Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[sunshine girl]

For those that are doing strength training - do you also do your legs? Some weeks my legs are more tired than others, and I haven't been doing any strength training in them at all (besides running). I do mostly back/arms/chest/core when I strength train. If I add in squats, etc., how often should I be doing them? On my "rest" days?

I absolutely do legs. It has made an obvious, noticeable difference!! I can feel it when I run, and overall, my speed has improved (I time my runs religiously and usually run on a track, so I know when my pace changes). Of course, I was not doing any kind of leg strength workout prior to a couple months ago, so this is all new and so that may be why I really feel like it's helping.

I use the majority of the leg machines at the gym, 2-3 times per week max (I alternate days with arms/back/etc., and it varies depending on the amount of running I'm doing simultaneously).

 

[DisGirlAllie]

I'm hoping to one day do the Goofy-just not quite yet. This will be my first race longer than a 10K (I'm doing the half) so the Goofy may take a few years to build up to. I'm hoping to do the 25th anniversary marathon. I'm so glad I discovered this thread, I never even thought of doing leg work. My dad and I will be starting training this weekend and that's definitely something to keep in mind as we make our plans.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Hey guys I have a question, has anyone done Chef Mickey's the day after? I know I saw someone's old TR a year or two back that Mickey was wearing the marathon medal in it. Anyone else seen that? Thinking it would be neat to do as our last meal at the Disney resort before we leave (don't have a clue when we leave that day just know we are leaving sometime that day).

My DH and I went to CM the day after the Princess Half this year. (I was wearing my medal and shirt, but Mickey and friends were not.) I thought we might be the only adults without kids, but turns out there were a lot of us there celebrating our finish!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

to everyone who registered in the last few days! It's going to be great training with all of you in the coming months! and thanks, Coach, for sharing your experience with all of us.

 

[Carolina Blair]

Can't believe it, but I'm in for the full! When I was training for the half last year, I thought only crazy people did fulls, so I guess I'm jumping on the crazy train!

 

[ColleenG]

I got my Sparkle Skirts for the 5K and Marathon yesterday, they are sooooo pretty! Now to start planning the rest of our costumes! So excited and it is still over 200 days away

Which Sparkle Skirts did you get? Can't wait to see them. You'll have to come running with me and Kristine some time.

 

[ColleenG]

I do this twice per week:

www.runnersworld.com/ironstrength

I can definitely tell a difference. When I first was keeping up with it regularly, I ran a 10-mile race and my legs felt great. Then for the next 3 weeks life got in the way and strength training took a back seat. I ran a half marathon and I could tell I'd lost any gains I had before...my legs just felt weak, especially in my hamstrings. So I'm definitely a fan of strength training.

Maybe try to add in some squats/lunges on the days you do back/arms/chest/core? Even a few sets of 10 of each would probably be helpful for you.

ETA: So my weekly schedule is 4 days of running, 2 of the above workout, and 1 total rest day.

I checked this out. It looks like a tough workout! Do you do all of the exercises in one day? Not sure I could do all of it at 5 minutes. I may have to work up to 5 minutes. But it looks like it hits all the areas I know I need to work on. And I like that you can do it at home with almost no extra equipment. Thanks for sharing! I will give it a try.

 

[larryja]

Hi All,

I just joined this board a few days ago after reading for a few weeks. So many posts to sift through so I am sorry to ask this (repeated) question.....Has anyone done the Chear Squad either for the half or full? Is it worth the $$?

TIA

 

[Ariel484]

I checked this out. It looks like a tough workout! Do you do all of the exercises in one day? Not sure I could do all of it at 5 minutes. I may have to work up to 5 minutes. But it looks like it hits all the areas I know I need to work on. And I like that you can do it at home with almost no extra equipment. Thanks for sharing! I will give it a try.

Nope! I'm not in that good of shape.

I think I started out doing 2 sets of 8-10 of each exercise, except for the burpees - because I suck at those I'm only at 2 sets of 6 right now - and squats - I do 3 sets of 10 of those right now since the guy said they are the most important. Plus, during the 2012 marathon I got a horrible cramp in my butt right at the beginning of mile 25, so I don't want that to happen again. The other change I made is how I do the sit-ups...if you watch the video she comes all the way up. I do more of a crunch-type thing. By cutting it down as I said above it takes me about 30 minutes to complete, and I do it twice a week (would like to do it 3 times but not sure how to make it work with my running schedule).

If you read the comments you'll see that most people indicate that they can't do the entire thing. You'll also find a public Google Doc that someone put together that lists the entire workout, since they don't seem to have that on RunnersWorld.com.

Mostly I like it because, as you said, you can complete the workout with minimal equipment...and I like that it's a full-body workout designed for runners specifically. Enjoy!

 

[jmasgat]

I tried the iron strength workout earlier this year. I don't think I was ready for it (hip issues). It was tough--even when I modified it. I think I'll give it a try again. But I definitely plan to be careful which days I give it a try. 'Cause next day I know I'll be sore and who wants to run on sore legs.

So looks like my "misery" will have some company!

Maura

 

[cewait]

For those that are doing strength training - do you also do your legs? Some weeks my legs are more tired than others, and I haven't been doing any strength training in them at all (besides running). I do mostly back/arms/chest/core when I strength train. If I add in squats, etc., how often should I be doing them? On my "rest" days?

I'm not doing strength training much right now, but trying to figure out what else I want to do on non-running days. I have an old Firm workout that I've used some and just cut out the leg work on that one, so I get upper body and abs. My husband is thinking we should consider some yoga or something like that for stretching tight muscles. We also swim a lot in the summer, so I've been thinking I might just stick with swimming some laps on off days while the weather is nice and going to something else once pool days are over.

Can you tell I'm indecisive?

When has the Goofy soldout in the years past?

Lots of great information here! Thanks Coach for all of your insight. I've been giving myself a hard time for skipping runs here and there and letting my miles per week slip a bit but I'm starting to realize I don't necessarily NEED to be maintaining 20-25 miles per week at this point. A rest will do me some good before I ramp up the miles in a month or so.

As far as the strength training discussion, I've been lifting heavier weights this year both upper and lower body. I do squats, lunges, pushups, presses, and deadlifts in my own little routine that gets switched up every few weeks. I also have started the Med-Ball 400 from the Tar Heels trainer that my husband read about in Men's Health http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/ultimate-medicine-ball-workout I've seen a big difference in definition in my arms and legs because of my strength training and my core is a lot stronger but I think once I start building miles again I'll drop the weights down a bit so I don't kill my legs while training for the Detroit half in October and then the half in Disney World in January.

I absolutely do legs. It has made an obvious, noticeable difference!! I can feel it when I run, and overall, my speed has improved (I time my runs religiously and usually run on a track, so I know when my pace changes). Of course, I was not doing any kind of leg strength workout prior to a couple months ago, so this is all new and so that may be why I really feel like it's helping.

I use the majority of the leg machines at the gym, 2-3 times per week max (I alternate days with arms/back/etc., and it varies depending on the amount of running I'm doing simultaneously).

I checked this out. It looks like a tough workout! Do you do all of the exercises in one day? Not sure I could do all of it at 5 minutes. I may have to work up to 5 minutes. But it looks like it hits all the areas I know I need to work on. And I like that you can do it at home with almost no extra equipment. Thanks for sharing! I will give it a try.

Wow, I missed this as it flew by....


Definitely, work legs.

If you weekly schedule allows, schedule three sessions a week. One is a push pull (chest back), shoulder/arms and legs/core. I would rotate these so that Push pull is on Monday one week, Friday the next and Wednesday the following. It rotates backwards. I would also set the workouts up so that one day is recovery, one is harder and one is hard/failure. For me I make Monday the easy day and get hard through the week.

I am not sure this makes sense, but it will if you lay it out.

Currently, I would hit the legs hard but pull back as long runs pass into the teens. I am not a machine fan, so I suggest hitting free weights. Actually, a great way to pound on heavy days is to go free weights hard then polish/burn the same muscles on a machine. Also, I am a big fan of weight training from non stable stances and platforms. Also look for dynamic exercises. So instead of squats, look to jumping onto a Plyo Box. Lots of things to do, so little time.

I am a big convert to yoga and Pilates (both reformer and floor). I found that most if not all imbalance issues went away once I started these activities.

Hope this helps

 

[cloudnut220]

I'm really struggling to find a good strength workout. I was doing body pump, but my PT has told me that's too much for my legs. He recommended a kettlebell, but I have no idea where to start with that. Any recommendations?

 

[cewait]

Hi All,

I just joined this board a few days ago after reading for a few weeks. So many posts to sift through so I am sorry to ask this (repeated) question.....Has anyone done the Chear Squad either for the half or full? Is it worth the $$?

TIA

Glad to give you my read....

I think that if a spectator is not able to stand or has a tough time walking... OR, if they are directionally challenged and do not feel comfortable negotiating the property on a day when transportation is a little goofy ... Then by all means it is a great deal. Depending on the level selected you can get access to private portolets and to the runners tent for brunch and drink. Though note, they do not have access to the tent until after the runners leave.

Now if none of the above apply, then I would say save the dough. Do subscribe to the bronze package as it is free and you will get some insight on whats going on.

 

[cewait]

I'm really struggling to find a good strength workout. I was doing body pump, but my PT has told me that's too much for my legs. He recommended a kettlebell, but I have no idea where to start with that. Any recommendations?

Really, Group Fitness Body Pump? Wow, well first, I am not qualified to be a second opinion for a PT who knows your legs and I would challenge and ask if it was OK as long as yo modified the legs sections.

With regard to KB, in many ways this is a fad - though it is also very effective. Here is a page with several exercises that target sections of the body.

 

[BigEeyore]

I finally got up the nerve to click the "REGISTER" button and I am officially in for the full - my first! Everyone here is such an inspiration - living that whole "if you can dream it, you can do it" philosophy!

On the registration, it asked for an estimated finish time, and I wanted to ask "With stopping for all the photo ops, or without?"
For my estiamted finish, I just took my half marathon PR times two plus a bit - though if I were completely honest, I should add another 20-30 minutes to it to budget for pictures! Hope this wasn't dishonest of me...

 

[cewait]

I finally got up the nerve to click the "REGISTER" button and I am officially in for the full - my first! Everyone here is such an inspiration - living that whole "if you can dream it, you can do it" philosophy!

On the registration, it asked for an estimated finish time, and I wanted to ask "With stopping for all the photo ops, or without?"
For my estiamted finish, I just took my half marathon PR times two plus a bit - though if I were completely honest, I should add another 20-30 minutes to it to budget for pictures! Hope this wasn't dishonest of me...

You were probably overly honest - if that is possible. You are in for a life changing weekend. Enjoy your first

 

[JCH]

I finally got up the nerve to click the "REGISTER" button and I am officially in for the full - my first! Everyone here is such an inspiration - living that whole "if you can dream it, you can do it" philosophy!

On the registration, it asked for an estimated finish time, and I wanted to ask "With stopping for all the photo ops, or without?"
For my estiamted finish, I just took my half marathon PR times two plus a bit - though if I were completely honest, I should add another 20-30 minutes to it to budget for pictures! Hope this wasn't dishonest of me...

Lol, I totally lied on mine...I put 5:45 when I'm aiming for 6:30...I just want that one or two corral cushion so I can use the bathroom without fear!

 

[jeanigor]

I finally got up the nerve to click the "REGISTER" button and I am officially in for the full - my first! Everyone here is such an inspiration - living that whole "if you can dream it, you can do it" philosophy!

On the registration, it asked for an estimated finish time, and I wanted to ask "With stopping for all the photo ops, or without?"
For my estiamted finish, I just took my half marathon PR times two plus a bit - though if I were completely honest, I should add another 20-30 minutes to it to budget for pictures! Hope this wasn't dishonest of me...

I entered my estimated time for my first runDisney event.

I later learned from the WISH boards, to shorten my time to closer to the 'no proof necessary' time. I know I am going to finish. I just like to finish (and start) earlier. And have built in cushion for reallllly long lines.

 

[cewait]

You two heard the message....

I would put down 5:001 or somewhere just above that. slow enough to not need proof and fast enough to be 2-3 corrals in front of the caboose.

 

[JCH]

You two heard the message....

I would put down 5:001 or somewhere just above that. slow enough to not need proof and fast enough to be 2-3 corrals in front of the caboose.

I really thought about putting 5:01, but I felt bad. I figure 5:45 should put be 2 corrals up...maybe 3 since I registered so early. How many corrals are there for the Marathon? And do they stagger the start times?