Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

[BuckeyeBama]

New shoes may help, or it could be your posture. But it can also be the treadmill. The varying terrain of road or trail running forces you to adjust your body continually, while a treadmill does not; that can lead to tightness and fatigue. Can you have someone video you running on the treadmill? You may spy some corrections you can make to help ID what's going on.

Some tips from Runner's World.

Agreed - it could also be a weak core. If you have a weak core, running will expose it quickly and you run the risk of all sorts of injuries.

 

[moose615]

Question for those who follow Jeff Galloway program's, say you are doing the ToT 10miler and the 1/2 during Marathon weekend, how do you adjust from one program to another when they intersect? Since you would be use to the distances do you just start the 1/2 plan on the dates after the 10 miler?

 

[Castle2Castle]

I am officially registered.... So happy I decided to do it Saturday instead of waiting till next weekend... I had a feeling it was going to sell out.... I'm a little scared since I am a beginning runner... I download the training plans as a start but feel I still have so much to learn and overcome but I'm sure I can do it! This is going to be my first Disney race!!!!!

Congratulations!

While you have plenty of work ahead of you, remember in the back of your mind that your biggest problem may be finding a way to pay for more Disney races once you've accomplished your first and are hooked.

Until then, though, since the training plan shouldn't kick in for a few months, maybe start taking a look at plans like Couch-to-5k (9 week plan at bottom of page). If you have a smartphone you can search the app store for the free version of an app like RunKeeper which have Beginner 5k training programs available that are similar in approach to the Couch-to-5k; it can be nice having voice commands and updates during your workout, as well as being able to track your progress for motivation. This will provide you a stronger foundation on which to start training for a longer race, as well as provide you more opportunities to learn without feeling pressured by a defined training deadline.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Question for those who follow Jeff Galloway program's, say you are doing the ToT 10miler and the 1/2 during Marathon weekend, how do you adjust from one program to another when they intersect? Since you would be use to the distances do you just start the 1/2 plan on the dates after the 10 miler?

Maybe the improved time training program would be best (for the 1/2 marathon part). It might coincide better with the TOT program.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I was spending some time looking at training plans and a couple of questions came to mind, hoping this board can help!

The first is all business. I do not have a prior long race so I had to register with exactly 2 hours. Can anyone give me an idea of how many corrals there are at TOT and where I might end up? I was at the midway point during my last 5k at Disney. It involved a lot of ducking and weaving Basically my only plan as of now is to get there early and be towards the front of that corral and hope for the best!

The second is much more fun. I am leaning towards the red version of Jasmine as my costume inspiration (probably meaning red running pants and a red sports bra with some good accessories). So my question is, will anyone get it? haha. And also, does Jafar appear at any time during the night's events for a good photo op?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Castle2Castle]

I do not have a prior long race so I had to register with exactly 2 hours. Can anyone give me an idea of how many corrals there are at TOT and where I might end up?

...I am leaning towards the red version of Jasmine as my costume inspiration (probably meaning red running pants and a red sports bra with some good accessories). So my question is, will anyone get it? haha. And also, does Jafar appear at any time during the night's events for a good photo op?

I'm not 100% sure for TOT, but without a proof of time they may put you in the last corral. You might do a quick internet search to see if there are any cheap 10ks coming up near you to get a proof of time to submit before the deadline if you'd like to move up and be more properly placed for the start.

All of the Jasmine outfits I have seen have been blue, but if you do it similarly in red I would think people might be able to make the connection. One person I saw carried a small stuffed tiger which helped make the connection more, so that could work for you as well. As far as Jafar, I didn't see him at the after party, but he was on the course for photos. They can always change the characters on course or where they are found, but last year at least I think he was on Osceola on the way to Animal Kingdom.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I'm not 100% sure for TOT, but without a proof of time they may put you in the last corral. You might do a quick internet search to see if there are any cheap 10ks coming up near you to get a proof of time to submit before the deadline if you'd like to move up and be more properly placed for the start.

All of the Jasmine outfits I have seen have been blue, but if you do it similarly in red I would think people might be able to make the connection. One person I saw carried a small stuffed tiger which helped make the connection more, so that could work for you as well. As far as Jafar, I didn't see him at the after party, but he was on the course for photos. They can always change the characters on course or where they are found, but last year at least I think he was on Osceola on the way to Animal Kingdom.

Thanks! Unfortunately a 10k before Aug. isn't an option since I live in Ohio where it is still snowing and I don't like running on treadmills. So I will need the time to prepare. I really didn't realize until this thread how few people have proof of times out of the thousands running this!

 

[Castle2Castle]

Thanks! Unfortunately a 10k before Aug. isn't an option since I live in Ohio where it is still snowing and I don't like running on treadmills.

For what it's worth here's a list of upcoming Ohio 10ks* in case the weather improves and you want to shoot for one. At least by that listing, there are runs through May 18th. You can use the TOT 2013 corral assignments to get an idea of what kind of proof will get you what corral, too.

Hope the weather gets warmer soon up there!


*Anyone in another state can use the same link for runs in other states and for distances other than 10k, if you haven't ever just searched for runs in your area.

 

[AThrillingChase]

You can use the TOT 2013 corral assignments to get an idea of what kind of proof will get you what corral, too.

Alright so it makes a little more sense when I see that the last few corrals jump up by 2,000 each!

But yeah I just won't be ready by May. I am just hoping I can be ready by Oct! I bet my trip to WDW next week isn't exactly helping things either...but oh well to that!

 

[Kalichick]

It is my first race as well. I also feel overwhelmed with all I need to learn to be able to make it through alive. and without throwing up. But, it is all mind over matter. I know I can do it, and without knowing you, I know you can do it too.

Are you going alone?

I will be running solo but will hopefully have DH and DS (4) to cheer me on.

Congratulations!

While you have plenty of work ahead of you, remember in the back of your mind that your biggest problem may be finding a way to pay for more Disney races once you've accomplished your first and are hooked.

Until then, though, since the training plan shouldn't kick in for a few months, maybe start taking a look at plans like [Couch-to-5k[/URL] (9 week plan at bottom of page). If you have a smartphone you can search the app store for the free version of an app like RunKeeper which have Beginner 5k training programs available that are similar in approach to the Couch-to-5k; it can be nice having voice commands and updates during your workout, as well as being able to track your progress for motivation. This will provide you a stronger foundation on which to start training for a longer race, as well as provide you more opportunities to learn without feeling pressured by a defined training deadline.

I definitely think I am going to be hooked..lol I'm already talking to DH about going to WDW marathon weekend in Jan. I have currently use Runkeeper and I really like the app. I have never heard of the couch-to-5K so I will take a look at the link. Thanks!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Agreed - it could also be a weak core. If you have a weak core, running will expose it quickly and you run the risk of all sorts of injuries.

Thanks to all those who responded to my question about the tight back. I read the link to runner's world. I don't run on the treadmill often. They have one at my daughter's gymnastics place for the parents. Well, they have a few. I am actually pretty lucky. The one I use is in front of a big window and there is also a mirror next to it. Not that I like looking at myself, but I get to see my posture from front and side views. Surprisingly, I run pretty straight up and I keep my upper body pretty relaxed. I know I stress out about stepping off the belt, so that might be part of the reason I am tight.

I also think, as one person suggested, that it might just be the overall condition of my core strength. I have been carrying 40-60 lbs of fat for 15 or more years. My core strength is awful. I am working on it.

I have been doing P90X. I am on my last week of my first round. But, I haven't been doing all the core exercises to the fullest. I just run out of time after the main workouts are done. Those are an hour long and I workout when my kids nap. So, the extra stuff, like the AB work lose out sometimes. I am starting another round in 2 weeks and I will just have to find time to get it all in this round.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I will be running solo but will hopefully have DH and DS (4) to cheer me on.



I definitely think I am going to be hooked..lol I'm already talking to DH about going to WDW marathon weekend in Jan. I have currently use Runkeeper and I really like the app. I have never heard of the couch-to-5K so I will take a look at the link. Thanks!

That's good that you will have some support there, that will hopefully make it easier. It sounds like we are starting from the same point, which is to say a place of no running at all. I am using the RunKeeper app as well and I have it all set up to start my training schedule on 5/4 I think. I picked a 1/2 marathon schedule and it says I will be ready to run that by August. They didn't have a 10 mile schedule and I figured training for a 1/2 marathon would make running 10 miles in the humidity doable.

 

[PrincessV]

Can anyone give me an idea of how many corrals there are at TOT and where I might end up? I was at the midway point during my last 5k at Disney. It involved a lot of ducking and weaving

I really didn't realize until this thread how few people have proof of times out of the thousands running this!

A couple thoughts to add to what's already been said so well...

1. Just assume you'll be doing a lot of ducking and weaving. Unless you're an elite, that's pretty much the case for every Disney race - they're just crowded races.

2. With no proof of time, you'll be placed in the last corral, per rD. In theory. In reality, you might be in the last corral, or you might be in an earlier corral; if there are lots of folks without proof (see below), they spread them out some among the last couple-few corrals.

3. There are plenty of others without proof! It's really a pretty large number in most rD races. Enough to overflow the last corral and maybe even the last 2 corrals. You will not be alone!

4. Here's the most important thing: train for a 15:00/mile pace and it doesn't matter where you start. So much fear is wrapped up in corral placements and sweepers, but for real - if you can maintain a pace under 16:00, you're fine! If you can go faster than that, you get some cushion to stop more often and/or slow down, that's all.

So no worries - if you can get a 10K to submit, great! But if not, don't stress

 

[AThrillingChase]

A couple thoughts to add to what's already been said so well...

1. Just assume you'll be doing a lot of ducking and weaving. Unless you're an elite, that's pretty much the case for every Disney race - they're just crowded races.

2. With no proof of time, you'll be placed in the last corral, per rD. In theory. In reality, you might be in the last corral, or you might be in an earlier corral; if there are lots of folks without proof (see below), they spread them out some among the last couple-few corrals.

3. There are plenty of others without proof! It's really a pretty large number in most rD races. Enough to overflow the last corral and maybe even the last 2 corrals. You will not be alone!

4. Here's the most important thing: train for a 15:00/mile pace and it doesn't matter where you start. So much fear is wrapped up in corral placements and sweepers, but for real - if you can maintain a pace under 16:00, you're fine! If you can go faster than that, you get some cushion to stop more often and/or slow down, that's all.

So no worries - if you can get a 10K to submit, great! But if not, don't stress

Thank you! That is reassuring. At the very least I am going to try and line up early to be closer to the front - which is maybe a little easier to squeeze into since I am running solo and not in a group. Maybe on the left side. The left lane is the fast lane right?? Haha. (I know that won't actually happen). I just want to give myself enough cushion for a photo with the gravediggers and potentially Jafar if he appears!

 

[PrincessV]

At the very least I am going to try and line up early to be closer to the front - which is maybe a little easier to squeeze into since I am running solo and not in a group. Maybe on the left side. The left lane is the fast lane right??

Another approach that sounds nutty but I've found works well is, if you're placed in any corral other than the last one, start at the back. You don't lose much in time, since they now release corrals with less time between, and it gives your corral a chance to thin out some. Yes, you may be behind some slower folks, but with more elbow room available, it's much easier to pass without so much weaving around. Here's a comparison: TOT 2013, I started in the back of my corral and ran an actual 10.27 miles. PHM 2014 I started toward the front of my corral and ran an actual 14.01 miles. Now, some of that extra distance was due to photo stops, but a LOT of it was weaving in and out of early traffic.

 

[dawn8179]

Now the trip feels real. I booked a room/ticket package through runDisney and linked the reservation # to MDE. Now I'm all set for when I can book my ADR's and then my FP+. Also pretty happy I saved $260, so that now I can convince hubby that we can now afford MNSSHP.

 

[AThrillingChase]

Another approach that sounds nutty but I've found works well is, if you're placed in any corral other than the last one, start at the back. You don't lose much in time, since they now release corrals with less time between, and it gives your corral a chance to thin out some. Yes, you may be behind some slower folks, but with more elbow room available, it's much easier to pass without so much weaving around. Here's a comparison: TOT 2013, I started in the back of my corral and ran an actual 10.27 miles. PHM 2014 I started toward the front of my corral and ran an actual 14.01 miles. Now, some of that extra distance was due to photo stops, but a LOT of it was weaving in and out of early traffic.

That is interesting, makes sense though! Half a mile of weaving!
BTW I love your tips. I have been reading the blog

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

Another approach that sounds nutty but I've found works well is, if you're placed in any corral other than the last one, start at the back. You don't lose much in time, since they now release corrals with less time between, and it gives your corral a chance to thin out some. Yes, you may be behind some slower folks, but with more elbow room available, it's much easier to pass without so much weaving around. Here's a comparison: TOT 2013, I started in the back of my corral and ran an actual 10.27 miles. PHM 2014 I started toward the front of my corral and ran an actual 14.01 miles. Now, some of that extra distance was due to photo stops, but a LOT of it was weaving in and out of early traffic.

My GPS was 13.85 after PHM. Crazy how the mileage is so off!

 

[annmarieda]

My GPS was 13.85 after PHM. Crazy how the mileage is so off!

The phm 2013 was my first half in Disney..so first time on that course. I remember hitting 13 miles and being like Where is the finish line!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

The phm 2013 was my first half in Disney..so first time on that course. I remember hitting 13 miles and being like Where is the finish line!!!!

In my recent Half I wasn't even thinking about the straightest line until the end, and I was a solid .20 off the whole race. I'm talking from the first mile marker! Whatta pain.