Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[cewait]

There was a "party" at DTD in 2009 -- though we walked past it two or three times before realizing that the dark and almost empty spot with a couple of computers where you could look up your times was the "party"... Here's hoping they do something a bit more festive this year!

I only went to the 07 party... While there were more folks, for me it was not worth the effort. Sleep was more in line with what I want to do. Especially 07, the year of the infamous heat wave

I too hope that they throw something big since they are touting it this early

 

[cewait]

First and foremost, congratulations on your first half! Coach Charles spoke to the usually excellent supplies on the course, so I'll speak to finish-line goodies. For the size of the races, Disney does a good job of ensuring there is enough food for everyone -- and that you can move relatively quickly through the finish area. It's nothing particularly interesting or fancy -- bagels, bananas, orange wedges, some sort of "nutrition bar", but there's plenty of water and Powerade. I've even been handed ice cold Diet Cokes before.

If there's something specific you know you want, then I'd bring it with you and check it with your bag -- as long as it doesn't need to be frozen or refrigerated it'll be fine.

I've done a couple of local races where the post-race food and drink have "disappeared" -- while spectators (who didn't run, mind you...) walk around holding bottles of water and bags of snacks. Rowr. But since Disney passes out food before the "reunion" area, that doesn't happen!

Great catch. I tend to pack my post race food in the check bag or in the car if I drove. All I pick up at the finish is a Coke (non-diet) a PowerAde and a banana. I do see that Disney has a great supply and an orderly post race food tent. It is not like many races where you see folks with boxes of food (even when running a low 4 hour race).

 

[MightyDuck001]

I've done a couple of local races where the post-race food and drink have "disappeared" -- while spectators (who didn't run, mind you...) walk around holding bottles of water and bags of snacks. Rowr. But since Disney passes out food before the "reunion" area, that doesn't happen!

I was really annoyed at that! When I finished there were no bagels left and it turns out my sister, her boyfriend, and her friends who had come to watch the finish had each had full ones! I said, "I know you came and waited and don't get me wrong, I appreciate it and thank you, but THE FOOD'S NOT FOR YOU! It's not a free all-you-can-eat buffet!"

I'm warming up to the reunion area idea, too. I appreciated them cheering and waiting, but right after I finished I just wanted to drink, eat, and stretch. I really didn't want anyone touching or hugging me.

 

[ColleenG]

Just and FYI... JetBlue fares are up through the end of January!!

 

[kmg148]

For those of you who have done marathons before, how did you know you were ready to make the jump from half to full? I still can't decide whether my body or mind can handle running for so many hours.

 

[FFigawi]

For those of you who have done marathons before, how did you know you were ready to make the jump from half to full? I still can't decide whether my body or mind can handle running for so many hours.

I never gave myself the choice. I signed up for a full, so my first half was just part of my training. I think it's easier if you don't over think it and just go for it.

 

[cewait]

For those of you who have done marathons before, how did you know you were ready to make the jump from half to full? I still can't decide whether my body or mind can handle running for so many hours.

I never gave myself the choice. I signed up for a full, so my first half was just part of my training. I think it's easier if you don't over think it and just go for it.

Actually, I signed up for a full before I ever ran a half. The half distance was not too common when I started so most runners jumped from a 10k to a full.

The hurdle one needs to overcome is the mental side of the equation. You just simply say I am going to run the full and put a stake in the ground with the entry form. From there put your training plan on a calendar and force the calendar to send remainders or your appointments (runs). I predicate this on the thought that you liked running the half. I would think that if you did not have a good time with your half marathon(s) the full may not be a great idea. I assume this is not the case since the question was asked about moving up.

As you train, the mental toolbox is learned. Simple little tools like I am running to the next street light, or I will keep up with the runner in the blue shirt. THese are the little things (most of which you learned in your half) that will get you to the end.

 

[kimmiepcft]

I signed up for the Full before I even finished the Half, I was still in training. When I didn't die a cruel death during the Half, I figured the Full wouldn't be an issue. How is that for twisted logic? lolol
I plan to attempt to run the whole thing, but if I have to walk parts, I am cool with that. I am thinking of this as a 26.2 mile party at Disney, and will stop at just about every character for photo ops, and fun spots along the way as well for fun photos. If you think you can do it, you can. I walked 24 miles in one day in Boston for the Susan Komen 3 Day. This is only 2 more miles.

In other news....JetBlue posted their fares for January, and I booked my flights this morning. Hotel and Air are all taken care of, next is the Food Plan. Anyone know when they become available, and how much they might cost? It is me n the Teenie, 3 days worth. We will be there Monday for a little while, but I won't be getting the food plan. And Thursday we get there at noon, do they do a half day plan? Or can we do a half day for Thursday and Monday? Not sure how it works, it has been awhile!

 

[jimandami]

I signed up for the Full before I even finished the Half, I was still in training. When I didn't die a cruel death during the Half, I figured the Full wouldn't be an issue. How is that for twisted logic? lolol
I plan to attempt to run the whole thing, but if I have to walk parts, I am cool with that. I am thinking of this as a 26.2 mile party at Disney, and will stop at just about every character for photo ops, and fun spots along the way as well for fun photos. If you think you can do it, you can. I walked 24 miles in one day in Boston for the Susan Komen 3 Day. This is only 2 more miles.

In other news....JetBlue posted their fares for January, and I booked my flights this morning. Hotel and Air are all taken care of, next is the Food Plan. Anyone know when they become available, and how much they might cost? It is me n the Teenie, 3 days worth. We will be there Monday for a little while, but I won't be getting the food plan. And Thursday we get there at noon, do they do a half day plan? Or can we do a half day for Thursday and Monday? Not sure how it works, it has been awhile!

If you purchase the dining plan, you receive it for every night of your stay. For example, since you are staying 4 nights, if you do the regular dining plan, you will each receive 4 TS meals, 4 CS meals, 4 snacks, and a refillable mug. It is up to you how you decide to use the credits.

 

[kimmiepcft]

Thanks!!!

 

[Ariel484]

For those of you who have done marathons before, how did you know you were ready to make the jump from half to full? I still can't decide whether my body or mind can handle running for so many hours.

I wanted to do the WDW Full before I signed up for a half. I told myself if I survived my first half (the 2011 Princess Half Marathon) and had fun, I'd sign up for the full. I survived, the Princess Half was awesome, and I ran the WDW full less than a year later! I think it helped that my first full was at WDW, because I knew it would be fun, so the mental aspect didn't seem so intimidating to me. I'm debating running my first non-Disney full next year...THAT will be a challenge for sure.

------------------------------------

RUNNING SKIRT UPDATE: I wore my black SparkleSkirt for the 2012 Cleveland Half Marathon this past weekend and it was awesome. The pockets were perfect (didn't need to bring a fuel belt), the shorts stayed in place, and it was really comfortable. I even got a compliment on the skirt. I did not take my phone with me, however. The one time I had my phone in the skirt pocket the phone got pretty damp, which freaked me out, so I need to figure out some what to keep it protected from sweat (sorry if that's an overshare). But after successfully wearing the skirt for a half I am confident that it will be comfortable for the full too. Hooray!

 

[RunRookie]

RUNNING SKIRT UPDATE: I wore my black SparkleSkirt for the 2012 Cleveland Half Marathon this past weekend and it was awesome. The pockets were perfect (didn't need to bring a fuel belt), the shorts stayed in place, and it was really comfortable. I even got a compliment on the skirt. I did not take my phone with me, however. The one time I had my phone in the skirt pocket the phone got pretty damp, which freaked me out, so I need to figure out some what to keep it protected from sweat (sorry if that's an overshare). But after successfully wearing the skirt for a half I am confident that it will be comfortable for the full too. Hooray!

Can you put the phone in a small ziplock bag and then put that in the pocket? That is what I do if I am worried about sweat or if it is likely to rain while I am out on a run.

 

[PrincessRhi]

RUNNING SKIRT UPDATE: I wore my black SparkleSkirt for the 2012 Cleveland Half Marathon this past weekend and it was awesome. The pockets were perfect (didn't need to bring a fuel belt), the shorts stayed in place, and it was really comfortable. I even got a compliment on the skirt. I did not take my phone with me, however. The one time I had my phone in the skirt pocket the phone got pretty damp, which freaked me out, so I need to figure out some what to keep it protected from sweat (sorry if that's an overshare). But after successfully wearing the skirt for a half I am confident that it will be comfortable for the full too. Hooray!

Thanks for the update-- I've been considering SparkleSkirts since they're just so darn cute, but after having been loyal to Skirt Sports for the past seven years, I didn't want to make the switch and absolutely HATE the skirt.

 

[es45]

Re: knowing when you are ready for a full. Is the conventional thought that you should be running consistently at least a year hold true or is, say, running 9 months enough time to train if you commit to a schedule?

Once I finished my first 5k, I realized that it was more a mental exercise than a physical one. Same held true for my first half. Just not sure the same holds true for a full. But I keep finding myself on this thread and the runDisney site....

 

[Ariel484]

Can you put the phone in a small ziplock bag and then put that in the pocket? That is what I do if I am worried about sweat or if it is likely to rain while I am out on a run.

Good call. I have been meaning to try a ziploc bag but haven't gotten around to it quite yet. I didn't take my phone with me yesterday because I had no one to meet up with, so I didn't need it. As you are a man, I'm sure you don't know how the pockets work on the skirts - there's a zip pocket on the waist and a pock on each leg of the undershorts (no zippers). During a training run I had my phone in the zip pocket and found that the stupid phone is so heavy it was actually pulling the skirt down. Not a good look. So I switch it to one of the leg pockets, and it stayed fine and was comfortable, but then I had the sweat issue. I think I have this irrational fear that if I put the phone in a ziploc bag, it'll slide out of the leg pockets since they don't zip shut. I know, slightly dumb of me. I guess I will never know until I try though, and it would be SUPER convenient (okay, necessary really) to have my phone on me for Goofy. Of course, now that I think about it, I had a bag of Gu Chomps in the pocket and they didn't budge, so the phone should be okay. DUH!

Thanks for the update-- I've been considering SparkleSkirts since they're just so darn cute, but after having been loyal to Skirt Sports for the past seven years, I didn't want to make the switch and absolutely HATE the skirt.

They ARE so cute...I wish they were about $30 cheaper. For me it's worth it though...I've tried a few brands and this is the only skirt that fits me correctly and actually looks good. I haven't tried Skirt Sports though...I'll have to look into it!

 

[Ariel484]

Re: knowing when you are ready for a full. Is the conventional thought that you should be running consistently at least a year hold true or is, say, running 9 months enough time to train if you commit to a schedule?

Once I finished my first 5k, I realized that it was more a mental exercise than a physical one. Same held true for my first half. Just not sure the same holds true for a full. But I keep finding myself on this thread and the runDisney site....

I'm no expert, so take what I say with a LARGE grain of salt, but I kind of feel like if you can successfully complete a half marathon and truly have the desire to commit to training for a full and feel like you're ready, you're ready. I think it varies from person to person.

 

[cewait]

Re: knowing when you are ready for a full. Is the conventional thought that you should be running consistently at least a year hold true or is, say, running 9 months enough time to train if you commit to a schedule?

Once I finished my first 5k, I realized that it was more a mental exercise than a physical one. Same held true for my first half. Just not sure the same holds true for a full. But I keep finding myself on this thread and the runDisney site....

Yes, the conventional wisdom says one should have a year on the legs prior to running a full. Conventional wisdom also says that one would never jump out of a perfectly good plane. Obviously, the greater one's experience the better chance of success. I think some of the cw is based exactly on what you have discovered; there is a lot of mental to moving 26.2 miles. What I hate to see is a newbie pop up in October and expect to run a marathon - I think we as a civilization have moved too far along the need for instant gratification. I would definitely counsel the October newbie to wait and find a later event...but then I know a few folks who have run a marathon with little training. Again, the mental side of the run is huge.

I do want to re-emphasize that this is also a physical effort. It does take discipline to go out every weekend and make the ever increasingly long run. Again, experience will help a runner understand how to interpret the body's feedback. It also takes time to train the metabolic system to become a great fat burner.

So, can a runner run a marathon 9 months after starting to run? Since we are all an experiment of one the answer lies with the runner. CW says no but I think that it is very possible. Personalizing this, you seem to have an understanding of the effort and currently have the desire.

 

[MightyDuck001]

Good call. I have been meaning to try a ziploc bag but haven't gotten around to it quite yet. I didn't take my phone with me yesterday because I had no one to meet up with, so I didn't need it. As you are a man, I'm sure you don't know how the pockets work on the skirts - there's a zip pocket on the waist and a pock on each leg of the undershorts (no zippers). During a training run I had my phone in the zip pocket and found that the stupid phone is so heavy it was actually pulling the skirt down. Not a good look. So I switch it to one of the leg pockets, and it stayed fine and was comfortable, but then I had the sweat issue. I think I have this irrational fear that if I put the phone in a ziploc bag, it'll slide out of the leg pockets since they don't zip shut. I know, slightly dumb of me. I guess I will never know until I try though, and it would be SUPER convenient (okay, necessary really) to have my phone on me for Goofy. Of course, now that I think about it, I had a bag of Gu Chomps in the pocket and they didn't budge, so the phone should be okay. DUH!



They ARE so cute...I wish they were about $30 cheaper. For me it's worth it though...I've tried a few brands and this is the only skirt that fits me correctly and actually looks good. I haven't tried Skirt Sports though...I'll have to look into it!

I have to second that--I got one and have been wearing it for the last month and looove it. The Minnie is a little more orange than red, but it's still insanely comfortable and I love the pockets. For the phone, I did a baggy but then the baggy got kinda damp too so I wrap a paper towel around the phone, then put it in the baggy and into the pocket. It worked really well and I was still able to hear my music as I ran.

I planned on using it for the wine and dine, but I really love making my costumes...

 

[John VN]

Glad Cling Wrap works great on DW's Droid and my LG as far as keeping phones dry, even in Fl. rains. Fully charge phone before wrapping and they are easy to use and virtually waterproof.

 

[kmg148]

Actually, I signed up for a full before I ever ran a half. The half distance was not too common when I started so most runners jumped from a 10k to a full.

The hurdle one needs to overcome is the mental side of the equation. You just simply say I am going to run the full and put a stake in the ground with the entry form. From there put your training plan on a calendar and force the calendar to send remainders or your appointments (runs). I predicate this on the thought that you liked running the half. I would think that if you did not have a good time with your half marathon(s) the full may not be a great idea. I assume this is not the case since the question was asked about moving up.

As you train, the mental toolbox is learned. Simple little tools like I am running to the next street light, or I will keep up with the runner in the blue shirt. THese are the little things (most of which you learned in your half) that will get you to the end.

I loved the half marathon! It got tough around miles 10 and 11, but I loved it!

Thanks everyone for your feedback! It's helping me to make my decision. Now the only setback I could possibly have it my work schedule!