Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[BigEeyore]

Ariel184 - thanks for sharing the link for your marathon TR! I love reading those, and they really help you prepare for what to expect on race day.

I have been lurking along on this thread, wanted to come out and say hi. I am on the fence about doing the marathon - I swore I would never do one (that's CRAZY!), but then I did the Princess half this year and had such an amazing experience that I am actually thinking about it.
My biggest fear is injury - if I could figure out how to train for this thing and not get injured, I would be all in. I went for a 9 mile run last week and tweaked something in my calf that still isn't right - it just has me wondering if I can train to run 26.2! I did train for and run the Princess with minimal injuries, but I am hesitant about the marathon.
I am thinking about staying at BWV if we go - last year the race went by the hotel around mile 25 or so. It would be really easy for DH to just come downstairs with the kids to cheer me on - I know I would love to see them at that point! Also very intrigued by the idea of walking from OKW, but afraid that we would end up at the back of the resort and don't want to deal with that.

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks for including the shameless plug, I am really interested in reading marathon trip reports! I'll check yours out!

Thanks! I read the few marathon reports I could find over and over last year...I feel like I almost have some of them memorized.

Ariel184 - thanks for sharing the link for your marathon TR! I love reading those, and they really help you prepare for what to expect on race day.

I have been lurking along on this thread, wanted to come out and say hi. I am on the fence about doing the marathon - I swore I would never do one (that's CRAZY!), but then I did the Princess half this year and had such an amazing experience that I am actually thinking about it.
My biggest fear is injury - if I could figure out how to train for this thing and not get injured, I would be all in. I went for a 9 mile run last week and tweaked something in my calf that still isn't right - it just has me wondering if I can train to run 26.2! I did train for and run the Princess with minimal injuries, but I am hesitant about the marathon.
I am thinking about staying at BWV if we go - last year the race went by the hotel around mile 25 or so. It would be really easy for DH to just come downstairs with the kids to cheer me on - I know I would love to see them at that point! Also very intrigued by the idea of walking from OKW, but afraid that we would end up at the back of the resort and don't want to deal with that.

I love reading them too!

You sound like me - I did the Princess Half in 2011 (I think I'm going to throw a mini-report from that race into my marathon trip report) and decided that if I could survive that, I could survive the full.

During marathon training I had 2 separate injuries (rolled an ankle and had back spasms from poor form while weight lifting)...so I don't think injuries are completely unavoidable but if you know yourself and what kind of training works for you, you should be okay for the most part. Have you ever tried foam rolling? That might help your calf.

I stayed at BCV for the marathon this past year...the course goes out of the Studios, past the Boardwalk, then crosses the bridge by the Swan and Dolphin to go in front of Yacht/Beach. So you're right that it would be easy for your family to come watch you. FYI, all of the Epcot area resorts share race transportation buses (at least they did this year): Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/Beach and Boardwalk. Coming back from the race the bus stopped at Boardwalk first...I just got off there to walk back to Beach.

...Does anyone have tips/ideas for training to get used to the humidity? Here in West Texas, we are sooo the opposite of humid; if having negative % humidity were a thing, we'd have it! I'm really concerned that we'll do all this training and get to Florida and die the second we walk out the door. We were there this past September for our honeymoon and while I know it was nowhere near as humid as it could be, there were a couple days I thought I was going to melt right there in the happiest place on earth! So if there's anything we could do to help acclimate ourselves, I would love to know about it. Or is humidity not such a big deal in January and not worth worrying about?

I don't remember it being really humid this past year. As a previous poster said, the half will be done early enough that it most likely won't be an issue. If you're out later for the full, it might be. For the full, the only weather-related issue I recall from this year was that it was SUPER sunny toward the end, and runners were asking other runners if anyone had any sunblock.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Mrs. Cinderella We usually vacation in the end of December and we've never had issues with humidity at all. Granted I'm not running but we are out there all day everyday so I really wouldn't worry to much. Just make sure all your gear is made to wick the sweat away.

*********************

I already have sunblock on my list to carry. I figure we'll put in a belt and apply as we need to. I'll probably sweat most of it off before the sun comes up.
CAn anyone recommend a good belt to wear? I have one that has little water bottles on it, and I did drink all those waters during the 5K but it was really cumbersome. I need to at least carry my phone, ID and medical card. The fanny pack isn't cutting it either.

I finally talked to DH last night and we are just going to do the marathon, he doesn't feel that his back and legs will hold out for the 1/2 and the whole. And we are probably going to stay at the Swan and Dolphin unless someone thinks we really need to stay on-on property as opposed to on-off property. I hope to sign up on Friday, payday. LOL
We've found a few places to do our long runs and we are going to do them most Saturdays when he's home. Our biggest challenge is going to be his daily training because he works in DC and typically works 12-16 hours a day. We'll see if he can squeeze in a walk at night.
I peeked at the workouts at the back of Marathoning for Mortals and I think we will aim for a mix of the Walk/Run and the Run/Walk training schedules. I think I can do more than the walk/run but I don't know if I can do more running and less walking, it will probably be a 50/50 split.
Another challenge is going to be stride. DH is 6 feet, I'm only 5'1". He is all leg, I am not. So it's going to be tough getting a rhythm down. DS15 and I had the same issue when we did the Everest Challenge, he's 5'8" and a XC runner so he has a lengthy stride. Most of the race he was walking and I was "running" more like Wogging. LOL

I need to go keep reading the book and I need to figure out some kind of nutrition plan. I know it's going to be more then just watching my portions which is what I've been doing thus far in my weight loss journey.

I'm super excited!! I will let everyone know when we are officially on board! But for now I'm going to hit the green. 1.6 miles per loop so I'm aiming for 2 loops in under 45 minutes! WISH me luck!!

 

[Ariel484]

...I already have sunblock on my list to carry. I figure we'll put in a belt and apply as we need to. I'll probably sweat most of it off before the sun comes up.
CAn anyone recommend a good belt to wear? I have one that has little water bottles on it, and I did drink all those waters during the 5K but it was really cumbersome. I need to at least carry my phone, ID and medical card. The fanny pack isn't cutting it either.

I used Neutrogena Sweatproof sunblock...I put it on in the morning before the race and didn't reapply afterwards, and I didn't end up burned. I'm pretty fair-skinned, so I thought that was impressive.

Here's the belt I had with me:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/-electronics/airflow-lite

It's pretty breathable, but I really only had enough room for fuel (3 packs of Gu chomps), AP, room key, and some cash. No room for my phone...though my phone is giant (a Droid X). I normally take water with me during training runs but there were a good number of water stops during the full (every 2 miles for the first half, then every mile or so for the second half, if I remember correctly), so I didn't have to bring my own.

...I finally talked to DH last night and we are just going to do the marathon, he doesn't feel that his back and legs will hold out for the 1/2 and the whole. And we are probably going to stay at the Swan and Dolphin unless someone thinks we really need to stay on-on property as opposed to on-off property. I hope to sign up on Friday, payday. LOL...

You should be fine at S/D. The resorts share race transportation buses with the other Epcot resorts...I remember the drop-off order after the race being Boardwalk, then Swan/Dolphin, then Yacht, then Beach. Plus, the full course goes right by S/D, so if anyone's traveling with you it will be easy for them to watch you and your husband during mile 24.

 

[escape]

I don't tolerate the heat and humidity very well, especially while running or walking briskly. I tend to get blisters and overheat. Disney does have less of both in January but it still can be brutal. When I did my first half at WDW in 2007, I knew that I might be in trouble when I was sweating a little before the race started. It wasn't so much the heat as it was the humidity. By the time I finished the half, I was miserable. Not only was I a little overheated, I had 4 big blood blisters on my feet. I never experienced that in my training and I wore the same shoes and socks. And, I did my 10-mile training run in Orlando three weeks (December) before the half. Never had any issues then.

The next year, I did the full. Again, the heat and humidity became an issue although I don't think it was quite as bad as 2007. The problem with the full is that there are a lot of open spaces (no shading) and the sun was out full blast that day. I think the temps got into the mid 80s. I secured my feet with tape and balms, hoping to prevent the blister issues but I still ended up with one on the ball of my foot which prevented me from running the last six or so miles. Ugh!

2010 was the year of the sleet and below freezing temps. Did Goofy that year. Didn't have any problems. Yes, it could have been warmer but I'll take it over the heat and humidity.

The humidity this past January didn't see as bad but was a little on the warm side. I did the half on Saturday and the 1st leg of the relay the next day. I don't recall having any issues. The race officials encouraged the runners doing the 2nd leg of the relay to leave by a certain time and not wait on the first leg runners. Someone said it was because of the heat. ???

The point of all of this is that you need to prepare for anything for a January race at WDW. Mrs. Cinderella - I know about your west Texas low humidity. I ride in the Hotter n Hell bike ride every August in Wichita Falls. It gets HOT but very low humidity. I suppose you could do a couple of long runs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to kind of mimic the Florida weather.

Buffy, I'm still looking for that perfect belt as well. I really don't like to wear them. However, while training, and for a few races, I've worn one of my light-weight biking jerseys. I like this because they have pockets on the back for my stuff yet it doesn't seem to bother me like a belt does. If the WISH team offered such a Jersey/top, I'd be all over it. *sigh*

 

[liznboys]

Update*I have my reservation made for marathon weekend..I'm staying at OKW. Yippee! I ended up renting from an OKW owner. I have two nights in a studio near the HH and then the third night in a regular studio (waitlisted for one near the HH). Even if the waitlist doesn't come through, it will work. At least I'll be near the HH for the mornings of the races so I can walk to the corrals!

...
***SHAMELESS PLUG***

I'm putting up a trip report from Marathon Weekend 2012...if anyone's interested, here's the link. I ran the full and took lots of pictures.

Awesome, I'll be reading!

I have a question. My DH and I will be arriving on Thursday, and my Son and family will arrive on Friday. DIL will be running the 1/2 on Saturday morning. We have Wyndham Bonnet Creek reserved for Saturday - Saturday. Do you think she will have time to run the 1/2, get back to hotel to shower and change before checkout? I'm looking at AofA family suite for Thursday and Friday.

When I did the Princess last year I only stayed in WDW for one night (at one of the All Star Resorts). After the race I had time to get back to my room, shower, pack up and be out of there by 11am. My race time was about 2.5 hrs.

Okay, I need help! I have 9 adults coming for Marathon weekend (whole family!). I think a 2 bedroom villa at Old Key West is our best option. Sister wants a Treehouse Villa. They are the same price and both available. What would you do???

Well I would stay at OKW since I *am* staying at OKW so that I can walk to the corrals. The Treehouses are cool though, we stayed in one in 2008.

...
My biggest fear is injury - if I could figure out how to train for this thing and not get injured, I would be all in. I went for a 9 mile run last week and tweaked something in my calf that still isn't right - it just has me wondering if I can train to run 26.2! I did train for and run the Princess with minimal injuries, but I am hesitant about the marathon.
I am thinking about staying at BWV if we go - last year the race went by the hotel around mile 25 or so. It would be really easy for DH to just come downstairs with the kids to cheer me on - I know I would love to see them at that point! Also very intrigued by the idea of walking from OKW, but afraid that we would end up at the back of the resort and don't want to deal with that.

I completely understand your fear of injury. I am injury-prone. I can't even remember all the stuff I've dealt with. And it's completely possible (if not probable) that I will deal with an injury or more while I train for the Goofy this year. My entire year is focused on the Goofy and I am training as smart as I can. I want to arrive to the Start line injury free-even if that means undertrained! Good luck deciding what to do!

... CAn anyone recommend a good belt to wear? I have one that has little water bottles on it, and I did drink all those waters during the 5K but it was really cumbersome. I need to at least carry my phone, ID and medical card. The fanny pack isn't cutting it either. ...

I went through a SpiBelt and a FuelBelt before I got my double pouch iFitness belt which I love! I don't carry any drinks with me while I run at Disney, so no need for me to have bottle attached. I just carry my stuff...iphone, a little cash, credit card, id, room key..and any other small items I may need.

... I did the half on Saturday and the 1st leg of the relay the next day. I don't recall having any issues. The race officials encouraged the runners doing the 2nd leg of the relay to leave by a certain time and not wait on the first leg runners. Someone said it was because of the heat. ??? ...

I did the half and the first leg of the relay too! Aren't you glad you did it an got the C&D medal since who knows if they'll ever do it again?! I hope they do, for the sake of those who want that medal. Anyway, I was fine wearing a long-sleeved running top and my running skirt for those races. It was getting warmish when I finished up the relay..definitely would have worn short-sleeves had I done the second leg.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I used Neutrogena Sweatproof sunblock...I put it on in the morning before the race and didn't reapply afterwards, and I didn't end up burned. I'm pretty fair-skinned, so I thought that was impressive.

Here's the belt I had with me:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/-electronics/airflow-lite

It's pretty breathable, but I really only had enough room for fuel (3 packs of Gu chomps), AP, room key, and some cash. No room for my phone...though my phone is giant (a Droid X). I normally take water with me during training runs but there were a good number of water stops during the full (every 2 miles for the first half, then every mile or so for the second half, if I remember correctly), so I didn't have to bring my own.

You should be fine at S/D. The resorts share race transportation buses with the other Epcot resorts...I remember the drop-off order after the race being Boardwalk, then Swan/Dolphin, then Yacht, then Beach. Plus, the full course goes right by S/D, so if anyone's traveling with you it will be easy for them to watch you and your husband during mile 24.

Not bringing anyone with us this trip, mom is staying home with the kids so they don't miss school since we are pulling them out for Xmas vacation.

I've seen that belt before, I like that but I'd like the carry my iphone in the belt, I have arm bands and they just don't seem to work that well.
Good to know about the water stops. I forgot one bottle today so I only had the one and didn't even drink all of it so I think I'm getting better at pre-hydrating.

The next year, I did the full. Again, the heat and humidity became an issue although I don't think it was quite as bad as 2007. The problem with the full is that there are a lot of open spaces (no shading) and the sun was out full blast that day. I think the temps got into the mid 80s. I secured my feet with tape and balms, hoping to prevent the blister issues but I still ended up with one on the ball of my foot which prevented me from running the last six or so miles. Ugh!

Buffy, I'm still looking for that perfect belt as well. I really don't like to wear them. However, while training, and for a few races, I've worn one of my light-weight biking jerseys. I like this because they have pockets on the back for my stuff yet it doesn't seem to bother me like a belt does. If the WISH team offered such a Jersey/top, I'd be all over it. *sigh*

UGH! I worry about blisters too! So far so good with the new Minimus shoes but I haven't done any long distances yet.

I found a bike shirt at Raglan Road last year and bought it, it's pretty nice. A little heavy for my taste but I could use that as on option. The only problem is the pockets are open, not zipped like DH's mountain bike shirts so I'm not sure how that would work out. I could have mom put snaps or a zipper in though.

http://store.raglanroad.com/t-shirts/42-irish-cycling-jersey.html

I went through a SpiBelt and a FuelBelt before I got my double pouch iFitness belt which I love! I don't carry any drinks with me while I run at Disney, so no need for me to have bottle attached. I just carry my stuff...iphone, a little cash, credit card, id, room key..and any other small items I may need.

OH I really like that double pouch belt! That is nice. I skyped a link to DH so he could look at them too. Thanks!


************************
OK so today I walked only. My body and mind really wanted to run but I wanted to see what my walk pace was. I did ok, better then I thought. My average pace was 16.9 min/mi so I'm pretty happy. Obviously it's not fast enough for Disney standards but with walking only I think I can handle the pacing requirements. My average speed was 3.6 mph.

I had a headwind the first half of the track and a tail wind when you go back the other way so that was interesting paying attention to how my body adjusted. I also found that if I walked up on my toes more, I was a lot faster, closer to a 4.0 mph pace.
The last 1/2 of the second lap was hard, I really wanted to slow down but I just used everyones blog pics and the rundisney pics to visualize DH and me running through each park. And I was ticking down, Epcot down, 3 parks to go, run through the Castle, Up towards Spaceship Earth towards the big Hat, around the Tree of Life. It was really motivating!! I know, I'm such a dork! LOL But I tapped out at 3.9 mph for a bit so it worked!

I was fighting with my bag that I carried and my earbuds the whole time so I think I can kick it up a notch if I can find stupid earbuds that stay in and I take my fanny pack next time. My car key is huge so I need something kinda big to carry it in until I can get a belt. Must get a belt ASAP!

OK, off to go to the track meet! Have a great day everyone!

 

[kim3339]

CAn anyone recommend a good belt to wear? I have one that has little water bottles on it, and I did drink all those waters during the 5K but it was really cumbersome. I need to at least carry my phone, ID and medical card. The fanny pack isn't cutting it either.

I use the Nathan belt. I've had it for about 4 years and I love it. The bottles are a little bigger ~ they're 10 ozs. They also have bottles that you can buy and they have a squeeze top so you're not worried about opening the bottle. The one I have has 4 bottles and 2 pouches. There is a really small skinny one in the back on top of the velcro part. I use that for my id, $ and key. And there's a larger one in front. I can fit about 2 gus and jelly bellys in it.

Not sure if you were talking about the sunscreen for the race or just around the parks, but if you were talking about the race, this summer look out for sunscreen wipes. I used those in Dec for the Honolulu Marathon and it was a lot easier than a small travel size bottle. You just use the wipe wherever, it was fast and easy. And the nice thing was they were in individual packets, they weren't bulky and I could just toss it to the side when I was done w/ it.

 

[JCH]

Well I would stay at OKW since I *am* staying at OKW so that I can walk to the corrals. The Treehouses are cool though, we stayed in one in 2008.

Did you find it difficult to get the race start from the Treehouse? I am worried about having to drive to Saratoga Springs to catch the bus to the race. We will most likely only have 1 car...

 

[liznboys]

Did you find it difficult to get the race start from the Treehouse? I am worried about having to drive to Saratoga Springs to catch the bus to the race. We will most likely only have 1 car...

We actually didn't stay there during a race weekend (sorry, I should have been more clear). We were there in June of that year. I've never stayed at the main area of SSR for a race, either. I have no idea how they handle the race transportation for the treehouses...if there's a bus at that hour or if you have to get yourself to the SSR bus stops on your own? Seems like they would have a bus as they always do. That's a great question though. Perhaps someone on the DVC Boards would know the answer?

 

[mrs cinderella]

Thanks everyone for all the heat/humidity info! We're planning on doing the full, and I've already learned that we really need to be prepared for anything weather-wise race weekend. I do have a tendency to overheat, so I'll hope for a cooler day, but who knows!

This thread has been such a big help already, major thanks to everyone offering such great advice! I really look forward to my workouts every day knowing that I'm one day closer to reaching my goal!

 

[dreams91]

I finally talked to DH last night and we are just going to do the marathon, he doesn't feel that his back and legs will hold out for the 1/2 and the whole. And we are probably going to stay at the Swan and Dolphin unless someone thinks we really need to stay on-on property as opposed to on-off property. I hope to sign up on Friday, payday. LOL

I peeked at the workouts at the back of Marathoning for Mortals and I think we will aim for a mix of the Walk/Run and the Run/Walk training schedules. I think I can do more than the walk/run but I don't know if I can do more running and less walking, it will probably be a 50/50 split.

I need to go keep reading the book and I need to figure out some kind of nutrition plan. I know it's going to be more then just watching my portions which is what I've been doing thus far in my weight loss journey.

I'm super excited!! I will let everyone know when we are officially on board! But for now I'm going to hit the green. 1.6 miles per loop so I'm aiming for 2 loops in under 45 minutes! WISH me luck!!

Soooo excited Buffy! We will have to meet up with Mandy and Carrie! And it's not JUST a marathon, that's a huge accomplishment! I'm not in for goofy....don't know if I ever will.

As for training, I trained for my half and doing same for the full, three days per week. Two speed sessions and one long run which gets longer each week. It is doable.

 

[jmasgat]

Liz That was fast for the OKW ressie. Did you rent from someone you know? I've been perusing the boards, but haven't found anything yet. Looks like I better get on with it.

On the road today headed to SC. Got in 6 miles before I left. That's the most mileage I've done in 2 months. Just working back up slowly.

Maura

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Not sure if you were talking about the sunscreen for the race or just around the parks, but if you were talking about the race, this summer look out for sunscreen wipes. I used those in Dec for the Honolulu Marathon and it was a lot easier than a small travel size bottle. You just use the wipe wherever, it was fast and easy. And the nice thing was they were in individual packets, they weren't bulky and I could just toss it to the side when I was done w/ it.

Oh, I forgot about those. That's a great idea! Thanks!

Soooo excited Buffy! We will have to meet up with Mandy and Carrie! And it's not JUST a marathon, that's a huge accomplishment! I'm not in for goofy....don't know if I ever will.

As for training, I trained for my half and doing same for the full, three days per week. Two speed sessions and one long run which gets longer each week. It is doable.

Oh wait, that Mandy and Carrie?!?!? OMG, yes we definitely need to meet up. OK, when DH gets home this weekend I'll have him set up a FB page so we can talk and make some plans.
I also hope to solidify mine and DH plans for the race. ETA: I forgot to say, we are staying at the S&D.

I read in the MFM book that they want you to train 6 days a week, I'm not sure if I can do that. I can do most of it on the treadmill but I really would rather have the outside experience. My problem is going to be a sitter. Mom works mornings in the summer, and DS15 has XC practice from 6am to 9am. Hopefully DS15 can watch everyone long enough to for DH and I to get a workout in. But 3 days a week might be all I can do. Mom can watch the kids on Saturdays for the longer workouts. Or we'll have to go out at night.

 

[dreams91]

Oh wait, that Mandy and Carrie?!?!? OMG, yes we definitely need to meet up. OK, when DH gets home this weekend I'll have him set up a FB page so we can talk and make some plans.
I also hope to solidify mine and DH plans for the race. ETA: I forgot to say, we are staying at the S&D.

I read in the MFM book that they want you to train 6 days a week, I'm not sure if I can do that. I can do most of it on the treadmill but I really would rather have the outside experience. My problem is going to be a sitter. Mom works mornings in the summer, and DS15 has XC practice from 6am to 9am. Hopefully DS15 can watch everyone long enough to for DH and I to get a workout in. But 3 days a week might be all I can do. Mom can watch the kids on Saturdays for the longer workouts. Or we'll have to go out at night.

Right that Mandy and Carrie. Lol. And maybe robin. Anyway, I started with the same plan/book. Switched to Galloway training plan on run Disney website. So excited!!! And we will be staying at AKV, renting points from someon on the boards. Mandy will be at BWV.

 

[liznboys]

Liz That was fast for the OKW ressie. Did you rent from someone you know? I've been perusing the boards, but haven't found anything yet. Looks like I better get on with it.

On the road today headed to SC. Got in 6 miles before I left. That's the most mileage I've done in 2 months. Just working back up slowly.

Maura

I did have a connection who fortunately was able do exactly what I needed, so it was fast and easy. I hope you're able to get what you want!

Working back up slowly (very slowly) is the name of the game for me these days as well. I was off for 6 weeks this winter due to a foot thing. I'm in my 8th week of being back at it and my "long" run is at 4 miles. I'm trying to make a good base before I start Goofy training.

 

[Freight Train]

Thanks Sandy321, Disney Runner, Ariel484. Stitchfan18, and the entire board! I talked it over with my kiddo, who will be more than happy with photos, especially when I read her off some of the characters. Of course it's always "you get what you get" but you've given me a great idea of what to expect, and I greatly appreciate it!

Soooooooo, I went ahead and registered! And then immediately wondered what in the world I was thinking!

By the way, some of you have wondered about weather and humidity that time of year. I'm on the west coast of Florida, and I can tell you weather during that period is never a sure thing. Some years we get hard freezes (20-25 degrees), some years lows are in the 50s. That's our dry season but there's even an odd shower in January some years.

The good news is that humidity is usually very low (for us) that time year. I say usually! Bear in mind that in summer humidity is usually 90-100%, so humidity of 50% is really, really dry by our standards.

I used to play tennis when I was a kid and that was always my favorite time of year to play because I felt like I could play as long as I wanted to without ever getting tired. In summer, I once played 7 sets in a day while I was in high school and seriously thought I was going to the hospital. Anecdotal, but that's my analysis!

I wish everyone luck in training! Does anyone have any advice about which hotels we should consider? We're looking for a moderate-class resort on-site. We don't have any DVC points. I'd like to have a nice place for my wife and kids to stay but that also is reasonably close to the starting area. I saw someone mention port orleans. If anyone has any feedback or other ideas on that strategy, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks again to everyone!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Right that Mandy and Carrie. Lol. And maybe robin. Anyway, I started with the same plan/book. Switched to Galloway training plan on run Disney website. So excited!!! And we will be staying at AKV, renting points from someon on the boards. Mandy will be at BWV.

Wow, we are all over the place. If I can't get my standard deal at S&D we'll either stay at AK or Boardwalk. I might see if my friend still has points left over, I think they roll over in August. I'll text her tomorrow and see what DH wants to do. Is anyone doing the pasta dinner?

*********
When is everyone going down? I'm looking at Wed - Mon. I want to get to the expo early since we've never been before. Trying to decide if we should just get a town car or rent a car. Not sure if we should drive to the expo or just take the bus. DS and I took the bus for the Everest Challenge and it was fine but the lines were super long to get our registration for the race.

 

[Ariel484]

...Awesome, I'll be reading!...

Thanks! I read your half report from, I think, 2010? It was great!!

Congrats on your OKW reservation!

Question for you: you said you wear running skirts. What kind do you like? I really, REALLY want a running skirt - they're just so darn cute - but they are so expensive! I looked at the sale link you posted in the shopping thread and I'm thinking about trying runningskirts.com but they were out of my size in the one I wanted (red with white polka dots...like Minnie! )

Not bringing anyone with us this trip, mom is staying home with the kids so they don't miss school since we are pulling them out for Xmas vacation.

I've seen that belt before, I like that but I'd like the carry my iphone in the belt, I have arm bands and they just don't seem to work that well.
Good to know about the water stops. I forgot one bottle today so I only had the one and didn't even drink all of it so I think I'm getting better at pre-hydrating.

Yeah, like I said, I wasn't able to carry my phone, which is bigger than an iPhone, but not by much. So it's not perfect. When I trained I was drinking water every 2 miles, so the way the water was spaced out at Disney was perfect for me.

UGH! I worry about blisters too! So far so good with the new Minimus shoes but I haven't done any long distances yet.

If you're worried about blisters I'd suggest investing in new socks. I had issues until I started wearing Balega socks. They're pricey - about $7 per pair - but they are totally worth it! Here are the ones I like:

http://www.balega.com/socks/hidden-dry

Isn't it funny all the stuff you end up buying when you run?

I found a bike shirt at Raglan Road last year and bought it, it's pretty nice. A little heavy for my taste but I could use that as on option. The only problem is the pockets are open, not zipped like DH's mountain bike shirts so I'm not sure how that would work out. I could have mom put snaps or a zipper in though.

http://store.raglanroad.com/t-shirts/42-irish-cycling-jersey.html

That is super cool! You're right though, I bet it's heavy.

The last 1/2 of the second lap was hard, I really wanted to slow down but I just used everyones blog pics and the rundisney pics to visualize DH and me running through each park. And I was ticking down, Epcot down, 3 parks to go, run through the Castle, Up towards Spaceship Earth towards the big Hat, around the Tree of Life. It was really motivating!! I know, I'm such a dork! LOL But I tapped out at 3.9 mph for a bit so it worked!

Don't worry, I do the same thing...except I visualize myself turning onto Main Street and running toward the castle!

...When is everyone going down? I'm looking at Wed - Mon. I want to get to the expo early since we've never been before. Trying to decide if we should just get a town car or rent a car. Not sure if we should drive to the expo or just take the bus. DS and I took the bus for the Everest Challenge and it was fine but the lines were super long to get our registration for the race.

Thursday - Monday for me.

 

[MightyDuck001]

On the belt front, I saw some cyclists with the built in pockets and thought, "that's genius!" but I couldn't find any so I made my own out of a shirt I already like wearing. It's not too hard, add them onto a shirt you already like, I sealed mine up with velcro because I love velcro for some reason and don't need to go phone hunting along the roadside again, and I was able to make it iphone friendly since a lot of the ones I found in stores sadly were not.