Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[MightyDuck001]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

 

[kmg148]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

I started running in February of 2011. I was only able to run at 4 mph, so 15 minute miles. My long run pace for the Princess in February of this year averaged about 13 minutes. I did the Broad Street Run (10 miler) and averaged 11:30. My long runs now are at about 12:30 during training, so it really has only gone down about 30 seconds. I feel like it's taking forever to get faster, so I know what you mean! During my 30 minute workouts, I'm about to do a 10 minute mile, but I can't do that for more than 3 or 4 miles.

Any tips anyone has would be great, it does get frustrating!

 

[John VN]

Good lord...if your body is wearing out and you race walk at the pace that you've posted in the past ...I'm in serious trouble.

Arthritis is really the problem and that is why I speed walk. Easier on my joints.

You don't do this in races though do you? I'm lucky if I can count to 3 in the last miles of a race. No way I can do any significant math.

No counting during races. I pay very close attention to breathing/foot plant coordination along with checking heart rate/pace.

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

I started running in February of 2011. I was only able to run at 4 mph, so 15 minute miles. My long run pace for the Princess in February of this year averaged about 13 minutes. I did the Broad Street Run (10 miler) and averaged 11:30. My long runs now are at about 12:30 during training, so it really has only gone down about 30 seconds. I feel like it's taking forever to get faster, so I know what you mean! During my 30 minute workouts, I'm about to do a 10 minute mile, but I can't do that for more than 3 or 4 miles.

Any tips anyone has would be great, it does get frustrating!

DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED

Very few people are predisposed to being elite runners but it seems to me that many feel they should be able to run at a fast pace. Your body will only do so much and if you go too hard prepare for injuries.

I started walking in 2010 and concentrated my efforts on speed walking. A 2:11:12 time has been my best for a half marathon and I'm hoping to sub 4:30:00 in November's Space Coast Marathon.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

It is AMAZING what a little cool weather will do for your average pace.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards. Please excuse the typos.

 

[tedhowe]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

I'm seeing similar results and am very pleased with them.

I started running C25K in January also. My first sustained run of 1 mile was in February and I ran it in about 13 minutes.

Since then, I have seen my gotten my fastest mile down to about 9 minutes, my long run pace (7 ish miles) is at about 11 minute per mile pace.

I ran my first HM (in 78 degree humidity) this past saturday and finished with an average pace of 12:20. If it wasn't for a miscalculation that cost me about 3-5 minutes overall, I believe I would have been right at a 12 minute/mile pace for the whole thing, even with the temperature.

I'm REALLY looking forward to the fall and effects training 300+ miles in the summer heat have had on my pace with the cooler weather.

 

[steph0808]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

I started back in January with C25K and Bob Glover's build up to 20 miles/week. On the treadmill, I ran at a 12 minute per mile pace. About 4 months later, I ran on the treadmill at an 11 minute per mile pace. But the outside runs I have done and the races I have done are significantly faster. I can steadily hold 10 minute miles for 6 miles (haven't done further than that at that pace) and have run 8:30 miles in my 5k (don't think I can hold that pace much longer than that).

I am perfectly happy to trudge along at 10 minutes/mile just as I was happy to do 12 minutes/mile. We are out there doing it while others are sitting on the couch.

 

[khiguchi]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

I started running in the summer of 2010 with the Couch to 5K program; at that time, it was difficult for me to run for the prescribed 2 minutes in the workouts without getting winded. Once I got into the groove though, I was at about 10 minute miles and set my goal for my first 5K (August 2010) for half an hour.

I wowed myself that race and ran a 27:39 (9+ min pace)! I was so excited! I kept the mileage up and a few months later, ran a 5K in 24:10 (8+ min pace!!) and was shocked! My current official 5K PR is 23:28 (a little under 8 min pace)

Since then, time improvement has been more challenging, but with weekly tempo / speedwork, I've made small gains, and recorded a 15 minute two-mile time trial (it was required by my coach for my most recent marathon training plan) and am trying to best my 1-mile PR of 6:40.

Long story short - the faster I've gotten, the harder it's been to get even faster, but it's possible

 

[Sabeking]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

Back in January the first mile I ever went out and ran/walked was about... oh... 20 minutes, roughly. I remember "running" one in February that was 13 minutes, a second three months ago that was 10 and I recently did 2 9 minute miles, plus my Disneyland 1/2 which was an avg of exactly 12 minutes/mile. I'm actually more or less okay with my time, but of course I would love to be able to go, you know, faster.

I am a 44 yr old female and when I started running 4 years ago I would average about a 12 minute mile. Over time I have gotten it down to a 9 minute mile. The only way I did this was through weight/cross training and lots of sprints.

As someone said earlier weather was a factor. That is huge for me too. Saturday I ran an 11 min mile with a heart rate in the mid 160's and the temp was 87 plus humidity. This morning I ran a 9.5 mile with a heart rate of 140 and 55 degree weather.

My brother who is running this race too runs a 7 minute mile. He is 48 and it is getting a little tougher with age for both of us!!!! These days we are thankful for no real damage to our old parts and making it over the finish line!

 

[nineandcounting]

So, procrastination has cost me...again. I can't believe both the full and half marathons filled up so quickly, but alas.

According to the statements I've read online, registration can still be had through "groups and charities."

Does anyone here have any information as to said groups or charities, where I might obtain 2 spots in either the Full or Half Marathon?

Thank you for any help.

 

[minniebeth]

So, procrastination has cost me...again. I can't believe both the full and half marathons filled up so quickly, but alas.

According to the statements I've read online, registration can still be had through "groups and charities."

Does anyone here have any information as to said groups or charities, where I might obtain 2 spots in either the Full or Half Marathon?

Thank you for any help.

There is a list on the RunDisney website, someone posted it a few days back.
We run with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy/Run For Our Sons. It's an organization for families with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and they have a great sized group that attends, getting bigger every year.
The fundraising minimum for the 1/2, Marathon or Goofy is $1200. Your fee for the race through them counts towards your minimum. Included with that you get a PPMD/RFOS technical shirt in addition to your WDW packet shirt/s, 2 tickets to a pasta dinner and a victory party at the Contemporary and resort discounts at either the Polynesian or All Star Sports. A great cause, as are all the others!

 

[Reep]

I'm curious to know for those of you who weren't lifelong runners, let's say, when you started running what was your usual minute per mile time and how has it changed over (how much) time?

I started running when I was about 34. When I was 35 I ran my first marathon (trained at 9:00-9:30 minute miles; marathon at 8:31). Four years after that marathon, I got down to 8:00-8:30 training, and ran 7:18 min/mile for the marathon. My marathon PR was when I was 44, and I trained at 7:20-8:00 and ran 6:39 min/mile for the marathon. I trained very hard for that one and it was an almost perfect race. Now, at 48, I still do well, but my focus has been more on the half marathon. I train at 7:20-8:00 (except for speed work) and ran 6:24 min/mile at the Disneyland half. Right now training for <6:15 min/mile at WDW half.

So, in the marathon, I went from 3:43 to 2:54 with just experience and more miles and speed work. I'm not built like a prototype runner, so I have to work hard at it, but I love to run so it doesn't feel so much like work.

One of the keys is that you can really be a solid long distance runner much later than other sports. I'm sure I could break 3:00 in the marathon again, and could probably come close to my PR even at 48. They guy who came in second at Disneyland half ran a 1:14 and is 50. Sure, he was a 1:09 guy at his peak, but it shows there is a lot of time to improve and the drop off with age is much slower than other sports.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I startedd 2.5 years ago, just shy of my 30th birthday. I couldn't even run 30 seconds. I was born with a muscle disorder due to a birth injury and the doctors didn't think I would ever walk.

I am now training for my second full marathon, having run about 30 racws. I'm not fast, but I run as much mileage as I can (currently 35 to 40 mpw) and never give up.

 

[ironz]

Started marathon (Goofy) training today! yippee! Settled on that I will most likely follow the Penguin's run plan from Marathoning for Mortals, with the option to run/walk on days I don't feel as spiffy. Also, I like that it goes by time and not miles like the Higdon plans, though I have those charted out and will watch how the training correlates. And, Penguin has more cross-training, so I will get some quality time on my bike in.

Yes, I'm a little behind, but just finished tri season and had a 26 mile uber-slow run in my last race, so I think I'm just fine. Time on my feet is not going to be a huge issue. And, it is finally starting to cool off a bit here in Texas, so that helps, too.

Happy running!

Oh, and for the PP...I started at age 35 with 14 min miles. Got down into the 10s after a few years, but now I've slowed down again. I'd be thrilled with 12s for long stuff. Need to run more consistently, but without getting hurt.

 

[jmasgat]

So, procrastination has cost me...again. I can't believe both the full and half marathons filled up so quickly, but alas.

According to the statements I've read online, registration can still be had through "groups and charities."

Does anyone here have any information as to said groups or charities, where I might obtain 2 spots in either the Full or Half Marathon?

Thank you for any help.

You can also try to find a travel company that has spots available. There are some listed on the RunDisney site.

 

[stargazertechie]

Started marathon (Goofy) training today! yippee!
Yes, I'm a little behind, but just finished tri season and had a 26 mile uber-slow run in my last race, so I think I'm just fine. Time on my feet is not going to be a huge issue. And, it is finally starting to cool off a bit here in Texas, so that helps, too.

I've been off my feet for the past 6 weeks due to PF issues, and before that... well, I've been a fantastic couch athlete for the past couple of years. Training really started for me today as well.

Lord help me- at least you've got a base to start from

 

[ironz]

I've been off my feet for the past 6 weeks due to PF issues, and before that... well, I've been a fantastic couch athlete for the past couple of years. Training really started for me today as well.

Lord help me- at least you've got a base to start from

Hang in there! Just build carefully. And work on your calves as well as your feet.

Also...a friend of mine did Goofy last year with almost no run training the last month, but he did cycling/trainer/spin workouts (fairly hard core) all through December because he was having PF/calf issues. He did fine. I think cross training is so important. (esp for old ladies like me...49...LOL)

 

[bigdave10000]

Another way to get faster and a reason I am on the WISH boards is by losing weight. I have been up and down over the years with my weight. Always faster when I weighed less. Even when I was running my fastest times I had another 10 pound I could have / should have lost. Right now I am at least 20 pounds heavy and it is slowing me down. I love the WISH boards because the awesome stories I read here help keep me focused on my weight goal.

 

[BigEeyore]

Hang in there! Just build carefully. And work on your calves as well as your feet.

Also...a friend of mine did Goofy last year with almost no run training the last month, but he did cycling/trainer/spin workouts (fairly hard core) all through December because he was having PF/calf issues. He did fine. I think cross training is so important. (esp for old ladies like me...49...LOL)

Thank you for this! I have been feeling really down about my marathon training lately. I have been focusing on my upcoming first half ironman race at the end of this month, and have suffered some knee issues that have kept me from running more than a few miles a week. But I have been logging many hard hours on the bike and in the pool to make up for it. I can only hope that my general endurance base will help me through it all, and that my knee can get the rest it needs!
BTW - did you just do a full Ironman? Wondering b/c you said you did a slow 26 miler at the end of a race recently.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Agree about the necessity for cross training. I am an ancient 58, and the upper body workouts really help me with my form for longer runs. Have fun training everyone...I am in week 11 of my Goofy training schedule. So far so good, but the hard stuff will be starting in a few weeks.

 

[ironz]

Thank you for this! I have been feeling really down about my marathon training lately. I have been focusing on my upcoming first half ironman race at the end of this month, and have suffered some knee issues that have kept me from running more than a few miles a week. But I have been logging many hard hours on the bike and in the pool to make up for it. I can only hope that my general endurance base will help me through it all, and that my knee can get the rest it needs!
BTW - did you just do a full Ironman? Wondering b/c you said you did a slow 26 miler at the end of a race recently.

LOL...yep. Just did IM Canada 2.5 weeks ago. I got my money's worth. Slowest IM ever, but I finished and overall, had a pretty good experience, rather than being stressed out all day like I have for some. But I didn't have great run miles going into the full, even. So have plenty of building to do by January.

good luck with your half! Which one? And yes, the cross training will help. Oh, looked at your location. I'm going to guess the Augusta 70.3? Let me know how it is. I'm working on doing a tri (any distance) in each of the states and haven't done GA yet.