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

[cruisin'Mike]

Thanks for the advice on the earphones. My biggest concern would be timing my running and walking intervals. But I really like the idea of running a mile, then walking for a minute, since I could just use the mile markers for that. I think I'll adjust my training to that interval and see how it goes.

A lot of times my 11 year old twins will ride their bikes while I run on the trail. I only keep one earphone in and the volume low so I can keep tabs on them. If I do wear the earphones for the half, I'll do the same thing.

 

[FireDancer]

Ok...here's something that's confused me. If you've got a shirt on that you're going to drop, where do you put your number so it shows? On your shorts? I've been trying to figure this out for a while.

I always put the number on my shorts or pants.

 

[cewait]

Thanks for the advice on the earphones. My biggest concern would be timing my running and walking intervals. But I really like the idea of running a mile, then walking for a minute, since I could just use the mile markers for that. I think I'll adjust my training to that interval and see how it goes.

A lot of times my 11 year old twins will ride their bikes while I run on the trail. I only keep one earphone in and the volume low so I can keep tabs on them. If I do wear the earphones for the half, I'll do the same thing.

Actually if you can train for running a mile/walking a minute that works great at Disney as the mile markers are fairly close to the correct spots. I time walks that way then add a walk through the aid stations in the later stages of the full. Sometimes later stages = the first stop

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

For anyone on the fence about registering for the Full Marathon, the Disney Visa promotion expires today. If you register today, and complete the full marathon, you get a $30 Disney Gift Card. Use the coupon code 11VISA30 when checking out.


As far as the intervals, I tried to listen to the runkeeper announcements through my iPhone but with the crowds and music, it became too difficult. I ended up relying on my Nike+ Sportband - I just switched every 30 seconds. It was easier to have headphones for that only because it does get a bit annoying hearing all the beeping from those with timers/wristbands that announce their transitions. Once I got to an hour, I just stopped that run and started a new one. Not the most convenient but it did work for me.

 

[mla1977]

I bought a Spibelt at the Princess expo this year and got the "drawstring" thingies (yes, the technical name) that hold the bib to the belt. It only holds the top of the bib but I've never had any problems with the bib moving around.

 

[Belle1811]

Interesting about the cabbage. I'm running the Mullet Run this weekend -- yes, mullet -- like the bad 80's redneck hairstyle -- I'm not sure what the gift bag will include.... maybe a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer??

 

[Belle1811]

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.

OMG, can I just say you are amazing, if slightly crazy I have a 10 month old baby and am finding it really tough to train, coupled with working shifts, DH working shifts and lack of sleep - though wouldn't change it for the world

You ran a half when 8 months pregnant, I could just about manage stairs I say if you feel you want to do the full or even the Goofy go for it.

I have just found out I have to have an op in November, I should be ok within about a week or so, but was worrying that it may effect my training and even me actually doing the half should my recovery take longer than anticipated but after reading what you've achieved I feel like I can still do it now despite the op, very inspiring

 

[rubato]

Another question:

In looking at the marathon map, it looks like the route goes around Epcot on the road between Epcot and the POFQ. We are now staying at POFQ. Is there a way to walk to the road from the resort? Just wondering if my family could go for a short little walk to say Hi?

Oh, and Sarah Rose, count me in as a supporter of going for it. You obviously have the drive and the ability to push yourself. So, I think you should.

 

[evhorizon]

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?

I've seen it at a bunch of races. You would want to do it before the runners get to you. If you're waiting for an hour for the runners to show up, what else are you gonna do? I probably wouldn't do it inside a park though, if that's where you're waiting.

 

[evhorizon]

Another question:

In looking at the marathon map, it looks like the route goes around Epcot on the road between Epcot and the POFQ. We are now staying at POFQ. Is there a way to walk to the road from the resort? Just wondering if my family could go for a short little walk to say Hi?

Oh, and Sarah Rose, count me in as a supporter of going for it. You obviously have the drive and the ability to push yourself. So, I think you should.

IMO, not really. I stayed at POFQ the last couple of races I went to and it's far enough away you need to take the bus to the start (and there's not really a good way to walk on the roads). Although it looks close on the map, I don't think it's a clean walk for spectators either.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Okay I did it! Finished my first 5K on Sunday- and booked the WDW half today! I have a friend (also a newbie runner) joining me. I am excited and petrified at the same time!

Since this trip will be our first trip to WDW sans kids- what resort do you recommend? I am debating between AS Sports (just because it's impossibly cheap), POR or FQ (have stayed at POR before and loved it), and CSR. Any suggestions? Are any of these better for getting in a pre-race run in the days before? Will it be a problem that AS Sports doesn't have a hot tub? I just envision wanting to relax in our final evening at WDW, post-race, in a hot tub.

Christine

 

[rubato]

Christine: Welcome and congrats on signing up! I am hoping someone with more knowledge will answer your resort questions. I am staying at POFQ myself, but that was because, after the craziness and all the running, I want a small resort. I will be partaking of that hottub before the races, but not after (ice bath instead for me).

 

[jeanigor]

I finally bit the bullet and registered for the half yesterday afternoon. Look forward to getting to know some folks and seeing lots of you in January.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Okay I did it! Finished my first 5K on Sunday- and booked the WDW half today! I have a friend (also a newbie runner) joining me. I am excited and petrified at the same time!

Since this trip will be our first trip to WDW sans kids- what resort do you recommend? I am debating between AS Sports (just because it's impossibly cheap), POR or FQ (have stayed at POR before and loved it), and CSR. Any suggestions? Are any of these better for getting in a pre-race run in the days before? Will it be a problem that AS Sports doesn't have a hot tub? I just envision wanting to relax in our final evening at WDW, post-race, in a hot tub.

Christine

I have changed resorts a few times already...but with the special public discount offer I booked CSR....never stayed here before...doing this one solo...I got spoiled with YC for pre race for the Wine&Dine though I had Sports..then Pop..I thought I was cured from my resort changing ways....although for me, its all about pre race focus and my surroundings...

I finally bit the bullet and registered for the half yesterday afternoon. Look forward to getting to know some folks and seeing lots of you in January.

Congrats!

 

[mla1977]

CSR will be filled with lots of runners from Team in Training. That is where my team stayed last year and where we'll probably be again this year. The other resort that TNT puts up runners at is CBR.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

CSR will be filled with lots of runners from Team in Training. That is where my team stayed last year and where we'll probably be again this year. The other resort that TNT puts up runners at is CBR.

Really? For Wine & Dine they were all at the Yacht Club.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

CSR will be filled with lots of runners from Team in Training. That is where my team stayed last year and where we'll probably be again this year. The other resort that TNT puts up runners at is CBR.

HA! I met lots of TNT members over WIne&DIne as I was at YC with them too!! I met a great gal by the pool named Annie and she was so inspirational as what she has done with TNT in the last year!!! Happy to hear they will be at CSR in Jan!

 

[mla1977]

I know. I saw them there and was VERY jealous. For W&D it is a much smaller group of runners, mostly local chapters and maybe Virtual TNT. The January races are one of the largest TNT national events.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I know. I saw them there and was VERY jealous. For W&D it is a much smaller group of runners, mostly local chapters and maybe Virtual TNT. The January races are one of the largest TNT national events.

Ah, makes sense. I might run with TNT next January, but I'm staying Deluxe, no matter what.

 

[kim3339]

Did my 1st full this weekend, I think it went well- mentally and physically. This week is a very easy/light week and then pick it up again next week. 12 weeks away, I can't wait!!

Non-race related question for the Marathon Weekend regulars. How busy are the parks that weekend and the couple of days afterwards? I know January is a slow month, but I wasn't sure w/ all the runners if the parks get busy and crowded.