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

[verticalchaos]

Cool, thanks! I'll just plan on getting a new pair the second half of November and start breaking them in in December then.

 

[KAA1972]

My hubby is planning on running the Goofy. He has never done a full but did a half in the spring in 2:16 with little training. Actually, he had only trained for a couple of 10K's and just decided to run the half. I would like to get him on a good program. Can anyone direct me to a good program for the Goofy or someone who can give him some good advice?

I'm just running the half and I ran the Princess Half in March so I feel fine about my training plan. However, I think there is a big difference in running a half and running the Goofy.

Thanks!

 

[cewait]

Ooh here's something that just occurred to me. When I got my first "real" running shoes at the beginning of July, I went to my amazing running store and did the whole run so we can see how you do it thing. I LOVE my shoes - they're comfy AND cute (I had a choice between puke green or purple trim. CLEARLY I chose purple!). But...

I remember when I asked my fit guy about how often to get new ones, he said "about every 6 months". And I just realized that will put me right about the time of the Half.

So... Will the shoes I have now be ok for run/walking the Half? Or should I plan on getting a second pair in say November and start alternating them so I've got 2 pair to choose from on race day?

I would add that if your budget can swing it get your next pair of shoes now. Depending on the brand the model of shoe you are currently it may be updated before November. This can be the most aggravating issue as the new and improved version of your shoe will not feel new or improved. I have found through the years that every other year is a good year for certain manufacturers.

I would second the thought of starting a new pair in the 200-300 mile range. It will become very apparent somewhere in this range that the old pair is ready for retirement.

My hubby is planning on running the Goofy. He has never done a full but did a half in the spring in 2:16 with little training. Actually, he had only trained for a couple of 10K's and just decided to run the half. I would like to get him on a good program. Can anyone direct me to a good program for the Goofy or someone who can give him some good advice?

I'm just running the half and I ran the Princess Half in March so I feel fine about my training plan. However, I think there is a big difference in running a half and running the Goofy.

Thanks!

Actually most any full marathon plan will get him through the Goofy in fine fashion. I am sure that Bingham’s Marathoning for mortals, Galloway and Higdon plans will be offered up as great plans. The best plan is one that he will follow. It will have 2-3 hard workouts during the week and one easier long run on the weekend. It is not 100% necessary to run back-to-back runs to get into Goofy. If he feels the need to get the feel of a dead leg run, then one or two back to back runs would satisfy that need. There was a Goofy thread in the last week that has a lot more detailed discussion

 

[verticalchaos]

Thanks Coach! Great advice!

 

[KAA1972]

I would add that if your budget can swing it get your next pair of shoes now. Depending on the brand the model of shoe you are currently it may be updated before November. This can be the most aggravating issue as the new and improved version of your shoe will not feel new or improved. I have found through the years that every other year is a good year for certain manufacturers.

I would second the thought of starting a new pair in the 200-300 mile range. It will become very apparent somewhere in this range that the old pair is ready for retirement.


Actually most any full marathon plan will get him through the Goofy in fine fashion. I am sure that Bingham’s Marathoning for mortals, Galloway and Higdon plans will be offered up as great plans. The best plan is one that he will follow. It will have 2-3 hard workouts during the week and one easier long run on the weekend. It is not 100% necessary to run back-to-back runs to get into Goofy. If he feels the need to get the feel of a dead leg run, then one or two back to back runs would satisfy that need. There was a Goofy thread in the last week that has a lot more detailed discussion

Awesome! Thanks! He is going to run the half with me at my walk/run pace -- which is much slower than his pace. Now, I just need to get him to pick a marathon plan that he likes -- which I don't think will be much of a problem.

 

[kim3339]

I need training help from the esteemed marathon veterans! I have my first full next month, the 17th, at the Women's Nike race. I'm not sure how to transition into training for January. I am currently using a 16 week program, with my longest run at 20. I was thinking of taking the week after off? Maybe a light run or 2 and then get back into training. I have a 1/2 the first week of November, so should I do 10-12 the last week of October with the 1/2 the following week and then kick it back up the week of Nov 8th??? The one thing I know I need to change about my training will be more speed work and less hills. B/c Oct is my 1st full and it is in San Francisco, I have been doing a lot more of the hill training than the speed work. This is only b/c I'm more worried about the hills than my time.

I think my plan now is good middle of the week wise, it's just the long runs and jumping back into the plan that I am unsure of. Thanks guys!!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I would add that if your budget can swing it get your next pair of shoes now. Depending on the brand the model of shoe you are currently it may be updated before November. This can be the most aggravating issue as the new and improved version of your shoe will not feel new or improved. I have found through the years that every other year is a good year for certain manufacturers.

I would second the thought of starting a new pair in the 200-300 mile range. It will become very apparent somewhere in this range that the old pair is ready for retirement.

I completely agree with Coach on this one. I loved my Nike Lunar Glide + shoes and when it came time to replace them, they had been discontinued and the new Nike Lunar Glide +2 came out. They told me it was basically the same shoe, just a bit more snug in the heel. Turns out the shoe was a lot different to me. For one thing, my size in the first shoe was the true size, my size in the new shoe had to go up 1/2 size just to get out of the store! Two weeks before the Disneyland Half and I was panicked that these shoes wouldn't work for me. But, I ended up breaking them in and everything was okay, but I will always make sure I have two of the same shoe from now on. The first thing I did when I got back was get a second pair. I am almost ready to get an entire collection but I do realize that my needs as a runner may change the more mileage I add and more races I complete.

 

[daisy2jae]

My DH and I are running our first half marathon this January at WDW. We're excited and nervous. We are new to running. We started training this spring slowly. We've gotten up to 15 miles a week on average. We have a lot of work to do over the next months. We just got back from a week vacation with the family to WDW. Now it's time to get serious and kick it in the rear! Hope the weather stays nice for a bit so I can get on track.

Where is the best resort to stay at for short travel to the start line?

Does anyone know when they release the list of "activities / speakers" for the weekend for 2011?

 

[cewait]

I need training help from the esteemed marathon veterans! I have my first full next month, the 17th, at the Women's Nike race. I'm not sure how to transition into training for January. I am currently using a 16 week program, with my longest run at 20. I was thinking of taking the week after off? Maybe a light run or 2 and then get back into training. I have a 1/2 the first week of November, so should I do 10-12 the last week of October with the 1/2 the following week and then kick it back up the week of Nov 8th??? The one thing I know I need to change about my training will be more speed work and less hills. B/c Oct is my 1st full and it is in San Francisco, I have been doing a lot more of the hill training than the speed work. This is only b/c I'm more worried about the hills than my time.

I think my plan now is good middle of the week wise, it's just the long runs and jumping back into the plan that I am unsure of. Thanks guys!!!

Full on October 17 followed by a half on November 7. Three weeks. I would run just an hour the weekend of 10/24 (even less if you do not feel up to it) then 8-10 miles Halloween Weekend followed by the half. Following the half I would take the following weekend easy again with an hour run. Then hop into your current training plan in the appropriate week. Note if that week is a 20 miler then pull back from that…. If you are looking for some hints I would look to an hour on 11/14 followed by 8-12-16-12-20-12-8-Disney

I completely agree with Coach on this one. I loved my Nike Lunar Glide + shoes and when it came time to replace them, they had been discontinued and the new Nike Lunar Glide +2 came out. They told me it was basically the same shoe, just a bit more snug in the heel. Turns out the shoe was a lot different to me. For one thing, my size in the first shoe was the true size, my size in the new shoe had to go up 1/2 size just to get out of the store! Two weeks before the Disneyland Half and I was panicked that these shoes wouldn't work for me. But, I ended up breaking them in and everything was okay, but I will always make sure I have two of the same shoe from now on. The first thing I did when I got back was get a second pair. I am almost ready to get an entire collection but I do realize that my needs as a runner may change the more mileage I add and more races I complete.

Nike and Saucony are fall model releasers. Asics are spring. Not sure of other companies. Definitely a bummer when the next year’s improvements are not an improvement for you personally.

My DH and I are running our first half marathon this January at WDW. We're excited and nervous. We are new to running. We started training this spring slowly. We've gotten up to 15 miles a week on average. We have a lot of work to do over the next months. We just got back from a week vacation with the family to WDW. Now it's time to get serious and kick it in the rear! Hope the weather stays nice for a bit so I can get on track.

Where is the best resort to stay at for short travel to the start line?

Does anyone know when they release the list of "activities / speakers" for the weekend for 2011?

First the expo stuff is generally released in late October, early November, possibly December this year if the pattern of delaying releasing information continues as it has over the last 5-6 years.
Resorts are all about you and your budget. Here are my thoughts and I know others will have their ideas, also.
Value Resorts (All Stars and Pop). By far Pop is a preferred resort for marathon weekend. it does not share a bus with any other resort so unlike the AS resorts, there is only one stop to deal with. It is conveniently located so it is the shortest bus ride to the expo and not all that long of ride to the race.
Moderate Resorts – CBR and POR (both ends) are better located for the race and the expo. The CBR is closer to both the expo and race start. POR can see and hear the race start. There are a few folks who will venture from POR to the start but you take a huge risk by attempting to walk to the start. First you walk along Bonnet Creek Road which has no sidewalk and is a short cut for cast members attempting to avoid race day road blocks. It is also the kiss and drop spot for many locals. Finally, you still must ride the bus make to the resort post race. I have no real feedback on Coronado Springs, other than it is a little out of the way for race weekend.

Epcot Areas Resorts (BW, YC, BC, Swan and Dolphin) – these resort are the better located resorts for the race. They are deluxe resorts but worth the cost if you can swing the budget. Note that one would think you could walk to the start from these resort…but you cannot. I-Gate is closed pre-race so you cannot walk through Epcot to get to the start. You can walk back from the race, but it will require the use of a park pass to make the trip through the park.

Monorail resorts (Contemporary, Poly and GF). There is a great reason to afford the premium for the monorail resorts. The monorail runs in time to get to the race. It does not have a cut off time like the marathon bussing, so you can stay in your room just a little longer. We left in the cold from CR at 4:30 and made it to the race in good shape. I would expect the crowds to be a little higher as spectators venture out on normal weather races.

I mentioned the busses from the other resorts…. Their published run times are between 3 and 4. Generally you would want to be out at the stop before 4 to assure you get to the race in time. At some point between 4:30 and race time, the entrance to Epcot parking is blocked so the race course can be set up.

OKW and SSR resorts, these resorts have great bus service to the race and expo. Again, one would think you could walk from OKW to the start…. You can, but I really discourage it. It does not require walking along a busy street, simply walk out of a cast member entrance and you are about 150 yards from the interstation of Bonnet and Vacation Way. You will be challenged at 2-3 check points so be ready to show your bib. Spectators are discouraged and even asked to move on. You will not be able to walk back nor will you have a checked bag for warm, dry clothing. But if you over sleep like I did one year it is a great place to have stayed the year that occurred.. I now set 3 different alarms as well as get a wakeup call.

For me personally, we would rather stay at BWV. It is a great resort for our life style. The hard thing about staying at BWV is that the race runs by my room at mile 24. I have been tempted to detour more than once. Last year we stayed at the BLT resort and used the monorail. We are wait listed for that resort again this year. I really like the monorail service back and forth.

 

[verticalchaos]

I completely agree with Coach on this one. I loved my Nike Lunar Glide + shoes and when it came time to replace them, they had been discontinued and the new Nike Lunar Glide +2 came out. They told me it was basically the same shoe, just a bit more snug in the heel. Turns out the shoe was a lot different to me. For one thing, my size in the first shoe was the true size, my size in the new shoe had to go up 1/2 size just to get out of the store! Two weeks before the Disneyland Half and I was panicked that these shoes wouldn't work for me. But, I ended up breaking them in and everything was okay, but I will always make sure I have two of the same shoe from now on. The first thing I did when I got back was get a second pair. I am almost ready to get an entire collection but I do realize that my needs as a runner may change the more mileage I add and more races I complete.

Thanks! And thanks Coach for the clarification on when shoes are released. Mine are Asics, so I should be good into the fall, but I'll get another pair next week when there's a "preparing for the marathon" talk at my running store (it's technically about the NY Marathon, but I asked and anyone is welcome as it's covering marathoning prep basics) and they're offering 15% off for all people attending the talk! Since I'm a regular customer I get 10% off any time, but that extra 5% is

 

[daisy2jae]

Full on October 17 followed by a half on November 7. Three weeks. I would run just an hour the weekend of 10/24 (even less if you do not feel up to it) then 8-10 miles Halloween Weekend followed by the half. Following the half I would take the following weekend easy again with an hour run. Then hop into your current training plan in the appropriate week. Note if that week is a 20 miler then pull back from that…. If you are looking for some hints I would look to an hour on 11/14 followed by 8-12-16-12-20-12-8-Disney

Nike and Saucony are fall model releasers. Asics are spring. Not sure of other companies. Definitely a bummer when the next year’s improvements are not an improvement for you personally.

First the expo stuff is generally released in late October, early November, possibly December this year if the pattern of delaying releasing information continues as it has over the last 5-6 years.
Resorts are all about you and your budget. Here are my thoughts and I know others will have their ideas, also.
Value Resorts (All Stars and Pop). By far Pop is a preferred resort for marathon weekend. it does not share a bus with any other resort so unlike the AS resorts, there is only one stop to deal with. It is conveniently located so it is the shortest bus ride to the expo and not all that long of ride to the race.
Moderate Resorts – CBR and POR (both ends) are better located for the race and the expo. The CBR is closer to both the expo and race start. POR can see and hear the race start. There are a few folks who will venture from POR to the start but you take a huge risk by attempting to walk to the start. First you walk along Bonnet Creek Road which has no sidewalk and is a short cut for cast members attempting to avoid race day road blocks. It is also the kiss and drop spot for many locals. Finally, you still must ride the bus make to the resort post race. I have no real feedback on Coronado Springs, other than it is a little out of the way for race weekend.

Epcot Areas Resorts (BW, YC, BC, Swan and Dolphin) – these resort are the better located resorts for the race. They are deluxe resorts but worth the cost if you can swing the budget. Note that one would think you could walk to the start from these resort…but you cannot. I-Gate is closed pre-race so you cannot walk through Epcot to get to the start. You can walk back from the race, but it will require the use of a park pass to make the trip through the park.

Monorail resorts (Contemporary, Poly and GF). There is a great reason to afford the premium for the monorail resorts. The monorail runs in time to get to the race. It does not have a cut off time like the marathon bussing, so you can stay in your room just a little longer. We left in the cold from CR at 4:30 and made it to the race in good shape. I would expect the crowds to be a little higher as spectators venture out on normal weather races.

I mentioned the busses from the other resorts…. Their published run times are between 3 and 4. Generally you would want to be out at the stop before 4 to assure you get to the race in time. At some point between 4:30 and race time, the entrance to Epcot parking is blocked so the race course can be set up.

OKW and SSR resorts, these resorts have great bus service to the race and expo. Again, one would think you could walk from OKW to the start…. You can, but I really discourage it. It does not require walking along a busy street, simply walk out of a cast member entrance and you are about 150 yards from the interstation of Bonnet and Vacation Way. You will be challenged at 2-3 check points so be ready to show your bib. Spectators are discouraged and even asked to move on. You will not be able to walk back nor will you have a checked bag for warm, dry clothing. But if you over sleep like I did one year it is a great place to have stayed the year that occurred.. I now set 3 different alarms as well as get a wakeup call.

For me personally, we would rather stay at BWV. It is a great resort for our life style. The hard thing about staying at BWV is that the race runs by my room at mile 24. I have been tempted to detour more than once. Last year we stayed at the BLT resort and used the monorail. We are wait listed for that resort again this year. I really like the monorail service back and forth.

WOW !!! Thanks for all the info. I'm between POP and CBR. Right now I have the CBR but I'm thinking of changing to POP. I know if I'm going to change I need to do it SOON before rooms are gone. The only difference for us is the dinning question. I would like to make this trip as low cost as we can. I've got dinning set up but can cancel. I think it was a difference of apx $525-550 to stay at POP but we lose the table service dinning. We don't want to go over board with meals on this trip.

Crazy question...sry but can someone explain the morning process on race day. Never been to one with more than 35 runners. I'm sure I'll be in for a shock! Doesn't have to be really detail even a simple summary would be nice or if someone knows a website to check out plz share...

 

[cewait]

Sorry - went long

I am in the Orlando area quite a bit. I actually pop into POP for a cheap dinner and an arm load of breakfast stuff – then carry it back to my hotel. (Boss says I can stay anywhere I like – as long as Disney does not appear in the header of the hotel bill – So I stay in the nearest Courtyard). I actually find the food quality and selection BETTER at the Pop than the CBR. Not sure what happened since the remodel of the CBR food area but I find it is a disaster area with poor quality and service.

Race day morning starts the night before….
Your clothes are laid out in reverse order of wearing?? What I am saying is the first thing you want to put on is on top and so forth till you reach the bottom of the stack. You have your bib and D-Tag ready for the morning.

Finally, you did make a trip through the food court the day before race day to pick up some non-perishable food stuff that you will want from breakfast. The fast food area in all resorts will open around 2 am but you really do not want to depend on them having what you want that morning. Only depend on the restaurant for coffee, tea, juice, etc and be surprised if there is more there.

I usually set three alarms in the room and place a wakeup call for a few moments later. You will not usually need these as the night before is kind of a non-sleep night. It is hard to head to bed knowing the Epcot crowd will be arriving a little after you kind of doze off. One other great thing the POP has over CBR is the added distance from Epcot and the 9 pm fireworks. Ask for a room facing AWAY from Epcot and it can be even quieter.
I wake up at 2 AM. There are others who sleep later but I use the first hour to wake up the body, eat a small breakfast and allow the rest of the system to start up so to speak.

Busses officially run from 3-4 am. You can wait for and head to the stop at 4, but crowds and nerves are a little better served if you try for the 3:30 time frame. POP has one stop at the main building. CBR uses the Island stops. Note that before race morning at CBR you should observe the marathon bus patterns. See if they come in the front gate or are coming in off Victory. If the latter you may want to walk to Jamaica to hit an uncrowded bus.

Busses drop everyone off in the Epcot parking lot. It is a quiet ride and seems to not take very long. Once you are off the bus, look around and locate the area. This is where you will also be picked up. Walk to the bright lights and sound.

We gather in the family reunion area. Along one side of the area are the bag check tents. You must pass though these tents to get to the race course and the only way through is to show your bib – so have it handy. If you catch one of the earlier busses, head through the bag tents for porta potty heaven. You can go back and forth through the tents to be with spectators and you do not have to check a gear bag. Note if you plan on checking a gear bag – remember to use the goody bag handed to you at the expo.

Around 5 am they will start to ask runners to make their way through the bag tents and to the start. I believe this time will be earlier in the future as the race now starts at 5:40 and many runners sis not make it out in time in 2010. The runner’s only area (porta potty heaven) is blocked before they start allowing runners to the start. They pull the fence down and we walk along a cast member road to the cast member parking area for Epcot. We turn left and head to Epcot Dr. The start is fenced off and divided into numerous starting corrals. The start corrals are set up starting in front of the bridge and work their way back under the bridge.

Your bib will have your start corral number on it. You will be checked at you enter the start corral. Once in the corral, it’s time to make any last minute preparation. About 5 minutes pre-race the fencing separating the corrals will be removed and the start will compact at that time. Then Mickey and company will announce the start and fireworks will go off and the race begins!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I am in the Orlando area quite a bit. I actually poo into POP for a cheap dinner and an arm load of breakfast stuff

 

[wvjules]

DBF and DD will finish the half way before I will. Where can they wait for me to cross the finish line? Also, I want them to be able to find each other at the end. How does that work? Suggestions?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

DBF and DD will finish the half way before I will. Where can they wait for me to cross the finish line? Also, I want them to be able to find each other at the end. How does that work? Suggestions?

Bring cell phones? Or just decide to meet in front of a certain attraction, or at the party.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Bring cell phones? Or just decide to meet in front of a certain attraction, or at the party.

The problem with cell phones at any Disney race is that the crowd is so loud and everyone seems to be using them that you get those fun "call cannot be completed" errors because the cell towers are overwhelmed. I would suggest meeting at one of the family reunion tents. They are organized alphabetically (same as the bag checks usually) - maybe go for the end of the alphabet tent. Regardless, none of them ever seem busy.

 

[verticalchaos]

WOW !!! Thanks for all the info. I'm between POP and CBR. Right now I have the CBR but I'm thinking of changing to POP. I know if I'm going to change I need to do it SOON before rooms are gone. The only difference for us is the dinning question. I would like to make this trip as low cost as we can. I've got dinning set up but can cancel. I think it was a difference of apx $525-550 to stay at POP but we lose the table service dinning. We don't want to go over board with meals on this trip.

Crazy question...sry but can someone explain the morning process on race day. Never been to one with more than 35 runners. I'm sure I'll be in for a shock! Doesn't have to be really detail even a simple summary would be nice or if someone knows a website to check out plz share...

I'm staying at CBR (which I LOVE) unless my sister can come up with an AMAZING rate at another mod or deluxe for me. I've never stayed at a value (and honestly have no desire to stay at Pop whatsoever - the themeing kind of makes me gag) and since I'll never have another first marathon, I'd rather treat myself a little. Granted it does help that I'm the only one coming. But yeah...it'll 99.9% be CBR for me.

Also, thanks Coach for the race-day explanation!

 

[kim3339]

Full on October 17 followed by a half on November 7. Three weeks. I would run just an hour the weekend of 10/24 (even less if you do not feel up to it) then 8-10 miles Halloween Weekend followed by the half. Following the half I would take the following weekend easy again with an hour run. Then hop into your current training plan in the appropriate week. Note if that week is a 20 miler then pull back from that…. If you are looking for some hints I would look to an hour on 11/14 followed by 8-12-16-12-20-12-8-Disney

Thanks for the advice coach!! I will use that, wasn't sure how to go. And the other info you posted today!

 

[cewait]

DBF and DD will finish the half way before I will. Where can they wait for me to cross the finish line? Also, I want them to be able to find each other at the end. How does that work? Suggestions?

The only place Disney will let them hang out is in the family reunion area. Depending on the time between them and you there are a few grassy areas just after the course leaves Epcot.

Let me add as a second thought that they can and should head over to where you enter Epcot if they have enough time. The crowd is amazingly light and you will be easily seen. It is about mile 12.3 so if the timing works well, that is a great place to hang for the half. I would guess that if they do not putter around in the finish lin area they should be over in the 12.3 area within 20-25 minutes. If that is not enough time then the park exit would take them about half the time.

If they decide to stay in the finish area, then pick out a tent for all to meet up in. They are alphabetically divided (A - El; Em-k), etc). Decide on the tent before hand. Theey will have a mylar blanket to rest on in the area.

I'm staying at CBR (which I LOVE) unless my sister can come up with an AMAZING rate at another mod or deluxe for me. I've never stayed at a value (and honestly have no desire to stay at Pop whatsoever - the themeing kind of makes me gag) and since I'll never have another first marathon, I'd rather treat myself a little. Granted it does help that I'm the only one coming. But yeah...it'll 99.9% be CBR for me.

Also, thanks Coach for the race-day explanation!

Stayed there numerous times before the post 2001 deep discounts. CBR is our favorite moderate; absent the food mall revision.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I just received an e-mail from Chase about my Disney Rewards. They are offering $30 Disney Gift Cards for anyone that signs up for the WDW Marathon. If you haven't signed up, the code is 11VISA30 and you have to register before October 15. Not sure if they will allow those already registered to get the deal, but it can't hurt to ask. This is only for the full WDW Marathon not any of the other races.