Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread-Part 2

[jmasgat]

Cheesy question. Has this group ever done anything to identify each other on race day like a colored shoe string or mark on the arm? I think it would be kind of cool to cheer each other on!

I've got about a dozen WISH temporary tattoos that I plan to bring to the POP meet. Would look great on an arm or cheek (facial )

Maura

 

[jmasgat]

I've always wondered about this...where do people change when they bring a change of clothes?

I have used to porta potties beyond bag check to change into post-race clothes.

Maura

 

[Ariel484]

...[snip]...Also, I recall reading that the Pace Team also uses balloons, what kind are they and where are they located?...[snip]...

Are there any other balloons anywhere?

My running buddy (BFF) has a severe latex allergy, and balloons have the potential to cause a major issue for her. Since we can't get the world to stop using balloons (lol) the best we can do is be informed and keep as much distance between her and the 'orbs of death' as possible. I promised her some time ago I would find out about this and now I am... lol.

We will be running towards the back half of E or front half of F (we were placed in different corrals despite submitting identical times, so we will find out at the expo whether I can move up or she can move back) and do not anticipate a true concern with getting picked up, barring an injury or something similar.

Here's a picture of a pacer:

The pacers hold up a pole with the time they are pacing (in this case it was the 5:30 pacer during the marathon) and the balloons...so you should be able to see them from a decent distance. Not sure about the "balloon ladies." The only other balloons I recall seeing on the course were helium-filled (i.e. a giant one shaped like Spaceship Earth). Hopefully your friend won't have any issues!

 

[FFigawi]

Cheesy question. Has this group ever done anything to identify each other on race day like a colored shoe string or mark on the arm? I think it would be kind of cool to cheer each other on!

I think those of us that have them will be wearing a WISH shirt on one or both days. Look for really bright lime green. I'll have mine on with a black sparkle skirt on Sunday.

 

[cewait]

Here's a picture of a pacer:



The pacers hold up a pole with the time they are pacing (in this case it was the 5:30 pacer during the marathon) and the balloons...so you should be able to see them from a decent distance. Not sure about the "balloon ladies." The only other balloons I recall seeing on the course were helium-filled (i.e. a giant one shaped like Spaceship Earth). Hopefully your friend won't have any issues!

Helium or hot air?

BTW - I like the photo. The guy just in front of the pacer looks just like my office neighbor. Though, it can't be him as he thinks Disney is 'silly'. Then the guy behind her is looking at you with a "why are you wasting energy?' look.

This must be mile 6-7 on the old marathon course

 

[Ariel484]

Helium or hot air?

BTW - I like the photo. The guy just in front of the pacer looks just like my office neighbor. Though, it can't be him as he thinks Disney is 'silly'. Then the guy behind her is looking at you with a "why are you wasting energy?' look.

This must be mile 6-7 on the old marathon course

ER...hot air. I swear, I am totally useless this week. I blame it on taper + knowing the trip is so close...yeah, we'll go with that.

Too bad I couldn't have held the camera still a little better. The weird thing is I was standing in a character line (Professor Ludwig Von Drake), so I can't even use "I was running" as an excuse for such a blurry photo...

Good call, it's right before mile marker 7 on the 2012 course.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Nothing's cheesier than what I'll be wearing, at least for the half!

-bright yellow Reverse Flash T-shirt (over run shirt) (a comic book character--easy to Google image if you're curious)
-red shorts
-lime green knee-high socks
-blue propeller beanie hat
-(for the last mile or so) a red cape

I'm going much more conservative for the full. I'll be wearing a T-shirt over my run shirt that says "Cool Daddy Alexa Approved" with a picture of my kiddo on it.

If you see me, come say hello! I'd love to put faces with names!

Dave

If my DH is nearby, he'll probably say something. He's a HUGE comic book reader.


As for the bag check, I think I'll check a bag this year. Since Disney has been in the habit of giving out glorified garbage bags as race bags, I'll probably stick my stuff in one of my better race bags and then close it up in the Disney bag with my bib number attached to both bags (draw the zip tie through the loops of both bags, just in case). I'm thinking of something really good to have in the bag that I will definitely want to eat after running 26 miles. Sea salt caramels from KK perhaps? A pair of my soft Crocs (the ones with the furry lining, so cozy), a dry tee, undies and shorts and probably a hoodie. I know it doesn't make sense to change since I'm going straight back to my hotel, but riding on the bus with sweaty undies at the PHM 1/2 last year felt disgusting.

 

[dislvr74]

Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster here...

Do any of you know when buses from TTC to AK will begin running? AK opens at 9:00 on the 13th and all I can find on the Disney site is that buses begin running 60-90 minutes before park opening. I think my family can catch me leaving AK (I'm slow) if they can get on a bus before 8:00. I estimating at least an hour to get from TTC to AK by bus. Is that too optimistic?

Any suggestions for getting from AK to DHS? I was thinking they could take a bus from AK to Dolphin or Boardwalk and then walk to DHS (again, I'm slow and they will have a lot of travel time), but it occurred to me that the path might be totally closed.

This thread has been so helpful and I appreciate all the great advice!

 

[CarrieR]

Ariel, thanks!!! That actually helps immensely. One small stick shouldn't be too bad, as long as nothing pops near her. We've attended events with huge balloon arches - that gets concerning re what could be aerated downwind.

Costume-wise, I am working on sewing something Minnie-esque. BFF is going for Belle. I have a heap of fabric on the kitchen table, now if only my sewing machine would cooperate!

 

[angieruns]

Question: Will there be a bus from Epcot to the Expo during the Half Marathon? The kids are going to be running the kid runs and was wondering if there will be a bus.

TIA!

 

[Diskidatheart]

I probably won't be doing any running between now and the Half. I injured my Soleus on my 12 mile run this past Sunday and have been trying to heal. My doctor is doing stim treatment. He said the cause was due to my ankle so he's trying to work on that as well. 2 more appts this week and if all goes well, I might try a couple of 2-3 mile easy runs. Since I'm not running, I'm riding the exercise bike at they gym to continue some cardio work. I guess it could be worse, the injury could have occurred this weekend instead of last and left me almost no time to heal. I'm hoping that the past 4 months of training were enough to get me through this. No matter what, I'll be running the race and crossing the finish line...even if I have to crawl across it.

 

[rocio]

A little pre-race humor
http://www.theonion.com/video/scien...g&utm_campaign=standard-post:headline:default

 

[Ariel484]

Ariel, thanks!!! That actually helps immensely. One small stick shouldn't be too bad, as long as nothing pops near her. We've attended events with huge balloon arches - that gets concerning re what could be aerated downwind.

Costume-wise, I am working on sewing something Minnie-esque. BFF is going for Belle. I have a heap of fabric on the kitchen table, now if only my sewing machine would cooperate!

ACK, you said balloon arches and I just remembered that there MAY be one of those along the course...I can't remember where though, so keep an eye out. They definitely had one at the Princess Half in the past.

 

[Bephus]

Coach- I am trying to figure out a plan for my family to cheer me on during the full. Do you think this is doable?
My group is DH, DS(6), DD(4), and my parents (56 and 58). We are staying at BCV/Swan and are driving. I am taking the bus to the start. I am starting in corral A and am aiming for between 9:00 and 9:30 mm depending on weather.

Plan A: Drive to AK parking lot, arrive around 7:00 and get to entrance to cheer until I arrive around 7:30-7:45. Then head back to resort and walk to DHS. Enter park at open (9:00?) and cheer runners/ride attractions until I arrive (I haven't figured that time.)

I think this will be very easy for them to do, so my actual question is:
plan B: do you think they could slip over to mile 20 in between? Is WWoS going to be crazy? I was thinking they could maybe do AK, drive to WWoS, back to resort and cheer from BC if they can't get to DHS. Thoughts? Am I asking too much? Lol

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[Ariel484]

Question: Will there be a bus from Epcot to the Expo during the Half Marathon? The kids are going to be running the kid runs and was wondering if there will be a bus.

TIA!

I could be wrong but I am pretty sure that Expo buses only run to/from the resorts... Anyone else know?

 

[cewait]

Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster here...

Do any of you know when buses from TTC to AK will begin running? AK opens at 9:00 on the 13th and all I can find on the Disney site is that buses begin running 60-90 minutes before park opening. I think my family can catch me leaving AK (I'm slow) if they can get on a bus before 8:00. I estimating at least an hour to get from TTC to AK by bus. Is that too optimistic?

Any suggestions for getting from AK to DHS? I was thinking they could take a bus from AK to Dolphin or Boardwalk and then walk to DHS (again, I'm slow and they will have a lot of travel time), but it occurred to me that the path might be totally closed.

This thread has been so helpful and I appreciate all the great advice!

I would anticipate that the buses will start at about 0800, or maybe just a little later. The issue is that the bus area of TTC is also the course with water stop. I would expect the last runner to clear the TTC around 7:30. Also, it will take longer than normal for the trip as buses will not be able to take World Dr south. I would expect that once they do catch a bus they will be at AK within an hour.

I would suggest NOT going into the park, rather, camping out near the bus stop. The park is confusing with lots of bends and pathways narrow.

From AK, I think heading to the Epcot resorts area is a great idea. I would stay on the bus until the BW stop. That puts them on the side where they do not need to cross the course. You are correct in your assumption; the sidewalk to DHS is closed to all but the race. I would suggest either watching at the end ot the Boardwalk or heading into Epcot and watching from the point where you enter World Showcase (Great Britain). After you pass GB, they can walk the non course line to the front, exit the park and wait for you in the family reunion area.

Question: Will there be a bus from Epcot to the Expo during the Half Marathon? The kids are going to be running the kid runs and was wondering if there will be a bus.

TIA!

I always get this wrong and am sure to be corrected if I did again. I think one must transfer at a resort then take a marathon bus to WWoS. Depending on the time, you could hail a cab to speed things up if needed.

 

[Princess Steph]

Hi Princess Steph! We are with Run For Our Sons too! I'm sure you got good advice from Coach's information. Last year the monorails ran really slow and were backed up quite a bit so we weren't able to do both the Polynesian and the finish line for the 1/2. Our crew ran just too fast. Usually it works out well for the full. This year I'm walking the 1/2 with some friends in our group.
The monorail has worked well with our group in the past, driving is a headache. You may already be aware, but there is roped off HA areas for spectators at the finish. Have fun!!!!

Thanks Minniebeth! The better strategy might be to watch at the TTC and then the finish. Maybe I will see you at the PPMD finishers tent. I will be with Team Z-Man (Zack!)

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

A little pre-race humor
http://www.theonion.com/video/scien...g&utm_campaign=standard-post:headline:default

I would have liked the robot more if he looked like this...

LOL

 

[cewait]

Coach- I am trying to figure out a plan for my family to cheer me on during the full. Do you think this is doable?
My group is DH, DS(6), DD(4), and my parents (56 and 58). We are staying at BCV/Swan and are driving. I am taking the bus to the start. I am starting in corral A and am aiming for between 9:00 and 9:30 mm depending on weather.

Plan A: Drive to AK parking lot, arrive around 7:00 and get to entrance to cheer until I arrive around 7:30-7:45. Then head back to resort and walk to DHS. Enter park at open (9:00?) and cheer runners/ride attractions until I arrive (I haven't figured that time.)

I think this will be very easy for them to do, so my actual question is:
plan B: do you think they could slip over to mile 20 in between? Is WWoS going to be crazy? I was thinking they could maybe do AK, drive to WWoS, back to resort and cheer from BC if they can't get to DHS. Thoughts? Am I asking too much? Lol

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Geez you parents are old Sorry, as a 54 yo, I would not resist.

Issues--- Plan A – they will need to take the water taxi. Add to their commute time.

Plan B… If they are driving, yes, maybe. If they are flexible and kind of understand the property layout it would be very helpful. This issue is that the trip back out of AK will have a slight back up as they hit Buena Vista (the AllStar exit). They must exit there and then follow Buena Vista to Victory (CBR Corner). When they hit Osceola again, they will be forced over to the outbound or north bound lanes of Victory as they make the last little section into WWoS. With an A corral start, neither of these should be an issue, but if one or the other create a large back up, then they should back up and default back to Plan A. Oh, leaving WWoS may be difficult as well – but you are in front of the heavy impact times.

I do think traffic in and out of WWoS will be crazy, but not as bad for as it will be for the 12-14 minute pacers. If they can swing it, it looks like the Champion Stadium will be open. It will make a great photo op as you come into the stadium from the outfield and loop the warning track. I do think that WW0S takes DHS out of the equation from a commute standpoint as I think about it. I would head to BC or even into the Epcot; camping out at Great Britain.

Final thoughts on DHS -- I like the idea of cheering from the resorts over DHS. If they want DHS, I would suggest hanging out in front of the park so they can see you coming out and the Cast Member gate. If BC is the place, stake out a spot nearer the hill or even in the park at Great Britain.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bephus]

Geez you parents are old Sorry, as a 54 yo, I would not resist.

Issues--- Plan A – they will need to take the water taxi. Add to their commute time.

Plan B… If they are driving, yes, maybe. If they are flexible and kind of understand the property layout it would be very helpful. This issue is that the trip back out of AK will have a slight back up as they hit Buena Vista (the AllStar exit). They must exit there and then follow Buena Vista to Victory (CBR Corner). When they hit Osceola again, they will be forced over to the outbound or north bound lanes of Victory as they make the last little section into WWoS. With an A corral start, neither of these should be an issue, but if one or the other create a large back up, then they should back up and default back to Plan A. Oh, leaving WWoS may be difficult as well – but you are in front of the heavy impact times.

I do think traffic in and out of WWoS will be crazy, but not as bad for as it will be for the 12-14 minute pacers. If they can swing it, it looks like the Champion Stadium will be open. It will make a great photo op as you come into the stadium from the outfield and loop the warning track. I do think that WW0S takes DHS out of the equation from a commute standpoint as I think about it. I would head to BC or even into the Epcot; camping out at Great Britain.

Final thoughts on DHS -- I like the idea of cheering from the resorts over DHS. If they want DHS, I would suggest hanging out in front of the park so they can see you coming out and the Cast Member gate. If BC is the place, stake out a spot nearer the hill or even in the park at Great Britain.

Hope this helps.

LOL- mom feels old this trip! Her foot is bothering her a little.
We may do a dry run of the drive to make sure DH knows where everything is. It might be much easier to just have them walk out to the front of the resort after driving all over the parks all morning. DH is not a morning or crowds person so there is only so much I can ask if him.
Thanks so much!

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