2014 Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend ** Check-In ** Updated 7/29 with Corral Info

[mershell]

This is a newbie question. First half M...first ever ANY kind of timed event. I will be run/walking and will be in the last corral. I've been training with music to keep my pace. I'm told you don't need music at these runs, there's so much to see, but I'm worried I'll not be able to keep track of my pacing without it. How does this work? I've heard of the "balloon lady"...am I worrying for nothing? I simply have no idea what to expect and want to be prepared. How shall I approach pacing to be sure I don't get pulled.

Thanks to anyone who can help this very green racer.

 

[Belle Ella]

This is a newbie question. First half M...first ever ANY kind of timed event. I will be run/walking and will be in the last corral. I've been training with music to keep my pace. I'm told you don't need music at these runs, there's so much to see, but I'm worried I'll not be able to keep track of my pacing without it. How does this work? I've heard of the "balloon lady"...am I worrying for nothing? I simply have no idea what to expect and want to be prepared. How shall I approach pacing to be sure I don't get pulled.

Thanks to anyone who can help this very green racer.

I would say stick with what you are used to, and if that's music to help you along than so be it. You wont be alone. I have to have my music along with me, even if I just pull out my ear buds for a time. As for there being so much to see, that's true in the parks but once you get out into Anaheim it's not really a spectacular view and the roadside entertainment is sometimes few and far between. In all 6 of my previous halfs I've only ever noticed the balloon ladies once so they never would have been a good way to judge my own pace.

How do you do your run/walk? Is it literally the music that paces you or do you have a watch/timer? I picked up one of Jeff Galloways little countdown timers that I wear on my hip to count out my intervals and even if I cheat on it a little (or a lot) I've been well within the time limits.

I'm also a fan of trying to get to the front of the corral if you're a little nervous about time and giving you a small extra cushion before the 'clock' actually starts for staying on pace.

 

[marmur1]

Totally missed this thread, and need to catch up! My hubby and I are meeting up with a few of our online friends to do the half this year, and this will be our first RunDisney event.

 

[chrisaman]

This is a newbie question. First half M...first ever ANY kind of timed event. I will be run/walking and will be in the last corral. I've been training with music to keep my pace. I'm told you don't need music at these runs, there's so much to see, but I'm worried I'll not be able to keep track of my pacing without it. How does this work? I've heard of the "balloon lady"...am I worrying for nothing? I simply have no idea what to expect and want to be prepared. How shall I approach pacing to be sure I don't get pulled. Thanks to anyone who can help this very green racer.

Use your music. Tons of people have it and outside of a band every so often and the world of color music, there isn't much to hear along the way.

 

[mershell]

Thank you so much for the advice. I'll have my music. Really helps keep me motivated and I'll be racing with a friend, so I can keep pace for both of us. Thanks

 

[Belle Ella]

Totally missed this thread, and need to catch up! My hubby and I are meeting up with a few of our online friends to do the half this year, and this will be our first RunDisney event.

Welcome! Are you guys just doing the Half or DDD? I can get you added to the OP.

Thank you so much for the advice. I'll have my music. Really helps keep me motivated and I'll be racing with a friend, so I can keep pace for both of us. Thanks

And at least that way you also have the option of not listening to your music if you want to listen to what's gong on at any point.

I will say I like planning my playlist based on where I 'should' be along the course. More Disney music while in the parks, themed as close to the area as I can plan as well. I love creating my playlists.

A little off topic (but what really is on topic?) but does anyone have a running blog? I'd like to follow along on some and I've just made another new one for my running and Disney photography (my other hobby).

 

[zanzibar138]

A little off topic (but what really is on topic?) but does anyone have a running blog? I'd like to follow along on some and I've just made another new one for my running and Disney photography (my other hobby).

I have started a blog about my journey with compartment syndrome, because I found it so hard to find any information about peoples' actual experiences with it! I thought it might be handy for other people looking for information. I'm only week 2 post op at the moment, so currently it's more about the medical side than running, but as I recover it will become more about running

 

[Belle Ella]

I have started a blog about my journey with compartment syndrome, because I found it so hard to find any information about peoples' actual experiences with it! I thought it might be handy for other people looking for information. I'm only week 2 post op at the moment, so currently it's more about the medical side than running, but as I recover it will become more about running

I'll follow along (as Jessica P-C)! I'm not all that familiar with compartment syndrome so I'd definitely love to learn more and about the process for you.

 

[zanzibar138]

I'll follow along (as Jessica P-C)! I'm not all that familiar with compartment syndrome so I'd definitely love to learn more and about the process for you.

Oooh thanks! My first follower

This is a silly question, but how do I follow you?

 

[Belle Ella]

Oooh thanks! My first follower

This is a silly question, but how do I follow you?

I'm stll learning my way around Blogger but I do it from my home screen. When logged in there's a spot that says "Reading List" and below it is a button that says Add and I just type in the URL. I'm sure there's another way to do it but I can't figure it out quite yet.

 

[longhorns2]

My blog is in my signature!

 

[Belle Ella]

My blog is in my signature!

Following now.

 

[bumbershoot]

This is a newbie question. First half M...first ever ANY kind of timed event. I will be run/walking and will be in the last corral. I've been training with music to keep my pace. I'm told you don't need music at these runs, there's so much to see, but I'm worried I'll not be able to keep track of my pacing without it. How does this work? I've heard of the "balloon lady"...am I worrying for nothing? I simply have no idea what to expect and want to be prepared. How shall I approach pacing to be sure I don't get pulled.

Thanks to anyone who can help this very green racer.

I would highly recommend that you get a GPS watch of some sort. I have the Garmin Forerunner 10, very simple, and it shows me my pace.

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm stll learning my way around Blogger but I do it from my home screen. When logged in there's a spot that says "Reading List" and below it is a button that says Add and I just type in the URL. I'm sure there's another way to do it but I can't figure it out quite yet.

Yay I did it Thanks for your help!

 

[cheez]

I would highly recommend that you get a GPS watch of some sort. I have the Garmin Forerunner 10, very simple, and it shows me my pace.

Best advice you can get is right there. Get a watch. Run with it learn what it feels like to go at your goal pace. Train up to it. Use a training program that builds slowly and steadily. Stick to the program. Train on similar surroundings in similar weather. Find a friend or group to train with so no excuses for missing a run. Day of the race relax and have fun. Bring your phone or camera to take photos. Believe in yourself and your training. You'll do fine and have a blast

 

[mershell]

Thanks everyone. Great advice all!

 

[adykate]

For those of you who have done Disney races before, can you give me some estimation of how long it takes to actually get everyone across the start line? I know we are organized in corrals based on pace, but I am just wondering if anyone can give me an idea how long it takes to move through the different corrals. I anticipate being in the 9-10min pace corral. I want to have some idea of what time I might actual start so my husband can plan accordingly to be at the end with our two young kids. Obviously I can text him when I get started, but having an general idea before hand would be nice (i.e. like if it will be like an hour after the initial start time that I will actual start). Also, is it ridiculously crowded at the end area? I am worried he will be going crazy trying to navigate a double stroller amongst packed crowds to see me finish.

 

[chrisaman]

For those of you who have done Disney races before, can you give me some estimation of how long it takes to actually get everyone across the start line? I know we are organized in corrals based on pace, but I am just wondering if anyone can give me an idea how long it takes to move through the different corrals. I anticipate being in the 9-10min pace corral. I want to have some idea of what time I might actual start so my husband can plan accordingly to be at the end with our two young kids. Obviously I can text him when I get started, but having an general idea before hand would be nice (i.e. like if it will be like an hour after the initial start time that I will actual start). Also, is it ridiculously crowded at the end area? I am worried he will be going crazy trying to navigate a double stroller amongst packed crowds to see me finish.

. The corrals start approx 10 min apart. You probably won't start till about 30 to 40 min after the official start time. Yes the finish line is packed. U could have him join the cheer squad to make his viewing a little more convenient. U also can come up the pathetic towards paradise pier and see u just before finishing. But getting up by the finish u pretty much need the cheer squad

 

[littlesparkler]

As to running through the stadium, I hope I am looking in the wrong place... what I'm reading leaves out any mention of the stadium at all.

It's the moment you've been training for. Your 13.1 mile run on a magical course in the Happiest Race on Earth takes you through Disney California Adventure® Park along legendary Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland® Park, and then on to the streets of Anaheim. You'll complete your Disneyland® Half Marathon race with an exciting finish near the Disneyland® Hotel. It all adds up to miles of smiles, unforgettable memories, and a perfect ending to a magical Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend.
http://www.rundisney.com/disneyland-half-marathon/

 

[adykate]

Thanks for the starting and ending info! That helps a lot .