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

[goofyinohio]

Shame that the map still has a couple of interpretive issues. Though much better.

With regard to spectating the 5k. Yes and no. You can see the start and watch them fly around the parking lot. From there, you can make your way to the finish line and watch them appear from the cast member exit and run through the finish. No in the park spectating.

I like that I'm running the first half of the relay and the exchange point appears to be before mile 13.

 

[cewait]

Finally, a good week of training. Sunday's long run was decent overall (a couple of ugly mile splits), speed work--finally made it through without having to stop and today's tempo run felt nice and relaxed. Hope to keep up the groove. Will need to juggle schedule a little since we're headed to LA for Thanksgiving, but should be good.

Maura

Last week was a breakthrough week for me. Hill, tempo and long runs were near perfect. I made it through all the hill repeats with no short cutting, the tempo was slow but still tempo given where I am and I ran a negative split long run.

 

[harleys mom]

We are getting so excited. I found out this morning that the monorail will be running from the hotels the morning of the full marathon so we took the jump and are now staying at the Poly.

 

[cewait]

We are getting so excited. I found out this morning that the monorail will be running from the hotels the morning of the full marathon so we took the jump and are now staying at the Poly.

Do not take the resort monorail.... Just walk to TTC and take the TTC/Epcot line. Saves lots of time

 

[Danhockey04]

Running is usually fun, however, running with mono sucks! That was the hardest 5 miles in my life, I felt like I was running on E from step 1. My legs never hurt, I was just out of breath from the beginning, which it is always the opposite, my legs always hold me back and keep me to pace at ~8 min/mile on longer runs. That hopeful 16 mile run didn't go too well. But looking at it positively, it was my first run since getting sick and Daytona Half, makes me feel better about the marathon in 17 days. I was finally hitting the runner's groove at mile 4, but I was dehydrated and needed extra amounts of water to keep me going, but I know I could have finished my training goal and a marathon. Also, my time was hurt by an average of 1 minute per mile. This sucks, at least I got some medicine and should be fully recovered by next week. There goes my 3:40 expected finish time, now I'm hoping for under 5. But it's still cool thinking I'm out there running 5 miles with mono (the diseases that makes you sleepy and exhausted), while healthy people are too lazy to walk half a mile. But even if I'm still sick, I will finish using a 3:1 run/walk ratio for the first time ever just to keep the needle slightly above E the whole race, otherwise I'm sticking to my normal plan. If only I could use the space shuttle in the race to finish as it is the space coast race. But I feel amazing right now, so glad I struggled out there to get a run in, have another one hopefully Saturday morning. Still getting ready for Goofy here, getting my legs under me strong again and back to where I was before, then continue from there. But bananas for me!

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

Sorry if this has been asked earlier and I missed it, but.....I have submitted a new finish time for the half as 2:33 finish (with appropriate 10K time back-up). Got the confirm email, so I am "official" with that time for corral assignment.

My question is for those of you who submitted times around this in the past - What corral did that put you in? That time got me into Corral D at the Disneyland Half, but I am guessing that the bigger crowd at the WDW Half is faster overall and D is a pipe dream?

Just trying to get a best guess.

Thanks

 

[cewait]

Sorry if this has been asked earlier and I missed it, but.....I have submitted a new finish time for the half as 2:33 finish (with appropriate 10K time back-up). Got the confirm email, so I am "official" with that time for corral assignment.

My question is for those of you who submitted times around this in the past - What corral did that put you in? That time got me into Corral D at the Disneyland Half, but I am guessing that the bigger crowd at the WDW Half is faster overall and D is a pipe dream?

Just trying to get a best guess.

Thanks

I am guessing somewhere between C and D.. The race is larger, but slower. A 2:33 puts you just at the mid time for finishers. I would guess that D is the spot. Just for information on future races... Even if the calculators say 2:33 lower it to just under the next lowest 5 minute interval. In this case a 2:29. There is a large chance that a corral break will occur between 2:30 and 2:31. No big issue as the wave/corral system really spreads folks out in a hurry.

 

[paxsarah]

Sorry if this has been asked earlier and I missed it, but.....I have submitted a new finish time for the half as 2:33 finish (with appropriate 10K time back-up). Got the confirm email, so I am "official" with that time for corral assignment.

My question is for those of you who submitted times around this in the past - What corral did that put you in? That time got me into Corral D at the Disneyland Half, but I am guessing that the bigger crowd at the WDW Half is faster overall and D is a pipe dream?

Just trying to get a best guess.

Thanks

Last year I submitted a 2:26 and I was in Corral D.

 

[Weluvdisny]

I've been trying to decide if I want to do the 1/2 in January besides the 5k with my DH. Here's the dilemma. 1. I'm so proud of my DH for doing this race with me because he is not a runner and is really trying hard to be ready for it. But... 2. He runs much slower than me, and I think I want to try the 1/2 just for me to see if I can push myself to do it. 3. I run about 3 miles on the treadmill almost everyday, then also walk/sometimes run at least 3 miles with DH everynight and also zumba 3xs a week. I know I would need to add more miles to my training. I am shooting for 40% run/60% walk.

Do you think I should try to do both races or should I try for the 1/2 a different trip?

Thanks for any advice, and as a newbie to this thread you guys have been most helpful!!

 

[cj9200]

DD is running the half. Unfortunately medical conditions will not allow me to participate. I will be cheering her on of course. Plan to be at the start, go to the MK and then back to the finish.

Questions. Are other spots doable to see her pass by? Not sure what her pace will be so don't know how to time it. Also, at the higher level cheer squad (or whatever they call it) gives you reserved seating for spots on the race and a brunch afterward. Is it worth it? I want to make sure I see her run and enjoy the after race. Any ideas will be welcomed.

She is running her first official 10K this weekend. Got her bib the other day and she is getting excited. She will qualify at a time to get her out of the last corral. Will it be too late to notify Disney of her time or does she have to do it at the expo?

Sorry for the multiple questions and thanks in advance for any responses..

 

[cewait]

I've been trying to decide if I want to do the 1/2 in January besides the 5k with my DH. Here's the dilemma. 1. I'm so proud of my DH for doing this race with me because he is not a runner and is really trying hard to be ready for it. But... 2. He runs much slower than me, and I think I want to try the 1/2 just for me to see if I can push myself to do it. 3. I run about 3 miles on the treadmill almost everyday, then also walk/sometimes run at least 3 miles with DH everynight and also zumba 3xs a week. I know I would need to add more miles to my training. I am shooting for 40% run/60% walk.

Do you think I should try to do both races or should I try for the 1/2 a different trip?

Thanks for any advice, and as a newbie to this thread you guys have been most helpful!!

It is getting a little late for attempting a half as a newbie to the distance....

BUT, I think it very possible. Try running 5 this weekend, 7 next weekend, 5 Thanks giving weekend, 9 the following and then 11 the weekend after that. The wee end of 12/17 pull back to a distance that feels good, shoot for 6. Christmas Weekend run 11 followed by 6-8 New Years weekend and then the half.

Caveats.... Seriously consider run walk. I would reverse your idea and run 4 minutes walk 1. Do not try to run through an injury... you do not have time to increase the severity of the injury. Pull back on your weekday runs to 2-3 a week.

Finally, once you get out to 7-9 miles you will ba able to finish the half

Train carefully and we will see you Saturday

DD is running the half. Unfortunately medical conditions will not allow me to participate. I will be cheering her on of course. Plan to be at the start, go to the MK and then back to the finish.

Questions. Are other spots doable to see her pass by? Not sure what her pace will be so don't know how to time it. Also, at the higher level cheer squad (or whatever they call it) gives you reserved seating for spots on the race and a brunch afterward. Is it worth it? I want to make sure I see her run and enjoy the after race. Any ideas will be welcomed.

She is running her first official 10K this weekend. Got her bib the other day and she is getting excited. She will qualify at a time to get her out of the last corral. Will it be too late to notify Disney of her time or does she have to do it at the expo?

Sorry for the multiple questions and thanks in advance for any responses..

First, forget the start. You are across a 4 lane highway and will only see the glow of the fireworks. Goto the staging area with her and when she heads to the start corrals, go to the monorail. You can add a viewing spot if you forget Main and locate at TTC and the GF - Poly stretch. GF will generally be a more intimate location. One additional spot is the cast member entrance where runners enter Epcot. It is ti the right of the Epcot entrance at mile 12.... Look for the bus lot. You will have to hustle to get over the the finish chute from there.

Before you head out, find out her pacing. Do the simple math to figure out when she will arrive at those locations. Give her a little more time just in case she is slower than expected.... but move on after a while as she may have passed.

As far as the cheer squad goes... Note that you may or may not actually get seating in the bleachers as they are first come. I'll let others comment on the worth. If you are wanting to do that, I would really focus on the finish with a possible MK. The issue with doing both is that the MK spot is near the circle in MK. You have to negotiate the crowd on Main to get out. Then once at the finish all bleacher spots may be gone.

Do you know what time she entered under. If 2:45 of slower she will not be in the last coral unless she said 3:30. Anyway, she can email the results but I would also carry them to the expo.

 

[ironz]

I've been trying to decide if I want to do the 1/2 in January besides the 5k with my DH. Here's the dilemma. 1. I'm so proud of my DH for doing this race with me because he is not a runner and is really trying hard to be ready for it. But... 2. He runs much slower than me, and I think I want to try the 1/2 just for me to see if I can push myself to do it. 3. I run about 3 miles on the treadmill almost everyday, then also walk/sometimes run at least 3 miles with DH everynight and also zumba 3xs a week. I know I would need to add more miles to my training. I am shooting for 40% run/60% walk.

Do you think I should try to do both races or should I try for the 1/2 a different trip?

Thanks for any advice, and as a newbie to this thread you guys have been most helpful!!

As usual, Coach Charles gave you great advice. Another run/walk pattern to consider is 3min run/2 min walk. That is plenty recovery, and was a great ratio for me to do the Goofy with an injury last year. Play with the ratios in your training. Be careful in your buildup, but it is do-able, and the half is really fun. Also, just take it easy in the 5K with the hubby if you decide to do the half.

 

[ironz]

Hi, Charles!

I usually don't fret about these things, but some of the other posts got me questioning...

I have no idea what "goal" times I submitted when I signed up for Goofy so many months ago. I'm guessing 2:30 and 5:30? I don't know. Used my 1/2 marathon time from last year of 2:40.
Anyway...I did a 10 mile race a couple of weeks ago in 1:52, so I emailed that in, with a note that I hoped it would improve my corral position.

However, and this is where the question is: I did not specifically say, "I think this time will get me a 2:15 half, or whatever time"...I just sent in the race time. They did say my registration is updated. Should I just trust that they would correlate a 1:52 10 miler to "something?"

And really, is one corral going to matter? Maybe not. (unless I get stuck behind people walking 4 abreast on an onramp, and then, just watch my elbows, please...thank you very much).

 

[cj9200]

First, forget the start. You are across a 4 lane highway and will only see the glow of the fireworks. Goto the staging area with her and when she heads to the start corrals, go to the monorail. You can add a viewing spot if you forget Main and locate at TTC and the GF - Poly stretch. GF will generally be a more intimate location. One additional spot is the cast member entrance where runners enter Epcot. It is ti the right of the Epcot entrance at mile 12.... Look for the bus lot. You will have to hustle to get over the the finish chute from there.

Before you head out, find out her pacing. Do the simple math to figure out when she will arrive at those locations. Give her a little more time just in case she is slower than expected.... but move on after a while as she may have passed.

As far as the cheer squad goes... Note that you may or may not actually get seating in the bleachers as they are first come. I'll let others comment on the worth. If you are wanting to do that, I would really focus on the finish with a possible MK. The issue with doing both is that the MK spot is near the circle in MK. You have to negotiate the crowd on Main to get out. Then once at the finish all bleacher spots may be gone.

Do you know what time she entered under. If 2:45 of slower she will not be in the last coral unless she said 3:30. Anyway, she can email the results but I would also carry them to the expo.

Thanks for the advice. Will probably skip the cheer squad thing and go it alone. She runs at about a 10 minute pace (for 6 miles). Will have a better idea after her first 10K tomorrow. She hasn't had any timed races so she doesn't have a qualifying time. Once she gets that, I will email it in and bring it to the Expo. Hopefully by next year I will be cleared to run and join you guys.

 

[cewait]

As usual, Coach Charles gave you great advice. Another run/walk pattern to consider is 3min run/2 min walk. That is plenty recovery, and was a great ratio for me to do the Goofy with an injury last year. Play with the ratios in your training. Be careful in your buildup, but it is do-able, and the half is really fun. Also, just take it easy in the 5K with the hubby if you decide to do the half.

Actually, a great point. First I would definitely suggest looking at Galloway's ratios. Then settle in on what works. In my early days I was a 5:1 ratio then would start working back to a 3:2.

I ran with Jeff for a way in the 10 W&D and the 11 Marathon. In the W&D his partner was way undertrained so they were actually running a 30:30 (second) In the marathon 1:1.

 

[cewait]

Hi, Charles!

I usually don't fret about these things, but some of the other posts got me questioning...

I have no idea what "goal" times I submitted when I signed up for Goofy so many months ago. I'm guessing 2:30 and 5:30? I don't know. Used my 1/2 marathon time from last year of 2:40.
Anyway...I did a 10 mile race a couple of weeks ago in 1:52, so I emailed that in, with a note that I hoped it would improve my corral position.

However, and this is where the question is: I did not specifically say, "I think this time will get me a 2:15 half, or whatever time"...I just sent in the race time. They did say my registration is updated. Should I just trust that they would correlate a 1:52 10 miler to "something?"

And really, is one corral going to matter? Maybe not. (unless I get stuck behind people walking 4 abreast on an onramp, and then, just watch my elbows, please...thank you very much).

If you gave them a time when you submitted your proof, then most likely they took it. If not, they apply a standard correlation between your proof time and expected finish time. Chances are that either way you are within minutes of one another. The only time is will matter would be if you predicted a 2:14 and they predicted a 2:16 and the corral split was a 2:15. Even then, it probably doesn’t matter.

As far as corrals go, when in a seeded corral, you should not have any issue. The addition of the wave starts has really helped, in my opinion. With regard to the 4 wide issue, anything other than the front of corral A has a certain amount of issues that you must deal with. From pace groups to friends, there always seems to be those who do not run (or walk) politely and create moving roadblocks. I am with you. I have gone around and gone through the roadblocks and even run for a couple miles on the grass. It seems to be a hazard associated with a large race.

I have seen and heard of slower folks who somehow cheat the system and/or corral guards to start in the front. I always wonder about why they would do that. I spotted a group who were exchanging the same bib back and forth across the fence to get everyone in the B corral and pointed them out. I was not popular but they also started behind me. I also hear of folks dummying race results and submitting those at the expo. I find it sad that folks are that desperate.

 

[ironz]

I agree with you... the only time that problem was really bad was I think 2007 or 2008...the people walking 4 abreast had clearly started in a corral beyond their means, as the logjam happened on one of the very early on ramps up to a bridge by Epcot, so there was no grass to run on...I would have had to jump off the bridge. They were very snitty to me, too, when I said that their organization 'knew better' than to block the entire running path.

Did NOT have any problems like this in 2010 for the Goofy, nor for the Princess last year. So will go into it with a good attitude.
(also, the year of the ugly race blockade, my now-ex-BF and I had been fighting all weekend...didn't help with race stress...thank goodness I have met a real Prince Charming since then!)


Not a huge deal about the corral...it wouldn't make a huge difference, but sometimes a little bit helps. Besides, we don't ever *really* know how they split them anyway, right? We sort of make calculated guesses?

 

[FFigawi]

Not a huge deal about the corral...it wouldn't make a huge difference, but sometimes a little bit helps. Besides, we don't ever *really* know how they split them anyway, right? We sort of make calculated guesses?

Watch out for starting in a corral too close to the front. You might end up missing the chance to ride the Everest coaster at mile 17. I got there 15 minutes too early last year.

 

[pilk]

Just curious to see if I am on the right thought process. I decided to do the Chip and Dale this year on top of the Donald. Primarily because this will be my first time doing the WDW Half, actually any half for that matter. Since it was the inagural Chip and Dale I figured I would try it as well. Plus, my goal would be for the Goofy next year so this should give me a starting point to work from. Currently my finish time would be around 2:15 for the Donald, I know I will be taking it easier during the relay so the time won't be the same. But, for training I am currently following Jeff Galloway's program for beginners with 3 days of running. I am assuming to get used to the back to back runs I should modify and put a forth day in so that I have two runs together. Looking at Galloway's training plan for the Goofy he has two days about everyother week with one day as walking then the long run day.

I am just wondering if I should do four days a week from now on or if 4 days everyother week would work. Also, the additional day would it be sufficient to keep the milage low, ie 5 to 6 miles.

I was thinking four days every other week. So the weeks runs would be Tuesday 5m, Thursday 5m, Saturday 5 to 6m, Sunday long run. The alternate week would then be the same just minus the Sunday run.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Jon

 

[cewait]

Just curious to see if I am on the right thought process. I decided to do the Chip and Dale this year on top of the Donald. Primarily because this will be my first time doing the WDW Half, actually any half for that matter. Since it was the inagural Chip and Dale I figured I would try it as well. Plus, my goal would be for the Goofy next year so this should give me a starting point to work from. Currently my finish time would be around 2:15 for the Donald, I know I will be taking it easier during the relay so the time won't be the same. But, for training I am currently following Jeff Galloway's program for beginners with 3 days of running. I am assuming to get used to the back to back runs I should modify and put a forth day in so that I have two runs together. Looking at Galloway's training plan for the Goofy he has two days about everyother week with one day as walking then the long run day.

I am just wondering if I should do four days a week from now on or if 4 days everyother week would work. Also, the additional day would it be sufficient to keep the milage low, ie 5 to 6 miles.

I was thinking four days every other week. So the weeks runs would be Tuesday 5m, Thursday 5m, Saturday 5 to 6m, Sunday long run. The alternate week would then be the same just minus the Sunday run.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Jon

Jon,

Let me ask a question....

How do your legs feel the morning after your long run? Ok two questions, what will your longest long run be following Galloway?

For your first Distance event, I would not think it necessary to do many back to backs. If your legs are sore and you can barely walk the day after your current long run effort, then you real need to focus on warm down activities. Walking for a few moments, stretching well, eating a great post run meal with about a 4:1 carbrotein ratio. Then walking around some during the day following your long run.

I think it ok to do a couple long runs back to back just to get a feel for starting a run on dead legs. I would look at doing this on a weekend where you are running a shorter set of runs. Again, you are looking for the experience and creating tools for dealing with the stiff/dead legs feeling. Regardless of whether ou do some back to backs, you will do well on Sunday. The first mile will be a little tight in the legs as you near the 180 turning loop back into Epcot Parking. Once into the parking lot just after the first aid station you will make a right turn and see Spaceship Earth staring you down. You dead leg feel will subside.

The reason I ask about your max long run is that I would be inclined to over distance a few miles rather than do many back to backs. By extending the long run to 15-16, you make Saturday feel short. That seems to create a mental tool that helps keep you moving on Saturday afternoon. Again moving on Saturday post race is one of the largest keys to a successful Sunday. All too often a newbie will run the half, head to the room, clean up and eat. Then head back to the room for a nap... Then go and hang elsewhere and never really move about so the waste products in the legs are continually being 'pumped' out.

Hope this helps and makes some sense. If you want to try a couple back to backs, add them to your schedule. Do not feel as though you must add any.

Oh, on race days.... Saturday, run at a comfortable pace. You have only one day of fresh legs so enjoy and take advantage of Saturday. I set PRs on Saturday in the first 4 Goofy's. Sunday, just go with what the day brings. Chances are you first mile will be a hair slow but the next 5-6 will be the same pace as Saturday. I would add that if you are planning on walking either of the days.... make sure to walk at distance in training. While walking is slower and less stressful on joints, it can be a killer to the small stabilizer muscles. You recruit these muscles differently and walking 13 without training may set you up for a really long race.