Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[FFigawi]

If you have to be on a bus before 4, 330 would get me to like, uh, the bathroom.

LOL guess that's why I don't get on the bus before 4

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

oh dear i'm so sorry to hear your news. i hope that the surgery goes well and this is kicked to the curb as soon as possible. hugs to you and your family!

If you have to be on a bus before 4, 330 would get me to like, uh, the bathroom.

lol. i totally get that.

 

[sunshine girl]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis and wish you the best of luck with your surgery. You'll be in my thoughts for sure. Runners are brave and strong -- Positive thoughts heading your way.

 

[cewait]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

Thoughts are with you as you go through your surgery.

If it is any help, I had rotator cuff surgery in December 2006 and was able to lug my body through the 200 Goofy. Your doc is right on. You need to expect to a little more time on course and the fatigue factor is a little higher. If you take all positive energy into the day, you will finish in fine fashion

 

[rocio]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

Oh wow Zelly. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. That must be a lot to take in. I wish you luck in your surgery and recovery.

 

[princessbride6205]

You signed up because this is FUN! Definitely need to get a great night's sleep on Thursday for the half, if possible. I would suggest that you try to nap on Friday afternoon for an hour or so just to get past the travel fatigue and then the lack of Friday night sleep. Key things for your trip.

First, make a checklist and post on your fridge. Add to it now as you see things you will need.

Start hydrating well the week prior to the race. Not excess, but keep the tank topped off. You should be urinating nearly clear as a result.

Eat lightly the week prior to the race. Since your travel is compressed, get that great night's sleep on Wednesday.

Go to bed early on Thursday in anticipation of travel.

Make sure to have a bottle of water on the plane - planes will dry you out.

Try to rest Friday afternoon after hitting the expo. It is a great time to lay out your running gear and pin on numbers. It is also the time you want to find out you left something behind; race AM is kind of the worst time.

Eat an early and light dinner. It will be new food since it is your first day out, so lighter is better.

Understand that no matter when you go to bed, you will be woken up. Fireworks are at 8 and 9 on Friday so you will have neighbors coming back to their rooms just after the shows. Yes, they will be noisy (even though they really are not).

If you are staying on the monorail and have a lake view, you will have the parade that will also wake you up.

To help with resort noise, set your fan to on and set the temp down a few degrees cooler that you normally would. The fan noise will help drown out the neighbors and the cool will help you sleep just a little sounder.

To help clear the mind, set you phone and room clock alarms as well as get a wake up call. You will not need all these but knowing you have an alarm and backup will help clear the mind.

Finally, all resorts will have a fast food bar/limited food court open on race AM starting around 2 am. I find that if I have the non-perishable food stuff in the room, I do not have to mill around all that much. You can use their toaster and microwave if needed.

Such great advice - thanks for typing it all out for us! Extra alarms is a big help to me. For resort noise, I wear a bondiband over my ears. It's just enough to block out a little sound but not have to wear earplugs.

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

Oh my goodness! Lots of good thoughts coming your way! Your determination is going to carry you through this race. I'm glad that your doctor is also a runner and was supportive.

I finished the Wine & Dine half this week. I felt awesome until just past the 10-mile marker, then my right foot started hurting, as well as my old standby ITB knee pain. So I had to mostly walk the last few miles. I had been quite ahead of my goal, so it was disappointing to not finish strong and uninjured, but I finished and made goal. I'm going to be doing a lot of icing and cross training this week, so that I can get back on track with my marathon plan.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Prayers and for a speedy recovery and a fabulous marathon finish.

 

[guava]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

Your determination is inspiring. Loads of positive, healing thoughts headed your way!

 

[kmg148]

kmg148 Don't freak out yet! There is still time to do this. I am not a Galloway user, so I can't recommend modifications to your plan, but there are still 2 months to get in solid training. You may have to modify your expectations about race performance, but you can still finish.

It's so hard not to! I keep reminding myself I have two months yet, but after doing a 5k two weeks ago all I could think was, "OMG, there would still be over 23 miles left!!"

Negative there... Trust me you are not to the point of being hopelessly lost. Let’s map out a recovery plan and see if we can toe the line together on race day.

I am assuming that you are running some. So let’s see if we can put a few APPOINTMENTS on your schedule. Put them into your smart phone and one any other calendar so that they will be there to bug you.

Let's try for 10 this weekend. The remainder of these suggested distances are based on getting to 10. If you get 10 on the 17th, shoot for 12-14 on the 24th. Head back to 10 on the 1st and 16 on the 8th. then 10 on the 15th and 16-18 on the 22nd. Finally, 12-14 on the 29th and 6-10 on the 5th.

This is not optimal. This will get you to a long distance that will get you to the start on Jan 13 and give you a chance for crossing the finish.

Hang in there...

Thanks coach, it's just hard when I see that everyone's long runs are getting longer and I feel like I'm busy lazy! I'm a worrier by nature, so of course I'm panicking that this was a big mistake and wish I had signed up for the half marathon! I really hope I can do it...luckily I have a lot of Saturdays off after this weekend so I can get some long runs in. I also joined a different gym that is open a lot later so I have less excuses!! I'm not worried about speed, just finishing!

KMG148 -- This is great advice. The only thing I would add is some tips on fitting them in. I am a morning runner only because if I didn't run in the morning I wouldn't have time to consistantly get the runs in. I have to leave for work at 8:15 AM. I am out the door for a run sometime between 4:30 and 5:30 AM depending on how far I am going that day. I have even started at 3:30 before.

How do you get yourself motivated to get up that early? How many hours of sleep do you get?

 

[RunRookie]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I will be praying for you and your family as you go through the surgery and healing process. It sounds like you have a good, sympathetic doctor who can help you work towards your goal of running the Full in January. Having 20 miles under your belt is a good thing. Walking and using a stationary bike will help you keep your cardio and endurance fitness levels. I believe you will achieve your goal!

 

[jimandami]

It's so hard not to! I keep reminding myself I have two months yet, but after doing a 5k two weeks ago all I could think was, "OMG, there would still be over 23 miles left!!"

Thanks coach, it's just hard when I see that everyone's long runs are getting longer and I feel like I'm busy lazy! I'm a worrier by nature, so of course I'm panicking that this was a big mistake and wish I had signed up for the half marathon! I really hope I can do it...luckily I have a lot of Saturdays off after this weekend so I can get some long runs in. I also joined a different gym that is open a lot later so I have less excuses!! I'm not worried about speed, just finishing!

How do you get yourself motivated to get up that early? How many hours of sleep do you get?

I am not the poster you were referring to but I too get up around 4 and am usually running by 4:30! I found there were just too many excuses not to get it done in the afternoon/evening. I do go to bed around 8-8:30 most nights because I need my sleep!

 

[cewait]

How do you get yourself motivated to get up that early? How many hours of sleep do you get?

Likewise, I am in bed by 9. I taught a 5 AM Monday, Wednesday, Friday Spin class for 6 years so I now just kind of wake up. While teaching, I needed to be up by 4:15 in order to dress and get to the club on time. It was tough at first and for me tougher during the summer when it is hot. Now, I have 4-5 running buddies in the neighborhood who I see at various points on my run.

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health.

Thoughts and prayers across the miles for you ZellyB!

 

[MelindaRuns]

Newish to this thread. I have a question. I have done 13 half marathons, and Im a slow runner (3:35 as my slowest and 2:59 as my fastest- I've only broken 3 hours just the one time- usually around a 3:15). I am considering registering for a full for June 2013 that has a 7 hour window, but I don't want to be in the last few coming in, as I just don't want it to take me 7 hours! What is the best way to get my speed up? I'd love to finish 5:30, but at this point doing a 2:45 half is just so HARD and far away! Thanks! The longest I've ever gone is around 14 miles.

 

[bigdave10000]

How do you get yourself motivated to get up that early? How many hours of sleep do you get?

I go to bed around 8:30-9:00 most nights. I have pretty much given up watching TV at night. No great loss.

 

[cewait]

Newish to this thread. I have a question. I have done 13 half marathons, and Im a slow runner (3:35 as my slowest and 2:59 as my fastest- I've only broken 3 hours just the one time- usually around a 3:15). I am considering registering for a full for June 2013 that has a 7 hour window, but I don't want to be in the last few coming in, as I just don't want it to take me 7 hours! What is the best way to get my speed up? I'd love to finish 5:30, but at this point doing a 2:45 half is just so HARD and far away! Thanks! The longest I've ever gone is around 14 miles.

It will take some work but is very, very doable. Between now and the start of your marathon program, focus weekday runs on speed, hills and intensity. These runs are the ones that will create speed in the marathon. Hills can be done on a treadmill for those who are on the flatlands (like me). Hills work the back of the legs and create a stronger platform to run from. Speed work is really all about creating leg turn over. Starting with short intervals now and working up to longer intervals with time, you will create a quicker turnover and this will naturally work its way into your longer runs. The hardest one is intensity. Intensity opens up the cardio engine so that you are able to support a quicker run through the race. In real simple terms, the long run should be a conversational pace (or one where you could talk to a partner in nearly normal sentences). The midweek run intervals should have an intensity where you could only say 1-3 words per breath at your close out each interval. The feeling should be one of I need to stop, but think I can go just a little furhter.

As you pull out your training plan, add a half marathon or two into the mix to validate you progress.

This is totally doable

 

[Terapin]

Hi Zelly-

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you come out of treatment with flying colours.

Carolynn

Hi, everyone,
I've been AWOL for a bit due to some challenges in my health. Last week I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's been a lot to try and deal with, obviously, but I did finish my first half-marathon a week and a half ago. Finished at 2:33:40 which was just a bit over my goal of 2:30, so I was pretty pleased with that. We have a 20-miler scheduled for this weekend and we plan to finish that one. My longest before this was 17, so I'm hopeful we can pull it off.

I've got surgery scheduled for next week, but asked my surgeon if still run/walking the marathon in January was possible. Told him it would likely mean I'd walk much of it, but is it doable? My surgeon happens to be a marathon runner himself and he was sympthetic to my desire to finish this goal. Anyway, he said he didn't see any reason I couldn't do it as long as I adjust my expectations on time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll feel up to doing it. Probably means 20 will be my longest run before the race, but I think if I get that done and just get moving after surgery that with a LOT of walking, I can finish that 26.2. Hoping I get to be there with all of you in January.

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

Newish to this thread. I have a question. I have done 13 half marathons, and Im a slow runner (3:35 as my slowest and 2:59 as my fastest- I've only broken 3 hours just the one time- usually around a 3:15). I am considering registering for a full for June 2013 that has a 7 hour window, but I don't want to be in the last few coming in, as I just don't want it to take me 7 hours! What is the best way to get my speed up? I'd love to finish 5:30, but at this point doing a 2:45 half is just so HARD and far away! Thanks! The longest I've ever gone is around 14 miles.

Your stats are kind of like mine as far as how many halfs and my longest ever was last weekend's 14 miler as I am training for my first full - the Disney in Jan.

The 3 hour half barrier was huge for me. I am on the wrong side of 50 so I wasn't sure that I was EVER going to get under 3 hours for a half. I had run for 2 years and couldn't seem to get over the hump - I finally cracked it when I began using disciplined and consistent run/walk intervals as well as shortening my stride. Previously, I was constantly changing up my intervals in a effort to run longer, walk less and get faster. It did not work for me.

Once I vowed to stick to one interval set and train consistently at that interval along with the shorter stride, my half times dropped in the course of 9 months from a PR of 3:09 to a new PR of 2:48.

I have heard/read repeatedly that the primary goal for a first marathon should be to finish. I have also heard it said you should have give yourself some other goals for focus. In my case, for my first full my primary goal is to finish in the 7 hours allowed, my really reasonable personal goal is to finish in 6:10 (double my average half time plus 15 min) and my stretch goal is under 6 hours - that is 20 secs slower per mile than my usual half pace)

If you are usually around a 3:15 half, that is around a 14:53 pace. If you do the full at that pace you would finish in around 6:30. Don't know where you are planning to do your full, but at Disney, that would have put over 1000 people behind you at the finish. Not sure if it is the time or the number of people behind that weighs on you more...

I know the really experienced coaches on this board will have some great ideas for you but wanted to share what I did since we seem to coming from a similar place

Good Luck!

 

[bigdave10000]

Zelly -- Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

kmg148 -- Sometimes it is hard to stay motivated. It was 45 degrees and raining yesterday morning. I thought of this video to get me out the door.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDBL6wQy3l0

Here is my all time favorite motivating video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXqAWjJ_dE

 

[minniebeth]

Prayers and healing to you ZellyB!

A lot of people are talking about their full marathon training...
anyone want to check in with their 1/2 training? Specifically for newer runners/walkers? This is my first 1/2~
I did the ToT 10 miler in Sept.

There are a lot of seasoned runners out there so I'm hoping that some brave rookies like me will share their thoughts at this point in training?