Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[DrMomof3]

24th!

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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 ask consistent as possible I think I have a shot at the whole. I can definitely do the 1/2.

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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.

We ALL have bad runs! Especially after being out of commission for a while. Be proud of yourself for starting again instead of upset that it didn't go better!

I agree with Rick. During my training for the marathon, I mapped out a 5 mile loop from my house. I left extra gatorade/water and snacks in the driveway. I also found that it was nice to use indoor plumbing when I was out there for many hours! I did the same loop almost every weekend which did get a little boring but I had my iPod and it was fine.

Amanda

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

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!

I don't think I can do a loop near my house because our road is bad, people drive 65 in a 45, blind hills, no breakdown lane. The 2 side roads near my house are all hill, one is straight but one is twisty like a smaller version of Lombard St in San Francisco. Once I get better I can do the hills, I walk the straight one now, and it's 2 miles one way.
However we have a park on the road that runners use a lot. I could park my car there and use it as a water stop, it has a porta potty and a 2 mile trail loop that our XC runners use. Running on the road just makes me nervous, but this road does have a lot of walkers and runners so I know local people are aware and are pretty careful.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Oh and I have to report, the new shoes?! AMAZING!!! I was having heel pain with my old NB minimus but I woke up pain free today! WOOHOO! These have been the only shoes I can wear to combat my Plantar Fasciitis.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

We are officially booked at AKV (Jambo), Thursday-Sunday of marathon weekend. Whew. I wasn't going to book immediately, but I wanted to make sure to book before the DVC 7 month window opened up.

 

[dreams91]

We are officially booked at AKV (Jambo), Thursday-Sunday of marathon weekend. Whew. I wasn't going to book immediately, but I wanted to make sure to book before the DVC 7 month window opened up.

This makes me feel better....I've been waiting to book. i can't decide between BLT and AKV. Have you stayed at AKV before? My heart is saying stay there, but my head is saying it is easier probably at BLT. I've never stayed at either.

I'm thinking I'll need the extra cheering about that mark on the full. If we stayed there, DH could go outside and cheer me on. Could he then take a bus to the finish? and see me finish? I'm slooow...

 

[Sandy321]

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.

Oh I can tell you - I worry about the bathroom thing too! My favorite bathroom is in the MK in the Frontierland area - its a/c and flushes! Lots of people make this stop.

But do remember, hydrate, its so very important - and I think its funny when you go out to line up in the corrals around 5:30 am and you have to wait an hour to move - all you see is guys jumping over to use the bushes - dh says lots of women take towels (from the pool area) and go together one holds the towel while - you know....

I also keep in mind the porta potties on the route - the closer ones to the start have the longest lines, so try and get over to the MK and you'll be fine (in the Half)

I don't think I can do a loop near my house because our road is bad, people drive 65 in a 45, blind hills, no breakdown lane. The 2 side roads near my house are all hill, one is straight but one is twisty like a smaller version of Lombard St in San Francisco. Once I get better I can do the hills, I walk the straight one now, and it's 2 miles one way.
However we have a park on the road that runners use a lot. I could park my car there and use it as a water stop, it has a porta potty and a 2 mile trail loop that our XC runners use. Running on the road just makes me nervous, but this road does have a lot of walkers and runners so I know local people are aware and are pretty careful.

Glad you are finding a safe place to run! I do know that using the treadmill is a good way to work on intervals (2 min at one speed, then amp it up for 30 seconds) In the long run, it does really help! (I think this is part of the Couch 2 5K planning, or its part of Galloways - it helps)

Oh and I have to report, the new shoes?! AMAZING!!! I was having heel pain with my old NB minimus but I woke up pain free today! WOOHOO! These have been the only shoes I can wear to combat my Plantar Fasciitis.

From another severe sufferer - do wear the right shoes - and check out superfeet - http://www.superfeet.com/ superfeet insoles have made a HUGE difference- better than the $300 inserts the podiatrist fit! I found them at a runners marketplace - either at WDW Marathon, or the Chicago Marathon - but they truly make a BIG difference, and I do know that the major running shoes do carry them!

 

[dreams91]

Oh I can tell you - I worry about the bathroom thing too! My favorite bathroom is in the MK in the Frontierland area - its a/c and flushes! Lots of people make this stop.

But do remember, hydrate, its so very important -


From another severe sufferer - do wear the right shoes - and check out superfeet - http://www.superfeet.com/ superfeet insoles have made a HUGE difference- better than the $300 inserts the podiatrist fit! I found them at a runners marketplace - either at WDW Marathon, or the Chicago Marathon - but they truly make a BIG difference, and I do know that the major running shoes do carry them!

Yes, hydration is important! I made that mistake this past January for my first ever Half at WDW. I was so scared to use the porta potties, that I wasn't drinking enough. I wanted to make sure I could wait until MK. Well I waited...and ended up not even having to go. Started drinking at the water stops and ended up dehydrated. I felt HORRIBLE by mile 10. I was cramping like I had a UTI. I finished, but didn't feel better for three more hours. And I was drinking alot by that point.

Good to know about superfeet. I too get those same issues with my feet. And it hurts!!!

 

[liznboys]

GO LIZ GO!!!

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

Aw thanks Sandy! Good luck with your working out these days. I know you could do another Disney race if you want to!

 

[liznboys]

Who else is thinking about staying at OKW or POFQ and walking to the corrals??? I was going to do POFQ but now I'm thinking about a studio at OKW (hopefully near the Hospitality House).

 

[jmasgat]

Liz I'm shooting for a studio at OKW, too. If I can rent some points.

Kristen I haven't done Pasta in the Park, but in general, I don't think WDW events are really a good value.

Maura

 

[ronnmel]

I was thinking of possibly renting points at OKW for our 5K trip, but I've been reading so many bad things about bus over there. Since we won't be renting a car, is the bus system (to go to the parks, the days other than the race) that bad?

 

[PrincessRhi]

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?

We did Pasta in the Park this year but arrived a little closer to the end of the event. It was actually really fun, and they (at least when we were there) had Mickey, Donald, and Goofy there for you to get autographs from, plus some entertaining DJs, some really big Mickey hands for you to take pictures with, and of course, food and drinks. There was a decent variety of food, and do believe there was a menu posted in advance so you can check to see if it's stuff your kids will like.

Overall I liked it. Disney meals in general are expensive, but truth be told, I thought it was a deal given the amount of food they give, the number of bananas we pocketed for the hotel, and all the little extras. Since it was a runner-centric event, the choices they offered were better than what I would have made if left to my own devices. I was able to load up on salad and chicken before making trips back for pasta, which was a nice break from normal park meals.

 

[Sandy321]

Aw thanks Sandy! Good luck with your working out these days. I know you could do another Disney race if you want to!

you are a good cheerleader

therein lies the conundrum - "if I want to"

I did feel like a slacker this last January! and I think its funny that the group I work out with are in awe I've done 3 Half Marathons - really, a Half Marathon is just a quick walk in the park!!

 

[liznboys]

Liz I'm shooting for a studio at OKW, too. If I can rent some points.

....

Maura

Cool! I have DVC points, but not at OKW. So I have to wait until the 7 month window...and I worry that the studios near the HH will be gone by then. If I get worried enough over the next couple months I may rent from an OKW owner so they can book for me.

And will you be walking to the corrals? I'd like to get a group of us together to walk to them..I don't want to walk alone!

I was thinking of possibly renting points at OKW for our 5K trip, but I've been reading so many bad things about bus over there. Since we won't be renting a car, is the bus system (to go to the parks, the days other than the race) that bad?

My thought is that bus service from all WDW resorts has its ups and downs. I personally would not choose a resort based on bus service reviews...good or bad. Stay where you want to stay, hope for the best, but know that it may not always be perfect...and enjoy your trip anyway.

you are a good cheerleader

therein lies the conundrum - "if I want to"

I did feel like a slacker this last January! and I think its funny that the group I work out with are in awe I've done 3 Half Marathons - really, a Half Marathon is just a quick walk in the park!!

Lol..Yes the being able to and the wanting to can be light years apart!

 

[MightyDuck001]

I don't think I can do a loop near my house because our road is bad, people drive 65 in a 45, blind hills, no breakdown lane. The 2 side roads near my house are all hill, one is straight but one is twisty like a smaller version of Lombard St in San Francisco. Once I get better I can do the hills, I walk the straight one now, and it's 2 miles one way.

The bad roads are something I have trouble with, too. Between speeders, blind turns, bad road surfaces, and one awful hill after another it can be quite difficult. I've found that timing can help ease that anxiety-- not going when everyone's speeding out of the high school or local offices helps immensely. Also, you might try mapmyrun.com and see where else people are running in your area-- you can narrow the results by distance and maybe that will give you some more ideas to change it up every now and then.
Also very important, I am so glad to hear that my portapotty phobia is not simply an eccentricity on my part.

 

[mrs cinderella]

Oh I can tell you - I worry about the bathroom thing too! My favorite bathroom is in the MK in the Frontierland area - its a/c and flushes! Lots of people make this stop.

But do remember, hydrate, its so very important - and I think its funny when you go out to line up in the corrals around 5:30 am and you have to wait an hour to move - all you see is guys jumping over to use the bushes - dh says lots of women take towels (from the pool area) and go together one holds the towel while - you know....

I also keep in mind the porta potties on the route - the closer ones to the start have the longest lines, so try and get over to the MK and you'll be fine (in the Half)

Oh my gosh, I'm so glad someone talked about this! Just the other day, DH asked me about the bathroom situation and I was like, "hmmmmmm....I'll get back to you on that!" I'm glad I have some info for him now!

We are doing a training program from John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals" and I was just wondering if anyone had experience using these programs. We're doing a run/walk program and it seems very manageable, but I'm curious to hear from someone who's used something like it before.

Hope you're all having a marvelous weekend!

 

[croach]

Does the Pasta in the Park event sell out? And where do they usually it? Thanks!

 

[ronnmel]

My thought is that bus service from all WDW resorts has its ups and downs. I personally would not choose a resort based on bus service reviews...good or bad. Stay where you want to stay, hope for the best, but know that it may not always be perfect...and enjoy your trip anyway.

Normally I wouldn't care so much, as we usually stay in the parks all day. But this time we'll be traveling with a baby and coming back to the resort every afternoon for nap time. I don't want to spend hours waiting for a bus doing this, especially after being spoiled with such good bus service at POP last time.

 

[escape]

I've always enjoyed my stay at the Pop during marathon weekend. I liked that we didn't have to share the busses with other resorts. I wonder, though, if that will change with the addition of the new value resort (Art of Animation)?

mrs cinderella - I think JB's wife, Jenny, actually designed the training programs in that book. I've used them for many half and full marathons. I thought they were good. I used Jenny's training program for the Goofy and really liked it. Very manageable!

As for the bathrooms, there are several in the parks you can use. It's always a good idea to get a theme park map and scope them out ahead of time. As the race gets closer, someone will usually post the locations as well. Before the race starts, I like going to the restrooms next to the monorail station at Epcot before we load into the corrals.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

The bad roads are something I have trouble with, too. Between speeders, blind turns, bad road surfaces, and one awful hill after another it can be quite difficult. I've found that timing can help ease that anxiety-- not going when everyone's speeding out of the high school or local offices helps immensely. Also, you might try mapmyrun.com and see where else people are running in your area-- you can narrow the results by distance and maybe that will give you some more ideas to change it up every now and then.
Also very important, I am so glad to hear that my portapotty phobia is not simply an eccentricity on my part.

LOL yeah, not a single one in my town! not surprising. But I did find the route DS trains on for XC. It's in a park near his school.
I also found out that our local Rails to Trails route has been expanded, 7 miles one way. DH and I are are going to check it out soon. We can ride bikes, run, and ride horses. So that is a great option for us!
Unfortunately my road is bad 24/7. It's a pass through from one major town to the other so it's never good. I'll just have to drive places, no biggie.

Oh my gosh, I'm so glad someone talked about this! Just the other day, DH asked me about the bathroom situation and I was like, "hmmmmmm....I'll get back to you on that!" I'm glad I have some info for him now!

We are doing a training program from John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals" and I was just wondering if anyone had experience using these programs. We're doing a run/walk program and it seems very manageable, but I'm curious to hear from someone who's used something like it before.

Hope you're all having a marvelous weekend!

I just bought the book on my Kindle last night and read a few pages. I dreamt about running a marathon last night, does that count as training???