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

[Fellowship9798]

You won't be alone at all. There are a lot of people entered who plan on taking 3 or 3.5 hours to finish the half. One of the nice things about Disney is that they have a generous time limit compared to many other races and thus allow many more people to enter and complete the race.

As for characters, there are random characters scattered throughout the course. The lines to get pictures taken with them vary from none to a line of 20 people or so. During Goofy this past winter, the line for the princesses at the castle was 10-15 people long, too long for me to wait, but at Disneyland last month, there was no line. Go figure.

I've been torn thinking about whether I'll make a few stops for character pictures, or try to push through for a better time. It's my first marathon, so I probably should take it easy and enjoy myself. I can always run another marathon closer to home if I want to go for my best time but I know I will feel the the clock ticking away if I stop my marathon to stand in line for taking pictures.

I'll probably have to see how I feel on the day.

 

[verticalchaos]

I've been torn thinking about whether I'll make a few stops for character pictures, or try to push through for a better time. It's my first marathon, so I probably should take it easy and enjoy myself. I can always run another marathon closer to home if I want to go for my best time but I know I will feel the the clock ticking away if I stop my marathon to stand in line for taking pictures.

I'll probably have to see how I feel on the day.

All of my running club friends who've done any combination of the Disney races have encouraged me to NOT worry about time and just enjoy it. Take pictures and the like. I plan on trying to split the difference. Since it'll be my first Half, it will be an automatic PR no matter the time...and I'll never have another first, so I think I do want to take some pictures and make it really fun.

That may just be me though.

 

[rubato]

My plan of attack is to run for a PR in the half, and take no pics. Then, when I do the full, I'll stop for some pics. But, probably not too many.

 

[FFigawi]

I've been torn thinking about whether I'll make a few stops for character pictures, or try to push through for a better time. It's my first marathon, so I probably should take it easy and enjoy myself. I can always run another marathon closer to home if I want to go for my best time but I know I will feel the the clock ticking away if I stop my marathon to stand in line for taking pictures.

I'll probably have to see how I feel on the day.

Disney is definitely not a race to push for time. Not only is it fairly crowded in places, there's also so much to see around you that you'll miss out on if you're focused on trying to hit a specific time goal. Slow down, relax, and enjoy one of the best races in the country to keep you entertained and your mind off the running as you go along.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

well, sounds like I did eerything just the opposite! lol Wine & Dine was my first ever half...not too much training until 7 weeks before (my fault)..and was so determined JUST to finish...I walked most of it...had to jog some to weave and move forward...and I had abt an average 13 min pace SO for me...that was good!

Still not sure if I will slow down for pics for the Jan half....cause now I want to beat my only time I have~
I still enjoyed it the race...everyone obvisously has different goals or purposes....I am still in the place...Hey I did a Half Marathon!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I am not a big picture taker on the course. I get really distracted by everything around me and don't feel like stopping and waiting (the lines haven't seemed too bad for both of the races I have run in) but I do agree that Disney is about the experience, having fun and not worrying about time - except for the 16 minute threshold which frankly I think most of us on this thread aren't too close to meeting.

Not sure about the strategy with the parks though. This will be my first full marathon and my IT band still has borderline issues from time to time so I may just want to take it easy afterwards.

 

[daisy2jae]

16 minute pace?
How close does Disney watch pace? If I run a few walk one how close do I need to watch my pace? I averaged 12:35 on a 11 mile run/walk yesterday. However on one mile I went 18 minutes a mile will I be swept if I do that?

 

[FireDancer]

16 minute pace?
How close does Disney watch pace? If I run a few walk one how close do I need to watch my pace? I averaged 12:35 on a 11 mile run/walk yesterday. However on one mile I went 18 minutes a mile will I be swept if I do that?

The pace is cumulative. Lets say you run the first mile in 10 minutes but the next 5 in 16:30. You will be at mile 6 in 92:30 which is a 15:25 pace. If they were sweeping at mile 6 you would be fine because only those who arrive at 96 minutes and later will be swept. Of course if you continue on at 16:30 you will eventually get swept.

The other thing to remember is the sweep clock starts when the last person crosses the start line. Lets say you cross the start line 5 minutes before the very last person. With the scenario I laid out above they would not start sweeping at mile 6 until the clock starting with that person's start reaches 96. Since that gives you an extra 5 minute cushion you would actually be 8:30 ahead of the sweep instead of only 3:30.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[Fellowship9798]

All of my running club friends who've done any combination of the Disney races have encouraged me to NOT worry about time and just enjoy it. Take pictures and the like. I plan on trying to split the difference. Since it'll be my first Half, it will be an automatic PR no matter the time...and I'll never have another first, so I think I do want to take some pictures and make it really fun.

That may just be me though.

Disney is definitely not a race to push for time. Not only is it fairly crowded in places, there's also so much to see around you that you'll miss out on if you're focused on trying to hit a specific time goal. Slow down, relax, and enjoy one of the best races in the country to keep you entertained and your mind off the running as you go along.

Yes, I'll do my best to just try to take in the experience as I go. I'm travelling a long way and paying a premium for the experience of running at WDW so I might as well try to make it as enjoyable as possible. I can run a local race later if I'm interested in working on a faster time.

 

[daisy2jae]

The pace is cumulative. Lets say you run the first mile in 10 minutes but the next 5 in 16:30. You will be at mile 6 in 92:30 which is a 15:25 pace. If they were sweeping at mile 6 you would be fine because only those who arrive at 96 minutes and later will be swept. Of course if you continue on at 16:30 you will eventually get swept.

The other thing to remember is the sweep clock starts when the last person crosses the start line. Lets say you cross the start line 5 minutes before the very last person. With the scenario I laid out above they would not start sweeping at mile 6 until the clock starting with that person's start reaches 96. Since that gives you an extra 5 minute cushion you would actually be 8:30 ahead of the sweep instead of only 3:30.

Hope that makes sense.

That helps a lot! Thanks. I wasn't sure how that worked at all and I've been worried about it.

 

[Amy Fran]

Did anyone go to the Pasta in the Park party last year? Was it worth the cost or should we skip it to spend more time at the Expo & relaxing? And does anyone know if we need park admission, too, or is it like MNSSHP & the Very Merry party where you only need the party ticket to get in?

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

hello everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well with their training.. Jan is going to be here before you know it!

For those who have done the 1/2 before.. what does everyone normally do Saturday night? Is there usually any scheduled runners parties? I guess we would hit a park but just wondering what everyone else normally does.

ok.. so I need some doctor advice.. I have been having some pain in my right hip/thigh area... it doesn't feel like its the bone.. but maybe muscle.. Its tolerable but its pretty tender. It started up 2 weekends ago on my long run.. went away after about a day.. I felt it during my shorter ones this week, but not so much.. and then again this weekend after I ran 5 miles it started to hurt again.. Its still sore now, but its hard for me to tell if its my hip.. or just the muscle around it.. of course Dr. Google isn't helping because I could have a number of ailments according to that! I am thinking it may be Hip Bursitis. ALSO, this just started after I bought a new pair of shoes.. I actually have 2 new pairs.. a new pair of brooks that are similar to my old ones and a new pair of Asics.. in trying to remember, I do believe that both times it seems to hurt is after I wear the Asics.. which have more cushion than the brooks.. same support, but more cushion.. do you think its the shoes?? I hate to take all week off for the pain to go away and then try the brooks this weekend.. but I think I may have do... or do you think I should just go to a Sports doc now? ugh...

 

[suzannews]

Hi all, still on the fence about the 1/2 in January but I know I need to decide now! Couldn't find this on the disney site so...anyone know the date to register by to have your name on your bib? Thanks!!



***Never mind, found it right after I hit send for this message, its November 1st btw.***

 

[evhorizon]

hello everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well with their training.. Jan is going to be here before you know it!

For those who have done the 1/2 before.. what does everyone normally do Saturday night? Is there usually any scheduled runners parties? I guess we would hit a park but just wondering what everyone else normally does.

ok.. so I need some doctor advice.. I have been having some pain in my right hip/thigh area... it doesn't feel like its the bone.. but maybe muscle.. Its tolerable but its pretty tender. It started up 2 weekends ago on my long run.. went away after about a day.. I felt it during my shorter ones this week, but not so much.. and then again this weekend after I ran 5 miles it started to hurt again.. Its still sore now, but its hard for me to tell if its my hip.. or just the muscle around it.. of course Dr. Google isn't helping because I could have a number of ailments according to that! I am thinking it may be Hip Bursitis. ALSO, this just started after I bought a new pair of shoes.. I actually have 2 new pairs.. a new pair of brooks that are similar to my old ones and a new pair of Asics.. in trying to remember, I do believe that both times it seems to hurt is after I wear the Asics.. which have more cushion than the brooks.. same support, but more cushion.. do you think its the shoes?? I hate to take all week off for the pain to go away and then try the brooks this weekend.. but I think I may have do... or do you think I should just go to a Sports doc now? ugh...

I am no doctor, but I am a fan of Occam's Razor. Do you stretch at all? It sounds like tight/sore hip or glute muscles to me. Your description is kinda vague, but you don't mention knee pain, so probably not ITB issues.

And it very well could be new and different shoes. As subtle as it may seem, your stride and foot plant will be a little different in different shoes. You may just be hitting your hip/glute muscles a little different enducing soreness until you adjust. But I would have to ask, why adjust? If the Brooks feel good and the Asics don't, can't you just wear the Brooks?

My general rule of thumb is that if I can't resolve pain by a little rest, regular icing and stretching, then it's time to hit the Sports Doc to rule out something more serious (hairline fractures, etc.). Why the rule of thumb? Because 90% of the time that's what the doctor will order anyway, they'll just run x-rays first.

 

[bounceliketigger]

Just a heads up for anyone flying fr the Atlantic City area- Spirit has $17 fare right now for Marathon weekend.

 

[rubato]

And I thought I was getting a good deal. Wow!


I was just wondering, for those of you who are veterans, is there water available in the starting area? Since we'll be hanging out for so long, it would be nice.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

And I thought I was getting a good deal. Wow!


I was just wondering, for those of you who are veterans, is there water available in the starting area? Since we'll be hanging out for so long, it would be nice.

There is water but the lines to the portapotties in the beginning can be crazy long. So, I learned after my first race to just forget about the water in the waiting area unless I wanted to slow down due to portapotty stops. The first water stop on the course is less than two miles into the run so if you can wait until that, you may end up avoiding using portapotties. I avoid them like the plague now!

 

[rubato]

There is water but the lines to the portapotties in the beginning can be crazy long. So, I learned after my first race to just forget about the water in the waiting area unless I wanted to slow down due to portapotty stops. The first water stop on the course is less than two miles into the run so if you can wait until that, you may end up avoiding using portapotties. I avoid them like the plague now!

Yes, and I am the queen of overhydrating. I had to go 2 times within the last 30 minutes prior to race start on my last race. Then, I had to stop to go at mile marker 1. So, that's something I would like to avoid. But, I'm still going to need some hydration. I will need at least 2 cups of coffee those 2 mornings, or I won't survive. Is that enough hydration?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Yes, and I am the queen of overhydrating. I had to go 2 times within the last 30 minutes prior to race start on my last race. Then, I had to stop to go at mile marker 1. So, that's something I would like to avoid. But, I'm still going to need some hydration. I will need at least 2 cups of coffee those 2 mornings, or I won't survive. Is that enough hydration?

Coach shared tips in the DL 1/2 thread about properly hydrating yourself. I did the same thing you did for the Princess Half and stopped a few times for the portapotties. By the end, I really regretted it because the portapotties were disgusting. All I can say is seriously test out what you eat before race day! Essentially, you need to find out your ideal formula by weighing yourself before and after your workout. Ideally, you want it to be balanced. I had a small cup of water along with my two packets of Oatmeal and that was sufficient. I don't drink caffeine but I was told that eating an apple actually has the same effect as two cups of coffee so maybe try that instead? Regardless, I would figure out a formula that allows you to have your cup or two cups of coffee during your training program and if you still need to go to the bathroom often with the two cups, maybe try to drop it down to one?

I don't know - you would have thought I would be dehydrated but I wasn't at all. The other thing to keep in mind is that it is one thing to run these summer races where you sweat a lot. But, the Princess was so freezing last year - just like the WDW Half and Full were and you weren't losing fluid like you would have expected. Therefore, it was pretty easy to be overhydrated. So, test it out and see what works for you. If you feel like you are dehydrated, try chewing gum. It was a tip one of the other runners gave and it worked so well for me when making the transition. Now, I don't need to drink water or my Gu Brew or chew gum all the time. I think a lot of it is psychological.

 

[FireDancer]

There is water but the lines to the portapotties in the beginning can be crazy long. So, I learned after my first race to just forget about the water in the waiting area unless I wanted to slow down due to portapotty stops. The first water stop on the course is less than two miles into the run so if you can wait until that, you may end up avoiding using portapotties. I avoid them like the plague now!

That is why there is always at least one trip to the woods before the race starts for me .