Official 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Thread.

[MeridaAndAngus]

Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard by scheduling too many races trying for a PR. Currently putting the local races on hold for about a month, and then aiming for one or two races in late May to make one last try for a PR before the POT deadline for DDD.

My training currently consists of high-intensity yoga classes about 3 days a week, and run-walking about 2-3 days per week. I think I probably need to keep to shorter distances and work on longer run intervals (with shorter walk intervals). I've only been running for a year now, so I'm still very much working on my cardio fitness. Any tips/advice would be appreciated!

 

[croach]

@Keels DH will not put down his untapped app today!

Ran the Go St.Louis Half today: was on pace for a 2:05 finish until about mile 9 then my calf started killing me: my body is telling me, time for a break. I have one more half on the calendar before DL. DH passed me and beat his and my PR today. A 2:09:37 finaih for me.

Has anyone ever run across a long bridge during a race before? That was the strangest feeling when I could literally feel the bridge moving below my feet. At first I though I was about to fall out. What an experience!

I considered throwing myself off a bridge during my first marathon.

 

[zanzibar138]

Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard by scheduling too many races trying for a PR. Currently putting the local races on hold for about a month, and then aiming for one or two races in late May to make one last try for a PR before the POT deadline for DDD.

My training currently consists of high-intensity yoga classes about 3 days a week, and run-walking about 2-3 days per week. I think I probably need to keep to shorter distances and work on longer run intervals (with shorter walk intervals). I've only been running for a year now, so I'm still very much working on my cardio fitness. Any tips/advice would be appreciated!

That sounds like a great plan! I've hit a bit of a rut myself, I think I had a similar situation with putting a lot of pressure on myself to improve my time. I've just allowed myself some time off, since the half marathon program will be starting soon and after that I won't be able to have a break until after Disneyland. I've taken the pressure off too. Realistically I'm not going to get a good enough time to move me up another corral, so I'm just happy with what I've managed to achieve so far. I will schedule one last 10k before the POT deadline, mainly because DH needs one. When I start running again, I'm planning to keep my weekday sessions short and sweet - 20 minutes. And I like the Galloway method because it only requires a long run every 2nd weekend. It probably depends on what you're hoping to achieve with the half though. My goal is just to finish.

FWIW I've been running for about a year too!

 

[kim3339]

Ran the Go St.Louis Half today: was on pace for a 2:05 finish until about mile 9 then my calf started killing me: my body is telling me, time for a break. I have one more half on the calendar before DL. DH passed me and beat his and my PR today. A 2:09:37 finaih for me.

Has anyone ever run across a long bridge during a race before? That was the strangest feeling when I could literally feel the bridge moving below my feet. At first I though I was about to fall out. What an experience!

Congrats on finishing! I've gone over the Golden Gate before and have felt that. During the SF 1/2 you're on the road right next to cars so you can really feel the road moving and on another race it was a little different, b/c you are on the sidewalk and you see the water moving and the currents and it gives you the illusion that you're just running in place.

[QUOTE="MeridaAndAngus, post: 53434437, member: 535995"]Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard by scheduling too many races trying for a PR. Currently putting the local races on hold for about a month, and then aiming for one or two races in late May to make one last try for a PR before the POT deadline for DDD.

My training currently consists of high-intensity yoga classes about 3 days a week, and run-walking about 2-3 days per week. I think I probably need to keep to shorter distances and work on longer run intervals (with shorter walk intervals). I've only been running for a year now, so I'm still very much working on my cardio fitness. Any tips/advice would be appreciated![/QUOTE]

During your run/walking have you done any speed work, that helps. Even if you don't do any times/distances you could sprint one block, walk the next, sprint the next...

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

During your run/walking have you done any speed work, that helps. Even if you don't do any times/distances you could sprint one block, walk the next, sprint the next...

That's a good point. I was actually thinking of working in some speed drills to combat the boredom I'm currently facing with my running workouts.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

That sounds like a great plan! I've hit a bit of a rut myself, I think I had a similar situation with putting a lot of pressure on myself to improve my time. I've just allowed myself some time off, since the half marathon program will be starting soon and after that I won't be able to have a break until after Disneyland. I've taken the pressure off too. Realistically I'm not going to get a good enough time to move me up another corral, so I'm just happy with what I've managed to achieve so far. I will schedule one last 10k before the POT deadline, mainly because DH needs one. When I start running again, I'm planning to keep my weekday sessions short and sweet - 20 minutes. And I like the Galloway method because it only requires a long run every 2nd weekend. It probably depends on what you're hoping to achieve with the half though. My goal is just to finish.

FWIW I've been running for about a year too!

Always good to hear from a fellow "new" runner! I spent some time looking for new local races, and I found one on in a new area of town where I haven't run before, so that should help get me out of my mental rut.

I agree with your attitude of enjoying what you've achieved at this point. I think that's a good thing to focus on, especially considering how much I've been able to do in the last year.

 

[SgtTibbs]

Oh, yeah I'm back baby!

It's been a disheartening couple of months dealing with a bad case of "Plantar Fasciitis", running was a no-go. I've been on a prescription grade noninflammatory, added "special" inserts to all my shoes, slept with a foot brace that looks like a ski boot, I do toe scrunch's 10x per day, and keep water bottles under my work/home desk and by the TV to roll my foot on.

Last week I was finally able to get out of bed in the morning without wincing. So I started back walking. I managed over 15,000 steps each day and today (Sunday) I did my first 10k in months. Nothing too taxing. An easy 2min run/2min walk for an average 13:50/mile. I'll take that. Now where did I put that "Galloway training program" time to get back up on that horse.

Lesson learned. Pain is important. Don't ignore it.

 

[zanzibar138]

Oh, yeah I'm back baby!

It's been a disheartening couple of months dealing with a bad case of "Plantar Fasciitis", running was a no-go. I've been on a prescription grade noninflammatory, added "special" inserts to all my shoes, slept with a foot brace that looks like a ski boot, I do toe scrunch's 10x per day, and keep water bottles under my work/home desk and by the TV to roll my foot on.

Last week I was finally able to get out of bed in the morning without wincing. So I started back walking. I managed over 15,000 steps each day and today (Sunday) I did my first 10k in months. Nothing too taxing. An easy 2min run/2min walk for an average 13:50/mile. I'll take that. Now where did I put that "Galloway training program" time to get back up on that horse.

Lesson learned. Pain is important. Don't ignore it.

Welcome back! And glad to hear you're on the mend.

I also had a steep learning curve when I discovered the difference between 'normal exercise pain' and 'injury pain'.

 

[pamster]

Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

Thank you for bringing this up! A "plateau" is the perfect way to describe what I've been struggling through - can't even run 2 miles straight without gasping for breath (even at a much slower pace). I decided to give myself a 2 week break from running and instead, cross train (lifting weights), and hopefully build up my mileage again. Hopefully we can both power through!

 

[FFigawi]

Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard by scheduling too many races trying for a PR. Currently putting the local races on hold for about a month, and then aiming for one or two races in late May to make one last try for a PR before the POT deadline for DDD.

I think you've figured out the issue on your own. Trying to run lots of races and set a PR in every one of those races is not necessarily a good idea. It's often better to focus on one or two specific races and tailor your training and recovery to them than to keep trying for a PR all the time without a break.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

@Keels DH will not put down his untapped app today!

Ran the Go St.Louis Half today: was on pace for a 2:05 finish until about mile 9 then my calf started killing me: my body is telling me, time for a break. I have one more half on the calendar before DL. DH passed me and beat his and my PR today. A 2:09:37 finaih for me.

Has anyone ever run across a long bridge during a race before? That was the strangest feeling when I could literally feel the bridge moving below my feet. At first I though I was about to fall out. What an experience!

Congrats on a great finish! I know what you mean about the bridge. I ran across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in NYC last Nov. - 40-50 mph winds no less!! We could see the bridge moving even before the race started! I didn't want to get too close to the edge because I was afraid I'd blow right off!!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

During your run/walking have you done any speed work, that helps. Even if you don't do any times/distances you could sprint one block, walk the next, sprint the next...

I agree with this. To run faster, you have to train to run fast. Of course, this comes with a great increase risk for injury, so take it VERY slow, especially if you are older. You can start with some short quick intervals of 15-20 seconds, walk until you are completely recovered and repeat 4-5 times, building each week. Don't do speed work any more than once per week. Since you are running 2-3x/week, you could add this as another run day. Depending on your fitness level, you may want to drop a yoga workout if you feel you aren't recovering well.

 

[dta87]

Thank you for bringing this up! A "plateau" is the perfect way to describe what I've been struggling through - can't even run 2 miles straight without gasping for breath (even at a much slower pace).

I had the same thing happen to me after the 2013 Disney marathon. During my Spring training for the Marine Corps half I could not make it thorough a short training run without having to stop and catch my breath. Admittedly I had not faithfully kept up my training program after the marathon but there is no way I should have lost that much conditioning. That year the pollen was very high in my area and I was definitely having issues with it (after talking with my doctor I ended up changing my allergy medication) so I am blaming the environment over my lack of dedication.

 

[Ariel484]

Anyone have tips for getting out of a running rut? I feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau in my training. I know from past experience that these times can last a few weeks for me, and then suddenly something clicks and things get better, so I probably just need to push through it. My last 10k time was about 3 minutes slower than my previous time, and I'm still trying to improve on my 10k and half times to get a better POT for DDD.

I think I've been pushing myself too hard by scheduling too many races trying for a PR. Currently putting the local races on hold for about a month, and then aiming for one or two races in late May to make one last try for a PR before the POT deadline for DDD.

My training currently consists of high-intensity yoga classes about 3 days a week, and run-walking about 2-3 days per week. I think I probably need to keep to shorter distances and work on longer run intervals (with shorter walk intervals). I've only been running for a year now, so I'm still very much working on my cardio fitness. Any tips/advice would be appreciated!

I've been in a rut too, for sure. I was on a total high after Dopey, and at the one-month mark it occurred to me that 1. Dopey - and Disney - were truly over, and 2. It was February in Ohio. Both obvious things, but it just hit me that the trip had truly ended and I was in for another month+ of awful weather, and I was depressed about it. And I think, like you, I was feeling a lot of pressure to PR my upcoming races. So that has really sucked the fun out of running for me.

Just last week I started feeling truly motivated to get back out there again - honestly I think it's because I miss feeling like I'm in good shape and because the weather is finally nicer here. Trying to hit the cross-training hard, too.

Oh, yeah I'm back baby!

It's been a disheartening couple of months dealing with a bad case of "Plantar Fasciitis", running was a no-go. I've been on a prescription grade noninflammatory, added "special" inserts to all my shoes, slept with a foot brace that looks like a ski boot, I do toe scrunch's 10x per day, and keep water bottles under my work/home desk and by the TV to roll my foot on.

Last week I was finally able to get out of bed in the morning without wincing. So I started back walking. I managed over 15,000 steps each day and today (Sunday) I did my first 10k in months. Nothing too taxing. An easy 2min run/2min walk for an average 13:50/mile. I'll take that. Now where did I put that "Galloway training program" time to get back up on that horse.

Lesson learned. Pain is important. Don't ignore it.

Welcome back! Glad to hear you're feeling better.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Update from me - I logged into my credit card reward point website and I'm SOOOOO close to having enough points saved up to book my flights. After our next statement I will have them for sure!

ALSO...continuing to occasionally check the Galloway training plans on runDisney.com. Still no update yet.

 

[Keels]

@Keels DH will not put down his untapped app today!

Ran the Go St.Louis Half today: was on pace for a 2:05 finish until about mile 9 then my calf started killing me: my body is telling me, time for a break. I have one more half on the calendar before DL. DH passed me and beat his and my PR today. A 2:09:37 finaih for me.

Has anyone ever run across a long bridge during a race before? That was the strangest feeling when I could literally feel the bridge moving below my feet. At first I though I was about to fall out. What an experience!

Ermagerd. The husband and his buddies all unlocked multiple levels of the "Slow Down" badge this weekend. It was supposed to be my birthday party but it somehow turned into a big bottle share for him and his buddies! Jerk!

That really stinks about your calf. I'm sure a little rest will do the trick. I'm trying to decide if I really want to do another half before DL. There's one here in August (ugh, gross, so hot), but it's the same course as the one I ran in March that I HATED.

Oh, yeah I'm back baby!

It's been a disheartening couple of months dealing with a bad case of "Plantar Fasciitis", running was a no-go. I've been on a prescription grade noninflammatory, added "special" inserts to all my shoes, slept with a foot brace that looks like a ski boot, I do toe scrunch's 10x per day, and keep water bottles under my work/home desk and by the TV to roll my foot on.

Last week I was finally able to get out of bed in the morning without wincing. So I started back walking. I managed over 15,000 steps each day and today (Sunday) I did my first 10k in months. Nothing too taxing. An easy 2min run/2min walk for an average 13:50/mile. I'll take that. Now where did I put that "Galloway training program" time to get back up on that horse.

Lesson learned. Pain is important. Don't ignore it.

YAY!! I was just thinking about you and wondering how everything was going, so this is great news!!

Update from me - I logged into my credit card reward point website and I'm SOOOOO close to having enough points saved up to book my flights. After our next statement I will have them for sure!

ALSO...continuing to occasionally check the Galloway training plans on runDisney.com. Still no update yet.

I'm with you - I keep checking for the plans, mostly to see if we get a sneak peek for this year's theme!

I'm now debating changing my flight out to late Wednesday so I can have all day/night in the parks on Thursday and can be at the Expo right when it opens. Decisions, decisions! I'm using points too, so I can keep changing it without problems ... I just need to commit to one flight and stick to it!!

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm trying to decide if I really want to do another half before DL. There's one here in August (ugh, gross, so hot), but it's the same course as the one I ran in March that I HATED.

Only do it if it's early in August. You'll want 2 weeks to taper in the lead up to the Disneyland run so you'll be fresh and can enjoy it properly! Personally I wouldn't do it.

 

[Keels]

Only do it if it's early in August. You'll want 2 weeks to taper in the lead up to the Disneyland run so you'll be fresh and can enjoy it properly! Personally I wouldn't do it.

Hmmm ... that's something to think about. I wasn't really planning on doing a true taper since I have W&D four weeks later and I'll be on week 10ish of full (or Goofy) training for January - by that time, in my training plans, I'll be trying to maintain a 25-30 mile/week base, along with back-to-backs if I decide to run Goofy. Guh!

 

[zanzibar138]

Hmmm ... that's something to think about. I wasn't really planning on doing a true taper since I have W&D four weeks later and I'll be on week 10ish of full (or Goofy) training for January - by that time, in my training plans, I'll be trying to maintain a 25-30 mile/week base, along with back-to-backs if I decide to run Goofy. Guh!

I think that's all the more reason to take it easy in the lead up to Disneyland. 3 half marathons in 3 months is a big ask! Even if you're still running the distance, you may not need the added pressure of doing an actual race. You don't want to run the risk of burning yourself out (or even worse, injuring yourself!) before marathon weekend.

 

[Keels]

I think that's all the more reason to take it easy in the lead up to Disneyland. 3 half marathons in 3 months is a big ask! Even if you're still running the distance, you may not need the added pressure of doing an actual race. You don't want to run the risk of burning yourself out (or even worse, injuring yourself!) before marathon weekend.

Yeah. I guess I'll just wait it our and see what happens and how I feel. I ran 10 miles no problem the weekend before my first half - and that was my longest distance before the half, obviously.

I'm just struggling with finding 10Ks. I'm doing the baby tri in July, but that's about it around these parts. It's either 5K or a half. If I can find one in June, I'll do that.

 

[girliea]

Yeah. I guess I'll just wait it our and see what happens and how I feel. I ran 10 miles no problem the weekend before my first half - and that was my longest distance before the half, obviously.

I'm just struggling with finding 10Ks. I'm doing the baby tri in July, but that's about it around these parts. It's either 5K or a half. If I can find one in June, I'll do that.

This is probably too close to W&D but there is a 10-miler on October 18th in Mandeville, La that is the closest thing I've found to a 10K in this area. Its just too flipping hot down here to have a race I guess!