Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[ColleenG]

I've been reading this message board for the past few weeks while I've been going back and forth about signing up for the marathon. After reading everyone's uplifting and encouraging posts, I was motivated today to sign up for the Full!! As someone from northeast Ohio, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for January to be here! I can't wait!

Woohoo!! Welcome aboard! Is this your first marathon? I'm a first time marathoner. I've done 2 half marathons, so I thought why not combine it into one BIG run!

 

[cewait]

I've been reading this message board for the past few weeks while I've been going back and forth about signing up for the marathon. After reading everyone's uplifting and encouraging posts, I was motivated today to sign up for the Full!! As someone from northeast Ohio, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for January to be here! I can't wait!

Yikes! You will enjoy the warm and balmy marathon. Hoping it's seasonal this year. Kidding aside, this is one of the BEST first time events.

 

[Ariel484]

There is a mixed bag on whether one should train slower than expected marathon pace. Actually, I think most authors are saying it backwards. One should run training runs at a conversational pace. that is one where you could say 5-7 word sentences with little effort while running. physiologically speaking, one should train in the 85-90% of aerobic threshold pace. Then, if one has run enough hard interval and speed/hill runs to supplement the long runs, one should be able to run the marathon at a pace 1-2 mm faster than trained. The reason for running at this intensity on long runs is to force your body to learn to burn fat quicker and more efficiently through training adaptations.

Make sense?

I think so, thanks very much for the response. Currently I'm training for a half marathon in September and would LOVE to break my current PR (from May 20 - there was a heat advisory that day so I was really struggling), so this helps. When I trained for the other half I was doing my long runs at about 10:15-10:45/mile pace and was hoping to hold about a 10:00/mile pace for the race (I ended up averaging 10:30/mile...still a huge PR for me but I know I could've done better if it was cooler out). Should I slow down more than this if I want to be at about 9:55-10:00/mile for my goal race? Of course, I'll probably have to slow down anyway since I'll be doing my long runs in July/August.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it.

I've been reading this message board for the past few weeks while I've been going back and forth about signing up for the marathon. After reading everyone's uplifting and encouraging posts, I was motivated today to sign up for the Full!! As someone from northeast Ohio, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for January to be here! I can't wait!

Good luck with your training, fellow Ohioan!

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Hi Everyone -

I don't post very often, but have taken the plunge and will be doing the full marathon. Everyone's stories of marathons prior are so exciting and motivational. I was originally planning on waiting until 2014 but with it being the 20th Anniversary and the fact that I am doing Disneyland's 1/2 Marathon in September, it just seemed to right to continue with the training and do it instead of the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon.

This will be my first full marathon and it looks like I am going to be on my own for it. My running buddy is my SIL but it's not looking like she will be able to make it out to Florida. My first 1/2 marathon was Disneyland's last year and I honestly really didn't commit to the training for that and ended up having to walk it anyways due to spraining my knee a couple weeks before the race (my SIL walked it with me - she was having issues with her heel - we were a sorry lot last year haha). We finished it in just under 3 1/2 hours though and I have never felt such a sense of accomplishment. We have been really good about training for this year's Disneyland 1/2 and are both following Jeff Galloway's training schedule (so this weekend is an 8 mile run). I have never been a runner - I always rode horses growing up but have really come to enjoy running and am actually excited at the thought of doing the full marathon.

I am not the fastest and am working on my weight loss at the same time as my training but am slowly seeing my time progress. My short runs I can usually keep a 12min/mile pace and our longest run so far was 6 1/2 miles and that we averaged a 13min/mile pace but that included waiting for a couple lights at intersections. We are hoping to pace somewhere in the 10-12min/mile for the 1/2 and I would be estatic if I was able to get my pace down to consistently in the 10min/mile for the the full.

For the people that have done full marathons before - do you do them solo or do you typically have running buddies? As excited as I am for the marathon the reality of most likely being by myself for it is starting to sink in and its a little intimidating. I can't wait for January though - never ever thought I would be so excited at the thought of running 26.2 miles.

 

[bmer1rick]

Like to say hi to everyone.. We decided to make the WDW marathon weekend a family one.. My DS (10yrs) will be doing the Mickey Mile, DW will be doing the 5k and I will be really Goofy.. yep... but better to try it before I get too old.

Look forward to seeing all the Q&As answered.

 

[Ariel484]

...For the people that have done full marathons before - do you do them solo or do you typically have running buddies? As excited as I am for the marathon the reality of most likely being by myself for it is starting to sink in and its a little intimidating. I can't wait for January though - never ever thought I would be so excited at the thought of running 26.2 miles.

Congrats on taking the plunge!

I ran the 2012 marathon with my brother, but we were separated for about 7 miles of it (first we lost each other, then I let him take off ahead of me for the last 3 miles because he was in better shape than I was). I enjoyed the whole thing, both with and without him. There's so much to see - bands, stilt walkers, groups of dancers, cheering fans and of course, CHARACTERS - and you're surrounded by friendly runners, volunteers and fans. I think it would be very difficult to be lonely. The only time I was sad I was alone was when I crossed the finish line and there was no one there to see me. And I'm not sure if this is part of your question, but I did, and do, all of my training runs alone, which I like - it's my "me time!"

 

[steph0808]

I was wondering: how many miles does everyone run a week? I run about 20-25 and am planning on a 15k in July, a half (maybe 2) in October, and the Disney marathon in January. I run 5 days a week right now (Hal Higdon intermediate 15k plan) and my marathon plan (Higdon novice 2) goes down to 4. I am just worried that I am not running enough miles per week, even though it will go up significantly once I get more in-depth into the marathon training. My long run was 8 miles this week and felt awesome (even thinking, I could do this 2.25 more times for a marathon!).

What kind of mileage does everyone else do? Am I doing enough for this point in the year?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I was wondering: how many miles does everyone run a week? I run about 20-25 and am planning on a 15k in July, a half (maybe 2) in October, and the Disney marathon in January. I run 5 days a week right now (Hal Higdon intermediate 15k plan) and my marathon plan (Higdon novice 2) goes down to 4. I am just worried that I am not running enough miles per week, even though it will go up significantly once I get more in-depth into the marathon training. My long run was 8 miles this week and felt awesome (even thinking, I could do this 2.25 more times for a marathon!).

What kind of mileage does everyone else do? Am I doing enough for this point in the year?

I am currently running 30-35, hoping to get closer to 40 before marathon training starts in September.

 

[ZellyB]

I was wondering: how many miles does everyone run a week? I run about 20-25 and am planning on a 15k in July, a half (maybe 2) in October, and the Disney marathon in January. I run 5 days a week right now (Hal Higdon intermediate 15k plan) and my marathon plan (Higdon novice 2) goes down to 4. I am just worried that I am not running enough miles per week, even though it will go up significantly once I get more in-depth into the marathon training. My long run was 8 miles this week and felt awesome (even thinking, I could do this 2.25 more times for a marathon!).

What kind of mileage does everyone else do? Am I doing enough for this point in the year?

I'm a novice myself, so not sure how much my experience helps, but I'm doing just about where you are as well. 5 days a week and 20-25 miles total. If anything, that's more than what Galloway recommends (the plan I'm following), so I feel like I'm okay for this point in the training. But, I'll be curious to hear from more experienced voices.

Edited to add:

I also want to be careful not to overtrain too much right now. Our group leader has cautioned us against getting over confident and pushing ourselves to the point of injury. I sure don't want that to happen.

 

[cewait]

Hi Everyone -

I don't post very often, but have taken the plunge and will be doing the full marathon. Everyone's stories of marathons prior are so exciting and motivational. I was originally planning on waiting until 2014 but with it being the 20th Anniversary and the fact that I am doing Disneyland's 1/2 Marathon in September, it just seemed to right to continue with the training and do it instead of the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon.

This will be my first full marathon and it looks like I am going to be on my own for it. My running buddy is my SIL but it's not looking like she will be able to make it out to Florida. My first 1/2 marathon was Disneyland's last year and I honestly really didn't commit to the training for that and ended up having to walk it anyways due to spraining my knee a couple weeks before the race (my SIL walked it with me - she was having issues with her heel - we were a sorry lot last year haha). We finished it in just under 3 1/2 hours though and I have never felt such a sense of accomplishment. We have been really good about training for this year's Disneyland 1/2 and are both following Jeff Galloway's training schedule (so this weekend is an 8 mile run). I have never been a runner - I always rode horses growing up but have really come to enjoy running and am actually excited at the thought of doing the full marathon.

I am not the fastest and am working on my weight loss at the same time as my training but am slowly seeing my time progress. My short runs I can usually keep a 12min/mile pace and our longest run so far was 6 1/2 miles and that we averaged a 13min/mile pace but that included waiting for a couple lights at intersections. We are hoping to pace somewhere in the 10-12min/mile for the 1/2 and I would be estatic if I was able to get my pace down to consistently in the 10min/mile for the the full.

For the people that have done full marathons before - do you do them solo or do you typically have running buddies? As excited as I am for the marathon the reality of most likely being by myself for it is starting to sink in and its a little intimidating. I can't wait for January though - never ever thought I would be so excited at the thought of running 26.2 miles.

Welcome to the party! This is the best first time event going and the 20th medal should be outstanding. Next do not worry about pace. For the record, the median finish time at WDWM in 2012 was 5:08 or a 11:45 pace. The slowest one that I recall was in 2007 with an average 11:56 pace. You are well within the sweet spot of running with lots of new friends in January. With regard to running with a buddy… you are really always running a marathon alone; or at least the friends you make in the immediate area in which you are running. I would hazard a guess that somewhere between a third and two thirds of the runners starting with a friend are not together at the finish. It’s a long way and lots of things pull you apart from your running mate. The last time I started Disney with a running buddy, I slowed up near mile 9 and let him go. I ended up passing him near mile 14 – I did not see him at the aid station he was visiting. If one were to start with a friend, they really need a pact that allows one or the other to part in the event of an on course issue. Though, in answer to your question I am thinking that most runners at Disney are running alone.

Anyway, welcome and enjoy your training. There is a long distance between 13 and 26 miles, most of it being mental. Use the tools learned during your training runs to help get to the finish. IT is a very doable event.

 

[cewait]

I was wondering: how many miles does everyone run a week? I run about 20-25 and am planning on a 15k in July, a half (maybe 2) in October, and the Disney marathon in January. I run 5 days a week right now (Hal Higdon intermediate 15k plan) and my marathon plan (Higdon novice 2) goes down to 4. I am just worried that I am not running enough miles per week, even though it will go up significantly once I get more in-depth into the marathon training. My long run was 8 miles this week and felt awesome (even thinking, I could do this 2.25 more times for a marathon!).

What kind of mileage does everyone else do? Am I doing enough for this point in the year?

I would say it really depends on your goals. As a relatively new marathoner, I would not amp up my pre-training plan miles too high. 20-25 is a nice number for this time of year. It is well beyond most first time runners weekly totals. I would focus more on intensities and quality of runs that I would distance at this point in the year.

With regard to the lessening of miles and number of runs as you start into a new plan, use that time to allow the body a little recovery time. Strength is not gained from exercise, rather it comes from the periods of recovery post run/workout. You will see a periodization in most running plans - longer 2-4 weeks with a retracted week following. The body needs this type of retraction and recovery on a more macro scale. Allowing the body this time as you enter the marathon plan will help you in the long run.

 

[microbe]

Thanks for such a warm welcome I've done 1 half and will be doing another in September. Both with my sister. This will be my first marathon and I will be doing it by myself. I was a little nervous about that, but it sounds like I have nothing to worry about. I have a feeling I'll have the opportunity to meet a lot of new friends!

 

[srp1103]

Anyone know what corral placement to expect with a 2:06 half marathon time?

 

[cewait]

Anyone know what corral placement to expect with a 2:06 half marathon time?

B or C

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Sorry I've been MIA from the group. Last few weeks of school were crazy but the kids are finally free for the summer and now sports and camps ramp up. But we have a down week this week so we've been catching up on sleep and house work.
I have bronchitis so I went to see the Dr today to get a script and while there we briefly discussed the race. I've been back and forth on the 1/2 vs the full but he recommended doing the 1/2. He's worried about injury and would hate to see me end up hating running because of it. I like it because he's a runner too so he's a good guy to talk to.

So I think that's what we are going to do. Now, I just need to come up with the money.

 

[McDuck]

Proof of Time question---this is our first Half Marathon, and first race ever for me. We had signed up for the Crescent City Classic 10K in April, but I got injured -- broke my pinky toe -- and we weren't able to do it. We missed the possibility of registering for another 10K in early June due to reinjury of the same toe. I've been checking the race schedules for the feasible geographic area around us, and until mid-to-late November, the longest races on the schedules are 5-milers (a mud run and a full moon trail run).

I know the submission deadline for proof of time is in November if you mail/email/fax it in, but if we have proof of time when we go to the Expo to pick up our stuff, will they accept our proof of time then so we can hopefully get out of the last corral?

Oh, and in other news---we booked our room at POFQ! Now just praying for the Military Salute tickets to be renewed....

 

[Disneyluvr81]

Ariel484 and cewait, thank you so much for not only the warm welcome but the encouraging words as well. I can't wait to see what the coming months bring with increasing my distances!!

 

[jmasgat]

Jennie You can take proof of time to Runner Relations at the Expo and they will switch you into the time-appropriate corral.

Maura

 

[Ariel484]

Proof of Time question---this is our first Half Marathon, and first race ever for me. We had signed up for the Crescent City Classic 10K in April, but I got injured -- broke my pinky toe -- and we weren't able to do it. We missed the possibility of registering for another 10K in early June due to reinjury of the same toe. I've been checking the race schedules for the feasible geographic area around us, and until mid-to-late November, the longest races on the schedules are 5-milers (a mud run and a full moon trail run).

I know the submission deadline for proof of time is in November if you mail/email/fax it in, but if we have proof of time when we go to the Expo to pick up our stuff, will they accept our proof of time then so we can hopefully get out of the last corral?

Oh, and in other news---we booked our room at POFQ! Now just praying for the Military Salute tickets to be renewed....

Yep, as Maura said, this is easy to do at the expo. Bring a print-out with your name/time, the distance and date of the race to Runner Relations. They'll put a sticker on your bib with your new corral placement. I did this for my brother in 2011 and 2012 and it was no problem.

Ariel484 and cewait, thank you so much for not only the warm welcome but the encouraging words as well. I can't wait to see what the coming months bring with increasing my distances!!

No prob! Have fun and happy running!

 

[BikeFan]

Officially signed up for Goofy!