Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread-Part 2

[Tabetha]

Hi, everyone. I hope someone can help me. Did anyone take a photo of my family in DHS Sunday around 10:30 or 11, holding a sign that said "the zombies are doing 12s. RUN!" ? I didn't know what their sign would say, but I loved it and I would very much like a picture for my scrapbook.

My husband told me about that sign last night - it was his favourite!
I'll check to see if he has any photos of it, but I don't think so.

 

[mickeysgal]

At the half we saw a sign that said:
"running - it's not just from the cops anymore"

Cracked me up.

The signs are a huge part of the race enjoyment for me.

 

[Quiksilvr]

Congrats to everyone who finished. It's a heck of an accomplishment.

When the weather reports turned bad, I gave up on setting a personal best (I'd originally been aiming for 3:55). My revised goal was to finish at 4:20 or faster. I was right on target for a 4:10 to 4:20 finish. Then, I pulled a quad muscle in my right leg during mile 14. I basically had to hobble the rest of the way, but I finished: 4:57.

I'd never used biofreeze before (wasn't even sure what it was), but I kept slapping it on there every few miles just so I could keep moving. What a tough race.

 

[WDWDeb]

It looks like our photos are up! Does anyone else not have any finish line photos on their page? I am disappointed, as that was the one I wanted to most--but I noticed my friend didn't have one either. Earlier the page said that they were still uploading photos, but that wasn't there when I checked just now.

I am missing my finish line pictures too. I am a little worried! That is the one I want the most!

 

[mickeysgal]

I am missing my finish line pictures too. I am a little worried! That is the one I want the most!

Are they doing the videos anymore? I can see my pictures but no videos.

I can't imagine buying my pictures. They have an incredible knack for catching me at my worst. I apologize to those running around me...I didn't know I looked THAT bad.

 

[ahoff]

At the half we saw a sign that said:
"running - it's not just from the cops anymore"

Cracked me up.

I saw that sign in epcot, I beleive, near the finish.

Well, my first full is on the books. Had a great weekend, was doing well until around mile 18 when I started to get leg cramps, and had to stop at least six times from that point to walk through them. So that kept me from my goal of a 4 hour finish, but the main goal of finishing is complete. And boy, is it hard to start running again after walking! It seemed there was a water stop right when I needed them, perhaps they added more after mile 20? Also discovered that the I-belts may be waterproof from sweat, but not from pouring water over your head! Spent about an hour with a hair dryer before my phone started working.

One thing I noticed, while walking to BW from MGM several hours after the race (and also on monday) was the large number of gu and shot block wrappers, littering the path. It just seems to me that it is not much effoert to hold on to your trash until a water stop. Which was only a few hundred yards further.

Anyway, congratulations to all the runners, and thank you to all the volunteers!

And who is Joey Fatone that someone mentioned here?

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I'm about 4 hrs from home enjoying reading about everyone's experiences. The weekend was everything I hoped it would be. Disney really knows how to throw a party. My first marathon was a mixed bag. I'm amazed at what my body was able to accomplish and I've been wearing my medal proudly; but many things went wrong in the race that I wasn't expecting to have to conquer. First of all the heat. Then my interval timer got wet and died on me. My IT band on my supposed good knee prevented me from running the distance I wanted. My fingers swelled so bad I had to have the medical tent help me remove my rings. . And where was that 20 mile spectacular?? very disappointing.

The spectators and volunteers were awesome. A huge thank you to all of them. You gave me the motivation to cross the finish line running and smiling as I high fived Goofy.

I called my DH from the course and had him promise that he would stop me if I ever wanted to do another marathon. But now that I've had time to process everything 2015 maybe a good idea!

Everyone's support and guidance has been wonderful and congrats to all the participants this past weekend.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

Best sign I saw was "WORST PARADE EVER"

 

[hauntedcity]

On the photo site, it looks like you have to select your own finish line photos. Down at the bottom of the page, select the "click to view your provisional assignments" link and then you can click the Keep box to move your pictures to your photos.

The only place I found to view the videos is on the "view and order" or "product categories" page. You can find some links to "Click here to preview your video clips". It's all a bit hard to find, but it's all there!

I have a question about marathonfotos.com... My wife and I ran together and are in almost all the same photos. There are probably only 3-4 solo shots of each of us, where the other person is not visible. Is there a way I could add those into one account, so I wouldn't have to purchase two $75 downloads? Brightroom would do that sometimes (and sometimes not).

Doug

 

[buckeyecinderella]

So glad you were able to finish!! I know you were pretty worried about it, and you should be SO proud of yourself!

When's your next race?

Ha ha.. not sure when the next one will be (locally that is). I'm seriously thinking of a repeat Disney Marathon in 2014, especially since DH would like to do it because he missed out this year. I'm not sure I'm going Goofy in 2014 though. Maybe Goofy in 2015 so I can try to get that anniversary medal. I have some things to work out before I can even consider being GOofy!

Perhaps I'll look into the Cap City Half, the Flying Pig Half for spring events. Then we'll see. For certain, I want to keep myself always at the half marathon event distance ready, if that makes sense. What about you?


BTW, CMH folks on the 4 o'clock something SWA flight out of CMH on Friday - what time did you ever arrive in MCO? We were about two hours late from my earlier flight. DIdn't make it to the Expo on Friday. By Saturday, so much merchandise was gone, I was pretty disappointed. I wanted to try to get a mug at least!

 

[wvjules]

liznboys, it was great walking to the start with you. Thanks for letting me join.

I met thundermatt at the aiport last night. Had a great chat with him and his wife(?).

I am so sad today. I keep thinking of what I could have done differently, if anything. I can't believe I didn't finish. I was soooo close and then it was over for me. I know that going as far as I did is further than those still sitting on the couch but I still feel like such a failure right now. I will probably feel like this for a while I'm sure. I know it seems a bit dramatic but damn this sucks! I'm ready to let the tears roll again.

Oh, before I forget - I had DD buy me a "I did it!" long sleeved t-shirt and an "I did it!" Mickey Mouse. Those are now for sale since I didn't do it.

I also have a medal if anyone wants an extra one. WTH did they give me a medal? That kind of pissed me off actually!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I've been thinking about it for a day now but I still don't have the words to adequately describe it...awesome? agonizing? inspiring? painful? wonderful? All of those things and more I guess. It was definitely harder than I imagined. So much harder than my 20 mile long run and way more than twice as difficult for me as last year's half. My first 11 miles were good but then I started having a harder and harder time getting back to the run part of my run walk run. I had a rough time with WWOS and the long highway. Saw the sweepers four miles behind me but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other trying to maintain my forward momentum. Once we got to DHS though things really looked up. I started running again and felt stronger. I loved the last few miles, the crowds were amazing, the Twizzler from the WISHers was the best thing I ever tasted and I was laughing and crying as it hit me I was actually doing it. I finished in 6:44:42.

The whole experience taught me a lot. I'm in awe of the people that can run marathons in under 4 hours. I'm equally in awe of those that preserved for 7 hours to finish. I'm so proud of those that started but were swept as their courage and positive attitude is both heart wrenching and inspiring. And I am just amazed by the thousands of spectators that stood for hours cheering us all on. Simply incredible that people from all walks of life, all body shapes, all religions, all political parties, all everything can come together in one special spot to simply...run. I feel privileged to have run alongside you.

Congratulations to all those that participated!

You echo so many of my feelings exactly! It was an incredible experience! My first half at Disney was also incredible, but this full was so much more difficult, it made crossing the finish line that much sweeter!

 

[McDuck]

I am posting from my phone as we are driving home. My first Half and it was amazing!!!!! Thank you all who cheered us on. Every time I saw WISHERS on the side it was motivating. I saw a few WISH runners but don't know who you were and I wasn't brave enough to approach you. I was in a black Team Gleason shirt with black capris and a black and gold polka dot skirt.

My Half was literally blood, sweat, and tears. I tripped over a curb that started before I expected it to and landed full splat, tore up the heel of my left hand. I wasn't sure how bad it was and cried when I realized I was okay. Cried thru MK and Epcot, and hugged Donald at the finish line.

Finished in 3:02:37, I am hooked and plan on doing the Princess next year. And within 5 years my BFF and I decided we will set a goal of doing the full.

Thank you all, For traveling this journey with me and being such great and inspirational people!!!!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Ok - everyone. Honest opinion time. I'm a 3:00 half runner. Should I wait until I can progressively work my time down into the 2:30-2:45 1/2 range before attempting a full? I'm afraid a 3:00 half time would not give me enough buffer when attempting a full. I've been able to work off 20 minutes over the course of the last year in my run times, so I'm definitely on the path to a faster time. Just don't know when or even IF I should ever think about attempting this. I will say that I'm a slower runner in the start and a faster runner at the second half of a half. I seem to like the longer distances - just not sure how well that would hold up against the really long distances. You're not going to hurt my feelings by being honest...if you think I'm still too slow to attempt this, then speak up I could happily stay in 1/2 land and still be proud of my accomplishments.

Staying in 1/2 land is a wonderful place to be. I love the 1/2 marathon distance! That being said, I really wanted the Mickey medal! And I wanted to run through all 4 of WDW theme parks. So, I had no choice, I HAD to register for the full! I too am a slower run walker, with a 2:45 - 3 hr half time in the halfs I've run. I'm not sure if I will ever get much faster, but I think doing a full marthon is fully within your reach! I was on the course for almost 6:45. But really, there was much to keep us entertained. The length of time on the course was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was tough, no doubt, really tough, but manageable. There are many good training plans available and loads of help and encouragement on these boards. Don't let your 3 hour half time discourage you from attempting a full marathon.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

That's sort of where we're headed. Keeping a solid base all through this year by running halfs - up to 8 more this year alone if all goes to plan. We are very comfortable at the 13.1 mileage - slow, but comfortable. Took a long time to get there, but I enjoy the base long runs of 8-10 miles. What I don't like is the yo-yo training, building back up to the 13.1 capacity. So right or wrong, we thought that by running halfs periodicaly, we keep our base strong and start building to the full in the fall. Someone, speak up if I'm doing this wrong!

I guess I'm seriously intimidated by mileage that starts with the number 2!

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

liznboys, it was great walking to the start with you. Thanks for letting me join.

I met thundermatt at the aiport last night. Had a great chat with him and his wife(?).

I am so sad today. I keep thinking of what I could have done differently, if anything. I can't believe I didn't finish. I was soooo close and then it was over for me. I know that going as far as I did is further than those still sitting on the couch but I still feel like such a failure right now. I will probably feel like this for a while I'm sure. I know it seems a bit dramatic but damn this sucks! I'm ready to let the tears roll again.

Oh, before I forget - I had DD buy me a "I did it!" long sleeved t-shirt and an "I did it!" Mickey Mouse. Those are now for sale since I didn't do it.

I also have a medal if anyone wants an extra one. WTH did they give me a medal? That kind of pissed me off actually!

I made it just past mile 21 and was feeling the effects of heatstroke and decided to board the bus well before they started to sweep. It took every ounce of effort I had left to stay on that bus with all those people still going past, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Those conditions were tough for all runners, and don't beat yourself up over not finishing, because next year, you will! I thought I would be upset about them giving the medals out when we got back to Epcot, but it ended up working out okay because my other half has been upset about me donating all of my earned medals. A lot of them are really cool, but some patient out there is reaching a huge milestone and I want them to benefit from all those finishes. So, I felt it appropriate to pass the medal on to him as a gift for all his effort with getting me to races on time, meeting me at many finishes, making sure I have my Endurox R4 and offering support when I needed it.

It is a pretty impressive medal and can't be donated, and frankly is so much better than those statuettes they had at a store in Hollywood Studios. Giving him that medal didn't make me feel horrible at all anymore. I hate that I didn't finish Goofy this year, but I figure that most elite runners have had an DNF at some point, and that is better than a DNS. Let's hope that the weather is so much better next year!!

I think it is normal to have the feelings that you are. I keep thinking the same thing about what I could have done differently. But, I do have the Tinker Bell this weekend and if I would have continued to push myself, I could have ended up with full blown heatstroke and been out of that race, would no longer be a legacy runner, lose out on plane tickets and a trip to my favorite Disney park! Sometimes things end up working out for the best.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Okay, so now my "brief" trip and marathon report, in case it is of interest to anyone.

Flew in on Friday afternoon. Got in late because of a flat tire on the plane that had to be changed. Missed the expo and our dinner plans. Okay, par for the course I guess. Next time: will try to arrive on Thursday, early afternoon, if possible.

Saturday, visited the expo. Not much merchandise left at all! It was disappointing, but at least my race shirt mostly fit. Was it just me or were they all running LARGE this year? I'm glad I went with a small. If I had selected medium, I could have belted the shirt and wore it as a dress it was so long. We cancelled any theme park plans and just relaxed the rest of the day mostly by the pool. I would stay with this plan for the next time, unless the weather was colder.

Saturday night - was so nervous at dinner time! I couldn't eat much. Just ate lightly a little flatbread pizza and some ice cream. This seemed to work out for the race. Also this time, I laid out all of my racing gear BEFORE dinner. This helped immensely as it kept me from getting so anxious about the race by laying out race gear just before bedtime. I actually got about 3 or 3.5 hours of good sleep. Much better than my previous 2 Disney halves, where I got only about 2 hours of bad sleep.

Sunday - Race morning. I am not an early riser. Out of bed at 3:15 and on monorail by 4 AM. In corral by 5 eating some light breakfast. Next time, I would try to arrive at the staging area about 15 minutes earlier only, maybe for a pre race pic, otherwise, I'd stay with the same plan.

Getting to the corrals was slow going, but probably not as bad as I had heard it was for the half marathoners. I was in corral D, and it was odd getting to the corral by walking through the grass on that median, I think it was the median! It was so humid. I had a long-sleeved sweatshirt on to keep the chill off pre-race, but it was damp before the race started. The temperature was perfect for me at the start, but so very humid!

All was good running through the Magic Kingdom. I only stopped at one picture stop because I was concerned about my time and wanted to get as far on the course as I could before the sun came up.

Entering the race track was strange on that steep down hill then up hill ramp. Was there not a better place to bring in the runners? But I actually liked running the race track and seeing all of the cars.

By the time we reached Animal Kingdom, I was getting pretty hot and tired. My pace was slowing quite a bit. But I really enjoyed the run through AK. It was mostly shady as I remember, and mostly down hill, and it was just as the park was opening, so some runners were taking the EE detour. I can't even ride the coaster on my best days without getting ill, but it sure would have been fun to do that in a race if I could. I think I got another character pic at AK too.

Now, after AK, I was ready to stop. Everything bad was coming earlier than I had expected, earlier than in training - blisters, fatigue, muscle tightness. I think around mile 15, I started to feel a little odd. I was not sure if I was over hydrating or under hydrating, was it the heat? I never felt this way in training. I considered a medical tent, but decided to just slow down to walking only to see if I would feel better. I could always stop at the next medical tent if necessary. I started pouring water over my head at all of the water stops and I made sure I took in some nutrition. After awhile I was feeling better, but just monitored myself closely. I was able to resume my run/walk and that "odd" feeling never returned, but I did still continue pouring water over my head at every water stop and made sure I would eat something regularly, because I was kind of forgetting to eat. I even finished the race with part of my nutrition bar left.

I made a pre-race agreement with myself that if I ever became injured or ill on the course I would ALLOW myself to stop instead of forcing myself to finish and I would not feel guilty about it. I shall continue this plan for any race of any distance. It truly took the pressure off of me.

I actually was happy to finally reach WWOS. Not only because of the supposed mile 20 surprise, but I just needed to get off the highway! I saw the other runners on the other side of the highway heading toward the Studios and I wondered if when I reached that point, if there would be any runners still heading into WWOS.

I really didn't mind running through WWOS, but wish there were a few more character stops to break things up. I liked running on the track, and I liked the gravel surface around the stadium. But wow, did that stadium field ever seem empty! Was there supposed to be a hot air balloon their earlier? There really could have been more there for the runners. The mile 20 surprise was okay, but RunDisney could have done better, since they hyped it up so much. Still overall, the WWOS section was a good diversion.

Now coming out of WWOS was really tough. By this time, the outside of my legs, from hips to knees, were so tight! Not actually cramping, but just so tight I could barely run. It was starting to go into my lower back too. Never experienced anything like this so bad in training, even when I ran my 20 miler. Then I saw what probably was the last runner heading into WWOS. She was followed by several cyclists who were talking to her. They were followed by several sweeper vans. Followed by the road clean up crews. THIS put the fear in me. I was too tired to figure out how many miles they were behind me. So despite the pain and tightness in my legs, I pushed on. And I pushed on. I was walking a lot more at this point. Not because of fatigue, but that darn, painful tightness in my IT band area (for lack of a better description). Those muscle groups were telling me that they were through! But I just kept walking, and added in a little running when I could.

Studios - we finally made it here. I was pretty certain I would not be swept at this point. But I walked most of the way through the Studios. I was so afraid that if I tried to run more, my tight painful IT band muscles would start cramping and then I might really be in trouble. I just wanted to finish! The chocolate break was excellent! I was starting to really get tired of water, PowerAde, bananas, and my other nutritional supplements. And I was totally craving a beer, since I had seen some folks a WWOS with beers. Oh those beers looked so good!

Leaving the Studios, I saw my DH and stopped briefly to talk to him. He said I actually looked good. And I actually think he meant it! He said you have it wrapped up, and I pretty much agreed with him. By this time, I was only walking. I couldn't have run if I wanted to. The pathway to the Boardwalk was all filled with walkers at this point. I think we were just all relaxing and enjoying it as we were so close to the finish.

Things opened up a little once we reached the Boardwalk area. It was very enjoyable walk/running along the boardwalk and yacht and beach club. I've never really seen them in the daytime before. Still mostly walking at this point, but I was able to pick up the pace and throw in some running just to try to keep under the maximum pace limit.

EPCOT. Now, coming into EPCOT was just WONDERFUL. I was just about out of anything I had left. My IT band muscles were still so tight and sore. I just could not move them much at all, even while walking. But the crowd in the UK area when we entered were cheering us on and it almost brought tears to my eyes because I knew I would finish for certain. I had so many doubts when I started 25 miles earlier (or whatever it was) and I had doubts along the course. I was just so emotional at that point that I actually was going to do this!

I remember running past Morocco and seeing some folks at the outdoor cafe and thought eating at Morocco never looked so good. And then there was the BEER again! I was still craving it! I don't usually go crazy over beer so I don't know why it looked so extraordinarily good! In fact, I think I want one now as I type this. Is it the carbs? The carbonation and hydration? The vitamin B? It was all I could do to keep from pulling off course to buy one. But I was afraid if I stopped I might not get going again. Maybe next time.

Then the last .2 miles... I saved enough in me to start running again. I ran the last .2 miles straight and crossed the finish line feeling great! Yes, still tight sore muscles, but overall okay. One little blister - I blame that on the heat and humidity.

I was happy that they gave out bags for all of our goodies. I didn't need medical. I just needed a pool! Oh and I wish they would give out milk! Is that too difficult? And was there any soda? I had seen that in last year’s half and could have really used one. I was so sick of water, but did drink another bottle.

Overall - Wonderful, awesome experience. Hard and difficult to be sure. I didn't run/walk as fast as I would have liked, but pretty much kept to training pace the whole way. Finished under the required pace and got some pics and videos along the way. I finished without injury or illness. I was able to have my celebratory glass of champagne that evening and walk around the Magic Kingdom until closing. All goals met.

The volunteers, spectators, and cast members along the course were just awesome! Such great support! I tried to thank them every time I could and when I still had energy to do so. The BEST of any race I've participated in large or small.

I definitely have some things to work out before the next marathon. The worst thing was that tight IT band muscle group. I tried foam rolling prior to the race my legs (all through training actually), I tried stretching several times during the race. Just didn't help much. I really need to get that worked out. Could it have been caused by the heat? Lack of electrolytes? Lack of training, lack of muscle strength? I just want to get that fixed before the next race. Anything else that was problematic, I think I can fix for the next time, but this muscle stiffness must be worked out. I don't even care if I'm slow again. I just want a more painless race experience and to be able to keep run walking to the end, if possible.

Well, that's my story. Thank you for sticking with me if you've read this far.

Now, to start thinking about 2014...

 

[hauntedcity]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, buckeyecinderella. I'm still new to half marathons, but I'm very excited to try a full in a year or two.

 

[WDWDeb]

I have lots of pictures but none actually crossing the finish line with the finish line sign in the picture. I have scanned the unidentified pictures and I don't see any with the finish line in the picture. Has anyone received a picture with the finish line in it? I know some of the pictures are me coming down the final stretch but I wanted the picture that shows the actual crossing of the finish line and it saying 'finish' in the picture with the clock time.

 

[bmer1rick]

I have lots of pictures but none actually crossing the finish line with the finish line sign in the picture. I have scanned the unidentified pictures and I don't see any with the finish line in the picture. Has anyone received a picture with the finish line in it? I know some of the pictures are me coming down the final stretch but I wanted the picture that shows the actual crossing of the finish line and it saying 'finish' in the picture with the clock time.

They are uploading them slowly today. This morning I found my Half Marathon finish line photo with the clock in it. But, it did not show up in my photos, I had to select it from the group of photos of everyone around my finish time. There is a link that will show up at the bottom of your "my photos" that is labeled "Click to view your provisional photos". I then found 4 finish line photos of myself, one with the clock time in it. This afternoon they added two videos for the half, one at the finish and one at the castle. I have not seen either finish line photos for the full or videos for the full yet, maybe tomorrow.