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

[FFigawi]

I sure hope they have an escalating price structure in the future instead of screwing us early registrants again like they did this year. I was none too pleased when they rolled out that gift card last fall to entice people to sign up considering they'd been sitting on $300+ of my money since January.

 

[rubato]

On the "Hay is in the barn" thread, it is mentioned that shoes should go in the carryon. If I am flying nonstop, and arriving 3 days before I need my shoes, would it be okay to check them? I'm bringing two pair, and putting them in different suitcases, just in case, but I don't want any carryon luggage, if I can help it. I guess I could stick them in my purse, if I have to, but that would be my only option because I won't be wearing them.

 

[cewait]

On the "Hay is in the barn" thread, it is mentioned that shoes should go in the carryon. If I am flying nonstop, and arriving 3 days before I need my shoes, would it be okay to check them? I'm bringing two pair, and putting them in different suitcases, just in case, but I don't want any carryon luggage, if I can help it. I guess I could stick them in my purse, if I have to, but that would be my only option because I won't be wearing them.

It's a risk that you will need to manage..... I would wear once pair of shoes as a work around, making sure to put on an different pair once in the room.

 

[FFigawi]

On the "Hay is in the barn" thread, it is mentioned that shoes should go in the carryon. If I am flying nonstop, and arriving 3 days before I need my shoes, would it be okay to check them? I'm bringing two pair, and putting them in different suitcases, just in case, but I don't want any carryon luggage, if I can help it. I guess I could stick them in my purse, if I have to, but that would be my only option because I won't be wearing them.

Charles is dead on with this. You definitely want to have at least one of your pairs with you on the plane. Personally, I carry all of my running gear on the plane with me. The chances of my bag not getting there are very slim, especially with a direct flight, but I don't want to take the chance. Even if you don't want to carry on everything, one or two pairs of shoes in a bag or backpack really isn't too much trouble.

 

[rubato]

On the "Hay is in the barn" thread, it is mentioned that shoes should go in the carryon. If I am flying nonstop, and arriving 3 days before I need my shoes, would it be okay to check them? I'm bringing two pair, and putting them in different suitcases, just in case, but I don't want any carryon luggage, if I can help it. I guess I could stick them in my purse, if I have to, but that would be my only option because I won't be wearing them.

Okay, please disregard. My hubby is bringing his laptop as a carryon and my shoes fit in the bag with the computer. So, at least I'll have my shoes. I think I'll put my sports bra in the purse or laptop bag also, because, as a female, that's as important as the shoes. Everything else can be duplicated in one way or another.
I think I'm just starting to lose it a little bit. I am trying to organize all my suitcases right now and trying to make it all work. I didn't realize that every stuffed animal we had ever purchased at Disneyworld had to go "home" for a visit. That's an entire suitcase! Ugh!!!!!

 

[verticalchaos]

Charles is dead on with this. You definitely want to have at least one of your pairs with you on the plane. Personally, I carry all of my running gear on the plane with me. The chances of my bag not getting there are very slim, especially with a direct flight, but I don't want to take the chance. Even if you don't want to carry on everything, one or two pairs of shoes in a bag or backpack really isn't too much trouble.

Agreed! This from someone who has had her bag not show up from a direct non-stop flight (American) and experienced Southwest take 3 days to locate her sister's bag on a direct, non-stop flight. In that case their equipment ripped off the luggage tag THEY had put on, and they just left it in Orlando until someone missed it rather than looking at the ID on the bag and matching it up.

I don't check unless I have to. Even if it's free to do so.

 

[eyor44]

I completely agree about the shoes. Carry them or wear them. My only carryon last year was a bag with my shoes. One agent looked at me and said "really special shoes?"

Sports bra....didn't think about that. Thanks. It's going in with my shoes this year.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I sure hope they have an escalating price structure in the future instead of screwing us early registrants again like they did this year. I was none too pleased when they rolled out that gift card last fall to entice people to sign up considering they'd been sitting on $300+ of my money since January.

That definitely wasn't fair...they really need to work on creating some loyalty programs for runners that return year after year. It is expensive and so many of you do travel from so far away that you should be rewarded for that. Not just special lanyards, or mentions in the program but special discounts, bonus points if you are a Disney Visa Card Member and maybe free tickets in addition to the one for the Marathon or highly discounted ticket deals. Everyone needs incentives and their repeat guests are their most valuable.

Maybe a surprise will be waiting for all the early birds who registered before the promotion?

 

[rubato]

Speaking of that gift card, I was one of the later ones that registered as was supposed to get that gift card. Will I get it at the expo or with my resort stuff?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Speaking of that gift card, I was one of the later ones that registered as was supposed to get that gift card. Will I get it at the expo or with my resort stuff?

It will be at the Expo when you pick up your packet.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Clearly, I missed a step. What was the gift card promotion? Was it only for the full?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Clearly, I missed a step. What was the gift card promotion? Was it only for the full?

Yes it was for the full only a while back.

 

[kim3339]

Question for anyone who knows.

If you are hurt and can't finish the marathon, if you stop at a medic tent, can you get a ride back or is it once you're out there, you finish unless you get swept up?

I'm asking b/c I went out X-mas morning for my run and had soreness in my hamstring/glute area. I could'nt even do a 1/2 mile. So all last week, no running just went to the gym and hopped on the reclined bike. I did 3 yesterday just to get out there for a short run, and the problem is still there. I was limping all day and I still feel it today. So definitely no more of anything this week as a precaution. I'm just worried that it will still be bad on Sunday morning. I know I am starting the race and will hopefully finish the race. But if I can't, is there a way back to the staging area? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Question for anyone who knows.

If you are hurt and can't finish the marathon, if you stop at a medic tent, can you get a ride back or is it once you're out there, you finish unless you get swept up?

I'm asking b/c I went out X-mas morning for my run and had soreness in my hamstring/glute area. I could'nt even do a 1/2 mile. So all last week, no running just went to the gym and hopped on the reclined bike. I did 3 yesterday just to get out there for a short run, and the problem is still there. I was limping all day and I still feel it today. So definitely no more of anything this week as a precaution. I'm just worried that it will still be bad on Sunday morning. I know I am starting the race and will hopefully finish the race. But if I can't, is there a way back to the staging area? Thanks in advance!!

Last year I saw some people at the tents getting picked up by golf carts that definitely weren't finishing so I would imagine that they would actually get you back to where you needed to be and you would just be swept at that point if you felt (and the doctors advised) you not to finish. The tents are actually on the course so it isn't like they are taking you somewhere. I hope that things work out for you It may be adviseable to try to get moved to a walker corral at the Expo and just pair up with someone that is doing a great 15 min. per mile walk. That way, you have someone to help encourage you and vice-versa.

But, if you can, I would see a Sports Medicine guy first. They have some fixes for this sort of thing...just get in there ASAP. You certainly don't want to hurt yourself further at this point. It really sounds like the first thing you need is a doctor - and those doctors will also be at the Expo.

 

[rubato]

Question for anyone who knows.

If you are hurt and can't finish the marathon, if you stop at a medic tent, can you get a ride back or is it once you're out there, you finish unless you get swept up?

I'm asking b/c I went out X-mas morning for my run and had soreness in my hamstring/glute area. I could'nt even do a 1/2 mile. So all last week, no running just went to the gym and hopped on the reclined bike. I did 3 yesterday just to get out there for a short run, and the problem is still there. I was limping all day and I still feel it today. So definitely no more of anything this week as a precaution. I'm just worried that it will still be bad on Sunday morning. I know I am starting the race and will hopefully finish the race. But if I can't, is there a way back to the staging area? Thanks in advance!!

Oh Kim, I'm sorry you're still injured. I don't have an answer to your question, since this is my first Disney race, but I had hoped that some time off would help you out. Sorry.

 

[jenthemom22]

I just wanted to pop in this thread and wish everyone racing this weekend the best. I won't be joining you this year, but I ran my first half at Disney Alaska last year and I'm seriously considering the full for that Mickey medal in 2012.

Congratulations on your training. You're all going to do great!

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Crap. Did 11 yesterday and then taught Body Flow (yoga/tai chi/pilates) today and now the outside of my foot hurts. Feels like a bruise. Grrrrrrr.....

 

[Pumbaa80]

Crap. Did 11 yesterday and then taught Body Flow (yoga/tai chi/pilates) today and now the outside of my foot hurts. Feels like a bruise. Grrrrrrr.....

Ohhh you just made me miss the Les Mills classes!!! We had them at a gym in the Tampa area, but not here in GA. I sure do miss them. Body Flow was excellent to do after the other classes - never was soar!!

I hope your foot heals quickly!!

 

[Todd_H]

So, I'm a little concerned about the race. I am running in my first half ever. I registered for the race back in early October. Training had been going well and I competed in a 10k in November and finished with no problems. I've been a recreational runner in recent years competing in 5k's and 5 mile races. The 10k was my furthest run to date. A couple weeks after the run I suffered a hip injury. Nothing serious but enough to keep me off of the roads for training runs. I'm happy to say that the hip finally feels almost 100% and I'm back to running. My problem though is because I lost so much time for training that I wasn't able to build up to a good enough base and since I've been back I've only done 5 mile runs. I never thought of running DW with the goal of finishing with a great time. More for the sense of accomplishment and the fun of running Disney. I plan on doing a run/walk pace for the race. At this point finishing in the alotted time and in little pain is my goal. Keeping my fingers crossed. If anyone has any suggestions with this short time left before race day I'd be happy to hear them.

Well, it's even shorter time now but here's my advice - go for it. I am in the same situation as you. I was training really well back in the fall but lost my running partner (DH) to plantar fac. I went back to work this year and have a very hard time running after work - I was always a morning runner - and have not run much further than 6 miles. I was going to just bag it but I don't know that I'll have this opportunity again, so I am going to go for it. I will probably do the run-walk-run (if you haven't heard of it, check out Jeff Galloway). I'm in the last corral, I'll take my time, but I'll finish. I'm not hard core, just love to run and love Disney. It'll be a great experience!
-Alison(hijacking DH's profile)

 

[deleckidesign]

36 more hours and I'll be on a plane down to Disney!