Who has marathon spectator tips?

[sk8ingmom]

I'm sure some of this is covered in DH's race program...you know, the one we still don't have yet...but I'm obsessive, so not knowing is killing me!

DH is running. I would like to at least attempt to see him in one if not several places. So here is my questions for seasoned spectators - where should I try to be? Am I correct in assuming that I will be able to get into the parks before they are 'officially' open that morning?

I signed up to get his updates on my cell phone, but the updates seem to be in K and the map is in miles - am I really going to have to do math? (I'm joking about that one-I'll figure it out ahead of time if I have to.)

Anyway, I'll be the crazy lady screaming for all the WISHers!
TIA

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Do you have a car? If so, we have a plan where you can see your runner at 3 different times on the marathon course with very little running around for you. This plan works both for the full and half marathon and we've used it for the both over the past 2 years.

If you have a car, drive to the Epcot parking lot before the roads close, you should be pulling into the parking lot around 5:15. Take the monorail (which is running) to the TTC, get off there, walk to the bottom of the ramp and veer to the left. You will be down by the dog kennel, this is mile 8-9 depending on where you stand, if you stop right in front of where you'll come out, it's mile 9, if you walk down to the right, that's mile 8. After your husband passes, walk across the TTC to the Poly walkway, through the Poly (Capt. Cookes makes a nice coffee stop), out the front doors and across the parking lot and street, you will be on Floridian Way, which is about mile 12, again depending on where you stand. If you go to the right (closer to the Grand Floridian or Shades of Green), you'll be closer to mile 11, go to the left and you'll be closer to mile 13. Once your husband passes you then, walk back to the Poly, take the monorail to Epcot, get off and walk to the right and this is the finish line for the marathon. When your husband crosses the finish line dance3: ), meet him at the family tents (the Wish team meets at the W tent) and when you are ready to leave, your car is parked at Epcot, ready to take you all back to the resort for ice baths and naps.

Hope this helps!!!

Krista

 

[cewait]

In addition My DW does pretty much what Krista suggests but comes by Marathon bus to Epcot. Depending on how fast your DH is you may be able to grab a little later bus and still be there on time. My DW usually grabs a bus around 6:00 to see me at TTC around 7:30. She sometimes will come to AK entrance to meet me at Mile 17; but traffic can be a bear and she does not always make it.

You can get into the MK Main Street without a pass. You will be issued a wrist band at the gate as you enter. If you do this, the better place to go is the far end of main as it is a little less crowded there. Note that you may not be able to see him other than on Main if you choose this as the monorail system tends to be at capacity during these two hours.

MK is the ONLY park you will get into without a pass on race day. You can usually find your runner at the front gate of AK and Studios as they exit. The finish line comes out of Epcot at the cast member exit on the left of the entrance near the kennel. You can usually see your runner there if the grandstands are crowded. Note if you want to take a near photo this is the place. You will not be close enough to the finish line to get a good photo.

I have an excel spreadsheet I give Mary with my expected times at certain landmarks.

Here is a link to Robert’s page and my sheet

http://disneyrunning.com/08goofytimingcw.xls

Other things for you to do.

• Bring a cow bell or other noise devce.
• Yeall for all runners as they pass; not just the WISH runners.
• Know what your DH is wearing…both shirt and possible outerwear if cold.
• Make friends with those in the immediate area as they will help you look for him (Usually)
• Decide where you two will attempt to meet. Obviously he will not stop if he doesn’t find you, but if you know his pace you should have a good idea when he will be at that place. Do stack around a little longer than his ideal pace would get him there. He may have had an issue creating a little longer segment.
• Let him know what you are wearing. Make it bright.
• Be his Sherpa. Ask if there is anything he wants you to have available. My DW has an extra pair of socks, a few gels and a bottle of PowerAde just in case I need/want something. She also carries a medium Disney shopping bag for my wet things I want to keep but no longer need during the race like head band, gloves, etc. - the shopping bag takes some of the yuck factor out.

 

[sk8ingmom]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm going to sit on DH tonight to have him help me fill out the spreadsheet.

We are staying at SOG, so I think I can skip the "Drive to EPCOT" part of the plan & we can all just monorail back to the Poly after DH collects his Mickey.

So, is it too cheesie for us non-runners to wear our WISH shirts? It's all I can do to make it through the 4-mile leg of a tri. I'll never run a marathon!

 

[Cruella de mom]

I say wear your WISH shirt and wear it with pride. After all, WISH is about staying healthy not just running. Plus it will make it easier for dh to find you!

Cecilia

 

[escape]

So, is it too cheesie for us non-runners to wear our WISH shirts? It's all I can do to make it through the 4-mile leg of a tri. I'll never run a marathon!

Yeah, that's what I used to say.

 

[jeanneg]

Susie is right. I'm old and fat and I'm doing the Mickey this year. You never know what you are capable of until you try.

 

[DisneyMama629]

How exactly do you fill in the spreadsheet? I'm a little confused. My pace is 12 minute miles. TIA!