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

[kim3339]

I'm one of those people that will run outside all winter, except when snow makes it impossible (though I'll still run in the snow) or winds are > 20mph with temps below < 20F. Wind and sweat != fun.

Me too. Well, I live in CA so we don't have snow, freezing temps in the winter sometimes though. But I love running outside when I visit my sister in Boston during the winter with the cold cold weather and snow.

 

[crashbb]

I'm one of those people that will run outside all winter, except when snow makes it impossible (though I'll still run in the snow) or winds are > 20mph with temps below < 20F. Wind and sweat != fun.

The best is when your eyelashes freeze together! Loads of fun.

I'm currently wearing the Nike women's socks. I've yet to find a sock that totally prevents blisters (I think I just have deformed toes), but these ones seem to minimise them.

 

[evhorizon]

The best is when your eyelashes freeze together! Loads of fun.

I'm currently wearing the Nike women's socks. I've yet to find a sock that totally prevents blisters (I think I just have deformed toes), but these ones seem to minimise them.

Haven't had my eyelashes freeze together yet. You do learn alot more running "tricks" running in the winter though.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've rarely had blisters. I've got plenty of calluses on my toes. Though I usually have a least one black toenail at any given time. Annoying but not painful.

 

[FFigawi]

For > 40F temps, I like the thinnest socks I can find. I've been wearing Ultimax Ironman Low Cut socks. They fit pretty snug so they don't slip and they're made of wicking material. I love them -- wear them for every day use too. The most surprising thing about them is that they last FOREVER. I've haven't had a pair wear out yet in 4+ years.

I love my Ultimax Ironman socks too! I've got two over-the-ankle pairs that I bought while training for my first marathon five years ago, and they're still going strong. In fact, they're my default pair every time I run a marathon. Not that I'm superstitious or anything.

 

[Hockeychic]

I was wearing blister socks but have found some "normal" socks that really work for me and they have that extra lift in the arch that my PF really seems to like

 

[verticalchaos]

I've successfully run my first 10K!! Well, run/walked, but you get the idea!

My time was 1:17:19. SOOOOOOO close to the 2:45 mark for a half (predictor tells me 2:50...GAH!). Had my right knee not tightened up in the last mile, I might have even hit it. But I'm not going to belittle my 1:17:19 on my first try!

I also got LUCKY yesterday after my running club! We had a guy who owns a local running shop come and do a shoe clinic, then he offered us various discounts - like a free pair of socks with any purchase (woo!)...25% off any purchase...and best of all (for me) all Asics shoes at 35% off (not 25 and then 35...just 35). Well, I wear Asics GT-2150s, so I headed over. I pulled my shoe out of my backpack, and he said "Fabulous shoe! Is it working for you?" When I nodded, he asked what size and went to get them. So I got a second pair for $65!!! If it wasn't the time of the month for rent, I totally would have gotten 2 pair!! Best of all, it's a different color trim than my first pair, so I don't have to mark one of them!

Getting soooo psyched!!!!!

edit to add ~ Should I still submit this time to Disney or is it pointless since it's above the 2:45 cutoff?

~beth

 

[Bephus]

Well this weekend was a major breakthrough for me. I ran more than 10 miles for the first time since last Thanksgiving which was my last half marathon. It was great, I ran 11 miles and I averaged just under 9 min miles and was able to really push it for the last two miles. I am super excited that I felt so good. Feeling better about being able to do well marathon weekend. Oh, and DH and I decided to tweek our plans and are now heading down Thursday and are both running in the Family 5K Friday. We are going to push the kids in the stroller and sign them up for the kids races too. I am excited to be attempting the Dopey trifecta.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I've successfully run my first 10K!! Well, run/walked, but you get the idea!

My time was 1:17:19. SOOOOOOO close to the 2:45 mark for a half (predictor tells me 2:50...GAH!). Had my right knee not tightened up in the last mile, I might have even hit it. But I'm not going to belittle my 1:17:19 on my first try!

I also got LUCKY yesterday after my running club! We had a guy who owns a local running shop come and do a shoe clinic, then he offered us various discounts - like a free pair of socks with any purchase (woo!)...25% off any purchase...and best of all (for me) all Asics shoes at 35% off (not 25 and then 35...just 35). Well, I wear Asics GT-2150s, so I headed over. I pulled my shoe out of my backpack, and he said "Fabulous shoe! Is it working for you?" When I nodded, he asked what size and went to get them. So I got a second pair for $65!!! If it wasn't the time of the month for rent, I totally would have gotten 2 pair!! Best of all, it's a different color trim than my first pair, so I don't have to mark one of them!

Getting soooo psyched!!!!!

edit to add ~ Should I still submit this time to Disney or is it pointless since it's above the 2:45 cutoff?

~beth

I see nothing wrong with submitting your time regardless. It is an accomplishment still and may get you away from the last corral. Great job!

Well this weekend was a major breakthrough for me. I ran more than 10 miles for the first time since last Thanksgiving which was my last half marathon. It was great, I ran 11 miles and I averaged just under 9 min miles and was able to really push it for the last two miles. I am super excited that I felt so good. Feeling better about being able to do well marathon weekend. Oh, and DH and I decided to tweek our plans and are now heading down Thursday and are both running in the Family 5K Friday. We are going to push the kids in the stroller and sign them up for the kids races too. I am excited to be attempting the Dopey trifecta.

That is a great pace and it sounds like you are doing awesome with your training. The Family races look like so much fun. We are definitely getting closer to race day.

 

[rubato]

Bephus: That is a great pace! How fun to do all 3 races!

I guess now that everyone is done with W & D, it's time to start getting serious about marathon weekend. I was curious about what kind of gels or other fuels people prefer? I read that it will be Clif products on the course. I can't find these right now because I haven't been anywhere near my running store. I'm using Powerade gels instead. Is there a big difference? I don't like the sports beans because of the chewing, but, so far, everything is sitting well on my stomach.

 

[verticalchaos]

I used GU gel yesterday on my 10K - the mint chocolate flavor. I liked it, and it seemed to pep me up. I've got a vanilla and a strawberry-banana to try as well, but I'm definitely planning on stocking up on the mint chocolate! YUM!

I may just carry my own stuff...I've not been a huge fan of the few Clif products I've tried. We shall see.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I have to say that I am never really bored in the full… Disney has gone to great lengths to try to add entertainment through the race. But, I will tell you that there are challenging points in the race. Mile 11 (6 in the half) is always a little bit of a letdown. You have just had the emotional high of MK and then you are on a back road. For me this is where reality sets in. The sun is up, the crowd non-existent and the largest draw of the race in the rear view mirror. But it picks up at the GF though Poly. Several races uniformed soldiers come from the Shades of Green and stand the course cheering US on. I get weepy thinking about it.

The half is the turn onto Bear Island Road. It’s a closed in two lane road that we have all to ourselves. Little treats await this stretch between the corner and the entrance to AK. There is a small creek we pass where several years Disney piped in “Just around the River Bend”. Just after the creek we come to the WDW sewer plant. Most years it’s just knowing it is there that makes you think it smells bad, but there are years that just kind of stink. We soon cross Western Way, a new road that marks the entrance into the backstage area of AK. Man is AK BIG. It takes forever to get into the park. The park has the most energetic cast members and is the first aprk we encounter guests. The bite me miles start from here. We get out onto Osceola and head into the sun. There is no way to hide from the sun or the two overpasses and BTW we are passing miles 17-20.5. There are a few things to look at… I enage all my fellow runners. I am actually excited to hit this point because I know I am home once I get out of AK – we are in the single digit countdown.

For a lot of folks mile 20-21 is bad as it is an out and back section. You must go to the u-tun as there is a timing/cheaters mat at the turn. While I used to hate this section (it used to be a2 miles long, not 1) I really like looking at faces to see how much better I feel than many of those folks look. The most technical footing section comes at 21.2 ish. It is the exchange from Osceola to World Drive. It is up with a hard banked right turn. There are no flat spots in this section. I start the turn low and fade high. By the time I get to left side the road is straight. From there you only have one more non-entertained mile. But even then World Dr can be entertaining. Just look left at the faces of folks sitting in the traffic. Most wave and are excited; then there are the grumpy’s who are not that excited. Mile 23 we enter DHS and you are really home.

Even with Jeff’s plan you will not avoid the wall if you are not managing yourself in the race. Literally, the wall is your body’s blood glycogen levels falling to a critical concentration causing your brain to shutter non-necessary activities. Everyone hits a bite me point where they have to work through issues to keep going, most folks rarely hit the wall (even though many report it) The wall looks like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTn1v5TGK_w

Most folks will have the point where they have to pull out the mental tricks to keep moving or will have a cramp issue. Or they will come down with an injury like blister. A runner must manage pace, hydration and nutrition in order to avoid the true wall. Off just a little will deplete your sugar stores and they day will not end well. All these are learned in training.

For a first time marathoner, I believe one should run at least 20-21 miles. Jeff pushes the long run out to 26 (or at least did) As you make a couple I would change you to a time runner, capping training runs to 3 – 3.5 hours. You have the tools to make the end. Too many miles can lead to injury. Jeff and I disagree with this to some extent. I will agree with Jeff that if you are really looking for a pointy end finish that a 30 mile long run may be in order with some pickups in the middle.

Here is a more detailed view of the course.
http://disneyrunning.com/fullreportcw.html

Thanks Coach for posting all of this. I finally got around to reading it all and you are so incredibly detailed! I really felt like I was running the race and felt a bit anxious while going through all the pages! Some other off the wall questions - potty breaks. I was successful in not needing them during the DL half but would imagine that is impossible with the full so are there some areas where the lines wouldn't be as long? As far as all the snack tables, etc. does everyone grab a bite from every single one? Realistically, how many Gu Gels am I going to have to carry? I have tried the Cliff brands but just don't like them at all but Disney seems to love them. The Gu flavors are a bit more tolerable.

I will be a much different experience to run when people are at the parks other than castmembers are those cheering us on...good to know I won't be alone in hating inclines after the race!

I remember watching that Iron Man finish. Yes, I definitely have never hit that type of wall before and hopefully never will! I will just pipe up the iPod during the last stretch where everyone says "you are almost there" since that mantra makes me so grumpy. (inwardly - I appreciate all those that come to cheer us on so early)

Thanks again for the tips and that great race recap.

 

[Dolce27]

Thanks Coach for posting all of this. I finally got around to reading it all and you are so incredibly detailed! I really felt like I was running the race and felt a bit anxious while going through all the pages! Some other off the wall questions - potty breaks. I was successful in not needing them during the DL half but would imagine that is impossible with the full so are there some areas where the lines wouldn't be as long? As far as all the snack tables, etc. does everyone grab a bite from every single one? Realistically, how many Gu Gels am I going to have to carry? I have tried the Cliff brands but just don't like them at all but Disney seems to love them. The Gu flavors are a bit more tolerable.

I will be a much different experience to run when people are at the parks other than castmembers are those cheering us on...good to know I won't be alone in hating inclines after the race!

I remember watching that Iron Man finish. Yes, I definitely have never hit that type of wall before and hopefully never will! I will just pipe up the iPod during the last stretch where everyone says "you are almost there" since that mantra makes me so grumpy. (inwardly - I appreciate all those that come to cheer us on so early)

Thanks again for the tips and that great race recap.

I use the Cliff Shot Bloks and love them but even if you don’t like them – go to their website. http://www.clifbar.com/play/pace_band/ They have a ‘Create your pace band’ on the website. You type in your desired finish time for a full marathon and it breaks it down to which mile you need to be at by what time in order to finish by your desired time. It also marks where, at that pace, you should take fuel. I used this last year as a jumping off point for when to take my fuel and I had zero problems with fueling either during training or on marathon day. Even if you don’t want to use Cliff products, this will give you an idea of when to take whatever you want to take on the course and how much you’ll need depending on your pace.

Be careful on marathon day about what you eat on the course. I don’t eat real food during training runs so I was reluctant to eat it on the course – I was scared of upsetting my stomach. Some people are fine with eating anything out there – some aren’t. I didn’t want race day to be the day for me to figure out if I was or not. DHS always has chocolate at that mile – I remember that much. If you want to be able to take the treats on the course, I advise training with them. If not, just stick to whatever fuel you plan to bring yourself.

As for potty breaks – my experience wasn’t so good last year. I’d never needed them during training but my water was way “off” on marathon day due to the extreme cold. I just wasn’t sweating off like I was accustomed to doing. I had to make several stops and all lines were long. Try to use the actual restrooms in the theme parks if you can – I was never so lucky.

 

[FFigawi]

Bephus: That is a great pace! How fun to do all 3 races!

I guess now that everyone is done with W & D, it's time to start getting serious about marathon weekend. I was curious about what kind of gels or other fuels people prefer? I read that it will be Clif products on the course. I can't find these right now because I haven't been anywhere near my running store. I'm using Powerade gels instead. Is there a big difference? I don't like the sports beans because of the chewing, but, so far, everything is sitting well on my stomach.

Like so many things with running, what to use for fuel during a race is a matter of personal preference. What works well for one person will not always work well for someone else, so the best thing to do is experiment during your long runs to find the best solution for you. That said, here's what works for me. I use a combination of Clif Shots (razz or chocolate, no caffeine), Clif Bloks (razz), and Sport Beans (fruit punch). I like having a variety of stuff to eat since it's more enjoyable than having the same thing over and over again. Plus, it gives me extras for people around me who might need them. I also never rely on a race to provide them for me during the race. There's no guarantee that the flavors I like will be there when I get to that aid station, and mid-race is not a good time to try something new. Made that mistake once and ended up with a double-caffeinated one that had me shaking for miles.

 

[FFigawi]

Some other off the wall questions - potty breaks. I was successful in not needing them during the DL half but would imagine that is impossible with the full so are there some areas where the lines wouldn't be as long? As far as all the snack tables, etc. does everyone grab a bite from every single one? Realistically, how many Gu Gels am I going to have to carry? I have tried the Cliff brands but just don't like them at all but Disney seems to love them. The Gu flavors are a bit more tolerable.

Potty breaks - it's not impossible to run a full without stopping. All depends on your body that day and how long you're out there. The longest lines are at the first few miles after the start. That's where everyone who didn't want to wait at the long line before the start decides to stop. The lines get shorter the further into the race you get as the field thins out. The lines at the real bathrooms in the parks didn't seem to bad either.

Snacks - Be careful about trying anything new on race day. Some people can handle oranges and chocolate and pretzels and whatever, and some people can't. I like to snack a little bit, but I don't know anyone who eats from every table there is.

Goo - Everyone needs a different amount of fuel during a race. This is definitely something you'll need to experiment with during your long runs. In general, I have my first one about 90 minutes into the race and then have another one every 45-50 minutes after that, meaning I bring a total of 5 or 6 with me since I like to have extras for people around me. I don't count on the race having them for me when I get to that aid station, but if they do, I'll open one of theirs instead of one of mine that's now all sweaty and slippery after being in my pocket for 16-18 miles.

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I ran the Komen race for the cure 5K this past weekend and can I tell you what a humbling experience that one is. Too stand there at the finish line and watch all the breast cancer survivors come across the line is such an awesome thing to witness!

okay.. need some advice.. time to pick up the training.. this will be my first 1/2 marathon.. longest run to date is 6.2 miles.. I usually run 2 x during the week and a long run on the weekend...
I am trying to figure out with 1/2 marathon training plan I am going to use..
Galloway has me running 2X a week for 30 minutes (no miles set) and then a certain amount of miles on the weekend getting me up to 14 miles...

Higdon has me running 3x a week with a set amount of miles usually 4 or 5 each day and then a set amount each weekend leading me up to only 10 miles...

do you think its better to go OVER the 13.1 miles or under??

I just don't know which one would be better for me to follow.. any advice for a newbie??

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!

How are you doing that? just running the miles that Higdons plan tells you too but with a run/walk plan?

Congrats!

GREAT time!!!!

Congrats!!

Thank you guys!

I'm training for the 1/2M in January, on the road back to marathon shape after an injury. I had a 6 mile tempo run planned for this morning, goal < 60:00. After a 10 mile long run over the weekend, and a weight lifting session last night, my legs were sore crawling out of bed this morning. One of those days you know your run is going to be tough.

After a warmup, I settle into a pace that I can feel is a bit sluggish -- less than my 10:00/mi goal pace. My legs eventually loosen up a bit and I hit mile 4 at 41:15. 2 miles left to make up 1:15 to hit 60:00 seemed unlikely. I decided to try anyway and laid the hammer down. Bring the pain.

My heart was ready to explode out of my chest, my legs were screaming at me... but OMG, that feeling is what I've missed for so long since my injury. Absolutely incredible. I didn't check my watch for time and just redlined the last 2 miles.

59:49

Today was a good day.

What type of running socks does everyone use?

I wear the asics ones, but after my long run yesterday, the bottom of my feet were killing me. They were rubbing against the socks and my feet hurt so bad at the end of my run. I'm going to try glide to see if that helps so we'll see this weekend. Maybe I'll pick up a different brand this weekend at the expo.

I wear either Nike or asics..

I've successfully run my first 10K!! Well, run/walked, but you get the idea!

My time was 1:17:19. SOOOOOOO close to the 2:45 mark for a half (predictor tells me 2:50...GAH!). Had my right knee not tightened up in the last mile, I might have even hit it. But I'm not going to belittle my 1:17:19 on my first try!

I also got LUCKY yesterday after my running club! We had a guy who owns a local running shop come and do a shoe clinic, then he offered us various discounts - like a free pair of socks with any purchase (woo!)...25% off any purchase...and best of all (for me) all Asics shoes at 35% off (not 25 and then 35...just 35). Well, I wear Asics GT-2150s, so I headed over. I pulled my shoe out of my backpack, and he said "Fabulous shoe! Is it working for you?" When I nodded, he asked what size and went to get them. So I got a second pair for $65!!! If it wasn't the time of the month for rent, I totally would have gotten 2 pair!! Best of all, it's a different color trim than my first pair, so I don't have to mark one of them!

Getting soooo psyched!!!!!

edit to add ~ Should I still submit this time to Disney or is it pointless since it's above the 2:45 cutoff?

~beth

awesome time!! Congrats!

Well this weekend was a major breakthrough for me. I ran more than 10 miles for the first time since last Thanksgiving which was my last half marathon. It was great, I ran 11 miles and I averaged just under 9 min miles and was able to really push it for the last two miles. I am super excited that I felt so good. Feeling better about being able to do well marathon weekend. Oh, and DH and I decided to tweek our plans and are now heading down Thursday and are both running in the Family 5K Friday. We are going to push the kids in the stroller and sign them up for the kids races too. I am excited to be attempting the Dopey trifecta.

super job!!! I bet that felt real good!

 

[verticalchaos]

okay.. need some advice.. time to pick up the training.. this will be my first 1/2 marathon.. longest run to date is 6.2 miles.. I usually run 2 x during the week and a long run on the weekend...
I am trying to figure out with 1/2 marathon training plan I am going to use..
Galloway has me running 2X a week for 30 minutes (no miles set) and then a certain amount of miles on the weekend getting me up to 14 miles...

Higdon has me running 3x a week with a set amount of miles usually 4 or 5 each day and then a set amount each weekend leading me up to only 10 miles...

do you think its better to go OVER the 13.1 miles or under??

I just don't know which one would be better for me to follow.. any advice for a newbie??

I'm a newbie too. I'm using the Bingham-Hadfield plan. It only takes me up to 10 miles on a long run. They address it in the book (Marathoning for Mortals) and say that they feel at that point it's really all about faith in your training plan to have given you what you need to get there.

Given how my IT bands are acting up when I insisted on running 6.2 miles Saturday before last to "feel" the distance and then 4 miles last Monday to check my time, and THEN doing a 10K on Sunday for real, I'm inclined to believe them that less is more.

And thanks! i'm pretty proud of myself! (And i earned the respect of the fellow running club member who was volunteering...she emailed me today to say I did GREAT and that it was a really tough one for a first because of the wind factor from all sides...especially the wicked headwind we had on the longest stretch of the island. So I didn't NEED to earn respect, but it's icing!)

 

[rubato]

DisneyBoundinDec: I don't remember which plan I used, but it had me running one 12 miler before my half. I'm so glad I had done 12, because when I hit about 10, I got tired. Then, I just had to remind myself that I had already run 12, so I could at least run that! Then, when I hit 12, I was able to tell myself that I could do anything for 1.1 miles! It worked for me mentally.

Thanks to everyone for their fueling advice. I guess, since I have found one thing that does work, I'll at least be set. Now, to find others to experiment with.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I'm a newbie too. I'm using the Bingham-Hadfield plan. It only takes me up to 10 miles on a long run. They address it in the book (Marathoning for Mortals) and say that they feel at that point it's really all about faith in your training plan to have given you what you need to get there.

Given how my IT bands are acting up when I insisted on running 6.2 miles Saturday before last to "feel" the distance and then 4 miles last Monday to check my time, and THEN doing a 10K on Sunday for real, I'm inclined to believe them that less is more.

And thanks! i'm pretty proud of myself! (And i earned the respect of the fellow running club member who was volunteering...she emailed me today to say I did GREAT and that it was a really tough one for a first because of the wind factor from all sides...especially the wicked headwind we had on the longest stretch of the island. So I didn't NEED to earn respect, but it's icing!)

Are you using a foam roller to help with the IT band pain? I didn't start running again until my pain went away to be on the safe side. I also do the Higdon Plans with the Galloway intervals. Although I wish there was an easier way to do intervals on the treadmill. I wish they would switch automatically but I guess it is good exercise for your brain and body.

Thanks for all the advice with the Gels and breaks everyone!

 

[verticalchaos]

Are you using a foam roller to help with the IT band pain? I didn't start running again until my pain went away to be on the safe side. I also do the Higdon Plans with the Galloway intervals. Although I wish there was an easier way to do intervals on the treadmill. I wish they would switch automatically but I guess it is good exercise for your brain and body.

Thanks for all the advice with the Gels and breaks everyone!

Yeah. I've got a foam roller at home and have been doing some light stretching and then self-massage with it.

And yeah, I didn't specify. Their rule is 3 days off. Then if still pain, 3 more. And if still pain, doctor's visit.

I'm avoiding stairs as much as I can (using the elevator at school whenever I don't have kids with me), and even taking the bus rather than walking the 12 blocks I normally would.

 

[KAA1972]

Yeah. I've got a foam roller at home and have been doing some light stretching and then self-massage with it.

And yeah, I didn't specify. Their rule is 3 days off. Then if still pain, 3 more. And if still pain, doctor's visit.

I'm avoiding stairs as much as I can (using the elevator at school whenever I don't have kids with me), and even taking the bus rather than walking the 12 blocks I normally would.

I also recommend Trigger Point Therapy kit -- It's expensive but it has literally changed my life. I would have paid three times as much for it if I would have known how good the results would be!!!