So, in a quandary and looking for some advice. I posted earlier this year in this thread that the long runs were giving me problems this training cycle. Other than brief windows where the malaise appeared to be lifting, it has gotten only marginally better since then I'm sad to say.
So, this is where I am. My longest single run in the past month is 11 miles, longest weekly total is around 30. Yesterday I was only able to do 9 of a planned 13 (granted it was cold and dark by the time I decided to call it because I got started later than planned). Now less than five weeks out from Dopey that really isn't enough.
Paces are fine, well ahead of BL pace (at least up until I stop), and shorter runs in the 6-8 mile range I have no issues. I've even built in some speed work and tempo runs (something I haven't done much of previously) and found them to be fun.
But the desire/drive/endurance/whatever to do anything much longer than 10 just hasn't been there this year and at this point I'd basically have to reverse taper (in miserable December weather) to get any kind of reasonable volume in for Dopey. I'm sure I could complete the 5K and 10K with no problems, and could probably gut my way through the half. But the marathon feels insurmountable at the moment and if I'm being honest I don't feel like have enough of a base built to properly get ready in the time remaining.
My options as I see them:
1. Call it while I still have time to get my room deposit back. I'd obviously eat the Dopey entry fee and probably the airfare as well (although I think I can get a credit for that). Would remove the stress but would feel pretty terrible.
2. Get as many miles in (hopefully without risking injury) as I can in the next five weeks and hope that it's all still in there somewhere. That said, getting swept and/or injured during the marathon would also feel pretty terrible.
3. Stick to moderate training volume, don't worry about the marathon, and just do the first three races and take at least a small win. Although again, not sure how good that will feel especially on Sunday. If I'm there I will want to try.
Anyway, as this is an amazingly supportive community I wanted to get some thoughts. Feel free to be candid, any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
I'm no professional, so this is just what I'd do if I were in your shoes. I agree with option 2.
What is your running pace for that 11 miler? Have you ran a half marathon distance or further before?
I would think you'd have little trouble doing the first three races. So unless you're hurting for the cash, I'd probably still go and plan to do the first three, and at least start the marathon. Worst case you pull yourself early, but at least start so you can get the medal and sell it for a few bucks back. The marathon will be tough, no doubt. But Disney marathons are far more approachable for the undertrained than most non-Disney marathons. I would guess a lot of people start them having not trained to even the half distance, from anecdotal stories I've heard.
If you can mostly run to the halfway point, then assuming you are fast enough, you could walk the rest and still have plenty of time to spare. It probably won't be that fun, but plenty of people walk the entire thing. (I can't imagine enjoying that personally, but it can definitely be done, especially if you start well ahead of the balloon ladies.) Someone running a 12 minute mile for 13 miles and then walking the rest, will probably have an easier time with this strategy than someone who runs a 15 minute mile, for example. But sounds like you are below the BL pace as you mentioned. I definitely wouldn't try to run much beyond the halfway point to avoid injury, as you should have enough time to just walk the 2nd half if you have a good walking pace.
It sort of depends on physical fitness as well. Are you confident you could walk a half marathon below say a 20 minute mile pace? For some people that would be a cake walk, no training needed. For others, that would require months and months of training. If the walking part is easy, then I would say run as much as you can and walk the rest. If that's your strategy, in terms of training, I would probably just focus on staying healthy and try to get a few runs in the 10-13 mile range if you can, but probably not much time to push beyond that. You don't really need to taper then, so you could feasibly get a couple more in. That way at least the half distance hopefully wouldn't leave you sore, so you can start the marathon with minimal/no discomfort.
You definitely won't be alone in your situation, the hardest part about Dopey is getting to the start line in one piece!
Now I am battling my first cold of the winter. Thankfully I am in between training plans and just doing maintenance runs right now. 
it passes quickly.
Made the decision to move my 16 mile run to today where it was a balmy 20 degrees! Got it done, even with the sloppy roads. Feeling accomplished as I sit on the couch watching football!
