Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2014

[annmarieda]

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 don't do well either. I was just telling my partner for the DLH that I have a goal that is a good 1 to 2 minutes slower per mile than my "normal" pace. It is hot during August in CA so I am not sure how much that is going to zap my pace. Personally I do best when it is 30 degrees out... that is PERFECT running temp!

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.

Make sure to pack a change of clothes in your bag for the party. (either in what you have someone bring to you are your actual bag check) I let my core temp get too high in the first 2 miles last year and had to seriously resort to water dumping. Yet with the high humidity you are only cooled off briefly and then just left wet. VERY wet. I look at some of the pictures of me from last year and it is almost embarrassing how wet my skirt looks

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

We can all hope and pray.

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.....

I am going to try the same thing. I will personally have to not focus on my pace during the summer months. I know that it will totally look like I am doing worse rather than improving. I just dread it so much. I am sure you will see me whine quite a bit over the heat and how uncomfortable my run was.

 

[bumbershoot]

Make sure to pack a change of clothes in your bag for the party. (either in what you have someone bring to you are your actual bag check)

So far my post-race clothes involves a yoga dress (Prana brand, which go on serious sale at REI sometimes) and flipflops. And new underclothing. And bringing an extra hand-towel to dry off or get wet and rinse off with. I'm probably adding knee socks as well, because even with last year's TOT (and this year I'm not doing that, but the Wine&Dine) and how HOT it was, about 25 minutes after I stop walk/jogging I get COLD. Oh and a running jacket. Again, I get cold.

Oh yes you will have that excuse. Disney races are far too addicting.

I still haven't enjoyed myself at a Disney race, but I keep going back. TOT was a horrible, hot slog...WDW marathon weekend's 5K and Half I was sick as the proverbial dog and I was absolutely miserable. But I'm signed up for the Disneyland Half and then W&D. What is wrong with me?

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!

I have fairly extreme hydration needs, so now I use a hydration backpack. I also sweat a lot of salt, so I use a combo of Clif brand electrolyte powder mix, Clif margarita shotbloks, and Jelly Belly Sports Beans (thanks for that recommendation, Ann and Princess and anyone else who mentioned them a year ago!). I also carry "power fuel", I think it's called, which is basically a squishy pack of hazelnut butter and chocolate and salt. I've played with Stingers waffles, but they are too much like real food.

Basically the whole training time for me was spent doing food stuff, water stuff, and, oh, running stuff.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Well, a lot of nice responses. Once this thread gets moving it moves fast. I am not going to quote everyone because it will make it too long but I will just respond in general.

I know I won't be ALONE, at WDW. But, this time I will be single. Meaning, I won't have anyone to call to share my accomplishment with. My best friend doesn't "get" Disney so he already thinks I am crazy for going. He supports the exercise goals I have for myself, but thinks I am stupid for spending the money on Disney. I still live with the future ex, because I have been a stay-at-home dad for 5+ years and we are staying together until I get a job and can stand on my own financially. But, she has accused me of being obsessed with Disney and thinks I am crazy. (Meanwhile I had never been until she convinced me to go on our honeymoon. And, in the 16 years we have been married this will only be my 6th trip there. I know people WAY more obsessed than that).

My kids will be happy for me but they are too young to get how hard this is for me and how much work it will take to accomplish. So, I will literally be slapping myself on the back when I cross the line.

Having said that, I am not feeling bad for myself. Many people have it much worse. I live in MA and all the stories of the people injured in the marathon bombings last year are all over the place. I am know I am lucky.

The comments on the winter from the Maryland and Chicago responders. It has been AWFUL here this year too. I've been through some bad winters in MA. This was the coldest ever. And people seem to be sicker this year too. People getting the stomach bug multiple times, etc... It has been dreadful.

As far as people meeting up. I would love to meet up with some people for a dinner or something. This whole experience is about getting out of my shell. I am as introverted as they come. If I can arrange a meet-up it will be very uncomfortable for me but rewarding too.

I spent the last 20 years being too comfortable. I got fat and lazy both mentally and physically. Now, at 40 years old, I can see my life is just beginning because I am living for me, as opposed to trying to make her happy all the time.

Sorry for the rant. I will get this all figured out. In reality, the 10 miles of running through extreme heat and humidity is nothing and it will feel fantastic when I cross the finish line because not only did I accomplish the goal, but I will have done it on my own.

I just need to figure out the training, the nutrition/hydration issues, the clothes to wear, etc... This forum has been a great source of information for that.

Thanks guys, you have been very helpful and encouraging. I appreciate it more than you know.

 

[Waiting2goback]

One more comment. I am doing strength training. I have been doing P90X since December. I've also added in some bike riding and Insanity for extra cardio.

 

[Tinker326]

I have fairly extreme hydration needs, so now I use a hydration backpack. I also sweat a lot of salt, so I use a combo of Clif brand electrolyte powder mix, Clif margarita shotbloks, and Jelly Belly Sports Beans (thanks for that recommendation, Ann and Princess and anyone else who mentioned them a year ago!). I also carry "power fuel", I think it's called, which is basically a squishy pack of hazelnut butter and chocolate and salt. I've played with Stingers waffles, but they are too much like real food.

Basically the whole training time for me was spent doing food stuff, water stuff, and, oh, running stuff.

How do you know if you sweat a lot of salt?

I got pretty sick after Wine & Dine and actually thought It MIGHT have been because I drank TOO much of the power aide stuff and cliff shots?

But then I just read something today that if you drink too much water before hand you can flush out the electrolytes and I drank A TON the two days leading up to it. So could that be it?

I also tend to overheat my core temp very easy and get headaches easily after overheating. Could not enough salt be the cause of that? Anyone know?

I'm just trying to figure WHAT I should try to change up while training to prevent these issues while doing ToT and PHM.....

 

[annmarieda]

How do you know if you sweat a lot of salt?

I really hope someone else has better advice here. I think sweating you just lose salt. I guess... I mean I know I end up with a lot on my forehead and sometimes more than others. Do you have salt on you when you are done?

I got pretty sick after Wine & Dine and actually thought It MIGHT have been because I drank TOO much of the power aide stuff and cliff shots?

These are notorious for not agreeing with people. I would still think you not feeling well could be due to drinking/eating too much of them.

But then I just read something today that if you drink too much water before hand you can flush out the electrolytes and I drank A TON the two days leading up to it. So could that be it?

I was told the sign for that is in the knees. Your body if it has lost too much salt will draw it from the knees and cause pain in them at the caps.. Course, this was told to me by a coach at a running store that I don't go to any more.

I also tend to overheat my core temp very easy and get headaches easily after overheating. Could not enough salt be the cause of that? Anyone know?

I sure am curious about this. I too have such a hard time with overheating.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

All this stuff about losing electrolytes & nutrition make me excited to start the longer runs in the next couple of weeks to see how my body reacts (yes, I'm strange). The humidity is already starting to hit here so it should be good for training for me!

 

[Tinker326]

I really hope someone else has better advice here. I think sweating you just lose salt. I guess... I mean I know I end up with a lot on my forehead and sometimes more than others. Do you have salt on you when you are done?

I don't really, not that I've noticed in any extreme.......

These are notorious for not agreeing with people. I would still think you not feeling well could be due to drinking/eating too much of them.

I think I will stick to my gut on this which is that I had too much of it at Wine & Dine and not do more than one power-aide halfway through..... keep it to water instead!

I was told the sign for that is in the knees. Your body if it has lost too much salt will draw it from the knees and cause pain in them at the caps.. Course, this was told to me by a coach at a running store that I don't go to any more.

No knee pain. So probably OK with this.

I sure am curious about this. I too have such a hard time with overheating.

I think you mentioned before your perfect running temp is 30? Mine is not much higher. I am one happy girl right around 50! I really have to force myself out this summer to try to figure out what will work for ToT!

 

[annmarieda]

I think you mentioned before your perfect running temp is 30? Mine is not much higher. I am one happy girl right around 50! I really have to force myself out this summer to try to figure out what will work for ToT!

50 is good too! 50 means I run in a tank and skirt. (assuming it is sunny too and not raining) I just like something in the 30s because I know I will not get overheated. You will not be alone in having to force yourself out this summer. I really should have last year. I think it really hit me hard at the last ToT. I avoided running mid day...or really after the sun got too hot. I tried to get out before it was 70. I knew how hot it would be at the ToT... but when I had a water bottle malfunction and that was what I was relying on to keep my temp down... Yeah... it made for a very unpleasant run. This summer...I have to train for another hot half (the DLH) SO I HAVE TO get use to running in 80 degree weather. I can't believe I just typed that. I think just typing it I feel ill.

 

[Tinker326]

50 is good too! 50 means I run in a tank and skirt. (assuming it is sunny too and not raining) I just like something in the 30s because I know I will not get overheated. You will not be alone in having to force yourself out this summer. I really should have last year. I think it really hit me hard at the last ToT. I avoided running mid day...or really after the sun got too hot. I tried to get out before it was 70. I knew how hot it would be at the ToT... but when I had a water bottle malfunction and that was what I was relying on to keep my temp down... Yeah... it made for a very unpleasant run. This summer...I have to train for another hot half (the DLH) SO I HAVE TO get use to running in 80 degree weather. I can't believe I just typed that. I think just typing it I feel ill.

Hahahaha! I agree.

Just the thought of starting to run in higher temps raises my body temp AND gives me a heat-induced headache!!!

Maybe I could construct some sort of space outfit with built in airconditioning to run in?!? I was about to say 'run on solar power' but I remembered ToT is in the dark!!!

Better stick with plan A which is train in the heat!

 

[PrincessV]

How do you know if you sweat a lot of salt?

I think it's a lot of trial and error, TBH. I never realized how much I was losing in electrolytes in summer because it's SO hot and SO humid here that sweat doesn't evaporate - it just pours off of me like I'm in a shower. I'd hear form friends in southern CA that they'd do an extra-hot run and be "crusted" in salt afterward - I mean, white, chalky film on their clothes... I never experienced that. Well, it turns out there are other signs and they're a whole lot like heat exhaustion/stroke: sudden onset of tunnel vision, pounding headache, sort of waa-waa ringing in the ears, nausea, cramping... um, yeah - that stuff was happening on EVERY long run. I mentioned it to my doc at an annual physical and she asked about what I typically eat and drink, daily and while running, and concluded that I eat a very low-sodium diet - which would be great if I wasn't running for hours in brutal heat, lol! She told me to add salt into my diet - add a little to meals, eat some pretzels, don't buy low-sodium products - and make sure I'm drinking more electrolyte-rich fluids than plain water before, during and after runs. Know what? HUGE difference with the added sodium. I mean, summer running is still miserably hot, but gone are the scary symptoms.

Sorry that was long, but that's what I mean about rial and error - you may just need to play with it some and see what works for you.

All this stuff about losing electrolytes & nutrition make me excited to start the longer runs in the next couple of weeks to see how my body reacts (yes, I'm strange). The humidity is already starting to hit here so it should be good for training for me!

We Floridans are an odd breed! I totally get this. I know I'll be here complaining about the summer heat soon, but right now I'm ready to be done with cold fronts and just get to a steady daily temp of 85! By all means, remind me of my silly words come August.

 

[FFigawi]

How do you know if you sweat a lot of salt?

All sweat is salty. The problem comes when you don't take in enough salt to replace what is being removed. I find the easiest way to ensure I've got enough salt & other minerals in me is to take one tablet of Salt Stick every hour. Simple & easy.

Oh, and if when you're running you see white streaks running down your legs or feel salt crusting behind your ears, you're sweating a lot of salt and need to replenish it.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

We Floridans are an odd breed! I totally get this. I know I'll be here complaining about the summer heat soon, but right now I'm ready to be done with cold fronts and just get to a steady daily temp of 85! By all means, remind me of my silly words come August.

I think I've been a steady 80 to 90 since beginning of March for me but I'm a few hours south than you. I think we reached 55 once this winter.

 

[Tinker326]

I think it's a lot of trial and error, TBH. I never realized how much I was losing in electrolytes in summer because it's SO hot and SO humid here that sweat doesn't evaporate - it just pours off of me like I'm in a shower. I'd hear form friends in southern CA that they'd do an extra-hot run and be "crusted" in salt afterward - I mean, white, chalky film on their clothes... I never experienced that. Well, it turns out there are other signs and they're a whole lot like heat exhaustion/stroke: sudden onset of tunnel vision, pounding headache, sort of waa-waa ringing in the ears, nausea, cramping... um, yeah - that stuff was happening on EVERY long run. I mentioned it to my doc at an annual physical and she asked about what I typically eat and drink, daily and while running, and concluded that I eat a very low-sodium diet - which would be great if I wasn't running for hours in brutal heat, lol! She told me to add salt into my diet - add a little to meals, eat some pretzels, don't buy low-sodium products - and make sure I'm drinking more electrolyte-rich fluids than plain water before, during and after runs. Know what? HUGE difference with the added sodium. I mean, summer running is still miserably hot, but gone are the scary symptoms.

Sorry that was long, but that's what I mean about rial and error - you may just need to play with it some and see what works for you.

Great advice. Thank you so much!

So now you have me wondering if I have problems with salt OR with overheating (which is what I assumed since I overheat very easy).

Yup, def. need the summer to experiment with some new techniques!

All sweat is salty. The problem comes when you don't take in enough salt to replace what is being removed. I find the easiest way to ensure I've got enough salt & other minerals in me is to take one tablet of Salt Stick every hour. Simple & easy.

Oh, and if when you're running you see white streaks running down your legs or feel salt crusting behind your ears, you're sweating a lot of salt and need to replenish it.

Never heard of salt sticks. Thanks for the recommendation. I will look into that.

I don't ever have white streaks or feel salt. So I guess I can take that as a good sign?!?!

 

[Waiting2goback]

As far as the salt issue goes. I don't know if I lose more salt than anyone else. I do know I sweat A LOT when I work out in any temp above 30'. As someone mentioned a few posts ago, when I work out in the real heat its like I am taking a shower. But, if I wear a dark shirt, after it dries you can see all the white, most likely from the salt. And, when the sweat gets in my eyes it burns like crazy. I very rarely have any symptoms though, so I'm guessing I have plenty of salt in my diet.

As for the temps and PrincessV talking about cold fronts. It has been so cold up here in MA this winter (as have many places up north this year) that it hit the 50's last week, I had my shorts on and almost put the air conditioner on because it felt so warm. I mean it was in single digits with the wind chill on top of that for what felt like 3 straight months.

 

[PrincessV]

I think I've been a steady 80 to 90 since beginning of March for me but I'm a few hours south than you. I think we reached 55 once this winter.

It has been so cold up here in MA this winter (as have many places up north this year) that it hit the 50's last week, I had my shorts on and almost put the air conditioner on because it felt so warm.

It was 50-something here the other morning... I was in tights, a sweater and a jacket, with the car's heat on.

 

[SailorsWhyf]

Well, a lot of nice responses. Once this thread gets moving it moves fast. I am not going to quote everyone because it will make it too long but I will just respond in general. I know I won't be ALONE, at WDW. But, this time I will be single. Meaning, I won't have anyone to call to share my accomplishment with. My best friend doesn't "get" Disney so he already thinks I am crazy for going. He supports the exercise goals I have for myself, but thinks I am stupid for spending the money on Disney. I still live with the future ex, because I have been a stay-at-home dad for 5+ years and we are staying together until I get a job and can stand on my own financially. But, she has accused me of being obsessed with Disney and thinks I am crazy. (Meanwhile I had never been until she convinced me to go on our honeymoon. And, in the 16 years we have been married this will only be my 6th trip there. I know people WAY more obsessed than that). My kids will be happy for me but they are too young to get how hard this is for me and how much work it will take to accomplish. So, I will literally be slapping myself on the back when I cross the line. Having said that, I am not feeling bad for myself. Many people have it much worse. I live in MA and all the stories of the people injured in the marathon bombings last year are all over the place. I am know I am lucky. The comments on the winter from the Maryland and Chicago responders. It has been AWFUL here this year too. I've been through some bad winters in MA. This was the coldest ever. And people seem to be sicker this year too. People getting the stomach bug multiple times, etc... It has been dreadful. As far as people meeting up. I would love to meet up with some people for a dinner or something. This whole experience is about getting out of my shell. I am as introverted as they come. If I can arrange a meet-up it will be very uncomfortable for me but rewarding too. I spent the last 20 years being too comfortable. I got fat and lazy both mentally and physically. Now, at 40 years old, I can see my life is just beginning because I am living for me, as opposed to trying to make her happy all the time. Sorry for the rant. I will get this all figured out. In reality, the 10 miles of running through extreme heat and humidity is nothing and it will feel fantastic when I cross the finish line because not only did I accomplish the goal, but I will have done it on my own. I just need to figure out the training, the nutrition/hydration issues, the clothes to wear, etc... This forum has been a great source of information for that. Thanks guys, you have been very helpful and encouraging. I appreciate it more than you know.

You have a lot of things in this post that touched me.

My husband will be 40 this summer ... I'm a looking way behind him *cough,cough* . We really decided to get back into running in Dec. granted he has consistently run about 1-2 miles, neither if us are "runners". I've made it through C25K in the past but never felt confident enough to enter a 5K. The TOT is the first race we have ever signed up for!!! What?! Lol.

Since signing up we have done one 5K and one 10K. I think if we hadn't signed up for those it would be super easy to wait until the summer to start training so I'm forcing myself to get in shape sooner so I'm stronger for the hot runs (we are in North Florida).

Anyways .... He's a Disney person too, he "gets it". Like he's become obsessed with thinking up costumes and planning them. We won't even mention his Disney pin trading habit

You're not alone! and I'm sure we could figure out a meet up while you're down here!

 

[Waiting2goback]

You have a lot of things in this post that touched me.

My husband will be 40 this summer ... I'm a looking way behind him *cough,cough* . We really decided to get back into running in Dec. granted he has consistently run about 1-2 miles, neither if us are "runners". I've made it through C25K in the past but never felt confident enough to enter a 5K. The TOT is the first race we have ever signed up for!!! What?! Lol.

Since signing up we have done one 5K and one 10K. I think if we hadn't signed up for those it would be super easy to wait until the summer to start training so I'm forcing myself to get in shape sooner so I'm stronger for the hot runs (we are in North Florida).

Anyways .... He's a Disney person too, he "gets it". Like he's become obsessed with thinking up costumes and planning them. We won't even mention his Disney pin trading habit

You're not alone! and I'm sure we could figure out a meet up while you're down here!

Thank you. The fact that you were touched was very nice to say. That would be great to meet up if we can make it happen.

And, I came on here to say I did my first outdoor run finally. It was still cold, in the 40's today. But, it has been my recovery week for P90X this week so it was a good week to try.

It was very different than expected. It felt like it hurt my knees much more than running on the treadmill. I tried staying on the side of the road in the dirt, grass, and pine needles and stuff as much as possible. Running DOWN hill was much harder than expected. It ia hard to keep your pace where you can still breath while running down the bigger hills. So, I am sure I have some technique to learn.

Now the positives. My pace was much faster than the treadmill but it didn't seem as hard. On the treadmill it was a struggle to do the 10.5 mile/min pace. My first three miles I did under 9 min/mile and I was trying to slow down and take it easy but each time my APP updated me my pace still stayed pretty fast. Since I was pretty comfortable I didn't stress about it much. It was much more enjoyable running outside with the scenery. I did just over 4 miles this time, probably because I couldn't just get off the treadmill, I had to make it back home.

But, my lower legs are so sore now. I right leg was numb for the last mile. This, and the big hill I went down at the beginning, slowed my pace by the time I got home.

I was debating doing a 10K to try and move up my corral but I can't find the website I used before that lists the certified races. The only reason I care about the corral is because I will start sooner, which means I will finish sooner and start the after party sooner. Not sure how much I care about that though.

What site does everyone use to find their races?

 

[FFigawi]

I was debating doing a 10K to try and move up my corral but I can't find the website I used before that lists the certified races. The only reason I care about the corral is because I will start sooner, which means I will finish sooner and start the after party sooner. Not sure how much I care about that though. What site does everyone use to find their races?

Active.com has pretty decent listings of local races. Most local running clubs will have a list of upcoming events too.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

http://www.runningintheusa.com has a pretty good list that can be narrowed down well (annmarieda had told me about it)

& for Floridians:
www.runflorida.com has a good list as well.