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

[GBBTomorrow]

What do you guys think about an ice bath post race?

Does it work? DO you do it?

I have not actually put ice into the bath, but in winter the water coming out of the taps is very, very cold, so I've just done a cold-water bath. I swear by it. I think it makes all the difference in the world. There are two things that I believe had me walking comfortably all over WDW after my first marathon: the cold water bath, and the fact that I kept moving. The slow, steady walking of days in the theme parks, I believe, didn't give my muscles a chance to lock up.

The only time I had any major discomfort (other than the MASSIVE blister on one of my feet) was when I stood up from our two-hour dinner at Cali Grill on race night. That was clearly too long to sit. But once I got moving again, all was well.

 

[stitchfan18]

What do you guys think about an ice bath post race?

Does it work? DO you do it?

I've tried one before without much success. After the marathon I ran yesterday there were ice baths and foot tubs available. I decided to stick my feet in one of the tubs, mainly because the chairs seemed more comfortable than the ground and I really wanted to sit. I couldn't keep my feet in long enough to receive any benefit I'm sure, but my legs feel great this morning.

 

[FLORIDA_GIRL]

Totally agree with GBBTomorrow's post...you don't need to have a lot of ice in the water...a cold water bath has worked well for me...and if it doesn't seem cold enough once I'm in then I may add a couple of pitchers of ice. It also helps me if I have the water only deep enough to just cover my legs and then wear a sweatshirt to keep the top half of my body warm.

 

[Ronda93]

I do ice baths for runs over 10 miles. Keeping my arms and shoulders covered and a cup of coffee really help. I stay in as long as I can stand it - 15 minutes. I with the "don't need much ice in the winter" theme, too.

Ronda

 

[JeffW]

So on the topic of ice baths, does anyone have an idea how long after the race is too long to wait? Its easy to do one at home right after a run, but I'm guessing the logistics of the Disney World Marathon and getting back to the resort will make it at least an hour or more afterward. Are the benefits still there that long afterward?

 

[sunshine girl]

I have learned that any dip in a cool body of water helps me. Cold tap water, or even a cool swimming pool, if you can get to one. I think ice is best, but I am rarely organized enough to actually have a bathtub full of ice.

For example, I do a lot of summer/fall training runs along a big lake in northern lower Michigan. When I finish, I pop inside, get a glass of water, then immediately go down to the dock and stand in the water for 5-10 min... sometimes just hiking up my shorts and standing with my legs on the steps in the water. It is not always icy cold, but it's always cool and always feels like it helps.

(And when it's hot out, it's fun to go straight down to the lake post-run and make a sweaty flying leap off the dock in all my running clothes minus shoes, much to the amusement of anyone nearby... (and to the dog's great alarm, as she has leaped in on more than one occasion to "save" me after seeing me do this))

 

[FireDancer]

What do you guys think about an ice bath post race?

Does it work? DO you do it?

I've never done one post race but I have done them post long run. I have noticed I feel less soreness the next day. I bought a garbage can that is deep enough to submerge my legs in up to my knees and use that.

 

[FFigawi]

So on the topic of ice baths, does anyone have an idea how long after the race is too long to wait? Its easy to do one at home right after a run, but I'm guessing the logistics of the Disney World Marathon and getting back to the resort will make it at least an hour or more afterward. Are the benefits still there that long afterward?

They have been for me. I make sure I do plenty of walking around the parking lot after the race before I get on the bus back to the resort, but I still have an ice bath once I reach my room.

 

[FireDancer]

They have been for me. I make sure I do plenty of walking around the parking lot after the race before I get on the bus back to the resort, but I still have an ice bath once I reach my room.

I second the walking around. The only time I've had actual pain after a half or marathon was when I went right to the bus and then right to the room to rest. I'd walk around, even slowly, for at least 30 minutes before getting on the bus or in your car.

I also think it is best to do 20 minutes in the ice, 20-30 out, and another 20 in. That is what my friend who is a trainer told me years ago and it has been my method for icing an injury or doing an ice bath.

 

[sunshine girl]

I just looked at the Jeff Galloway training plans for the WDW Half - the plans are labeled according to specific race goal, and there is one titled: "To Finish In the Upright Position" ... that is a refreshingly honest title!

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/run-disney-training-consultant/index?page=walt-disney-world-half-marathon

(It's been posted for a while so this isn't news, but I just noticed it)

 

[raangoli]

Hello! I am an infrequent poster...well, I used to post but then life happened. Anyway, I am thinking about finally running my first full marathon after several successful half marathons. I figured what better place to do it than at Disney, right?

Not that this has any bearing on whether I will run, but I was curious whether Disney will have Marathon Monday again in 2012? I heard/read that it was a hit this past year, but I can't find any information about whether they plan to do it again?

(I would use the search function, but I remember it not working well, so my apologies if this has already been discussed to death!)

Thanks!

 

[FFigawi]

Not that this has any bearing on whether I will run, but I was curious whether Disney will have Marathon Monday again in 2012? I heard/read that it was a hit this past year, but I can't find any information about whether they plan to do it again?

They haven't announced anything yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to offer it again. The extra money people spent in the parks and for another night or two in a resort surely offset the number of free admissions used. With the three main races only at 51-66% full, they need to do something to bring in the rest of the entries if they want to have everything sell out again.

 

[FireDancer]

Hello! I am an infrequent poster...well, I used to post but then life happened. Anyway, I am thinking about finally running my first full marathon after several successful half marathons. I figured what better place to do it than at Disney, right?

Not that this has any bearing on whether I will run, but I was curious whether Disney will have Marathon Monday again in 2012? I heard/read that it was a hit this past year, but I can't find any information about whether they plan to do it again?

(I would use the search function, but I remember it not working well, so my apologies if this has already been discussed to death!)

Thanks!

Maybe, maybe not. I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I would think if they are going to have it they would say so relatively soon. If they aren't going to have it they will just keep quiet and say nothing unless directly asked.

 

[raangoli]

Thanks FireDancer and FFigawi! I hope they announce something soon. I figure we will be staying there until Tuesday anyway, but it would be nice to have a "free" park day.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Yes, they work, and yes, I use them. As soon as I get home from a race or even a longer long run, I'll throw on a sweatshirt and hop in. I stay in for 10-20 minutes, and it make a real difference in how fast I recover and how good I feel that afternoon and the next day. If you don't want to do it as a bath, a good alternative is to stand in a tall trash can.

I am a huge fan of the ice bath. Any run over 10 miles gets one, and I don't have any aching really. In fact, after Goofy, I was perfectly fine walking around the parks both days and then, for days afterwards. I could even do stairs!

I have not actually put ice into the bath, but in winter the water coming out of the taps is very, very cold, so I've just done a cold-water bath. I swear by it. I think it makes all the difference in the world. There are two things that I believe had me walking comfortably all over WDW after my first marathon: the cold water bath, and the fact that I kept moving. The slow, steady walking of days in the theme parks, I believe, didn't give my muscles a chance to lock up.

The only time I had any major discomfort (other than the MASSIVE blister on one of my feet) was when I stood up from our two-hour dinner at Cali Grill on race night. That was clearly too long to sit. But once I got moving again, all was well.

I've tried one before without much success. After the marathon I ran yesterday there were ice baths and foot tubs available. I decided to stick my feet in one of the tubs, mainly because the chairs seemed more comfortable than the ground and I really wanted to sit. I couldn't keep my feet in long enough to receive any benefit I'm sure, but my legs feel great this morning.

Totally agree with GBBTomorrow's post...you don't need to have a lot of ice in the water...a cold water bath has worked well for me...and if it doesn't seem cold enough once I'm in then I may add a couple of pitchers of ice. It also helps me if I have the water only deep enough to just cover my legs and then wear a sweatshirt to keep the top half of my body warm.

I do ice baths for runs over 10 miles. Keeping my arms and shoulders covered and a cup of coffee really help. I stay in as long as I can stand it - 15 minutes. I with the "don't need much ice in the winter" theme, too.

Ronda

I have learned that any dip in a cool body of water helps me. Cold tap water, or even a cool swimming pool, if you can get to one. I think ice is best, but I am rarely organized enough to actually have a bathtub full of ice.

For example, I do a lot of summer/fall training runs along a big lake in northern lower Michigan. When I finish, I pop inside, get a glass of water, then immediately go down to the dock and stand in the water for 5-10 min... sometimes just hiking up my shorts and standing with my legs on the steps in the water. It is not always icy cold, but it's always cool and always feels like it helps.

(And when it's hot out, it's fun to go straight down to the lake post-run and make a sweaty flying leap off the dock in all my running clothes minus shoes, much to the amusement of anyone nearby... (and to the dog's great alarm, as she has leaped in on more than one occasion to "save" me after seeing me do this))

I've never done one post race but I have done them post long run. I have noticed I feel less soreness the next day. I bought a garbage can that is deep enough to submerge my legs in up to my knees and use that.

Thankyou everybody for taking the time to answer my question.

We are doing a half marathon on sunday, I might not be able to get ice but the water out the tap in scotland is pretty cold and I will def try it and tell you all what I think, thanks again.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I thought coach charles would have had an op, not heard from him in ages hope all is well if you are out there Coach!

 

[donmil723]

I thought coach charles would have had an op, not heard from him in ages hope all is well if you are out there Coach!

I was thinking of him yesterday because I haven't seen any posts from him recently.

I also hope you are okay, Coach!

 

[jeanigor]

I was thinking of him yesterday because I haven't seen any posts from him recently.

I also hope you are okay, Coach!

Ditto. I've wondered where he's been hiding.

 

[Bob49]

Leaving Friday for Anaheim to complete the Coast-to-Coast. Then to WDW in January to do my first Dopey. Funeral arrangements to follow.

 

[harleys mom]

My husband will be running the Marathon for the first time in January. He was wondering if they provide any type of snacks during the race such as energy gel. Does anyone know what brand it is? He wants to train with it so he used to it. Also do they provide and thing to drink except water? He is a big Gatorade drinker.

I am considering purchasing a Chear package. Does anyone have any experience with this. Is it worth the money?