Solo Marathoners?

[disney_mommy]

I am heading to WDW in January for the half and not only does nobody in my family want to spend the money to go with me, nobody even wants to come cheer me on.

Anyway, I am going to make the best of it and have my first solo while I struggle through the half. I am wondering if there are people in the same situation as me, who will be running/walking in the half/full marathon while doing a solo.

I thought I remembered a similar thread from a while back, but I can't find it now. Can someone in the know perhaps direct me to said thread, please? Thank you so kindly!

 

[Dolce27]

Happy to see you over here!! I'm sort of solo. My mother was planning to surprise me and show up marathon day to watch me finish. Then she had to ask me where she needs to go to watch. So, that ruined that surprise. I wasn’t planning to have any friends/family to cheer me on and for the rest of my trip I will be solo. There are a lot of great people over here that will be doing the Donald/Mickey/Goofy and even more that will be there just to cheer those of us doing it on.

Join this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2307710

It's comprised of people doing the Donald. (Although, I don't know how many of them will be doing it as a solo) Also, there will be a WISH team meet-up at POP the night before the half-marathon. You can go and meet lots of new people. I think they have dinner together in the food court after.

 

[Sandy321]

DisneyMommy - you are NEVER ALONE here!!

Like Dolce posted - join that thread - there are a lot of solo Half marathoners "Doing the Donald" - all ages and all levels of experience and times...

Dolce graciously helps cheer me on in my Pre Trip Report (Link is in my signature) we'd love to have you join in - we are crazy, we are going to Disney in Jan - what 57 days from today? and we have to run 13.1 miles to get that joy!! (I think there are a couple posting that are going solo)

Basically I started the pre trip report to "blog" my training to get me to that Half!! I tend to give up on myself! I am in no way shape or form "fit" , nope, I'm fat, lazy, and OLD!!

My dh is going - he's going to run the Half (no where near where I'll be tho!! He actually likes running and runs 9 min miles!!) and then run the marathon the next day - yes, THAT's GOOFY!!

and it gets lonely - because I'm so slow, that I dont really feel as if I have dh's support - altho I "know" I do... and honestly if my mom shows up (she lives in Naples FL) I think I may just scream!! I really get stressed out by my mom!!

so think of it this way - you are going, and its time you met some friends - cyber for today - but real life in 57 days!!

Keep checking this WISH board - on Friday everyone meets at POP for a pre race picture, and jitter relief!!

 

[disney_mommy]

Happy to see you over here!! I'm sort of solo. My mother was planning to surprise me and show up marathon day to watch me finish. Then she had to ask me where she needs to go to watch. So, that ruined that surprise. I wasn’t planning to have any friends/family to cheer me on and for the rest of my trip I will be solo. There are a lot of great people over here that will be doing the Donald/Mickey/Goofy and even more that will be there just to cheer those of us doing it on.

Join this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2307710

It's comprised of people doing the Donald. (Although, I don't know how many of them will be doing it as a solo) Also, there will be a WISH team meet-up at POP the night before the half-marathon. You can go and meet lots of new people. I think they have dinner together in the food court after.

Thanks, Dolce, for the invite to that thread. I have been reading it and am on page 10 now, trying hard to catch up! I'll join in the conversation when I'm up to date. I would hate to ask a question or mention something someone else did 2 pages before. I think that annoys some...

DisneyMommy - you are NEVER ALONE here!!

Like Dolce posted - join that thread - there are a lot of solo Half marathoners "Doing the Donald" - all ages and all levels of experience and times...

Dolce graciously helps cheer me on in my Pre Trip Report (Link is in my signature) we'd love to have you join in - we are crazy, we are going to Disney in Jan - what 57 days from today? and we have to run 13.1 miles to get that joy!! (I think there are a couple posting that are going solo)

Basically I started the pre trip report to "blog" my training to get me to that Half!! I tend to give up on myself! I am in no way shape or form "fit" , nope, I'm fat, lazy, and OLD!!

My dh is going - he's going to run the Half (no where near where I'll be tho!! He actually likes running and runs 9 min miles!!) and then run the marathon the next day - yes, THAT's GOOFY!!

and it gets lonely - because I'm so slow, that I dont really feel as if I have dh's support - altho I "know" I do... and honestly if my mom shows up (she lives in Naples FL) I think I may just scream!! I really get stressed out by my mom!!

so think of it this way - you are going, and its time you met some friends - cyber for today - but real life in 57 days!!

Keep checking this WISH board - on Friday everyone meets at POP for a pre race picture, and jitter relief!!

Sandy, I will definitely check out your pre-trippie.

Thanks, both of you, for welcoming me with such open arms! It really feels like I'm making some friends as I venture out and discuss my worries about this trip. I hope I get to meet you all in person.

 

[FireDancer]

For both of my halves I went solo (2006 and 2008) and while I lived in Florida and had an AP went solo often. I love going to WDW solo because you can do what you want when you want and don't have to keep anyone else happy.

I didn't know the WISH or Dis Boards people until after my last marathon weekend so I didn't get to do the meets but having the meets is great if you do get a little lonely between attractions.

 

[jmasgat]

disney_mommy I did the half this year and will do the full in January "on my own". But as everyone has pointed out, you never have to be solo if you're a WISH'er. Plus, WDW on your own can be good. I did my 40th B-day at WDW during Food and Wine and had a great time.

So join us at the Pop meet and have some fun!

Maura

 

[ironz]

For both of my halves I went solo (2006 and 2008) and while I lived in Florida and had an AP went solo often. I love going to WDW solo because you can do what you want when you want and don't have to keep anyone else happy.

I didn't know the WISH or Dis Boards people until after my last marathon weekend so I didn't get to do the meets but having the meets is great if you do get a little lonely between attractions.

I'm with you on this. I did meet some Wish folks when I was out there in 2008, which was sort of fun, esp since my then-BF bailed on me for the 1/2 marathon and didn't even come watch when I ran by our resort (Poly) or come out to the finish line. (If you saw a girl crying through most of the 1/2 that year, it was me.) I went solo to the DL 1/2 the first year, too. Sometimes it makes it easier to not have to worry about other people's schedules/who's meeting when and where, etc.

BUT....if that's not your deal...you have all of US!! The WISH team will NOT let you down! Such a positive bunch, and you'll be able to find people or arrange a meetup through this board.

See you there!

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks, Dolce, for the invite to that thread. I have been reading it and am on page 10 now, trying hard to catch up! I'll join in the conversation when I'm up to date. I would hate to ask a question or mention something someone else did 2 pages before. I think that annoys some...



Sandy, I will definitely check out your pre-trippie.

Thanks, both of you, for welcoming me with such open arms! It really feels like I'm making some friends as I venture out and discuss my worries about this trip. I hope I get to meet you all in person.

oh dont bother reading my whole report - just jump right in - and as far as the people posting on my TR - NO ONE would mind one single bit if you reposted a question - we'd be lucky to have you join us!!

so jump right in (you might go back 1 oe 2 pages, and read maybe my first post... but beyond that - I wouldnt bother )

Sometimes this board moves slow - and that may be just what you need - the November thread is a great cheer thread, and a great place to post any and all questions - as well as post what you are doing..

The Doing The Donald Thread is a great place to post questions, cheer, and get to know others Doing the Donald

My thread is a place where I am trying to post my journey - and others have graciously joined and posted their journey - we are encouraging each other (just like in the other threads tho!!) and we go "off topic" and get silly - and just vent, or cheer, or just post plans we are making for that weekend trip! I tend to talk a lot as well!!

 

[liznboys]

disney_mommy~ Yes, please join us on the Donald thread! And don't feel that you need to read the entire thread first at all...I have no problem with questions being repeated, actually I know I would appreciate any and all questions being asked, once, twice or more. Many of us are new to this and have a lot to learn, and it's a lot to recall and remember. So just jump right in, see you there!

 

[scoolover]

I doubt that this will make you feel better but I am jealous. I wish that I could go alone for the weekend. I can't go with out the family and that pushes the cost too high for this year. If I could go alone, I could probably swing it. Oh well. Go and have a good time.

 

[disney_mommy]

I doubt that this will make you feel better but I am jealous. I wish that I could go alone for the weekend. I can't go with out the family and that pushes the cost too high for this year. If I could go alone, I could probably swing it. Oh well. Go and have a good time.

Actually, that's kind of a con for me - with no one to share the cost, I'm paying for everything all by my lonesome.

 

[Dolce27]

Actually, that's kind of a con for me - with no one to share the cost, I'm paying for everything all by my lonesome.

I’ve been to WDW a few times solo and actually love it. It was especially great this past Christmas for my birthday trip (my b-day just had to fall between Christmas and New Years so I had the joy of dealing with extreme Disney crowds ) The last trip was only 1/2 solo. You’ll find that being solo it’s much easier to move in the crowds, find a last minute seat for a show or parade and that it really is nice to not have to compromise for anything. As FireDancer and ironz both stated: you can do what you want to do. I’m actually getting to be a bit spoiled by it! The other thing: I’m a bit of an introvert and can be rather shy but at Disney I often find myself chatting with people in lines and butting into their conversations. I’ve met some really interesting people this way. Also, people tend to remember me since I’m solo. On a trip in 2006 I kept running into the same couple all over the place several days in a row and they always spotted me first since I was alone. I never feel “lonesome” at Disney. True, there are particular times that I do wish that I was with someone, but overall I have had great experiences being solo. And I’ll agree: it is a con to have to pay for it by yourself but once you’re there it’s great.

 

[disney_mommy]

disney_mommy I did the half this year and will do the full in January "on my own". But as everyone has pointed out, you never have to be solo if you're a WISH'er. Plus, WDW on your own can be good. I did my 40th B-day at WDW during Food and Wine and had a great time.

So join us at the Pop meet and have some fun!

Maura

I'm with you on this. I did meet some Wish folks when I was out there in 2008, which was sort of fun, esp since my then-BF bailed on me for the 1/2 marathon and didn't even come watch when I ran by our resort (Poly) or come out to the finish line. (If you saw a girl crying through most of the 1/2 that year, it was me.) I went solo to the DL 1/2 the first year, too. Sometimes it makes it easier to not have to worry about other people's schedules/who's meeting when and where, etc.

BUT....if that's not your deal...you have all of US!! The WISH team will NOT let you down! Such a positive bunch, and you'll be able to find people or arrange a meetup through this board.

See you there!

I’ve been to WDW a few times solo and actually love it. It was especially great this past Christmas for my birthday trip (my b-day just had to fall between Christmas and New Years so I had the joy of dealing with extreme Disney crowds ) The last trip was only 1/2 solo. You’ll find that being solo it’s much easier to move in the crowds, find a last minute seat for a show or parade and that it really is nice to not have to compromise for anything. As FireDancer and ironz both stated: you can do what you want to do. I’m actually getting to be a bit spoiled by it! The other thing: I’m a bit of an introvert and can be rather shy but at Disney I often find myself chatting with people in lines and butting into their conversations. I’ve met some really interesting people this way. Also, people tend to remember me since I’m solo. On a trip in 2006 I kept running into the same couple all over the place several days in a row and they always spotted me first since I was alone. I never feel “lonesome” at Disney. True, there are particular times that I do wish that I was with someone, but overall I have had great experiences being solo. And I’ll agree: it is a con to have to pay for it by yourself but once you’re there it’s great.

I'm really getting excited about the half, and all of the support I've been getting here is fantastic! I just hope that this time next year nobody is talking about that "fat chick that couldn't even finish the race last year!"

Dolce, I am also very shy and introverted and it is hard for me to talk to strangers. If they talk to me first, I'm okay, but making that first move is tough.

Here is my secret fear: I will have an uncomfortable situation or experience right off and end up spending the rest of my vacation in my room watching TV, or shopping at DTD. But I am really going to try and make an effort to be out there with the people and not hide out! I'm spending all of my hard-earned money on this trip, and I want to enjoy it darn it!

 

[FireDancer]

I'm with you on this. I did meet some Wish folks when I was out there in 2008, which was sort of fun, esp since my then-BF bailed on me for the 1/2 marathon and didn't even come watch when I ran by our resort (Poly) or come out to the finish line. (If you saw a girl crying through most of the 1/2 that year, it was me.) I went solo to the DL 1/2 the first year, too. Sometimes it makes it easier to not have to worry about other people's schedules/who's meeting when and where, etc.

That guy sounded like a real douche nozzle. I find it so much easier to date another runner and your story is a great example as to why. That and I don't get a look of bewilderment when the first thing I look at when determining a trip somewhere is whether or not there is a race I can do.

Actually, that's kind of a con for me - with no one to share the cost, I'm paying for everything all by my lonesome.

This only really matters for the resort and rental car if you get one. You still have to buy your own flight, eat your own food, and get your own ticket. That being said I will be trying to get as many of my friends as possible to go to the 2011 marathon and even the Food & Wine if I go. If we get enough we might get a suite or a vacation home if the numbers work out. If it looks like we will be doing a vacation house and have room I'll be posting something here, on Facebook, and on the podcast board to see if anyone else wants in to spread the costs further.

I’ve been to WDW a few times solo and actually love it. It was especially great this past Christmas for my birthday trip (my b-day just had to fall between Christmas and New Years so I had the joy of dealing with extreme Disney crowds ) The last trip was only 1/2 solo. You’ll find that being solo it’s much easier to move in the crowds, find a last minute seat for a show or parade and that it really is nice to not have to compromise for anything. As FireDancer and ironz both stated: you can do what you want to do. I’m actually getting to be a bit spoiled by it! The other thing: I’m a bit of an introvert and can be rather shy but at Disney I often find myself chatting with people in lines and butting into their conversations. I’ve met some really interesting people this way. Also, people tend to remember me since I’m solo. On a trip in 2006 I kept running into the same couple all over the place several days in a row and they always spotted me first since I was alone. I never feel “lonesome” at Disney. True, there are particular times that I do wish that I was with someone, but overall I have had great experiences being solo. And I’ll agree: it is a con to have to pay for it by yourself but once you’re there it’s great.

. My birthday is Jan 1 so I secretly consider the marathon trips birthday trips only to con myself into feeling better about the cost. I do want to get back down there in the early Christmas season once though before the crowds pick up. Of course as I mentioned above that depends on finding an area race to do since the WDW would be out that year. Thank God for the Holiday Halfathon over in Medeira Beach!

Here is my secret fear: I will have an uncomfortable situation or experience right off and end up spending the rest of my vacation in my room watching TV, or shopping at DTD. But I am really going to try and make an effort to be out there with the people and not hide out! I'm spending all of my hard-earned money on this trip, and I want to enjoy it darn it!

Going solo isn't as awkward as you might think. I thought the same exact way when I first moved to Tampa. I waited until my friends would come down so I had someone to go to WDW with. Well, a couple came down for 3 days and I got a 4 day FL resident pass. I had a day left and decided to brave it on my own even though I felt awkward. It was so much fun I bought my AP on the way out (getting the credit from the 4 day made it easier) and went solo for the net 18 months whenever I had a chance to drive over.

People in the parks are so in their own world with their vacations most won't notice you and won't notice you are solo. Even if they do it isn't like you will ever see these people again. If you aren't terribly shy it is a great opportunity to just talk to people around you in line. Most people find eating alone strange but I don't mind. If you do I would say shoot for buffets, counter service, and Biergarden where you will be sat with other people and will have someone to talk to.

If the worst case happens and you do have one of those uncomfortable situations just look at it like it is out of the way and the odds of having another have to be astronomical.

Bottom line, enjoy yourself. The memories from the trip will overwrite the awkwardness in your brain anyway and you won't want to feel like you paid a bunch of $ to sit in a hotel room scared of the world.

 

[Dolce27]

. My birthday is Jan 1 so I secretly consider the marathon trips birthday trips only to con myself into feeling better about the cost. I do want to get back down there in the early Christmas season once though before the crowds pick up. Of course as I mentioned above that depends on finding an area race to do since the WDW would be out that year. Thank God for the Holiday Halfathon over in Medeira Beach!

My birthday is December 30 which is the week before the marathon so I'm joking that this next Disney marathon is my b-day present to myself: 26.2 miles. To me it is more about reaching a goal and doing something for myself. I’ve become a lot healthier since I began training for this – I’ve had to be. I haven’t been so focused on the cost of this trip but now I've developed the running bug and maybe cost will have to become an issue… Signing up for races is becoming a bit addictive!

 

[FireDancer]

Signing up for races is becoming a bit addictive!

Yes it is, but there are worse addictions to have. Look at local races. There are probably local 5Ks and 10Ks that will cost you $15 - $20 and not added travel (other than gas).

 

[Dolce27]

Yes it is, but there are worse addictions to have. Look at local races. There are probably local 5Ks and 10Ks that will cost you $15 - $20 and not added travel (other than gas).

Yeah, I have been looking at those. I am doing a 8 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but probably won't sign up for any smaller races until spring, after the marathon. Thanks for the advice.

 

[disney_mommy]

That guy sounded like a real douche nozzle.

Oh my god, that is the best phrase ever!