Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[PRmamiDEdos]

So none of my friends decided to join me before the race sold out. So I guess I'm flying solo. When I signed up I decided I really wanted to do this marathon and would do it even if none of my friends joined me, but now I've suddenly asking myself "What have I done?!?!?" Not only running a marathon for the first time but also going at it alone with nobody to celebrate with afterwards. Anybody else doing this alone? Any meets being organized in case I get too lonely? I'm actually a pretty good solo traveler but suddenly with the marathon thrown in I'm feeling a little trepidation.

Aww. You're more than welcome to hang out with us. A friend was supposed to join my family but she never registered either. I'm sad because I'll be running by myself. During the PHM, DH ran with me, but I'm on my own. Hoping I can at least keep up with the pace group.

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

 

[njmeisje]

Hi rocio

I am also a solo runner..1st Marathon. I'm pretty used to running alone, it clears my head. My understanding of the WDW race is that there will be so much entertainment going on to distract us (as much as is possible, LOL)...that I doubt you will feel alone! Stick to your goal, train and run. You will love it!!

Diane

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Hello Marathoners!!!

I'm Rachel, and I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this marathon. I have only been running for a year now, and I am spending the next months up to the marathon having to train while in Saudi Arabia. I'm going to be stuck getting my miles in on a treadmill. Definitely not ideal. Anyone have any tips?

Don't have any tips but welcome!

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

 

[rocio]

Thanks mami (whenever I call you that I think I'm talking to my mom...lol) and Diane. I've done a Disney race before....the princess last February was my first half. So I know what great fun they can be. That's why I wanted to do THIS marathon. And even though I traveled with a friend she is faster than me and we separated before we hit mile 3. So I did run that by myself and had an absolute blast. But we also had great time together leading up to the race. Waiting for the race to start and she was waiting to celebrate at the finish line. I think it might be a little sad to not have anyone there. But i am still excited to do it! It's going to be great!!!!!

 

[MightyDuck001]

So none of my friends decided to join me before the race sold out. So I guess I'm flying solo. When I signed up I decided I really wanted to do this marathon and would do it even if none of my friends joined me, but now I've suddenly asking myself "What have I done?!?!?" Not only running a marathon for the first time but also going at it alone with nobody to celebrate with afterwards. Anybody else doing this alone? Any meets being organized in case I get too lonely? I'm actually a pretty good solo traveler but suddenly with the marathon thrown in I'm feeling a little trepidation.

I'm in the exact same situation. Do what I did--get new friends! Between the people here, the cramped quarters in the corrals and the 4+ hours on the course, you'll have the chance to meet and make THOUSANDS of new friends. And thus far, when I've finished running half marathons the last thing I want is anyone touching me or trying to carry on a conversation.

 

[RunRookie]

So none of my friends decided to join me before the race sold out. So I guess I'm flying solo. When I signed up I decided I really wanted to do this marathon and would do it even if none of my friends joined me, but now I've suddenly asking myself "What have I done?!?!?" Not only running a marathon for the first time but also going at it alone with nobody to celebrate with afterwards. Anybody else doing this alone? Any meets being organized in case I get too lonely? I'm actually a pretty good solo traveler but suddenly with the marathon thrown in I'm feeling a little trepidation.

WISH will have a large group running the races and you are welcome to be a part of that. We usually have a meet-up on Friday afternoon somewhere. Last year it was at the POP Century value resort around 4pm. When it is planned, it will be posted here. At the meet-up, you will find folks to chat with and you'll find people with similar pace as yourself.

I am sure you won't feel lonely at the race cuz there will be thousands of runners having a great time like you!

 

[FFigawi]

Hello Marathoners!!!

I'm Rachel, and I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this marathon. I have only been running for a year now, and I am spending the next months up to the marathon having to train while in Saudi Arabia. I'm going to be stuck getting my miles in on a treadmill. Definitely not ideal. Anyone have any tips?

Is there no way you can get outside to run? Even though it's possible to do all your training indoors, a treadmill can't prepare your limbs, joints, and muscles for the extra work and pounding they'll get when running outdoors in the race. That said, when you do run inside, increase both your speed and the incline a little to try to simulate the level of effort that you experience outside.

 

[wvjules]

I'm also a solo runner. When DBF, DD and I did the half in 2011 I was still solo. I am a way back of the pack slogger. I really didn't mind it all. I just wanted to finish.

 

[ironz]

Re: coming to Disney races solo...

I did the first DL half by myself, and I actually enjoyed certain freedoms. No having to worry if my travel buddies woke up on time, if anyone snored, can we all get to the race on time, where to meet up after the race, no one having to stand/sit around waiting for me to finish, no line for the shower when we got back to the hotel, could eat wherever I wanted. Having done plenty of races (running and tri) with other people, it was quite liberating!

For the Princess half 2 years ago, I went on my own, but met up with some friends who were there for a day of park visit. On 5K day (I did both), I met some people on the bus to the race who were staying at my resort--some of us had preplanned it here on the WISH boards. I met at least one other person from the DIS at the bus stop on 1/2 marathon day. Somehow found her again in Epcot after the race, so we had a nice late lunch together and we became friends and I am very excited to get to see her at marathon weekend 2013!

 

[princessbride6205]

Hello Marathoners!!!

I'm Rachel, and I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this marathon. I have only been running for a year now, and I am spending the next months up to the marathon having to train while in Saudi Arabia. I'm going to be stuck getting my miles in on a treadmill. Definitely not ideal. Anyone have any tips?

Hi Rachel! Wow. I can't imagine training for a full on the treadmill, but I did train for a half almost solely on the mill. Is the running out doors out of the question because of the temperature or safety or both?

So none of my friends decided to join me before the race sold out. So I guess I'm flying solo. When I signed up I decided I really wanted to do this marathon and would do it even if none of my friends joined me, but now I've suddenly asking myself "What have I done?!?!?" Not only running a marathon for the first time but also going at it alone with nobody to celebrate with afterwards. Anybody else doing this alone? Any meets being organized in case I get too lonely? I'm actually a pretty good solo traveler but suddenly with the marathon thrown in I'm feeling a little trepidation.

You'll do great. As we get closer we might have a thread for pace groups, if you want to run with someone. And people will also probably share what hotel they are staying at, so you can buddy up to meet for race morning transportation. And if you remain active here and come to the WISH meet, you'll feel like a part of a group. I went solo to the Princess and went to three different events with WISHers the day before the race, plus met up with a few after the race to go to Epcot. But I'm happy to run "alone" in the actual race. I like the cheering on the race course even when I don't know the people - it doesn't really matter to me if I passed my family once on the course. But I understand others enjoy that kind of support. Either way, you'll have a fabulous time!

 

[Rae165]

Hi Rachel! Wow. I can't imagine training for a full on the treadmill, but I did train for a half almost solely on the mill. Is the running out doors out of the question because of the temperature or safety or both?

You'll do great. As we get closer we might have a thread for pace groups, if you want to run with someone. And people will also probably share what hotel they are staying at, so you can buddy up to meet for race morning transportation. And if you remain active here and come to the WISH meet, you'll feel like a part of a group. I went solo to the Princess and went to three different events with WISHers the day before the race, plus met up with a few after the race to go to Epcot. But I'm happy to run "alone" in the actual race. I like the cheering on the race course even when I don't know the people - it doesn't really matter to me if I passed my family once on the course. But I understand others enjoy that kind of support. Either way, you'll have a fabulous time!

Hi! Thanks for the reply. I am a woman in Saudi Arabia. You can't run outside because A) it is 103 degrees in the shade, and B) a woman must wear an abaya (large black garment that covers from neck to toe) in public always. I think there may be a chance I can go on a desert run or two come November.

 

[bmer1rick]

Hi! Thanks for the reply. I am a woman in Saudi Arabia. You can't run outside because A) it is 103 degrees in the shade, and B) a woman must wear an abaya (large black garment that covers from neck to toe) in public always. I think there may be a chance I can go on a desert run or two come November.

Thanks for your service.

Although I cannot relate to the abaya cause I am a guy, I can definitely relate to the temp issue. When I was in the desert, I can remember nights where 103 was the low and we always ran with camelbacks to try to stay hydrated.

Good luck in your training. What we had to do was run with an incline on the treads when it was too hot that the docs wouldn't let us run outside.

 

[deekaypee]

So none of my friends decided to join me before the race sold out. So I guess I'm flying solo. When I signed up I decided I really wanted to do this marathon and would do it even if none of my friends joined me, but now I've suddenly asking myself "What have I done?!?!?" Not only running a marathon for the first time but also going at it alone with nobody to celebrate with afterwards. Anybody else doing this alone? Any meets being organized in case I get too lonely? I'm actually a pretty good solo traveler but suddenly with the marathon thrown in I'm feeling a little trepidation.

I simply want to echo what others have said, collect it all. It's something I think we all wondered about for our first solo races.

WISH will have a large group running the races and you are welcome to be a part of that. We usually have a meet-up on Friday afternoon somewhere. Last year it was at the POP Century value resort around 4pm. When it is planned, it will be posted here. At the meet-up, you will find folks to chat with and you'll find people with similar pace as yourself.

I am sure you won't feel lonely at the race cuz there will be thousands of runners having a great time like you!

You'll do great. As we get closer we might have a thread for pace groups, if you want to run with someone. And people will also probably share what hotel they are staying at, so you can buddy up to meet for race morning transportation. And if you remain active here and come to the WISH meet, you'll feel like a part of a group. I went solo to the Princess and went to three different events with WISHers the day before the race, plus met up with a few after the race to go to Epcot. But I'm happy to run "alone" in the actual race. I like the cheering on the race course even when I don't know the people - it doesn't really matter to me if I passed my family once on the course. But I understand others enjoy that kind of support. Either way, you'll have a fabulous time!

The pace thread - someone always starts it - will give you a chance to meet up with others pre-race/in the corrals. Friday night's WISH meet at POP (maybe Art of Animation this year) and Monday morning's BoardWalk Bakery meet (and DATW?) is a great way to connect. I have no idea what will happen with the runDisney post-race party, yet, but there's a chance people will want to enjoy that too.

Re: coming to Disney races solo...

I did the first DL half by myself, and I actually enjoyed certain freedoms. No having to worry if my travel buddies woke up on time, if anyone snored, can we all get to the race on time, where to meet up after the race, no one having to stand/sit around waiting for me to finish, no line for the shower when we got back to the hotel, could eat wherever I wanted. Having done plenty of races (running and tri) with other people, it was quite liberating!

I think there's a definitely a joy in solo travel, especially for races when it can/should be all about you. I wasn't a WISHer on my first runDisney event, but there's so much to see on the course and I met so many friendly people (WISHers and non-WISHers alike) that the miles flew by. I'm not fast (a back-of-the-pack partier, so to speak) but I felt like time went quickly, anyway!

Anyway, you'll have a great time and will be the envy of your friends for having done the race!

 

[regul8ter18]

I ran the Wine and Dine by myself and met up with some of the wishers who also ran it. When I got into my corral I looked to my side and there was one of those green wish shirts and It was tracy (Dsnyfan21). It was so nice to have someone to talk to while I was waiting for the start. The start is always the part that gets me. I have no problem running by myself. At the marathon I will be running with my dad and I think it might bother me a little bit. He is faster and I could see myself getting upset cause I am slowing him down.

Courtney

 

[Sabeking]

Good morning all! Quick question for past runners of this half/full marathon. I was waching a video of this race and was amazed at how crowded the course looked! At some points it appeared people were bottle necked!
I could not get put in a corral because my last marathon race was Oct 2009. Is it a problem keeping your pace? In other races it was crowded to begin with but eventually spread out. Thoughts??

Thanks!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Good morning all! Quick question for past runners of this half/full marathon. I was waching a video of this race and was amazed at how crowded the course looked! At some points it appeared people were bottle necked!
I could not get put in a corral because my last marathon race was Oct 2009. Is it a problem keeping your pace? In other races it was crowded to begin with but eventually spread out. Thoughts??

Thanks!

I was in corral D for the full and didn't have any issues. The path at AK is pretty narrow, but everywhere else is fine. I have some concerns about the track this year, but will do the beest I can.

 

[FFigawi]

The pace thread - someone always starts it - will give you a chance to meet up with others pre-race/in the corrals. Friday night's WISH meet at POP (maybe Art of Animation this year) and Monday morning's BoardWalk Bakery meet (and DATW?) is a great way to connect. I have no idea what will happen with the runDisney post-race party, yet, but there's a chance people will want to enjoy that too.

Oh, yes, there will definitely be a good chance to meet people at DATW on Monday. Wear your medal(s) and come join us for the best way to stretch your legs, and your liver, after the race.

 

[FFigawi]

Good morning all! Quick question for past runners of this half/full marathon. I was waching a video of this race and was amazed at how crowded the course looked! At some points it appeared people were bottle necked!
I could not get put in a corral because my last marathon race was Oct 2009. Is it a problem keeping your pace? In other races it was crowded to begin with but eventually spread out. Thoughts??

In my experience, it's no different than any other large marathon. You've got some crowding right after the start as everyone gets up to speed, and after that, people begin to spread out. The biggest crowds you have to deal with, really, are at the photo stops.

 

[RunRookie]

Good morning all! Quick question for past runners of this half/full marathon. I was waching a video of this race and was amazed at how crowded the course looked! At some points it appeared people were bottle necked!
I could not get put in a corral because my last marathon race was Oct 2009. Is it a problem keeping your pace? In other races it was crowded to begin with but eventually spread out. Thoughts??

Thanks!

Do you mean the Disney Half/Full? Yes, they have a lot of runners in the races but compared to the Chicago Marathon with 45,000 runners, the Disney Full is not even half that size. I think the Half was around 25,000 in January. But really after the first mile, it doesn't really feel crowded since the roads are pretty wide and like any other race, things open up. The only time it can feel crowded (other than at the start) is in certain areas of the parks where the course narrows a bit.

The corral system at Disney is very well managed and that makes a big difference in terms of how crowded things 'feel'.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Re: coming to Disney races solo...

I did the first DL half by myself, and I actually enjoyed certain freedoms. No having to worry if my travel buddies woke up on time, if anyone snored, can we all get to the race on time, where to meet up after the race, no one having to stand/sit around waiting for me to finish, no line for the shower when we got back to the hotel, could eat wherever I wanted. Having done plenty of races (running and tri) with other people, it was quite liberating!

For the Princess half 2 years ago, I went on my own, but met up with some friends who were there for a day of park visit. On 5K day (I did both), I met some people on the bus to the race who were staying at my resort--some of us had preplanned it here on the WISH boards. I met at least one other person from the DIS at the bus stop on 1/2 marathon day. Somehow found her again in Epcot after the race, so we had a nice late lunch together and we became friends and I am very excited to get to see her at marathon weekend 2013!

And I can't wait to see my friend there again too!! Meeting Betsy was one of My favorite parts of the weekend!!

Rocio - you will totally meet people! I did princess 2011 solo (the whole weekend) and was waaaaay out of my comfort zone but there are plenty of solo runners who you can chat with. What's great about these Disney races is that we are all in it together!!

Hello all! My training is going well. Slow, but that's ok. I had a really REALLY tough go at the Bronx 10 miler last Sunday but I'm just using it as a motivator. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. It's also reminding me to pay attention to my eating habits too!!

Hope everyone has great runs this week!