...EYE OPENER! Where I was on Sunday was 84* and sunny with 48% humidity, so I ran the 1 mile to the nice flat high school track nearby. Due to the heat I put on sunscreen before I left and ran without my shirt when I got to the track, taking plenty of water along. Cooked my shoulders BAD/ must have wiped the sunscreen off on the way there! As far as the run, I finished it, but did more walking than anticipated. My goal for both runs was just to finish them and I did, within rD pacing, but I clearly have more work to do. My suggestion is for those who have worked up to the distances to remember to run at least one mock DDD during training: just being able to run a half isn't going to give a clear picture of how things may go. The article listed above about heat also helps clarify a lot.

 

[Ariel484]

@Z-Knight I hope you don't feel like we ganged up on you. It all came from a place of love.

@Terry70 great job getting through your mock Dumbo! The important thing is that you finished and learned from it. Hope your sunburn is feeling better!

 

[Z-Knight]

@Ariel484 oh, heck no, I appreciate the advice and warnings. That's why I asked originally about the training because I know I was going full-tilt too early.

 

[Ariel484]

Random question for the Disneyland pros...and I have probably already asked this and just don't remember (and will probably forget and ask again): is there a place in Disneyland that personalizes Christmas ornaments, similar to the stores that do it in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom at WDW?

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Interesting article FFigawi, especially how the larger you are, the more the heat affects you.

Funny that they are talking about 99 and 100 and 130 lbs. I'm 175 lbs (170 when I'm in marathon shape). Maybe that's why I'm so slow...

 

[kelly 1]

Z-knight, CONGRATS on your weight loss!
I too lost 50 lbs , went to a personal trainer to help me and when she got a little weight off me she started me on running. I have been running 5 yrs or so. I have gained about 18 to 20 lbs but I still wear the same size clothes as my lowest weight. Can't hardly find jeans to fit darn quads that's my big change. More muscle weights more. I don't worry about the scale I just use a tape measure and my clothes are my best gauge. Sure felt good when none of my clothes fit in the closet! New wardrobe!
Fantastic job!

 

[Stephany89]

Hey Everyone! I’m Stephany and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’m a little late to the game and just signed up through a charity earlier this month to run the Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve never run a Disney race before and I’ve only been to Disneyland once (but go to WDW at least once a year) so this will definitely be a new experience, but I’m SO excited. I’ve been reading through this board to get some advice on Disneyland, training, etc so hopefully I can get there and finish it injury free with a good time

BTW- what was I thinking training in Dallas during the hottest months of the year?! haha

 

[Keels]

Random question for the Disneyland pros...and I have probably already asked this and just don't remember (and will probably forget and ask again): is there a place in Disneyland that personalizes Christmas ornaments, similar to the stores that do it in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom at WDW?

I don't remember a Christmas store like the ones at Magic Kingdom/Downtown Disney at Disneyland. The DTD area at DLR is much smaller in comparison.

HOWEVER. I do remember seeing Christmas ornaments at various places in both DLR and DCA - I bought a Mouse ears one at Katz & Sons in DCA. No idea about personalization ... hopefully one of the serious vets will chime in about that! They do do A LOT of embroidery. I think I'm going to have one of the 60th anniversary fleece blankets embroidered as (one of) my park treats this time.

Hey Everyone! I’m Stephany and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’m a little late to the game and just signed up through a charity earlier this month to run the Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve never run a Disney race before and I’ve only been to Disneyland once (but go to WDW at least once a year) so this will definitely be a new experience, but I’m SO excited. I’ve been reading through this board to get some advice on Disneyland, training, etc so hopefully I can get there and finish it injury free with a good time

BTW- what was I thinking training in Dallas during the hottest months of the year?! haha

Hiya, neighbor! I'm over in Fort Worth!

And you're so right about training up here during the hottest months of the year -- if it'd only stop raining!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Random question for the Disneyland pros...and I have probably already asked this and just don't remember (and will probably forget and ask again): is there a place in Disneyland that personalizes Christmas ornaments, similar to the stores that do it in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom at WDW?

There is a place within Disneyland where they sell glass/crystal ware and Christmas decorations. Pretty sure they would be able to personalise them there. If I remember correctly, it was kind of at the end of the shops on Main Street, next to the photo shop.

Interesting article FFigawi, especially how the larger you are, the more the heat affects you.

Funny that they are talking about 99 and 100 and 130 lbs. I'm 175 lbs (170 when I'm in marathon shape). Maybe that's why I'm so slow...

Yeah a lot of things in that article really made sense. I might have to start running in my winter woollies a few weeks out to try to acclimatise myself a bit more. Would love to have 2 weeks in the US before the run, but that is definitely not going to happen lol! It's not like I'm trying to win or anything though, so I'll just slow down on the day if I need to.

Z-knight, CONGRATS on your weight loss!
I too lost 50 lbs , went to a personal trainer to help me and when she got a little weight off me she started me on running. I have been running 5 yrs or so. I have gained about 18 to 20 lbs but I still wear the same size clothes as my lowest weight. Can't hardly find jeans to fit darn quads that's my big change. More muscle weights more. I don't worry about the scale I just use a tape measure and my clothes are my best gauge. Sure felt good when none of my clothes fit in the closet! New wardrobe!
Fantastic job!

Congrats on your weight loss too

I'm trying to lose about 20 pounds at the moment, but with all this strength training I'm doing, I'm not going to completely rely on the scales. I'm taking weekly pictures in my bathers so I can compare the difference in my body shape too.

Hey Everyone! I’m Stephany and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’m a little late to the game and just signed up through a charity earlier this month to run the Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve never run a Disney race before and I’ve only been to Disneyland once (but go to WDW at least once a year) so this will definitely be a new experience, but I’m SO excited. I’ve been reading through this board to get some advice on Disneyland, training, etc so hopefully I can get there and finish it injury free with a good time

BTW- what was I thinking training in Dallas during the hottest months of the year?! haha

Welcome

 

[kim3339]

Random question for the Disneyland pros...and I have probably already asked this and just don't remember (and will probably forget and ask again): is there a place in Disneyland that personalizes Christmas ornaments, similar to the stores that do it in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom at WDW?

The personalization stands are only up during the season. You could ask the CMs at the store when you buy one, I don't know if it's specialized people they bring in that work w/ calligraphy or just regular CMs that paint the styles on and they might be able to do it at the register. During Xmas time though they have people at booths/tables doing it.

 

[sumlee]

Hey Everyone! I’m Stephany and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’m a little late to the game and just signed up through a charity earlier this month to run the Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve never run a Disney race before and I’ve only been to Disneyland once (but go to WDW at least once a year) so this will definitely be a new experience, but I’m SO excited. I’ve been reading through this board to get some advice on Disneyland, training, etc so hopefully I can get there and finish it injury free with a good time

BTW- what was I thinking training in Dallas during the hottest months of the year?! haha

Welcome Stephany! Happy training to you!

 

[Slogger]

Random question: is there a place in Disneyland that personalizes Christmas ornaments, similar to the stores that do it in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom at WDW?

I haven't been to DL for 30 years but I do have a number you can try for your answer. Just make sure to share your answer with the rest of the class!

Parks Merchandise 877-560-6477 option 4

 

[Slogger]

@Stephany89 .....Welcome and congrats on signing up for Dumbo. Best of luck with your training and hope to see you there.

 

[Ariel484]

I don't remember a Christmas store like the ones at Magic Kingdom/Downtown Disney at Disneyland. The DTD area at DLR is much smaller in comparison.

HOWEVER. I do remember seeing Christmas ornaments at various places in both DLR and DCA - I bought a Mouse ears one at Katz & Sons in DCA. No idea about personalization ... hopefully one of the serious vets will chime in about that! They do do A LOT of embroidery. I think I'm going to have one of the 60th anniversary fleece blankets embroidered as (one of) my park treats this time.

Hmm...okay. Your post and others make it sound like I'll be out of luck! I am sure they have some sort of special 60th ornament, so I'll most likely get that.

There is a place within Disneyland where they sell glass/crystal ware and Christmas decorations. Pretty sure they would be able to personalise them there. If I remember correctly, it was kind of at the end of the shops on Main Street, next to the photo shop.

Thank you! I'll make sure to check there if I remember. (I could totally see myself forgetting to do this between the excitement of being at DL for the first time as an adult, the races, the 60th stuff, etc....)

The personalization stands are only up during the season. You could ask the CMs at the store when you buy one, I don't know if it's specialized people they bring in that work w/ calligraphy or just regular CMs that paint the styles on and they might be able to do it at the register. During Xmas time though they have people at booths/tables doing it.

Bummer. Although I will be back over Christmas, so maybe I could get it done then?

I haven't been to DL for 30 years but I do have a number you can try for your answer. Just make sure to share your answer with the rest of the class!

Parks Merchandise 877-560-6477 option 4

Sir yes sir! Thanks for that.

 

[Ariel484]

And welcome @Stephany89

 

[mbwhitti]

Hey Everyone! I’m Stephany and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I’m a little late to the game and just signed up through a charity earlier this month to run the Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve never run a Disney race before and I’ve only been to Disneyland once (but go to WDW at least once a year) so this will definitely be a new experience, but I’m SO excited. I’ve been reading through this board to get some advice on Disneyland, training, etc so hopefully I can get there and finish it injury free with a good time

BTW- what was I thinking training in Dallas during the hottest months of the year?! haha

Welcome!!!