OFFICIAL Jan 2011 Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Dopey or Goofy Challenge Thread

[cloudnut220]

As a newbie, the start times scare me. I'm a morning person but that's still early! But hopefully adrenaline will carry me through!

 

[rubato]

That time scares me as well. Not starting at 5:40, but getting up at 2 or 3 so that I can get where I need to go with all those people and the transportation issues. I told my family that I don't want them to come with me. Just sleep!

 

[cewait]

Its really not all that bad. I have run marathons that start at 8 am where my hotel was a 5 minute walk from the front door. I am still up at "oh my gosh 30" from the inability to sleep. I have not had but one issue with the time in all the years I have been coming.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I wave at people I know as well as characters at the start line



You will Really like the Disney wave as fireworks usually occur for each wave.

WDW loves those fireworks!! The only Disney race that we didn't have fireworks for was the DL half. Maybe because the neighborhoods are so close. It took away from some of the magic. There is nothing better than fireworks to get you started!

 

[FireDancer]

I have yet another training question for Coach, or anyone else who has advice.

If I am training for the Goofy, is it in any way detrimental to do other aerobic activities on top of the running? The plan I am going to follow calls for 5 days of running, which I am going to tweek to 4 days. But, I also walk my dog 3 miles a day, run 1.5 miles 3 mornings a week with my son and go to zumba class 2 times a week. Is this okay? Especially because I am a total newbie at this. The mileage is already kind of freaking me out, and doing these 2 races is my top priority. I mostly want to be able to keep running with my son, which I could mix with the dog, if needed, but we dislike running with him because he's annoying. (The dog, not my son!)

What is the weather typically like on those January mornings? Let's not add this year into that, because that's not going to happen next year!

I am a fan of both swimming and biking as aerobic cross training for running. Both have the advantages of running aerobically but are much lower (and in the case of swimming practically no) impact on the legs so it allows you to get a good cardio workout in without pounding on your legs. In the winter cycling usually means spinning and swimming will require having access to an indoor pool. Walking and Zumba are also good running alternatives.

I also think weight training is an important part of race training. I don't work my legs much during race season but a lot of people don't realize how important a strong core and upper body are to good running form, especially on hills.

If you don't belong to a gym and have access to one that has a lap pool and spinning classes I would suggest signing up.

As for typical weather, it is usually cool but not cold. Last year was an much colder then normal. I ran the half in both 2006 and 2008 and dressed very differently for both. In 2006 I wore a long sleeved running shirt and running tights and in 2008 I wore nothing but shorts. I would recommend being prepared to run in a range of temps for the January event.

 

[cloudnut220]

Its really not all that bad. I have run marathons that start at 8 am where my hotel was a 5 minute walk from the front door. I am still up at "oh my gosh 30" from the inability to sleep. I have not had but one issue with the time in all the years I have been coming.

I'll be honest...I'm at that point where lots of things are scaring me. Like finishing. But I keep telling myself I'm early in the training.

 

[kim3339]

I might be going crazy, but I thought I saw a thread about training for the Goofy a couple of weeks ago. I was looking for it today for my dad, but couldn't find it. Did it get merged into this thread?

 

[cewait]

I'll be honest...I'm at that point where lots of things are scaring me. Like finishing. But I keep telling myself I'm early in the training.

That is a normal the VERY HEALTHY emotion at this point. It will keep you more honest if you have a healthy concern. You will get out the door and on the run on those days where you are not wanting to run at all. It will help you to develop the tool set to finish a run when a quarter in you simply want to go back to bed.

I might be going crazy, but I thought I saw a thread about training for the Goofy a couple of weeks ago. I was looking for it today for my dad, but couldn't find it. Did it get merged into this thread?

There was a question on the Goofy but not sure how old it was.

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

I'm using the same training method as you - this is also my first 1/2 and I plan to make many stops for pictures!

After waffling on which training plan to do (after I thought I had decided), I did start last week with the galloway plan doing 2:30 run/1min walk. I love the 1m/1min suggestion, as it would sure be easier to keep track of!! I'm not sure I could keep up a good pace doing it that way, though...

On the two runs during the week, I am doing the first one as a quicker running pace with the walk breaks, and the second run I do more of a regular pace, but without walk breaks.

Welcome! I am liking the galloway plan..

I'm new to this thread (and relatively new to the DIS Boards) but I just read the WHOLE thing because its GREAT! So much good advice. I'm doing the half in January (it's my first). We're staying at Saratoga (we're DVC owners at BLT but I called too late to get a ressie there). I'm doing a Galloway style run walk (4:1) with Higdon mileage. I love WDW and I've always dreamed of running a half marathon, so why not combine the two!

hello and welcome!

I might be going crazy, but I thought I saw a thread about training for the Goofy a couple of weeks ago. I was looking for it today for my dad, but couldn't find it. Did it get merged into this thread?

Hi Kim! I saw a Bingham/hadfield training here..
http://www.jennyhadfield.com/training.html

Hope everyone is doing well.. was suppose to run 3 miles today so I decided to put R in the stroller and take a nice jog. HA! should have stayed home and did it on the treadmill! TOO HILLY! won't be doing that route again!

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[KAA1972]

That works. The midweek effort is a stress effort for strength/speed gain. It is really a function o you and your current level of fitness/running capabilities



The road closure is the big issue with SoG. It is a nice quarter mile walk to Poly and just a little longer to TTC. Once the volume of the race increases it is impossible to cross Floridian, the street in front of the Poly

Oh, crud. I didn't think about that.... Thank goodness for this thread. Now, what to do, what to do????? Back to the drawing board!

 

[KAA1972]

For the experienced runners, what are you thoughts on compression shorts or tights? Is there a benefit? If so, any recommended brands?

 

[KAA1972]

Oh, crud. I didn't think about that.... Thank goodness for this thread. Now, what to do, what to do????? Back to the drawing board!

Does anyone know the approximate time the road will close and re-open between Poly and Shades of Green for both races??

 

[verticalchaos]

Ok...another question...

I've just signed up for a 10K so I'll have a 10K time. I'm highly doubting it'll be under the 2:45 cut off, but should I turn it in anyway? Is it better to have A time turned in rather than no time?

 

[cewait]

Does anyone know the approximate time the road will close and re-open between Poly and Shades of Green for both races??

Half should clear out by 08:30
Full by 09:35 ish

Ok...another question...

I've just signed up for a 10K so I'll have a 10K time. I'm highly doubting it'll be under the 2:45 cut off, but should I turn it in anyway? Is it better to have A time turned in rather than no time?

If you do not currently have an idea put 2:46 or 2:50 in as you estimated time. That will put you as far forward as you can be with no proof. Then if you happen to have a great 10k you can submit that time then. Putting no time in put you just in front of the runners who put a 1:30 but then submit no proof.

 

[verticalchaos]

If you do not currently have an idea put 2:46 or 2:50 in as you estimated time. That will put you as far forward as you can be with no proof. Then if you happen to have a great 10k you can submit that time then. Putting no time in put you just in front of the runners who put a 1:30 but then submit no proof.

Ok. I should have looked here before I registered. I put 3 hours. If my 10K time predicts better than that, should I then turn it in?

 

[FFigawi]

For the experienced runners, what are you thoughts on compression shorts or tights? Is there a benefit? If so, any recommended brands?

All of my running shorts, mostly from Asics but a few from Brooks, have compression liners in them. I'll never run with anything else. They're far more comfortable than the usual liners, keep everything in place, and have zero chafing. I sweat more than a lot, so those last two benefits are really important to me.

 

[KAA1972]

I had this same question and we are still debating! My mom is meeting us there to watch DD and we want it easy for her to get around and the monorail resorts are the obvious choice (but we also like the price of the POP).
I was advised that SoG is walking distance to not only the poly monorail, but that for a short walk past the poly, the monorail directly to epcot can be accessed at the TTC. The only hitch to SoG is the road closure and whether or not spectators are allowed to cross and when to be able to get to poly. Coach Charles, please correct me if I'm relaying this info info incorrectly.

One question for you, though, we're supposedly on a wait list for SoG for marathon weekend. It sounds like you were able to actually book it. When did you call? I'm wondering if some rooms opened up??

I noticed the rooms were unavailable on SoG website so I called and asked and was able to book two rooms... yesterday. However, now I am thinking of canceling and just staying at Pop. It's cheaper and the parking is free at the parks for the remainder of the week when we are 'touring' and the uncertainty (or at least uncertainty in my mind) of the road closure is making me crazy!! Ha! I would be confident manipulating SoG to Epcot on monorail but our nanny is coming (and is going to bring our daughter to the finish) and has never been to WDW. So, I'm thinking just having her take a cab to Epcot finish is going to be the easiest option for her. I would have her take the bus but stroller plus child on bus by yourself can be daunting. Especially if you haven't done it before.... Although, honestly... I think I'm more worried than she is... she is fine with anything.

 

[Pumbaa80]

I noticed the rooms were unavailable on SoG website so I called and asked and was able to book two rooms... yesterday. However, now I am thinking of canceling and just staying at Pop. It's cheaper and the parking is free at the parks for the remainder of the week when we are 'touring' and the uncertainty (or at least uncertainty in my mind) of the road closure is making me crazy!! Ha! I would be confident manipulating SoG to Epcot on monorail but our nanny is coming (and is going to bring our daughter to the finish) and has never been to WDW. So, I'm thinking just having her take a cab to Epcot finish is going to be the easiest option for her. I would have her take the bus but stroller plus child on bus by yourself can be daunting. Especially if you haven't done it before.... Although, honestly... I think I'm more worried than she is... she is fine with anything.

My husband actually called them today and they had rooms available! They must have released a block, as we had just phoned and e-mailed them last week and they said they were still booked. So much for the wait list! Thank you for posting that you made reservations there!

I could have written your post about the "cons" for SoG myself! The bus issue is a big one for me, too since they require the child be out of the stroller and the stroller folded. Like your nanny, I'm sure my mom could do it just fine, but the monorails are definitely easier!

One consideration about the cab (when you mentioned this I started thinking about whether that would work for my mom), is although we'll have DD's car seat, putting that in and out of the cab would probably be a larger hastle than the bus/stroller thing. I don't know if that's a consideration for you...

I would also like to (possibly) do the disney dining plan, and have my mom use magical express...both of which aren't available at SoG. On the plus side, shades of green sounds like it provides a nice spot to watch the runners from before going to Epcot, and is close to the monorail. So, we've got some logistical things to work out as well.

Have you stayed at POP before? In April we were planning to do half at Yacht and half at Pop, but were really turned off on Pop at check-in (never saw a room, though), and switched to AKL. Because of the great pricing, and figuring there might be a different crowd there with the marathon, we were thinking aobut staying there. Any opinions are welcomed!

If you think of any other pros and cons please let me know. We're just glad to have a room within walking distance of the monorail for less than 250 per room per night! Now I've got to add in the value of the meal plans, parking, and magical express to see if it'd be a better deal to stay at pop most nights, and have my mom (and DD) stay at Poly just the night before the half.

 

[cewait]

Ok. I should have looked here before I registered. I put 3 hours. If my 10K time predicts better than that, should I then turn it in?

It really depends on where you end up corral-wise and your goals. Based on finish times (assuming everyone's preditced and finish times equal) you would be in front of 25% of the race. In 99 a 3 hour run finishes 9202 out of 12451. Based on that and what I know of how newbies enter (many simply not putting a time in or putting 3:30) you may be a 1-2 corrals in front of the last corral.

Obviously if your 10k is before the cut off date of 11/1/10 and it supports a faster predicted time and you want to move up then e-mail the resullts to the RD. If after 11/1, bring it to the expo. If the 10k predicts a 3 hour or slower time then just ignore it.


As a first time halfer, I would not be as worried about the start location as one with more experience. You may end up having to zig and zag more than you want but you really want to hold back a little in the first part of your run and the crowd will help.

 

[cewait]

I noticed the rooms were unavailable on SoG website so I called and asked and was able to book two rooms... yesterday. However, now I am thinking of canceling and just staying at Pop. It's cheaper and the parking is free at the parks for the remainder of the week when we are 'touring' and the uncertainty (or at least uncertainty in my mind) of the road closure is making me crazy!! Ha! I would be confident manipulating SoG to Epcot on monorail but our nanny is coming (and is going to bring our daughter to the finish) and has never been to WDW. So, I'm thinking just having her take a cab to Epcot finish is going to be the easiest option for her. I would have her take the bus but stroller plus child on bus by yourself can be daunting. Especially if you haven't done it before.... Although, honestly... I think I'm more worried than she is... she is fine with anything.

My husband actually called them today and they had rooms available! They must have released a block, as we had just phoned and e-mailed them last week and they said they were still booked. So much for the wait list! Thank you for posting that you made reservations there!

I could have written your post about the "cons" for SoG myself! The bus issue is a big one for me, too since they require the child be out of the stroller and the stroller folded. Like your nanny, I'm sure my mom could do it just fine, but the monorails are definitely easier!

One consideration about the cab (when you mentioned this I started thinking about whether that would work for my mom), is although we'll have DD's car seat, putting that in and out of the cab would probably be a larger hastle than the bus/stroller thing. I don't know if that's a consideration for you...

I would also like to (possibly) do the disney dining plan, and have my mom use magical express...both of which aren't available at SoG. On the plus side, shades of green sounds like it provides a nice spot to watch the runners from before going to Epcot, and is close to the monorail. So, we've got some logistical things to work out as well.

Have you stayed at POP before? In April we were planning to do half at Yacht and half at Pop, but were really turned off on Pop at check-in (never saw a room, though), and switched to AKL. Because of the great pricing, and figuring there might be a different crowd there with the marathon, we were thinking aobut staying there. Any opinions are welcomed!

If you think of any other pros and cons please let me know. We're just glad to have a room within walking distance of the monorail for less than 250 per room per night! Now I've got to add in the value of the meal plans, parking, and magical express to see if it'd be a better deal to stay at pop most nights, and have my mom (and DD) stay at Poly just the night before the half.

I have not stayed at SoG but you nailed all the negatives I am aware of. You need to understand that hailing a cab will require either waiting for the race to clear or getting over to Poly before the race starts to come through. There may be an alternative plan they have for getting folks out of the resort while the race is on-going but if you are worried about the normal ways of getting to Epcot, then the alternative way would be worse. The better options for your crew would be to get over to the poly before the race picks up and have breakfast and then take the monorail to Epcot. Walk them through going from the central house in the Poly to the TTC or how to take the local monorail from Poly to TTC. I would think that if you walked them through it once then all should be well.

I have stayed in the pop a couple times, usually for a quick weekend deal where I was at the Half IM or other small race and did not want to burn DVC points. Either you like it or not. For me it is the best economy resort due specifically to the bussing. The food court is nice and really compares favorably and even excels over many others on property. It is easier to get around from the Pop on Race Days.

Just my thoughts.