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

[cewait]

Stupidity. Stupidity was the issue. MY stupidity, to be precise.

Here's the story with all the sordid details...
I had gone camping with my family over 4th of July, and had to pack up our pop-up camper in the rain, so when we got home, I set the camper up in the driveway to dry out. It was nice and dry by Thursday. We store the camper in our garage, and it just seemed like WAY too much effort to move the cars around, hitch up the camper, back it up, move the cars around again, and so on. "Hey!" thought I, "I can just push it up the driveway into the garage!"
Note: FIRST MISTAKE.

Well, it's a bit harder to push a camper up an incline than I thought. Plus, there was a little lip into the garage. "I can do this," thought I. "No camper will get the best of me."
Note: Never push around a large trailer wearing flip-flops, especially if you rarely wear them. SECOND MISTAKE.
I DID IT, though, but it took every bit of strength I had to get it in the garage.

The next day was my long run day (can you see where this is going?). I headed out nice and early and noticed a little pain in my left knee. Still, it was nothing too bad, so I just powered through it.
Note: THIRD AND FINAL MISTAKE. Seriously, don't I have ANY common sense? I must have been sick the day God was passing it out.

The next day, it didn't feel too bad, but the next running day I couldn't even run for 10 seconds, let alone 30 minutes.

SO! To make a long story longer, the doctor didn't feel anything amiss, so she prescribed rest and an end to stupidity.

And there you go!

Doug

I recall now.....

Stupid is as stupid does. Or Been there done that (or similar) myself

 

[Shannon84]

I'm sorry if this has been asked in come form or fashion earlier...but I was looking for a little advice..

Last year I did the Inaugural wine and dine half and spent a week in the park prior (didnt go to the parks the day of the race) and left for home the following day. I felt great that trip.


I am planning on doing the 2012 marathon as my first full ever...I am taking my mom along with me. We would like to see some of the parks at some point (in a lesiurely manner of course). Should I come down a couple days early to do that or would you do it the couple days after the race? Resting on race day and the night before of course!!

 

[cewait]

I'm sorry if this has been asked in come form or fashion earlier...but I was looking for a little advice..

Last year I did the Inaugural wine and dine half and spent a week in the park prior (didnt go to the parks the day of the race) and left for home the following day. I felt great that trip.


I am planning on doing the 2012 marathon as my first full ever...I am taking my mom along with me. We would like to see some of the parks at some point (in a lesiurely manner of course). Should I come down a couple days early to do that or would you do it the couple days after the race? Resting on race day and the night before of course!!

This year is a year where earlier is worse than most. We arrive the before the first Sunday after New Year. This means the hanger onners from New Years will be in the parks through the week prior to the race, so expect higher than usual crowds pre-race. Expect the crowds to fall drastically on the Saturday of race week end to a almost ghost townish post race.

But more importantly for a runner, you really do not want to to be tempted by the parks so Thursday would be as early as I would arrive with the caveat of not doing parks heavily pre-race. Ideally, you would not come before Friday and then hit the expo Friday or Saturday morning but it is so hard to stay away. Then Sunday I would seriously head out to a park just to get the legs moving again. Frankly too much rest that afternoon can make Monday morning a tough morning. So going long for a very short answer. Minimize parks pre-race and then spend a couple days (including race day) post race. Your legs will thank you. Your psyche will appreciate all the way to go's as you walk around with your new Mickey

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Thankyou everybody for the encouragement,

Congrats on your time!!!

This week has been rough. Only got through 2.21 miles on Tuesday. Wednesday did 4, but bailed on my 5 this morning.
Feeling a "twinge" on my shin just standing & don't want to chance it, plus temps are heading up to 102+ until Monday.

best to bail and let your twinge heal

Just had my 61st birthday on the 10th and celebrated it with a WDW-FW stay this past weekend. Got out Sat. morning at 4:00AM for a 13.12 mile walk in 2:10:00. Had some deer leading me down the road a couple of times. On schedule to walk my Goofy Marathon in January in 4:30:00 when hopefully the temps. will be much cooler.

Stay hydrated and healthy everybody.

brilliant.

Well, thanks to my knee, I haven't run in almost 2 weeks. The doctor said to take it easy for a while, but the running moratorium ends this weekend. I can bounce on my toes without pain (finally!), so I'll probably do an easy run on Monday or Tuesday. Wish me luck!

Doug

Good luck, take it easy.

Stupidity. Stupidity was the issue. MY stupidity, to be precise.

Here's the story with all the sordid details...
I had gone camping with my family over 4th of July, and had to pack up our pop-up camper in the rain, so when we got home, I set the camper up in the driveway to dry out. It was nice and dry by Thursday. We store the camper in our garage, and it just seemed like WAY too much effort to move the cars around, hitch up the camper, back it up, move the cars around again, and so on. "Hey!" thought I, "I can just push it up the driveway into the garage!"
Note: FIRST MISTAKE.

Well, it's a bit harder to push a camper up an incline than I thought. Plus, there was a little lip into the garage. "I can do this," thought I. "No camper will get the best of me."
Note: Never push around a large trailer wearing flip-flops, especially if you rarely wear them. SECOND MISTAKE.
I DID IT, though, but it took every bit of strength I had to get it in the garage.

The next day was my long run day (can you see where this is going?). I headed out nice and early and noticed a little pain in my left knee. Still, it was nothing too bad, so I just powered through it.
Note: THIRD AND FINAL MISTAKE. Seriously, don't I have ANY common sense? I must have been sick the day God was passing it out.

The next day, it didn't feel too bad, but the next running day I couldn't even run for 10 seconds, let alone 30 minutes.

SO! To make a long story longer, the doctor didn't feel anything amiss, so she prescribed rest and an end to stupidity.

And there you go!

Doug

Dont beat yourself up, we ALL do stuff like that.

 

[cewait]

Looking at the DL and W&D half race programs it appears as though Disney has changed timing technologies again. The BTag will be used at these two races and so I assume that it will make its debut in January, also.

What's a B Tag, D Tag or Chip? Pre electronic days, we all ran gun time so if you were in the back of the pack you were penalized the buffer between gun and when you crossed the line. Also, the old days had these tortuous corrals at the finish that runners were hearded. At the end of your line you ripped off a small tear tag and it was matched manually with a finish time that was manually clicked into a data logger. There were always issues with folks cutting or otherwise getting out of line.

The Chip came along and it was worn on you shoe. It contains a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) chip inside. In real simple terms the RFID is a small transmitter that send out a unique ID code. It is powered by a magnetic field and once energized, it sends out its ID code. Disney and most large races used these devices for years. Most triathlons still use them as they are tough devices.

Next came the DTag to Disney. This a small device that loops though a shoe string. Its name comes from the fact it is shaped like a D when properly installed. These are nice devices and easy to use... but problems come from not applying properly, using the wrong half of the small tag and creasing the tag.

Now omes the BTag or Bib Tag. It consists of two bars attached to the back ot the bib. You must not remove these bars from the bib or you will ruin the RFID signal. The largest Issue I see with these is that you cannot shorten the bib because that would fold the bars and possibly ruin the device. Instructions will talk about not covering the bib with a jacket or other clothing. I hear that is not a problem but I would not tempt fate. Physically, the devices are 3 feet above the other tag locations, so I wonder about the signal strength of timing mats.

Note that I have not had issues with any of these devices. I did mess around for 20 minutes or so with my very first DTag because the small tag covering the adhesive was not cut very well.

So when you get your bib I am sure that the volunteer with explain proper handling, but the bottom line is make sure you do not bend the bars on back.


Here are typical instructions.
http://www.chronotrack.com/pdf/BTag-Directions.pdf

Note that BTag requires your bars to be vertical and facing forward to be read. If you wear it on a number belt make sure to reach down and smooth out the bib as you approach the timing mat. I have not had a failed reading following this.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Okay, I have a silly question....

Since the monorails are no longer going to run during EMH, will they still have the monorails running at 3:00 am on the the morning of the race??

 

[cewait]

Okay, I have a silly question....

Since the monorails are no longer going to run during EMH, will they still have the monorails running at 3:00 am on the the morning of the race??

Obviously things may change between now and January but yes, expect the monorails to run for the race starting around 3 am. Just imagine how many more buses would be required if they did not

 

[FFigawi]

Speaking of the B-tags, which I like a whole lot less than the D-tags, does anyone have any solid evidence that they will still work when worn under clothing? I'm sorry, but if we get another year like Disney on Ice, I'm not wearing my bib on my outermost throw-away layer and then stopping to change it to each subsequent inner layer as the race goes on. I suppose one solution to this would be to pin it on my innermost layer and pull all the outer ones up to my chin as I cross the timing mats, but that's seems a bit much and probably unsafe.

 

[cewait]

Speaking of the B-tags, which I like a whole lot less than the D-tags, does anyone have any solid evidence that they will still work when worn under clothing? I'm sorry, but if we get another year like Disney on Ice, I'm not wearing my bib on my outermost throw-away layer and then stopping to change it to each subsequent inner layer as the race goes on. I suppose one solution to this would be to pin it on my innermost layer and pull all the outer ones up to my chin as I cross the timing mats, but that's seems a bit much and probably unsafe.

All my experience is with a number belt.... Which I can simply layer over the outermost layer. I have 'heard' folks say no issue with light clothing over the top but if we have another performance of Disney on Ice I would expect that you may be lifting and flashing at the mats. I would be a little leery of a much more than a light tee covering the bib. The sad thing is that you cannot really test the thing even if they have a test mat set up at the expo. I am sure it will work well when held over the test mat even under 3-4 layers of clothing. The real test is when it is 3 foot away from the mat and moving at 5 mph with 10 other bibs drawing magnetic energy.

 

[FFigawi]

I am sure it will work well when held over the test mat even under 3-4 layers of clothing. The real test is when it is 3 foot away from the mat and moving at 5 mph with 10 other bibs drawing magnetic energy.

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.

 

[cewait]

You know these guys really hate to see more races go to the B-Tag

http://www.wearyournumber.com/

 

[FFigawi]

Just as much as everyone who bought a Champion Chip now has a nice plastic souvenir in a desk drawer. That is a pretty cool idea though. I've never heard of them before, but if I ever enter a race that they can print for, I'll support them.

 

[FireDancer]

I prefer the D-tags but so far I haven't had any issues with the B-tags in the races that have them. I wear mine on my shorts and like to fold it so only the number is visible and I can't get it folded as small with the B-tags.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Just wanted to say , Happy Tuesday everybody !!!!!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

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.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Does anyone know about how far of a walk it is from the EPCOT monorail to the race finish in the parking lot? My 85 yr old mother in law will be coming to the race and I'm concerned about how far she will have to walk.


We are staying at the Contemporary. She should be able to walk across the parking lot to see runners going by at about mile 9.5. I would like my family to be able to take the monorail from the CR to the TTC or Poly to see me go by again at mile 13. Does anyone know if that would be possible? (My pace will probably be about 13 mm - especially while running through the Magic Kingdom - I'll definitely want to slow down to take pictures!)

 

[cewait]

Does anyone know about how far of a walk it is from the EPCOT monorail to the race finish in the parking lot? My 85 yr old mother in law will be coming to the race and I'm concerned about how far she will have to walk.


We are staying at the Contemporary. She should be able to walk across the parking lot to see runners going by at about mile 9.5. I would like my family to be able to take the monorail from the CR to the TTC or Poly to see me go by again at mile 13. Does anyone know if that would be possible? (My pace will probably be about 13 mm - especially while running through the Magic Kingdom - I'll definitely want to slow down to take pictures!)

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....

 

[runningmomof5]

Hello everyone!

Well, I've been training since May for a half-marathon and I ran 11.77 miles this past Sunday. Any tips on getting past 12 miles??? I signed up for the Goofy challenge and I am seriously starting to wonder if I can make it!
Is it normal to worry at this point? I am new to marathon training so I don't know if it's the "beginner" in me or if everyone feels this way.

We'll be staying at the Yacht Club resort so I was wondering if anyone has stayed there for the marathon and can share the good, the bad and the ugly?

Can't wait so any advice that you "pros" have is welcomed by me!

Candy

 

[cewait]

For most folks there are walls along the way that seem insurmountable. Getting through that wall will make you stronger mentally.

One way to get past a wall is to run an out and back course where there is no way to cut a run short and thus forces you to push past the mileage. As an example, here run out 6'5 miles then turn and come back... you have 13 miles as long as you went out the full distance. You may want to run with a friend who is training if that is available. Or if you hit your limit just slow up and walk for half that extra mile. If you are not run/walking, you may want to consider doing that. That can be a great extender for many folks. Next run try running a minute a mile slower than you are now. You may just be hitting the end of your energy supply. Are you eating anything on your 12 mile run? Are you hydrating? Absent any of this, just put one foot in front of the other until you get your miles.

As far as you upcoming half, race day will naturally bring out the adrenaline and drive to get past the 12 mile mark. You have enough distance for that.

I have a question... Is this you first ever half ever coming up? The question seems to indicate that this may be your first ever half and full this year. Even if not you first half, running your first full and Goofy together is not the best of ideas. If your first half and full are in the same year then I would really suggest that maybe you should reconsider your goal. I am not necessarily saying you cannot do it as I know several folks who have run their first full and goofy at the same time. Just understand that finishing the half on Saturday is really only about 20% of the weekend. getting up and through the next day can be tough especially if the weather is not cooperative. No need to panic today. Just follow your training plan and work through to the race weekend. You will know how you feel once the weekend comes. Feeling a little fear is normal as you arrive in MCO. Just take life slow and easy as you work through the weekend. If the weather is really hot, then you may want to just run one race or the other as a fall back. Good luck with your training.

As far as the Boardwalk resorts go, they are a really good choice. The Yacht is the first of the small loop Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk for busing so that is a good location. You CANNOT walk to the start from the resort so plan on busing to the start. you may be able to walk back from the finish line to the resort, but that will require a day off your pass.

Have fun training and let us know how it goes.

 

[Hockeychic]

I kinda like putting the tag on my shoe the night before the race part of the excitement and ritual

My last 1/2 in Ottawa they where selling the shirts with your bib # on them but can't say I seen anyone during the race wearing one.