Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[VAfamily1998]

I know we don't find out 10k corrals to the expo--but anyone want to take a guess for me? I am running with two of my sons and the they both have bibs between 30350-30400 (sorry, don't want to give the exact numbers)...and my bib is in the 30100's.

 

[cavepig]

I know we don't find out 10k corrals to the expo--but anyone want to take a guess for me? I am running with two of my sons and the they both have bibs between 30350-30400 (sorry, don't want to give the exact numbers)...and my bib is in the 30100's.

I would guess A as take off the 30 at the beginning and your 100ish and them 350/400ish which is pretty low considering with challenge runners they'll be like 12000 people give or take

 

[VAfamily1998]

I would guess A as take off the 30 at the beginning and your 100ish and them 350/400ish which is pretty low considering with challenge runners they'll be like 12000 people give or take

Thanks!

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I'm sure many of your read it too, but in a Facebook group I thought it was humorous that someone posted how bad they thought the half course looked with only roads and little park time. I think all comments were like, really?!?! Seriously, though, do some people really think we can run 13 miles in loops in one park, I just don't get what some people expect. WDW is big and to get park to park there will be roads. Just thought it was funny considering everyone else basically thinks it looks great with 3 parks and Boardwalk!

I feel like now that we have everything it's like it's just the homestretch of training to go -- and Han telling Luke "Don't get cocky, kid"!

View attachment 228499

No complaints from me either overall, since I understand that there needs to be road time since the WDW parks are further away from each other, unlike in Disneyland, but I do wonder if they could have squeezed in a little bit more of the parks. Primarily in DAK like I mentioned yesterday. I wish they would have made it the reverse of what it was for Wine and Dine, where we went past Everest like this one does, but we had also come in the main entrance and we did a loop past the Tree of Life. I think they could have found a way to make that work, and cut out the little twisty part in the parking lot. But maybe not. And as @croach mentioned, since it's a Star Wars race, trying to get over to where Star Tours is would have been great, but I agree that the walkways are probably just too narrow and hard to maneuver.

So again, no complaints, since I'm thrilled we at least get some part of the 3 parks, and the Boardwalk. These are just responses to those people and some general thoughts/observations. I think this course has more noteworthy spots than WDW Half/Princess Half do. All I know is that runDisney will definitely be calling my name once Pandora is open at Animal Kingdom and the DHS construction is done because there could be some pretty amazing courses a couple years from now (hopefully anyway - no guarantees with them!)

 

[lovingeire]

No complaints from me either overall, since I understand that there needs to be road time since the WDW parks are further away from each other, unlike in Disneyland, but I do wonder if they could have squeezed in a little bit more of the parks. Primarily in DAK like I mentioned yesterday. I wish they would have made it the reverse of what it was for Wine and Dine, where we went past Everest like this one does, but we had also come in the main entrance and we did a loop past the Tree of Life. I think they could have found a way to make that work, and cut out the little twisty part in the parking lot. But maybe not. And as @croach mentioned, since it's a Star Wars race, trying to get over to where Star Tours is would have been great, but I agree that the walkways are probably just too narrow and hard to maneuver.

So again, no complaints, since I'm thrilled we at least get some part of the 3 parks, and the Boardwalk. These are just responses to those people and some general thoughts/observations. I think this course has more noteworthy spots than WDW Half/Princess Half do. All I know is that runDisney will definitely be calling my name once Pandora is open at Animal Kingdom and the DHS construction is done because there could be some pretty amazing courses a couple years from now (hopefully anyway - no guarantees with them!)

While I'm thrilled with the 3 parks I have to admit that I was disappointed not to get to run by the Tree of Life as I did love that during W&D. I would have loved to run by Star Tours, but thought due to construction they have axed it. Overall I'm still really happy with three parks for the race. And I agree, when all this construction is done in a few years it will be pretty amazing if they utilize all the new areas they're currently working on!

 

[bcarey2k]

I'm thrilled with the 'open' roads for the first little bit.

I hope it helps spread folks out and also helps those who want to accelerate through the field.

I see this course as a trial after listening to the pains of years past.

Brian

 

[lovingeire]

I see this course as a trial after listening to the pains of years past.

I do think, or at least hope, that this course is a result of listening to feedback from runners from past races.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I'm thrilled with the 'open' roads for the first little bit.

I hope it helps spread folks out and also helps those who want to accelerate through the field.

I see this course as a trial after listening to the pains of years past.

Brian

I agree. I don't want to start out too strong and burn myself out, but the open roads at the beginning during the time we'll be running before sunrise will hopefully mean I can do those parts a bit faster to give myself a little bit of a time cushion for later (especially if it's sunny that day and starts getting really hot).

 

[Ndusmama]

I'm sure many of your read it too, but in a Facebook group

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Which Facebook group?

Not everyone. My wife is in G and not thrilled about it (she didn't submit a time). She never got to run a race to get a time (we were just too busy), but she runs around a 10 minute pace on half marathons. I told her it's not a bad thing since I'm in E and she is usually a minute faster than me per mile, just means she will catch up to me later on.

You could be nice and bump back with her. Although she will probably catch up too. She can think of it as a competition to pass all the g and f people.

That is good to hear, as this is my first half and I did not have a POT. Last corral it is, but I also run a 8.25-8.40 min mile...still excited.

You will do great! I want to go that fast.

While I'm thrilled with the 3 parks I have to admit that I was disappointed not to get to run by the Tree of Life as I did love that during W&D. I would have loved to run by Star Tours, but thought due to construction they have axed it. Overall I'm still really happy with three parks for the race. And I agree, when all this construction is done in a few years it will be pretty amazing if they utilize all the new areas they're currently working on!

That would have been fun. Still I am happy with three parks over just two.

I'm thrilled with the 'open' roads for the first little bit.

I hope it helps spread folks out and also helps those who want to accelerate through the field.

I see this course as a trial after listening to the pains of years past.

Brian

Open roads might mean more people also dropping out sooner from lack of training, cause you know that happens. After DL runs I would rather do parks at end anyway. DL gets boring after you leave the parks, or at least lightside did. Angel stadium runs would be so bad.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

After DL runs I would rather do parks at end anyway. DL gets boring after you leave the parks, or at least lightside did. Angel stadium runs would be so bad.

I'd love to do Angel Stadium at least once. How was the support on the course this year? I was impressed with last year, with high school bands and pretty decent crowds. You're on those roads for what feels like a long time, though.

 

[Ndusmama]

I'd love to do Angel Stadium at least once. How was the support on the course this year? I was impressed with last year, with high school bands and pretty decent crowds. You're on those roads for what feels like a long time, though.

It's why I am excited for darkside: 3 parks at the end, third visit to wdw ever. The local community really turns out at DL. Cheerleaders from all over Orange County, high school, college, and middle school bands. The 501st was awesome! They didn't have lines for pics and they were dressed better then the few characters in the parks. Inside the parks really didn't have many characters. Bb8 was good but probably the longest line.

 

[cavepig]

Which Facebook group?

the Darkside Star Wars Half Marathon one I think

 

[DisDeac]

I have couple questions from a spectator viewpoint. My wife has run several WDW halfs and when the course goes through MK was able to see her at Contemporary, Poly and then when Epcot opened inside Epcot. The course for the Dark Side last year not as viewer friendly. Looking at this years course except for the start, finish and Boardwalk area not much way to see her this year either.

One question- as a spectator can I take the bus after we park at Epcot to the start area with my wife? And then after she leaves for corral are buses running from start area back to Epcot parking lot and resorts and important question is there a black out period when buses won't be leaving the start area around the start of the race? I can't seem to find an answer to that question and don't won't to be stuck in start area for several hours until buses start up again.

Question 2 - Buses will be running from start back to resorts. Might it be workable to take a bus back to a Boardwalk area resort from start area then see her in the Boardwalk area. She should finish about time Epcot opens to could walk through Epcot to finish at 9. Not sure I want to spend several hours killing time in Boardwalk area but wondering of would be an option.

Thanks for any help

 

[cavepig]

I have couple questions from a spectator viewpoint. My wife has run several WDW halfs and when the course goes through MK was able to see her at Contemporary, Poly and then when Epcot opened inside Epcot. The course for the Dark Side last year not as viewer friendly. Looking at this years course except for the start, finish and Boardwalk area not much way to see her this year either.

One question- as a spectator can I take the bus after we park at Epcot to the start area with my wife? And then after she leaves for corral are buses running from start area back to Epcot parking lot and resorts and important question is there a black out period when buses won't be leaving the start area around the start of the race? I can't seem to find an answer to that question and don't won't to be stuck in start area for several hours until buses start up again.

Question 2 - Buses will be running from start back to resorts. Might it be workable to take a bus back to a Boardwalk area resort from start area then see her in the Boardwalk area. She should finish about time Epcot opens to could walk through Epcot to finish at 9. Not sure I want to spend several hours killing time in Boardwalk area but wondering of would be an option.

Thanks for any help

Here's the half bus transportation schedule, not sure if you saw this or if it helps at all.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

• 
  Bus Transportation
  
• 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. Buses running from Host Resorts to Start Line at Magic Kingdom®
• 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Buses running from Host Resorts to Finish Line at Epcot®
• 3:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Buses running between Finish Line at Epcot® to Magic Kingdom®
• NO Monorail Transportation will be available
• Participants must board a bus by 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.
• Runner drop off is available in the Charter Lot of Magic Kingdom® Park or the Charter Lot at Epcot®.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

So here's my challenge. Beginning on Monday, I will be working at least 12 hours a day Monday through Saturday and this work schedule will continue through April 18th. Suffice it to say that makes fitting in the scheduled 14 mile run extremely difficult next week since Sunday does not work for me. Waking up really early also doesn't work because I need to be as rested as possible to handle the increased workload the next few weeks. The goal here is to finish. Time doesn't matter so long as it qualifies to complete the Kessel Run.

For background purposes, I have not missed a single scheduled run since I resumed Dark Side training following a slightly relaxed schedule for 2 weeks following the Rebel Challenge. This includes all back to back training sessions outlined by the Galloway plan for the Dark Side Challenge. My last long run was 12.5 miles on March 25th. What I'm trying to determine is how many miles I need to run for the last long run before the taper begins to not compromise my ability to finish the Dark Side Challenge. I'm averaging roughly 14 minutes 16 seconds per mile consistently.

Here are the options I'm considering that do not involve a 14 mile run next week. Please chime in with any thoughts as to what risk is entailed with these options. Also note that all the maintenance runs of 30-45 minutes recommended by Galloway will occur. I do not know if I will be able to get any runs in the week of the race due to my work schedule and travel to Orlando. But this doesn't worry me a whole lot since I would be tapering then anyways.

1. Long run of 12.5 miles on March 25th will be my final long run before the Dark Side Half on April 23rd. How much distance capacity will I lose if my final long run is roughly one month before the half? While this option would be simplest for my life, I also don't want to risk putting all the time and effort I've put into training for this over the past 2 years to waste by skipping out on a long run.
2. 5 mile run on Thursday April 6th and an 8 mile run on Friday April 7th. The benefit of this plan is that I keep some semblance of the back to back run, and have a more manageable distance in terms of how long it will take to run set against my substantially higher workload through April 18th.
3. 5 mile run on Thursday April 6th and 10-12 mile run depending on Friday April 7th. This keeps me close to race distance 2 weeks before the race. Drawback is the time it takes to put in these miles.

So if I run 8 miles 2 weeks before the race with a longest run of 12.5 miles a month before the race, what kind of negative impact will that have on the endurance I have built up to this point in my efforts to finish Dark Side? I appreciate any thoughts or alternative suggestions I have considered.

 

[bcarey2k]

So here's my challenge. Beginning on Monday, I will be working at least 12 hours a day Monday through Saturday and this work schedule will continue through April 18th. Suffice it to say that makes fitting in the scheduled 14 mile run extremely difficult next week since Sunday does not work for me. Waking up really early also doesn't work because I need to be as rested as possible to handle the increased workload the next few weeks. The goal here is to finish. Time doesn't matter so long as it qualifies to complete the Kessel Run.

For background purposes, I have not missed a single scheduled run since I resumed Dark Side training following a slightly relaxed schedule for 2 weeks following the Rebel Challenge. This includes all back to back training sessions outlined by the Galloway plan for the Dark Side Challenge. My last long run was 12.5 miles on March 25th. What I'm trying to determine is how many miles I need to run for the last long run before the taper begins to not compromise my ability to finish the Dark Side Challenge. I'm averaging roughly 14 minutes 16 seconds per mile consistently.

Here are the options I'm considering that do not involve a 14 mile run next week. Please chime in with any thoughts as to what risk is entailed with these options. Also note that all the maintenance runs of 30-45 minutes recommended by Galloway will occur. I do not know if I will be able to get any runs in the week of the race due to my work schedule and travel to Orlando. But this doesn't worry me a whole lot since I would be tapering then anyways.

1. Long run of 12.5 miles on March 25th will be my final long run before the Dark Side Half on April 23rd. How much distance capacity will I lose if my final long run is roughly one month before the half? While this option would be simplest for my life, I also don't want to risk putting all the time and effort I've put into training for this over the past 2 years to waste by skipping out on a long run.
2. 5 mile run on Thursday April 6th and an 8 mile run on Friday April 7th. The benefit of this plan is that I keep some semblance of the back to back run, and have a more manageable distance in terms of how long it will take to run set against my substantially higher workload through April 18th.
3. 5 mile run on Thursday April 6th and 10-12 mile run depending on Friday April 7th. This keeps me close to race distance 2 weeks before the race. Drawback is the time it takes to put in these miles.

So if I run 8 miles 2 weeks before the race with a longest run of 12.5 miles a month before the race, what kind of negative impact will that have on the endurance I have built up to this point in my efforts to finish Dark Side? I appreciate any thoughts or alternative suggestions I have considered.

I'd say you're A-ok for finishing.

Better question is are you looking for a personal best? Pace requirement?

I've tapered for 2 weeks before a marathon before (work related) and done fine .... I'm a 10-11 min/mile person ....I've been training at 8-9 min/mile, but I know I can finish at 10/11 .... for instance. (And the heat might dictate that)

Brian

 

[camaker]

So if I run 8 miles 2 weeks before the race with a longest run of 12.5 miles a month before the race, what kind of negative impact will that have on the endurance I have built up to this point in my efforts to finish Dark Side? I appreciate any thoughts or alternative suggestions I have considered.

i don't think that plan will have any impact on your ability to finish Dark Side. The feeling that you need a 14 mile training run before a half marathon (or challenge) is, in my opinion, a mental comfort not a physical need. Your body is capable of doing far more than your mind thinks it can and we all limit ourselves to some degree due to that.

You've already run Light Side and you've put in the vast majority of your training runs. Could you squeeze a few seconds off your finishing time with the benefits of that last training run? Maybe, maybe not. But completion shouldn't be in doubt.

 

[mrsg00fy]

Anyone up for a pre race meet up the morning of the half?

That sounds like a good idea. I'll be traveling with a pal for this race and it would be nice to meet up again.

 

[Ndusmama]

That sounds like a good idea. I'll be traveling with a pal for this race and it would be nice to meet up again.

@MommaoffherRocker i vote it be in corral f with all 7000 people!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I'd say you're A-ok for finishing.

Better question is are you looking for a personal best? Pace requirement?

I've tapered for 2 weeks before a marathon before (work related) and done fine .... I'm a 10-11 min/mile person ....I've been training at 8-9 min/mile, but I know I can finish at 10/11 .... for instance. (And the heat might dictate that)

Brian

I'm training at a bit over 14 minutes per mile. Not a lot I can to prepare for any possible heat except to dress appropriately. My only pace requirement is to finish. If I finish, I'm happy.

i don't think that plan will have any impact on your ability to finish Dark Side. The feeling that you need a 14 mile training run before a half marathon (or challenge) is, in my opinion, a mental comfort not a physical need. Your body is capable of doing far more than your mind thinks it can and we all limit ourselves to some degree due to that.

You've already run Light Side and you've put in the vast majority of your training runs. Could you squeeze a few seconds off your finishing time with the benefits of that last training run? Maybe, maybe not. But completion shouldn't be in doubt.

Thanks. I've certainly learned that the 14 mile run is more a mental thing than anything else. I'm basically trying to figure out how short a distance I can get away with and not risk losing my training. I may even just go with a 4 mile run the next 2 weekends. I've managed to take 2 weeks off running entirely before during training for other races and not lose too much fitness. I'm not doing that here because those first runs back after not running for 2 weeks were brutal and I don't want to deal with that during the race if I can possibly help it.