2011 WDW Half-Marathon/Marathon Thread

[Doug11]

There's a wait list??? :lookaroun

[xfkirsten]

Go to the race page, there's a link to sign up! :D It takes you to an active.com registration page, but you don't have to pay anything upfront to get on the wait list. I put my name on there a few days ago, not expecting anything, but got an e-mail today that there's a spot open for me! They hold it open for you for a week.

Plus, my parents rock... my mom saw my Facebook status, and e-mailed me right away to say that, if I wanted, they'd pay the registration fee as an early birthday present. WOOHOO! Now I can afford to do it! :D

[Hooker]

Go to the race page, there's a link to sign up! :D It takes you to an active.com registration page, but you don't have to pay anything upfront to get on the wait list. I put my name on there a few days ago, not expecting anything, but got an e-mail today that there's a spot open for me! They hold it open for you for a week.

Plus, my parents rock... my mom saw my Facebook status, and e-mailed me right away to say that, if I wanted, they'd pay the registration fee as an early birthday present. WOOHOO! Now I can afford to do it! :D
Woohoo! Now you have to start running in this heat!!

[Doug11]

I wish I'd known sooner about the waitlist! I'm on it now though. :lookaroun

[xfkirsten]

Woohoo! Now you have to start running in this heat!!

That's the hard part!! :p

[BeeJay]

One of you who've done the full before can probably tell me...but what's the deal with the Red and Blue starts on the course map? Is there any way to assure you get placed in one or the other? The Red start just looks cooler, going under SSE around mile 2.

[Garyhoov]

Someone else can probably say with more certainty, but I watched the leaders come down the main entrance to Epcot shortly after the start, so my assumption is the group that takes that route is the faster runners.:shrug

[Christy]

How far of a race do I have to run to be able to submit to get myself out of the slow people group? :lookaroun

[Doug11]

One of you who've done the full before can probably tell me...but what's the deal with the Red and Blue starts on the course map? Is there any way to assure you get placed in one or the other? The Red start just looks cooler, going under SSE around mile 2. The beginning miles are kind of hectic. It is still dark and hard to see a whole lot of what's going on, but I think I remember that we did run past the left side of Spaceship Earth. I clearly remember that we exited at Mexico, and I was definitely NOT in the fast group! :D


How far of a race do I have to run to be able to submit to get myself out of the slow people group? :lookaroun

Run a 10K and submit your finishing time and you will be able to move out of the last corral. :)

[Garyhoov]

How far of a race do I have to run to be able to submit to get myself out of the slow people group? :lookaroun

It would probably cause more potential hullabaloo than it would be worth, but, since I'm planning start back with Linda, I could trade numbers with you.:lookaroun

. . . actually, what might work better than trading numbers would be to just cut out and switch the corral designations.

. . . but I don't know why I should even consider helping someone who is going to look down her nose at us slow people.:tongue

[Doug11]

It would probably cause more potential hullabaloo than it would be worth, but, since I'm planning start back with Linda, I could trade numbers with you.:lookaroun

. . . actually, what might work better than trading numbers would be to just cut out and switch the corral designations.

. . . but I don't know why I should even consider helping someone who is going to look down her nose at us slow people.:tongue

:lol That's right! Put her at the back so that we experienced endurance athletes can save face! :rotfl

You remember that race bib also has your name on it and not just the number, right? :p

[BeeJay]

The beginning miles are kind of hectic. It is still dark and hard to see a whole lot of what's going on, but I think I remember that we did run past the left side of Spaceship Earth.

That's a good point. I keep forgetting how different everything will look at 5:30 in the morning. :lol

[Garyhoov]

That's a good point. I keep forgetting how different everything will look at 5:30 in the morning. :lol

In retrospect, it is pretty cool. It starts out dark and quiet (once you get past the start point) and then the exctement builds throughout the course with the sun coming up and seemingly more people and excitement the closer you get to the end.

I'm hoping this year, taking a leisurely pace with Linda, I'll be able to enjoy the whole spectacle of the thing more than I have in the past (when I've just been worried about trying to finish). Maybe I'll actually notice some of the things everybody else is always talking about this time.:lookaroun

Are you definitely going straight to the full marathon?

[BeeJay]

In retrospect, it is pretty cool. It starts out dark and quiet (once you get past the start point) and then the exctement builds throughout the course with the sun coming up and seemingly more people and excitement the closer you get to the end.

I'm hoping this year, taking a leisurely pace with Linda, I'll be able to enjoy the whole spectacle of the thing more than I have in the past (when I've just been worried about trying to finish). Maybe I'll actually notice some of the things everybody else is always talking about this time.:lookaroun

Are you definitely going straight to the full marathon?

I'm kinda scared to say yes, but...I already switched my registration, so I guess I am! :eek:

[Hooker]

One of you who've done the full before can probably tell me...but what's the deal with the Red and Blue starts on the course map? Is there any way to assure you get placed in one or the other? The Red start just looks cooler, going under SSE around mile 2.I forget which color I was, but we hit SSE about 3 miles in. The first water station was 2.4 miles in, in the Epcot parking lot. I think the rest of the race was just a blur to me!

[BeeJay]

I forget which color I was, but we hit SSE about 3 miles in. The first water station was 2.4 miles in, in the Epcot parking lot. I think the rest of the race was just a blur to me!

Yeah, that's the Red start. That's the one I'd prefer to do.

It sounds like Red might be for people who turn in proof of time? That's my guess anyway. The Blue start is behind Red, so maybe that's what they mean by the "last corral."

[Doug11]

So, on a whim, I put myself on the wait list for the Wine and Dine half... and got an e-mail today that a spot opened up! Now I need money again! :lol:

So, after Kirsten got into the Wine and Dine from the wait list, on a whim I put myself on the wait list . . . never expecting to get in. Wrong! :lol

If they only allow so many people to register, and there are no refunds, how are these wait list spots opening up? Unclaimed spots for fundraising groups like Team in Training?

Well, there is only one chance to do an inaugural race. . . I hope it is 3/4 as fun as the Tower of Terror race used to be. :)

[xfkirsten]

So, after Kirsten got into the Wine and Dine from the wait list, on a whim I put myself on the wait list . . . never expecting to get in. Wrong! :lol

If they only allow so many people to register, and there are no refunds, how are these wait list spots opening up? Unclaimed spots for fundraising groups like Team in Training?

Well, there is only one chance to do an inaugural race. . . I hope it is 3/4 as fun as the Tower of Terror race used to be. :)

WOOT!!

I wondered about that myself. Unclaimed fundraising spots would be my first guess, but I suppose there's always people who DO cancel... I didn't think to look if they have one of those clauses that lets you get a spot for the next year (even if you have to pay again) if you have to back out for medical reasons...

[Doug11]

90 minute run tonight. Slow - only 7.5 miles but this is week 1 on the program.

In the past 3 nights, I've run a little more than half a marathon. :). (Just have to triple the distance in one less day by January - piece o cake, right? :lol )

And Kirsten - add me on Daily Mile. :lookaroun

[Christy]

90 minute run tonight. Slow - only 7.5 miles but this is week 1 on the program.

In the past 3 nights, I've run a little more than half a marathon. :). (Just have to triple the distance in one less day by January - piece o cake, right? :lol )

And Kirsten - add me on Daily Mile. :lookaroun

:blink

Yeah really, slacker, time to pick it up. :rotfl Dang, if I were running over half the half marathon I'd be pretty happy with myself right now!!

[Garyhoov]

:blink

Yeah really, slacker, time to pick it up. :rotfl Dang, if I were running over half the half marathon I'd be pretty happy with myself right now!!

Yeah, because, you know, over 5 miles in 50 minutes is pretty crappy.:lookaroun

Based on what you did a few days ago, you could have walked the last 2 miles and still beaten Doug's time.:tongue

[Christy]

Yeah, because, you know, over 5 miles in 50 minutes is pretty crappy.:lookaroun

Based on what you did a few days ago, you could have walked the last 2 miles and still beaten Doug's time.:tongue

:rotfl Well, I just mean to just pick up and do 7 miles when he keeps saying how he's been slacking, that isn't too shabby :lol

I ran around Andy's parents neighborhood today, it was awesome! The trail goes through some wooded areas and by a creek, but has some nasty hills in it :sick It was nice though. VERY cool this morning, felt like fall. :thumbs

[xfkirsten]

Doug, I didn't even see the friend request! *hides* :p

Took a couple days off from running... ran over my left heel with one of those massive parade stanchion carts the other day at work, and it's really been hurting when I put weight on it... probably should have said something to management at the time, but hindsight is 20/20. :P In any case, I've had to lay off to let it heal a bit, hopefully can get runs in again this weekend.

[Doug11]

Yeah, because, you know, over 5 miles in 50 minutes is pretty crappy.:lookaroun

Based on what you did a few days ago, you could have walked the last 2 miles and still beaten Doug's time.:tongue

Is Linda a natural runner like all the women on this forum? If so, I might officially be the slowest half marathonner at the half. I'm going to be looking for someone to run with. *hint**hint*

Kirsten - ouch! :uh How you have time to run with everything you have going on amazes me. :)

[Doug11]

http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/disneyparks/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/hm074892SMALL.jpg

I hadn't seen what the finisher medal was going to look like, so I did a little digging and found this on the Disney parks blog. I like it! :thumbs

People who do it as a relay get a medal that's not quite as nice. It doesn't say "inaugural" and doesn't include the date of the race.

[xfkirsten]

Love the medal design! :D


Kirsten - ouch! :uh How you have time to run with everything you have going on amazes me. :)

That was sort of my excuse over the summer. Between work and rehearsals and such, there was just no time. Of course, now the fall softball season has started, and Candlelight Processional rehearsals start the week after next...

[Garyhoov]

Is Linda a natural runner like all the women on this forum? If so, I might officially be the slowest half marathonner at the half. I'm going to be looking for someone to run with. *hint**hint*

Kirsten - ouch! :uh How you have time to run with everything you have going on amazes me. :)

We are going to be VERY slow (if we even finish).

Right now we are doing about 4 miles at about 14 min per mile for our 'long' runs.

[Christy]

I think Gary had brought up about whether or not we'd like to run "with" another person or not... I decided today... not :rotfl Kinda like any other work I do, I just want to be left alone and get it done :dunno The only reason it's enjoyable is because I know 1) I get to listen to whatever music I want as loud as I want 2) I get 45 minutes or so to myself to do this and 3) I get 45 minutes or so to myself, PERIOD :rotfl

[Garyhoov]

I think Gary had brought up about whether or not we'd like to run "with" another person or not... I decided today... not :rotfl Kinda like any other work I do, I just want to be left alone and get it done :dunno The only reason it's enjoyable is because I know 1) I get to listen to whatever music I want as loud as I want 2) I get 45 minutes or so to myself to do this and 3) I get 45 minutes or so to myself, PERIOD :rotfl

If my goal is to get a good time, then I definitely want to go by myself (unless I just happen to know a skilled runner who is planning to run my goal pace)

This year, my goal is to get Linda across the finish line, so I'll run with her with that in mind and then in 2012, I'll be on my own . . . with a goal to get under 2 hours.:lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

I get 45 minutes or so to myself, PERIOD :rotfl

. . . and, yeah, I can see how, in your particular situation, that might be attractive.:lol

[BeeJay]

Is it just me, or did the WDW races reverse their percentages to capacity today? They've had the full at 65 for a while and the half at 77. Today it's 55 and 75 for both. Really strange. My first thought was maybe people like me switching between races would decrease the numbers for one, but that doesn't explain why they'd both go down.

[Garyhoov]

Is it just me, or did the WDW races reverse their percentages to capacity today? They've had the full at 65 for a while and the half at 77. Today it's 55 and 75 for both. Really strange. My first thought was maybe people like me switching between races would decrease the numbers for one, but that doesn't explain why they'd both go down.

My guess would be that they had a lump of cancellations that they didn't enter until just now. And since some people probably were cancelling the half to run the full, others were probably just cancelling so that's why both went down but he half went down more.:shrug

I think the bigger question is: Why are registrations so low? Just the economy?

[BeeJay]

I think the bigger question is: Why are registrations so low? Just the economy?

Somebody on Magic posted this link looking at that:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/teamallears/2010/06/readythe_struggling_2011_marat.html

Maybe it will mean less crowded courses for us? :)

[Garyhoov]

Somebody on Magic posted this link looking at that:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/teamallears/2010/06/readythe_struggling_2011_marat.html

Maybe it will mean less crowded courses for us? :)

Interesting.

I'd assume it's mostly the economy, but wasn't the economy as bad or worse leading up to last January's race? And with the exception of the registration fees, everything else listed in that article would seem to point to generally lower park attendance. Do we know if park attendance is off?

[Garyhoov]

Actually I went back to re-read the article, and I think these are likely the two biggest factors:

One other thought. With the WDW Endurance Series now holding three Half Marathons during the year we may be seeing runners making a choice.

Weather could be a factor, especially after this past January where my fellow runners and I walked to the corrals during a cold, windy, and sleeting morning in Orlando.

Last January was miserable in terms of weather. I can imagine that the experience might have made people more reluctant than they had been in the past to immediately re-sign.

And the additional races give people choices. I don't think I'd go down for more than one per year, and I've been thinking that maybe I'll try one Wine & Dine at some point, so, if I do, I won't be there in the following January.

With that in mind, should they consider cutting back? I don't think so. I think they're really doing something cool with these races. They're setting Disney World up as a runner's destination and bringing in the sort of active people that are likely to keep coming back. If they keep it up, I think the races will re-fill and they may even be able to add more. The more they do, the more professionally they can be run and the more people will see it as THE place to go for a fun friendly race. I think that's a good long-term plan that will pay off if they keep at it.

. . . and here's one other sort of awkward thing, but something that should probably be considered . . .

. . . has anyone else notice that, when you see a gathering of Disney fans . . . there seem to be a lot of overweight people?:lookaroun

If they can get a more active crowd, it could probably help their image.

[Doug11]

Mickey ears are slenderizing. :D

Speaking of fitness, http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/09/running-a-marathon-just-got-easier-at-disney/

http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/disneyparks/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/df000221SMALL.jpg

Running a Marathon Just Got Easier at Disney

[Christy]

Whoa, those people must be hella fast :lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

Whoa, those people must be hella fast :lookaroun

:lol

If you get a chance, you should check out some of the lead runners on Sunday. When you see them on TV, they run so efficiently, they look like they're just sort of jogging along, but when you actually see them in person, you realize they're flying.

After all, they're running close to 12 mph. Try setting your treadmill at 12 next time you're on it.:lookaroun

. . . and then imagine doing that for 26 miles.:blink

[Hooker]

And the guy that has won the marathon the past couple of years runs with those stupid Goofy ears/hat. That would drive me crazy.

[Garyhoov]

And the guy that has won the marathon the past couple of years runs with those stupid Goofy ears/hat. That would drive me crazy.

That guy's cool! Doesn't he also have a couple Mickey Mouse tattoos on his legs. I don't know his name. I probably should. It seems like he's earned that much.

[Christy]

:lol

If you get a chance, you should check out some of the lead runners on Sunday. When you see them on TV, they run so efficiently, they look like they're just sort of jogging along, but when you actually see them in person, you realize they're flying.

After all, they're running close to 12 mph. Try setting your treadmill at 12 next time you're on it.:lookaroun

. . . and then imagine doing that for 26 miles.:blink
Since, on a good day, I guess I am about 6 mph, I think I'll pass :lol

[Hooker]

Did you guys see these training programs for the consultant for runDisney? Three days a week of training--looks VERY doable. I think I'm gonna use this for next year's marathon.

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/run-disney-training-consultant/

[BeeJay]

Did you guys see these training programs for the consultant for runDisney? Three days a week of training--looks VERY doable. I think I'm gonna use this for next year's marathon.

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/run-disney-training-consultant/

I took a look at some of his plans yesterday. I think I'm going to stick with Hal Higdon's for now, but if I feel like I need more walking breaks, I might look at Galloway. They're the same length (18 weeks), so I'm guessing I could switch over if I wanted to.

[Doug11]

9 miles in 90 minutes this morning, jogging around the Miss State campus. Heaven! :love. :lol

I didn't have a distance goal - just wanted to run for an hour and a half and end up near the hotel where I am staying, so I felt like I was taking things slow and it surprised mne that I improved my distance so much from a couple weeks ago

The weather was awesome - high 60s to start with a light breeze. The only downside - HILLS! :lol. We don't have many of those on the coast ... Or on the treadmill. :lookaroun

[Christy]

:thumbs

Weather is GORGEOUS today, but I cannot run without my ipod which is missing, so I skipped yet again. :blush But by the end of the day I intend to have it so I can run tomorrow. I went from a sore leg from running to a sore back from NOT running :lol

[Hooker]

7.2 miles in 88 minutes today. Temps around 80, humidity the same. Keeping it slow, especially with the weather not cooperating yet.

[Garyhoov]

Guess who went 5.5 miles today for the longest run she's ever done.:lookaroun

[BeeJay]

Go Linda!!!! :yahoo

(I assume it was Linda you're talking about, and that wasn't some really oblique way to tell us you had a sex change.) :lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

Go Linda!!!! :yahoo

(I assume it was Linda you're talking about, and that wasn't some really oblique way to tell us you had a sex change.) :lookaroun

I figured someone would make a smart-ass comment.:tongue

:lol

[Christy]

Congrats!! :thumbs

[Doug11]

I changed my profile to reflect the next goal - a finisher medal from the October half marathon. I'm going to try and squeeze in a 10K or two between now and then. September is when the local race clubs (New Orleans, Gulfport/Biloxi, and Mobile) start scheduling 5K races and longer races again, as the weather starts to cool.

Those of you on Daily Mile and Facebook - how do you get your milage to post when you update your runs? All I get is the message I post in addition, but not the little running gingerbread man figure or the time and distance.

What am I doing wrong?

[Christy]

I changed my profile to reflect the next goal - a finisher medal from the October half marathon. I'm going to try and squeeze in a 10K or two between now and then. September is when the local race clubs (New Orleans, Gulfport/Biloxi, and Mobile) start scheduling 5K races and longer races again, as the weather starts to cool.

Those of you on Daily Mile and Facebook - how do you get your milage to post when you update your runs? All I get is the message I post in addition, but not the little running gingerbread man figure or the time and distance.

What am I doing wrong?

Once it did that to me, and all I can say is... I have no idea :lol Not sure what I did different that time :dunno

I am ready to run, but my leg is not. I am getting frustrated. Not sure what to do. :huh

[BeeJay]

Those of you on Daily Mile and Facebook - how do you get your milage to post when you update your runs? All I get is the message I post in addition, but not the little running gingerbread man figure or the time and distance.

What am I doing wrong?

Are you asking how to get it to post on Facebook at the same time? If so, there's a tiny "F" logo button I click for the runs I want shared on FB. It's right next to a Twitter icon button whenever I post a run. I sign in to DM through my FB account, so that might be part of it too.

Also, make sure you're under the "Add Workout" tab instead of the "Note" tab at the top of the screen if you want the time and mileage to show up.

[Doug11]

BeeJay, I think I have tried those tips without success, but will try again. :lookaroun

Within 30 days of the Wine and Dine, and my travel plans got changed on me, so I just booked airfare down and back instead of driving. I was able to score a round trip flight to Tampa for about $160 total, so I am very happy with that. I can't drive down and back any cheaper . . . but I will have to rent a car and will burn a tank of gas, so there go some of the savings. :shrug Still, after all the driving I did this past weekend I am thrilled to get a direct flight to and from Central Florida.

[Hooker]

Within 30 days of the Wine and Dine, and my travel plans got changed on me, so I just booked airfare down and back instead of driving. I was able to score a round trip flight to Tampa for about $160 total, so I am very happy with that. I can't drive down and back any cheaper . . . but I will have to rent a car and will burn a tank of gas, so there go some of the savings. :shrug Still, after all the driving I did this past weekend I am thrilled to get a direct flight to and from Central Florida.Cheesecake Factory!!

[Doug11]

Cheesecake Factory!!

I am sooo down with that! :punk

[Hooker]

I am sooo down with that! :punkDidn't you say you needed the address? It's 2223 North West Shore Blvd. It's in the International Mall. I can just meet you there after you get your rental. Keep me posted.

[twotigersmom]

Have any of you heard of www.runforgod.com (http://www.runforgod.com) ? Since Hagan broke his arm, he's been limited on outdoor active activities. He wants to do this so Austin and I are going to do it with him! A teacher at our school has started a program there and we start Wednesday!

[Doug11]

Have any of you heard of www.runforgod.com (http://www.runforgod.com) ? Since Hagan broke his arm, he's been limited on outdoor active activities. He wants to do this so Austin and I are going to do it with him! A teacher at our school has started a program there and we start Wednesday!

Have not, Heidi. From the website, it is a program and not an actual race, correct? What a great family activity for you three to do together!

And best of luck to Hagan on his recovery from that broken arm. :hugs

Any chance you might sneak down to Disney in January and join us crazies in a race? Registration is still open. :lookaroun

[BeeJay]

Never heard of it, Heidi, but good luck!

Doug, registration is so open I think people are falling out! :lol

[twotigersmom]

Yep, it's a program. The group is training to do a 5K in December for Toys for Tots. There's not a chance that I'll be ready for a half by January. Sowwy LOL. I gotta lot of work to do, if I'm gonna get back into this. I have finally decided that I need to get back. I felt so much better when I was running/walking.

[Hooker]

Heidi--are you still off the cigarettes?

[twotigersmom]

nope, that's something else I gotta get back after. I had quit while I was running.

[Hooker]

nope, that's something else I gotta get back after. I had quit while I was running.
Sorry to hear that. I'm sure it's tough to kick the habit. Get yourself back out there on the road and give it another go. You were close last time!

[Doug11]

Peter King of Sports Illustrated wrote in his Monday Morning Quarterback article today that he saw a guy "running" through Central Park with a Starbucks yesterday. :lol So, if a person can run with a coffee, no reason a person can't run with their smokes if they are motivated enough. :p

[twotigersmom]

Sorry to hear that. I'm sure it's tough to kick the habit. Get yourself back out there on the road and give it another go. You were close last time!


Peter King of Sports Illustrated wrote in his Monday Morning Quarterback article today that he saw a guy "running" through Central Park with a Starbucks yesterday. :lol So, if a person can run with a coffee, no reason a person can't run with their smokes if they are motivated enough. :p

After a few weeks, I didn't "feel" like smoking anymore. I'm hoping for the same effect this time, however, this time I have to stick with it.

[Garyhoov]

Heidi! Long time no talk . . . er post? Anyhow, good to see you.:goofy

Are you, by chance, headed down for the half-marathon in Jan?

[Garyhoov]

Yep, it's a program. The group is training to do a 5K in December for Toys for Tots. There's not a chance that I'll be ready for a half by January. Sowwy LOL. I gotta lot of work to do, if I'm gonna get back into this. I have finally decided that I need to get back. I felt so much better when I was running/walking.

oops, just read a little closer. Nevermind.:blush

[twotigersmom]

oops, just read a little closer. Nevermind.:blush

LOL Hi Gary! I'm just hoping to be able to get this fat butt to do a 5K by Dec. I have no hopes for anything more than that at this point. I'm starting over from scratch. Right now I'm in the middle of planning our school's Fall Festival and with soccer, I won't have time to get to the gym, so this Run For God program is all I'll have time for at this point. Besides, I figured this is as close to a Bible study as i'll ever get, so it will help me in that respect too. I'm tired of the boys coming home from school with religious questions that I have no clue have to answer and end up having to call someone to ask LOL.

[Garyhoov]

LOL Hi Gary! I'm just hoping to be able to get this fat butt to do a 5K by Dec. I have no hopes for anything more than that at this point. I'm starting over from scratch. Right now I'm in the middle of planning our school's Fall Festival and with soccer, I won't have time to get to the gym, so this Run For God program is all I'll have time for at this point. Besides, I figured this is as close to a Bible study as i'll ever get, so it will help me in that respect too. I'm tired of the boys coming home from school with religious questions that I have no clue have to answer and end up having to call someone to ask LOL.

:lol

Well that sounds cool.:thumbs

Isn't there some sort of 5K Family Fun Run on the Friday before the Half-Marathon?:lookaroun

[BeeJay]

Alright fellow runners, give me some advice (or just tell me I'm nuts for considering this).

Would any of you sign up for a 7:45 a.m. half marathon if you knew you'd be working until 3 a.m. the night before and would have to drive an hour to get there? The only reason I'm even considering this is the half comes on the exact day I'm scheduled to run 13 miles in training, so it seems perfectly scheduled. Also, I think it would be kind of cool from a mental standpoint to officially run a 5K (done), 10K (done), and a half before tackling the WDW full. But I'm not sure that sense of accomplishment is worth giving up an entire night's sleep.

[Hooker]

I wouldn't do it, but that's me. You'd have to drive an hour to get back from the race and your body is going to be given out. But again, I've got years on you...maybe a young'un like you can handle it.

[Garyhoov]

Alright fellow runners, give me some advice (or just tell me I'm nuts for considering this).

Would any of you sign up for a 7:45 a.m. half marathon if you knew you'd be working until 3 a.m. the night before and would have to drive an hour to get there? The only reason I'm even considering this is the half comes on the exact day I'm scheduled to run 13 miles in training, so it seems perfectly scheduled. Also, I think it would be kind of cool from a mental standpoint to officially run a 5K (done), 10K (done), and a half before tackling the WDW full. But I'm not sure that sense of accomplishment is worth giving up an entire night's sleep.

If you just look at it as a training run, I don't see the harm.:shrug

. . . but it might be difficult to avoid getting caught up in the excitement and pushing too hard. If you're already tired and then you push your pace and get worn out before the end, it could be frustrating psychologically, so you should keep those kinds of things in mind.

[Garyhoov]

I wouldn't do it, but that's me. You'd have to drive an hour to get back from the race and your body is going to be given out. But again, I've got years on you...maybe a young'un like you can handle it.

I think I'd plan on spending a few hours at the race location. Relax. Get something to eat and drink. I certainly wouldn't want to just hop back in the car and drive an hour. I'd think I'd probably cramp up and be a road hazard if I did something like that.

I felt like absolute HELL after both of my half-marathons, but within a few hours, other than a little striffness, I felt fine.

[Doug11]

Can you get a couple hours of sleep during your work shift? :ha

I am taking the same approach with the wine & dine in early October - a race starting at 10 pm. But even that is different because I plan to get a reasonable amount of sleep on Friday night

But I am totally treating it as a training run for the Goofy.

I would do it, but I am crazy when it comes to this stuff. I have gotten up early on Saturday mornings after late Friday nights and driven to New Orleans, Mobile and other places for early morning races - but nothing as long as a half marathon.

[BeeJay]

Yeah, I'm thinking I might ix-nay this idea. I asked Roxxy what she thought, and she says a half is tiring enough without being up all night on top of it.

Gary, your strategy of treating it like a training session would probably be the best way to deal with it...but then I ask myself what's the point of sacrificing a night of sleep, driving 2 hours roundtrip and paying $65 if I'm just going to piddle with it like I do around my neighborhood? I think I'll save my first official half for DL. :D

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. :wave

[Doug11]

:lookaroun

Not certain whether to post this in the running thread or the college football thread, but this will be my workout gear this afternoon! :king

[Christy]

:rotfl :thumbs

[Garyhoov]

:lookaroun

Not certain whether to post this in the running thread or the college football thread, but this will be my workout gear this afternoon! :king

:lol

Cool. Glad it got there okay.:thumbs

[Hooker]

So, if (when) Michigan loses to OSU, I send a U of M shirt to Christy and she has to wear it? Now that sounds like a plan!

[Garyhoov]

So, if (when) Michigan loses to OSU, I send a U of M shirt to Christy and she has to wear it? Now that sounds like a plan!

You have to remember that Doug and I are more mature than you and Christy.;)


. . . and I'm about as mature as a fifth grader.:goofy

[twotigersmom]

:lol

Well that sounds cool.:thumbs

Isn't there some sort of 5K Family Fun Run on the Friday before the Half-Marathon?:lookaroun

We're going to Disney Dec 18th-24, I won't be able to turn around and go back anyway. :(

[Doug11]

We're going to Disney Dec 18th-24, I won't be able to turn around and go back anyway. :(

We'll leave the light on for you. :D Actually, we might still be there on the 18th. Being asked by my family who is coming in later in the week to stay an extra day and go home on Sunday, but my preference is to go home Saturday and have a day to recover before going back into the office for year end.

See, if you were going to be down there from the 14th to the 17th, you would have time to turn around and go back. :lookaroun

:lol

[Christy]

So, if (when) Michigan loses to OSU, I send a U of M shirt to Christy and she has to wear it? Now that sounds like a plan!

Waaaaaaaait a minute... that sounds pretty ass backwards to me! :rotfl

[Hooker]

Waaaaaaaait a minute... that sounds pretty ass backwards to me! :rotflExactly. Bama wins, Gary loses the bet, Doug gets PSU shirt and claims to have won the bet. Christy, what are we missing here? :lol

[Garyhoov]

Christy, what are we missing here? :lol

The ability to appreciate world-class football programs for what they are - Hard working kids and coaches out there busting their butts to achieve their goal - without your thoughts being clouded by irrational hate.

I don't think Jesus would have a problem wearing an Ohio State shirt . . . or Michigan Shirt, or Penn State, or Alabama . . .:lookaroun

:lol

[Christy]

The ability to appreciate world-class football programs for what they are - Hard working kids and coaches out there busting their butts to achieve their goal - without your thoughts being clouded by irrational hate.

I don't think Jesus would have a problem wearing an Ohio State shirt . . . or Michigan Shirt, or Penn State, or Alabama . . .:lookaroun

:lol

Well, then again, you aren't very religious are you? :lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

Well, then again, you aren't very religious are you? :lookaroun

. . . actually, I would propose that I am more Christ-like than Scott . . . because I forgive Ohio State for being a bunch of inbred, drunken bums . . . but Scott can't seem to get past that.:whistle

[Doug11]

It might have everything to do with an intersectional matchup based on mutual respect as opposed to a heated rivalry.

I wouldn't wear a Red Sox anything or a USM (that's Southern Miss) either but I have to give Gary credit - that's a nice Penn State runner's shirt he sent :lol

I'm laughing at the thought of Jesus wearing any school shirt other than Notre Dame. :rotfl

[Christy]

. . . actually, I would propose that I am more Christ-like than Scott . . . because I forgive Ohio State for being a bunch of inbred, drunken bums . . . but Scott can't seem to get past that.:whistle

Yeahhhhhhhhh :lookaroun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muFQT8jmPv0&feature=related

:rotfl

[Garyhoov]

Yeahhhhhhhhh :lookaroun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muFQT8jmPv0&feature=related

:rotfl

:rotfl

I've seen a lot worse than that. Imagine this setting: 4 O'clock Saturday morning at a McDonalds in State college the day before a big game with West Virginia.

Of course EVERYBODY there (present company included:lookaroun) is still awake from the Friday night parties and COMPLETELY drunk.

A guy stands up on a table . . . He pulls his shirt off and has WV in blue and gold on his chest and he shouts: "Go WVU" . . .

. . . and gets completely SWARMED:uh

It was really a pretty amazing sight. It was like a force of nature.

I've always suspected it was actually a Penn State student pledging a frat who had to do it as initiation.:goofy

I think I've mentioned before, I feel comfortable joking with you about OSU being a bunch of drunken bums because I know there's no way they could be worse than Penn State, so I know you won't take me too seriously.:lol

[Christy]

:lol Ahhhhh the things I missed out on not making it to college :blush :rotfl

Yeah, I'm thinking I'm pretty much un-offendable :dunno I don't ever remember feeling offended by anything anybody has ever said... :lol

[Doug11]

10 miler today and we made it to church (not in that order)! Who is this new person that's been to church 2 weeks in a row and has done long runs on the weekends 2 out of the last 3 weekends? :lol

Wine & Dine is 2 weeks away! :circles

[Christy]

Way to go Doug! :thumbs

I feel like I"m not going to make it :blush. I can only run in the p.m. now, and by the time p.m. rolls around the last thing in the world I want to do is run :bag I dunno, maybe I can catch up pretty soon here.

[Garyhoov]

Way to go Doug! :thumbs

I feel like I"m not going to make it :blush. I can only run in the p.m. now, and by the time p.m. rolls around the last thing in the world I want to do is run :bag I dunno, maybe I can catch up pretty soon here.


Oh, don't start talking like that. I only run in the evenings . . . and not all that often.:blush

The longest Linda has gone is 5.5 miles, but I think she'll make it. Just slow and steady. You don't need to be ready by tomorrow.

. . . though maybe I should just shut-up so I won't have to buy the shirt.:lookaroun

[Christy]

:lol

I WANT to go, MIL has booked rooms (at the Polynesian) and everything! But it's just been so disasterous lately :lol When I DO get to run my legs are all weird. :dunno

[Doug11]

0christy, you will be fine. Remember my training was so sporadic and half-hearted before my first half that I had never even run as far as 8 miles at this point in the year. I know that because the Tower of Terror 13K was in October and when I ran it, that was the longest run I had ever done. :lol.

Just keep doing what you can when you can and you will the proud owner of a Donald Duck medal come January. :king

[BeeJay]

Way to go Doug! :thumbs

I feel like I"m not going to make it :blush. I can only run in the p.m. now, and by the time p.m. rolls around the last thing in the world I want to do is run :bag I dunno, maybe I can catch up pretty soon here.

I agree with Doug that it's way too early to panic. Before I switched to the full, I was planning on following this training program (http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm) for the half. It doesn't even begin until 12 weeks out, which I had calculated as being sometime in October.

[Hooker]

:lol

I WANT to go, MIL has booked rooms (at the Polynesian) and everything! But it's just been so disasterous lately :lol When I DO get to run my legs are all weird. :dunno

Can I have your room if you don't make it? :whistle :rotfl

[Christy]

Can I have your room if you don't make it? :whistle :rotfl

:lol :tongue

Ok, I guess I'll plan on being there still. :lol

[Garyhoov]

:lol :tongue

Ok, I guess I'll plan on being there still. :lol

Just don't put too much pressure on yourself. What's the worst that can happen. You run 6 miles, get tired, hop on the bus and then meet us all for lunch at the ESPN club.

Then post on your facebook that you just ran a 10K and all your friends will think: "Hey, that's cool.":lookaroun

That's Linda's strategy. She keeps telling people she probably won't even finish . . . but she doesn't know I'm planning to drag her, kicking and screaming, across the finish line.:whistle

[Christy]

:rotfl

I don't suppose you watch much Spongebob? :lookaroun I'm remembering the episode where he enters Gary the snail in a race, and coaches him :rotfl

:lookaroun

Scott knows what I'm talking about, right Scott? :lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

:rotfl

I don't suppose you watch much Spongebob? :lookaroun I'm remembering the episode where he enters Gary the snail in a race, and coaches him :rotfl

:lookaroun

Scott knows what I'm talking about, right Scott? :lookaroun

:lookarounThe women at work (grown-ups with no kids by the way) are always talking about Sponge-Bob and other cartoons and I never know what they're talking about.

. . . so one time I made a comment about a Bugs Bunny cartoon and my one co-worker said: "Ah Ha! I knew you watched cartoons."

. . . and I pointed out to her that, yes, I watched cartoons . . . when I was 5, and Warner brothers cartoons were around then.:lookaroun

[BeeJay]

Gary, I'm afraid you might be cashing in some of your immaturity street cred on that one. :lookaroun

I don't watch cartoons from today...but that's because most of them seem to suck ass. Spongebob is an exception. :D

[Christy]

You know the episode then, right? Spongebob decides to be his coach so he gets all the coaching essentials, a clipboard, hat, and "mustache, because it's cliche" :rotfl

:lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

Well I guess I've never really tried it, so maybe I'd like it if I watched it . . .

. . . but I'd never let the woman at work know about it.:lookaroun:bag

[Hooker]

:rotfl

I don't suppose you watch much Spongebob? :lookaroun I'm remembering the episode where he enters Gary the snail in a race, and coaches him :rotfl

:lookaroun

Scott knows what I'm talking about, right Scott? :lookaroun
yep!

[Doug11]

/aggravated with Disney Running

I was accepted from the wait list but when I tried to download my race waiver it said they have no record of my registration. I wondered if there had been a problem with my credit card because we recently changed our mailing address to a post office box

I confirmed registration and payment with active.com so I sent an e-mail to Disney. No response so I called the number listed for problems

The answering machine came on and said they were experiencing heavy call volumes so not to expect a return call for 3-4 days!

[BeeJay]

/aggravated with Disney Running

I was accepted from the wait list but when I tried to download my race waiver it said they have no record of my registration. I wondered if there had been a problem with my credit card because we recently changed our mailing address to a post office box

I confirmed registration and payment with active.com so I sent an e-mail to Disney. No response so I called the number listed for problems

The answering machine came on and said they were experiencing heavy call volumes so not to expect a return call for 3-4 days!

They have far from impressed me with their customer service. I had to submit my transfer form to get my refund for switching races 4 times before they processed it. The first time was because of a mistake I made, but attempts 2 and 3 were rejected due to their excessive pickiness and inability to download an e-mail attachment, respectively.

[xfkirsten]

/aggravated with Disney Running

I was accepted from the wait list but when I tried to download my race waiver it said they have no record of my registration. I wondered if there had been a problem with my credit card because we recently changed our mailing address to a post office box

I confirmed registration and payment with active.com so I sent an e-mail to Disney. No response so I called the number listed for problems

The answering machine came on and said they were experiencing heavy call volumes so not to expect a return call for 3-4 days!

I didn't even get an e-mail notice that waivers were available. :/ Mine's there, though... bib 1626!! :D

[Doug11]

I'm 3526, I think. They fixed it today. :)

[Hooker]

Doug, tell me again when we're meeting at Cheesecake Factory?

[Doug11]

Doug, tell me again when we're meeting at Cheesecake Factory?

My flight is into Tampa at a few minutes before 3 pm. It looks like that Cheesecake Factory location is very close to the airport. Assuming half an hour to pick up the rental car, that's still an awkward time. 3:30 in the afternoon? I'm okay with that if you are.

[Doug11]

Looking ahead at my Walt Disney World (R) approved marathon training schedule, on Saturday October 1, I am supposed to run the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. :lol

Funny how they worked that in there. :hehe

In fairness, the first suggestion is to run 13 miles - doing the Disney sponsored race is listed as an option. :lol

[Garyhoov]

Looking ahead at my Walt Disney World (R) approved marathon training schedule, on Saturday October 1, I am supposed to run the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. :lol

Funny how they worked that in there. :hehe

In fairness, the first suggestion is to run 13 miles - doing the Disney sponsored race is listed as an option. :lol

:lol

Makes you sort of wonder if the put the race in October with that specifically in mind. Seems like a stretch at first, but I'm betting that when they were putting together races they were at least thinking about how they could space them in a way that people could participate in as many as possible.

So is this Cheesecake Factory thing before or after the race?:lookaroun

[Doug11]

:lol

Makes you sort of wonder if the put the race in October with that specifically in mind. Seems like a stretch at first, but I'm betting that when they were putting together races they were at least thinking about how they could space them in a way that people could participate in as many as possible.

So is this Cheesecake Factory thing before or after the race?:lookaroun

Before, of course! Gotta get loaded up on those carbs, right? :lookaroun

:lol

I had the choice of driving an hour + from here to New Orleans to fly into Orlando or flying from here into Tampa and driving an hour + to Orlando for the race. It was a little bit cheaper to fly Airtran in and out of Tampa so that's the route I went. :D

Second guessing that decision a little bit because my rental car is a bargain at $45 per day for a boring, standard car, but for $57 per day, I could have rented a convertible in Orlando. The same car in Tampa is over $100 per day. :shrug Meeting up with Scott at Cheesecake Factory makes up for the loss of not renting a convertible. :lol

[Hooker]

When I asked when, I was looking more for the date. This is the first of October? Not the 8th?

[Hooker]

Before, of course! Gotta get loaded up on those carbs, right? :lookaroun

:lol

I had the choice of driving an hour + from here to New Orleans to fly into Orlando or flying from here into Tampa and driving an hour + to Orlando for the race. It was a little bit cheaper to fly Airtran in and out of Tampa so that's the route I went. :D

Second guessing that decision a little bit because my rental car is a bargain at $45 per day for a boring, standard car, but for $57 per day, I could have rented a convertible in Orlando. The same car in Tampa is over $100 per day. :shrug Meeting up with Scott at Cheesecake Factory makes up for the loss of not renting a convertible. :lolThat's because it's too hot to ride in a convertible here right now, so they figure if you're dumb enough to ride in one, then you're dumb enough to pay the $100/day.:goofy

[Doug11]

That's because it's too hot to ride in a convertible here right now, so they figure if you're dumb enough to ride in one, then you're dumb enough to pay the $100/day.:goofy

I do love to rent a convertible when I fly into central Florida. Put the top down, crank up the A/C and let it roll! :D (but no convertible for this trip - I'm on a serious budget! :lol ) I have a client in Tampa - the one who took me tarpon fishing - that only drives a convertible year round. We took his car from the Tampa airport to Englewood Beach back in May, I think, with the top down the whole way!

Yes, the race is Saturday of next week, so we are talking about Friday a week from tomorrow if that still works with your schedule. Don't let me mess up your Friday afternoon or weekend though if you have other plans. :)

[Hooker]

I do love to rent a convertible when I fly into central Florida. Put the top down, crank up the A/C and let it roll! :D (but no convertible for this trip - I'm on a serious budget! :lol ) I have a client in Tampa - the one who took me tarpon fishing - that only drives a convertible year round. We took his car from the Tampa airport to Englewood Beach back in May, I think, with the top down the whole way!

Yes, the race is Saturday of next week, so we are talking about Friday a week from tomorrow if that still works with your schedule. Don't let me mess up your Friday afternoon or weekend though if you have other plans. :)No, the 1st works for me, but the 8th would've been a problem. I may have to drive to Tennessee to pick Sarah up for fall break.

[Doug11]

My plane boards at noon tomorrow. :circles I am looking forward to going down for the race, but have low expectations for my finish time. I took too much of a summer break and am just getting back into the swing of things. I wouldn't be surprised if I finish on the plus side of 2 and a half hours. :o But hey, its all about the bling! Just check out my avatar! :lol

[Garyhoov]

My plane boards at noon tomorrow. :circles I am looking forward to going down for the race, but have low expectations for my finish time. I took too much of a summer break and am just getting back into the swing of things. I wouldn't be surprised if I finish on the plus side of 2 and a half hours. :o But hey, its all about the bling! Just check out my avatar! :lol

Have fun!:thumbs

[Christy]

Good stuff! :thumbs Enjoy your time there, Doug. :wave

[Hooker]

My plane boards at noon tomorrow. :circles I am looking forward to going down for the race, but have low expectations for my finish time. I took too much of a summer break and am just getting back into the swing of things. I wouldn't be surprised if I finish on the plus side of 2 and a half hours. :o But hey, its all about the bling! Just check out my avatar! :lol
See you around 4:30 at C-cake Factory.

[BeeJay]

See you around 4:30 at C-cake Factory.

Doug REALLY likes the Cheesecake Factory. :lookaroun

Good luck in the Wine and Dine, Doug!

[Doug11]

Doug REALLY likes the Cheesecake Factory. :lookaroun

Good luck in the Wine and Dine, Doug!

:lol What happens in Buckhead . . .

[Doug11]

After almost 3 years of doing these distance races, I have decided to try and raise money for a specific charity, to make this more than just doing it for myself and my own good health (and the bling :king )

It was a tough choice between the American Heart Association (both my grandfathers died from heart disease) and the American Cancer Society, but I have settled on raising money to fight "the big C."

A good friend was just diagnosed with biliary tract cancer and the 5 year survival rate is in the single digits. I'm really sad about this and I want to do something. My sister in law is a cancer survivor and my wife and I are somewhat active locally in raising money for the Cancer Society, so I'm throwing in with them.

I'm not asking you for any pledges, I just wanted to share this decision with you all.

[Christy]

:hugs Great idea, Doug! :thumbs

[Hooker]

After almost 3 years of doing these distance races, I have decided to try and raise money for a specific charity, to make this more than just doing it for myself and my own good health (and the bling :king )

It was a tough choice between the American Heart Association (both my grandfathers died from heart disease) and the American Cancer Society, but I have settled on raising money to fight "the big C."

A good friend was just diagnosed with biliary tract cancer and the 5 year survival rate is in the single digits. I'm really sad about this and I want to do something. My sister in law is a cancer survivor and my wife and I are somewhat active locally in raising money for the Cancer Society, so I'm throwing in with them.

I'm not asking you for any pledges, I just wanted to share this decision with you all.
Yeah, right! :lol

I'm meeting him in a short while with checkbook in hand since he was so good to help me out on a few of my races. Good going, Doug!

[Doug11]

I thought the weather was going to be good for the Wine and Dine. As I pulled up to the Epcot finish area in my rental car to board a bus that took us to the start, the sun had set and there was a cool breeze. The temperature was right around 80 degrees. :lookaroun

If I was to try and sum up the staging area for the start in one word, it would be "chaos." :lol The bag check line was so bad that I would have declined to check a bag if I had an option, but at that point I was 13.1 miles from my car if you know what I mean. :lookaroun After standing in line for 30 minutes to check my bag, I walked over to the area where Joel had suggested the wdwmagic runners get together at 9 pm, and it was 9 pm but I didn't see anybody I recognized and I didn't see a group of people who looked like they didn't know each other trying to have a conversation either, so I went and stood in a 10 minute line for a photo with Chef Mickey and then went on to my start corral. The race started right on time, so that was good.

I felt so good for the first 5 miles . . . probably because that has been the usual distance of my training runs so far this fall. We had run to and through the Animal Kingdom park at that point, and the 5 mile mark is where the relay runners made their switch. The second relay runner had a much longer run!

From leaving the Animal Kingdom park at mile 5 until entering the Disney's Hollywood Studios park around mile 9 was where things took a turn for the worse for me. I think I ran out of gas more or less, right past mile 8. That's a good indicator of where I am in my state of training for January so i have a long way to go. I will tell you - there were a lot of people having problems on the course. It was no longer cool. Everyone was sweating like a . . . very sweaty creature. I don't know if it was the darkness (not an issue, really - there was a lot of artificial lighting) or what, but several people were off the side of the road, crying. That was strange to see.

Running through the Studios was the highlight of the race. They had us run all around and through that park and two cool things: They had us run through the "Lights, Motor, Action" set and put us up on the big screen and they also had us run through the Streets of America area with the Osborne lights all turned on (my first time to see that in person). When we left the Studios, they had us run all around the little body of water where the Epcot resorts are separated from the Epcot park. At that point (and for a while before) I was mostly walking. :lookaroun I tried to finish strong, but I was worn out. The last 1.1 mile after the 12 mile market seemed more like a mile and a half! :lol The finish line was right at the entrance to the Epcot park, so the race didn't have us actually run through Epcot. (not complaining!)

I was grateful to see that finish line and I got my medal (yay!) and then something kind of bad happened. They had us go inside a large building for our bag check and remember how I told you checking the bags in was chaotic? Well, the pick up was even worse because we were overheated at the end of a long race and it was hot and crowded in that building. Did i mention it was hot? I felt like I couldn't breathe. I am not prone to being claustrophobic or having panic attacks, but i really thought I might throw up in there because we were all up in there like sardines and there was no place to cool off and catch your breath before they herded us into there.

I never did really recover from that. I got my bag, stumbled off to an empty spot on the ground against a railing in Canada and sent a few text messages to let people know i finished. I sent Gary a text to let him know I fully 100% understood how he has described feeling after some long runs. :lol I really did! Honestly, I could not imagine running Goofy the way I felt at that moment. Hopefully there will be some good training runs between now and January 9.

The Wine and Dine was open until 3 am, but I was done. They give you a couple coupons for free drinks and/or food, but I wasn't having any of that. I gave my coupons to a couple of 50ish women and stumbled off to the Epcot exit, and was back in my hotel room by 2:30.

The end. :lol (photos later)

[xfkirsten]

Doug - your experience was RIGHT on with mine!

I'll say right up front that I haven't been healthy lately for a variety of reasons, and I did virtually no training for this one.

The bag check line WAS monstrous. I've never seen one that bad at a Disney race. And I couldn't understand why, either. They weren't doing inspections (despite the fact that you picked up your bags inside Epcot). All they were doing was grabbing your bags and passing them to the people on the truck. No zip ties even, this time. I don't get it.

First off, I don't think they could have picked a more hilly course on property if they tried - and maybe they did, who knows. But I swear, this course hit every. single. overpass. More than once. I didn't think you could get a hilly course like that in Florida, but apparently you can. Some of the roadways had a lot of street lights out, too, and I felt like I was fumbling around in the dark. Particularly going from World Drive onto Buena Vista, just before going into Studios. It was pitch black there, and I was surprised that no one hit the concrete. Especially with the two cop cars there with flashing lights, blinding everyone. In the end, my time was over 2:30 - by far, the slowest I've ever run a half.

And Doug, the EXACT same thing happened to me at bag pickup! I got my snacks, my medal, etc... and then was shoved into a small, overcrowded room with a lot of sweaty bodies. Everyone knows you're not supposed to run long distances and just stop - that can bring on any number of health problems. But that's exactly what they forced you to do. I ended up squatting on the ground with my head down, awkwardly shuffling along while I waited. And I wasn't the only one doing that.

By the time I got out, I felt so dizzy and nauseous that I had to go find a corner in Canada and lay down. (You probably weren't car from me, LOL!) I finally had to just get up and leave, too, by around 1:30 or 1:45 - I was too sick to have any of the food or drinks. It was a long night at home, too - I kept feeling sick even laying down in bed. Still not 100% this morning, either.

[Doug11]

Kirsten, I remember that dark place you described! I'm sorry we didn't run into each other. Don't worry about your finish time - you are still my race hero. :D

I'm glad you said that about all the hills - I thought the same thing but am not as familiar with the terrain

On a positive - it was way cool seeing the Spectro Magic floats and characters on the course. I had a photo made with the fantasia hippo and ostrich! :p

But yeah - the ladies I gave my food/drink tickets said they heard many of the same things we discussed in here. I think Disney needs to hear some of that feedback.

[Hooker]

Wow.

With this being the first time for this run, you two need to let someone in charge know of your experience. I know you can't control the weather, but the bag line for drop-off and pick-up must be fixed. Don't worry about your time...you've got the medals!!

Looking forward to the pictures.

[Garyhoov]

Nice job, Kirsten and Doug! :thumbs Sounds like a fun race (thought they may need to work on the administration). I may have to try it sometime. I just got Doug's text:lol and figured I should check to see what happened.

Linda did 7 miles yesterday:thumbs, and I'd say that's probably the first time I've gone that far without hating it. I won't go as far as saying I liked it, but it seems like, if I go slow enough, I can at least avoid hating it.:lookaroun

[Christy]

Great job everybody!! :thumbs

I agree, you guys should let somebody know that things went less than smoothly. :huh

And... is NOW a good time to panic? :lookaroun I haven't run since the last dailymile I posted. Two weeks ago? I can't even remember :blush

[Doug11]

race report with photos:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=639206

:lookaroun

[pinkrose]

Great job guys!!!! I'm with everyone else. Let Disney know your experiences. They need to fix those.

Doug, I'm not sure what's going on with my BB, but I didn't get your text untill yesterday morning ( I'm having the same problem with emails as well). Everything comes though, if I go and iope and email that's already there, or send a message. Yours came though when I send you the message to see how the race went. I did have an instant answer though. :lol Off to check out the pics!

[pinkrose]

race report with photos:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=639206

:lookaroun Very cool!!! Great report! :thumbs That's a great pic. with Chef Mickey!

We had dinner on the LMA set during conference last Nov. Pretty neat.

[BeeJay]

And... is NOW a good time to panic? :lookaroun I haven't run since the last dailymile I posted. Two weeks ago? I can't even remember :blush

No. We're still 2 weeks away from the 12-week mark, where you could start training from zero. :tongue

(I know I mention this a lot, but do you plan on following any kind of plan?) :lol

[Garyhoov]

The time to panic is when you've just finished the race, it's 29° and raining and you have to pee . . . like REALLY.

. . . so you go to the porta-potty and realize . . . YOU'RE TOO TIRED TO PEE . . . that's the time to panic.:goofy

[Hooker]

The time to panic is when you've just finished the race, it's 29° and raining and you have to pee . . . like REALLY.

. . . so you go to the porta-potty and realize . . . YOU'RE TOO TIRED TO PEE . . . that's the time to panic.:goofyHypothetically speaking?

[Doug11]

I agree with Gary - that would definitely be a time to panic. :lol

On the table for discussion is the notion of changing our post-half marathon lunch location to another spot, still on the boardwalk: Big River Grille and Brewing Works

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/big-river-grille-and-brewing-works/

This place gets high marks for its food, and like ESPN Club, takes no reservations.

The menu looks good to me:
http://allears.net/menu/menu_brg.htm

Thoughts? :lookaroun

[Hooker]

I agree with Gary - that would definitely be a time to panic. :lol

On the table for discussion is the notion of changing our post-half marathon lunch location to another spot, still on the boardwalk: Big River Grille and Brewing Works

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/big-river-grille-and-brewing-works/

This place gets high marks for its food, and like ESPN Club, takes no reservations.

Thoughts? :lookaroun

whatever the group wants.....I'm in. Or, whoever has the shorter wait!

[Doug11]

whatever the group wants.....I'm in. Or, whoever has the shorter wait!

I edited my post to add a menu. Shorter wait sounds good also. I can't remember who arrived first at the ESPN Club last year, but the first face I recall seeing was Kirsten's.

[Garyhoov]

Hypothetically speaking?

. . . yeah, because that certainly didn't happen to me . . . :lookaroun . . . and if it had happened, I certainly wouldn't admit if I ended up sitting like a girl with my legs cramping up and everything aching while I was on the verge of COMPLETE INSANITY in that tiny, nasty smelling little porta-potty.:huh:goofy

:lookaroun

As for the restaurant, either is fine with me . . . or something else entirely. I did like the location of the one last time because I was able to pop over to EPCOT afterward, but it sounds like this one is close to ESPN.

How far are they from one another? Since we've got cell phones, we could put our names in at both and have at least one person waiting at each and then call or text whichever one is ready first.:lookaroun

[BeeJay]

I agree with Gary - that would definitely be a time to panic. :lol

On the table for discussion is the notion of changing our post-half marathon lunch location to another spot, still on the boardwalk: Big River Grille and Brewing Works

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/big-river-grille-and-brewing-works/

This place gets high marks for its food, and like ESPN Club, takes no reservations.

The menu looks good to me:
http://allears.net/menu/menu_brg.htm

Thoughts? :lookaroun

It's all good to me. And since I won't have actually run the half, I don't want to overrule anybody who will have. :lol

Fun avatar pic BTW. You'll have all 3 of those characters hanging around your neck in 3 months!

[Doug11]

. . . yeah, because that certainly didn't happen to me . . . :lookaroun . . . and if it had happened, I certainly wouldn't admit if I ended up sitting like a girl with my legs cramping up and everything aching while I was on the verge of COMPLETE INSANITY in that tiny, nasty smelling little porta-potty.:huh:goofy

:lookaroun

As for the restaurant, either is fine with me . . . or something else entirely. I did like the location of the one last time because I was able to pop over to EPCOT afterward, but it sounds like this one is close to ESPN.

How far are they from one another? Since we've got cell phones, we could put our names in at both and have at least one person waiting at each and then call or text whichever one is ready first.:lookaroun

:lol Here's a link to a Boardwalk map (http://allears.net/acc/boardwalkmap.jpg) - Big River is down the boardwalk from ESPN Club but the distance is probably not much more than 100 yards, is it?

It's all good to me. And since I won't have actually run the half, I don't want to overrule anybody who will have. :lol

Fun avatar pic BTW. You'll have all 3 of those characters hanging around your neck in 3 months!

Thanks, and I sure hope so. :lol Wine and Dine is over, so time to change the avatar and move on. :D

[Christy]

Plan? Yes, plans are what I'm all about :lookaroun

Scott sent me one. I read it once. :bag

[BeeJay]

Plan? Yes, plans are what I'm all about :lookaroun

Scott sent me one. I read it once. :bag

*snort* (Seriously, I snorted.)

That's a good place to start! :lol

[Hooker]

Plan? Yes, plans are what I'm all about :lookaroun

Scott sent me one. I read it once. :bag:lol I have the one for October, but I was going to let you ask instead of "forcing" it on you. Would you like to read this one once also?

[Christy]

Oh you can send it, sure :lol I feel like I'm to where I have to put up or shut up at this point. No excuses anymore.

[Garyhoov]

My plan has always been: "Get out and run periodically."

Scott sent me a plan once. I looked at it and it had a bunch of details that, when broken down to their essentials, were basically: "Get out and run periodically."

. . . so I figured, "Yeah, I'm pretty much doing that . . . in spirit." :lookaroun

:blush

[Christy]

I'm making my podiatrist appt. right now. I stood in the kitchen doing some stuff for about 45minutes, and by the time my MIL texted me back that she could take Eva, I couldn't stand anymore :blush So I'm thinking 2 miles of jogging would pretty much leave me crying :lol

[Christy]

Got in tomorrow at 10. I suppose I'll walk out with some new orthotics... wonder if they can shoot some cortizone in there or something :lookaroun

[Doug11]

Ouch! Speaking as one who has yet to follow a training plan to the letter :lookaroun it is my sincere belief that following those guides can only help. If I want to get out of the bottom half of finishers for my age group, I know there will have to be more core strength training and more dedicated run days during the week and more diligence in the long runs on Saturday or Sundays. Just as a "for example," I am following Jeff Galloway's plan for experienced runners with a goal of time improvement. It started on August 31 and I have missed 8 out of 15 run dates :blush

But I have every intention of doing better from October through December. Last week, I only missed one session and this week's sessions kick off tonight and I will be running. :)

[BeeJay]

I'm more OCD than you guys. :lol

I'm devout about hitting my training days...mainly because I consider myself so profoundly unqualified for a marathon, and I'm convinced that following a training schedule religiously is the only thing that will change that. :bag

(Course, I don't have a family and my office hours are pretty flexible, so that helps.)

[Christy]

I'm on the brink of considering a gym membership, since it hardly ever works to count on people to watch Eva while I run :lol

But then I think of all the snotty bratty kids and their virusy selves pushing her around the play room. :huh And I think I should just make it work at home. :rotfl

[Hooker]

With the group that I run with, there is never a single person that has done every workout, exactly as prescribed. You do what you can do and come race day, you'll make it. It may not be in the time you wanted, but you'll make it. Even with our hit-and-miss training, we're still in a very elite group of people that are known as.......endurance athletes.:king

[Garyhoov]

With the group that I run with, there is never a single person that has done every workout, exactly as prescribed. You do what you can do and come race day, you'll make it. It may not be in the time you wanted, but you'll make it. Even with our hit-and-miss training, we're still in a very elite group of people that are known as.......endurance athletes.:king

:yes

That's us!:goofy

:lol

[BeeJay]

I'm on the brink of considering a gym membership, since it hardly ever works to count on people to watch Eva while I run :lol


Aren't the older ones supposed to watch the younger ones, help bring in the harvest, chop firewood, etc.? :p

[Doug11]

:lol Disney says so, therefore it must be true! :king

Although the clerk at the hotel gift shop gave me a look Saturday morning and asked incredulously, "YOU are running the race?" :blush :lol

[BeeJay]

What a turd, Doug. You don't look obviously out of shape to me. :lol

I'm not sure why, but I'm starting to feel more excited about the race lately. Maybe it's the change in weather combined with the training mileage getting to a point that feels "serious," but it's starting to seem like more than just a vague goal that's never going to get here. :shrug

[Hooker]

What a turd, Doug. You don't look obviously out of shape to me. :lol

I'm not sure why, but I'm starting to feel more excited about the race lately. Maybe it's the change in weather combined with the training mileage getting to a point that feels "serious," but it's starting to seem like more than just a vague goal that's never going to get here. :shrugOh, as you get closer it will begin to feel like, "I'll never be ready for this race" or "What am I thinking?" or "Have I done enough to run 26.2 miles?"

Cheers!

[Hooker]

:lol Disney says so, therefore it must be true! :king

Although the clerk at the hotel gift shop gave me a look Saturday morning and asked incredulously, "YOU are running the race?" :blush :lolTell me this is a joke.

I thought the same thing at Cheesecake Factory as you were putting down the mixed drinks and the cheesecake....:lol

[Doug11]

What a turd, Doug. You don't look obviously out of shape to me. :lol

I'm not sure why, but I'm starting to feel more excited about the race lately. Maybe it's the change in weather combined with the training mileage getting to a point that feels "serious," but it's starting to seem like more than just a vague goal that's never going to get here. :shrug

The clerk was a lady and there was another racer in the store at the same time, wearing her 2009 Half Marathon shirt and looked more like an endurance athlete, I guess. :lol


Oh, as you get closer it will begin to feel like, "I'll never be ready for this race" or "What am I thinking?" or "Have I done enough to run 26.2 miles?"

Cheers!

The little voice of negativity inside the head is such a pain. How to tune him/her out could be its own thread topic. :lookaroun I never understood what the running books were talking about when they discussed the mental side of running a distance race until my first half marathon . . . I realized that same voice that tells me I can't run the whole 5K is the voice telling me I can't go 13 miles, or 26 miles or whatever other race I'm doing. I still struggle with that inner voice in every race.


Tell me this is a joke.

I thought the same thing at Cheesecake Factory as you were putting down the mixed drinks and the cheesecake....:lol

Come on now, Scott! :lol All I had to drink was water and iced tea. That's not so bad. The water was to rehydrate and offset the diuretic effect of the iced tea. :lol

Not much I can say about the cheesecake though. :lol

[Doug11]

http://webres1.brightroom.com/206/61032/502/61032-502-023f.jpg

http://webres1.brightroom.com/206/61032/753/61032-753-004f.jpg

http://webres1.brightroom.com/206/61032/266/61032-266-004f.jpg

Performance! :rotfl

I like the one that kinda sorta looks like I'm charging up the hill at Animal Kingdom. I had to sort through the photos to find it because it didn't link to my race number. The photos are so overpriced though. $17 for a 5x7? :faint

[Garyhoov]

I find myself dreading even short runs and doubting my ability to do them. I know, for example that I could probably go out and run 2 miles in 24 minutes, but the thought of actually doing it seems so difficult in my mind I can barely imagine it until I've actually done it.

I can just never picture myself as a runner to the point that things I know I can do just seem physically impossible in my brain.:huh

[Christy]

Aren't the older ones supposed to watch the younger ones, help bring in the harvest, chop firewood, etc.? :p
:rotfl My kids are terrible babysitters. I'd trust them more with the axe and firewood :lookaroun

Tell me this is a joke.

I thought the same thing at Cheesecake Factory as you were putting down the mixed drinks and the cheesecake....:lol
:rotfl

I find myself dreading even short runs and doubting my ability to do them. I know, for example that I could probably go out and run 2 miles in 24 minutes, but the thought of actually doing it seems so difficult in my mind I can barely imagine it until I've actually done it.

I can just never picture myself as a runner to the point that things I know I can do just seem physically impossible in my brain.:huh

I'm not sure how many half marathons you have to finish to wrap your head around the fact that you ARE a runner! :lol :flower

I'm actually excited about getting my feet fixed... my entire body hurts, starting from there and working up... and I'm ready run again.

[BeeJay]

I find myself dreading even short runs and doubting my ability to do them. I know, for example that I could probably go out and run 2 miles in 24 minutes, but the thought of actually doing it seems so difficult in my mind I can barely imagine it until I've actually done it.

I can just never picture myself as a runner to the point that things I know I can do just seem physically impossible in my brain.:huh

I get that occasionally. What really gets me is when it pops up on distances I've already done a dozen times or more. That tells me that it's not based on a rational assessment of my actual ability, and (I guess) makes it a little easier to tune out. :shrug

I think the time my mind throws doubts at me most is at the beginning of a run. Once I've been going for a while, I have no trouble believing in myself, even if the going isn't easy. But if I'm just a few seconds in and go from feeling fine to needing to work, that's when my brain says "there's no way you can keep this up for miles at a time, are you crazy?"

I guess I just don't pay much attention to it and keep moving.

[Hooker]

Pfft, I struggle on Saturday mornings when I'm 2/10 of a mile into the run and I ask myself, "You've got 8.8 miles left to go?"

[Christy]

I'm back! Good news bad news type stuff... bad news is I do already have some little heel spurs started :blush And some pretty significant (for my age) plantar fasciitis (however that's spelled :lol ) So good news is, while he called it "complicated" (which surprised me) we're starting with the simple to treat. Namely, some heel pads I wear taped to my foot all day for about a week or so, and the really sexy treatment, boots to sleep in :lookaroun :rotfl (not the kind you like, either, Scott LMAO) Yeah, stretch those calves boys and girls, because since I haven't been good about stretching, well, EVER, I have to stretch at night, while I sleep if can stand it!! Otherwise my feet are structurally good, the bones and such, so no worries about that.

But the great news is he said if I feel like it isn't too painful, running will not continue to make it worse, provided I follow my treatments and wear good shoes. If it does still hurt a bit, I can at least walk, which I'm thinking I should fit in every day, even if it's at 10 at night. I just haven't slept well at all since I started slacking, and I've always noticed that. If I don't exercise, I don't sleep.

[BeeJay]

Did someone mention boots? :lookaroun

http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00WeSQNGOzhYub/Wholesale-Sexy-Shoes-Sexy-Boots-CY-13055-.jpg

Kidding. Glad you're still going to be able to keep running. And I definitely endorse the "walk every day" method if you can manage it. That's how I got started with this. And during the summer, I would run at night all the time. My neighborhood is pretty well lit and seems safe, so I just stopped worrying about people thinking I was some weirdo or child molester and just got out there and got my miles in. :shrug

[Christy]

Yes picture my boots... completely opposite of those :rotfl They are big awkward velcro straps all over contraptions that pull my heels DOWN, not up :lol

[Christy]

Well, I really should log my walks, because I've been getting in about 2 and a half miles a night with the dog :lol Feet feel GREAT, and everything else seems to be falling into place as well, like I'd hoped (back,hip,knee pain all gone, so far) :thumbs

I might go a little further tomorrow and jog it. :)

[BeeJay]

Fantastic, Christy. I know how irritating a nagging injury can be when you're trying to get ready for a race. I had a persistent knee problem while training for my first 5K, and it was due to me trying to run on the cheap without buying good shoes. Bought my Saucony's and haven't had a problem since. The right equipment can make a big difference.

[Hooker]

Fantastic, Christy. I know how irritating a nagging injury can be when you're trying to get ready for a race. I had a persistent knee problem while training for my first 5K, and it was due to me trying to run on the cheap without buying good shoes. Bought my Saucony's and haven't had a problem since. The right equipment can make a big difference.
Saucony??? YES!!! What kind?

[Christy]

I got good shoes right away when I decided to take this seriously... it's my feet I need to upgrade. :lookaroun

:lol

The kids all laugh at me as I put on the boots, but what do I live for anymore, other than to be a total dork in front of my children :love

[BeeJay]

Saucony??? YES!!! What kind?

Cohesion 3, I guess? I just know they felt great when I put them on in the store. They've gotten me through 2 races so far. :)

[Hooker]

Cohesion 3, I guess? I just know they felt great when I put them on in the store. They've gotten me through 2 races so far. :)Haven't heard of that one. I've been wearing the Hurricane models. I LOVE the arch lock across the top of the foot.

[Doug11]

I swear by my Spira shoes. Spira is a sponsor of the Disney endurance races. All I can tell you is that prior to my first pair of Spiras, I ran in Nike Shox running shoes. The day after the Tower of Terror 13K, I thought I had a broken bone in my right foot. Shortly afterwards, I bought my first pair of Spira shoes and have never had a foot injury following a race ever again.

I freaked out at the Disney half marathon last year because it was sleeting and wet and I had to run a full marathon on the following day, but I had no way to get my shoes dry, so I bought a second pair at the expo. Any expert would probably tell you not to run a marathon in a brand new pair of shoes, but I did and had no problem and I am still running in that pair, although it may soon be time for a new pair. The sole is getting a little worn.

My current shoe model is the Spira del Sol, and looks something like this:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VFQ8OgENL._AA300_.jpg

[Hooker]

Here's my bad boy....on my 5th pair since I started running.

http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/2/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/8574223/img2/img.jpg

[Christy]

Aren't Doug's shoes illegal or something? :lol :lookaroun

I'm going to ask the podiatrist next time I go in how much it really matters. He's going to give me orthotics, so probably just whatever shoe feels good. :dunno

[Doug11]

Aren't Doug's shoes illegal or something? :lol :lookaroun

I'm going to ask the podiatrist next time I go in how much it really matters. He's going to give me orthotics, so probably just whatever shoe feels good. :dunno

check this out - the winner wore Spira and he still got paid! :D http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/article/111168

[Christy]

Well I am headed out. Wish me luck! :lol

[Christy]

A pair of Saucony shoes were purchased today.

For Eva :blink :lookaroun :lol

Stride Rite! :thumbs :love

[BeeJay]

Doug and Kirsten, did you see this? (I assume it's publicly viewable....if that's a word.)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=164220263603944&set=a.154082244617746.32787.139057592786878&ref=nf


PS: Christy...wha? :huh

[Christy]

Scott was cheering the Saucony shoes a page or so ago... and I got some today. They're Eva's :lol

[BeeJay]

Scott was cheering the Saucony shoes a page or so ago... and I got some today. They're Eva's :lol

Is she in training now too? :p

[Christy]

Well, it was kind of funny, she got a pair of regular shoes, and when she tried them on I said to walk to the mirror and back, to see if they fit ok, so she did... then we put these on, and as the lady was doing them, she said "Now these are running shoes! You'll run so fast!" and Eva stood up and sprinted to the mirror and back :rotfl She doesn't miss anything :goofy

[BeeJay]

Well, it was kind of funny, she got a pair of regular shoes, and when she tried them on I said to walk to the mirror and back, to see if they fit ok, so she did... then we put these on, and as the lady was doing them, she said "Now these are running shoes! You'll run so fast!" and Eva stood up and sprinted to the mirror and back :rotfl She doesn't miss anything :goofy

:love

So me, Scott and now Eva. The shoes are spreading. :lookaroun

[Doug11]

Doug and Kirsten, did you see this? (I assume it's publicly viewable....if that's a word.)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=164220263603944&set=a.154082244617746.32787.139057592786878&ref=nf


PS: Christy...wha? :huh

Good to see the response from Disney - I sent my note complaining about the issues addressed in that letter. I would do that race again, but probably won't do it next year.

[Hooker]

:love

So me, Scott and now Eva. The shoes are spreading. :lookaroun

Just as long as Eva doesn't beat us.

[LinHoov]

Hi Everyone!

Gary and I have been managing my runs on my Garmin with a heart rate monitor. I showed him my graphs from when I 1st got the Garmin in July to one of our latest runs (we did 1 at 7 miles, 1 at 8 miles, and another at 7 miles). I've been discouraged at my progression, but you can see an improvement in the ol' heart bpm.

Not too bad, I guess...considering I've never done anything athletic in my life, I'll be 45 by the end of the year, and I have (here come the excuses) hypothyroidism with mitral valve prolapse and pericardial effusion. Regarding all of that...does anyone else have that or know anyone running with MVP or the variation on the theme? My doctors have been completely useless when it comes to this stuff. But I read on the internet (dangerous, I know) that about 80% of women with hypothyroidism have MVP and some of those have what they call "exercise intolerance" where the HR goes UP and is just plain UP! So, I've been fighting that.

On the positive side, the HR has been improving and I do believe that it comes down a lot faster than it used to when I stop running. I actually started "running" (ok the pace is a SNAIL pace) during the summer of 2009 and I could barely go 1/2 mile. Now I can go at least this distance with Gary running in front of me and keeping me going, but I'm still battling a good HR. So, I turn up the iPod to drown out my gasping. From all I read on the internet, the best thing to do for MVP is exercise and keep challenging the old heart. They say I won't fall over dead or anything. Hey, but if I do for some reason at Disney, maybe Gary can get free passes for life. :)

OK I haven't posted for months and this should make up for some of it. :goofy

Gary just bought Austin Powers. :sick

[Garyhoov]

They say I won't fall over dead or anything. Hey, but if I do for some reason at Disney, maybe Gary can get free passes for life. :)



:lookaroun


Cool!


:whistle

[Doug11]

Hi Linda! :wave

I am scared to know what my heart rate is. Every rime I check it during a strenous workout it is way higher than what the treadmill maker recommends. It looks like we are the same age, too.

Glad to read you are sticking with it - looking forward to marathon weekend :D

I did 10 miles this afternoon. Was probably supposed to do more, but getting in from a football game road trip, that's all I had time to do. :blush

[Christy]

I've never in my life checked my heartrate :blush I go by the old "do I feel like I'm going to die right now?" check. If the answer is no, I figure I'm good. But... I do not have any real medical issues :lol At least I don't think so... if crappy feet count, then I do. :goofy

Speaking of, my training has been non existant, but I'm off to get new shoes tomorrow and I'm hitting it hard, no excuses, this week. I told the girls that the only way we go to Disney next year will be becuase of this. I've had one offer of personal training from Kaitlyn :lookaroun :rotfl

[Hooker]

Man, I slacked off this weekend--I only did 6.6 miles. BUT, I've got 11 miles on the agenda for this coming Saturday. Sounds like everyone is doing quite well. Keep it up and stay injury-free.

[LinHoov]

Gary never checks his heart rate, either. I'm glad I did, though, because I had to see what was going on with mine.

Oh, and he and I bought new shoes, so I guess we are in the "new shoes" club!

[Christy]

What kind did you get? I'm due for a new pair, I think. Might look into those Spiras Doug wears, aka "the cheater shoe" :lookaroun

[Doug11]

I hear good things about Brooks. They have a shoe party coming up in New Orleans, so I might go check that out on October 28.

Funny photos from the Brooks website, here's a photo of their promotion at the Denver marathon, taken before the start:

http://user.media.sweat365.com/talk.brooksrunning.com/files/2010/10/brooks-rnr-dude-in-seattle-300x247.jpg

and here's the same guy at the end of the race -

http://user.media.sweat365.com/talk.brooksrunning.com/files/2010/10/passed-out-brooks-rnr-dude1-292x300.jpg

Too much partying for him, it seems. :rotfl

[Christy]

:rotfl

Brooks were what I wore before I got my Nikes. I really need to take the time to try on a LOT of different pairs (OMG I just typed "pears" and caught myself :rotfl :lookaroun ) and then, quit being so damn cheap and buy 2 pairs of them :lol

[LinHoov]

I bought Brooks last year and this year as well. I figured they seemed OK last year...so just went with that flow! What do I know, right?

I think Gary has New Balance.

Does anyone purchase "racing flats" for speedwork? Or have different shoes for training vs. racing? Though...honestly...I'm in such a beginning stage...I just need to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.

Hey, for anyone that wants that calculation for the heart rate: subtract your age from 220 and that is your maximum heart rate. You should be running in the aerobic zone between 60% and 90% of your maximum heart rate, preferably at the bottom end. That is where I have a problem. I seem to have only 2 modes: being upright (about 78 bpm) and running where it takes me to 90% of my max. heart rate, say, 157. Gary and I just switched from Ballys to LA Fitness and the guy there gave me a "test" where I had to work on the stepper for 3 minutes....and my heart rate went to 155! He looked at me like I was from another planet. Yep - - so that is what I'm battling. I'll take all my printouts of my workouts to my doctor and hit her in the head with them when I see her next. :)

Does anyone else work out at the LA Fitness? I was joining so that I could try to add other workouts. They seem to have a lot of classes going on. I tried a cycling class. I have to get to another one. Then they have one with weights and steppers. Oh, and they have a pool. Gary said he would try the pool and work towards a triathlon. :uh

[Garyhoov]

I Oh, and they have a pool. Gary said he would try the pool and work towards a triathlon. :uh

I was just whimsically exploring the notion. Don't sign me up for anything yet.:tongue

[LinHoov]

Do you guys drink from each beverage station? What are your plans for staying hydrated during the 1/2 marathon? :huh

[LinHoov]

I was just whimsically exploring the notion. Don't sign me up for anything yet.:tongue

Hey....aren't you the one who signed ME up for the 1/2 marathon last year??

I'm signing you up for a triathlon, baby! (Insert evil laughter here). Hahahahahaha!

[LinHoov]

I think when I bought the Brooks shoes they told me they were a little stiffer on the bottom than other shoes. I guess it depends on what stiffness you prefer.

[Doug11]

Hey, for anyone that wants that calculation for the heart rate: subtract your age from 220 and that is your maximum heart rate. You should be running in the aerobic zone between 60% and 90% of your maximum heart rate, preferably at the bottom end. That is where I have a problem. I seem to have only 2 modes: being upright (about 78 bpm) and running where it takes me to 90% of my max. heart rate, say, 157. Gary and I just switched from Ballys to LA Fitness and the guy there gave me a "test" where I had to work on the stepper for 3 minutes....and my heart rate went to 155! He looked at me like I was from another planet. Yep - - so that is what I'm battling. I'll take all my printouts of my workouts to my doctor and hit her in the head with them when I see her next. :)



If that rule of thumb applies to marathon runners, I may be in trouble. I am almost 45, so my max should be 175, and 90% of that would be 158? Yeah, my heart rate is often above that when I am running. A usual number is somewhere around 165.


Do you guys drink from each beverage station? What are your plans for staying hydrated during the 1/2 marathon? :huh

I wear a dorky water belt. You can see a picture of it here: http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/MKCP/2010%20Disney%20Marathon%20Weekend/DSC00230.jpg I have disposable cameras where the water bottles go because I only take 2 water bottles on the marathon and half marathon runs when I know there are water stops. During long workouts on hot days when I am not in the gym, I fill up all four water bottles. That belt is a lifesaver, but it is dorky, I know.
I find that having the small water bottles allows me to stay hydrated when I am feeling like having a sip in between the water stations, and then I almost always take a cup at each station on top of that. Powerade at the front, water at the back. Disney does a good job of taking care of its runners.

[Hooker]

Do you guys drink from each beverage station? What are your plans for staying hydrated during the 1/2 marathon? :huh

I take water at every stop and i will walk through the stops too. i train with walk breaks and this keeps me on something that I'm used to. Plus, the water stations can get slippery, so i get my water, walk through it, and start up again near the end. And, they usually have Powerade first and then the water. Don't drink the Powerade on raceday if you haven't trained with it.

[Garyhoov]

Hi Everyone!

Gary and I have been managing my runs on my Garmin with a heart rate monitor. I showed him my graphs from when I 1st got the Garmin in July to one of our latest runs (we did 1 at 7 miles, 1 at 8 miles, and another at 7 miles). I've been discouraged at my progression, but you can see an improvement in the ol' heart bpm.

Not too bad, I guess...considering I've never done anything athletic in my life, I'll be 45 by the end of the year, and I have (here come the excuses) hypothyroidism with mitral valve prolapse and pericardial effusion. Regarding all of that...does anyone else have that or know anyone running with MVP or the variation on the theme? My doctors have been completely useless when it comes to this stuff. But I read on the internet (dangerous, I know) that about 80% of women with hypothyroidism have MVP and some of those have what they call "exercise intolerance" where the HR goes UP and is just plain UP! So, I've been fighting that.

On the positive side, the HR has been improving and I do believe that it comes down a lot faster than it used to when I stop running. I actually started "running" (ok the pace is a SNAIL pace) during the summer of 2009 and I could barely go 1/2 mile. Now I can go at least this distance with Gary running in front of me and keeping me going, but I'm still battling a good HR. So, I turn up the iPod to drown out my gasping. From all I read on the internet, the best thing to do for MVP is exercise and keep challenging the old heart. They say I won't fall over dead or anything. Hey, but if I do for some reason at Disney, maybe Gary can get free passes for life. :)

OK I haven't posted for months and this should make up for some of it. :goofy

Gary just bought Austin Powers. :sick


Okay Ms. Always Obsessed with Heart Rate, I decided to check mine today on the tread-mill.

I started running a nice, slow pace like we do on weekends. I dis that for a mile and then checked my heart-rate which was 150. At that point, I felt fine, like I could keep going all day.

So then I turned it up to a fairly brisk pace (for me) of 6.5 MPH. After a half mile there, I checked again and I was at 185. At that point, I felt pretty much like I always do on the tread-mill - miserable, but like I could keep going for a while.

But then I heard your voice in the back of my head whining about me dying and leaving you doing the grocery shopping and remembering to take out the recycling and dealing with your family and picking Ryan up at Rutgers, so I figured I should stop.

I'm not going to check my rate again.:lookaroun

[Christy]

Sometimes ignorance really IS bliss :goofy

[LinHoov]

Haha, yep, I guess ignorance is bliss! If you are running and your heart rate doesn't bother you, I guess it doesn't matter too much....
Good to know.

Oh, and Gary....I'm increasing your life insurance! heeeeeeeeeee!

And, Gary, what is it you eat before your 1/2 marathon at Disney (the night before)? A double burger with a side of chili?


Hey, thanks everybody for the tips on the water! I actually did buy one of those water belts but I haven't used it yet. I think I could really have used it on our last run. Thanks for the tip on the PowerAde, too. I like the stuff and drink it after a run...but I haven't trained with drinking it during a run. I guess I heard that in some people it can cause cramps...? Water is always a good thing.


And, remember, there are always margaritas by the pool. That is my plan.

[Garyhoov]

And, Gary, what is it you eat before your 1/2 marathon at Disney (the night before)? A double burger with a side of chili?



Yes. Where will you be running?:lookaroun

[LinHoov]

Yes. Where will you be running?:lookaroun


Oh, crap.....right behind you! AAAAaaaaaggggghhhhhh! :sick :sick :sick

[Garyhoov]

Oh, crap.....right behind you! AAAAaaaaaggggghhhhhh! :sick :sick :sick

:whistle

[Christy]

Oh, crap.....right behind you! AAAAaaaaaggggghhhhhh! :sick :sick :sick

New goal: Be faster than Gary :rotfl

[Hooker]

Killer workout today, at least for me. Thursdays are hill workouts. Up and down a pedestrian overpass ramp 16 times. Ramp reaches a height of 20-25 feet in 110-120 yards. The added bonus was the 80 degree temps and the high humidity.

11 miles on Saturday, and I actually look forward to it.

[Doug11]

Killer workout today, at least for me. Thursdays are hill workouts. Up and down a pedestrian overpass ramp 16 times. Ramp reaches a height of 20-25 feet in 110-120 yards. The added bonus was the 80 degree temps and the high humidity.

11 miles on Saturday, and I actually look forward to it.

Wow! That IS a killer workout.

[Doug11]

According to the Disney racing website, the marathon is finally starting to get full:

* Marathon - 89% Full
* Half Marathon - 92% Full
* Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge - 89% Full
* Buzz and Woody's Best Friends 5K - 90% Full
* Mickey's Marathon Kids' Fest - 72% Full

Those with younger children, notice the Kids Fest and the Toy Story 5K - but you don't have to be a kid to run the 5K :lookaroun

[Christy]

Is it time to panic NOW? :lookaroun

I may bite the bullet and go ahead and get the gym membership. I'm looking at this weather right now, there's no way I'd be running out in that :rotfl It's cold out there! and I don't think it'll warm up anytime soon :lol

[Doug11]

Gym membership - I am a big fan!

[LinHoov]

New goal: Be faster than Gary :rotfl


YES!!!! :lol

[Garyhoov]

I'm such a motivator.:lookaroun

[Hooker]

http://foodbeast.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/triple-chili-cheese-burger.jpg

[Christy]

:sick

[BeeJay]

I I'm looking at this weather right now, there's no way I'd be running out in that :rotfl It's cold out there! and I don't think it'll warm up anytime soon :lol

Oh whatever... like YOU know whether it's going to be cold in Ohio from November to January! :p

[Christy]

Yeah... the seemingly never ending summer... ended :lol

[Garyhoov]

Maybe if you go out and buy a REALLY BIG SUV, you can speed up that global warming.:lookaroun

[BeeJay]

Maybe if you go out and buy a REALLY BIG SUV, you can speed up that global warming.:lookaroun

Which would be totally worth avoiding having to pay for a gym membership. :lol

[Doug11]

I did a training run last night in the cool outdoors of my neighborhood for the first time since moving there a few months ago. It was so nice . . . I wish this weather would stick around for awhile.

And yes . . . SUV or gym membership, I go for the SUV! :lol

[Hooker]

I may be a day late and a dollar short on this, but what race is Steve from Magic running in January?

[Doug11]

I didn't know that he was . . . but I did see that he has recently started posting in the running forums. :)

[Hooker]

One thread said he was up 8 miles a day in running. Sounds like the half.

[Christy]

Well, no time like the present. :sadbye

I'm out guys. It's just not gonna happen. Even if I were to magically get 1-2 free hours more days than not to be able to train, I want to head down there in Feb. with my parents and brothers, and it would just be too much money, especially post Christmas and pre travel volleyball, to be making those trips like that.

[Garyhoov]

Well, no time like the present. :sadbye

I'm out guys. It's just not gonna happen. Even if I were to magically get 1-2 free hours more days than not to be able to train, I want to head down there in Feb. with my parents and brothers, and it would just be too much money, especially post Christmas and pre travel volleyball, to be making those trips like that.

:uh

:sadbye


. . . wait a minute. . . what am I sad about, I just saved $35.:lookaroun


Seriously, that's a real bummer.

[Garyhoov]

I may be a day late and a dollar short on this, but what race is Steve from Magic running in January?

:shrug

I think I asked him pretty specifically, a couple months ago when I saw him posting in the running section, if he was going to go for the half and, as I remember, his response indicated that he was just starting and didn't expect to be ready by January.:shrug

If he's not afraid of us, it would be cool to meet up with him.

[Doug11]

Awww, Christy. Darn.

Well, there are plenty of races that weekend, even in Ohio. :lookaroun Just keep trying where you can. You've made a lot of progress this year. :)

[Christy]

:uh

:sadbye


. . . wait a minute. . . what am I sad about, I just saved $35.:lookaroun


Seriously, that's a real bummer.

And I wasted $140 :goofy :lol

[Doug11]

And I wasted $140 :goofy :lol

I have wasted a few entry fees over the past 2+ years also, but none as large as that! :lol

seriously, keep running! :)

[Hooker]

Well, no time like the present. :sadbye

I'm out guys. It's just not gonna happen. Even if I were to magically get 1-2 free hours more days than not to be able to train, I want to head down there in Feb. with my parents and brothers, and it would just be too much money, especially post Christmas and pre travel volleyball, to be making those trips like that.
Well, crap.

Like Doug said, keep running. We'll get to see you one day.

I am bummed.

[BeeJay]

Christy :sadbye

So Christy is out, Kirsten is moving back to Seattle, and Roxxy just told me she's doing the half but can't make the lunch. No offense, gents...but this is kind of turning into a sausage fest. :blink

[Doug11]

BeeJay, use your best wily wordcrafting to get Roxxy to the lunch!

There will be a few ladies there.

[Hooker]

BeeJay, use your best wily wordcrafting to get Roxxy to the lunch!

There will be a few ladies there.

I knew we could count on Leslie going with you. Emily too? Joy will not come--she'll be in the parks with our kids and some friends.

[BeeJay]

I knew we could count on Leslie going with you. Emily too? Joy will not come--she'll be in the parks with our kids and some friends.

I'm thinking Rain will be there as a guest star.

Doug...I'll try, but it might be tough. Something about catching a flight? :shrug :lol

[Garyhoov]

Linda will be there . . . if she survives.:lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

. . . so maybe not so much a sausage fest as a bunch of old, married couples . . . and BJ.:lol

[Doug11]

. . . so maybe not so much a sausage fest as a bunch of old, married couples . . . and BJ.:lol

and Brad - he sent me a text after the Marine Corps Marathon to say he had just enrolled in the full marathon.

[Christy]

Christy :sadbye

So Christy is out, Kirsten is moving back to Seattle, and Roxxy just told me she's doing the half but can't make the lunch. No offense, gents...but this is kind of turning into a sausage fest. :blink

:rotfl

Well, I am more bummed than anybody. Back in August, this was looking like it would be something... fun :blink and :blink easy :blink and I was excited to go! But, life being what it is and all, I'm going to shoot for next time. I should probably get into some local runs... well, first, get back to running at all. :lol I've been logging maybe 3 miles a week, unless you count walking the dog :blush

[Doug11]

:rotfl

Well, I am more bummed than anybody. Back in August, this was looking like it would be something... fun :blink and :blink easy :blink and I was excited to go! But, life being what it is and all, I'm going to shoot for next time. I should probably get into some local runs... well, first, get back to running at all. :lol I've been logging maybe 3 miles a week, unless you count walking the dog :blush

Not to be a pest, but there IS still time, if the 3 miles per week is bothering you. That's almost 25% of a half marathon right there. :lookaroun

Okay, I'll stop. :)

[Christy]

:rotfl No, that's honestly only about 25% of it... if I knew I would show up only to make it through half the race, I'd still go give it a shot. The bigger thing is getting down to see my brother a month later. And then after I get home from THAT, we have our first tournament in Dayton :circles

It's too much for me, even right now :lol

[Doug11]

I need a plan that will ensure I am doing my workouts and not loading up on holiday food over the next 8-9 weeks. :lookaroun

A friend in Orlando has invited Leslie and me to stay with her during Disney marathon weekend. Disney sent me a pin code for discounted hotel rooms, but Disney has jacked up their rates so much that even with a discount, a room at a moderate hotel is over $150 a night, and a stay at the least expensive deluxe, Wilderness Lodge costs over $700 for the 3 nights we will be there.

So, we will probably stay with Leslie's friend. :lol Kids in college . . . I'm telling you!

edit: I just went to my friend's FB page to send her a note, and I see "Kathy is no longer listed as 'married.'" Oh no!