Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[QTrunninglady]

Well, this year (2012) was gonna be my first Goofy year but with the stress of a divorce and then a back injury, I settled for the half marathon.

2013 is a different story! I've already registered for the Goofy!! I'm so excited!

Going to Costa Rica in September for my first marathon (and first trip out of the states. lol), so hopefully that will be a good warmup for my 2013 goal of 6 half marathons in 6 different states! Got Florida in January and then California the very next weekend!!

I LOVE it!!!

 

[disney_runner]

Mighty Duck -- I ran the full in 2011, and was warned about that "wall" at mile 20. Well, mile 20 came and went, and I felt great! It was mile 22 where I met that wall! But the good part is that right about mile 22 is when you enter DHS and make your way through that park and over into Epcot. The motivation you get from strangers from that point on is really surprising! That's also when they start handing out candy! So there's some extra energy too. Really, the strangers in the parks of DHS and Epcot, whether they shout your name or not, just the clapping and cheering.... it just works. No worries, it really will push you through those last few miles!!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Yeah Buffy!!! You could join the rest of 'us'. Carrie, Mandy, me, possibly Robin and Jenn. You can totally do it! I didn't think I could do it last year, but as Carrie told me, it's mile by mile. I'm doing the full and would gladly cheer for you!!! (BTW, you on facebook yet? If so, msg me the details....).

Not on Facebook yet, but I'm working on it. I hate FB but I need it to monitor DS's friends. ERGH! He doesn't have one but his friends talk about him frequently online.

I'm slow...we could do it together. And I turn the big 4-0 right before the race (Dec 30).

I'll be 40 in Nov of 2013, figure this would be a good year to get fit ya know.
Once I talk to DH I'll let you know for sure. He's still in DC and won't be home until next week.

Excitedly, this will be my first marathon. The ambitousness in me wants to do the Goofy, but maybe next time. Anybody else coming from South Jersey?

Definitely looking forward to this!

Hey, I used to be from South Jersey!! Miss it there!

 

[Freight Train]

I'm very strongly considering doing the 1/2 marathon, but I have a couple of really stupid questions.

Full disclosure: I'm a fat, generally sedentary, out of shape guy. But I have determination and I'm confident I could get in shape with smart and consistent training by the time January 2013 rolls around.

Here's my question: I've read that there are often really obscure characters that they bring out to fill up the course. Villains, older movies that didn't do so well, etc. I have a 4 yo daughter who's really, really, really (really!) into having autographs for all the characters. I know you can take pictures with the characters on course but are you able to get autographs too? Does anyone have any examples of "outside the mainstream at the parks" characters that they've seen?

An additional question: If indeed autographs are allowed, what pace do you suggest I maintain to allow for these opportunities? Maybe 11 minutes per mile? 10 minutes? I'm not afraid to train for a quicker pace if it means earning "cool daddy" points with my kiddo.

Sorry, I know most of you on here are really serious about the race and I really respect that. My intention isn't to demean that effort--I'm just trying to figure out my options. Thanks!

 

[MightyDuck001]

Mighty Duck -- I ran the full in 2011, and was warned about that "wall" at mile 20. Well, mile 20 came and went, and I felt great! It was mile 22 where I met that wall! But the good part is that right about mile 22 is when you enter DHS and make your way through that park and over into Epcot. The motivation you get from strangers from that point on is really surprising! That's also when they start handing out candy! So there's some extra energy too. Really, the strangers in the parks of DHS and Epcot, whether they shout your name or not, just the clapping and cheering.... it just works. No worries, it really will push you through those last few miles!!

You have no idea how reassuring that is (especially the candy)--I remember being by the Beach Club on marathon morning and seeing people go by and I just randomly started cheering for them 'cause I thought I was never doing that.

Does anyone have any examples of "outside the mainstream at the parks" characters that they've seen?

I haven't run it, but you can look through some youtube videos and pictures on google images for a sampling of what's available, which I suppose comes with the usual "subject to change without notice/no guarantee" condition.

 

[Sandy321]

I'm very strongly considering doing the 1/2 marathon, but I have a couple of really stupid questions.

Full disclosure: I'm a fat, generally sedentary, out of shape guy. But I have determination and I'm confident I could get in shape with smart and consistent training by the time January 2013 rolls around.

Here's my question: I've read that there are often really obscure characters that they bring out to fill up the course. Villains, older movies that didn't do so well, etc. I have a 4 yo daughter who's really, really, really (really!) into having autographs for all the characters. I know you can take pictures with the characters on course but are you able to get autographs too? Does anyone have any examples of "outside the mainstream at the parks" characters that they've seen?

An additional question: If indeed autographs are allowed, what pace do you suggest I maintain to allow for these opportunities? Maybe 11 minutes per mile? 10 minutes? I'm not afraid to train for a quicker pace if it means earning "cool daddy" points with my kiddo.

Sorry, I know most of you on here are really serious about the race and I really respect that. My intention isn't to demean that effort--I'm just trying to figure out my options. Thanks!

Welcome Freight Train -

You are not alone!! that to me is what has been great about WISH - to inspire each other to be healthy - its so not easy! I too am one of the "heavy" people - but dh loves to run (I hate it btw!) I love Disney - somehow we decided to combine the loves - back in 2008 I ran my first ever half marathon -

these boards, and the coaching here helped me tremendously - I knew I had to run "16 min miles" to not be swept. So I tried to train at the 15 min mile pace - and I felt I had...

so when in the Magic Kingdom, I did stop for a picture or two...

and while according to my pace watch I was on target to finish at the 3 hours 30 min time - the powers that be in Disney turned off the "Official Time Clock" So while I was not swept, I did not get the joy to read my name on a board or certificate with that 3 hours and 30 min time... I was sad.

So DH wanted to run Goofy - we signed up again for the 2010 race... and once again, I tried to do the 15 min mile pace. BUT this time I knew if I wanted to be an "official" finisher - I could not stop for a picture - and that year was infamous for its horrible cold, and sleet, and YUCKY weather - but I pressed on - I saw lines of people with the characters - I toggled on (Really I do not run, or jog, and I cant even move faster than some of those walkers!!)

I saw the bikes that are "sweepers" yell out - get to the next point in 2 min or you are swept - and sweep they do - they make you get on the bus! I somehow kept in front of those points - it wasnt easy

Then, the last "sweep" point going around the cloverleaf on the freeway to the entrance of Epcot (isnt it almost a 2 mile area? It feels every bit of 2 miles to me btw!! lol) and there was a group I tried to join in front of me, and when I looked back - no one behind me...

I kept moving.

and the bike people kept sweeping.

One talked to me and said I was fine - the problem was people werent doing well healthwise due to the weather!!

I crossed DEAD LAST! last! no one behind - but it was within that 3 hours 30 min time!! (and when I looked up my name - haha there were over hundred names AFTER me!! )

 

[Sandy321]

Long story short - this last trip 2012 DH did Goofy and his friend also signed up for Goofy - he was not a runner, and he was heavy like me - and he did not make it - he too wanted to get some pictures and autographs (he is also a big Disney fan - and he signs up for the races)

he did get swept, and he was fine with it - like others have said, its a great experience... and you do get to decide what to train for - the Couch 2 5K training program is a big help.

I didnt run 2012 - I am too heavy and unhealthy - but I have joined a health club - and I can tell you the small fitness class I'm in we are doing interval training that reminds me of the C25K program - and I think I'm getting stronger - who knows? Maybe I can be ready to try this again!

 

[Sandy321]

This is the thread for everyone participating in any of the Marathon Weekend 2013 Events: Kids Races, 5K, Half, Full, Goofy and Dopey! Which one(s) are you doing?

After completing 7 half marathons (all at WDW) I am going Goofy! And I really need to register before I chicken out!

GO LIZ GO!!!

You are going to be so proud of your work and accomplishments!!

 

[disney_runner]

Bummer, no autographs are allowed during the race. Sorry! It takes up too much time. There's lines enough just to get photos with the characters. Autographs would just make it impossible!

 

[princessbride6205]

I'm coming from central Jersey and doing my first full! After I hit the registration button I began panicking and thinking, "If it's anything less than zombie Walt Disney back from the dead at mile 20 I'm not going to be happy for the last 6.2!"
I'm hoping to finish and thinking of it not as a 26.2 mile run but as more of an "ultimate park hopper"/"commando" way of doing 4 parks in a few hours. This makes it feel less insane and more manageable for me.

Love this idea! I think that will also help me get over my quest for a time goal. As much as I tell myself, I just want to finish, the pace is always nagging me in the back of my head.

Has anyone used The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer? I'm thinking about using it, but it has the longest run at 18 miles. Can someone explain the logic to that? I'm nervous about whether that's enough or not

Jennifer

I have not heard of that one - sounds interesting. I think I'm going to shoot for a 20-miler for my longest, but I'm not totally sure.

 

[RedSonya]

I registered for the Goofy last night! I ran the full back in 2007, and haven't run more than 100 miles total since then. I have my work cut out for me. I have my training plan starting on May 7th.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm very strongly considering doing the 1/2 marathon, but I have a couple of really stupid questions.

Full disclosure: I'm a fat, generally sedentary, out of shape guy. But I have determination and I'm confident I could get in shape with smart and consistent training by the time January 2013 rolls around.

Here's my question: I've read that there are often really obscure characters that they bring out to fill up the course. Villains, older movies that didn't do so well, etc. I have a 4 yo daughter who's really, really, really (really!) into having autographs for all the characters. I know you can take pictures with the characters on course but are you able to get autographs too? Does anyone have any examples of "outside the mainstream at the parks" characters that they've seen?

An additional question: If indeed autographs are allowed, what pace do you suggest I maintain to allow for these opportunities? Maybe 11 minutes per mile? 10 minutes? I'm not afraid to train for a quicker pace if it means earning "cool daddy" points with my kiddo.

Sorry, I know most of you on here are really serious about the race and I really respect that. My intention isn't to demean that effort--I'm just trying to figure out my options. Thanks!

I'm not sure that autographs are allowed. I've run 2 Disney races (and have stopped for almost every character picture along the way ) and have never seen an autograph book. As a result, the lines for pictures move fairly quickly.

I'm no expert on the rarity of characters, so here's a list of the pictures I've gotten...they seem to change from race to race. This is probably more than you wanted to know, but here it is!

2011 Princess Half Marathon: Lilo and Stitch (dressed as Elvis), Tweedle Dee and Dum and Alice, Tiana, Naveen and Louis from Princess and the Frog, dead ladies from the Haunted Mansion, Jessie from Toy Story, Horace Horsecollar, Genie from Alladin, Hook and Smee, Geopetto, Pinnochio and Jiminy Cricket, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather, Goofy dressed as a golfer, Meeko from Pocahontas, Tarzan, Flynn Rider, Aladdin, Prince Eric and John Smith, Princess Atta from A Bug's Life, Capt. Jack Sparrow + Pirates, Mrs. Incredible, Mushu from Mulan, Phineas & Ferb, Duffy, and Goofy, Daisy and Donald dressed in royal attire.

I missed Bell/Gaston (line was INSANELY long) and Royal Mickey and Minnie (right as I got in line I was told they were going to switch out with Cinderella and Prince Charming). I'm still upset that I missed both of these. We also missed Sarge (Toy Story Soldier) because he was in his RV when we ran by.

2012 WDW Full Marathon: Before the start Pluto and Scrooge McDuck had meet & greet lines...during the race: Panchito Pistols, the 3 Little Pigs, Professor Ludwig VonDrake (I KNOW that's a rare one), Alice and the Mad Hatter, Rapinzel and Flynn Rider, Anastasia, Drizella and Lady Tremaine, Mary Poppins + chimney sweeps, Goofy and Donald dressed as golfers, Cruella deVille, Snow White Queen, Scar, Dr. Facilier and Malificent (all 5 villains in the same picture...I about died! ), Rafiki, Jammin' Jungle Minnie and Mickey, Haunted Mansion grave diggers (this is the longest line we waited in), Sarge (toy story soldier), and Goofy and Donald in track suits.

I skipped Pluto, Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox, Stitch, Louis, Woody, Tigger & Pooh, Hook & Smee, John Smith & Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket, King Louis and Baloo, Mr.Incredible, Mike & Sulley, Carl Fredrickson, Max, Marie, Jasmine, Snow White, and Mushu...these were ones I skipped either because we'd already met them (in the parks or during the Princess Half) or I just wasn't interested.

I know some of the characters in the full were also out for the half (villains and Prof Ludwig vonDrake, for example). You just never know you you will get! Just make sure you have your camera ready and charged up.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I registered DH for the Full, and myself for the Half today! No turning back now!

We missed marathon weekend last year after 4 consecutive years, and can't wait to return!

Maria

 

[KSH]

The point is...if you are a back of the packer, you won't be alone. We call it the party zone.

Love that! I will definitely be in the party zone!!

My advice: enjoy the weekend. By the time you get there, you'll have put in all your training, so don't stress over if you'll be able to finish it or not. Go out and have as much fun as you can during both races. I don't believe in racing the half and surviving the full on dead legs. I think it's more enjoyable to back off for both races, go at close to the same easy pace as my weekly long runs, and spend my time taking pictures with characters, chatting with the people around me, and making new friends along the way. There are plenty of other places and races to set PRs, but there's only one place to be Goofy. Oh, and wear a fun costume. That helps with the being goofy bit.

Thanks John! That was what I was thinking, take both very slow (even slower than normal!!) and hopefully feel good enough after the marathon to go to a park that night. This will be my first time doing a big race away from home so that is my main concern, I don't want to have to spend the rest of the trip in the room. I don't plan to go to a park after the half but I would like to go on Sunday and Monday.

Has anyone used The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer? I'm thinking about using it, but it has the longest run at 18 miles. Can someone explain the logic to that? I'm nervous about whether that's enough or not

The Galloway plan I use had us do the full 26 ahead of the marathon. For me, it was very helpful in figuring out what worked well and what didn't - food before and during, shoes, etc. - as the mileage increased. For example, I found out I needed even bigger shoes than normal for the long distances once I got past 17 because my feet would swell even more. I also had to push through "the wall" on one of those runs (the 20 miler - I hit the wall at about 16) so I was able to think that through and it didn't happen on the 23 or 26 mile training runs (or the marathon itself). The week leading up to race day I was so nervous! Didn't really expect that, but it was awful. My buddies said the same thing. I think the only thing that kept us from losing it by race morning was knowing (and reminding each other) that we had trained, done the distance and were ready.

I'll be 40 in Nov of 2013, figure this would be a good year to get fit ya know.

November 2013 is when I turn 50! Definitely will be a good year all around. My birthday is the 12th, what about you?

I crossed DEAD LAST! last! no one behind - but it was within that 3 hours 30 min time!! (and when I looked up my name - haha there were over hundred names AFTER me!! )

Congratulations! Nothing wrong with last place. I was almost there in my marathon last year - finished 1101 out of 1125. I had no idea the race would be so small or I probably wouldn't have signed up! I am looking forward to the crowds in January.

Happy trails to everyone going for a run this weekend!

Karen

 

[MightyDuck001]

Love this idea! I think that will also help me get over my quest for a time goal. As much as I tell myself, I just want to finish, the pace is always nagging me in the back of my head.

I know, right? I just keep repeating, "finish alive and able to get a medal... and looking halfway decent in the post-race photo..."

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

November 2013 is when I turn 50! Definitely will be a good year all around. My birthday is the 12th, what about you?

24th!

******************
Ok so that workout went really really badly. No mind you I didn't realize that I hadn't been on the treadmill in almost a month. See what being sick does to ya?! Anyway, I got 3.5 miles in slightly over an hour. Not good, not good at all. My legs were like rocks, as usual, for the first 2 miles. After that I'm good but they make me want to quit! I really need to get some compression socks, but I did get new shoes today and they felt great. Another pair of New Balance minimists. But I did it, I wanted an hour just to gauge where I'm at speed wise. I walk at a 3-3.5 mph and run at a 4. I can do 4.5 for a few minutes but I don't know if I could maintain that pace for long, even in intervals. I have my work cut out for me but I think if I lose some more weight and try to be as consistent as possible I think I have a shot at the whole. I can definitely do the 1/2.

**********************
So I have a question for those who are at long distances. My town is only 9 square miles and some of the roads, especially the one I live on, are really dangerous. How do you get all 26 miles in if you don't have a lot of road to run on. I can maybe eek out 8-10 if I do another main road that most runners run on and a few side roads. Would you just do it twice?

I'm trying to think ahead and stay positive.

 

[RunRookie]

Is there a way for you to develop a 'loop' for your longer runs? You might want to come up with a 5-6 mile loop that passes by your home. That way, as the Long Runs get longer, you have a built-in 'water/medical/bathroom station' in your route every 5-6 miles.

Then you just run that loop for however long you need to.

Don't worry about the run. We have good ones and bad ones. And as long as we learn something from both kinds, we are making progress!

 

[poohs4me]

You know that is one thing I am nervous about. On my half marathon training I peaked out at I think 14 miles and I DID NOT have to go to the bathroom. It took me just over 3 hours. I am a little faster now, but I am worried about the whole bathroom thing. I really do not know how my body will react as it gets up in the miles. I am guessing its not a good thing to wait over 6 hours to p and if I do have to stop will I ever be able to start running/walking again.

 

[kaj1436]

What are your opinions on this event? Is it worth it? Is it fun? Keep in mind that I will have to bring my 7 and 5 year old and wondering if they will be bored? Is the food good?

 

[jimandami]

Well, it looks like we have decided on the Donald this time! DH has been dealing with some injury issues (back) and also some knee and hip pain so we just don't want to commit to a full quite yet....but we will definitely run one next year! Anyway, we rented points for a studio at SSR and will leave on Sunday for a 6 night Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Breeze And as a side note, we registered for the ToT 10-miler yesterday...we were gonna skip it because it is the last night of our 8-night family vacation and we figured we would be tired and full from all the bad eat and drink, but after seeing the really cool medal yesterday, we just HAD to do it!!