The Running Thread--2024

[StarGirl11]

So a certain new marathon in the fall feels like they are ghosting me. I've contacted them multiple times asking for clarification on how something they say on their website they will have. No word back. Its been weeks. (Correction: First email was in February right before I signed up. I just got busy and never followed up on it. They've had literal months to reply in any form.)

I am starting to consider a DNS if I don't hear something soon. Because this is not the kind of impression you want of a brand new race weekend. Since it will chain react into me wondering how they will handle everything else if they won't answer a question or even say they will get back to me.

I would take a 'I don't know we're still figuring those details out' than ghosting. Or even admitting they bit off more then they chew with their idea. Which I am starting to suspect is the case.

Any response even one saying 'our bad' is better then this at this point.

 

[StarGirl11]

Finally got a response. Still not entirely sure how well they’re going to enforce this in practice. Though they have an idea of where will go. Because it seems like we’re relying on good will at least in part here. Which -side eyes the amount of times she’s been cut off at runDisney- is optimistic at best.

Still wish it hadn’t taken this long to get any response but hey we have one at least.

 

[KCO5988]

Finally got a response. Still not entirely sure how well they’re going to enforce this in practice. Though they have an idea of where will go. Because it seems like we’re relying on good will at least in part here. Which -side eyes the amount of times she’s been cut off at runDisney- is optimistic at best.

Still wish it hadn’t taken this long to get any response but hey we have one at least.

I have a guess of what marathon you're referring to. I am participating but I am also local so I'm not really risking much (no travel, hotel, etc) to do the race. I have been hearing a lot of complaints about their lack of responsiveness. While I don't think it's totally unreasonable for them not to have all the answers yet since it is the first year, them ignoring emails/messages is just not okay. My coworker is one of the ambassadors for the race, I could see if she could get any better info from the race director for you if you would like.

 

[StarGirl11]

I have a guess of what marathon you're referring to. I am participating but I am also local so I'm not really risking much (no travel, hotel, etc) to do the race. I have been hearing a lot of complaints about their lack of responsiveness. While I don't think it's totally unreasonable for them not to have all the answers yet since it is the first year, them ignoring emails/messages is just not okay. My coworker is one of the ambassadors for the race, I could see if she could get any better info from the race director for you if you would like.

I got a response back but thanks for the offer.

And it’s not so much me faulting them for not having the answers. Like you said first year I get there not going to have all of those. It’s just the sheer lack of saying anything at all that is off setting if that makes sense. I’ll take a ‘we aren’t sure we’re trying to figure this out’ over ghosting.

Which now knowing this is a consistent problem idk how to feel at the moment

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Did anyone run the Halloween Half at DLR?

I ran all 3 races. I thought there were a lot of significant improvements from January.

I think I got more PhotoPass photos from the 5K alone than all 3 of the January Disneyland races. There were also a lot more characters out along the courses. The 5K had Mickey and Minnie in their park Halloween costumes, Donald and Daisy in theirs, Pluto switching in sometimes with Donald, and then they had Chip and Dale in their race costumes over in DCA.

The 10K was very Haunted Mansion themed. The ballroom dancers at one point, the ghosts, and even Jack and Sally, among others. Avengers Campus had Loki and Galaxy's Edge had stormtroopers out up high across from the Droid Depot and Kylo Ren by the TIE Shuttle for selfies during the 10K as opposed to nothing in January.

The Half Marathon was more traditional character wise. A wide mix of characters. Including Black Panther in Avengers Campus, the panda from Turning Red (wow was my original guess of the name of the film very wrong), and in Galaxy's Edge they had Rey and Vi Moradi up high by Droid Depot and Chewbacca overlooking the Falcon. Plus one CM holding two lightsabers and posing for selfies. I think Buzz was over in Tomorrowland, among others. Cars characters were out for all 3 races in their Halloween costumes.

There were also a lot more photographers out in key park locations. I got some great running photos in Galaxy's Edge, Carsland, and ToonTown.

Overall, one thing that Disneyland races deserve more credit for is just how much great running opportunities they give you in the parks. Quality time running through multiple major park areas such as Carsland, Galaxy's Edge, ToonTown, Avengers Campus, and so forth. In some instances, it feels like you spend more time running in a specific land out west than you do in all of Hollywood Studios for the Marathon.

 

[flav]

I ran all 3 races. I thought there were a lot of significant improvements from January.

I think I got more PhotoPass photos from the 5K alone than all 3 of the January Disneyland races. There were also a lot more characters out along the courses. The 5K had Mickey and Minnie in their park Halloween costumes, Donald and Daisy in theirs, Pluto switching in sometimes with Donald, and then they had Chip and Dale in their race costumes over in DCA.

The 10K was very Haunted Mansion themed. The ballroom dancers at one point, the ghosts, and even Jack and Sally, among others. Avengers Campus had Loki and Galaxy's Edge had stormtroopers out up high across from the Droid Depot and Kylo Ren by the TIE Shuttle for selfies during the 10K as opposed to nothing in January.

The Half Marathon was more traditional character wise. A wide mix of characters. Including Black Panther in Avengers Campus, the panda from Turning Red (wow was my original guess of the name of the film very wrong), and in Galaxy's Edge they had Rey and Vi Moradi up high by Droid Depot and Chewbacca overlooking the Falcon. Plus one CM holding two lightsabers and posing for selfies. I think Buzz was over in Tomorrowland, among others. Cars characters were out for all 3 races in their Halloween costumes.

There were also a lot more photographers out in key park locations. I got some great running photos in Galaxy's Edge, Carsland, and ToonTown.

Overall, one thing that Disneyland races deserve more credit for is just how much great running opportunities they give you in the parks. Quality time running through multiple major park areas such as Carsland, Galaxy's Edge, ToonTown, Avengers Campus, and so forth. In some instances, it feels like you spend more time running in a specific land out west than you do in all of Hollywood Studios for the Marathon.

Thanks for the positive review. I had ruled out all Disneyland races until they improved enough. Now they are starting to be tempting. The time zone difference could really be an advantage for me.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Thanks for the positive review. I had ruled out all Disneyland races until they improved enough. Now they are starting to be tempting. The time zone difference could really be an advantage for me.

Honestly, as much as I do love running all around Epcot and World Showcase for a 5K, it's tough to beat Disneyland 5Ks starting on Main Street USA and finishing inside California Adventure.

Disneyland 10Ks also have extensive park time for the distance.

Out of necessity, the Half is a different animal, but they have great course support and running through Angels Stadium is certainly a highlight of Disneyland Half Marathon races, but not every Disneyland Half has gone through Angels Stadium.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Had a Noxgear ad pop up in my feed today with a "launch sale" so I clicked through to find out what their new products are. It looks like they have their version of an airtag for runner tracking, and also (and this is more interesting to me) a KIDS size led vest.

 

[pluto377]

All these great reviews are really making me want to do another Disneyland race even though it’s so impractical from the east coast!

 

[LorrieAnn5]

All these great reviews are really making me want to do another Disneyland race even though it’s so impractical from the east coast!

I disagree. We did the January races and it was so great to do our best to stay on east coast time for our body clocks. Then it didn't feel so crazy waking up at 4:30am to walk to the start line.

I'm dreading racing in WDW in January because of waking up in the middle of the night.

I haven't raced in WDW yet, but logistically, Disneyland races make more sense to me as an East Coaster.

 

[StarGirl11]

I ran all 3 races. I thought there were a lot of significant improvements from January.

I think I got more PhotoPass photos from the 5K alone than all 3 of the January Disneyland races. There were also a lot more characters out along the courses. The 5K had Mickey and Minnie in their park Halloween costumes, Donald and Daisy in theirs, Pluto switching in sometimes with Donald, and then they had Chip and Dale in their race costumes over in DCA.

The 10K was very Haunted Mansion themed. The ballroom dancers at one point, the ghosts, and even Jack and Sally, among others. Avengers Campus had Loki and Galaxy's Edge had stormtroopers out up high across from the Droid Depot and Kylo Ren by the TIE Shuttle for selfies during the 10K as opposed to nothing in January.

The Half Marathon was more traditional character wise. A wide mix of characters. Including Black Panther in Avengers Campus, the panda from Turning Red (wow was my original guess of the name of the film very wrong), and in Galaxy's Edge they had Rey and Vi Moradi up high by Droid Depot and Chewbacca overlooking the Falcon. Plus one CM holding two lightsabers and posing for selfies. I think Buzz was over in Tomorrowland, among others. Cars characters were out for all 3 races in their Halloween costumes.

There were also a lot more photographers out in key park locations. I got some great running photos in Galaxy's Edge, Carsland, and ToonTown.

Overall, one thing that Disneyland races deserve more credit for is just how much great running opportunities they give you in the parks. Quality time running through multiple major park areas such as Carsland, Galaxy's Edge, ToonTown, Avengers Campus, and so forth. In some instances, it feels like you spend more time running in a specific land out west than you do in all of Hollywood Studios for the Marathon.

Not just Janauary. The photpass for DL actually managed to outpace by a slight margin what I get from FL.

Also there's one in an FB group I'm in asking for what our favorites were so they know what worked and what to maybe improve on for next time. So yeah DL photpass not only stepped up and listened but they did so dramatically. And full credit to them.

All these great reviews are really making me want to do another Disneyland race even though it’s so impractical from the east coast!

I disagree. We did the January races and it was so great to do our best to stay on east coast time for our body clocks. Then it didn't feel so crazy waking up at 4:30am to walk to the start line.

I'm dreading racing in WDW in January because of waking up in the middle of the night.

I haven't raced in WDW yet, but logistically, Disneyland races make more sense to me as an East Coaster.

I'll second Lorie here as someone who has done west coast races from further afield. Having that time difference definitely makes the starts easier.

 

[michigandergirl]

Wondering about everyone's thoughts on a 2 week marathon taper??

I am running NYC on Nov 3rd. I am using my old Dopey training plan from @DopeyBadger (thank you Billy for the gift that keeps on giving). I was planning on a traditional 3 week taper, but the weekend of Oct 12/13 is full of obligations I can't get out of, so now I'm rethinking the plan. I do back to back long runs on Sat/Sun versus a 20 miler.

Should I consider a 4 week taper or 2 week taper?

 

[camaker]

Wondering about everyone's thoughts on a 2 week marathon taper??

I am running NYC on Nov 3rd. I am using my old Dopey training plan from @DopeyBadger (thank you Billy for the gift that keeps on giving). I was planning on a traditional 3 week taper, but the weekend of Oct 12/13 is full of obligations I can't get out of, so now I'm rethinking the plan. I do back to back long runs on Sat/Sun versus a 20 miler.

Should I consider a 4 week taper or 2 week taper?

The Dopey training plan that Billy put together for me several years ago (and I still use today, as well) has a two week taper, so that's what I use for pretty much all my races. My plan is back to back weekend runs (max of 6/16) rather than a 20-miler, as well. I'd suggest the 2 week taper, as a 4 week just seems like too much potential "taper madness" to me.

 

[michigandergirl]

The Dopey training plan that Billy put together for me several years ago (and I still use today, as well) has a two week taper, so that's what I use for pretty much all my races. My plan is back to back weekend runs (max of 6/16) rather than a 20-miler, as well. I'd suggest the 2 week taper, as a 4 week just seems like too much potential "taper madness" to me.

Yes, taper madness is for real, which is why I'm leaning toward trying a 2 week taper.

 

[GollyGadget]

Wondering about everyone's thoughts on a 2 week marathon taper??

I am running NYC on Nov 3rd. I am using my old Dopey training plan from @DopeyBadger (thank you Billy for the gift that keeps on giving). I was planning on a traditional 3 week taper, but the weekend of Oct 12/13 is full of obligations I can't get out of, so now I'm rethinking the plan. I do back to back long runs on Sat/Sun versus a 20 miler.

Should I consider a 4 week taper or 2 week taper?

Would it be possible to move the long runs to the middle of the week before Oct 12/13? That could give you a 2.5 week taper.

There’s also this research paper that you could reference if you wanted. It was too many words for me but I did skim it a bit. My interpretation is that 3 weeks is ideal and 2 is better than 4.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journal...iving/articles/10.3389/fspor.2021.735220/full

 

[PrincessV]

Wondering about everyone's thoughts on a 2 week marathon taper??

I am running NYC on Nov 3rd. I am using my old Dopey training plan from @DopeyBadger (thank you Billy for the gift that keeps on giving). I was planning on a traditional 3 week taper, but the weekend of Oct 12/13 is full of obligations I can't get out of, so now I'm rethinking the plan. I do back to back long runs on Sat/Sun versus a 20 miler.

Should I consider a 4 week taper or 2 week taper?

I always planned for a 3 week taper figuring if all went according to plan I’d have the 3 weeks, but it also gave me a buffer if weather derailed any long runs I could survive with a 2 week taper. The result is that I’ve done both: 3 was better for my overall health and fitness, but two was fine - I had no issues on race day, just went into it feeling a little more fatigued than with a 3 week taper.

 

[DopeyBadger]

There’s also this research paper that you could reference if you wanted. It was too many words for me but I did skim it a bit. My interpretation is that 3 weeks is ideal and 2 is better than 4.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journal...iving/articles/10.3389/fspor.2021.735220/full

I did a full breakdown of the paper 2 years ago if anyone's interested (link).

Wondering about everyone's thoughts on a 2 week marathon taper??

I am running NYC on Nov 3rd. I am using my old Dopey training plan from @DopeyBadger (thank you Billy for the gift that keeps on giving). I was planning on a traditional 3 week taper, but the weekend of Oct 12/13 is full of obligations I can't get out of, so now I'm rethinking the plan. I do back to back long runs on Sat/Sun versus a 20 miler.

Should I consider a 4 week taper or 2 week taper?

How many marathons have you done to date? I'd say you could do like I did in my above linked 2022 analysis of my own performances and see if there's any correlation between your performances and the types of tapers you've done prior. There are some quirks in their methodology that make some things seem like they should be defined else wise, but still worth a little bit of time to see how your personal data aligns with their much larger data set.

For me personally, I've done several different tapers defined by that research paper's methodology. Twice having done a two week taper (once as "strict" and once as "relax"). The strict 2 week is what I set my 2017 PR based on, but felt I underperformed. But honesty, who's to say given it's been 7 years and I still haven't beaten that PR. I've since nearly matched that 2017 PR twice but each time with a "relax" 3 week. I've done a 4 week taper once, and it led to my largest win over Vicker predicted (link) time by 6:06. About the only thing I take strongly from this is I perform worst on a "strict" vs a "relax" taper.

Spoiler: Brief Methodology

They define different tapers by their length in weeks, and by how each of those week's mileage compare to the proceeding week. The 4 week out compares to the average of 5 and 6 weeks out. Three weeks out compares to four weeks out, two weeks out compares to three weeks out, and one week out compares to two weeks out. They use "strict" or "relaxed" to define whether the down weeks are consecutive. So a strict taper has consecutive down weeks, and a relaxed taper has an up week splitting down weeks. So that means there are 8 different types of tapers using their methodology:

4 week strict - Down, down, down, down
3 week strict - Up, down, down, down
3 week relaxed - Down, up, down, down OR Down, down, up, down, OR Down, down, down, up
2 week strict
2 week relaxed
1 week strict
1 week relaxed
None - Up, Up, Up, Up

And you can figure out the variety of other combinations that would make up the others listed above (as there are plenty). Now on my first, second, and third run through of this article and compiling my own data to match their methodology, I was always getting hung up. Essentially, I was using "weeks" to be defined as the standard Sunday to Saturday, or Monday to Sunday. But what's really important is that your data should be compiled in "Days prior to M". So "Week 1" should be compiled by using 1 day prior to 7 days prior. So if your race occurs on a Sunday, then the "Week 1" data includes Sunday, Monday, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat (then race day on Sunday). A total of 7 days of possible running data. However, if your race occurs on Saturday, then your proceeding 7 days of data would be Saturday, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri (then race day on Saturday). This subtle quirk isn't well flushed out in the paper, but it can influence the type of "taper method" you end up assigning to your data.

 

[michigandergirl]

Would it be possible to move the long runs to the middle of the week before Oct 12/13? That could give you a 2.5 week taper.

Probably not. I could maybe try to get it done Fri/Sat, but Friday it would be after work and Saturday would be very early, so not ideal.

How many marathons have you done to date?

This will be my 10th marathon. I've always done a 3 week taper with the exception of one race I did a 4 week because I was slightly injured and needed that rest to get to the start line. I don't have any goals for the race other than just finishing and enjoying the experience.

Thanks for that methodology! I'll have to dive into that later...

Thanks everyone for your input, lots of food for thought!

 

[RuntheMouse]

Just had to share….

Today I saw my Cardiologist for my check-in. As I’ve mentioned before, she is also a runner. Thumbs up on the exam, then the conversation turns to running and losing toenails. She is the best!

 

[Kerry1957]

I enjoy the new "whole new sound" album Disney just put out and added it to my running playlist. Some fun new renditions! And love running to go the distance so it's nice to have another version

I just added it to my running playlist; thanks!
Another album in sort of this genre is the Walt Disney Pictures Freaky Friday movie soundtrack.