Question about the full pace groups

[roomthreeseventeen]

In 2012, I know the 5:30 pacer was doing Gallowalking. If I remember correctly, it was a 5:1 ratio. I assume it isn’t the same pace leader every year. Does the 5:30 group just run at a slower pace some years? Does anyone know what the 5:00 pacer has done in the past?

Also, does anyone have any insight into what happens if you train one way and race another? Is it a guaranteed way to blow up, even if you are trained for that specific finish time?

 

[cewait]

Can't speak for the pace group's methods, other than blocking the danged roadway.... but that is not the question.

I will say that changing your race from training is not necessarily a guaranteed blow up.

What will trip you up is not the changing of the ratio, but the possible faster pace on the run to keep the same average pace. I find that one can move either up of down in the run walk ratio, as long as the run speed is not increased more than 60-90 seconds as a result to the ratio change. What hurts in a race is if you are averaging a 12:30 in training with a longer run (assume 6/1) ratio then hook up with a group who averages the same pace but over a shorter run (assume 3/1) ratio. To keep the same average pace on the shorter run interval, one needs to run faster during the run. Seems counter intuitive but it can sink you in a hurry.

Your better bet when coming into a pace group is to run YOUR training ratio. That will assure that you are not going outside your window. You will find it easier if they are not on your interval to run near the front and if needed pull away and allow a catch on your walk.

Hope this helps

 

[es45]

Where do you find out information on the Disney pace groups? For example, how to sign up? I've stumbled across them during a race but I haven't figured out how to connect prior.

 

[irishtwins1112]

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/index?page=walt-disney-world-marathon

Looks like you sign up on clifbar.com

Unless you are talking Dis pace teams......not sure where the info is for that.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

You don't need to sign up. You just look for the signs on race day.

 

[cewait]

Ditto Rm 317...

Just look for the balloon and sign. The only reason to head to the pace team booth is to find out the day before how they plan to run.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I have never run a marathon, nor have I run with a pace group. Would this be a good option for me when I attempt the Goofy in January? My goal is just to finish and my best half is 2:03. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

 

[cewait]

I have never run a marathon, nor have I run with a pace group. Would this be a good option for me when I attempt the Goofy in January? My goal is just to finish and my best half is 2:03. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

I would avoid a pace group and just run your race. Disney is really not a race about setting a record, rather it is an experience and one that needs to be enjoyed. There are too many photo ops and other things to see that would either require that you run past or continually play catch up.

For your Goofy, I would suggest running both races at a comfortable training pace. There are a lot of folks who will say go really slow on the half but I would offer that you more than likely have not trained to run the half at a walking speed and you really do not want to be on course that long. A few character stops will serve the same purpose of going slower.

 

[johde]

Amy, I wouldn't assume anything about the running strategies of the pace groups. In my last half marathon, the 2:50 pace leaders had a plan of only walking through the water stops. So working with them, I need to figure they should be ahead of me until the water stops where I would catch up. Because even though I was doing run/walk, I was hoping to not take an extra walk break through the water stop. My goal early on was more keep them in sight instead of run with them given our different strategies.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I would avoid a pace group and just run your race. Disney is really not a race about setting a record, rather it is an experience and one that needs to be enjoyed. There are too many photo ops and other things to see that would either require that you run past or continually play catch up.

For your Goofy, I would suggest running both races at a comfortable training pace. There are a lot of folks who will say go really slow on the half but I would offer that you more than likely have not trained to run the half at a walking speed and you really do not want to be on course that long. A few character stops will serve the same purpose of going slower.

Thanks for the advice. I wil probably try for a 2:20 time in the half and then see what the day brings for the full. My real goal is to finish standing and with that Goofy medal around my neck!