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

[jpmom]

My hubby is doing the half (I'm injured so I can't -( )

Couple questions:

We are driving to Epcot from AKL -- but don't really want to get there at 4am.

When can we "safely" arrive before there are any road closures...

Also - since I will now be a spectator - where can I view the runners? Can I get into Epcot with my park pass that early? If so - where is a good place to view. If not, where should I hang out?

Lastly - can anyone suggest a good meeting spot after he finishes, just in case I don't see him...

Thanks so much!

 

[FFigawi]

I have a clothing question. If the starts are going to be in the 40s, and that's looking possible, I need some advice on shirt layers. I want to pin my bib to my bottom layer and don't know what this should be. I will probably wear shorts or a running skirt on the lower half, but will it be warm enough for a singlet or should I go with a long sleeved tech shirt? I hope to be done with the half by 7:30-7:45ish, so it'll still be chilly then, but the full is going to take me awhile. I just don't want to have to do a lot of adjusting. I will have a throw away layer each day, I'm just trying to figure out what should go under that. I do tend to run warm, but with only wearing shorts, I may want a warmer top???? I just don't know. I figure I'll just pack it all, but am trying to think ahead.

I run warm too, and here's what I wear. If it's in the 40s to start, I wear shorts and a short-sleeve tech shirt, with throwaway layers to keep me warm in the corral until the start. If it's in the 30s, I'll wear a long-sleeve shirt instead. The tights and/or jacket come out for shorter runs, cold and windy days, and days when it's not supposed to warm up much. I also have a vest I can add to the mix too. It's windproof in front and mesh in the back, making it perfect for chilly, breezy days.

Since it sounds like you're planning on a sub-2 half (depending on which corral you're in my assumed pace may be off), wearing a long-sleeve shirt might not be a bad idea since it won't warm up much by 730. Or you could wear your singlet with a lightweight jacket and tie it around your waist if you get too warm.

 

[FFigawi]

I would love opinions. I have gotten a couple friends who are runners who say I should stay off of it until the 1/2 and hopefully I will be able to complete the half with less pain. This is what I have been doing so far. This initial injury happened on December 16, and I went for the other run on December 21, so I have not run since then. I'm obviously going crazy not running, and a little worried I may lose some endurance for the race. We have run our 10 miles on December 11, so that is completed but I was planning to do a 12-miler that is not happening. What do you think? Should I sit running out until the race? Or do you think I can try running a bit on it?

We're one week out from the race. I'd rest it as much as possible to avoid hurting yourself any more and making the half that much more difficult. Given the base you built up during your training, you're not going to lose any real fitness over these few weeks. And even if you do lose a few percent, isn't that better than running in more pain than you already have?

 

[cewait]

I was hoping to get opinions from Coach and the others who are more experienced runners...

I posted a few weeks ago that I was having some pain in the front of my kneecap after a run on the treadmill. The next day it hurt enough where I had to limp to walk. I took off the next few days until it felt fine to walk, icing and taking advil the whole time. I went out for a run, and at about 2.4 miles, I started feeling a twinge and stopped and walked. Next day, just like the day after the first time, it was hurting enough to have to limp.

I went to the doctor, thinking this was something terribly wrong, and he said that it is an overuse injury. If he took an arthroscope in there, he would see lots of red, inflamed tissue. I asked him if I could run the 1/2 marathon, of course he said I shouldn't and that it would take more time to get back to normal if I did. Not doing the marathon is not an option, I told him. He suggested running 1 mile, see if it hurts the next day, building up to 2 miles, and so on in order to get back into it. He did also tell me that I would do no permanent damage to it by doing the marathon. It would just hurt a lot.

I would love opinions. I have gotten a couple friends who are runners who say I should stay off of it until the 1/2 and hopefully I will be able to complete the half with less pain. This is what I have been doing so far. This initial injury happened on December 16, and I went for the other run on December 21, so I have not run since then. I'm obviously going crazy not running, and a little worried I may lose some endurance for the race. We have run our 10 miles on December 11, so that is completed but I was planning to do a 12-miler that is not happening. What do you think? Should I sit running out until the race? Or do you think I can try running a bit on it?

First, I try to defer to the Doctor.... I think he gave a very back handed approval to run. I am a big believer in a lot of rest with what you have described. You may want to run this weekend, maybe 3-4 miles. I would take a dose of NSAIDs after running.

I think I read about a strap above. You are a PRIME example of the few yeses I would say go get a ChoPat strap. You are trained, you are looking to get through the race and the strap can help alleviate some of the issue in the knee. It is a simple device and I would suggest getting one before the run this weekend and then try it out.

Finally, there is a lot of data suggesting that kinesio taping will help you get through the race. This is a little newer, but I have a lot of faith in it helping; even if it only helps you think you are feeling better. As info,
KT Tape http://www.kttape.com/ will be at the expo (Booth 400). Go in Friday, the day before the race, explain your knee, purchase the product and have them tape you up.

I think this is an either or. The strap can work, taping can work, but not together. Definitely, Taping is cooler.

 

[jpmom]

We are currently staying at AKL for 5 days over marathon weekend, but are considering booking a room at the BC for the night before the Half...

Can we get to the start line from the BC by walking through World Showcase?

Thanks so much!

 

[cewait]

I have a clothing question. If the starts are going to be in the 40s, and that's looking possible, I need some advice on shirt layers. I want to pin my bib to my bottom layer and don't know what this should be. I will probably wear shorts or a running skirt on the lower half, but will it be warm enough for a singlet or should I go with a long sleeved tech shirt? I hope to be done with the half by 7:30-7:45ish, so it'll still be chilly then, but the full is going to take me awhile. I just don't want to have to do a lot of adjusting. I will have a throw away layer each day, I'm just trying to figure out what should go under that. I do tend to run warm, but with only wearing shorts, I may want a warmer top???? I just don't know. I figure I'll just pack it all, but am trying to think ahead.

Tough call. For me I would have a cotton long sleeved tee for the pre-race and early part of the run. Under it, I am thinking a tech shirt with short sleeves. I usually reserve the long sleeved tech shirt for low 40's or upper 30's.

If it is as windy as it could be... Then I would probably layer my chest.

Alternative thoughts for days when you must peel....

pin your bib to the bottoms. You will most likely not layer the bottom end in the 40's. The alternative is to head to a Triathlon store and pick up a number belt. The better belts have little elastic loops that hold up to 8 gels. Your bib is always on the outer layer.

Another option for the arms is from the cycling world. We use arm warmers which are like tube socks with the toes removed - but better. They are a blend of lycra and neoprene and will keep your arms warm. When you get too hot, simply roll them down to your wrists.

A great rule to follow is that you want to keep the top f your head warm and your hands warm. Following that, you can get away with a little less clothing. A forecast of 40 would have me in arriving in my neon blue 1980's wind suit. I would peel that at the bag tent. I would wear to the start a short sleeved tech with a long sleeved cotton tee on top. A running cap and throw down gloves that can be purchased at the expo. I would then have my shorts on the bottom. If windy, i would also have a large blcak trash bag to use as a wind shell.

Hope this helps

 

[cewait]

We are currently staying at AKL for 5 days over marathon weekend, but are considering booking a room at the BC for the night before the Half...

Can we get to the start line from the BC by walking through World Showcase?

Thanks so much!

NO

You will need to bus to the start. Depending on your half speed, you would need to bus back since the park opens at 9. If in the last 45 minutes of the race you could walk back to the BC post race by burning a day on your pass.

 

[cewait]

My hubby is doing the half (I'm injured so I can't -( )

Couple questions:

We are driving to Epcot from AKL -- but don't really want to get there at 4am.

When can we "safely" arrive before there are any road closures...

Also - since I will now be a spectator - where can I view the runners? Can I get into Epcot with my park pass that early? If so - where is a good place to view. If not, where should I hang out?

Lastly - can anyone suggest a good meeting spot after he finishes, just in case I don't see him...

Thanks so much!

You can safely arrive at 4 am or earlier. Anything later is on your nickel. As information, there are road closures starting around 11-12 the night before on Epcot Drive in the area of the start line. They attempt to close the intersection of World and Epcot and access to the parking lot between 4 and 4:30… depending on bus traffic. Why not just come in around 3:30 and take a quick nap in the car? Or better, why not take the bus, you paid for it?

As far as spectating… You may be able to get into the park with your park pass to see your DH – after the opening at 9 am. It really depends on his finish time. If he runs faster than a 14:30 mile then he will finish before park opening.

There are a few great spots to see him. When he goes to the corral, head to the monorail station and head up to TTC. Once there you have a choice of waiting for him there or heading up to Main. My DW’s preference is TTC for a couple reasons. One, less crowded and two, it’s a short quarter mile walk to the Poly for a second viewing. Then hop the monorail back to Epcot and you can see him in the bus lot area as they enter the cast member entrance (main gate right) then jog over to the finish.

There are several thoughts on finding each other at the finish. There are reunion tenst with letters on them corresponding to a range of letters… or pick out a different tent, the stage, a tree outside the area, your car. Figure it out as you wait for the race on Saturday so you both at on the same page

 

[FireDancer]

I run warm too, and here's what I wear. If it's in the 40s to start, I wear shorts and a short-sleeve tech shirt, with throwaway layers to keep me warm in the corral until the start. If it's in the 30s, I'll wear a long-sleeve shirt instead.

Same here. If it hits even 40-flat for the start I'll be in s/s shirt and shorts with a throw away sweat shirt that will get tossed just before the gun goes.

 

[rubato]

Thanks John and Charles and Frank. We can always count of you guys for advice. I actually made some homemade 'sleeves' out of my son's old soccer socks. Didn't know how stupid I would look wearing them, but am thinking of doing those with the singlet and a throwaway long sleeved t for the full and doing the long sleeved tech for the half. (And I'm hoping for a 1:40-1:44 race) I just ran 4 miles in 61 degrees in a singlet and am completely frying! Why it's in the 60s in December in Kansas is beyond me. I also have lots of the cheap throwaway gloves and will have a hat, so I'm set there as well.
Thanks again.

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks John and Charles and Frank. We can always count of you guys for advice. I actually made some homemade 'sleeves' out of my son's old soccer socks. Didn't know how stupid I would look wearing them, but am thinking of doing those with the singlet and a throwaway long sleeved t for the full and doing the long sleeved tech for the half. (And I'm hoping for a 1:40-1:44 race) I just ran 4 miles in 61 degrees in a singlet and am completely frying! Why it's in the 60s in December in Kansas is beyond me. I also have lots of the cheap throwaway gloves and will have a hat, so I'm set there as well.
Thanks again.

I've seen the improvised soccer sock sleeves and they didn't look stupid at all. It's smarter than paying for sleeves that you are going to throw away anyway.

Is 61 normal for you guys in the winter? I always though of Kansas as warmer than us in the summer and colder in the winter. I did 5 miles last night and the windchill was all the way up to 22. It's supposed to be 38 here tonight (not sure of the wind chill yet) and I'm already looking forward to a run in shorts.

 

[rubato]

I've seen the improvised soccer sock sleeves and they didn't look stupid at all. It's smarter than paying for sleeves that you are going to throw away anyway.

Is 61 normal for you guys in the winter? I always though of Kansas as warmer than us in the summer and colder in the winter. I did 5 miles last night and the windchill was all the way up to 22. It's supposed to be 38 here tonight (not sure of the wind chill yet) and I'm already looking forward to a run in shorts.

No, it's not normal at all. It's going to start dropping back down to normal and the high tomorrow will be at 12:01 am. I should have been out doing yard work today, but decided to run instead. I think our weather is a little warmer than you guys, but we just don't get the snow anymore. When I first moved here in '88, it snowed a lot. Now, we just get ice storms for the most part.

 

[cewait]

Just make sure that you bring a couple rubber bands for the upper end of the sleeves. I am assuming one reason for tossing is that they do not stay up. The rubber band will keep them up until you want to toss.

 

[PrincessPE]

So, I'm a little concerned about the race. I am running in my first half ever. I registered for the race back in early October. Training had been going well and I competed in a 10k in November and finished with no problems. I've been a recreational runner in recent years competing in 5k's and 5 mile races. The 10k was my furthest run to date. A couple weeks after the run I suffered a hip injury. Nothing serious but enough to keep me off of the roads for training runs. I'm happy to say that the hip finally feels almost 100% and I'm back to running. My problem though is because I lost so much time for training that I wasn't able to build up to a good enough base and since I've been back I've only done 5 mile runs. I never thought of running DW with the goal of finishing with a great time. More for the sense of accomplishment and the fun of running Disney. I plan on doing a run/walk pace for the race. At this point finishing in the alotted time and in little pain is my goal. Keeping my fingers crossed. If anyone has any suggestions with this short time left before race day I'd be happy to hear them.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

For marathon day, Accuweather currently says sunny, high 61, low 46.

I live in West Florida and have trained here in all manner of crazy Florida weather. Here is my wardrobe plan:

• Regular running shoes and Balega socks. If it's very cold, I'll wear Smartwool running socks.
• My most comfortable running capris. I run in them year-round.
• Nike Dri-Fit running short sleeve shirt with design - my running partners and I are screen printing.
• Throwaway sweat pants from Goodwill.
• Throwaway sweatshirt from Goodwill.
• Hair up with my Adidas running hat. I like the look of my Sweatybands better, but I get annoyed with my hair on long runs, so a hat works best. I also could wear my princess Bondi Band over my hat to protect my ears from cold. I have a fleece headband for extreme cold (i.e. 2010 marathon.)
• If it's very cold: Mountain Hardwair windstopper running jacket under throwaway sweatshirt. It has thumb holes and zips both up and down for climate control. I can give to husband at Poly at mile 13ish.

This is essentially what I wore for Princess 2010, with adjustment. We didn't get throwaways and were freezing, so I'll be doing that. I also wore a LS tee under my SS tee and had to totally strip at mile 7 to get rid of the LS tee before Poly. I'd rather cover up with a jacket. Since it zips up, I'll pin my race number on the SS tee.

Any other advice?

 

[MinnieRx85]

First I just want to say that the advice offered on this forum has been such a huge help for me, thank you all soo much!!!

I have a quick question for my DH, since he will be a cheer squad member this race. We are staying at CSR and I am racing the Half Marathon. I see from the final instructions that the buses will stop at 5:00AM for the marathon days. If he decides to drive that morning instead of getting on the buses, will he be able to get to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot past 5AM or will he find himself in a jam if he doesn't take the marathon bus around 445AM? We were thinking he could either park at SOG (since we are military) and take the monorail at the Poly or get to the TTC and take the monorail from there.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[cewait]

So, I'm a little concerned about the race. I am running in my first half ever. I registered for the race back in early October. Training had been going well and I competed in a 10k in November and finished with no problems. I've been a recreational runner in recent years competing in 5k's and 5 mile races. The 10k was my furthest run to date. A couple weeks after the run I suffered a hip injury. Nothing serious but enough to keep me off of the roads for training runs. I'm happy to say that the hip finally feels almost 100% and I'm back to running. My problem though is because I lost so much time for training that I wasn't able to build up to a good enough base and since I've been back I've only done 5 mile runs. I never thought of running DW with the goal of finishing with a great time. More for the sense of accomplishment and the fun of running Disney. I plan on doing a run/walk pace for the race. At this point finishing in the alotted time and in little pain is my goal. Keeping my fingers crossed. If anyone has any

suggestions with this short time left before race day I'd be happy to hear

.

Sounds like you have it mentally. You best bet is to just take it easy. You may even what to start in a corral back to get you into a little slower crowd. Also, make sure to do you walk intervals and add the aid stations. Take a cmera and photograph mile posts, characters and anything else that grabs your fancy. While it does not sound like you have a lot of miles, you will be surprised how well you feel on race day.

 

[PrincessPE]

Thanks Coach. I actually found out that I'm starting in wave 7 so I'm pretty far back. That's a good idea about the mile markers. I figure I'll be focused on so much of what's going on around me that it will help. One thing I do know is training runs by myself can be pretty boring. But, when I compete in the actual races I get a tremendous amount of help from all the people cheering on the sides of the road. In going to the races as a spectator I never realized until I actually ran one how much of a lift runners do get from it.

 

[Alec'sPrincess]

Thanks so much for the advice and opinions everyone. I think I may take Coach Charles' advice and run with the strap. I actually bought the runners knee strap - http://www.amazon.com/Cho-Pat-Dual-Action-Knee-Strap/dp/B000VHTTSQ - the day I went to the doctor in an effort to make the knee feel better. I think I'll try to go for a run tomorrow - maybe 2 miles - and see how I feel.

Thanks everyone! Everyone here is so wonderful and helpful!!

 

[KAA1972]

We were originally going to stay at Pop Century for marathon weekend and the week after and we signed up for a Fridge Swap -- now we've switched to another location with a 2 bedroom 2 Bath condo. So, my spot is open during the fridge swap. We donated the fridge to the fridge swap in late November and had planned on using it again in January. But, a week in the value resort with a two year old did us in! And, we HAD to switch to a condo for our sanity....


If you want to read about how a fridge swap works then you can read about it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2545087

You can also send a private message to accountingbabe08 to reserve your spot. I think the fridge is available today through 1/13.