The official Team Not-So-Fast thread

[Mr_Incr3dible]

YES!! COME TO THE MEETUPS! I can promise that everyone is really nice, and it's fun to put a face to the screenname.

On the morning of my first Disney half marathon I was sitting in the corrals trying to figure out what in the heck I'd gotten myself into. I had only run a few very small local races, and had literally prepped myself on how to navigate the busses, security, pre-race area, and corrals based on this forum, and some youtube videos. And it was a lot. I hadn't managed to locate the morning meetup (we have a sign now!) when I spotted @The Expert walking past. And the only reason I knew it was her was because of the pics that had been shared of her amazing costume. We decided to give running together a try, and it worked out so well that we decided to run the marathon together the next day, and then the half and full the following year as well! She had all of the tips and tricks when I was slightly panicked at how sore I was after the half and really questioning how I was going to get through the full the next day. And it worked!

All of this is to say, if you have questions about logistics, race-morning practices, post-race logistical stuff, ASK. And when we get closer to race day, maybe some of us can group up either in the corrals or along the course whether it's for the whole distance or just for a mile or 2.

THIS! And the first time I tried to do a pre-race meetup, I think I circled the group multiple times without recognizing that it was us and not another group. Thank goodness for now having a sign, and for being able to recognize some of the gang from the HH meetups.

Kudos to all the people for whom this will be their first marathon. My first one was at MW and what a great place to do it. I am pumped up on your behalf! There is nothing like the little extra swagger in your step of knowing "I've done a marathon".

As for sitting in the corrals: I *hate* getting there, staking out a nice spot, and then all the people who want to push past to the front or encroach. My new tactic as of the last few races: I take an el-cheapo throw pillow and towel from Wal-mart, find a spot next to one of the fences, and I sit down and rest my back against the fence. Otherwise, as has been mentioned, one can find oneself standing for over an hour, which does take a pre-race toll. I sit there and relax as much as possible, combined with gentle stretching and consuming my pre-race fuel. I also take earplugs due to the deafening level of noise from the rD stage. And by being next to the fence, it's even easier to toss the pillow and towel over the side when you do start to move out.

Nearly all of my races to date have been by myself because I don't have running buddies coming to WDW with me, and I haven't diligently tried to find someone with a similar pace. But for this past marathon (I think it was the most recent one?) @Herding_Cats and I were talking at the HH meet and, while she was in an earlier corral, I calculated that I would catch up to her about halfway through the marathon. Which turned out to be the case. And I can tell you that the second half of the marathon seemed to fly by due to having someone else to talk to, cut up with, and the mutual support and encouragement. So if you can find someone(s) to run/walk with, it is the way to do it.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

THIS! And the first time I tried to do a pre-race meetup, I think I circled the group multiple times without recognizing that it was us and not another group. Thank goodness for now having a sign, and for being able to recognize some of the gang from the HH meetups.

Kudos to all the people for whom this will be their first marathon. My first one was at MW and what a great place to do it. I am pumped up on your behalf! There is nothing like the little extra swagger in your step of knowing "I've done a marathon".

As for sitting in the corrals: I *hate* getting there, staking out a nice spot, and then all the people who want to push past to the front or encroach. My new tactic as of the last few races: I take an el-cheapo throw pillow and towel from Wal-mart, find a spot next to one of the fences, and I sit down and rest my back against the fence. Otherwise, as has been mentioned, one can find oneself standing for over an hour, which does take a pre-race toll. I sit there and relax as much as possible, combined with gentle stretching and consuming my pre-race fuel. I also take earplugs due to the deafening level of noise from the rD stage. And by being next to the fence, it's even easier to toss the pillow and towel over the side when you do start to move out.

Nearly all of my races to date have been by myself because I don't have running buddies coming to WDW with me, and I haven't diligently tried to find someone with a similar pace. But for this past marathon (I think it was the most recent one?) @Herding_Cats and I were talking at the HH meet and, while she was in an earlier corral, I calculated that I would catch up to her about halfway through the marathon. Which turned out to be the case. And I can tell you that the second half of the marathon seemed to fly by due to having someone else to talk to, cut up with, and the mutual support and encouragement. So if you can find someone(s) to run/walk with, it is the way to do it.

That pillow idea is brilliant! I'll have to see if I can get a cheap pillow at my Walmart to relax. I'm fine walking around/running around parks, but my back gets stiff if I'm standing for a long period of time. I don't know what it is about Disney corrals, but everyone surges when corral A goes by, even though the other corrals won't be moving for a while. I've learned to hang back and sit as much as I can, and being in the back means I have breathing room once we're crawling towards the starting chute.

 

[Kerry1957]

I use a large bath towel folded up, and also lean against the fence. I also bring a large garbage bag which, after tearing out spots for my head and sometimes my arms makes a great rain/wind poncho.

 

[DianaMB333]

Hi.. i have race wknd simulation this upcoming weekend .. nervous but happy

On the marathon distance (7 hrs)… do you take protein? If yes, what quantity pls?

Thanks!

 

[camaker]

Hi.. i have race wknd simulation this upcoming weekend .. nervous but happy

On the marathon distance (7 hrs)… do you take protein? If yes, what quantity pls?

Thanks!

I don't think protein is a good idea during races. It's necessary for post-race recovery, but tends to cause GI issues during the run itself. You generally want carbohydrate/sugar sources to replenish your energy stores as they deplete during the run.

 

[sandam1]

On the marathon distance (7 hrs)… do you take protein? If yes, what quantity pls?

I've found that I need some "real food" when I am out for 6-7+ hours. I can only survive on sugar/carbs for so long.

What has worked well for me is turkey and cheese. This is also my pre-run meal (along with a banana) so I know that it's something that my stomach can take. On my last long run, I had half of a sandwich during an extended (~3 mile) planned walk-break, but I've also done small bites over a longer period of time while running. Your mileage may vary!

 

[marty3d]

I've found that I need some "real food" when I am out for 6-7+ hours. I can only survive on sugar/carbs for so long.

What has worked well for me is turkey and cheese. This is also my pre-run meal (along with a banana) so I know that it's something that my stomach can take. On my last long run, I had half of a sandwich during an extended (~3 mile) planned walk-break, but I've also done small bites over a longer period of time while running. Your mileage may vary!

I’m the same - any run greater than 4 hours I need more than sugar/ carbs (and with picture stops I expect the marathon will take me 6-7 hours). I take a protein bar with me and will have it about half way. I have been incorporating that in my training so I know it helps me and doesn’t hurt. I don’t like trying something new on the actual race day.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Hi.. i have race wknd simulation this upcoming weekend .. nervous but happy

On the marathon distance (7 hrs)… do you take protein? If yes, what quantity pls?

Thanks!

Not protein specifically, but I have eaten single-serve peanut butter packs during long runs and marathons. Protein is a lot of work for your body to break down into useable parts, which is why fuel is so focused on sugars and carbs. I'll 3rd or 4th(?) the recommendation for real food. I could be apple sauce, a PBJ, etc.

Is this your first marathon?

I discovered that for runs longer than about 3 hours, I need to shove food in my face pretty soon after stopping because my appetite will shut down for hours, so having something easy to eat post-run is important too.

 

[sandam1]

I don’t like trying something new on the actual race day.

Definitely this!!!

I'm hopefully doing my last Dopey sim this weekend (weather permitting) and my rule is "if I don't try it out this weekend, I'm not doing it on race day."

 

[marty3d]

Definitely this!!!

I'm hopefully doing my last Dopey sim this weekend (weather permitting) and my rule is "if I don't try it out this weekend, I'm not doing it on race day."

My only exception to this rule is a beer near the end!

 

[SarahDisney]

I got an email today that registration is open for a 10-mile race I have thought about doing. I almost registered (even though I haven't run more than 2 miles in like 3 months) but it would probably take me somewhere around 2:15 - 2:30 and I checked last year's results and only about 50 (of over 600) people finished in more than 2 hours. I can't decide if that means the last few miles will be sad and lonely and unsupported or if that means I'll be okay. I definitely don't want to be one of the last few people out on the course, I've had bad experiences with that before.

 

[Stitch&Co.]

I got an email today that registration is open for a 10-mile race I have thought about doing. I almost registered (even though I haven't run more than 2 miles in like 3 months) but it would probably take me somewhere around 2:15 - 2:30 and I checked last year's results and only about 50 (of over 600) people finished in more than 2 hours. I can't decide if that means the last few miles will be sad and lonely and unsupported or if that means I'll be okay. I definitely don't want to be one of the last few people out on the course, I've had bad experiences with that before.

When is the race? Do you have anytime to train a little more? If it’s one you really want to do maybe you can find someone to do it with you so you have some support while you’re out there. You could also contact the race organizers to ask some questions. If you decide to do it, just make sure you have everything you need for the last few miles just in case.

 

[sandam1]

I got an email today that registration is open for a 10-mile race I have thought about doing. I almost registered (even though I haven't run more than 2 miles in like 3 months) but it would probably take me somewhere around 2:15 - 2:30 and I checked last year's results and only about 50 (of over 600) people finished in more than 2 hours. I can't decide if that means the last few miles will be sad and lonely and unsupported or if that means I'll be okay. I definitely don't want to be one of the last few people out on the course, I've had bad experiences with that before.

I'm going to echo that you should reach out to the race director. I do this for almost every local race that I enter and find out how "Not-So-Fast" friendly they are (note: make sure that you include what your expected finish time is as "not-so-fast" means different things to different people).

One thing that I didn't realize is that some races have the option of an "early start." Basically that means you get a head's start on the rest of the pack. I had never heard of such a thing until one race director offered the option and my running coach said that it was common. Obviously it isn't for people who are competitive runners (i.e. likely to win something) or for big races, but more likely at smaller races.

 

[The Expert]

Bumping this thread up for Marathon Weekend. Who all will be there with me repping Team Not-So-Fast??

 

[Professor_Cookie]

Bumping this thread up for Marathon Weekend. Who all will be there with me repping Team Not-So-Fast??

I wish. Maybe when I turn 50

 

[nancipants]

Bumping this thread up for Marathon Weekend. Who all will be there with me repping Team Not-So-Fast??

Me!!!

 

[lilmc]

I wish. Maybe when I turn 50

If registration goes well, hopefully me for 2026. I’ll be 48.6 years old, so why not Dopey at 48.6 miles?

 

[Herding_Cats]

Meeeeeeee!

 

[Naomeri]

I'll be there, and I'm definitely not-so-fast

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

If registration goes well, hopefully me for 2026. I’ll be 48.6 years old, so why not Dopey at 48.6 miles?

Perfect!