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

[Sarah_Rose]

Alright, I could use a sanity check, please.

I finally bit the bullet and registered for the half marathon last week. I've been telling myself for months that that is all I should run.... I have a 9 week old baby, it's tough to find time to get my long runs in, I'm still working through some arch pain in my left foot from running a half marathon while 8 months pregnant. These are all good reasons to run the half marathon.

And yet the full is calling my name. I ran the Goofy in January (while 2 months pregnant!) and I LOVED the full course! I loved running through AK, and Epcot in the early morning, and that weird service road by the water treatment plant, and that last lap around the World Showcase with the finish line almost in sight... The Disney full was my favorite running experience to date, and just doing the half seems a bit lack-luster after. And worse, because my husband, my brother, my FIL, and a friend (his first, after losing 100 lbs in the last year!) are all coming with us and running the half, I want to run the half, as well. Which means a second Goofy. And that's just stupid at this point in my life. Even though I really want that special Mickey medal and another Goofy t-shirt.

So, can someone please call me an idiot and tell me that under no circumstances should I call Disney Sports to ask to upgrade to the Goofy? It would be such a bad idea... and yet I so want to be out there at 3:30 on Sunday morning.

 

[Karenj2]

DH is currently training for the half-marathon! I feel a bit bad that I'm not participating, too (especially after reading the PP who ran while 8 months PG), but I'd rather be a cheerleader at this point...

So - I have some more questions:

1) DH's last run was the Broad Street Run in 2008 (a 10 mile run in Philly), but he did get an official time. Could he try to submit that for a more proper placing than if he didn't have any time at all?

2) How will I know what wave he's in, so that I can time myself for going to see him run by? (And when to meet him at the end)

3) It'll be his birthday - is there any way I can surprise him WHILE he's running? I was going to make him a t-shirt, but I don't think he'd keep it on (he prefers a running shirt). I'm also going to make a poster to cheer him on, can anyone help me think of something cute to say?

4) Is the spectator stuff worth it? It'll be my MIL & I (and 9mo DD).

 

[jmasgat]

So, can someone please call me an idiot and tell me that under no circumstances should I call Disney Sports to ask to upgrade to the Goofy?

No....... At least half of this "game" is mental, and so if you've got the will, you may find the way. Of course, there is that "pesky" matter of actually training for a marathon!

Karenj2 From the Disney web site......."Proof of time must be from a race 10K or longer completed after July 1, 2008." so the Broad St run wouldn't qualify. He could still run a 10k (which could slot naturally into his training plan) and then submit that.

He won't officially know what wave he's in til he gets his bib at expo before the race--although you can ususally get a rough idea by the race number, which will be avialable I think in December. I can't find the thread from this year's race that estimated what the corrals were. And, of course, it depends on his expected pace.

I'll let the creative types weigh in on birthday ideas. And I have no experience with the spectator stuff--but I generally think you can be okay without forking over more dough to Disney.

Maura

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Alright, I could use a sanity check, please.

I finally bit the bullet and registered for the half marathon last week. I've been telling myself for months that that is all I should run.... I have a 9 week old baby, it's tough to find time to get my long runs in, I'm still working through some arch pain in my left foot from running a half marathon while 8 months pregnant. These are all good reasons to run the half marathon.

And yet the full is calling my name. I ran the Goofy in January (while 2 months pregnant!) and I LOVED the full course! I loved running through AK, and Epcot in the early morning, and that weird service road by the water treatment plant, and that last lap around the World Showcase with the finish line almost in sight... The Disney full was my favorite running experience to date, and just doing the half seems a bit lack-luster after. And worse, because my husband, my brother, my FIL, and a friend (his first, after losing 100 lbs in the last year!) are all coming with us and running the half, I want to run the half, as well. Which means a second Goofy. And that's just stupid at this point in my life. Even though I really want that special Mickey medal and another Goofy t-shirt.

So, can someone please call me an idiot and tell me that under no circumstances should I call Disney Sports to ask to upgrade to the Goofy? It would be such a bad idea... and yet I so want to be out there at 3:30 on Sunday morning.

You have made some huge accomplishments already and if anyone is ready for the Goofy again, it would be you! I think it is so cool that you were able to run while pregnant. So many people tell me that isn't possible and I am so glad that you posted to prove that it is! I don't know if there really is a point in life when running the Goofy is really stupid...I won't just because I have to get my first full Marathon experience first but I won't stop you from upgrading! You can do it again!

 

[evhorizon]

DH is currently training for the half-marathon! I feel a bit bad that I'm not participating, too (especially after reading the PP who ran while 8 months PG), but I'd rather be a cheerleader at this point...

So - I have some more questions:

1) DH's last run was the Broad Street Run in 2008 (a 10 mile run in Philly), but he did get an official time. Could he try to submit that for a more proper placing than if he didn't have any time at all?

2) How will I know what wave he's in, so that I can time myself for going to see him run by? (And when to meet him at the end)

3) It'll be his birthday - is there any way I can surprise him WHILE he's running? I was going to make him a t-shirt, but I don't think he'd keep it on (he prefers a running shirt). I'm also going to make a poster to cheer him on, can anyone help me think of something cute to say?

4) Is the spectator stuff worth it? It'll be my MIL & I (and 9mo DD).

1) As the PP says, that race doesn't look to qualify. Unless he'll run significantly faster than the last group (to the point it's annoying weaving through people the first 5 miles), I don't see the big difference what corral you are in. You are chip-timed from when you cross the starting mat, not when the gun goes off.

2) Your corral is on your race number. So you'll know when you pick up the race packet at the expo. The difference between the first and last corral isn't THAT different though. Knowing his average pace is probably a better indicator than corral.

3) A sign or (depending on where you are) writing things in chalk on the street is popular.

4) Never been a pure spectator, so no idea. You might get bored waiting around for an hour to see someone for 5 seconds. The vibe is generally pretty cool though. Watching people cross the finish line is always good.

 

[verticalchaos]

Doesn't the site say 10K or higher? So if the Broad Street Run was 10 MILES, it was definitely longer than 10K (6.2 miles). The only question would be if it was AFTER July 1, 2008. If it was before July 1, 2008 then it wouldn't qualify. But if it was after, it certainly should because 10 MILES is definitely longer than 10 KILOMETERS.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It really depends on how hard you push it and your training base. If you simply treat the marathon as a long run and keep your training pace, and you've done a 20 miler before, the recovery shouldn't be much worse than a 20 mile training run. Maybe an extra couple days of rest.

However, if you plan on a personal record and you're pushing yourself hard you'll need a lot more time off. The rule of thumb is 1 day of rest per mile of race when you're really "racing"; so 26 days of rest after a hard marathon. A friend of mine that has run ultramarathons suggested 6 months recovery for a hard marathon.

I ended up just walking (instead of training runs) for the first two weeks after my first marathon. Then I started back up with my taper volume for a couple of weeks, before getting back into a routine.

I would decide between the two races which one is more important. Either go easy in the marathon and push hard in the half-marathon 6 weeks later, or push the marathon knowing that you'll need to take a break and won't be in peak running form for the half-marathon. Going for PRs in both races is an invitation for injury.

Thanks for your advice along with Maura and John! Very helpful as usual! I am definitely going to take the full marathon easy - stick with my 30 second intervals that Galloway recommends and just enjoy the extra couple hours of running. If all goes well, I can go ahead and jump back into the Hal Higdon Novice Training plan at the mark that my training should be at for the half. I think I will stick with the intervals too but maybe increase them a little depending on how I feel. If I have learned anything from my other races it is to just enjoy it and not push too hard. It isn't fun being stiff because stairs seem to appear everywhere when it suddenly becomes a little painful to use them! If I love the full marathon, I will take an opportunity to push myself a little better but for now, it is just for the experience and the fancy medal and to admire all those that are doing the Goofy Challenge and passing me during the full. I really hope I finish before six hours...I can't imagine being out there for six hours or more!!

 

[cruisin'Mike]

I'm signed up for the half marathon too. I realized that we would be in WDW for marathon weekend 2011, and the gears in my head just started turning. Unfortunately, I'm a 40 year old couch potato. (Hopefully, soon to be a former couch potato.) I started the Couch to 5k program in July. I finished that and started on the bridge to 10k plan. Last Sunday was my first 5k, and I finished it in 30:03.

I have already decided that I'll be doing a run/walk interval, so that's what I did for my long run today. I ended up covering 6.5 miles in 1hr 12 min. If I can work up my distance and maintain that pace, that could put me at finishing in under 2:30, which would be awesome, since my main goal is to just finish!

I've read this entire thread and have gotten some great advice, so thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences and knowledge, and to those of you who are doing it for the first time like me, thanks for sharing your excitement!

Now for what will probably be the first of many questions:

I normally listen to my ipod while running. I didn't have it for my 5k and found that I really missed it. And now I have it set up to give my the run and walk cues for my intervals, so it will be even more important that I use it. I read on the WDW website that earphones are discouraged. What do you all think about using them?

 

[crashbb]

Doesn't the site say 10K or higher? So if the Broad Street Run was 10 MILES, it was definitely longer than 10K (6.2 miles). The only question would be if it was AFTER July 1, 2008. If it was before July 1, 2008 then it wouldn't qualify. But if it was after, it certainly should because 10 MILES is definitely longer than 10 KILOMETERS.

The problem is that the race is run in May. Since he ran it in 2008, the race was too early to qualify (not too short).

 

[evhorizon]

If I have learned anything from my other races it is to just enjoy it and not push too hard. It isn't fun being stiff because stairs seem to appear everywhere when it suddenly becomes a little painful to use them! If I love the full marathon, I will take an opportunity to push myself a little better but for now, it is just for the experience and the fancy medal and to admire all those that are doing the Goofy Challenge and passing me during the full. I really hope I finish before six hours...I can't imagine being out there for six hours or more!!

I'm always fascinated by what motivates people to race (not just run) and how the definition of "fun" varies for everyone. I'm a bit more twisted than most. For me some races may just be "tests" leading up to a main race and I won't push them too hard (which is difficult for me).

But when I race, I absolutely love to push myself to the very edge of my ability -- to walk the line between speed and chaos, pleasure and pain, despair and transcendence. To stare into the abyss and see on that given day what I'm truly capable of. Run that negative split and press the pace in the back half. Fight the battle of mind over matter to cross the finish line gasping for air at full sprint, knowing you left every ounce of will you had on the race course.

It is in those moments that I truly understand the phrase "feeling alive". Finishing time is a distant thought. Of course, it could just be the massive amounts of endorphins talking.

5 hours, 6 hours, whatever. Try your best and what will be will be. My first marathon was over 5 hours (long story) and the concept of time becomes a blur after 20 miles. One step at a time, you'll make it.

 

[Karenj2]

1) As the PP says, that race doesn't look to qualify. Unless he'll run significantly faster than the last group (to the point it's annoying weaving through people the first 5 miles), I don't see the big difference what corral you are in. You are chip-timed from when you cross the starting mat, not when the gun goes off.

2) Your corral is on your race number. So you'll know when you pick up the race packet at the expo. The difference between the first and last corral isn't THAT different though. Knowing his average pace is probably a better indicator than corral.

3) A sign or (depending on where you are) writing things in chalk on the street is popular.

4) Never been a pure spectator, so no idea. You might get bored waiting around for an hour to see someone for 5 seconds. The vibe is generally pretty cool though. Watching people cross the finish line is always good.

You can write on the street with chalk? That's a GREAT idea!!! Will I have to dodge folks running, or should I just get out there early?

Doesn't the site say 10K or higher? So if the Broad Street Run was 10 MILES, it was definitely longer than 10K (6.2 miles). The only question would be if it was AFTER July 1, 2008. If it was before July 1, 2008 then it wouldn't qualify. But if it was after, it certainly should because 10 MILES is definitely longer than 10 KILOMETERS.

Rats, the Broad Street Run is in May, so it wouldn't qualify... He told me that he runs 11-12 minute miles right now.

 

[FFigawi]

Now for what will probably be the first of many questions:

I normally listen to my ipod while running. I didn't have it for my 5k and found that I really missed it. And now I have it set up to give my the run and walk cues for my intervals, so it will be even more important that I use it. I read on the WDW website that earphones are discouraged. What do you all think about using them?

Congrats on signing up for your first half! Disney is a great place to do it, thanks to all the cast member and volunteer support they have.

As to your question about earphones, I personally think they're a bit unsafe during large crowded events like this one. That's just my opinion, and I realize a lot of people will be using them.

 

[Buffedrunner]

Hello everyone, I am currently in training to run my second half. I thought I would do it Disney world style, wish me well, and be prepared for me to ask plenty of questions during the weeks ahead. Until later, train safe and enjoy the journey.

 

[Buffedrunner]

Okay to all of you guys and gals who have done this before which is the best hotel to stay in and why? Advantages, Disadvantages.

Note: Couple traveling without kids

 

[verticalchaos]

The problem is that the race is run in May. Since he ran it in 2008, the race was too early to qualify (not too short).

Gotcha. Since the date hadn't ever been stated, it seemed that the posters were saying that it was the distance that wouldn't count. Not everyone knows what or when the Broad Street Run is. I was just trying to clarify.

 

[cewait]

I'm signed up for the half marathon too. I realized that we would be in WDW for marathon weekend 2011, and the gears in my head just started turning. Unfortunately, I'm a 40 year old couch potato. (Hopefully, soon to be a former couch potato.) I started the Couch to 5k program in July. I finished that and started on the bridge to 10k plan. Last Sunday was my first 5k, and I finished it in 30:03.

I have already decided that I'll be doing a run/walk interval, so that's what I did for my long run today. I ended up covering 6.5 miles in 1hr 12 min. If I can work up my distance and maintain that pace, that could put me at finishing in under 2:30, which would be awesome, since my main goal is to just finish!

I've read this entire thread and have gotten some great advice, so thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences and knowledge, and to those of you who are doing it for the first time like me, thanks for sharing your excitement!

Now for what will probably be the first of many questions:

I normally listen to my ipod while running. I didn't have it for my 5k and found that I really missed it. And now I have it set up to give my the run and walk cues for my intervals, so it will be even more important that I use it. I read on the WDW website that earphones are discouraged. What do you all think about using them?

Congrats on signing up for your first half! Disney is a great place to do it, thanks to all the cast member and volunteer support they have.

As to your question about earphones, I personally think they're a bit unsafe during large crowded events like this one. That's just my opinion, and I realize a lot of people will be using them.

I agree that in a large race they can be a hazard not only to you but to ME. You never know when or where you will be when you need your hearing to react to something around you. Disney ‘discourages’ them but allows them. If you wear them all that is asked by your fellow is that you keep the volume low so that you can hear runners behind calling out passes, course folks giving information or the verbal cues about course issues. Much of the Disney course has entertainment. I would bring them and wear them in places where you need them… I think you will be surprised about how little you use them.

The problem is that the race is run in May. Since he ran it in 2008, the race was too early to qualify (not too short).

Submit it with the entry. There is a great chance they will use it. In the meantime look for a 10k this fall and have it in hand as a backup. If already entered I would not try to use it at the expo as they are looking at fewer results and have more time to focus on the date.

Okay to all of you guys and gals who have done this before which is the best hotel to stay in and why? Advantages, Disadvantages.

Note: Couple traveling without kids

Any Disney Resort!

Longer

If looking at an economy resort then Pop has a few advantages over All Stars – specifically one bus stop.
Moderates – really your choice. The POR and CBR are the usual suspects but your personal tastes really govern.
Upper end – Monorail! Poly is the better choice as you can walk to the TTC and only need to catch one train to Epcot.
The next best is any Epcot Area Resort. You must buss to the start but with the use of a park pass you have a nice one mile cool down walk back to the resort.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I'm always fascinated by what motivates people to race (not just run) and how the definition of "fun" varies for everyone. I'm a bit more twisted than most. For me some races may just be "tests" leading up to a main race and I won't push them too hard (which is difficult for me).

But when I race, I absolutely love to push myself to the very edge of my ability -- to walk the line between speed and chaos, pleasure and pain, despair and transcendence. To stare into the abyss and see on that given day what I'm truly capable of. Run that negative split and press the pace in the back half. Fight the battle of mind over matter to cross the finish line gasping for air at full sprint, knowing you left every ounce of will you had on the race course.

It is in those moments that I truly understand the phrase "feeling alive". Finishing time is a distant thought. Of course, it could just be the massive amounts of endorphins talking.

5 hours, 6 hours, whatever. Try your best and what will be will be. My first marathon was over 5 hours (long story) and the concept of time becomes a blur after 20 miles. One step at a time, you'll make it.

Thanks! Finishing time to me is also a distant thought once in the race. The only thing I ever think about at Disney and while training is beating the 16 min. threshold per mile. I never want to see a sweeper - they are like the boogie man! A lot of people depend on the clocks per mile, etc. The only thing I care about is keeping up my run/walk 30 second ratios and hopefully getting to the finish line in a time that surprises me so I can relax, reflect on how I could have slept in and that this will be my last race and somehow end up signing up for more! PR to me stands for Public Relations.

 

[rubato]

I normally listen to my ipod while running. I didn't have it for my 5k and found that I really missed it. And now I have it set up to give my the run and walk cues for my intervals, so it will be even more important that I use it. I read on the WDW website that earphones are discouraged. What do you all think about using them?

I'm doing both the half and the full. I will be using my Ipod during the half, but using an old pair of earbuds with one cut off. It will also be very low volume. Then, I'm not using it in the full, because I'm hoping to be running with someone and won't need it.

My last race website said no earphones at all. I called the organizer and he said that they have to say that for insurance purposes, but I could if I wanted. So, it' up to you. But, yes, please be aware of runners passing you if you're going to wear them.

 

[crashbb]

Submit it with the entry. There is a great chance they will use it. In the meantime look for a 10k this fall and have it in hand as a backup. If already entered I would not try to use it at the expo as they are looking at fewer results and have more time to focus on the date.

It isn't me. I have a 2010 10K plus a fall 2009 half marathon that I can submit. I was explaining why a different poster (well, actually, her husband) couldn't submit that race (though you suggest he does anyway).

 

[Shmu]

Newbie here.

I plan on doing the full marathon. I have been training now for over a year with the Jeff Galloway method. I am walking though with interruptions of running. My goal is to just finish and not be swept up by the sweepers.

Question: I have read the whole thread and didn't see this posted. I did read fast though so forgive me if I overlooked it. What are the mile markers that they give out water and snacks? I want to add this into my training. Only drinking and eating where it will be given out at WDW.

Thanks in advance.