OFFICIAL January 2012 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Goofy or Dopey Challenge Thread

[RadioFanatic]

ok, so I'm a little nervous - I signed up for the 1/2 - first time doing anything like this - I'm only up to 3 miles now. I do run it M-F, but I'm unsure whether I'm too slow in this training. I still have 5 months, so does this seem ok? I plan to do a 5k in september and 15k in november to practice.

 

[stitchfan18]

ok, so I'm a little nervous - I signed up for the 1/2 - first time doing anything like this - I'm only up to 3 miles now. I do run it M-F, but I'm unsure whether I'm too slow in this training. I still have 5 months, so does this seem ok? I plan to do a 5k in september and 15k in november to practice.

You absolutely have enough time. If you have a running base, you can gradually work your way up to a 1/2 in 5 months very reasonably. The 18 week training plans on the Disney website don't start for a month, so I would take the time now to look around at various plans and decide which training plan is right for you. I don't think I've ever seen a plan that has running on the agenda M-F. Usually there is at least 1 rest day during the week with a couple cross training days as well. To avoid injury I would make sure you are giving your body time to rest and recover from runs, especially before you start throwing in some of the longer distance runs. I usually am more cautious and give my body an extra day to recover from a long run if I feel a little tired. Last year I suffered with a knee injury and had to take a couple months off after my first 1/2 to recover. I'd rather be a little under trained and be healthy at the starting line, then push myself during training too hard and show up with an injury.

Good Luck and I'm sure there are others who have some more advice. This is just what I've learned from personal experience!

 

[runningmomof5]

Thanks Coach! To be honest, yes, it will be my 1st half this September (I timed it to be aorund the same time as the "wine and dine 1/2" since I am following the Galloway Goofy training program) running the Army race in Ottawa.
I had trained last year but couldn't get passed 9 miles because of a knee injury that luckily hasn't returned this time around. I ended up doing a 5k instead.

During my run last weekend, my goal was to go passed 11 miles, so I was happy to reach it. I did exactly what you mentionned (loop around). I had a light breakfast since I was leaving pretty much 10 minutes after I woke up and I brought a bar (I hate Gels!)and smoked almonds (for the salt). I also brought 4 bottles of water (the running room hydration belt) but had to stop to refill them at mile 10! I've also been running a 3/1 run/walk method.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think my problems were:
1- not hydrated enough before my run
2- started off to fast (I know to some, 10h30-11h40 pace is slow but I usually start with a 12h45 pace) .
3-It was also a run with A LOT of hills (because I'Ve got 5 young children home from school this summer, I've been running on the treadmill with a 2% incline)

Add to this the fact that at mile 8, I started feeling pain on my left foot (a blister eventhough I had never had problems with my socks and shoes prior to that run!) so that really slowed me down and forced me to walk a little more.

I completely understand that attempting the Goofy as part of my first full marathon is not the best idea but I am the type of person that has to "go big or go home". If I didn't have that goal, chance are that I would not take my training too seriously. I know, sounds stupid but that's me!

Seriously though, after reading lots of comments, I do plan on taking it VERY easy for the half and we won't be doing any parks (or at least, I won't) prior to the races. As for the weather, I'm the type of person that likes cooler whether (from the East Coast!) rather than humid, hot weather... I am hoping for cool mornings and hot afternoons!

I was also wondering, do they have decent running belts at the Expo that weekend? I will need one for the full since my current hydration belt only has enough room for 1 bar and 1 pack of almonds. No ID, phone, etc....

If anyone has any other suggestions on what to bring, please share!

Thanks again!!!

 

[FFigawi]

I was also wondering, do they have decent running belts at the Expo that weekend? I will need one for the full since my current hydration belt only has enough room for 1 bar and 1 pack of almonds. No ID, phone, etc....!

They will have several vendors selling belts and stuff at the expo, but you should really buy one and use it during your training. You don't want to try anything new on race day. From your hydration and fueling plan to your shoes to your belt, you want to make sure you've tried or worn them before during a long run and know they won't give you any problems.

As far as the belts themselves are concerned, I really like one from Fuel Belt. They make a really nice one that sells for about $20 that's got plenty of room for a phone/camera and all the goo/gel/beans you'll need. Other people swear by the SPI Belt. I've got one of those too, and it's works perfectly fine. I just think the Fuel Belt is more comfortable against my back and easier to get things out of while running.

 

[runningmomof5]

Thanks John!
I actually have the hydration Fuel belt (4 bottles) and love it. I found it easy to remove the bottles and put them back while running.
Maybe I'll just buy an attachment to add on to the belt (if there is room for one). I already bought the attachments for my bib number since I don't want to attach it to my shirt (in case I am wearing layers due to cold weather!).
Thanks again!

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach! To be honest, yes, it will be my 1st half this September (I timed it to be aorund the same time as the "wine and dine 1/2" since I am following the Galloway Goofy training program) running the Army race in Ottawa.
I had trained last year but couldn't get passed 9 miles because of a knee injury that luckily hasn't returned this time around. I ended up doing a 5k instead.

During my run last weekend, my goal was to go passed 11 miles, so I was happy to reach it. I did exactly what you mentionned (loop around). I had a light breakfast since I was leaving pretty much 10 minutes after I woke up and I brought a bar (I hate Gels!)and smoked almonds (for the salt). I also brought 4 bottles of water (the running room hydration belt) but had to stop to refill them at mile 10! I've also been running a 3/1 run/walk method.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think my problems were:
1- not hydrated enough before my run
2- started off to fast (I know to some, 10h30-11h40 pace is slow but I usually start with a 12h45 pace) .
3-It was also a run with A LOT of hills (because I'Ve got 5 young children home from school this summer, I've been running on the treadmill with a 2% incline)

Add to this the fact that at mile 8, I started feeling pain on my left foot (a blister eventhough I had never had problems with my socks and shoes prior to that run!) so that really slowed me down and forced me to walk a little more.

I completely understand that attempting the Goofy as part of my first full marathon is not the best idea but I am the type of person that has to "go big or go home". If I didn't have that goal, chance are that I would not take my training too seriously. I know, sounds stupid but that's me!

Seriously though, after reading lots of comments, I do plan on taking it VERY easy for the half and we won't be doing any parks (or at least, I won't) prior to the races. As for the weather, I'm the type of person that likes cooler whether (from the East Coast!) rather than humid, hot weather... I am hoping for cool mornings and hot afternoons!

I was also wondering, do they have decent running belts at the Expo that weekend? I will need one for the full since my current hydration belt only has enough room for 1 bar and 1 pack of almonds. No ID, phone, etc....

If anyone has any other suggestions on what to bring, please share!

Thanks again!!!

I second John's no new on race day. I am not a fuel belt fan - but that is the reason there are 20+ differing designs on the market. I really like the CamelBack FlashFlow for training. 45 oz of ice water in a bladder that you can cinch down to get rid of most of the bounce and slosh. It has a packet large enough to hold most anything I think I need on a training run. On rae day i just go with a fanny pack I received from Disney and Amex during their White Glove Treatment promotion in the 80's. It is the perfect size for a handful of gels, room key and a few bucks.

I think you have hit the things to look for and work on as far as potentials for roadblocks. When (note WHEN) you make past your little wall, use that success and the tools used to go through on race days to help get you through issues on that day.

Finally, for a first-first goofy runner, I cannot disagree with your race day strategies. Slow on Saturday and normal on Sunday. Note that I am more of a proponent of running a race on Saturday and then playing on Sunday if you come back. The logic is simple, you only have fresh legs on one race... then half. Why not go out and have a decent run? An issue that can occur, especially if you are not training at a really slow pace for Saturday is that you will work the smaller stabilizer muscles differently if you walk more and just run slowly. This can create issues on Sunday as these small little muscles start to fatigue earlier than expected. But as I have said previously, we are all an experiment of one so YMMV.

 

[marathonmommy]

That's exactly what I'm concerned about. A D-tag will read if you walk over the mats at the expo carrying it waist-high, but I wouldn't trust attaching it to my belt. I'm hoping we'll get some real-world reports from people who have worn jackets, heavy tops, etc., and find out for sure one way or the other.

I wore a b tag for the national half this past spring. It was very cold and I was wearing a very thick and long zip up cardigan. I was going to throw it away, as it was from my pooh sized days. Well, at the start, I forgot I had it on, and it most certainly covered my number . I had no problems with timing though.

 

[CaptHomer]

I signed up for the full on day 1. I booked my flight today so there is no turning back now.
It has been a little tough so far on the "pre-" training since I did 7 miles the other night at 8:00PM and it was 102 degrees.

Good luck with the training everyone!

Homer

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Thanks Coach! To be honest, yes, it will be my 1st half this September (I timed it to be aorund the same time as the "wine and dine 1/2" since I am following the Galloway Goofy training program) running the Army race in Ottawa.
I had trained last year but couldn't get passed 9 miles because of a knee injury that luckily hasn't returned this time around. I ended up doing a 5k instead.

During my run last weekend, my goal was to go passed 11 miles, so I was happy to reach it. I did exactly what you mentionned (loop around). I had a light breakfast since I was leaving pretty much 10 minutes after I woke up and I brought a bar (I hate Gels!)and smoked almonds (for the salt). I also brought 4 bottles of water (the running room hydration belt) but had to stop to refill them at mile 10! I've also been running a 3/1 run/walk method.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think my problems were:
1- not hydrated enough before my run
2- started off to fast (I know to some, 10h30-11h40 pace is slow but I usually start with a 12h45 pace) .
3-It was also a run with A LOT of hills (because I'Ve got 5 young children home from school this summer, I've been running on the treadmill with a 2% incline)

Add to this the fact that at mile 8, I started feeling pain on my left foot (a blister eventhough I had never had problems with my socks and shoes prior to that run!) so that really slowed me down and forced me to walk a little more.

I completely understand that attempting the Goofy as part of my first full marathon is not the best idea but I am the type of person that has to "go big or go home". If I didn't have that goal, chance are that I would not take my training too seriously. I know, sounds stupid but that's me!

Seriously though, after reading lots of comments, I do plan on taking it VERY easy for the half and we won't be doing any parks (or at least, I won't) prior to the races. As for the weather, I'm the type of person that likes cooler whether (from the East Coast!) rather than humid, hot weather... I am hoping for cool mornings and hot afternoons!

I was also wondering, do they have decent running belts at the Expo that weekend? I will need one for the full since my current hydration belt only has enough room for 1 bar and 1 pack of almonds. No ID, phone, etc....

If anyone has any other suggestions on what to bring, please share!

Thanks again!!!

This is my plan, although coach charles talks lots of sense, I plan on walk/run the half,then rub the whole, I walk around 5 miles a day in addition to my running so I should be fine
I think he makes sense(as usual) re going for it in 1 race so probably best the half, but I have an appt with Capt Mickey on the disney dream and my fat *** will be running as fast as poss on the sunday so I can get to cape canaveral.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

She will have an approx quarter mile walk from the concierge desk to the intersection at World Dr. Then a walk back This is exiting the bus stop door and following the side walk to the street. There is a slightly shorter walk along the convention center to the street, but the street side has very limited very opportunities.

Note that viewing from the CR is limited unless you cross the north bound side of World Dr. The northbound side of World Dr remains active during the race and becomes a flagged controlled two way road. This can be problematic as security will often try to keep the esplanade clear for safety reasons.

I wonder if a better plan for her would be to monorail to the TTC and look for you there. Then, a quarter mile walk to the Poly.

On the Epcot side the walk from the monorail station to the finish line area is about 5/8 mile....

Thank you for the information, Coach!

I was actually thinking about having everyone go to the TTC and then, as you mentioned walking to the Poly for mile 13. So would there be viewing at the TTC? The map looks like runners would pass by around mile 8.5 maybe?

Is there any viewing area outside of the Studios if the spectators are not going into the park?

Also, it is pretty easy for a spectator to find where the viewing areas are?

 

[DrMomof3]

Wow! Disboards say my last post was in April! Guess I've been away longer than I thought I had. Trying to get caught up...

Well, in the last few months I had been waivering on doing the full marathon, (though I had registered the same week it opened). Training and dieting hadn't been going so well. But I've stayed with the plan and things are starting to take a turn for the better. I made my committment and I am in for the full for certain now. Hotel booked, dining reservations made, plane tickets bought. No turning back! First full marathon and I'm quite excited, no matter how it turns out.

I think I'm in a similar place to you! I signed up immediately for the marathon, have had some 2nd thoughts but booked hotel, plane tickets, etc.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

ok, so I'm a little nervous - I signed up for the 1/2 - first time doing anything like this - I'm only up to 3 miles now. I do run it M-F, but I'm unsure whether I'm too slow in this training. I still have 5 months, so does this seem ok? I plan to do a 5k in september and 15k in november to practice.

My DH is training for his 1st race in January. He signed up last year and then didn't really train. He decided to give it another go. I have him following a Galloway plan which leads up to the half marathon training. He's up to 2 miles but is doing well with it.

Amanda

 

[buckeyecinderella]

So, as far as what to take with me while running, I was thinking since there will be hydration stations and food stations, I really don't need to bring my own water or food, though I was thinking maybe I'd bring a little snack like a Clif bar, maybe some gels or sport beans. Does that sound reasonable?

What kind of food does Disney provide along the race. At the Princess Half there was one gel station I remember. But do they have more food stops at the full? I expect to be in the 5 + hour group, so I know I'll have to have more than just gels.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I think I'm in a similar place to you! I signed up immediately for the marathon, have had some 2nd thoughts but booked hotel, plane tickets, etc.

Amanda

I believe I finally reached a place in my training where I know I can do this - I might be slow - but I feel confident that I can complete the race in the alloted time, get my medal, and finish injury free... with energy to spare so that I can to go to the Magic Kingdom that night. My humble goals for my first marathon.

 

[cewait]

So, as far as what to take with me while running, I was thinking since there will be hydration stations and food stations, I really don't need to bring my own water or food, though I was thinking maybe I'd bring a little snack like a Clif bar, maybe some gels or sport beans. Does that sound reasonable?

What kind of food does Disney provide along the race. At the Princess Half there was one gel station I remember. But do they have more food stops at the full? I expect to be in the 5 + hour group, so I know I'll have to have more than just gels.

First look at the map and you will see where the aid stations are located....

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/516484/

Water is about every 1.5 miles through mile 12 then one a mile thereafter. Note the spacing can feel erratic in the first half due to the weird spacing. Some of the spacing is driven by narrow spots on course. Then there is the no aid station just prior to a park requirement.

Food -

it varies year to year but generally food comes at:

Mile 14 - Bananas
Mile 15.7 - Cliff Shots
Mile 17.5 - Sponges - not really food but very refreshing
Mile 19 - Cliff Shots and bananas
Mile 23 - Candy - recently chocolate.

Generally as a 5-6 hour runner you are safe from water stop issues. One notable exception occurred in 07 when temps spiked up for the race and sub 5 runners were seeing nearly empty tables. Just follow the general rule of thumb and move past the first tables and you will not really have a problem.

Be prepared to bring the food supplements you train with and use them in the race. Follow the schedule that worked during training. Do not be tempted to try a new gel or black flavor unless you know that you have very few GI issues. Bananas can be either green or over ripe. Be prepared to toss if the ripeness is on the wrong end of good for you. Some years oranges also appear at mile 14. Finally, beware of the chocolate and make sure you see the aid station before taking it on. A lot of runners have a histamine effect when going through a marathon. It can create a stuck in the back of the throat feeling if you cannot wash the chocolate down.

Hope this helps

 

[Ronda93]

Then there is the no aid station just prior to a park requirement.

What's this requirement? Prevent park guests from seeing the carnage? Easier cleanup of cups and debris? Inquiring minds....

Ronda

 

[cewait]

What's this requirement? Prevent park guests from seeing the carnage? Easier cleanup of cups and debris? Inquiring minds....

Ronda

It's pretty apparent as you come towards MK. The last aid station is at TTC, (9.1--9.2) then a dry spell until mile 11.2 just as we leave the backstage area of MK. Some of this is driven by only having half the road in front of CR, but I have always though we must keep Main Street USA litter free and squeaky clean. For the other parks... Epcot in the AM, you are a good half mile from the entrance for the first aid station of the race. They actually have more clothing pick up in epcot that cup pick up. For AK, the aid station is right at 3/4 mile before entering in stage area of the park. While the aid station for mile 23 is back stage DHS, there is stil a good 3/8 mile before coming on stage after the aid station. The last aid station on the cours is just behind England. Most runners here are really just taking a sip and the cups are never more than a quarter full. So you naturally toss before entering the onstage area.


Just a weird occurrence or a requirement to keep the parks clean. I think some of both, but we all love Disney for its clean parks.

 

[Saylan]

Just in case anyone's not really watching the numbers:

WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon - 59% Full
WALT DISNEY WORLD® Half Marathon - 55% Full
Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge - 82% Full

 

[CaptHomer]

I was checking to see if there were better rates than what I have at the Dolphin for marathon weekend. The Sheraton site showed that there were no rooms available at the Dolphin or the Swan.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I believe I finally reached a place in my training where I know I can do this - I might be slow - but I feel confident that I can complete the race in the alloted time, get my medal, and finish injury free... with energy to spare so that I can to go to the Magic Kingdom that night. My humble goals for my first marathon.

Good for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!