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

[evhorizon]

I'm training for the 1/2M in January, on the road back to marathon shape after an injury. I had a 6 mile tempo run planned for this morning, goal < 60:00. After a 10 mile long run over the weekend, and a weight lifting session last night, my legs were sore crawling out of bed this morning. One of those days you know your run is going to be tough.

After a warmup, I settle into a pace that I can feel is a bit sluggish -- less than my 10:00/mi goal pace. My legs eventually loosen up a bit and I hit mile 4 at 41:15. 2 miles left to make up 1:15 to hit 60:00 seemed unlikely. I decided to try anyway and laid the hammer down. Bring the pain.

My heart was ready to explode out of my chest, my legs were screaming at me... but OMG, that feeling is what I've missed for so long since my injury. Absolutely incredible. I didn't check my watch for time and just redlined the last 2 miles.

59:49

Today was a good day.

 

[KAA1972]

I'm training for the 1/2M in January, on the road back to marathon shape after an injury. I had a 6 mile tempo run planned for this morning, goal < 60:00. After a 10 mile long run over the weekend, and a weight lifting session last night, my legs were sore crawling out of bed this morning. One of those days you know your run is going to be tough.

After a warmup, I settle into a pace that I can feel is a bit sluggish -- less than my 10:00/mi goal pace. My legs eventually loosen up a bit and I hit mile 4 at 41:15. 2 miles left to make up 1:15 to hit 60:00 seemed unlikely. I decided to try anyway and laid the hammer down. Bring the pain.

My heart was ready to explode out of my chest, my legs were screaming at me... but OMG, that feeling is what I've missed for so long since my injury. Absolutely incredible. I didn't check my watch for time and just redlined the last 2 miles.

59:49

Today was a good day.

Glad you are happy with your run! Congrats! Hope you aren't too sore tomorrow. It's always a great feeling when you have personal accomplishment with a run, isn't it??

 

[Fellowship9798]

Well, I finally registered for the full Marathon. I had been holding out to make sure I stayed injury free as long as possible, but the offer of the $25 gift card for registration this month sucked me in. I'll be running a half marathon near home in about a week an a half then continuing to ramp up the training for January.

I can't say I'm looking forward to a winter of cold rainy long runs in Vancouver, but if that's what it takes I'll do it.

 

[kim3339]

What type of running socks does everyone use?

I wear the asics ones, but after my long run yesterday, the bottom of my feet were killing me. They were rubbing against the socks and my feet hurt so bad at the end of my run. I'm going to try glide to see if that helps so we'll see this weekend. Maybe I'll pick up a different brand this weekend at the expo.

 

[Belle1811]

I can't say I'm looking forward to a winter of cold rainy long runs in Vancouver, but if that's what it takes I'll do it.

Don't worry you are not alone running in the cold and rain, the good old British weather never lets you down Went for a run the other day and came back looking like, well I'd like to say the phrase "windswept and interesting" though it was probably more like "dragged through a hedge backwards"

 

[rubato]

How do you get the $25 GC? Is it just for the marathon, or can you get it for Goofy also?

 

[rubato]

Never mind. I just read the other thread!

 

[KAA1972]

What type of running socks does everyone use?

Wright socks for me -- I've tried them all and this is the only one that works for me without causing blisters.....

 

[rubato]

I am officially signed up for Goofy. I entered the code, and hope I received my GC. I am stuck now. Must train!!!!

I wear Nike socks. I haven't found a type yet that I love, but as long as they stay up, they're fine for me.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Fellowship - I'll trade you the snow and below zero temps in Toronto for the rainy Vancouver weather

Tandy - Yay!! Did you decide on a resort?

Kim - I have Asics socks and Smart Wool. I prefer the Smart Wool but anytime I do a race, I always use Body Glide on my feet.

 

[rubato]

Vicky: I just decided on Pop because that helped to talk Frank into it. Plus, I'll be right there for the meet!

I'm so excited now. I can't back out! I entered an estimated marathon time of 4:59, so I'm planning on making that work with you!

 

[FFigawi]

Kim - I wear a lot of different socks. I have some that come up over my ankles for trail running or when it's raining; some fancy Asics that came with my shoes; and a random assortment from Under Armor, Fox River Mills, and others that I wear by just grabbing a pair before heading out the door.

 

[jrigney515]

Wright socks for me -- I've tried them all and this is the only one that works for me without causing blisters.....

I agree... had major blister issues when I started training for the WDW Marathon (1st time runner) in August.... changed over to Wright socks and haven't had an issue since

John

 

[daisy2jae]

This will be our first WDW Marathon Weekend Trip. We're going to run the half marathon. Is the Race Retreat worth the $85?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I think in some ways, socks are more important than the shoes you wear! I have such a large collection and usually double up when I run a half marathon so I will stick with that with the full. I have never gotten a blister and I really like wearing a slim moisture wicking sock like the Nike Arch support with the padded socks over them. They must always be the moisture wicking socks because the only time I ever got any blisters was when I didn't know better and just wore my regular cotton socks. Never again! Socks can end up being a bit expensive but I think that getting ones that work for you makes it all worth it.

My view is that after the race, I have to explore the parks and if my feet have issues and I can't enjoy the parks I will not be a happy camper.

Just a question for those that have run the full marathon before...what was the biggest obstacle to running the full at Disney? At what mile does it get to be a bit boring? How do you keep up your motivation and stay consistent with your pace? Is the only way to avoid the wall to train over it a bit like Jeff Galloway recommends? I got bored around mile 9-10 with the Half Marathons because nothing really was going on. But, if that happens at the full, I will have a long road ahead of me!

 

[cewait]

This will be our first WDW Marathon Weekend Trip. We're going to run the half marathon. Is the Race Retreat worth the $85?

Welcome to the fun!

for 2010 the retreat was worth it; well, kind of. The retreat was NOT sold out until the 5 day forecast came out with certain cold and likely wet. Then it sold out in a heartbeat. Reports from within are that the tent was not cold but not warm either.

It is all about what you want. It will provide a little extra pampering, carpeted floor, a little food and drink while you wait for the start. It also has 'private' potties but honestly if one arrives early they are not so full for the rest of us, either. The tent gets a slight head start to the start when time to move out.

Upon return there are a few goodies to eat, that is if the Platinum ChEAR Squad has not devoured. You have your own private bag check so the line is not as long.

There are a few more character opportunities in the tent....

I really cannot say it is worth the cost for me. I have a few friends who have entered the retreat, most only one year. For me, a Goofy runner, the extra $175 makes the race cost $485. I can purchase a lot of winter clothing for the added cost.

 

[cewait]

I think in some ways, socks are more important than the shoes you wear! I have such a large collection and usually double up when I run a half marathon so I will stick with that with the full. I have never gotten a blister and I really like wearing a slim moisture wicking sock like the Nike Arch support with the padded socks over them. They must always be the moisture wicking socks because the only time I ever got any blisters was when I didn't know better and just wore my regular cotton socks. Never again! Socks can end up being a bit expensive but I think that getting ones that work for you makes it all worth it.

My view is that after the race, I have to explore the parks and if my feet have issues and I can't enjoy the parks I will not be a happy camper.

Just a question for those that have run the full marathon before...what was the biggest obstacle to running the full at Disney? At what mile does it get to be a bit boring? How do you keep up your motivation and stay consistent with your pace? Is the only way to avoid the wall to train over it a bit like Jeff Galloway recommends? I got bored around mile 9-10 with the Half Marathons because nothing really was going on. But, if that happens at the full, I will have a long road ahead of me!

I have to say that I am never really bored in the full… Disney has gone to great lengths to try to add entertainment through the race. But, I will tell you that there are challenging points in the race. Mile 11 (6 in the half) is always a little bit of a letdown. You have just had the emotional high of MK and then you are on a back road. For me this is where reality sets in. The sun is up, the crowd non-existent and the largest draw of the race in the rear view mirror. But it picks up at the GF though Poly. Several races uniformed soldiers come from the Shades of Green and stand the course cheering US on. I get weepy thinking about it.

The half is the turn onto Bear Island Road. It’s a closed in two lane road that we have all to ourselves. Little treats await this stretch between the corner and the entrance to AK. There is a small creek we pass where several years Disney piped in “Just around the River Bend”. Just after the creek we come to the WDW sewer plant. Most years it’s just knowing it is there that makes you think it smells bad, but there are years that just kind of stink. We soon cross Western Way, a new road that marks the entrance into the backstage area of AK. Man is AK BIG. It takes forever to get into the park. The park has the most energetic cast members and is the first aprk we encounter guests. The bite me miles start from here. We get out onto Osceola and head into the sun. There is no way to hide from the sun or the two overpasses and BTW we are passing miles 17-20.5. There are a few things to look at… I enage all my fellow runners. I am actually excited to hit this point because I know I am home once I get out of AK – we are in the single digit countdown.

For a lot of folks mile 20-21 is bad as it is an out and back section. You must go to the u-tun as there is a timing/cheaters mat at the turn. While I used to hate this section (it used to be a2 miles long, not 1) I really like looking at faces to see how much better I feel than many of those folks look. The most technical footing section comes at 21.2 ish. It is the exchange from Osceola to World Drive. It is up with a hard banked right turn. There are no flat spots in this section. I start the turn low and fade high. By the time I get to left side the road is straight. From there you only have one more non-entertained mile. But even then World Dr can be entertaining. Just look left at the faces of folks sitting in the traffic. Most wave and are excited; then there are the grumpy’s who are not that excited. Mile 23 we enter DHS and you are really home.

Even with Jeff’s plan you will not avoid the wall if you are not managing yourself in the race. Literally, the wall is your body’s blood glycogen levels falling to a critical concentration causing your brain to shutter non-necessary activities. Everyone hits a bite me point where they have to work through issues to keep going, most folks rarely hit the wall (even though many report it) The wall looks like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTn1v5TGK_w

Most folks will have the point where they have to pull out the mental tricks to keep moving or will have a cramp issue. Or they will come down with an injury like blister. A runner must manage pace, hydration and nutrition in order to avoid the true wall. Off just a little will deplete your sugar stores and they day will not end well. All these are learned in training.

For a first time marathoner, I believe one should run at least 20-21 miles. Jeff pushes the long run out to 26 (or at least did) As you make a couple I would change you to a time runner, capping training runs to 3 – 3.5 hours. You have the tools to make the end. Too many miles can lead to injury. Jeff and I disagree with this to some extent. I will agree with Jeff that if you are really looking for a pointy end finish that a 30 mile long run may be in order with some pickups in the middle.

Here is a more detailed view of the course.
http://disneyrunning.com/fullreportcw.html

 

[FFigawi]

Just a question for those that have run the full marathon before...what was the biggest obstacle to running the full at Disney? At what mile does it get to be a bit boring? How do you keep up your motivation and stay consistent with your pace? Is the only way to avoid the wall to train over it a bit like Jeff Galloway recommends? I got bored around mile 9-10 with the Half Marathons because nothing really was going on. But, if that happens at the full, I will have a long road ahead of me!

I was never bored during the full last year. I found someone to talk to and we ran the entire way together just chatting and enjoying ourselves. That said, there are a few potentially dull spots along the way: Epcot to Magic Kingdom (~ mile 5-10), Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom (13-15), Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios (18-22). Those stretches are run on roads where there's not a whole lot to see. Some characters and other groups are there to entertain you, but in general, there's not much to see. This is where your long training runs will come in handy. There's not much going on during them either, so learning to keep focused as you work through those will certainly help for race day.

As far as maintaining pace goes, we found ourselves running faster during those stretches than when going through the parks. I think that's because with less to see and look at around us, we were more focused on our running. We didn't have a very fast pace as it was, so that also made it easier to keep it steady throughout the race. And I'm not sure there's any guaranteed way to avoid the wall. No matter how well-trained or experienced you are, some races you hit it and some you don't. The only thing you can do is train your hardest and do the best you can on race day.

 

[kim3339]

Shelby - great question about the race stuff. I was thinking the same thing!! Coach and John, loved your insight/tips. I downloaded both posts and your report on disneyrunning to save and reread before the race!!

Thanks for the sock input everyone. I'm going over to the RNR expo tomorrow after work, I'll look for different ones to try out. I think part of the problem was that the new Asics pair I have had more padding along the outside of the foot which lead to more threads/stitching and that's probably did it.

 

[evhorizon]

What type of running socks does everyone use?

I wear the asics ones, but after my long run yesterday, the bottom of my feet were killing me. They were rubbing against the socks and my feet hurt so bad at the end of my run. I'm going to try glide to see if that helps so we'll see this weekend. Maybe I'll pick up a different brand this weekend at the expo.

For > 40F temps, I like the thinnest socks I can find. I've been wearing Ultimax Ironman Low Cut socks. They fit pretty snug so they don't slip and they're made of wicking material. I love them -- wear them for every day use too. The most surprising thing about them is that they last FOREVER. I've haven't had a pair wear out yet in 4+ years.

For < 40F temps, I wear a thicker medium-weight Ultimax sock. Still wicking material, but provides some warmth with the winter winds that can cut into your running shoes. Sweating too much in your socks can lead to blisters so it's a trade off on thickness. I've run in single digit temperatures without much problem.

I'm one of those people that will run outside all winter, except when snow makes it impossible (though I'll still run in the snow) or winds are > 20mph with temps below < 20F. Wind and sweat != fun.