First Time Runners - No Proof of Time

[JoeKir]

Hey there, DW and I are all registered for the Dopey Challenge but as we have no official races under our belt we don't have a proof of time to submit. Now, we aren't too worried because we aren't going to be "racing" - we certainly don't want to come in last, but we also want to enjoy the run and have no desire to sprint to the finish.

The dilemma then (as it will be our first time at any runDisney or official event) is do we:
A) find a local race just to get a proof of time to submit so we aren't in the last corral
or
B) just follow our training program and don't worry about the proof of time?

We have no issues being in the back, just worry that if we do run the race in 5 hours we might really be held back by large crowds or be constantly trying to get around people. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[mickeycoffee]

There's no need to worry about being in the last corral. You won't be rushed to finish as they take into account the delayed start when considering those that are falling behind the minimum pace.

In fact, although none of us can comment with official certainty, I've never witnessed them actually force someone off the course because they were too slow. After finishing the marathon the past three years I've sat at the American pavilion in Epcot eating lunch and I witnessed the slowest of slow and the most injured of injured folks hobble along the course well past the minimum pace.

They were all escorted by medical staff on bicycles but you could tell they were letting them finish the race. I tend to think this unofficial policy falls in line with Disney's guest policy in that they will never technically force someone out of a theme park even if it's well past closing.

IMO, the only downside to being in the last corral is that you have to wait about 40 minutes after the official start time for your corral to be released across the starting line.

-mickeycoffee

 

[JoeKir]

That's really great to hear! We couldn't be more excited to go and really just want to make the most of it!

 

[lnh'smom]

There's no need to worry about being in the last corral. You won't be rushed to finish as they take into account the delayed start when considering those that are falling behind the minimum pace.

In fact, although none of us can comment with official certainty, I've never witnessed them actually force someone off the course because they were too slow. After finishing the marathon the past three years I've sat at the American pavilion in Epcot eating lunch and I witnessed the slowest of slow and the most injured of injured folks hobble along the course well past the minimum pace.

They were all escorted by medical staff on bicycles but you could tell they were letting them finish the race. I tend to think this unofficial policy falls in line with Disney's guest policy in that they will never technically force someone out of a theme park even if it's well past closing.

IMO, the only downside to being in the last corral is that you have to wait about 40 minutes after the official start time for your corral to be released across the starting line.

-mickeycoffee

Like you said, not commenting with "official certainty", but DH ran the Wine and Dine Half last year and a few evenings later we were eating with a CM and her BF at Biergarten. She told DH that there was one person who was picked up for not finishing in time. Don't know for sure as neither of us saw it with our own eyes.....

I myself don't have a proof of time as I haven't run any official races in a few years. I plan to run a 10K this fall before the Wine and Dine and then will submit that time and hopefully move up a little. If not, I'm like you. I know I'm not gonna win, just doing it for the experience and fun!

 

[fairestoneofall]

i'm running a 10k this Saturday just to have proof of time to submit.

the one thing about having it and moving up in corrals is that it gives you a little bit of a cushion (especially if you're planning to stop for any character photos).

 

[RnbwSktles]

There's no need to worry about being in the last corral. You won't be rushed to finish as they take into account the delayed start when considering those that are falling behind the minimum pace.

In fact, although none of us can comment with official certainty, I've never witnessed them actually force someone off the course because they were too slow. After finishing the marathon the past three years I've sat at the American pavilion in Epcot eating lunch and I witnessed the slowest of slow and the most injured of injured folks hobble along the course well past the minimum pace.

They were all escorted by medical staff on bicycles but you could tell they were letting them finish the race. I tend to think this unofficial policy falls in line with Disney's guest policy in that they will never technically force someone out of a theme park even if it's well past closing.

IMO, the only downside to being in the last corral is that you have to wait about 40 minutes after the official start time for your corral to be released across the starting line.

-mickeycoffee

I know I've read a few stories on here of people getting swept during both the half and full marathons. It started a whole debate about whether those people deserve finisher medals, since they are apparently given them anyway.

I do remember someone saying they are more lenient after mile 21, which is maybe why you saw them in EPCOT being allowed to finish.

The 2014 full is my first marathon and I am terrified of being swept. I have never run a long distance race before, but will have at least one half under my belt before January.

 

[dewingedpixie]

Are you and DW actually running? How long have you been running? what is your longest run? How many days of the week are you running?

Dopey is an ultra race challenge it is not just a marathon or half. Endurance races on their own are no joke and can cause injury with inpropper training, ultras are even more likely. Many people struggle to just get to half or full marathon the first time. Taking on both and a 5k and a 10k is a lot to ask of your bodies.

If you're not running distance I recommend you start now and you join a local running group. Get your feet fitted for proper shoes by professionals at a running store. I also recommend you do not 1 but multiple races before this event. You should start with 5ks this late spring and then do a half and a full this fall. This is not about corral placement but your safety. Runs like Dopey, Goofy, Gasparilla Ultra, etc are great if you are a steady runner they are also a high risk for injury particularly for new runners and racers. If I had been in your shoes I would have signed up for the half or full not the full 4 races. Be very careful with bumping your mileage doing it too fast at any point can hurt you seriously.

 

[sunshine girl]

I believe you have until Nov. 1 to submit proof of time. Between now and then you should run a few races anyway, just to get the feel of it, and then you can submit those times!

So run at least a 10k, which you can submit for a half marathon proof of time. Or preferably something at or above 10-mile distance, which would apply for the full marathon or the half, etc.

There are 7 months between now and the deadline, so if you are inclined, you can do it. By Nov. 1 you'll have to be running more than 10 miles at a time on your training plan anyway (Galloway's Disney plan for just the Marathon has you running a 17-miler in October).

I agree that it would be wise to get a few races of ANY kind under your belt prior to Dopey!!

 

[JoeKir]

Are you and DW actually running? How long have you been running? what is your longest run? How many days of the week are you running?

Dopey is an ultra race challenge it is not just a marathon or half. Endurance races on their own are no joke and can cause injury with inpropper training, ultras are even more likely. Many people struggle to just get to half or full marathon the first time. Taking on both and a 5k and a 10k is a lot to ask of your bodies.

If you're not running distance I recommend you start now and you join a local running group. Get your feet fitted for proper shoes by professionals at a running store. I also recommend you do not 1 but multiple races before this event. You should start with 5ks this late spring and then do a half and a full this fall. This is not about corral placement but your safety. Runs like Dopey, Goofy, Gasparilla Ultra, etc are great if you are a steady runner they are also a high risk for injury particularly for new runners and racers. If I had been in your shoes I would have signed up for the half or full not the full 4 races. Be very careful with bumping your mileage doing it too fast at any point can hurt you seriously.

Thanks for the feedback! We've running since december, 3-4 times per week and are currently pacing at 11'18'' per mile. Our training plan is based off of the Galloway one for now, until an official training plan gets released for the Dopey. Our longest run so far is a 3.5mile. We're very active and work out regularly, and totally aware of the safety concerns of doing a race like this. That's part of the reason why we were thinking of only doing the Dopey Challenge, so as to not push ourself with other races. Sounds silly as we'll be running the same distances with training I guess.

I really hope we aren't taking it too lightly, but feel more than confident that with the running we've been doing and planning to do over the next 9 months we'll be able to finish. Again, we aren't going for speed, just want to make sure we enjoy the race as best we can and don't miss out on anything being newbies!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

You said you're "only doing the dopey race" - just want to make sure you know that is actually 4 races. The last of which is a full marathon. Going from a max mileage of 3.5 miles to 48.6 over 4 days is no joke.

You can definitely do this but I would suggest at least a couple of half marathons between now and January!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Never mind, I see you mean that you would only do the challenge as opposed to earlier races.

I would definitely do races before January to get yourself used to race conditions. It's great practice!

 

[sunshine girl]

That's part of the reason why we were thinking of only doing the Dopey Challenge, so as to not push ourself with other races. Sounds silly as we'll be running the same distances with training I guess.

Agree with that last sentence! You should definitely do a few other races -- no need to push yourself in a race any further than you'd push in training runs anyway, and the overall experiences will help prepare you. I think going Dopey without ever having done any kind of race is an unnecessary risk, given how much time you have between now and then to get a few organized events under your belts. Take advantage of the opportunity to prepare as best you can.

I am always looking to run races anyway. They're fun!

Best of luck with your training!

 

[johde]

If you're current pacing is in the 11:00-12:00 min mile range, I'm thinking you'll want to do a race or 2 to get the feel for racing and then a late fall half marathon for corral placement. By mid late summer your long runs are going to be over 13 miles. Just take one of your weekend long runs sign up for a race and do it as a "supported training run". I would try and pick a fairly large race for the added experience of running in a crowd.

 

[dewingedpixie]

Never mind, I see you mean that you would only do the challenge as opposed to earlier races.

I would definitely do races before January to get yourself used to race conditions. It's great practice!

This 100%. Races are different than running on your own. Its easy to over pace yourself etc. Many runners do this in their early races. Its part of the reason I run with a Garmin since I get corralled with runners much faster than myself. Its typical for most corralling systems to lump anything under a 9 minute pace into one corral unless its a huge race over 10k. DPH wants to corral me with 10 minute milers though go figure :/. I am not a 6 minute miler I need to make sure I'm racing me not them.

I don't care how fit you are you're still risking yourself for injury if you do it wrong. I had all the coaching in the world. I'd completed triathlons, half marathon, and distance cycling I still broke my leg by running! Some of that has to do with my medical situation but some of it is just the hazards of running. Most distance runners eventually put in a catastrophic injury and fractures are fairly common.

I do believe you can do this but please do it the smart way. Endurance sports are not lets go to the gym and do 1 hour of cardio. Ultra endurance sports are certainly not something to mess with I completed a 70.3 in October. Training plans are fantastic but know something like Dopey they're probably going to have training plans for seasoned runners. 3.5 miles is not seasoned when it comes to an ultra its fine for beginner marathoner. You probably have many running clubs in your area and a good running store. Please look into that. Get a good physical too endurance sports are really hard on the body.

 

[JoeKir]

Wow, thanks for all the great advice!! We're definitely going to look into a race or two just to get the feel for an actual race!

I totally understand that it seems silly that we haven't run any long distances and are shooting for an ultra marathon. But we're confident that we'll be able to pull it off considering we aren't gunning for first place, just want to be able to complete the race and enjoy it without putting our bodies at risk.

My biggest concern was just the fear that being in the last corral would put us with people that were going to be primarily walking and we wouldn't be able to really run due to crowds. Sounds like that won't be an issue though, and we'll look for a run that will let us submit a time before the cut off date!

 

[zeltoo]

There's no need to worry about being in the last corral. You won't be rushed to finish as they take into account the delayed start when considering those that are falling behind the minimum pace.

In fact, although none of us can comment with official certainty, I've never witnessed them actually force someone off the course because they were too slow. After finishing the marathon the past three years I've sat at the American pavilion in Epcot eating lunch and I witnessed the slowest of slow and the most injured of injured folks hobble along the course well past the minimum pace.

They were all escorted by medical staff on bicycles but you could tell they were letting them finish the race. I tend to think this unofficial policy falls in line with Disney's guest policy in that they will never technically force someone out of a theme park even if it's well past closing.

IMO, the only downside to being in the last corral is that you have to wait about 40 minutes after the official start time for your corral to be released across the starting line.

-mickeycoffee

They follow runners with balloons to keep them moving. They certainly don't force folks off course but they do indeed keep you moving along. My friends were running 17+ pace last year and were shocked that Disney was serious about the time limit. They stayed in front of the balloons and finished happily. Close to 4 hours for the half.

 

[mickeycoffee]

My biggest concern was just the fear that being in the last corral would put us with people that were going to be primarily walking and we wouldn't be able to really run due to crowds. Sounds like that won't be an issue though, and we'll look for a run that will let us submit a time before the cut off date!

Relatively speaking, there are very few areas of the course where you are shoulder to shoulder with people. I started in one of the lower corrals last January and found myself passing people for about 95% of the race. I can only remember one or two short instances where I felt the course was too narrow or too crowded to pass and it was only a momentary delay.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

But we're confident that we'll be able to pull it off considering we aren't gunning for first place, just want to be able to complete the race and enjoy it without putting our bodies at risk.

hate to sound like a debbie downer since this board is supposed to be all about support....

dude, i don't think any of us was gunning for first place when we did our disney races. i certainly wasn't. but i'd been training for 2+ years for my marathon and when i signed up for it i had run the half distance multiple times. just because you aren't gunning for first place doesn't mean you can complete the race(s) without putting your body at risk.

i've completed a marathon, several half marathons and multiple 10ks and 5ks and i'm still not confident i can complete the dopey. my point is, i guess, is..get cracking! sign up for races. like, a decent amount of them. going from zero (3.5 miles isn't zero but it's not alot) to Dopey in less than a year is...well, dopey.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

Wow, thanks for all the great advice!! We're definitely going to look into a race or two just to get the feel for an actual race!

I totally understand that it seems silly that we haven't run any long distances and are shooting for an ultra marathon. But we're confident that we'll be able to pull it off considering we aren't gunning for first place, just want to be able to complete the race and enjoy it without putting our bodies at risk.

My biggest concern was just the fear that being in the last corral would put us with people that were going to be primarily walking and we wouldn't be able to really run due to crowds. Sounds like that won't be an issue though, and we'll look for a run that will let us submit a time before the cut off date!

I would definitely do a 1/2 marathon in the fall. You might also consider doing a couple of 5k races too. find a couple of local races and sign up. Races are very different than training runs and you need that experience. It will also give you confidence going into the Dopey. You have a lot of training ahead of you....good luck and enjoy the miles. Running is a great sport and you will love running through disney.

 

[dewingedpixie]

hate to sound like a debbie downer since this board is supposed to be all about support....

dude, i don't think any of us was gunning for first place when we did our disney races. i certainly wasn't. but i'd been training for 2+ years for my marathon and when i signed up for it i had run the half distance multiple times. just because you aren't gunning for first place doesn't mean you can complete the race(s) without putting your body at risk.

i've completed a marathon, several half marathons and multiple 10ks and 5ks and i'm still not confident i can complete the dopey. my point is, i guess, is..get cracking! sign up for races. like, a decent amount of them. going from zero (3.5 miles isn't zero but it's not alot) to Dopey in less than a year is...well, dopey.

This 100%. I'm running my first full in October(this was not my choice but my medical team kept telling me no till now), possibly a month after a second half iron. I've done a half iron triathlon that is an ultra event it destroys you I slept 9 hours on the way home in the car the next day. I hurt like holey bejesus the next day and I have RA and let me tell you the half iron pushing for 70.3 miles up hills on a bike and foot, and swimming through current that crap beats you down.

Even with my experience I would not be ready to do Dopey this year, Goofy yes, Dopey no. I could even do Gasparilla next year which is roughly the same overall distance in 2 days but not dopey over 4 days. By day 4 on the marathon the constant doubling of mileage your legs will be filled with lactic acid you're going to be tired, your stores of glycogen depleted. Developing endurance can be trained in months but this type of endurance is gained over a lot longer. There is a reason for a taper before and a rest after a race particularly for beginners. There are tricks to fueling and recovering. A body that has been active longer doing these types of races recovers faster because its gained that ability over time. There is a reason elite sprinters are 20 and elite marathoners are 30 endurance is built over time, sprinting is all fast twitch.

I run, tri,and cycle with lots of people injuries arent a joke. Injuries happen and you deal with them. Everyone gets injured. This is the least of your worries though.

There are other factors you're not considering. Are you ready to face what is known as the wall? You cant train for that unless you experience it. The wall can destroy you in a race this type of race you're going to hit the wall. There is a huge joke in marathons that a marathon is nothing more than a 10k with a 20 mile warm up, the reason for this is the wall. The wall is when your stores are depleted and your body is done. Your training you will likely never run more than 22 miles before the marathon you thus only hit the end point not the push past. You will have to learn how to use the adrenaline to get past the wall this is why first marathons, centuries, and tris are hard. Ultras you have to learn to keep the wall at bay as long as possible then recover if it hits and keep pushing. Recovering when you hit the wall is extremely hard especially since you are still moving that type of thing is learned only through experience. Hyponutramia is also a huge risk. This is an extremely scary situation and can be deadly if you dont know what is going on. As some one who experiences this regularly due to issues with my digestive tract and a lot of medications its not fun and can be terrifying. This is when your salt levels are too low it causes disorientation, shaking, and loss of bowels. Do you know how to dose a salt tab? How many salt tabs will you need? How does temperature affect that? Dehydration another huge issue if you over salt or dont drink enough. Hypothermia, you can go hypothermic in 60 degrees and rain. Hell I almost went hypothermic last weekend I ran 7 miles in 49 degrees and rain came in and started shaking violently 10 minutes later because I wanted to eat ASAP rather than get out of my clothes and into the shower. Fiance had to send me to take a hot shower immediately. What about overheating? All of these things are huge issues with this type of race. You cant train for these or really prepare for them. You can read about them but they're all things you have to experience to understand.