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

[CaptHomer]

I'm sure this has been asked many times before and I apologize for asking once again but...

Are there any special hotel rates for runners? If so do you know the prices? Thank you!!!

Just the normal, up to 35%, that Disney put out last week for anyone to use.

 

[canes876]

Just the normal, up to 35%, that Disney put out last week for anyone to use.

Thank you!

 

[CamS]

Hi Cam. No experience with the shoes, but last winter I used an empty parking garage for long runs a couple of times. It was the same building as the gym. I could TM a few miles and use the garage ramps for hills. Then back to the TM. The temp change was the worst part. Our snow doesn't usually stick around, but there was a month of dangerous sidewalks.

Good luck with your training.

My run this morning was the best of my Tuesday route and the worst of my Thursday route. I saw driving in that the power was out along part of my route. The moon had just set and it was DARK. Forbidden forest dark. I don't mind dark, but I wasn't sure if the walnut hazard removal team had finished their work. I turned around and ran the worst hills of my Thursday route. It's in the books.

Ronda

Cam,

I am from Wis and I run outside all year. This is the first time I am training for a marathon in the winter. As long as you know how to dress for the conditions you should do fine. Carring water could be a little more of a challenge. If you are running on snow covered roads they have things like yaktrax that you can pull over your shoes for traction. I also have a pair of old shoes that I put screws in the bottom.

Melanie Sending a boat-load of your way for a speedy recovery. I wouldn't totally give up hope yet of doing the half--but better safe than sorry.

Cam I don't have special shoes or Yak-Trax. (My potential issue with Yak Trax is they don't seem to be very durable and I am constantly going between snow/slush surfaces and bare/wet surfaces--where I wouldn't need them) There have been only a couple of times when I wished I did. My strategy for dealing with lousy conditions is to: 1) seek out the least snow-covered routes and run laps of them, if I have to (Better a 5 mile loop on reasonable roads then 15 miles on a TM). 2) Reschedule my long run by 1-3 days to take advantage of favorable weather. 3) If all else fails, I have done a run as long as 15 miles on a TM. My secret for maintaining sanity was to break it up into 3 5-miles segments (corresponds to my fuel breaks) and switch TM after 5 miles. Not a big deal, but it was easier to "just do a few" miles on a TM than do all 15 on the same one.

Another meh day training today. blew off the speedwork and just did a 5 mile run. Think I'll "resume my normally shceduled programming" next week.

Maura

Thank you all. I appreciate your input.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Melanie Sending a boat-load of your way for a speedy recovery. I wouldn't totally give up hope yet of doing the half--but better safe than sorry.

Thanks so much Maura. We'll see when they re xray my foot in 3 weeks. I really hope there might still be a glimmer of hope that I can do it.

 

[FireDancer]

Cam, I really like running through the winter and living in Cleveland I get plenty of opportunity. It takes an awful lot to force me inside and onto a treadmill but with the proper clothing you can run in most winter weather. Both of my 20 milers for Disney 2012 were in snowstorms and I've run with negative wind chill before.

My favorite is from Thanksgiving until early December because you can go running and look at Christmas lights.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Hi Everybody,
I'm going to run the half-marathon in Myrtle Beach a week from Sunday. My training plan for this coming Sunday says 12 miles, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to do that. Is that a pretty normal distance for one week before a half? When we've done a full marathon, we did less for two weeks prior, so maybe it's just one week prior for a half?

I am just looking to finish this half, as I'm coming back (very slowly) from a doctor-ordered break this whole winter. My long run this week was eleven miles, and I was happy with it, but I was pretty sore afterward. I'm wondering if the 12-mile run will hurt me more than help? I'm 41 and have been running for 3 years, if that's relevant.

Thanks for any input!
Cheers,
Cari

 

[runningmomof5]

Hi everyone...
Well, I finished the army run half-marathon last September 18th but didn't run much since then because of pain in my heel. The break helped (although I missed running!!!) a bit.
I ran 8 miles yesterday and 7 today. Not the greatest pace because I was pushing my 2 year old daughter in the stroller too but at least I did it and the heel isn't bothering me much.

I have a question for those who have done the Disney races in the past:

Everyone has been talking about before and during the race experiences that they have had but I was curious to know what most runners do right after the race (not the ice bath, massage, etc... info) ? Do you hang out? If so, for how long? Does it take a while to meet up with family if they aren't in the cheer "zone"?
I am asking because I am debating whether or not I would make it to a lunch reservation at Kona Cafe and I would probably finish the marathon in 5-5h30 hours...

Thanks everyone and happy training!

 

[Mouseturtle]

I've been holding out for discounts, and thanks to the special offer saved about $400 on my package for the 5K weekend! It's booked!!

Me and my BFF are crossing this one off our Bucket List -- Couch to 5K here we come!

 

[Ronda93]

I am asking because I am debating whether or not I would make it to a lunch reservation at Kona Cafe and I would probably finish the marathon in 5-5h30 hours...

A late lunch would be okay. The race begins at 5:30, but it can take 20-25 minutes to get everyone started. Say 6:00 to be safe. After the finish line there's the medal and blanket, if needed. They have an opportunity to get your photo taken with the Disney background. I saw short lines for this. If you have checked a bag you'll go through pickup. Then exit the runner's only area and find your peeps. If you make arrangements to meet at a letter (it's buried under a big W ; ) you can find them quickly. I'd allow 15-20 minutes after your finish to clear the fences. No bag or photo, 5-10 minutes.

It's almost noon.

Ronda

 

[JeffW]

Hi Everybody,
I'm going to run the half-marathon in Myrtle Beach a week from Sunday. My training plan for this coming Sunday says 12 miles, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to do that. Is that a pretty normal distance for one week before a half? When we've done a full marathon, we did less for two weeks prior, so maybe it's just one week prior for a half?

I used the Hal Higdon Half Marathon plan, and it peaked at a 10 mile distance 1 week before the race. It then tapered down quite a bit in the week leading up to the race. I felt the prep was adequate when I ran the race (I was 35 and ran my first half in 1:59). Obviously our plans are different on total miles per week, number of runs, etc. so your mileage may vary.

 

[FFigawi]

Everyone has been talking about before and during the race experiences that they have had but I was curious to know what most runners do right after the race (not the ice bath, massage, etc... info) ? Do you hang out? If so, for how long? Does it take a while to meet up with family if they aren't in the cheer "zone"?
I am asking because I am debating whether or not I would make it to a lunch reservation at Kona Cafe and I would probably finish the marathon in 5-5h30 hours...

I think you'd have to make it a late lunch. Most people I know will hang out for a little while drinking their Powerade and eating their bagels, wander over to the bus line, and then head back to their resort for an ice bath and a shower. It's probably 130 or 2pm (given a 5:30 finishing time) by the time all that is over and done with. If you skipped the hanging out and the ice bath, you'd save some time, but why push it? Why not relax after the race, enjoy your accomplishment and the good vibes from everyone around you, and make plans for dinner instead?

 

[dreams91]

We share that goal. Running the Donald and then running the DL 1/2 in Sept.

Then going to go for the WDW Full in 2013....

I had the same goal until you said full. Lol

 

[donmil723]

Same goal for me too. Going for Goofy in January, then the DL half later in the year. I've already made our DVC Grand Californian reservation for the 2012 Labor Day weekend.

That's my plan too!!!!

 

[Tinkerboy00]

I need help/advice ASAP!

I am posting here because it seems the most active thread, and relateds to the Goofy Challenge in a way.

So we are registered for the Marine Corp Marathon for Oct 30, that's in like two weeks!

Because Ive been sick for almost two weeks, I have not trained like I wanted to, and feel very ill prepared for my first FULL. MY longest run to date has been 16 miles and it was not great. I am scheduled to do my last long run this Sunday, which should be 20 miles. However, Im still a little sick and nervous about pushing myself.

Then the other day DH, threw his back out, and now he can't run. So he wants to back out of MCM and defer it to next year.

He's also nervous now, because we were not able to raise the funds we were supposed to (we are running MCM as charity runners) so on top of paying hotel, airfare, food, etc we know have to cover our fundraising $

He wants to back out, and save the money on travel expenses, and just look at the fundraising $ as us doing our annual donation to a charity anyways.

So my problem is:

1. Do I train the best I can for the next two weeks, hope I dont make myself sicker and run MCM as planned and just do the best I can, even if that means walking the last 10 miles? Then I can really train for the Goofy Challenge and use that marathon to improve my PR/Time?

2. Defer MCM till next year with him, and do a local race that is one week later. This gives me a another week to get in some more long runs. Plus this race is one we can drive to, and only have to get hotel the night before?

What do you guys think? What would you do?

 

[paxsarah]

Man, that's tough! Is this your first marathon? I'm not even sure if that would change my answer, but it seems pertinent. Was the 16 miler bad because you were sick, or just bad?

I think I would do my best to rest up before this weekend and try to do the 20-miler, taking it easy, easy, easy, and use that as a lot of the basis for my decision. If it goes anywhere from middling to good, go for it, otherwise defer.

As for the local race a week later, I might be of the philosophy that a week wouldn't make much of a difference - unless you find yourself bouncing back amazingly well from being sick and feel ready to take on the world. I'd still want to get in a quality 18-20 miler before deciding yes on that.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I would defer the MCM, and play it by ear with the local race. Being healthy is the most important thing and it sucks to participate in a race when you are not. I don't see how you have to do either race. It doesn't seem like an either/or situation. You need to get better so that you can get back to your training. Sending healing thoughts to you and your husband!

 

[John VN]

Unless there is some super important reason to do the MCM or another where you might not be close to 100%, I have to agree with IPB with delaying the event/s.

 

[wasabi girl]

Hi everyone,

This is the most active thread and I haven't read all of the posts yet so please forgive me if this topic is covered elsewhere.

I'm a new(ish) runner and have signed up for the Marathon Relay. Well, actually my daughter decided I needed training motivation and signed me up for the marathon relay lol! We're working on a training program (marathoning for mortals) so far, no injuries, things are going along pretty well. And I'm excited (and nervous!) about my first half marathon. Is there anyone out there doing leg 2 of the relay at about a 13/mile pace (I know, I'm slow-my excuse is that I'm nearly 50 and have been mostly sedentary for a LONG time) who wouldn't mind some company along the way? I'm planning on getting the race retreat package too...I will really appreciate the availability of bathrooms, coffee, and heat while I wait for my daughter to finish her leg and I'm sure she will love it, while she waits for me.

PS-If I've posted in the wrong place, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

Thanks guys!

Im going to attempt my 20 miler tomorrow and see how it goes. Depending on that I will make my decision. Guess that's all I can do for now.

As soon as I start to feel better, than I have a run day and start feel sick all over again. So I dont want to push myself and make myself sicker at this point.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Is anyone running the 2012 full as their first marathon?

What are your goals? What's your current long run?

Also, where is everyone staying?