The Running Thread - 2018

[PCFriar80]

QOTD: Since Disney is changing the way they do registration with delaying opening it up for marathon weekend I believe for security reasons maybe... If it was up to you, what other things would you change if you could?

First off, I think RunDisney is making a mistake by introducing a new registration process/system for their hallmark running event. They are exposing themselves and the participants to risks and fallout with the new implementation. If I were them I would have scheduled an implementation for a smaller race event where the exposure is less than the marathon weekend exposure. I'll step down from my soapbox now.

Things I would change if I could? 1/2 marathon course for marathon weekend. Move the start times back to 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM. I understand the impacts on parks, traffic, etc. but it could be done. Reward the finishers with a "real" post race celebration, similar to the Pleasure Island free admission back in the day of Marathon Weekend.

 

[roxymama]

Since I have only ran the 5k during marathon weekend several years ago I don't have too much input about the longer races. This one is for HM weekends too. Perhaps it would be nice to have proof of time extended to maybe the 3 hour HM or equivalent for M. Not that it would effect me personally since I have a qualifying POT, but I just think everyone use the 2:45 HM estimated time with no POT because they've learned the secret that it's better than submitting their real 3+ hour etc. It's what caused the giant back corrals, right? And I don't think it's totally fair to make a 2:50 HM equiv runner fight for a spot with people who are at that 16 min mile. if it's about safety and the reality is that a large part of the field is a big mis-match of paces. It would also eliminate some stress right. To know if you are sub-3 or whatever, that you aren't gonna be last corralled.
So it's more of a thing I'd like for other people. I just know how much stress this topic is out there on facebook and message boards, etc.

And 100% being able to submit a POT and it tell you right then what your estimated time should be. Again...so much less stressing over seconds between the cutoff and not making it.

For actual weekend...Bibs and shirts concierge pickup at hotel for $. I know, I know about expos...I'd sign up for a race a lot quicker if I could eliminate the expo cluster.

 

[roxymama]

ATTQOTD: I have a few...

1. BRING BACK THE ONLINE POT CALCULATOR SO WE KNOW WHAT THE HECK rD IS DOING WITH OUR TIMES!!!
2. Bring back requiring PoT for estimated finish times of 3:00 or faster for the halfs, and whatever the old equivalent was for the full. As a 2:45 halfer, I can attest that there's a chasm of difference between my pace and that of the 3:00 halfer and we should not all just be lumped together in one enormous corral. (And FTR, I felt the same way when I was a 3:00 halfer, and as a 3:30 halfer!)
3. Chocolate milk at the finish!

Our brains were at the same place at the same time with our answers. But I also support the addition of your chocolate request.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

ATTQOTD: I have a few...

1. BRING BACK THE ONLINE POT CALCULATOR SO WE KNOW WHAT THE HECK rD IS DOING WITH OUR TIMES!!!
2. Bring back requiring PoT for estimated finish times of 3:00 or faster for the halfs, and whatever the old equivalent was for the full. As a 2:45 halfer, I can attest that there's a chasm of difference between my pace and that of the 3:00 halfer and we should not all just be lumped together in one enormous corral. (And FTR, I felt the same way when I was a 3:00 halfer, and as a 3:30 halfer!)
3. Chocolate milk at the finish!

YES! Preach!

 

[Keels]

With the Disneyland Half on hiatus, I wish WDW had a RunDisney weekend where the theme changed every year - I think that’s part of the reason it was one of my favorite weekends ... the anticipation and surprise of a new theme.

 

[Bree]

I like that idea of changing the POT cutoff back to 3 hours. There really should be a corral again for the true 2:45-3:00 runners (not the people who fib!). That could possibly alleviate the strain on that giant F corral.

 

[KSellers88]

ATTQOTD: The time of the races. I understand they want them almost over before the parks open, but the 5:30 AM starts are my main reason for not doing Dopey and not adding the 5k on to the Fairy Tale Challenge and Two Course Challenge. I am not a morning person and the lack of sleep makes me behave like Grumpy.

 

[jennamfeo]

ATTQOTD: I just want my west coast races back.

 

[FFigawi]

Only major change I would have is more entertainment or more unique entertainment. As a repeat runner much of the entertainment is the same from year to year.

Sadly, most of the courses are duplicates of each other too. It would be a fun exercise to see how many different courses for marathon weekend races could be drawn up using the same start and finish areas.

With the Disneyland Half on hiatus, I wish WDW had a RunDisney weekend where the theme changed every year - I think that’s part of the reason it was one of my favorite weekends ... the anticipation and surprise of a new theme.

Well, that and the bars were RIGHT THERE!

 

[rteetz]

Sadly, most of the courses are duplicates of each other too. It would be a fun exercise to see how many different courses for marathon weekend races could be drawn up using the same start and finish areas.

Other than the half course for marathon weekend I don't mind the courses at all. I just think the entertainment should be changed up from year to year. That dang vacation genie is at every race!

 

[jennamfeo]

Other than the half course for marathon weekend I don't mind the courses at all. I just think the entertainment should be changed up from year to year. That dang vacation genie is at every race!

I was actually really happy to get a picture with him at Wine and Dine because I don't ever remember him being at the Disneyland races.

 

[camaker]

Other than the half course for marathon weekend I don't mind the courses at all. I just think the entertainment should be changed up from year to year. That dang vacation genie is at every race!

RunDisney: Takes feedback and changes up characters.

@rteetz: I can't believe they didn't have Vacation Genie! He's my favorite!

I know this is farfetched. RunDisney doesn't take feedback...

 

[cavepig]

I would like the snack boxes to change. I can't eat the cheese that people go ape for anway. There wasn't even a protein type bar anymore.

Some photopass people on the roads would be fun, not sure why they don't, liability I suppose?!

New Mile Markers would be nice.

I don't see many ways you could really change the Jan/Princess half to keep it with MK & EP and not be a point to point course. If they added the loop around World Showcase that would be great, but then where else could they cut to add that?

all we got was a Mickey ears and a picture of the medal at mile 25, really

I was thrilled with those ears, nice surprise when not expecting anything!

3. Chocolate milk at the finish!

Yes, this would be great! We pack the Nesquicks in our gear bag for right after, but I really wish they had it. People would probably haul off them in arm loads though.

Move the start times back to 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM

But if it's hot than it will only be hotter as the race goes on. 5:30am works in clearing parks but also battling the sun/heat.

 

[rteetz]

I am disappointed with the overall quality of the races and the value. I was very disappointed with what they did for the 25th anniversary. I expected more. 5th year of Dopey and 25th of the full and all we got was a Mickey ears and a picture of the medal at mile 25, really? Having said that, I don't see them changing any of it with all the cost cutting in the parks in general. Oh well, I have looked at future races and all of them fall on weekends I will have my kids for the next few years so I may not be back for a while anyway.

I’ve gotta admit I was expecting nothing so those Mickey ears were a big surprise for me. I do agree though that for as much as we pay for these races they could do a little more.

 

[roxymama]

Still hoping and waiting for a WDW half marathon in Chicago with bussed in characters and a fake castle. While we are dreaming, might as well dream big.

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: I would like to see more time given for proof of time submission and having a 3:00 hour or less half marathon proof of time to help with the congestion of the back corrals. I also think it would be cool to have a long sleeve or or short sleeve option for the official race shirts when we register. I know the last one will never happen but it would be cool to have that option.

 

[Keels]

So - when you run on vacation or when you're out-of-town, how do you generally pick your route?

I ask this because this morning, I was a little ridiculous - I usually run the same route in the Garden District (I found it via Garmin Segments), but I decided to tack on a few extra miles and decided to run past some celebrity homes and then end at my favorite bakery, that ALSO happens to be at a bar, when they opened. I was hoping to see John Goodman out walking his dog, but it was probably too late in the morning.

 

[MarBee]

Hey everyone! So it’s been about 5 weeks and I am on week 4 of C25K. I’m actually doing better than I thought I would considering how out of shape I am! So I took your advice and bought a good pair of running shoes from a running store. I have a morton’s Neuroma (pinched nerve) so she recommended Altras because there’s a wide toe box and “zero drop” (or at least I think that’s what the owner said.) I also tried my old Sketchers.
Anyhow, I hate running in sneakers! My feet hurt and I’m getting shin splits. I do much much better when running barefoot- no foot pain and faster times.
I have only been running indoors thus far, but I want to start moving to outside because the weather is finally getting nicer.
Does anyone have any shoe recommendations for me? I was thinking of trying the Fila Skeletoes or something like that. Does anyone have/like them?


Also, anyone have a good/quick fix for blisters?

Thank you in advance!

 

[LdyStormy76]

Also, anyone have a good/quick fix for blisters?

Band-Aid has some blister bandages DH loves. I have mixed results when I have used them on a toe. Once you get the shoe nightmare resolved you might need to look at taping - I have one toe that I end up doing this with as it seems to just be a permanent hot spot.

 

[LSUlakes]

3. Chocolate milk at the finish!

I wish I had more than one like to give for this suggestion! Whole chocolate milk is the GOAT post race... ICE COLD.

So - when you run on vacation or when you're out-of-town, how do you generally pick your route?

I ask this because this morning, I was a little ridiculous - I usually run the same route in the Garden District (I found it via Garmin Segments), but I decided to tack on a few extra miles and decided to run past some celebrity homes and then end at my favorite bakery, that ALSO happens to be at a bar, when they opened. I was hoping to see John Goodman out walking his dog, but it was probably too late in the morning.

I use mapmyrun.com to see other people routes and make routes. I also think strava heat maps could be helpful in showing you popular routes in your area, which would typically mean safer areas.