Marathon Weekend 2018

[emilyindisney]

Add me to the Contemporary! Which, btw, does anyone have a good recommendation for a pre-race meal there?

I am most excited for:
1. My first (only!) marathon - I'm with the others. Marathon training just takes up too much time and then I'm exhausted during my weekend :/
2. My boyfriend's first trip to WDW! We will hit the parks on Monday. I'm skipping DHS, which makes me a little sad, but with such short park hours, I don't think I can fit in all 4.
3. Annnnnd those Disney caramel apples. Something about the chocolate-caramel-sugar mixture is sooo addictive.

Also, I am huge fan of this CO weather! It looks like I'm going to be able to get all of my long training runs in outside, which I am thrilled about.

So I probably can't offer the best dinner suggestion but take advantage of The Wave! The breakfast menu is awesome and the bar/lounge is the best! Seriously- indulge in a 'Seven Seas Lagoon' (not pre-race, haha!) because it seriously cannot be missed- bring a friend because it's fishbowl sized but oh-so fun.

 

[DopeyBadger]

My concern is being too tired, especially after the half and full to real enjoy my time with the kids in what will be one of their last trips as youngsters. I'm not a napper, so that's a small concern.

It's certainly possible to race all four events during Dopey and enjoy a Disney family vacation. I've done it four times now. My wife requires that I be present during 95% of everything everyone else does, because at the end of the day it's a family vacation first, then racing. So as crazy as it seems, I try to make the training harder than the actual race experience. I tend to log as many steps during a normal training week as I do when I'm down there at Disney. So during training, just do the same. Make running just part of the routine day to the point that you finish the run come in, shower, eat, and then go about the day. Do yard work, go shopping, play with the kiddos, etc. Once running becomes just something that happens in a day, then it'll be just the same when Dopey comes up and you just go about everything else. I'll admit I'm tired during portions of the weekend, but seeing my girl's face light up when in Disney makes all those moments of tiredness wash away. Just pure joy. I can rest when the vacation is over. Agree with others that trying to aim most of the vacation to after the races would be advantageous.

Hallo all! I've been following the thread but not really interacting, other than following DopeyBadger's impressive running on Strava

Things are getting excitingly close so I thought I'd uncloak and check-in

Welcome back from the shadows!

I'm not sure how I'll run the marathon - the real target for the week is to have a great holiday, and cross-Atlantic travel and spending time in themeparks isn't textbook marathon prep... then again, I will probably give it a good go. Disney will be my 4th marathon in a little bit over two years (all Dublin City Marathons) - the first went well, the second I didn't finish and the third I did a couple of months ago off not a lot of marathon specific training (though plenty of running in fairness) and it went well enough. I am doing a 50k (my first ultra!) a month after Disney, so worst case I'll get around the course and it's a good training run for that

I think we're still on schedule to be around the same pace. Around a 3:10-3:30 (weather dependent)?

5th: Expo, kids races, maybe do some shopping at Disney Springs, hit up a water park if the weather's ok or hang around POR.

G will be doing the Kids race as well (100m) on Friday. @kywyldcat03 will be there too!

8th: Back to MK... Buzz Lightyear, Seven Dwarfs, Space Mountain and BOG for lunch.

We're at BOG for lunch as well at 1:35pm on Monday!

 

[lhermiston]

It's certainly possible to race all four events during Dopey and enjoy a Disney family vacation. I've done it four times now. My wife requires that I be present during 95% of everything everyone else does, because at the end of the day it's a family vacation first, then racing. So as crazy as it seems, I try to make the training harder than the actual race experience. I tend to log as many steps during a normal training week as I do when I'm down there at Disney. So during training, just do the same. Make running just part of the routine day to the point that you finish the run come in, shower, eat, and then go about the day. Do yard work, go shopping, play with the kiddos, etc. Once running becomes just something that happens in a day, then it'll be just the same when Dopey comes up and you just go about everything else. I'll admit I'm tired during portions of the weekend, but seeing my girl's face light up when in Disney makes all those moments of tiredness wash away. Just pure joy. I can rest when the vacation is over. Agree with others that trying to aim most of the vacation to after the races would be advantageous.

What you’re describing is exactly what I did during marathon training last year. Run, get groceries. Run, scoop snow. Run, play with the kids. Anything to get my body ready to go after a long run. It worked out really well.

And yes, family comes first, then running.

 

[jAcKs_x0]

TSA can be picky. I would try though. Worst case scenario, you buy a replacement at the expo.

I've flown with my stick in carryon many times now and no one has said anything.

No need to apologize for jumping in, everyone's welcome to post & share on here

Thank you all

 

[ywgckp]

I did 20 miles today and felt great - I'm in Atlanta on business so I found a good trail and ran (dodging a bit of ice and snow is nothing for a Canadian!).

Nothing but tapering and 26.1 between me and my first full marathon now!

 

[Jim Tancredi]

I did 20 miles today and felt great - I'm in Atlanta on business so I found a good trail and ran (dodging a bit of ice and snow is nothing for a Canadian!).

Nothing but tapering and 26.1 between me and my first full marathon now!

That's awesome! I still have my final 20 miler to this upcoming Sunday and then it's time for me to taper. I will say that although I'm not from Canada, being from Delaware usually has me prepared for cold weather. The snow we had this weekend didn't bother me, but the cold wind on the heels of the storm wasn't so pleasant. Still got great runs in on both Saturday (during the snow) and Sunday (windy and cold) and feeling good about that! Good luck in the marathon!

 

[jaxonp]

Problem:

9 of us from our family will be running races in a few weeks. One of us didn’t complete the registration and didn’t realize until tonight. We need to get our hands on a half bib. Anyone with some great ideas? I know the odds but I’m just throwing it out there! Trying to make a Xmas wish come through.

 

[rteetz]

Problem:

9 of us from our family will be running races in a few weeks. One of us didn’t complete the registration and didn’t realize until tonight. We need to get our hands on a half bib. Anyone with some great ideas? I know the odds but I’m just throwing it out there! Trying to make a Xmas wish come through.

I believe I saw Give Kids the World still had half bibs. Charity/travel agents is your only option.

 

[Keels]

Problem:

9 of us from our family will be running races in a few weeks. One of us didn’t complete the registration and didn’t realize until tonight. We need to get our hands on a half bib. Anyone with some great ideas? I know the odds but I’m just throwing it out there! Trying to make a Xmas wish come through.

It's gonna be costly and you have about 24 hours to find one. I would post on Facebook in the RunDisneyRun Marketplace that you're looking for a bib and hope that a Charity/TA might have one left ... registration for Charities and TA's closes at 6 p.m. ET on the 13th.

 

[DopeyBadger]

In addition to the things I had in last year's Marathon Weekend DIS List spreadsheet:

-Name (optional)
-DIS name
-Costume
-Corral
-Front/Middle/Back of corral
-Expected Pace
-Expected Start Time
-Milestone Timing

I've added a few new functionalities:
-Plan to attend pre-race meet-up (although if you say no, and then morning of decide to come you're always still welcome)
-For 10k, HM, and M - I added the Timing Mats that have been used in previous races. This would allow a spectator to calibrate my timing predictions live. If someone crossed a timing mat 10 minutes later than expected, then adjust all future predictions by 10 min. While runner tracking isn't perfect (sometimes there's a lag), it could be helpful info on day of.
-5K
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 6:30am. Buses don't start running again until after 6:30am.

-10k
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 7:00am. Buses don't start running again until after 7:00am.
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 7:35am. Based on my personal experience, if a runner wishes to have spectators view them at the finish, and they are estimated to finish before 7:35am, then their spectators need to either get on the last spectator bus (5:00am) before they start re-running (7:00am) or have other transportation plans.

-HM
--Highlighted "Spaceship Earth" if estimated to hit this milestone after 9:00am. The park opens at 9:00am and would allow spectators with a valid park ticket to view you inside EPCOT.
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 7:35am. Based on my personal experience, if a runner wishes to have spectators view them at the finish, and they are estimated to finish before 7:35am, then their spectators need to either get on the last spectator bus (5:00am) before they start re-running (7:00am) or have other transportation plans.

-M
--10.5 mile out and 11.5 mile back. During these two timing points you may cross paths with other DIS runners. Keep an eye for similar timing at this point in the race.
--Highlighted "EVEREST" if estimated to hit this milestone after 9:00am. The park opens at 9:00am and would allow spectators with a valid park ticket to view you inside AK. You also have the opportunity to ride Everest as it is close to the race course.
--17.3-17.7 enter WWOS and 20.5-21.2 exit WWOS. During these two timing points you may cross paths with other DIS runners. Keep an eye for similar timing at this point in the race.
--Highlighted "Enter TOT DHS" if estimated to hit this milestone after 9:00am. The park opens at 9:00am and would allow spectators with a valid park ticket to view you inside DHS. You also have the opportunity to ride either TOT or RnR as they are both close to the race course.
--Highlighted "EPCOT" if estimated to hit this milestone after 9:00am. The park opens at 9:00am and would allow spectators with a valid park ticket to view you inside EPCOT.

Are there any other timing milestones someone would want highlighted beyond these?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

So, file this under "Putting the cart before the horse," but since registration is not too far away, I wanted to run this by the runDisney all-stars:

I'm thinking about doing the Dopey in 2019. I'll be 35 and I think my slogan will be, "I'm not running for President, so I'm running for Dopey." My wife seems to be on board and we know it'll be pricey between the race, shoes, etc.

That said, I have one major reservation. The 2019 trip will be a full family trip and I'm worried that doing the Dopey will take too much time away from my wife and kids. I know I can do the races and I know that, for the most part, my family will be asleep or just getting up when I'm running. My concern is being too tired, especially after the half and full to real enjoy my time with the kids in what will be one of their last trips as youngsters. I'm not a napper, so that's a small concern.

I did the full this year, came home, took a shower and was ready to hit the parks. We tackled Epcot, ate at Ohana, went back to Epcot and I ended up closing down the park that night without the aid of a nap or caffeine, so I know I can handle that. But, my concern is the cumulative effect of four days. I really love night time at the parks and want to see the nighttime shows at MK, Epcot and HS at the very least. We would probably do a 6-7 day trip, so there would definitely be days without an early morning/running.

So, would doing Dopey be selfish or can I handle it? I'm sure my family won't see it that way, but I want to give them the best vacation ever. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance, gang. I know you all have your own upcoming races to think about.

After having done this a few times with my family, my advice would be to have the family meet you later rather than flying down with you. They really are not going to be able to cheer for you during the 5k and 10k races unless they are real early birds. And wanting them to get up that early to cheer for you 4 days in a row is crazy. They might choose to do it, but then everyone is going to be over-tired. Sure, you can do the parks all day long on those days, but then your running for the longer races will suffer. Balancing WDW and family can be really fun, but you will need to get to bed a lot earlier than them (if not for the mileage, for the early race starts).

Our plan for future Dopey weekends is to have the family meet me sometime during the race weekend, and our family vacation begins then. They can cheer for me during the Marathon, when I need them the most. And the crowds really die down afterward, so we get the added advantage that comes along with that. I get to balance out my running self with my Disney self and my family obligations.

At any rate, think about what your family will want and expect from you during a WDW vacation. For some, splitting up is not a big deal. For others, it kills the family vibe.

 

[AlexRunsDisney]

Others will disagree, but I think you just have to decide what your ultimate Dopey Vacation Expectation is going to be - park goals or time goals.

Personally, I don't try to do any of the Dopey races with any goals in mind other than finishing and having a good time. Park time with my friends is more important. If you're going for time goals - I think you will see it start to have an affect on your vacation (ie. really early bedtime, early meals, etc.).

I hit the wall on Saturday and tend to not do any park time (or, very minimal park time) ... even this year, with no half, I didn't spend much time in the parks at all and chose to rest/stay off my feet. In 2016, I spent most of the day by the pool. I plan to do the same this time around after brunch at STK.

The thing with trying to do everything in the parks is you really need to account for and add into training being on your feet for the extra amount of time walking around and waiting in line. I do think that the natural high of finishing Dopey will give you the adrenaline to carry you through fun times in the parks after the full.

Sleep deprivation is a big part of Dopey - I AM a napper, but my naps are like 2-hours long or else I get really grumpy. I usually spend a week or so "training" myself to wake-up at 3 or so in the morning and then kinda fighting through the day without a nap. It works, for the most part ... and I guess that's how I was able to only sleep for a total of 27 minutes during 40 hours of my recent Ragnar weekend.

Then there's also the deprivation from enjoying things like food & drink at Disney - I think that's the part I've grown to hate THE MOST.

If you can swing it, I would try to do your non-running part of the vacation AFTER Dopey (if possible!), just to save your legs as much as possible for the races and park time during the race weekend.

But as for doable? Totally!

I think a lot of people make it too complicated. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, and don't do a lot of walking or strenuous activity the day before the race and you should be fine.

 

[ell13]

-5K
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 6:30am. Buses don't start running again until after 6:30am.

Is the bus time still correct even though the race now starts at 5:30?

 

[kywyldcat03]

So, file this under "Putting the cart before the horse," but since registration is not too far away, I wanted to run this by the runDisney all-stars:

I'm thinking about doing the Dopey in 2019. I'll be 35 and I think my slogan will be, "I'm not running for President, so I'm running for Dopey." My wife seems to be on board and we know it'll be pricey between the race, shoes, etc.

That said, I have one major reservation. The 2019 trip will be a full family trip and I'm worried that doing the Dopey will take too much time away from my wife and kids. I know I can do the races and I know that, for the most part, my family will be asleep or just getting up when I'm running. My concern is being too tired, especially after the half and full to real enjoy my time with the kids in what will be one of their last trips as youngsters. I'm not a napper, so that's a small concern.

I did the full this year, came home, took a shower and was ready to hit the parks. We tackled Epcot, ate at Ohana, went back to Epcot and I ended up closing down the park that night without the aid of a nap or caffeine, so I know I can handle that. But, my concern is the cumulative effect of four days. I really love night time at the parks and want to see the nighttime shows at MK, Epcot and HS at the very least. We would probably do a 6-7 day trip, so there would definitely be days without an early morning/running.

So, would doing Dopey be selfish or can I handle it? I'm sure my family won't see it that way, but I want to give them the best vacation ever. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance, gang. I know you all have your own upcoming races to think about.

I feel like anything you do in training you can do on race day. So I would structure your training on running long runs on the weekend followed by walking around the rest of the day in an attempt to replicate the walking around the park. If you can do that in training then you should have no problems.

 

[UNCBear24]

Add me to the Contemporary! Which, btw, does anyone have a good recommendation for a pre-race meal there?

I am most excited for:
1. My first (only!) marathon - I'm with the others. Marathon training just takes up too much time and then I'm exhausted during my weekend :/
2. My boyfriend's first trip to WDW! We will hit the parks on Monday. I'm skipping DHS, which makes me a little sad, but with such short park hours, I don't think I can fit in all 4.
3. Annnnnd those Disney caramel apples. Something about the chocolate-caramel-sugar mixture is sooo addictive.

Also, I am huge fan of this CO weather! It looks like I'm going to be able to get all of my long training runs in outside, which I am thrilled about.

As another CO runner, I agree, it's been great not to have to dodge the snow and ice on the roads & trails during training. I leave in 19 days . . . it's getting so close!

 

[DopeyBadger]

-5K
--Highlighted finish if estimated to finish before 6:30am. Buses don't start running again until after 6:30am.

Is the bus time still correct even though the race now starts at 5:30?

Yes, the buses will resume transportation approximately 60 min after the start of the 5k. This is because the bus route is on the race route so they have to wait until the last of the runners clear that portion of the course. When it was a 6:00am start time (last year), the buses didn't resume until 7am. The 6:30 bus resume time is confirmed in the event guide as well.

The 10k says 7am for bus resuming in the event guide, but I don't remember having to wait that long after finishing (would have been about 45 min of waiting last year). I do remember sitting outside the bus and stretching until they felt they had enough runners to leave. So it might have ended up as 7am.

ETA - While the buses may "resume" at 6:30am, it might end up being a little later than that because there's always a plethora of buses trying to get on the road at the same time. So to be safe for timing on doing activities later in the day, I'd plan on a "leave" time of 6:45am.

 

[PrincessV]

If I had a marathon scheduled for a day like that (30-40 degrees with steady rain) I would cancel and stay at home (or in my resort). Nothing would be worth that type of misery and risk of hypothermia.

I genuinely do not know what I'd do if that's what we had for the WDW marathon! I guess I'd don a jacket, pile on the layers, and do my best... but yeah: it sounds AWFUL.

 

[AlexRunsDisney]

Well my answer is two-fold and really not sure which I'm most excited about...
1. The feeling of accomplishment after not only running my first marathon but also doing Dopey. Our marathon running friends think we're crazy for attempting this.
2. Being done with training!!!!!! We've been in training mode since Sept 2016, as we did a half in Vegas in Feb ('17) and the purpose of that was to get a good POT for Dopey. After Feb we kept running like we were training for a half as we didn't want to lose what we built up, then started with a Dopey training plan on May 1st. I don't mind a run each weekend, but I'm getting burnt out from being "forced" to run. Stuff like a busy weekend in Sept but needing to get a 13 mile run in means going to bed earlier the night before and up at 4am to get out running and be done and showered up before other commitments for the day start.

I completely agree with this. I will continue to run, but the marathon training has been a HUGE time commitment. My weekends have been shot because Saturdays I can't do anything as I am resting my legs for next day's long run, and my Sundays after my run are spent sitting on the couch too because my legs are tired from running. It will be nice to not have to do these 14, 16, 18, and 20 mile long runs every Sunday.

 

[FFigawi]

In addition to the things I had in last year's Marathon Weekend DIS List spreadsheet:
Are there any other timing milestones someone would want highlighted beyond these?

Some people might like knowing if the bars in Epcot will be open as they run by.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Some people might like knowing if the bars in Epcot will be open as they run by.

I can certainly add that! Do you happen to know the time the bars open in AK and EPCOT? If there are different opening times for different bars in EPCOT I can accommodate that as well.