Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

[moose615]

I love the costumes people come up with for the races. I just would not be able to run in them. So for me a running outfit kinda tweaked to a theme is what I usually go with. Where did you get your custom shirt from?

I agree for my first RunDisney event, I wanted to do something dress up but knew I couldn't go all out like some I've seen, so tweeting a theme was best for me. I got it from LogoSportsWear.com, for one shirt it was alittle pricey $45 with shipping but really happy with the quality and material.

 

[annmarieda]

I agree, that does seem like quite a lot for a half. Maybe if the goal time was sub 1:30. I'm sure you can find one that is not only do-able but will help drop your overall time and will be a better fit.

I am sure I will. I have time.

I wish I would concentrate more on training. I usually don't hit the 20 mile mark per week at all when running. Luckily to this point it hasn't hurt me. But now, and of course the season is winding down, I'm starting to get serious about training and eating right. I think I'm going to start hitting the gym as well and really see what I can accomplish.

I have been lucky thus far that I can usually get in 10 sometime during the week and then a long run on the weekend. I don't know how people do it when training for like the dopey. That is really some serious time.

I spend last night at work looking up races all over and there are so many I want to do, travel and MONEY permitting. But I've already got like 4 scheduled in a 15 day period in January of next year. A half on a Sunday, a Quarter the following Saturday, a half the next day and a possible Full the next Sunday.

I love looking over possible races. Just when I think I know what ones I want to do... somehow new ones get thrown in.

I agree for my first RunDisney event, I wanted to do something dress up but knew I couldn't go all out like some I've seen, so tweeting a theme was best for me. I got it from LogoSportsWear.com, for one shirt it was a little pricey $45 with shipping but really happy with the quality and material.

I will have to take a peak at them. That is a tad pricey...but not much more than the raw thread shirts I like so much.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have to admit, I don't know what I got myself into by signing up for this race. I did 3.5 miles yesterday and while I was running I was calculating in my head how long the ToT will take me. I was averaging a 10.5 min/mi pace. That means it is going to take me over an hour and a 1/2 to run this race, if I can maintain that pace for 10 miles. By the end of 3.5 I was sucking wind, my right leg was numb (I have a herniated disk in my lower back). Thankfully I have plenty of time. I am just finding it is taking me more days to recover that the training plan I am going to use is allowing.

On the positive side, when I first started running on the treadmill I was only able to run a minute at 7mph before having to slow down to rest. Yesterday I was running anywhere from 3-5 minutes at that pace before needing to rest. I also was able to bring my pace from about 12 min/mi down to the 10.5 yesterday. It is the length that concerns me. Doing it for 10 miles compared to 3.5 is scary.

But, at least the weather is finally getting better here in lovely MA so I should be able to get outside and run consistently now. My training plan officially begins on 5/4.

 

[STILLWISHING]

I have to admit, I don't know what I got myself into by signing up for this race. I did 3.5 miles yesterday and while I was running I was calculating in my head how long the ToT will take me. I was averaging a 10.5 min/mi pace. That means it is going to take me over an hour and a 1/2 to run this race, if I can maintain that pace for 10 miles. By the end of 3.5 I was sucking wind, my right leg was numb (I have a herniated disk in my lower back). Thankfully I have plenty of time. I am just finding it is taking me more days to recover that the training plan I am going to use is allowing. On the positive side, when I first started running on the treadmill I was only able to run a minute at 7mph before having to slow down to rest. Yesterday I was running anywhere from 3-5 minutes at that pace before needing to rest. I also was able to bring my pace from about 12 min/mi down to the 10.5 yesterday. It is the length that concerns me. Doing it for 10 miles compared to 3.5 is scary. But, at least the weather is finally getting better here in lovely MA so I should be able to get outside and run consistently now. My training plan officially begins on 5/4.

slow down - work in some intervals. I would no expect to be running for time as the races are big and you spend a lot of time running behind people or passing.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm not really concerned about my time for the race. I am only concerned about time because I don't really want to be running for 2 hours. I am going to want to get it over ASAP as I don't enjoy running all that much. Although I am hoping that running down there with all the stuff to look at will help pass the time more than when I run around here, or on a treadmill. Afterall, walking a few miles a day is not fun either but when I am at DisneyWorld I don't even realize how much I walk. Hopefully the same thing happens while running.

If it does, I might be able to talk myself into a longer race in the future, which means I'll have an excuse to go back to WDW.

 

[PrincessV]

I'm not really concerned about my time for the race. I am only concerned about time because I don't really want to be running for 2 hours. I am going to want to get it over ASAP as I don't enjoy running all that much.

This will be your first TOT, yes? Okay, I'm going to level with you... be prepared for it to take longer to finish than you want/think it should. Why? First, Disney races are very congested - you can only go as fast as the folks in front of you unless you do a whole lot of weaving around. And if you do a lot of weaving, you're adding time and distance, anyway. Second, it's a HOT, HUMID race. Early Oct. is still summer here in central FL. It's possible a cool front could come through and drop temps and humidity a touch, but don't count on it. A friend of mine normally runs around a 10-min mile up north - she wound up averaging well over 12:00/mile in TOT and felt afterward that she should have slowed it down even more.

I don't mean to scare you! I've run the last two and TOT can be a lot of fun. It can also be miserable if you don't respect the conditions and listen to your body. If you're struggling to keep your desired pace on shorter runs in cooler weather, expect it to be far more difficult to do so over 10 miles in extreme conditions. Remember that long training runs are meant to build endurance, to train your body to get through the distance feeling good. Save the speed work for shorter distances. You're 100% correct - there's LOTS of time to prepare! I strongly encourage you to take your time, build up gradually and listen to your body so you can really enjoy the race and after-party

 

[Waiting2goback]

This is my first ever distance race. I found out I was getting divorced last fall and I decided it was time to start taking care of myself again. So, I began working out. I started really focusing on my diet and exercise on 12/29/13. I lost 20 lbs in the first 2 months. I stopped there, which is frustrating me given how hard I'm working. But, I have not given up, which is something I used to do all the time when it got frustrating.

But, this race was a way to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. So, I am scared. Scared for the race. Scared to be officially alone down at Disney for the first time. (I went last summer solo but hadn't been told I was getting divorced. I knew it was coming, but this time it is official. So, I felt alone last time but this time I know I am.) Maybe I will end up meeting someone while I am down there. I know, wishful thinking.

The good news is, I have nothing to compare my times too. I just want to finish, not get swept, and avoid puking on myself. Ideally, I will finish quickly to be able to spend more time at the after party.

The good news is, it does get pretty humid in MA during August so I plan to do a lot of training outside then, this will help me get ready for the ToT humidity, hopefully.

I could have picked local races but if I am going to run a long race, I might as well be rewarded for all the work that goes into it by running at WDW, right?

I am just glad I found this thread because it is has been very supportive and encouraging.

 

[Tinker326]

This is my first ever distance race. I found out I was getting divorced last fall and I decided it was time to start taking care of myself again. So, I began working out. I started really focusing on my diet and exercise on 12/29/13. I lost 20 lbs in the first 2 months. I stopped there, which is frustrating me given how hard I'm working. But, I have not given up, which is something I used to do all the time when it got frustrating.

But, this race was a way to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. So, I am scared. Scared for the race. Scared to be officially alone down at Disney for the first time. (I went last summer solo but hadn't been told I was getting divorced. I knew it was coming, but this time it is official. So, I felt alone last time but this time I know I am.) Maybe I will end up meeting someone while I am down there. I know, wishful thinking.

The good news is, I have nothing to compare my times too. I just want to finish, not get swept, and avoid puking on myself. Ideally, I will finish quickly to be able to spend more time at the after party.

The good news is, it does get pretty humid in MA during August so I plan to do a lot of training outside then, this will help me get ready for the ToT humidity, hopefully.

I could have picked local races but if I am going to run a long race, I might as well be rewarded for all the work that goes into it by running at WDW, right?

I am just glad I found this thread because it is has been very supportive and encouraging.

I agree with what others have said above. I am not a runner by nature either and don't especially 'enjoy' it. I do it to keep my cardio going, my blood pressure down & lose a little weight.

I couldnt' run a block last year at this time when I committed to running the half at Wine & Dine. I didn't enjoy training for it- but I did. I doubted myself right up to the starting line of the race. But I did it. I crossed the finsih line....

What I found is that regardless of how hard it was to get me to the starting line, I LOVED running Disney. These races, for most of us, are not meant to get PR's on, to come in #1 or to speed through. You pay a lot of money for these races because they are fun.. so enjoy them! Take in the sights, the atmosphere, the characters, the costumes and the other runners.

Disney runners are a GREAT bunch of people- even if you don't know them! They support when the going gets tough.

Yes, train for this. So you are ready. But expect like they said above that conditions will be crowded and the weather will be hot. You don't want to force yourself through it 'just to finish' and find you missed out on the fun stuff AND you are too sick to enjoy the after party!

Don't worry about doing this alone- lots of us are. There are lots of people also making friends through different threads that will eventaully meet up before the race or after the race- just to say hello.

It's great support & it's another reason why Disney races are so much fun!

You will do fine- you are already doing great 5 1/2 months out. So don't be scared. I know it's hard not too- but just keep doing what you are doing & come October 4th you will find yourself having a blast on a run through Disney!!!

 

[PrincessV]

I just want to finish, not get swept, and avoid puking on myself.

Know what? That's the PERFECT goal! Good for you for staying strong and sticking to it; I think you're going to have an absolute blast.

And know this: you will not be alone. You'll be surrounded by 12,000ish of your new running friends! We're a heck of a community and I guarantee you'll only be alone if you want to be.

 

[STILLWISHING]

This is my first ever distance race. I found out I was getting divorced last fall and I decided it was time to start taking care of myself again. So, I began working out. I started really focusing on my diet and exercise on 12/29/13. I lost 20 lbs in the first 2 months. I stopped there, which is frustrating me given how hard I'm working. But, I have not given up, which is something I used to do all the time when it got frustrating. But, this race was a way to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. So, I am scared. Scared for the race. Scared to be officially alone down at Disney for the first time. (I went last summer solo but hadn't been told I was getting divorced. I knew it was coming, but this time it is official. So, I felt alone last time but this time I know I am.) Maybe I will end up meeting someone while I am down there. I know, wishful thinking. The good news is, I have nothing to compare my times too. I just want to finish, not get swept, and avoid puking on myself. Ideally, I will finish quickly to be able to spend more time at the after party. The good news is, it does get pretty humid in MA during August so I plan to do a lot of training outside then, this will help me get ready for the ToT humidity, hopefully. I could have picked local races but if I am going to run a long race, I might as well be rewarded for all the work that goes into it by running at WDW, right? I am just glad I found this thread because it is has been very supportive and encouraging.

Running at Disney a great reward. Prepare yourself for the humidity - PrincessV is an expert and is right. The humidity at night in FL is different - I did PHM in Feb and it was 100% - as a Marylander I am used to humidity but it still got to me quickly and I was much slower. Of course, I did break for photos, often. Figure out your fuel and hydration and live by it. And get a 10k so you can move up and give yourself breathing room if you haven't already.

And prepare to have fun!!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm not really concerned about my time for the race. I am only concerned about time because I don't really want to be running for 2 hours. I am going to want to get it over ASAP as I don't enjoy running all that much. Although I am hoping that running down there with all the stuff to look at will help pass the time more than when I run around here, or on a treadmill. Afterall, walking a few miles a day is not fun either but when I am at DisneyWorld I don't even realize how much I walk. Hopefully the same thing happens while running.

If it does, I might be able to talk myself into a longer race in the future, which means I'll have an excuse to go back to WDW.

You have already received a lot of great advice, but I thought I would chime in too.

I think you touched on something... you want to get done with the race sooner rather than later because you are comparing it to running on the dreadmill for that long. Believe me... there is no comparison. While I will admit I maybe don't take the time to "smell the roses" as much as some do in Disney races, there is so much to enjoy. The course is mostly fun. (on/off ramps are not my favorite) However, even my least favorite (those ramps) usually has something to take your mind off of it. ToT last year had fireballs (although was this a good thing? Didn't it make it like 1000 times hotter all of a sudden?? ) Still - it was fun to see. During the Donald, they had a huge screen playing cartoons. Some people dislike the haunted woods trail part of the ToT. I do like this part... it is interesting and kinda spooky running through dark woods. Point is... you will have things to look at that will pass the time.

So when you say " If it does, I might be able to talk myself into a longer race in the future, which means I'll have an excuse to go back to WDW" Oh yes you will have that excuse. Disney races are far too addicting. I ran my first ever long distance race in WDW. (the ToT in 2012) I have family who try and get me to do long races else where, but I only do them in Disney.

As PrincessV said though... just be prepared. It is HOT... HUMID (and the humidity is a fair bit different IMHO) We have humidity here...and I think it helps prepare me... but it is WAY worse down in FL. Hydrate very well in the days leading up. (but be cautious with over hydrating too...don't want to flush out the electrolytes in your system by drinking too much.. your knee caps won't like you for that)

You want to be able to go to the after party... so don't' kill yourself during the race. It happens to people I think at this race more than others (although I could be wrong) I have heard of more people getting sick at the after party at the ToT than any other race. It is a bummer to not be able to stay for the party... so if that is important you may want to sacrifice some of your pace. My pace at any disney race I have done has never been as fast as my training pace.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm not really concerned about my time for the race. I am only concerned about time because I don't really want to be running for 2 hours. I am going to want to get it over ASAP as I don't enjoy running all that much.

Not wanting to run for time but not wanting to run for a long time translate to the same result, which could result in you taking it too fast, not being able to finish, and making yourself sick. Just the things you don't want to do. You have the whole training time to work on things.

For tot, which was my first Disney race, I decide early on to just walk through the whole trail section. I had read of people having to walk through it because of crowding or low light, and that it messed with their heads, so I just figure I'd decided to walk and call it good.

So far my longer runs have taken way longer than I want them too (elite finish marathons faster than I run halfs or even ten milers) BUT I haven't been sick yet and I have finished, both of which are important to me.

This is my first ever distance race. I found out I was getting divorced last fall and I decided it was time to start taking care of myself again. So, I began working out. I started really focusing on my diet and exercise on 12/29/13. I lost 20 lbs in the first 2 months. I stopped there, which is frustrating me given how hard I'm working. But, I have not given up, which is something I used to do all the time when it got frustrating.

I'm so sorry to hear about your divorce. Major hugs to you.

Fwiw, running and weight loss aren't always as easy a combo as we think. Especially once you start doing long runs. It's a tricky balance of enough of a deficit to slowly lose, while eating enough to fuel those longer runs. But as we go along, even if the losses are slow, our bodies change and become stronger looking stronger. From my own experience, I would recommend some strength training, too!

Figure out your fuel and hydration and live by it. And get a 10k so you can move up and give yourself breathing room if you haven't already.

Yes and yes!

 

[PrincessV]

ToT last year had fireballs (although was this a good thing? Didn't it make it like 1000 times hotter all of a sudden?? )

I had to come back and laugh with you on this! yes, yes it did make it 1000 times hotter - could it GET any hotter?! - but it was absurdly neat, too!

You want to be able to go to the after party... so don't' kill yourself during the race. It happens to people I think at this race more than others (although I could be wrong) I have heard of more people getting sick at the after party at the ToT than any other race. It is a bummer to not be able to stay for the party... so if that is important you may want to sacrifice some of your pace.

Guilty of that, myself. I didn't mention it before, but yeah - I speak from experience. TOT 2012, I couldn't go fast due to injury... had a great time at the party after. TOT 2013, I gave it nearly all I had, turned in a great PR - and was too dizzy and nauseous to enjoy the party. I have no regrets, but I don't plan to go for time this year, just for fun.

 

[STILLWISHING]

I had to come back and laugh with you on this! yes, yes it did make it 1000 times hotter - could it GET any hotter?! - but it was absurdly neat, too! Guilty of that, myself. I didn't mention it before, but yeah - I speak from experience. TOT 2012, I couldn't go fast due to injury... had a great time at the party after. TOT 2013, I gave it nearly all I had, turned in a great PR - and was too dizzy and nauseous to enjoy the party. I have no regrets, but I don't plan to go for time this year, just for fun.

so you will be there?? Can't wait to read your blog...have you changed your mind about GSC yet??

 

[PrincessV]

so you will be there?? Can't wait to read your blog...have you changed your mind about GSC yet??

I will, indeed, be back for more TOT punishment, lol! Clearly, I'm a glutton.

I will not be back for GSC, though. Money's tight and I have to choose... the Jan. 10K and half won out - I just looooove Marathon weekend!

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

As you can see already, runners are a tight, great bunch. I think cause we all know what the other goes through with the training, the races, and the sense of the accomplishment. But they are right, be prepared but don't hold yourself to a grand goal, especially with this being your first race.

But you've picked the perfect place to be. Running on a road in a remote area with no entertainment can feel like forever, in Disney, it's like a dream. Everyone, even running 26.2 miles has a smile on their face, the support, the parks, the entertainment make the whole journey wonderful.

I live in South Louisiana, where you are soaking wet with sweat walking front your front door to your vehicle at 6AM. And for some reason, once the sun goes down, the breeze stops and if feels like trying to breathe with a bag over your head. So Florida at the time of the year will feel the same. You don't really get used of it, accustomed to, but not used to.

Start out slow, you will have to with all the people, but start out slow and pick up the pace as you get further along (negative splits), and it should be more enjoyable and you can get into a groove and finish nicely. Take pictures with characters, it will give you needed breaks and great memories.

Remember to hydrate before and during. Then enjoy the accomplishment and the after P A R T Y !!!!!! GOOD LUCK.

 

[annmarieda]

I had to come back and laugh with you on this! yes, yes it did make it 1000 times hotter - could it GET any hotter?! - but it was absurdly neat, too!

Right?! It was super neat...but way hot.

I
Guilty of that, myself. I didn't mention it before, but yeah - I speak from experience. TOT 2012, I couldn't go fast due to injury... had a great time at the party after. TOT 2013, I gave it nearly all I had, turned in a great PR - and was too dizzy and nauseous to enjoy the party. I have no regrets, but I don't plan to go for time this year, just for fun.

I had kinda the opposite. I didn't enjoy the party in 2012, but did in 2013. Neither was I sick but I may have been a bit hard on my running partner in 2012 and she was not feeling well enough to stay. Completed 2013 in far less time but I did have to slow down. It was hot. Thankfully I knew my body a bit better for the 2013 race (and ran alone so not to be too mean ) and so when I got overheated and couldn't get my body temp down I knew I had to really take it slower than I planned or I would miss the party again.

I am anxious to see what this year will bring!

 

[Tinker326]

I had kinda the opposite. I didn't enjoy the party in 2012, but did in 2013. Neither was I sick but I may have been a bit hard on my running partner in 2012 and she was not feeling well enough to stay. Completed 2013 in far less time but I did have to slow down. It was hot. Thankfully I knew my body a bit better for the 2013 race (and ran alone so not to be too mean ) and so when I got overheated and couldn't get my body temp down I knew I had to really take it slower than I planned or I would miss the party again.

I am anxious to see what this year will bring!

I am so worried about this for ToT. This is my biggest worry for this race. I am from Chicago and so I can't ever fully prepare for the all out humidity/heat this race will bring and I do not do too well in hot conditions.

I am going to have to REALLY force myself to go slow, dump water over my head at every stop & make sure I'm super adequently hydrated before & after the race.

Maybe the polar vortex that Chicago is having this year will mysteriously place itself over Orlando in October and I'll be all good!

I just really don't want to be sick during or after the race! I'm forcing myself out on hot runs this summer to try to prepare.....

 

[STILLWISHING]

I am so worried about this for ToT. This is my biggest worry for this race. I am from Chicago and so I can't ever fully prepare for the all out humidity/heat this race will bring and I do not do too well in hot conditions. I am going to have to REALLY force myself to go slow, dump water over my head at every stop & make sure I'm super adequently hydrated before & after the race. Maybe the polar vortex that Chicago is having this year will mysteriously place itself over Orlando in October and I'll be all good! I just really don't want to be sick during or after the race! I'm forcing myself out on hot runs this summer to try to prepare.....

one thing that seems to help me in the heat is to manage my salt intake -- I need it. So I stick to water at most stops and some Nuun and eat pretzels or the margarita flavored Clif blocks.

You will be need to be slower and you will have fun and not care

I would love to run in Chicago one day - fun city and flat too

Btw the polar vortex is bringing us snowflakes in Maryland tonight - make it end!! Two beautiful weekends then this??

 

[Tinker326]

one thing that seems to help me in the heat is to manage my salt intake -- I need it. So I stick to water at most stops and some Nuun and eat pretzels or the margarita flavored Clif blocks.

You will be need to be slower and you will have fun and not care

I would love to run in Chicago one day - fun city and flat too

Btw the polar vortex is bringing us snowflakes in Maryland tonight - make it end!! Two beautiful weekends then this??

Good advice with the salt..and not one I would have thought of myself! When I do some practice runs in the summer I will play around with some salt intake!

My goal is really to have fun anyways- so it works!!

I do love running along the lake! It's beautiful! And like you said, FLAT!!