Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

[PrincessV]

Question for all of you previous TOT participants. What time did you board the bus at your resort to go to the start line? Can anyone tell me what the transportation is like from POFQ? The only experience I have is from PHM in 2013 from POR, we waited in line for a bus for 1 1/2 hours and had to run to our corral. It caused a bit of pre-race stress.

Also, what time should spectators catch a bus to be DHS when the after party opens?

TIA!

I can't answer the spectator part, but I've grabbed a bus at or shortly after they start running for all WDW races and have never had to wait more than a couple minutes. For past TOTs buses started at 7pm. I haven't gotten one at POFQ, but I did from POR - hopped right on and was at DHS within 10 mins.

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

After running the EEC, I realized I have a long way to go lol

 

[Waiting2goback]

After running the EEC, I realized I have a long way to go lol

How was that race? I wanted to run that one too but I didn't decide to in time. I'm kinda glad because if I could only afford to do one I am glad I went with the ToT. But, there are rumors this was the last year for that race.


And, you aren't the only one who is far off. I have a 10K in less than a month and I am wondering if I am going to be ready. I have some more rookie questions I am hoping someone can help me with.

My training program because yesterday with my RunKeeper app. I scheduled it a couple of months ago but I really looked into it yesterday. It wants me to run 4 days a week with back to back days on Saturday and Sunday. And it wants my long run of the week to be on Sunday, after I ran the day before?

My legs aren't as sore as they were a couple weeks ago, so that is good news but am I asking for an injury if I follow this plan? The plan is for a 1/2 marathon and it has me being ready in August so I do have time and distance to play around with. But, I am not sure if running 3 times a week will get me ready for my 10K in a couple weeks?

What time of day does everyone else run? During the week I have been running at night. I figured it would get me used to running at night for the race but I find when I am sucking wind I am sucking in a lot of bugs.

 

[Chaitali]

My training program because yesterday with my RunKeeper app. I scheduled it a couple of months ago but I really looked into it yesterday. It wants me to run 4 days a week with back to back days on Saturday and Sunday. And it wants my long run of the week to be on Sunday, after I ran the day before?

My legs aren't as sore as they were a couple weeks ago, so that is good news but am I asking for an injury if I follow this plan? The plan is for a 1/2 marathon and it has me being ready in August so I do have time and distance to play around with. But, I am not sure if running 3 times a week will get me ready for my 10K in a couple weeks?

What time of day does everyone else run? During the week I have been running at night. I figured it would get me used to running at night for the race but I find when I am sucking wind I am sucking in a lot of bugs.

I'm using a Hal Higdon 8 week training plan for my June 10k. I'm not sure how long you have until your 10k but here is the link to the Hal Higdon plans. http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51121/10K-Training-Guide The beginner plan that I'm using has three runs per week but the intermediate plan has 4 runs per week. I like that they also have cross training scheduled in the plan.

 

[PrincessV]

After running the EEC, I realized I have a long way to go lol

But you also have a long time to train - you'll be ready!

My legs aren't as sore as they were a couple weeks ago, so that is good news but am I asking for an injury if I follow this plan? The plan is for a 1/2 marathon and it has me being ready in August so I do have time and distance to play around with. But, I am not sure if running 3 times a week will get me ready for my 10K in a couple weeks?

At risk of sounding wishy-washy, maybe, maybe not. Some folks are fine running every day of the week, while others really need to limit it to 3 days. I think a lot depends on your overall fitness and injury history... for me, for instance, though I've been an athlete all of my life, I also have past injuries that created some lasting issues; I have to be careful not to over train. If you don't have a history to draw on, I'd suggest starting with 3 days and see how it goes - maybe add an extra day every 3rd week or every other week for a while. Just know that it's not necessary to run more than 3 days a week - lots of plans don't call for more than that!

I would be concerned about ending your training plan in August, though, A half-marathon plan is designed to get you to race day in optimum shape for the race. Finishing the training that far out could leave you under trained if you go back to reduced mileage until the race, or over trained if you keep hitting those long runs. Personally, I'd have your plan start to line up with race day.

What time of day does everyone else run? During the week I have been running at night. I figured it would get me used to running at night for the race but I find when I am sucking wind I am sucking in a lot of bugs.

Morning isn't an option for me on work days, so it's evenings during the week. In winter, I get out right after work, before dinner. But it's too hot for that now in FL, and I head out around sunset instead. Weekend long runs are at sunrise to try to beat the infernal heat.

 

[bumbershoot]

I personally have followed the Galloway training plans from rundisney for the Disney races, and will continue to do so. While I wasn't perfect at them, they got me prepared and I felt ended at the right time.

 

[SunDial]

Question for all of you previous TOT participants. What time did you board the bus at your resort to go to the start line? Can anyone tell me what the transportation is like from POFQ? The only experience I have is from PHM in 2013 from POR, we waited in line for a bus for 1 1/2 hours and had to run to our corral. It caused a bit of pre-race stress.

Also, what time should spectators catch a bus to be DHS when the after party opens?

TIA!

Sister and I stayed at POFQ for ToT last year. We headed over to HS about 7 to 730pm and bus was waiting for us to board. I think there was another one right behind it.

Going from POP this year.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm using a Hal Higdon 8 week training plan for my June 10k. I'm not sure how long you have until your 10k but here is the link to the Hal Higdon plans. http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51121/10K-Training-Guide The beginner plan that I'm using has three runs per week but the intermediate plan has 4 runs per week. I like that they also have cross training scheduled in the plan.

My 10K is on 6/1. I will take a look at this site. So far, after reading the responses, I might just run days days and keep riding my bike on Sunday. The bike works more of my upper legs where the running works my lower legs. I have been doing running Saturday and riding on Sunday for a couple weeks now. Seems to be working fine. Riding builds the endurance without the impact.

But, I will see what your site has to say.

 

[Waiting2goback]

At risk of sounding wishy-washy, maybe, maybe not. Some folks are fine running every day of the week, while others really need to limit it to 3 days. I think a lot depends on your overall fitness and injury history... for me, for instance, though I've been an athlete all of my life, I also have past injuries that created some lasting issues; I have to be careful not to over train. If you don't have a history to draw on, I'd suggest starting with 3 days and see how it goes - maybe add an extra day every 3rd week or every other week for a while. Just know that it's not necessary to run more than 3 days a week - lots of plans don't call for more than that!

I would be concerned about ending your training plan in August, though, A half-marathon plan is designed to get you to race day in optimum shape for the race. Finishing the training that far out could leave you under trained if you go back to reduced mileage until the race, or over trained if you keep hitting those long runs. Personally, I'd have your plan start to line up with race day.

I don't think you sound wishy washy. I know some people run every day. When I was rehabbing my shoulder after surgery I met a lady at the PT who ran everyday, at least 5 miles. She said she usually was around 9 miles a day, even in the winter. CRAZY!

When I made the plan I was more concerned about when I was starting, not realizing I should focus more on being in peak shape by October. But, I also figured I'd miss a workout here and there (I have to take a week off as the family is going to VA Beach for my daughter's dance competition in July). I would like to get one nice run in along the beach and ocean while I am there. Keeping the fingers crossed. So, I thought I'd use the month of September to make up for any I missed.

Right now I am most concerned about being ready for the 10K. I might just try to increase my distance by a 1/4 mile each time I run. If I run 3 days a week it will get me to 6 miles with a week to go before the 10K.

The other thing is, I am already ahead of my training plan. I was supposed to start at 3 miles and I am already up to 4.25.

As always I appreciate the help though.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't think you sound wishy washy. I know some people run every day. When I was rehabbing my shoulder after surgery I met a lady at the PT who ran everyday, at least 5 miles. She said she usually was around 9 miles a day, even in the winter. CRAZY!

That's how my brother was for years. Usually around 7 miles, every day. He used to take weekends off but then felt like he was hungover or something on Mondays. Didn't like that feeling. So went to every day.

Then he turned 40 and started falling apart.

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

Hey, coming down for the ToT and the Haunted 5K. Okay, did anyone else try and jump on the free dining offer????

The plan was to arrive on 10-3 which is in the window so my trip was eligible for the free dining. Tried yesterday morning at 9, it was just released to the public at 7, and none of the resorts had availability for free dining. I then called and got all servers are busy numerous time and finally got through and the Disney rep couldn't find any availability. So I had to change my dates and come in on the 2nd. Now I see that's all booked up. They must have really limited the spots open for the free dining. And the room discounts end on the 3rd. Boy they are pulling back. I think it's the same for the Wine & Dine. Ouch.

Anyway, there is a question here. I know that through the Tower of Terror signup you can get 3 day park tickets with hopper at 30% off. Of course, you can't use two deals, so I can't get the tickets through Run Disney and get the free dining.

Does anyone know a trick or way around this???

 

[ksloane]

Hey, coming down for the ToT and the Haunted 5K. Okay, did anyone else try and jump on the free dining offer????

The plan was to arrive on 10-3 which is in the window so my trip was eligible for the free dining. Tried yesterday morning at 9, it was just released to the public at 7, and none of the resorts had availability for free dining. I then called and got all servers are busy numerous time and finally got through and the Disney rep couldn't find any availability. So I had to change my dates and come in on the 2nd. Now I see that's all booked up. They must have really limited the spots open for the free dining. And the room discounts end on the 3rd. Boy they are pulling back. I think it's the same for the Wine & Dine. Ouch.

Anyway, there is a question here. I know that through the Tower of Terror signup you can get 3 day park tickets with hopper at 30% off. Of course, you can't use two deals, so I can't get the tickets through Run Disney and get the free dining.

Does anyone know a trick or way around this???

We are at Pop with free dining for Oct 3 - 6th.

There's not a way to get free dining unless you book a package and that has to include tickets.

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

How did you swing the 3rd? Visa card holder? I tried a couple hours after it was released yesterday and everything including POP was not available. I even called and she check all the value resorts and it showed none. That's why I had to move up to the 2nd. I'd rather come in on the 3rd for sure.

 

[ksloane]

How did you swing the 3rd? Visa card holder? I tried a couple hours after it was released yesterday and everything including POP was not available. I even called and she check all the value resorts and it showed none. That's why I had to move up to the 2nd. I'd rather come in on the 3rd for sure.

Nope. Didn't book until yesterday. I didn't do the calling though. I use a travel agent and let her deal with the wait times and such. We have 2 rooms at Pop starting on the 3rd.

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

Huh. I looked a little while ago and you can't even find it available now checking in on the 2nd, you have to move up to the first. I hate to go through it again but I would rather switch and come in on the 3rd. That way flying and expo is on same day and I could have another 2 full days for parks and one day for race instead of flying in one day, expo the next.

Do you know how MK works on the 3rd and 5th with the Halloween party taking place? I don't want to buy tickets for the party but on the 5th was going to be our MK day.

Thanks!!

 

[ksloane]

Huh. I looked a little while ago and you can't even find it available now checking in on the 2nd, you have to move up to the first. I hate to go through it again but I would rather switch and come in on the 3rd. That way flying and expo is on same day and I could have another 2 full days for parks and one day for race instead of flying in one day, expo the next.

Do you know how MK works on the 3rd and 5th with the Halloween party taking place? I don't want to buy tickets for the party but on the 5th was going to be our MK day.

Thanks!!

I'd keep checking. A lot of people hold rooms temporarily and then will decide they don't want them.

We're doing the party on the 5th I think, but the way it works if you aren't doing the party, is that at party time (7pm?) they stop letting anyone make purchases or ride rides that doesn't have a party ticket. They don't actually kick you out. They just don't let you eat, shop, or ride rides.

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

Ahh, that makes sense. I didn't think it would be possible to empty the park and return with all those people. But you get to stay, enjoy the parade, fireworks, okay. We'll probably end up purchasing tickets anyway.

As far as food, purchases, does everything need to be magic band or with a bracelet otherwise you could use cash. I'm sure they have this down pat though.

Have you attended the party before and if so, what's the highlights? This will be our first ToT.

I will definitely keep checking. If not, oh well, still going to WDW and running the ToT so it's all good.

 

[bellanotte10]

I'd keep checking. A lot of people hold rooms temporarily and then will decide they don't want them. We're doing the party on the 5th I think, but the way it works if you aren't doing the party, is that at party time (7pm?) they stop letting anyone make purchases or ride rides that doesn't have a party ticket. They don't actually kick you out. They just don't let you eat, shop, or ride rides.

Not entirely true. They kick you out if you don't have a bracelet. They watch for people and will escort you out if you see you don't have one.

ETA: there's a few really good threads over on tpas about what to check out and what it's all about! I recommend reading them. We'll be there for my third party on the 3rd.

 

[RunDisney Crazy]

Bummer. tpas??

 

[bellanotte10]

Bummer. tpas??

Theme parks attractions and strategies.