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

[Bephus]

Add me to the list staying at CBR. We actually are staying in a pirate room. Arrgh

 

[dkcsmom]

I will be running the half, my ds11 will be running the 5k, and my dh will be running the Goofy! Can't wait!!

We'll be there from Jan 5 - Jan 13, and we will be staying at CBR!

Does anyone plan on using their own cars to drive to the race from their resorts? We were thinking about doing that to be able to access our dry clothes faster and maybe use the car for warmth before the race. Any suggestions as to whether that would be a good or bad idea. Not sure how the traffic is getting from CBR to the race start. This will be our first time participating in the races.

 

[daisy2jae]

We were thinking about doing that to be able to access our dry clothes faster and maybe use the car for warmth before the race. Any suggestions as to whether that would be a good or bad idea. Not sure how the traffic is getting from CBR to the race start. This will be our first time participating in the races.

I'm also worried about the weather. This will be our first half marathon. We're from SD so the cold is something we'll be use to but I hate the cold. I'll have a lot of work to do to get myself able to run in the "snow" here. I know I won't have that problem there but what is others experience with the weather during the race? Here training will be done in clothes made for COLD temps. Wondering what I would be needed for Jan in FL? I'm assuming nothing like our below zero temps here.

I must be crazy trying to do this! I've never been so nervous and clueless about thing before! Thanks everyone for all the tips!!!

 

[FireDancer]

I'm also worried about the weather. This will be our first half marathon. We're from SD so the cold is something we'll be use to but I hate the cold. I'll have a lot of work to do to get myself able to run in the "snow" here. I know I won't have that problem there but what is others experience with the weather during the race? Here training will be done in clothes made for COLD temps. Wondering what I would be needed for Jan in FL? I'm assuming nothing like our below zero temps here.

I must be crazy trying to do this! I've never been so nervous and clueless about thing before! Thanks everyone for all the tips!!!

It is really hard to tell. I did the half in 2006 and wore a long sleeve shirt and pants. In 2008 I wore only shorts and no shirt. Last year there was snow and water freezing on the ground at the water stops. 6:00 am in January can be anywhere from 60 to 20 so I would keep an eye on the forecast before you leave and bring both cold and cool to warm gear. Trying to plan now is useless.

 

[cewait]

I'm also worried about the weather. This will be our first half marathon. We're from SD so the cold is something we'll be use to but I hate the cold. I'll have a lot of work to do to get myself able to run in the "snow" here. I know I won't have that problem there but what is others experience with the weather during the race? Here training will be done in clothes made for COLD temps. Wondering what I would be needed for Jan in FL? I'm assuming nothing like our below zero temps here.

I must be crazy trying to do this! I've never been so nervous and clueless about thing before! Thanks everyone for all the tips!!!

I will be running the half, my ds11 will be running the 5k, and my dh will be running the Goofy! Can't wait!!

We'll be there from Jan 5 - Jan 13, and we will be staying at CBR!

Does anyone plan on using their own cars to drive to the race from their resorts? We were thinking about doing that to be able to access our dry clothes faster and maybe use the car for warmth before the race. Any suggestions as to whether that would be a good or bad idea. Not sure how the traffic is getting from CBR to the race start. This will be our first time participating in the races.

Temps are such that it feels cool to cold as we wait for the start. Once running I have shed all but my running gear by the start. On average 1 year out of 4 is really cold (for Florida) 2 are moderate and 1 is warm to hot (by marathon standards). A great rule of thumb is to pack for a wide range of temps.... We have been more than surprized by late breaking changes in weather; usually for the warmer

As far as driving from CBR to the start it is really but do not think you can wait until the last minute. Leave during the ‘official’ bus times (historically 2-3 am). When leaving CBR turn left and take Buena Vista Dr towards BW and DHS. Go through the Victory and two Epcot Resort traffic lights and turn right at the next light (World Drive). Stick in the right lane once down on World as it will exit onto Epcot in a mile. Follow Epcot into the parking lot.

If sitting in your car and it is cold do not be tempted to sit with the heater blasting. Rather, crack the downwind windows down just a little and use the car for more of a wind break than a hot box.

 

[KAA1972]

I will be running the half, my ds11 will be running the 5k, and my dh will be running the Goofy! Can't wait!!

We'll be there from Jan 5 - Jan 13, and we will be staying at CBR!

Does anyone plan on using their own cars to drive to the race from their resorts? We were thinking about doing that to be able to access our dry clothes faster and maybe use the car for warmth before the race. Any suggestions as to whether that would be a good or bad idea. Not sure how the traffic is getting from CBR to the race start. This will be our first time participating in the races.

I drove from CBR to Princess Half in March. I left CBR at 4:15 a.m. and had plenty of time to spare but I also did not check a bag. There is a 20-25 minute walk to the start from the parking lot of Epcot. We plan on driving this year as well.

 

[KAA1972]

I'm also worried about the weather. This will be our first half marathon. We're from SD so the cold is something we'll be use to but I hate the cold. I'll have a lot of work to do to get myself able to run in the "snow" here. I know I won't have that problem there but what is others experience with the weather during the race? Here training will be done in clothes made for COLD temps. Wondering what I would be needed for Jan in FL? I'm assuming nothing like our below zero temps here.

I must be crazy trying to do this! I've never been so nervous and clueless about thing before! Thanks everyone for all the tips!!!

Well, let's all wish for a little Pixie Dust that the temps aren't as cold as SD!!! I agree with the other posters, bring a running outfit for all different temps. Drastic weather changes can happen on the turn of a dime in Florida!! Also, remember that you can "layer up" with throw away gear and then peel it off right before the start of the race -- or anywhere along the course. Disney collects the tossed items and donates them to charity. For the Princess Half, I bought cheap sweatpants for 2.00 and a cheap sweatshirt for 3.00 at Wal-mart and tossed the pants before the start of my corral. I tossed the sweatshirt about mile 2.

 

[FFigawi]

I will be running the half, my ds11 will be running the 5k, and my dh will be running the Goofy! Can't wait!!

We'll be there from Jan 5 - Jan 13, and we will be staying at CBR!

Does anyone plan on using their own cars to drive to the race from their resorts? We were thinking about doing that to be able to access our dry clothes faster and maybe use the car for warmth before the race. Any suggestions as to whether that would be a good or bad idea. Not sure how the traffic is getting from CBR to the race start. This will be our first time participating in the races.

Actually, I think you'll be able to get your dry clothes faster from the bag check tents than your car. You have to walk right past them to leave the post-race area on your way to your car. Besides, I'm betting that after the below freezing temps we had this year, the 2011 race will feature highs in the 80s and we'll all be wishing it was cooler.

 

[daisy2jae]

Well, let's all wish for a little Pixie Dust that the temps aren't as cold as SD!!! I agree with the other posters, bring a running outfit for all different temps. Drastic weather changes can happen on the turn of a dime in Florida!! Also, remember that you can "layer up" with throw away gear and then peel it off right before the start of the race -- or anywhere along the course. Disney collects the tossed items and donates them to charity. For the Princess Half, I bought cheap sweatpants for 2.00 and a cheap sweatshirt for 3.00 at Wal-mart and tossed the pants before the start of my corral. I tossed the sweatshirt about mile 2.

I am for sure a newbee to this! Please redirect me to a different site if I'm asking the wrong people/site these questions.

Check bag....they have a place you can check a bag before the race so you can store a jacket etc?
Layer Up...I understand that but never tossed anything during a run (other than running by my house to toss it in the lawn ). People where layers and toss/throw them out during the race? I guess I've always wore Nike stuff and can't imagine tossing something. But I never thought about picking up something cheap that I could let go of.

Oh boy do I have a lot to learn before January! Wish there was a Official Guide to the WDW Half Marathon. I'd read it cover to cover!!!

 

[FFigawi]

I am for sure a newbee to this! Please redirect me to a different site if I'm asking the wrong people/site these questions.

Check bag....they have a place you can check a bag before the race so you can store a jacket etc?
Layer Up...I understand that but never tossed anything during a run (other than running by my house to toss it in the lawn ). People where layers and toss/throw them out during the race? I guess I've always wore Nike stuff and can't imagine tossing something. But I never thought about picking up something cheap that I could let go of.

Oh boy do I have a lot to learn before January! Wish there was a Official Guide to the WDW Half Marathon. I'd read it cover to cover!!!

Bag check - you will get a bag when you pick up your race bib that you can fill with things you'll need/want after the race. You drop it off at a tent on your way to the start and pick it up from the same tent after the finish. Very handy for making sure you have a pair of comfy shoes to change into, warm/dry clothes to put on, etc.

Layers - yes, people drop clothes all the time during cold races, usually cheap outer layers that keep you warm before the start and would be too hot to run in. You'll see boxes intended for people to drop their clothes in near the start line and also plenty of piles of stuff along the way during the first few miles.

 

[daisy2jae]

Bag check - you will get a bag when you pick up your race bib that you can fill with things you'll need/want after the race. You drop it off at a tent on your way to the start and pick it up from the same tent after the finish. Very handy for making sure you have a pair of comfy shoes to change into, warm/dry clothes to put on, etc.

Layers - yes, people drop clothes all the time during cold races, usually cheap outer layers that keep you warm before the start and would be too hot to run in. You'll see boxes intended for people to drop their clothes in near the start line and also plenty of piles of stuff along the way during the first few miles.

Stuff for after? Around here we finish, get a drink/snack, and leave all within apx 15-30 minutes after a race. Is there stuff we do after?

 

[KAA1972]

I am for sure a newbee to this! Please redirect me to a different site if I'm asking the wrong people/site these questions.

Check bag....they have a place you can check a bag before the race so you can store a jacket etc?
Layer Up...I understand that but never tossed anything during a run (other than running by my house to toss it in the lawn ). People where layers and toss/throw them out during the race? I guess I've always wore Nike stuff and can't imagine tossing something. But I never thought about picking up something cheap that I could let go of.

Oh boy do I have a lot to learn before January! Wish there was a Official Guide to the WDW Half Marathon. I'd read it cover to cover!!!

You are in the right place --- this is where you ask those questions!! I wear my Nike stuff under my cheap layer. I toss the cheap layer and then continue running in good stuff. Cheap stuff is only for the walk to start, the hour you are waiting for the race to start and then the first mile or so...

Yes, there is a bag check but I don't think you will want to store a jacket as you will have to part with it at least an hour before the race starts. IMO, I would just leave my jacket at the hotel and wear a cheap layer that you can get rid of... Lots of people use bag check but I didn't. You could bring a change of clothes and put it in the bag check but like another poster indicated-- most people leave 15-20 minutes after the race is over. If you have family or friends coming to the finish then I would just have them bring a change of clothes if you feel the need to change immediately.

Don't stress -- you will do great and you will learn so much on this board. There are many fabulous runners on this board that have a lot more information and experiences than I have!!

 

[daisy2jae]

I'm really nervous. The reason I wanted to run is to honor my DH's 10 yrs of cancer free. He wanted to do it with me to honor friends and family we've lost to cancer. I'm having a hard time leaving my kids behind to go for the weekend. (I know I'm a nut but I hate to be away from my kids-$/budget doesn't allow for them plus a friend/family member to come to watch them). I've a BIG planner when I do something and know as much as I can however this is something I think I know some about. Everyday I'm realizing there is MUCH that I don't know. I hope this overhelming feeling passes soon so I can get on track and quit freaking out. My DH must think I'm losing my mind. He's not a control freak like me so he's totally cool with going with the flow of things. Me not so much! I'm trying to get in as many local comps as I can. That way I can ease myself into this. I get nervous when I run and freak myself out during a race. I can do MUCH better on my own but when you put me in a race (even a 5K) I get really nervous and worked up.

 

[FFigawi]

Stuff for after? Around here we finish, get a drink/snack, and leave all within apx 15-30 minutes after a race. Is there stuff we do after?

There's nothing you have to do after the race. You can leave as soon as you feel like it. Personally, I like to get out of the shoes I just ran 26 miles in and put on a pair that's a little more comfortable, so my bag will usually have a pair of soft sandals or flip-flops, along with a jacket in case it's cold and I want to warm up. That's what I mean by having things for after the race.

 

[wvjules]

Ok, so I put comfy clothes and shoes in my bag. Is there a shower/changing area? Or do I just put on clean/dry clothes on top of my dirty, sweaty body?

 

[FFigawi]

Ok, so I put comfy clothes and shoes in my bag. Is there a shower/changing area? Or do I just put on clean/dry clothes on top of my dirty, sweaty body?

No showers available that I saw or know of. Dry clothes come out of the bag, wet ones go in.

 

[daisy2jae]

There's nothing you have to do after the race. You can leave as soon as you feel like it. Personally, I like to get out of the shoes I just ran 26 miles in and put on a pair that's a little more comfortable, so my bag will usually have a pair of soft sandals or flip-flops, along with a jacket in case it's cold and I want to warm up. That's what I mean by having things for after the race.

thanks...I was thinking there was some "party" we needed to go to. I was reading about the different things to do: pasta in the park, the party at hollywood studios they had last year. Assuming this stuff isn't out yet for 2011?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

thanks...I was thinking there was some "party" we needed to go to. I was reading about the different things to do: pasta in the park, the party at hollywood studios they had last year. Assuming this stuff isn't out yet for 2011?

We don't even have our race instructions yet for Wine & Dine, which is in 17 days.

 

[daisy2jae]

We don't even have our race instructions yet for Wine & Dine, which is in 17 days.

is that normal to wait so late for race instructions to come out? I'm a control freak....hate to wait till last minute to plan.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

is that normal to wait so late for race instructions to come out? I'm a control freak....hate to wait till last minute to plan.

Not sure, this is my first Disney race. We have no map of the finish line party, no elevation chart, etc.