The Running Thread --2025

[AZMermaid]

Correlation does not necessarily equate with causation. What you describe is a common overuse injury, so it’s unlikely one 3 mile run caused that issue. Generally the recommendation for this scenario is a higher drop shoe (10mm) so the calf is not flexed as much in the toe-off, and the Novablast has an 8mm drop—it’s not like you’re running in Altras. The standard protocol is RICE, followed by exercises to strengthen the calf. KT tape really isn’t going to do anything.

While I do sorta agree, it is also crazy to me that I didn’t have a twinge of pain at all before and am now on Day 12 of ankle/tendon pain after that run. Ive tried to take it really really easy this weekend and it’s pretty much the same.

 

[The Expert]

I posted this over in the weekend thread, but Brooks is dropping Stitch shoes at W&D!

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[dis_or_dat]

Now that's how to design a classic looking medal but still make it unique! However, if I wasn't already worried about the elevation changes now I'm terrified!

those bridges are tough! verrazano isn't bad bc you have adrenaline pumping and the view is amazing but queensboro is rough. central park is sneaky hard. good luck and have fun! the whole city is out and the vibes are great!

 

[Poohverine]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

 

[accm]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congrats on Chicago!!

I have no advice on training for Dopey, but for shoes, I'm over the top and bring 3 shoes in case it's a wet weekend. It took forever for my shoes to dry after the completing the missing miles from the half of a half in 2024.

 

[5xdisneyfans]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congratulations! First marathon feels must be crazy. Not sure if I will ever do one but love hearing about people accomplishing them.

 

[col1]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congratulations on your first marathon

 

[The Expert]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congrats! I'm planning on Chicago 2026 followed by Dopey, so I'll be paying attention to the responses you get. While I've done both a marathon and Dopey before, I haven't done them in close proximity. Not having done any research, my instinct also says keep up the mileage to maintain your base between the two.

I have always taken two pairs of the same style shoe for Dopey, rotating every race. So I wear the same pair for the 5K and half, and the other pair for the 10K and full, and each gets a full day of rest between races.

 

[dobball23]

I have no advice on training for Dopey, but for shoes, I'm over the top and bring 3 shoes in case it's a wet weekend. It took forever for my shoes to dry after the completing the missing miles from the half of a half in 2024.

I'm a three-shoe person for Marathon Weekend as well. Of course, I usually have another two or three pairs of sneakers (older, worn-out running shoes) for walking around in, so I guess I'm really a five or six shoe person for MW!

 

[accm]

I'm a three-shoe person for Marathon Weekend as well. Of course, I usually have another two or three pairs of sneakers (older, worn-out running shoes) for walking around in, so I guess I'm really a five or six shoe person for MW!

oh ya, I should've clarified 3 pairs of dedicated to the races shoes. Packing for MW tends to get very out of hand...

 

[Herding_Cats]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

I did my first marathon in early October, and then followed it up with Goofy in January several years ago. I was using a DopeyBadger plan for that, and essentially, I had 2 weeks-post marathon that were very, very light and then things ramped back up. I would suggest you look back at the plan you used for Chicago, count backwards for the number of weeks we have to go and pick a spot to re-cycle your plan and remember that it's ok to take it a little bit easier since you have already built up a lot of fitness.

Shoes: bring so many shoes. Don't bring *all* of the same shoe. Make sure you have something to wear when you aren't racing that will put pressure on different parts of your feet because you *will* have tired feet. (This is a mistake I made the first year, bringing retired running shoes for park shoes which resulted in me having the same model shoe for the entire trip and OUCH.)

 

[LatebloomerultraF3]

I ran dopey in 2024 as my first marathon (late 40s…so I didn’t come to it as a distance runner). In a “golly gee whiz” newbie fashion i went out the Feb before to see if I could do it…got close enough to sign up. I then did my first actual half marathon for time and somehow ran a 1:50.

For the rest of the year I didn’t follow a plan but increased my volume throughout the year (I also started a minimum of mile a day streaker challenge on Jan 1 of 23.). Focused on the “no more than 10 pct per week” rule as I increased volume. I was also pretty close with my diet…nothing drastic but mostly “eat the outside of the grocery store” except for the bread aisle.

FWIW my second official long race after the spring half was a trail 50k. But trail and road are very different experiences I have found.

That being said, when I showed up in January 2024 for MW, I did all the things and was careful to eat properly during the week of Dopey. It was a blast…but I ended up out of my depth for a newbie because of my qualifying time and overdid the first three races. I ended up bonking mid-marathon…pushed through to the end but was miserable after MK. (Diet choices like the Cauliflower steak at toppolinos the night before was probably not enough to keep up my energy reserve through the week, either.). However. I did finish. First official marathon. And I had a blast doing it.

My advice, FWIW: You’re in for a longer event with Dopey….so don’t get swept away early and push too hard in the beginning because you need something in the tank by Sunday morning. Also come up with a formal fueling plan based on your experience during training…don’t just wing it.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congratulations on your first marathon!

I had a similar schedule as yours, October marathon and then WDW marathon. I DNF my marathon the weekend before last but my plan was to take last week off and then reverse taper for 2 weeks to get back to where is was in my previous plan.

As for shoes, bring multiples for Dopey and then different shoes for recovery/park time. I’m in the minority but I don’t usually use retired running shoes in the parks. Birkenstocks are my go to and I love them for recovery.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congrats! Hard to live up to that kind of first marathon

I've never done two marathons in a short timespan, but I would say the most important thing to do now is recover. I find that it takes about a month to six weeks for running to feel fully normal again after a marathon, and trying to build back up too early could make that period even longer or cause injury. I'd take at least a week completely off, then start building up slowly over the next couple of weeks after that and see how you feel.

You don't necessarily need to be back up to your peak mileage again before Dopey - the endurance you built for Chicago will still be there as long as you're doing something between now and then. Better to be cautious and a little undertrained than push too hard, get injured, and not be able to do Dopey at all.

Good luck!

 

[LSUlakes]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congrats on your first!! I have not done Dopey but wanted to comment on training. I would take it easy for the next 7-10 days. Maybe after 48 hours go out for a easy 3-4 miler, but really slow pace. After about two weeks you can start running again, but its likely to take a month to get back to pre marathon form. From there, you basically need to prepare your body to run 4 days in a row with each day having more mileage. Those who have done Dopey on here can tell you how they go about that, but that would be the plan. Probably not a weekend for a PR, but for sure a good time! Good luck with training!!

 

[Dopey 2020]

Just ran Chicago and finished my first marathon! Was simply aiming to finish and it was an incredible race and experience! I got to run with Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society, and loved seeing a runDisney themed team be the top fundraising group (shoutout to any of you that were in runDisney Villains Take Chicago )!

But now have to shift my focus for attempting my first Dopey in January. Any guidance/advice for those that have done a marathon a couple months prior in terms of training plans/strategies? I figured I’d just run some sort of high mileage to maintain my base until then. I’m also curious about shoe strategy during Marathon Weekend and how those of you who’ve done it rotate (or not) shoes?

Congratulations! Nothing like hitting one of the majors for your first, that’s awesome.
As far as shoes for Dopey, I bring 3 pairs, one for 5/10, one for the half, and keep my marathon shoes with me in carryon luggage. Not taking any chances there. I also wear a pair of retired running shoes for the parks so if I absolutely needed something for the 5 or 10 I could eke a few more miles out of them.
When it comes to running a marathon a couple months before Dopey, I don’t think it’s any problem for someone who has the base to run a marathon. The only problem would be not listening to your body. Everyone is so different but most are the same in that if you ease back in at your pace you will be fine. You are already at a level that is well into any marathon training plan out there. I just ran Wineglass marathon 9 days ago, took off 4 days, did 5 Friday and Saturday, 10 on Sunday, and will back to normal this week just in time for Wine and Dine followed by 25-40 miles per week until Dopey. Last year I did a marathon in April, one in May, and my first 50k in June. The key there was to pick one to race and take it easy for the other.

Definitely take some time to enjoy your amazing accomplishment without worrying about Dopey. You have plenty of time to be ready, you will do fantastic.