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

[KAA1972]

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.




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

We are actually in Daphne now. Just off hwy 13 between the elementary and high school -- in a new subdivision. We like it a lot --

I can only imagine that providing shelter was not fun but I am sure they were very appreciative -- or at least I hope they were!!!

 

[crashbb]

Poly versus Beach Club...that is the question.

I'm currently booked at the Beach Club for Thursday-Sunday of the marathon weekend (doing the half on Sunday). However, I am considering switching to the Poly, based on the comments about taking the monorail on the day of the race.

I prefer the Beach Club (not that I've ever stayed at the Poly), but think the Poly could be fun. Is it worth moving to the Poly so that I can take the monorail? I'll have a Park Hopper, so I can walk through EPCOT after the race if I stay at the Beach Club.

 

[Bephus]

Poly versus Beach Club...that is the question.

I'm currently booked at the Beach Club for Thursday-Sunday of the marathon weekend (doing the half on Sunday). However, I am considering switching to the Poly, based on the comments about taking the monorail on the day of the race.

I prefer the Beach Club (not that I've ever stayed at the Poly), but think the Poly could be fun. Is it worth moving to the Poly so that I can take the monorail? I'll have a Park Hopper, so I can walk through EPCOT after the race if I stay at the Beach Club.

My dream is to be able to afford either of these
I would stay at Poly for the convenience of the monorail, but that is just me. It also is such a cool resort that you may find a new fav

 

[evhorizon]

Poly versus Beach Club...that is the question.

I'm currently booked at the Beach Club for Thursday-Sunday of the marathon weekend (doing the half on Sunday). However, I am considering switching to the Poly, based on the comments about taking the monorail on the day of the race.

I prefer the Beach Club (not that I've ever stayed at the Poly), but think the Poly could be fun. Is it worth moving to the Poly so that I can take the monorail? I'll have a Park Hopper, so I can walk through EPCOT after the race if I stay at the Beach Club.

I've stayed at POFQ because the bus ride to the starting line is shorter than most (it's nearer Epcot). This year I'm staying at the Poly (first time ever) for two reasons:

1. Monorail.
2. I've never stayed there before.

Is the monorail better than the bus on race day? I have no idea, but I'm willing to find out.

 

[cewait]

Poly versus Beach Club...that is the question.

I'm currently booked at the Beach Club for Thursday-Sunday of the marathon weekend (doing the half on Sunday). However, I am considering switching to the Poly, based on the comments about taking the monorail on the day of the race.

I prefer the Beach Club (not that I've ever stayed at the Poly), but think the Poly could be fun. Is it worth moving to the Poly so that I can take the monorail? I'll have a Park Hopper, so I can walk through EPCOT after the race if I stay at the Beach Club.

I've stayed at POFQ because the bus ride to the starting line is shorter than most (it's nearer Epcot). This year I'm staying at the Poly (first time ever) for two reasons:

1. Monorail.
2. I've never stayed there before.

Is the monorail better than the bus on race day? I have no idea, but I'm willing to find out.

We are reserved at the BCV this year. Historically, we have stayed at CBR, OKW and BWV, prefering BWV. Last year we were lucky enough to snag Bay Lake for the marathon. Now I love the Epcot Resorts for the Boardwalk and atmosphere, but am wait listed for the BLT - just hoping they open up. Even concidering a revenue ressie just to get back on the monorail.

Yes, it is worth the extra $$ - at least based on my year of the frozen tundra experience. I was worried about the local train being full since the contemproary is the last stop pre-TTC. Those fears were quickly squelched on Saturday when there was a train just waiting to fill on the platform. Sunday, being less worried, I boarded in the 4:20-4:30 timeframe. I had very little wait in the cold beofre heading off to the start.

Note the Poly has an added advantage over the other monorail resorts. You can very easily walk from the resort to the TTc; eliminating one of the trains.

Very long winded, yes it is worth the hop up if it fits your budget.

 

[crashbb]

Note the Poly has an added advantage over the other monorail resorts. You can very easily walk from the resort to the TTc; eliminating one of the trains.

Very long winded, yes it is worth the hop up if it fits your budget.

That's why I choose the Poly (of the monorail resorts).

I'm actually there with friends for the week after and we'll be at POP. The three Deluxe nights are when I'm by myself (they arrive Saturday) and a reward, to myself, for my new job.

Yes, I know it is a very problem to have (deciding between two deluxes).

 

[Pumbaa80]

I've now officially started working on the half marathon with the 5:1 intervals. My mile time was slow (even for me). I was averaging in the 12's, and maybe one time did a high 11, during C25K. Last night was a mid 13! UGH. That's okay. Speed will come with training....right?

I ran with the new shoes, minus the special inserts. Overall much more comfortable, and the fatigue was much less, too!

On the other hand, my left knee was a bit soar afterwords and today - which I think had stopped with the inserts. Go figure. My main concern is that I don't want to go for comfort now, and end up causing an injury.

For the Disney Marathon Veterans - I'm a bit confused with how the 16 minute requirement is used. I understand (I think) the difference between clock time and chip time. I read that the clock time is used for sweeping people. If that's the case, then aren't us slow people starting out way behind? Do they go by "clock time" for when each corral is released or the first group? I know there's got to be something I'm not quite "getting" here.
Oh, and also within the corrals, if you're at the back of a corral, does it take several minutes to cross the start (again concerned about "clock time"). Does getting there plenty early help assure a spot in the front of a corral, or is the order specified for what part of the corral you're in?

Sorry for all the questions! My goal is to be far enough ahead that I'm not be pushed by the sweepers. But, I am curious how it all works!

Thanks!

 

[evhorizon]

I've now officially started working on the half marathon with the 5:1 intervals. My mile time was slow (even for me). I was averaging in the 12's, and maybe one time did a high 11, during C25K. Last night was a mid 13! UGH. That's okay. Speed will come with training....right?

I ran with the new shoes, minus the special inserts. Overall much more comfortable, and the fatigue was much less, too!

On the other hand, my left knee was a bit soar afterwords and today - which I think had stopped with the inserts. Go figure. My main concern is that I don't want to go for comfort now, and end up causing an injury.

For the Disney Marathon Veterans - I'm a bit confused with how the 16 minute requirement is used. I understand (I think) the difference between clock time and chip time. I read that the clock time is used for sweeping people. If that's the case, then aren't us slow people starting out way behind? Do they go by "clock time" for when each corral is released or the first group? I know there's got to be something I'm not quite "getting" here.
Oh, and also within the corrals, if you're at the back of a corral, does it take several minutes to cross the start (again concerned about "clock time"). Does getting there plenty early help assure a spot in the front of a corral, or is the order specified for what part of the corral you're in?

Sorry for all the questions! My goal is to be far enough ahead that I'm not be pushed by the sweepers. But, I am curious how it all works!

Thanks!

I don't know the exact details of the cutoff. As far as the corral, there is no order to it. You can walk into your corral and go wherever you want.

What generally happens is that people file in to their corral and find a space to sit/stretch/wait. Once the starting ceremony starts, people stand up and organize a bit. The obligatory fence-jumpers run off to the treeline for a quick bio-break. The fences at the front of the corrals are removed. Once the starting gun goes off, the crowd bunches up a bit and the whole mass of people walks to the starting line... then people pick up the pace to a run as they cross the chip mat that starts their time.

 

[Belle1811]

A few questions guys??

I'm doing the half so DH and DD will meet up with me when I've finished (and vice versa when DH does the marathon), is it best to wait in the Family Reunion Area, do we need some sort of pass to get in, what time can you get in there from, oh and is there entertainment and places to eat in this area (don't want DD to be bored and/or hungry ) or should we just arrange to meet somewhere else in Epcot? I've never taken part in the WDW Marathon Weekend so not sure how it all works

Thanks in advance

 

[cewait]

I've now officially started working on the half marathon with the 5:1 intervals. My mile time was slow (even for me). I was averaging in the 12's, and maybe one time did a high 11, during C25K. Last night was a mid 13! UGH. That's okay. Speed will come with training....right?

I ran with the new shoes, minus the special inserts. Overall much more comfortable, and the fatigue was much less, too!

On the other hand, my left knee was a bit soar afterwords and today - which I think had stopped with the inserts. Go figure. My main concern is that I don't want to go for comfort now, and end up causing an injury.

For the Disney Marathon Veterans - I'm a bit confused with how the 16 minute requirement is used. I understand (I think) the difference between clock time and chip time. I read that the clock time is used for sweeping people. If that's the case, then aren't us slow people starting out way behind? Do they go by "clock time" for when each corral is released or the first group? I know there's got to be something I'm not quite "getting" here.
Oh, and also within the corrals, if you're at the back of a corral, does it take several minutes to cross the start (again concerned about "clock time"). Does getting there plenty early help assure a spot in the front of a corral, or is the order specified for what part of the corral you're in?

Sorry for all the questions! My goal is to be far enough ahead that I'm not be pushed by the sweepers. But, I am curious how it all works!

Thanks!

Chip time is used for the sweep. Chip or net time is the time from when you as a runner crosses the start. So the ‘sweep clock’ starts once the last runner crosses the line. So if I crossed the start at 6:15 straight up as the last runner, the sweep time at mile 1 would be 6:31; mile 2, 6:47; Mile 3, 7:03 and so on. Hard sweep points include any point where you would enter a roadway from a non-road area. These may include Mile 3.5, mile 11, mile 17, etc.

I would get out a little early for a better corral spot. In my early days I would go into the runner’s only area and work my way to the fence on the far side and was one of the first few hundred to take the walk to the start. If you are not in the very last corral, then it is not as critical…but if worried it always helps to have a little buffer. It usually takes about 3-7 minutes per corral to clear the start line.

A few questions guys??

I'm doing the half so DH and DD will meet up with me when I've finished (and vice versa when DH does the marathon), is it best to wait in the Family Reunion Area, do we need some sort of pass to get in, what time can you get in there from, oh and is there entertainment and places to eat in this area (don't want DD to be bored and/or hungry ) or should we just arrange to meet somewhere else in Epcot? I've never taken part in the WDW Marathon Weekend so not sure how it all works

Thanks in advance

Family reunion is open to the public. Mary meets me at England in the full. She walks to the Family reunion area once I pass England (Mile 25). We usually meet just outside the gate to the reunion area. There is a tree we pick to meet under. I usually feel a need to get out of the reunion area crowd quickly. The area does have a place to purchase food stuff and drink and some entertainment in the area.

 

[Belle1811]

Family reunion is open to the public. Mary meets me at England in the full. She walks to the Family reunion area once I pass England (Mile 25). We usually meet just outside the gate to the reunion area. There is a tree we pick to meet under. I usually feel a need to get out of the reunion area crowd quickly. The area does have a place to purchase food stuff and drink and some entertainment in the area.

cewait, what would we do without you thank you once again

 

[kim3339]

Add me to the list of those doing the Marathon!! Doing a father/daughter trip with my dad and he's running the Goofy races. I'm so excited. I've never really been to WDW before, just a quick weekend for the Princess 1/2 last year. But this time, I have an extended stay so I can explore WDW!!

It'll be my 2nd marathon, 1st one is this October. So it will be a somewhat more "relaxed" race if you can call it that! No first time nerves, just regular nerves.

 

[princessfionasmom]

I did my longest run yet this morning, 4.3 miles!! I was so excited when I finished. This is the furthest I have ever run and to think in March I couldn't even run for 1 minute without feeling like I was dying. I know it's not fast progress but hey, I'm getting there. My goal is to be running it comfortably by the 3rd week in Sept and then start adding on distance.

 

[Belle1811]

I did my longest run yet this morning, 4.3 miles!! I was so excited when I finished. This is the furthest I have ever run and to think in March I couldn't even run for 1 minute without feeling like I was dying. I know it's not fast progress but hey, I'm getting there. My goal is to be running it comfortably by the 3rd week in Sept and then start adding on distance.

Well done you, it's great feeling when you go that bit further than you've ever done before isn't it. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[heatherlynn444]

finally signed up, and started training this week. DH and I are doing our first marathon together. we did the half together last year and had a blast (except for the sleet and freezing rain pelting us in the face!) so I cant wait to experience the full!!

 

[Pumbaa80]

Thanks evhorizon and cewait!

Okay. So essentially the last person to start has to truely follow the strict 16 min mile, and everyone else has a built-in buffer of varying amounts of time depending upon when they started (in comparison to the last starter)?

so far I'm doing fine staying within the requirement, but since I'd like to get pictures, etc., having a built in buffer would be nice!

PS - I thought I had decided on (and started) a half training schedule. However, I noticed that on the Disney marathon website there are several marathon training schedules posted. Do they usually do the same for the half?

Thanks!
Kelli

 

[budpaulsaint]

Ugh, I feel so worthless right now. I did my usual three mile runs on Wednesday and Friday but I was still experiencing some residual pain in my knees and right hip similar (though not as intense) to what I was dealing with after my 15-mile (5 on Saturday, 10 on Sunday) run last weekend. So, I decided to put myself on the shelf for a week just to give it time to heal. Well, I hate it! It's when this sort of thing happens that I think I'll never be ready for the Goofy Challenge.

On a somewhat happier note, I think I've talked the wife into staying at the Contemporary Resort for marathon weekend (then we'll switch over to Riverside for a week). I've wanted to stay at CR since I first rode the monorail through it all the way back in '91 on my first trip to the World. The plan is to stay in the Tower on the MK side.

Anyway, I guess I'll hold off on running until Friday just so I can say that I gave it a full week off, then we'll see how it goes.

 

[cewait]

Thanks evhorizon and cewait!

Okay. So essentially the last person to start has to truely follow the strict 16 min mile, and everyone else has a built-in buffer of varying amounts of time depending upon when they started (in comparison to the last starter)?

so far I'm doing fine staying within the requirement, but since I'd like to get pictures, etc., having a built in buffer would be nice!

PS - I thought I had decided on (and started) a half training schedule. However, I noticed that on the Disney marathon website there are several marathon training schedules posted. Do they usually do the same for the half?

Thanks!
Kelli

The offering of plans is a new thing on the Disney website. If happy with your plan stick to it. There may be a half plan on the site. If not look up Jeff's Half plans on galloway.com

And yes - kindof with regard to the sweep pace. The sweep pace does not stay with the exact runner who crosses the start line last but the sweep clock starts as the last runner crosses. Around mile 4 (I would assume could be at a different place in the race) that a ballonn runner, cyclist or other marker will appear on course signalling the 16 minute pace. This person will be there to encourage runners to move. If you have the misfortune of having this runner run beside you push for 2 -5 minutes to create some buffer between you and that person. While they do their best to keep to the pace, race security at times has a different idea. In the past hard sweeps have occurred in front of this back door person. In short, so not get to know the 16 minute maker person.... push to get a little buffer in front of them.

Ugh, I feel so worthless right now. I did my usual three mile runs on Wednesday and Friday but I was still experiencing some residual pain in my knees and right hip similar (though not as intense) to what I was dealing with after my 15-mile (5 on Saturday, 10 on Sunday) run last weekend. So, I decided to put myself on the shelf for a week just to give it time to heal. Well, I hate it! It's when this sort of thing happens that I think I'll never be ready for the Goofy Challenge.

On a somewhat happier note, I think I've talked the wife into staying at the Contemporary Resort for marathon weekend (then we'll switch over to Riverside for a week). I've wanted to stay at CR since I first rode the monorail through it all the way back in '91 on my first trip to the World. The plan is to stay in the Tower on the MK side.

Anyway, I guess I'll hold off on running until Friday just so I can say that I gave it a full week off, then we'll see how it goes.

Sounds like a sound plan with the knee. You will love race morning from the CR. Last year we stayed at the BLT. Since the CR/BLT is the last local stop before the TTC I was a little worried about the local trains being full so I went down early. They were empty or near empty as I sat there for a few moments enjoying the cool atrium temperatures that morning - cool as compared with fridgid outside. Sunday, learning my lessons I hopped the 4:20-4:30 train and made the race in great shape.

 

[Jennifer in MI]

Okay. I think I can officially announce my first marathon! I signed up for the Disney marathon. There. Now I can't chicken out. I had a physical and my dr says I'm fine. No chickening out - right? I've been running for 3 years. My first half was the Disney half last year. It was AWFUL!!! The weather was absolutely horrible - snow, sleet, and rain, and long lines for our DRY clothes (seriously - an HOUR?!?!). I was sobbing at the end. And, yet, I continue to run. And, run at Disney. . .

Here are our plans. Stay at Windsor Hills for the week of the marathon. Here are my roomies who are running:

DH: First Half Marathon
Ds14: First half marathon
DS13: 5K (He's run MANY before)
DS10: 1 mile (he's run a lot of 5Ks, but wants to take it easy this go-round)
Dd4: 1 mile (how cute is that????!!)
Sister: GOOFY! Crazy girl!!
ME!!! My FIRST FULL MARATHON

Then, we'll be staying at POR for 4 nights with FREE dining. Suckers!! Disney hasn't met my two teenagers and one pre-teen (and me and my after-race appetite) and their appetites yet!! LOL

Anyway, I'm doing a walk-run. I'll be running the Detroit Half in October and a local run in MI in Sept. I'm up to an 8 mile run so far. Tell me I'll be fine!!!???

 

[cewait]

Okay. I think I can officially announce my first marathon! I signed up for the Disney marathon. There. Now I can't chicken out. I had a physical and my dr says I'm fine. No chickening out - right? I've been running for 3 years. My first half was the Disney half last year. It was AWFUL!!! The weather was absolutely horrible - snow, sleet, and rain, and long lines for our DRY clothes (seriously - an HOUR?!?!). I was sobbing at the end. And, yet, I continue to run. And, run at Disney. . .

Here are our plans. Stay at Windsor Hills for the week of the marathon. Here are my roomies who are running:

DH: First Half Marathon
Ds14: First half marathon
DS13: 5K (He's run MANY before)
DS10: 1 mile (he's run a lot of 5Ks, but wants to take it easy this go-round)
Dd4: 1 mile (how cute is that????!!)
Sister: GOOFY! Crazy girl!!
ME!!! My FIRST FULL MARATHON

Then, we'll be staying at POR for 4 nights with FREE dining. Suckers!! Disney hasn't met my two teenagers and one pre-teen (and me and my after-race appetite) and their appetites yet!! LOL

Anyway, I'm doing a walk-run. I'll be running the Detroit Half in October and a local run in MI in Sept. I'm up to an 8 mile run so far. Tell me I'll be fine!!!???

Welcome back....

For some reason I did not see the long lines for the bag pickup - but did read about a few folks.

Sounds like you guys have a full weekend planned.