Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[kmg148]

You can do it! Lots of good advice already posted.

My 2 cents: Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, just follow what works for you and your own expectations for the race! It can seem like others are planning out (or mulling over or just generally spending time on) every detail of training. But there are others out here who are similar to you. Like me! I just don't post too often, I am almost always on my iphone and the tiny keyboard does not inspire me to post.

Anyway, I'm not training perfectly! I adjusted my expectations accordingly -- not planning on winning or PR-ing. I just want to get there in good shape, injury-free. I want to experience the race and get the medal!

First, I pulled a leg muscle which kept me from running for 4 full weeks through August. So I didn't run -- I was careful to let it heal, and now it's fine. BUT THEN, I fell very dramatically down a flight of stairs (not even any alcohol involved, just a classic wipeout). Luckily no breaks or sprains, but I got the worst, dark black bruises I've ever had. Including a huge one right on the thigh, which again slowed down the training.

Anyway, my point: even with all those setbacks... I'm still training! So keep at it! As long as you have the desire to continue, I think you are not behind at all.

My mini-update: I did 13 miles this weekend and felt GREAT. Following the Galloway plan for the first time (after doing Higdon 3 times), and I love it. I find I can negative-split my long runs easily (run the 2nd half faster than the first) and still have energy left at the end for the rest of my day. No post-run crash or soreness, either. I love it!!

Good luck to all as training progresses, I am enjoying reading about everyone's progress, etc.!

Thank you for making the point about having a desire to continue! I want to finish the marathon and I know there is time--I just didn't want to be unrealistic of what my body could actually do...but I know that a lot of it is mental!

Awesome to hear that you felt great after 13 miles!!

kmg148 - I am with you on the training schedule. I am doing Galloway but scaling back each of his long runs a little, so that I max out at 20 miles rather than his suggested 26. So last weekend I also did an 11 mile. I mainly walk (on the cusp of "just" moderately brisk walking and race walking) with 20-30 second running segments mixed in every few minutes. I'd do more, but I've learned it's all my knee can handle. I think the walk/run thing lends a lot of flexibility to the plans. All I want is to finish and not be injured. Anyway, I think you're on track. Keep at it!

Thanks! I feel much better after everyone's input!

If this is your first marathon with the goal to simply finish the event, then you are right on target with most beginner marathon plans. Keep gradually increasing that long run each week, along with getting at least 2 other shorter runs in and I think you will be a-ok!

I am going to keep doing just that!

 

[FFigawi]

Another question for those who have them-compression socks. What do you think about them, do you run in them or just wear them for recovery?

I have several pairs and wear them for recovery after tough workouts and long runs. I put them on after my ice bath and keep them on for a few hours while lounging around the house. I don't think they keep moisture off my feet as well as my running socks do, so I never wear them while running.

 

[kimmiepcft]

I wore leg sleeves for my Half, and the next day there was way less soreness than my first Half. I just bought a pair of Pro Compression socks but haven't tried them yet! If the rain stops I will wear them tonight! Otherwise I will try them at a 5K this weekend and a long run next week.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I also just bought compression socks for post long run workouts. I wore them around the house for a couple hours and my legs definitely felt refreshed when I took them off. Who knows if it is psychological? Anyway, I will keep wearing them until I get through Goofy.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

I don't have the socks but have used the tights while running and have another pair I switch into when I'm done. I truly believe they have made a difference in performance and recovery.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards. Please excuse the typos.

 

[steph0808]

I am having some shin pain this week, so I am thinking about buying some compression sleeves to use while running/recovering.

I think it might be overtraining (ramping up miles for the first few weeks of marathon training after slacking off at summer's end!) so hopefully this step-back week helps too.

 

[lerxst]

Few pages back there was discussion on shoes. I had the day off so stopped in to pick up new pair of shoes. I knew my others were at the end of their life cycle.

Normally I would just ask for the same pair I always get, pay, and walk out the door. Due to foot troubles and sneaking suspicions, I had the sales-runner double check my sizing.

Just as I thought, my shoes were exactly right. Size was correct but I had run my way out of a regular width into a wide. So not only had the wear given me problems, so had the width.

Now taking extra special care of my feet with ice baths, massages, and lotion to keep them cooperating. Sadly they had to order the wides I needed. Hopefully they come in before my long run on Sunday.

Listen to your body folks and it will save lots of heartache.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I have compression sleeves that I use after a long run, too. Best thing I ever bought (besides good running shoes). Never tried them while running. but as my distance gets longer (and the weather gets cooler) I may very well try them out while running. I highly recommend picking up a pair.

 

[VernRDH]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts on the socks. I have tights for the winter (its mighty cold here in NY from November to March) and those are helpful. I have a pair of compression shorts that I wear under my race ready shorts, thinking the socks might be a more appropriate fashion choice when I head out on my cruise immediately after the Goofy. Though my running coach (who is going with me) cannot understand why I got lime green. Uh, hello???? Its the WISH color! Like duh!

 

[ColleenG]

I wear compression sleeves for recovery after a long run. As the weather gets cooler I'll start wearing them on my long runs. I like the sleeves since I'm picky about my socks. I have a couple of pairs of Zensahs.

 

[yulilin3]

Just wanted to let you guys know that yesterday I had the chance to see the Medal for the Marathon and pictures just don't do it justice....it's GORGEOUS!!! just something to keep you all motivated in your training, I'm running the 10 miler today and registered for the Princess Half and building up the confidence to do the marathon in 2014.

 

[lerxst]

Just wanted to let you guys know that yesterday I had the chance to see the Medal for the Marathon and pictures just don't do it justice....it's GORGEOUS!!! just something to keep you all motivated in your training, I'm running the 10 miler today and registered for the Princess Half and building up the confidence to do the marathon in 2014.

Great to hear! We all want news like this to keep us motivated as we gradually move in to the meat of our training plans.

As a side note, I put in an 8 miler after work last as a final test that my foot is back in business. I am very happy. Pacd was rocking! Right at 12 min mile with run walk. Lots of energy in reserves so should be more than fine for Wine & Dine and ultimately full in january.

 

[rocio]

Ran a local half marathon this morning. Beat my personal best by over FIVE minutes!!! I couldn't believe it. My official time was 2:14:15. It was a great day for a run and I knew the ground we were covering well. I have to admit that in those last two miles I kept wondering how I would ever finish twice the amount. By building up I suppose! Upwards and onwards!

 

[Sabeking]

A little off topic...does anybody have a funny racing/training story??

Mine: a few years back I did a sprint triathalon and two times you go to the staging area to move from swimming to biking and then biking to running. We were all running around like chickens with our heads cut off to get into the next gear. The guy beside of me had his stuff out and ready to go before the race. I thought it was kind of curious that he had one of those fold out chairs with the foot rest. Anyhow, during both staging times (between legs) he sat back in his fold out lazy boy and smoked a cigerette!

 

[Sabeking]

Ran a local half marathon this morning. Beat my personal best by over FIVE minutes!!! I couldn't believe it. My official time was 2:14:15. It was a great day for a run and I knew the ground we were covering well. I have to admit that in those last two miles I kept wondering how I would ever finish twice the amount. By building up I suppose! Upwards and onwards!

Yeah!!! Good job!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Ran a local half marathon this morning. Beat my personal best by over FIVE minutes!!! I couldn't believe it. My official time was 2:14:15. It was a great day for a run and I knew the ground we were covering well. I have to admit that in those last two miles I kept wondering how I would ever finish twice the amount. By building up I suppose! Upwards and onwards!

Congrats on a super finish!!! The thought of that gorgeous Mickey medal hopefully will carry us all to the finish!

I'm running a half in 3 weeks and hope to improve my time from this years Princess. Unfortunately the course is rather hilly, so it may not be possible.

 

[RunRookie]

Ran a local half marathon this morning. Beat my personal best by over FIVE minutes!!! I couldn't believe it. My official time was 2:14:15. It was a great day for a run and I knew the ground we were covering well. I have to admit that in those last two miles I kept wondering how I would ever finish twice the amount. By building up I suppose! Upwards and onwards!

Way to go! Congratulations!

 

[regul8ter18]

RunRookie- I wont be at the Chicago Marathon that is a little far for me to go that early if I am not running.

 

[ColleenG]

A little off topic...does anybody have a funny racing/training story??

Mine: a few years back I did a sprint triathalon and two times you go to the staging area to move from swimming to biking and then biking to running. We were all running around like chickens with our heads cut off to get into the next gear. The guy beside of me had his stuff out and ready to go before the race. I thought it was kind of curious that he had one of those fold out chairs with the foot rest. Anyhow, during both staging times (between legs) he sat back in his fold out lazy boy and smoked a cigerette!

OMG! Well that is rather rude for the other competitors! I am VERY sensitive to cigarette smoke. That would have really pissed me off!

 

[Sabeking]

OMG! Well that is rather rude for the other competitors! I am VERY sensitive to cigarette smoke. That would have really pissed me off!

Yeah...I fluctuated between being tickled and outrage! Obviously timing was not a big deal to him!