Run/Walk intervals question - Disney 1/2

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone!

I'm planning on using run/walk intervals of 15/1 (or 20/1) in January for the 1/2. I'm hoping this will coincide with the water stops. The thing is, I remember the first 2 miles of the race being really crowded and no one really walking. So if I do 15/1 intervals, am I going to get trampled? Last year, I think I ran the first 3 miles before stopping. I can do 6-7 miles without stopping but would prefer to save that for the second half of the race if possible. I started in Corral B if that makes a difference.

TIA

 

[cewait]

You won't find as many run/walkers in B as other corrals but there are several. Just slide to a side (not all the way to the edge as that is also a fast lane), look around to make sure you do not have a tail gaiter, raise a hand or other wise signal a walk then take your walk.

If you are worried about being trampled then start near the rear of B (IF WDWM does the start the same as last year) since B is the last of the Wave 1 start group.



You are correct that the first two miles are a little narrow but there is room. You are correct in your thoughts on taking a walk at your first scheduled interval and being consistent throughout the race.

 

[FireDancer]

I think it is best to start the race at the pace of those around you. If you start with walking it is best to start with the walkers. If you start with running or jogging it is best to start with the people who will be going about the same pace.

That way that first couple of miles you aren't going against the grain of eveyone by walking with the runners or running with the walkers. By the time you get to your first personal transition area the field will be a bit more spread out allowing you to either speed up and weave forward or slow down and let those around you weave.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Thanks for the tips!

I'm looking to finish as close to 2:00 as possible. Realistically, it will probably be somewhere in the range of 2:05-2:10.

Not sure I want to start with the walkers, I will be taking short walk breaks but don't want to waste a lot of energy dodging through people. I'll see if I can spot the pace teams and stick with them, although I'm not sure which corrals they will be in.

 

[ironz]

Thanks for the tips!

I'm looking to finish as close to 2:00 as possible. Realistically, it will probably be somewhere in the range of 2:05-2:10.

Not sure I want to start with the walkers, I will be taking short walk breaks but don't want to waste a lot of energy dodging through people. I'll see if I can spot the pace teams and stick with them, although I'm not sure which corrals they will be in.

If you're aiming for about a 2 hour half marathon, don't start with the walkers. You will never make your goal, as you'll spend too much time getting out of the slower people (not that there's anything wrong with any pace). Start in the corral you belong, based on the times you submitted. Just be courteous and move to the side for your walk breaks and check behind you before you start walking.
Esp. if you're doing a 15/1 interval...you'll be through more than one mile before you start walking anyway. It's hard to judge at any interval if you will be coordinating your walk breaks with the aid stations. Another strategy may just be to plan on walking each aid station and running the rest. Should work out about the same, without having to watch the clock.

 

[mkymsehi]

Vicky, you're not going to make me yell your name out at the last overpass again, ARE YOU? LOL.

If I recall correctly, my finish time in January was 2:24'ish. Just cruising and taking my time before Sunday's run. Yes, we stopped to take lots of pictures along the course.

So if you wanna run, let me know and I'll pace you. Tie a leash or rope to me, and I'll get you a sub 2 hour race if you'd like.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Vicky, you're not going to make me yell your name out at the last overpass again, ARE YOU? LOL.

If I recall correctly, my finish time in January was 2:24'ish. Just cruising and taking my time before Sunday's run. Yes, we stopped to take lots of pictures along the course.

So if you wanna run, let me know and I'll pace you. Tie a leash or rope to me, and I'll get you a sub 2 hour race if you'd like.

Jeff, that was the best part of the race!!

I know that sub 2 hour race is in me somewhere! It's probably a couple of races away though.

 

[mkymsehi]

Vicky, 9:55 pace gets you a 2:10 finish. 9:32 gets you a 2:05 finish.

 

[K80K]

One thing I have started doing as a run/walker and found that those around me really appreciate is as my Garmin starts counting down my interval I put my hand up and count down with my fingers. It lets the people behind me that are paying attention know what my intentions are. I know if I skip those walk breaks early in the race it can spell doom for the end of my race, so I try to take them no matter how crowded it is. I do glance over my shoulder and make sure there is no one directly behind me that is going to plow into me and then announce that I am walking as I lower my arm. I have had many runners thank me for using this tactic because it gives them time to adjust so that they can find a way to get around me before I start my walk. It also ensures my own safety so that I don't get run over, lol.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Katie - I do the same thing I've nearly collided with a lot of racers who don't do that.

Jeff - Just over a 20 second/mile difference between the two times huh? I guess it adds up over a race...