Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[Tasmen]

If you were to run long runs of 7.5 miles on the 18th, 9 miles on the 25th, 10.5 miles on the 1st, and 12 miles on the 9th, you would be right on target for 13.1 miles come race day. While this may not be ideal, it's probably a better option than sticking with 6 miles and hoping it's good enough. In my experience, at least part of the benefit from the long runs is learning to push through when you're tired and being better prepared for the distance itself.

That was actually sort of my plan. I wasn't planning on saying 6 and done. My goal this coming weekend is to do about 7 miles and so on. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate.

I was mostly commiserating that so far the most I've topped out is 6 miles 4 weeks or so to go and I'm going to do what I can to add in those miles. I just need to buckle down and think of the photo-ops.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

That was actually sort of my plan. I wasn't planning on saying 6 and done. My goal this coming weekend is to do about 7 miles and so on. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate.

I was mostly commiserating that so far the most I've topped out is 6 miles 4 weeks or so to go and I'm going to do what I can to add in those miles. I just need to buckle down and think of the photo-ops.

Good. I don't consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination, yet at the same time, I offer my own experiences and understanding of the theory in the hopes that it helps reassure someone else that no training plan ever goes perfectly according to plan.

And if a treadmill is an option, it will get those miles in.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I really need to train better. I'm in a odd situation where I'm biding my time until ankle surgery so I don't want to reinjure my already chronic problems but at the same time I want to finish. Here's to hoping to a decent corral placement to save me so I can come back strong for 2018

 

[stal]

I have found a charity who is selling challenge bibs at a heavily discounted price. If i purchase through them, is it then exactly the same as if i purchased through active/rundisney? I still get to pick my bib up the same way, enter a POT etc?

Thanks,!

 

[lovingeire]

So, on training...you guys know I've had a rough time with the foot. So today I was like, I need to do something and did a core workout. My foot wasn't happy with planks though. But they are so good for the core. I had planned to hit he elliptical, but we're predicted to get 23 inches of snow. That's like two feet! (or 25 bottles of wine if you saw that forecast! ) I was hoping to get back to it tomorrow, but I think it will be pushed back till next week unless the weather is nice enough this weekend....

 

[lovingeire]

^^^^And I got distracted by my oldest, but the reason I said all that is because I've only gotten up to 6 miles. I did run Light Side, but that's still quite a few months between the two races. I have a 10K here two weeks before Dark Side so that will figure in to my training too. But regardless, I hope to surpass 6 miles. Ideally I'll get to 10, but at this point I'm not seeing that being a reality. I know I'll finish, but I think as was stated prior the training will impact how much I actually enjoy the race weekend with 3 races!

 

[cavepig]

All you getting the snow dump I feel for you! We have cold and wind and a little ice/snow stuff which I'm so over, but at least I can get outside.

 

[LSLS]

Good. I don't consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination, yet at the same time, I offer my own experiences and understanding of the theory in the hopes that it helps reassure someone else that no training plan ever goes perfectly according to plan.

And if a treadmill is an option, it will get those miles in.

You may not be, but your advice is exactly the same I have seen from a lot of others that are experts. I know that is what my plan is coming up. And as you said, this is going to be much more of stopping for pics, etc.

 

[cavepig]

The Challenge says SOLD OUT right at this moment in active (after you click on it at rundisney). Out of curiosity I've been checking almost daily.

 

[bryana]

Well, that at least means I can stop debating with myself if I would upgrade to the Challenge or not!

 

[DisSconnie]

Quick question for veterans - if my husband isn't running, but wants to keep me company while I wait to start, can he? Where do they separate the runners from the non-runners? If it's right away, then I'll just let him sleep

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Quick question for veterans - if my husband isn't running, but wants to keep me company while I wait to start, can he? Where do they separate the runners from the non-runners? If it's right away, then I'll just let him sleep

He can go to the pre race area with you, that is where the stage, gear check etc are but they won't let him walk out to the corrals with you. I know it is going to be a different course this year but here is a link to last year's guide, where it says runner walk out is where they had volunteers checking for bibs.
https://secure.as1.wdpromedia.com/m...w-half-marathon/SWHM16_WDW_Program_Online.pdf

 

[TCB in FLA]

Thanks! The Yoda shoe ornaments were long gone by the time I got to the SWLS expo as well. Folks said they were gone on Thurs. I ended up paying way too much for one on eBay, but I love it I pre-ordered for 2018 Star Wars Resistance (still not used to calling it that!). Good to hear that the Princess shoe ornaments lasted longer. Maybe there's hope for Dark Side, although I won't be getting to the expo until late Fri afternoon. If they're gone, I guess it will be back to eBay....

Calfan- the shoe ornament is part of the runner bundle you could buy at registration, right? If so, you can buy mine at cost -- I only want the Tervis.

 

[Calfan]

Calfan- the shoe ornament is part of the runner bundle you could buy at registration, right? If so, you can buy mine at cost -- I only want the Tervis.

I registered too late to even see what was offered but if you bought a bundle of shoe ornament plus Tervis tumbler, that sure sounds like it. It is the same bundle I preordered for 2018 SW at DL. I'll definitely take you up on the offer to buy the ornament. That's awesome. Thanks!!

 

[nezy]

My son is registered to run the half dark side on sunday 4/23 ...his first and we have never been to a run Disney event. I have some spectator questions:

I was planning on trying to hop throughout the race to try to see him in different points. What is the best way to do this? I will be staying at Beach Club but will also have car if I need to get from place to place. What is the best way to get around? Is it easy enough to view at different points? Any palces that are the most fun to hang out? What happens at the end of the race? Is there a dj or anything at wws finish line? I appreciate all of the info.

 

[Ndusmama]

My son is registered to run the half dark side on sunday 4/23 ...his first and we have never been to a run Disney event. I have some spectator questions:

I was planning on trying to hop throughout the race to try to see him in different points. What is the best way to do this? I will be staying at Beach Club but will also have car if I need to get from place to place. What is the best way to get around? Is it easy enough to view at different points? Any palces that are the most fun to hang out? What happens at the end of the race? Is there a dj or anything at wws finish line? I appreciate all of the info.

It would be hard to answer this before the map comes out. At least that's my response. I would not try moving your car. Traffic coming into the parks and traffic for the race added to road closure for the race might put you waiting in your car trying to park while he runs by. Really wait for the map in a couple weeks.

 

[cavepig]

I was planning on trying to hop throughout the race to try to see him in different points. What is the best way to do this? I will be staying at Beach Club but will also have car if I need to get from place to place. What is the best way to get around? Is it easy enough to view at different points? Any palces that are the most fun to hang out? What happens at the end of the race? Is there a dj or anything at wws finish line? I appreciate all of the info.

My sister-in-law drives but doesn't hop around lot, for Wine & Dine she just went to the end at EPCOT but for the marathon she drove to AK and then EPCOT. Like said above once the course map comes out then it will be easier to see where might work to see him. If he is speedy fast you might not be able to see him at more than the finish or if we run through the Boardwalk/Beach club area maybe there.

We will be finishing at EPCOT this year, not WWOS. The course is changed from 2016. Yes, there will be a DJ and most likely character/backdrop setups at the end. The runner will get his medal, snack box/water/powerade and if he wants a medal picture in front of a backdrop. Get his gear bag if he dropped one off. Then he'll join up in the post area with friends/family which is where the DJ and character setups are.

 

[mbwhitti]

We leave 5 weeks from today!!
Booked our rental car through priceline for $19/day! Wooohooo! I'm ready for some Disney! Now I just need to see the course map...

 

[Bulldogmommy]

We leave 5 weeks from today!!
Booked our rental car through priceline for $19/day! Wooohooo! I'm ready for some Disney! Now I just need to see the course map...

yes!! I'm way too excited myself! Don't ya think they could at least give us a course description? Come on RunDisney!

 

[Ndusmama]

yes!! I'm way too excited myself! Don't ya think they could at least give us a course description? Come on RunDisney!

There is a coarse description.... we start on Florida way and end at Epcot.

I don't understand why maps can't come out sooner. No matter what people will find something to complain about. I mean seriously though you have to book hotel at 11 months, restaurants at 6 months, fastpasses at 2 months. You would think people would want to plan before and after that far out too.