Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

[cewait]

I am back and I have a few questions, again:

1. I subscribed to this thread to receive an email as soon as a post was made. I only got an email after my initial post was made, none since. What am I doing wrong?

I finally got the go-ahead to do the race. I am beyond excited, but nervous too. I am new to running. I have never done distance running before. My exercise was always via soccer, basketball, or sports like that. I am not built to be a runner. So, while I got the OK to register, I am a bit nervous. I am doing it all as a way to challenge myself. So, when I get my wallet out of the car tomorrow I am going to take the plunge and then wait for some warm weather up here in MA so I can start the training.

2. Since I am new to running I don't know anything about timed races. I know if I go to this race with no timed race results I will be in the last coral. Question is, does that matter? Is it really bad to be last? If I want to run a race does it have to be a 10K? I saw someone posted a similar question earlier but I didn't see an answer. Am I better off emailing runDisney to get the answer?

3. I am going by myself. Do people ever get together down there for dinner or anything? My last 2 trips to Disney I went by myself. I am not opposed to do it alone, just thought if people did meet up it might be nice to meet some new people who don't think it's odd I love Disney so much.

First, most everyone is built to be a runner. Some are gazelles and others not so gazelle-like. It's all about managing your personal pace and building aerobic endurance.

Why wait for warm weather? Get out and take a walk and get kicked off today...

With regard to submitting a time and offering proof, enter a 2:00 expected finish time. It requires no proof of time and may keep you out of the very last corral. In the interim, if you find that you are running faster than a 12 minute pace, then enter a local 10k before the cut off date and submit that as a proof of better time. It is a great idea to run a local race or two just to get a feel for how events operate and how you react to the excitement of starting a race. Most folks hear the gun and bolt out way too hard in the first few races. Better doing that at a local non-goal race.

 

[ksloane]

I am back and I have a few questions, again:

1. I subscribed to this thread to receive an email as soon as a post was made. I only got an email after my initial post was made, none since. What am I doing wrong?

You will only get an update or two until you login again and click around either in this thread or anywhere on the boards.

 

[StayCool]

Ok, I called and changed my resort to POR - Royal room. I was at Coronado but decided I didn't want to deal with the whole cab situation. It's our first time at Disney anyway, so I'm sure it will be great. My husband is excited about the Mansions! lol Now I've just got to kick this running thing in gear! I will not be swept. I will not be swept. I will NOT be swept!

 

[AThrillingChase]

And 2. If you are at all worried about keeping ahead of the sweepers (who keep the 16 minute mile pace) if you are all the ay in the back you have less of a buffer between them and you.

Ok, I called and changed my resort to POR - Royal room. I was at Coronado but decided I didn't want to deal with the whole cab situation. It's our first time at Disney anyway, so I'm sure it will be great. My husband is excited about the Mansions! lol Now I've just got to kick this running thing in gear! I will not be swept. I will not be swept. I will NOT be swept!

I am actually curious if anyone has any thoughts on the sweeping...I do not have a proof of time, so I put in 2 hours and realize I will be pushed to the back. But what if I am stuck in the back and I want to stop and take a photo with a character? The lines will definitely not be short the further back you are...

 

[JamieLM]

Not sure on this. If you did not visit when you got that email, it could account for it. (since you visiting triggers another email when new posts are made) Congrats! I never was athletic in any way shape form. I never "ran" other than in middle school when we were forced to run 2 miles. (and I walked that). Then a couple years ago I started (at age 42). I was am not built for running either. ToT was my first Disney race in 2012. I figure if I can do it and keep with it... anyone can. If you have no POT, then yes you will be placed in one of the back corrals. It only matters for a couple of reasons. 1. If you get to a point where you are a faster runner than those in those corrals you will have a hard time because you will have to dodge them. And 2. If you are at all worried about keeping ahead of the sweepers (who keep the 16 minute mile pace) if you are all the ay in the back you have less of a buffer between them and you. To submit a POT, yes... it has to be from a 10k or greater. I know wording for the marathon weekend was such that it also had to be from a USATAF certified race. While I haven't participated in a meet up... I read about them often enough. I think between this thread and facebook groups, you should be able to find some like minded people.

I spoke with RunDisney last Friday in regards to POT and they said that the 10k course to submit does not have to be certified, as USATAF, but has to be an accurately measured timed course. She told me that as long as the course it accurately measured, it is ok to use the time from the 10k. Just wanted to pass this info on to all.

 

[Tinker326]

I am actually curious if anyone has any thoughts on the sweeping...I do not have a proof of time, so I put in 2 hours and realize I will be pushed to the back. But what if I am stuck in the back and I want to stop and take a photo with a character? The lines will definitely not be short the further back you are...

This is a downfall of being in the back corral. You must stay ahead of the balloon ladies. There is a van behind them & they will sweep you if you fall behind.

My cousin was in this position for the Wine & Dine and would have to sprint ahead to get a bit ahead of the sweepers...she was not able to stop for any character stops.

If you can, it's worth it to get a 10K race in there to move up to build that cushion- especially if you want the character stops...

 

[StayCool]

Any suggestions on finding a 10k race? I've looked at active.com for anything fairly close to me but it seems that they are 5k or halfs. I don't think I'm going to be running a half before July 1st!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Any suggestions on finding a 10k race? I've looked at active.com for anything fairly close to me but it seems that they are 5k or halfs. I don't think I'm going to be running a half before July 1st!

Check out your local running clubs.
I ran a 10k this past December put on by a local running club (I live in Northern VA). It was nothing fancy--no T shirts, no medals, etc. but the entrance fee was SUPER cheap (I think $8?) and it was a certified course, so I'm using it as my proof of time for ToT (and other future races, unless I manage to do better)!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Also, at least around me, it seems a lot of churches, schools, etc. put on 10ks as fundraisers. I would just spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. that you are looking for a 10k to run. Maybe some of them belong to an organization that will be hosting a 10k. If you are on facebook, post it as your status so everyone sees.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Where in NYS are you?

http://runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Upcoming&Special=10K&State=NY&Page=1

 

[cewait]

Any suggestions on finding a 10k race? I've looked at active.com for anything fairly close to me but it seems that they are 5k or halfs. I don't think I'm going to be running a half before July 1st!

This is one of the better databases

www.runningintheusa.com/

 

[StayCool]

I live near Binghamton, NY which is about 30 minutes from PA. I'm not even ready to run a 5k yet, so I need something that isn't before the end of May, beginning of June. I will keep looking but thanks for your help! And if you happen to see anything, let me know.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I live near Binghamton, NY which is about 30 minutes from PA. I'm not even ready to run a 5k yet, so I need something that isn't before the end of May, beginning of June. I will keep looking but thanks for your help! And if you happen to see anything, let me know.

http://www.clasiladies.com/delhi-covered-bridge-run.html
It looks like this is about an hour from you, depending on which side of Binghamton you live on...

Looks like a beautiful route

 

[StayCool]

http://www.clasiladies.com/delhi-covered-bridge-run.html
It looks like this is about an hour from you, depending on which side of Binghamton you live on...

Looks like a beautiful route

Perfect!!! Thank you sooo much! I'm really anxious about being swept so anything that can move me up will be great.

 

[JillyBean1899]

This is one of the better databases

www.runningintheusa.com/

Well fudgeballs ... the only 10K in Bay County, FL will be on April 12 ... when I'm down at WDW for my college's trip. Guess I'm gonna be stuck in the last corral unless something else pops up on there that I can get in before the July 1 deadline

 

[charmed1212]

Well fudgeballs ... the only 10K in Bay County, FL will be on April 12 ... when I'm down at WDW for my college's trip. Guess I'm gonna be stuck in the last corral unless something else pops up on there that I can get in before the July 1 deadline

We love near the same area. I am in okaloosa county. I will keep on the lookout to see if something comes up. I am on the hunt too.

 

[Waiting2goback]

First, most everyone is built to be a runner. Some are gazelles and others not so gazelle-like. It's all about managing your personal pace and building aerobic endurance.

Why wait for warm weather? Get out and take a walk and get kicked off today...

With regard to submitting a time and offering proof, enter a 2:00 expected finish time. It requires no proof of time and may keep you out of the very last corral. In the interim, if you find that you are running faster than a 12 minute pace, then enter a local 10k before the cut off date and submit that as a proof of better time. It is a great idea to run a local race or two just to get a feel for how events operate and how you react to the excitement of starting a race. Most folks hear the gun and bolt out way too hard in the first few races. Better doing that at a local non-goal race.

You're right. I know we are all designed to run. I am pretty athletic. I KNOW I can do this. It is just one of many of my new challenges I am giving myself. I took a ride in my car to measure a modified route I ride my bike on. It was 11 miles. It was overwhelming. BUT, I will do it because I set my mind to do it and I can't give up.

I should have been more clear in my post. I have been exercising. I have been doing P90X and Insanity (not sure if you have seen the infomercials or not) for 2 months now. I also run on the treadmill once a week when I bring my daughter to gymnastics. They have a small gym for the parents to use while the kids are in class. I am up to about 3.5 miles in 40 minutes. I just meant I am not going outside to run, just yet. We have been below 20' for what feels like 2 months now and in some cases single digits + windchill. Way too cold to start running outside for me.

Thanks for the info. I have started looking for a 10K I can do.

 

[TammyNC]

A friend and myself have signed up for the TOT and are very excited. We will be walking this one. I did the WDW 1/2 in 2006 and 2007 but haven't done any since then.

 

[faneuil]

3. I am going by myself. Do people ever get together down there for dinner or anything? My last 2 trips to Disney I went by myself. I am not opposed to do it alone, just thought if people did meet up it might be nice to meet some new people who don't think it's odd I love Disney so much.

I'm doing this by myself too, and will most likely be towards the back, since this is my first race over a 5K. (My first 5K is Everest in May).
I decided last fall that I needed to get in shape, and I picked running.

Every week I'm shaving time off my mile. It feels great. I'm at 13:05 now, and want to get under 12 by October, which now seems absolutely possible. I figure if I can get a buffer between me and the balloon women, I'll be able to slow it down the 2nd half.

I have been thinking about buying a cheap point and shoot camera, since I don't want to carry my phone. (I'd rather drop and break a $100 camera than my phone). Any suggestions on that? I want to get it soon, so I can practice running while holding something.

Also, I live local. Is it worse to park at WWoS and use the shuttle than it is to stay at a host resort? I'm not opposed to booking a night's stay, but if I can save the money, I'd prefer.

 

[cewait]

I'm doing this by myself too, and will most likely be towards the back, since this is my first race over a 5K. (My first 5K is Everest in May).
I decided last fall that I needed to get in shape, and I picked running.

Every week I'm shaving time off my mile. It feels great. I'm at 13:05 now, and want to get under 12 by October, which now seems absolutely possible. I figure if I can get a buffer between me and the balloon women, I'll be able to slow it down the 2nd half.

I have been thinking about buying a cheap point and shoot camera, since I don't want to carry my phone. (I'd rather drop and break a $100 camera than my phone). Any suggestions on that? I want to get it soon, so I can practice running while holding something.

Also, I live local. Is it worse to park at WWoS and use the shuttle than it is to stay at a host resort? I'm not opposed to booking a night's stay, but if I can save the money, I'd prefer.

Congrats on you improvements....

Here is a link for an analysis of the marketplace for moisture proof point and shoots
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora...iews/tough-and-rugged-point-and-shoot-cameras

B&H is not going to be critical on any of these but its a starting point. I have a decade old Olympus that I used for a good long while. I loved the fact that I did not need to be careful (within a limit). It will not have an issue on race night. Mine has even been snorkeling a few times.

I moved local in early 2013. I was planning on parking at an Epcot resort and walk over but the lots were slammed. As I remember the turn lanes had multiple light waits and the traffic back out looked bad as well. It's a terrible weekend anyway for those lots given the F&W fest loads.

I parked in the WWoS lot. I arrived a little early to have time to have a snack and get ready. I found no issue at all with the lot. For most official resorts you are going to have to bus regardless so you really do not same anything by parking elsewhere. Really the worst part of parking WWoS was that I could see my car as we ran by. It was so tempting.