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

[KAA1972]

I know you started asking about the 110. The 110 looks like an attempt to compete with Polar HR monitors but once you look through the manual you see it is a cheaper version of the 405.

I am not sure that the 110 is a good option. (Form my really quick read of the owners manual... It does not offer canfigurable data outputs. You seem to be stuck with Distance Pace and Time. As a Galloway runner you would need to figure out distances for you run intervals. i.e. no training interval timer. I am not sure how big the bezel is but one gripe with the 405 is a small display.

The 205 and 305 would seem to be better options for a first time user and are prcied lower than other versions. The difference between the 305 and 205 is the HR monitor included with the 305. You can program the unit to have three sets of screens with up to 4 data feeds per screen. When set to two or three data feeds on a screen the numbers are huge. The 205/305 seems large (and I guess it is) but you get used to it quickly. You can purchase a velcro strap if you o not like the rubber strap. In addition to the mile based laps, you can set up time based intervals for the Galloway plan.

All current models offer the same GPS receiver technology so start ups are usually quick. Note that the current pace can feel jumpy. There is a buffer in the prgramming section of the unit that will allow a buffer to be set - making the pace more constant. The trade off is that you will need to run by feel in the first 30-45 seconds of starting up a run again.

Hope this helps

Thanks! This definitely helps!! I think I might invest in the 305 -- but I'm going to wait awhile. I'll be running mainly indoors until at least the end of September -- it's just too hot for me to get outside right now.

 

[KAA1972]

Great thread! I am entered in the half and excited to read about everyone's training.

Yeah!! Welcome!!!

 

[Pumbaa80]

My DD is also doing the 100 Dash, isn't it just going to be soooo cute, cameras at the ready hey

Yes! Having the camera charged and ready to go is a MUST!

 

[Pumbaa80]

Run/walking is a perfect way for a first time runner to approach the half or marathon. Actually, if you run/walk and start from the beginning of your run with the walk breaks you may find that you finish the 5 mile run in the same time or even faster. The walk breaks allow the body’s respiratory and circulatory systems to reset for an instant while giving the muscles a slight break. I am not sure what you mean by both ways. If you mean run until you need to start run walking then no do not think that this is a good option. In real simple terms, you brain is looking for ways to make you quit on a long run. You are using its food supply (sugar) and the brain is looking to force your body to pull back. If you run until you need a walk break then try to run/walk there is a high chance that your subsequent run/walking is more walk/running at best. Now if you mean how different does it feel to run a half or full versus a run/walk method then I am here to say that first there is nothing better than making you first walk break the finish line chute of a marathon. I have run and run/walked marathons and halves and honestly prefer the run/walk. I feel as though I need to be better prepared for a fully run race than a run/walked race even though I know factually there is little difference. As a note for my fully run races I train in a run/walk method. It’s only on race day that I seem to make the decision of run vs run/walk. I also encourage my runners to do the same. Again, I would only suggest a fully run endurance event to those who have a few runs under their belts.

Thanks for all the information!! I really appreciate it!!

Let me offer that you really need to be consistent in your interval. I will disagree with Galloway on this … since you are running 5 miles continuously, look to start with your run/walk intervals in the 4:1 or 5:1 range. See how these feel and then adjust accordingly. Most groups I have been associated with will put marathon and half runners in this interval range.

Great! I'll starting working with the 4:1 interval.

I am always puzzled by the use of inserts. If they are a prescribed orthotic then I find them very acceptable. If you are Dr Scholl’s gelling then put the original inserts back and see if you need the inserts. With regard to the shoes, did the store look at your old shoes and were they the same design/function (cushioned, stability, etc.)? If you were running in a different functioning shoe you may be adjusting to a different support mechanism. I would go back to the stare and have them look at you and your stride again to see if these are the correct shoes. If they are, you may have been in incorrect shoes before and you are just adjusting to the new support level. I do not find that new shoes really create a newer level of fatigue if they are correct. On occasion, if I change up the brand or the manufacturer comes out with a new and improved design for the shoe I have been in I will feel what you describe. Usually by the 2-5th run I am past that..

The inserts were recommended by the running store - they're called "superfeet." I've been thinking about just putting the regular inserts, and since you suggested it, I think I might give that a try. Actually, when I pulled out the boxes to write this, I see that the superfeet arch support box says it's for medium/high arches. My issue is a flat foot. Maybe removing these arch supports will make these shoes comfortable!

The store did look at my other shoes, and suggested I go up 1.5 sizes and have a shoe that would control the motion in my feet (Brooks Adrenaline GTS), and the superfeet arch support.
I was just using the regular inserts that came with my shoes in my old pair, and the new shoes are a different brand. Maybe I'll try without the new inserts until we're back at the store. Thanks for the input!!
I donated my old shoes at the store. After the first half mile of running in my new shoes I was wishing I had kept the old ones!

Good luck in your training. This is a great first race

Thanks!!

 

[Pumbaa80]

I ran the princess half this spring using a 1:1 interval. I had no problems with the 1:1 interval. This time, I'm training more for the half and I plan on 5:1 or 6:1 intervals. I'm slow -- about 12 minute mile but I'm aiming for 10-11 minute miles by race day.

Yes, the first mile of the princess was VERY congested. I did a slow jog -- probably equivalent to about 5.0 on a treadmill for the first mile. Then, it opened up and I did my intervals. As my walk interval approached, I just glanced behind me to make sure I wasn't slowing in front of any runners and then just moved over and started walking. It was great! I really like the intervals.

I trained with the Galloway group in 2002 for the NYC Marathon and I did the full marathon on 5:1 intervals. It wasn't bad at all.

Best of luck!!!

Thanks for your input! Doing the intervals were you pushing it time-wise? Were you able to get some pictures along the route?

 

[crashbb]

OK now I am a little confused.

Sorry.

What I was saying is that I'd like to be at the expo for 9am on FRIDAY as I am running the half marathon.

I was also pointing out that the expo doesn't open at 9am on Saturday (presumably because the buses/volunteers are busy with the half marathon). I think it opens at 10am or 11am.

From other posters, it sounds like the buses will start running at 8:30am on Friday, so I'm good. I'm assuming that the buses are easy to find - I know that the aren't the same place as the normal WDW buses.

 

[cewait]

Sorry.

What I was saying is that I'd like to be at the expo for 9am on FRIDAY as I am running the half marathon.

I was also pointing out that the expo doesn't open at 9am on Saturday (presumably because the buses/volunteers are busy with the half marathon). I think it opens at 10am or 11am.

From other posters, it sounds like the buses will start running at 8:30am on Friday, so I'm good. I'm assuming that the buses are easy to find - I know that the aren't the same place as the normal WDW buses.

OK cool.....

 

[DianeL]

Crashbb... they will have a sign that says Marathon Weekend Transportation All the ones I have seen were about 2 or 3 feet high? And with the WDW Resorts I've stayed in (and I believe this is true for ALL WDW resorts) the Marathon Weekend Transportation is only available at the main bus stop. Been true at OKW, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans-Riverside. Same goes for drop off AFTER the races. They pick up and drop off at only the 1 location. Just follow the line Even at 3 am race morning you will see other zombies... I mean racers making their way to the buses

Charles can't wait to see "your" forecasts this year When I was running on Friday I thought if it was up to me it would be cloudy and 30 I'd pass on the snow, sleet and rain just to be nice to those more used to running in warmer temps Oh and please no wind! A lovely little breeze to just cool off with but otherwise, no wind please. just in case your taking orders

 

[Bephus]

With all this talk about the expo and viewing I thought of a few questions you guys may be able to help me with.
I will be arriving Friday am with my 2 kids (4 & 2). The rest of my party (DH and parents) will have to work so are coming later in the day. I am planning on checking into the resort and then going to the expo for bib pickup and to check out the vendors. Will I be better off driving or riding the bus with the stroller by myself? If I do take the bus, do you think it stops at the check-in building at CBR or will I need to park near my village and catch the bus there?
I can't remember the types of buses that go to the resorts (we have only stayed onsite once and it was for 2007 marathon). Can my family get on a bus to TTC early enough to see me during the half or do they need to get on the last start bus and take the monorail from Epcot to TTC? We were totally unprepared last time and didn't get to see DH on course until the finish.

 

[lolakat]

I'm getting ready to book my stay for marathon weekend and I'm wondering if any particular hotel is better for marathon related events or transportation. My top contenders are the Polynesian or the Boardwalk. I will be traveling solo (or maybe with a friend if I can convience anyone to go with me). I usually like to stay on the monorail for ease of transportation but I would deffinetly go somewhere else if there was a reason it was better for marathon weekend. Anyone have any advice?

I also wanted to pick your brains about shin splints. I'm a new runner and I'm on week 3 of the C25K. For the past week I've been having a problem with pain along the inside of my shin bone which I presume is due to shin splints. I am running every other day and resting in between. I've slowed my pace (which is already very slow) and increased my stretching as well as doing some icing. The pain seems to mostly go away after about 12-24 hours but comes back when I start running again. By the time I get to 1.5 miles it is fairly uncomfortable. I've read this is more common in people with a heel strike stride but I actually tend to strike more on my toes or ball of my feet. I haven't cut any of my runs short yet but I'm worried about how this will affect me as my runs get longer. Is this something that will imporve as my legs get stonger or is it an injury I need to do something about before it will improve? Thank you for any advice.

 

[carissanboys]

I also wanted to pick your brains about shin splints. I'm a new runner and I'm on week 3 of the C25K. For the past week I've been having a problem with pain along the inside of my shin bone which I presume is due to shin splints. I am running every other day and resting in between. I've slowed my pace (which is already very slow) and increased my stretching as well as doing some icing. The pain seems to mostly go away after about 12-24 hours but comes back when I start running again. By the time I get to 1.5 miles it is fairly uncomfortable. I've read this is more common in people with a heel strike stride but I actually tend to strike more on my toes or ball of my feet. I haven't cut any of my runs short yet but I'm worried about how this will affect me as my runs get longer. Is this something that will imporve as my legs get stonger or is it an injury I need to do something about before it will improve? Thank you for any advice.

How slow is "slow"?? Are you running outside or on a treadmill? Do you know what your actual speed is?

How are your sneakers?

 

[lolakat]

How slow is "slow"?? Are you running outside or on a treadmill? Do you know what your actual speed is?

How are your sneakers?

I'm running on a treadmill. I was doing the jogging intervals at 5 mph but I slowed it down to 4.7 mph when the shins started to act up. I do the walking intervals at 3.5mph. Overall pace on my last run was 14.32 min/mile for about 25 min.

I bought new running shoes from a runner's store (or at least they claim to be) when I started the C25K about 3 weeks ago. But they didn't do any of the gait analysis or looking at my old shoes that I see people talking about on here. Frankly I didn't have any idea they should be doing that kind of stuff at the time and I just took the salesman's word that these were good shoes for me. The shoes are Nike and they were expensive enough but I couldn't tell you the exact model number. Maybe I should try to find a place that does a more through assesment. I do hate to lay out money for another pair so soon but if it is necessary I will do it.

 

[cewait]

With all this talk about the expo and viewing I thought of a few questions you guys may be able to help me with.
I will be arriving Friday am with my 2 kids (4 & 2). The rest of my party (DH and parents) will have to work so are coming later in the day. I am planning on checking into the resort and then going to the expo for bib pickup and to check out the vendors. Will I be better off driving or riding the bus with the stroller by myself? If I do take the bus, do you think it stops at the check-in building at CBR or will I need to park near my village and catch the bus there?
I can't remember the types of buses that go to the resorts (we have only stayed onsite once and it was for 2007 marathon). Can my family get on a bus to TTC early enough to see me during the half or do they need to get on the last start bus and take the monorail from Epcot to TTC? We were totally unprepared last time and didn't get to see DH on course until the finish.

If you have a car, you could drive, but I see that the parking lot is overfull early in the afternoon. The bus may be the better option. They are the tour type busses, not the red and white WDW busses. At CBR you will need to walk over to the first resort bus stop (or drive to your village) and pick up the bus at the room stops. It is obvious what bus you take as it will say marathon in the window.

As far as strategy for seeing runners at TTC for the half it can be a little crazy. TTC is about mile 4 of the race so waiting for the first post start bus may not work well. With kids in tow I wonder if taking a cab to the TTC may be a good option. The cab can shoot up Bonnet Creek, turn left on Vista and then right on Floridian… Finally making a left onto Seven Seas Drive and drop you at the cab stand. It avoids race closed streets and gets you to the TTC. From there you can simply walk to Poly for a second viewing. Finally, walk back to the TTC and take the monorail back to Epcot for a reunion.

The option would be drive to the parking lot before race start and camp in the car for a while. Once the race starts walk to the monorail and do the above.

I'm getting ready to book my stay for marathon weekend and I'm wondering if any particular hotel is better for marathon related events or transportation. My top contenders are the Polynesian or the Boardwalk. I will be traveling solo (or maybe with a friend if I can convience anyone to go with me). I usually like to stay on the monorail for ease of transportation but I would deffinetly go somewhere else if there was a reason it was better for marathon weekend. Anyone have any advice?

I also wanted to pick your brains about shin splints. I'm a new runner and I'm on week 3 of the C25K. For the past week I've been having a problem with pain along the inside of my shin bone which I presume is due to shin splints. I am running every other day and resting in between. I've slowed my pace (which is already very slow) and increased my stretching as well as doing some icing. The pain seems to mostly go away after about 12-24 hours but comes back when I start running again. By the time I get to 1.5 miles it is fairly uncomfortable. I've read this is more common in people with a heel strike stride but I actually tend to strike more on my toes or ball of my feet. I haven't cut any of my runs short yet but I'm worried about how this will affect me as my runs get longer. Is this something that will imporve as my legs get stonger or is it an injury I need to do something about before it will improve? Thank you for any advice.

BOTH of you choices are excellent. If I had a preference I would choose the Poly for race day transportation. There is nothing finer than arriving in style. Plus the added half hour or so sleep helps. But my favorite resort area is the Epcot Resorts. I love all the attractions of the Boardwalk plus the convenience of walking to Epcot and DHS. Note that you cannot walk to the start from the BW so a bus or car is required for the start. You can come back through Epcot post race if you are willing to burn a day off your pass.

As far as shin splints go that can be an area of concern. If you are not also in a new pair of shoes (being a new runner) I suggest hitting the running shoe store and have them fit you in a pair of running shoes (or at least verify what you have fits your stride). If you are in new shoes then I would suggest going soft. Try to run grass or a non-paved trail. This will soften the stress on the leg. I would shoot for a mid-foot strike as opposed to a ball strike. Also, get a foam roller and roll the small inner muscle (Google rolling inner shin). Now for the little dose of bad… If this does not clear up soon, you may need to stop running. The muscle in the shin is very small and easily inflamed. Or worse, you may have suffered a hard tissue injury. Do not panic just yet; however, be prepared to pull back if this doesn’t work itself out quickly.

 

[carissanboys]

I'm running on a treadmill. I was doing the jogging intervals at 5 mph but I slowed it down to 4.7 mph when the shins started to act up. I do the walking intervals at 3.5mph. Overall pace on my last run was 14.32 min/mile for about 25 min.

When I started the program, I did my walks at 3.3/3.5 and my "runs" at 4.0. I did that throughout the entire 9 weeks. I am just now starting to maintain a 4.8/5.0 for my runs. My point is that you could still slow down some more. Try taking smaller steps. It's important to build endurance right now and work on speed later.

The only discomfort I had when I started the program was pain in the tops of my feet/lower shin. But, it went away after a couple of weeks and I think it was just my body getting used to the new activity.

I bought new running shoes from a runner's store (or at least they claim to be) when I started the C25K about 3 weeks ago. But they didn't do any of the gait analysis or looking at my old shoes that I see people talking about on here. Frankly I didn't have any idea they should be doing that kind of stuff at the time and I just took the salesman's word that these were good shoes for me. The shoes are Nike and they were expensive enough but I couldn't tell you the exact model number. Maybe I should try to find a place that does a more through assesment. I do hate to lay out money for another pair so soon but if it is necessary I will do it.

Do you know if you over-pronate at all and if your sneakers have motion control? I bought my shoes online, but I knew what type of shoe I needed. Thankfully, I've had great luck with my choice.

My number one piece of advice is to slow down. When I used to be on the C25K thread, we said that a lot. People would say they already thought they ran slow, but in the beginning, I really don't think there is such a thing as too slow.

 

[cewait]

When I started the program, I did my walks at 3.3/3.5 and my "runs" at 4.0. I did that throughout the entire 9 weeks. I am just now starting to maintain a 4.8/5.0 for my runs. My point is that you could still slow down some more. Try taking smaller steps. It's important to build endurance right now and work on speed later.

The only discomfort I had when I started the program was pain in the tops of my feet/lower shin. But, it went away after a couple of weeks and I think it was just my body getting used to the new activity.



Do you know if you over-pronate at all and if your sneakers have motion control? I bought my shoes online, but I knew what type of shoe I needed. Thankfully, I've had great luck with my choice.

My number one piece of advice is to slow down. When I used to be on the C25K thread, we said that a lot. People would say they already thought they ran slow, but in the beginning, I really don't think there is such a thing as too slow.

Most runners do not know.... but let's ask another way. You have flat feet? When running on the mill, describe where your toes are pointed as you run. Slightly in, straight forward, slightly out or way out.

That should help with a long distance analysis.

 

[Bephus]

If you have a car, you could drive, but I see that the parking lot is overfull early in the afternoon. The bus may be the better option. They are the tour type busses, not the red and white WDW busses. At CBR you will need to walk over to the first resort bus stop (or drive to your village) and pick up the bus at the room stops. It is obvious what bus you take as it will say marathon in the window.

As far as strategy for seeing runners at TTC for the half it can be a little crazy. TTC is about mile 4 of the race so waiting for the first post start bus may not work well. With kids in tow I wonder if taking a cab to the TTC may be a good option. The cab can shoot up Bonnet Creek, turn left on Vista and then right on Floridian… Finally making a left onto Seven Seas Drive and drop you at the cab stand. It avoids race closed streets and gets you to the TTC. From there you can simply walk to Poly for a second viewing. Finally, walk back to the TTC and take the monorail back to Epcot for a reunion.

The option would be drive to the parking lot before race start and camp in the car for a while. Once the race starts walk to the monorail and do the above.

Thanks! I am still on the fence on the bus vs car for the expo. We drove my first year and it wasn't bad, and I only had one LO instead of two. I may wear the 2yo and have the 4yo walk and take the bus to avoid driving. Or maybe I will talk my mom into takeing a day off of work and coming down early with me.

If the TTC is mile 4 (I haven't run this one, only the full), then they may have to skip it and go straight to Poly, I will be at the TTC by 6:30! What mile is Poly? I know it is 13 for the full, but obviously not for the half. Is the regular Epcot parking lot available that early? They may want to drive there and pick up that monorail to do the viewing. That might actually be much better as I am hoping for a 10:45 ADR at Tusker House and taking Disney transportation will make that pretty difficult. I may even get to go back to my room for a quick shower. Not counting on that though! The rest of the restraunt better pray for cool weather

 

[cewait]

Thanks! I am still on the fence on the bus vs car for the expo. We drove my first year and it wasn't bad, and I only had one LO instead of two. I may wear the 2yo and have the 4yo walk and take the bus to avoid driving. Or maybe I will talk my mom into takeing a day off of work and coming down early with me.

If the TTC is mile 4 (I haven't run this one, only the full), then they may have to skip it and go straight to Poly, I will be at the TTC by 6:30! What mile is Poly? I know it is 13 for the full, but obviously not for the half. Is the regular Epcot parking lot available that early? They may want to drive there and pick up that monorail to do the viewing. That might actually be much better as I am hoping for a 10:45 ADR at Tusker House and taking Disney transportation will make that pretty difficult. I may even get to go back to my room for a quick shower. Not counting on that though! The rest of the restraunt better pray for cool weather

Poly is about 8. I am a big, let's take the car to Epcot fan especially with the young ones. Just remember that you must drive the long way to Epoct that morning - specifically around Boardwalk to World then up to Epcot Drive. I would plan on the entrance to Epcot closing by 5 AM. On the other side of the start, you would have to come up Epcot Dr from Lake Buena Vista btu I would not plan on that opening before 7:30.

 

[lolakat]

As far as shin splints go that can be an area of concern. If you are not also in a new pair of shoes (being a new runner) I suggest hitting the running shoe store and have them fit you in a pair of running shoes (or at least verify what you have fits your stride). If you are in new shoes then I would suggest going soft. Try to run grass or a non-paved trail. This will soften the stress on the leg. I would shoot for a mid-foot strike as opposed to a ball strike. Also, get a foam roller and roll the small inner muscle (Google rolling inner shin). Now for the little dose of bad… If this does not clear up soon, you may need to stop running. The muscle in the shin is very small and easily inflamed. Or worse, you may have suffered a hard tissue injury. Do not panic just yet; however, be prepared to pull back if this doesn’t work itself out quickly.

Thank you for the advice. I do have a new pair of shoes but I'm not 100% sure they are the right ones for me. I've researched another running store in the area where they will observe my stride and recomend a shoe. I'm going to check them out this weekend. I don't have a lot of options for running surfaces at the moment as I'm stuck on the tredmill in my house while my DD sleeps. I am looking into the "shin rolling" you mentioned.

I really hope this shin issue isn't going to lay me up. I don't have a lot of wiggle room in my schedule if I'm going to make it to the half. Wouldn't a serious muscle injury or stress fracture hurt all the time, not just while I'm running? I do a considerable amount of walking a work and I feel ok. If I feel ok in between runs anyway how do I know when the muscle is healed enough to go back to running?

Thanks again. I know so little about all of this and these boards have been a big help.

 

[KAA1972]

Thanks for your input! Doing the intervals were you pushing it time-wise? Were you able to get some pictures along the route?

No, I finished in plenty of time. I was in corral C and I finished around 3 hours. I think my official time was 3:08. There were thousands --or what seemed like thousands -- of people behind me.

I took pictures of every single mile marker and with every single character -- except for the few characters that didn't interest me.

I also had two bathroom breaks.

 

[budpaulsaint]

No, I finished in plenty of time. I was in corral C and I finished around 3 hours. I think my official time was 3:08. There were thousands --or what seemed like thousands -- of people behind me.

I took pictures of every single mile marker and with every single character -- except for the few characters that didn't interest me.

I also had two bathroom breaks.

Hey KAA, I just noticed that you live in Spanish Fort. My family and I were residents of Daphne from May '05 to May '07. We provided shelter for 15 family members from New Orleans during Katrina. Not super fun, I assure you.

And on a completely unrelated topic, my knees seem to be doing better. I was actually more than a little concerned that the 15 miles I ran this weekend might have done some real damage but it appears not. I'm not scheduled for another run until Wednesday and that'll be a short 3 miles, but with another recovery day on Tuesday I think I'll be alright. I'm scheduled for an 11 mile run this Sunday so it will help me determine if the pain came from the 10 mile Sunday run or the accumulated miles from the five I did on Saturday as well.

Honestly, the training is half the fun as I learn how my body operates and improves over time.