2011 Marathon

Mickey&Minnie

Mickey&Minnie

Active Member
Original Poster
I know that it may be a little far in advance, but a couple of my friends, my husband and I are shooting to do the 2011 wdw marathon. I have just a few questions because I want to be fully prepared and know what to truly expect. We are planning on doing more marathons before the BIG one but they will be smaller ones (5k or half) Ok...

Question 1 - Are there any package deals during marathon time? If so, what are they usually?

Question 2 - How far in advance have you started training?

Question 3 - Are there any good running schedules that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for all of your help.
 
gatordoc

gatordoc

Active Member
Can't help you with package deals, because I usually go on my DVC points. However, for training schedules, when to start, how to build, etc., I highly recommend Hal Higdon's site (don't know if I'm allowed to post the link here but it's easy to find from a search engine). Good luck!
 
docandsix

docandsix

Active Member
This has worked for me several times...

There are undoubtedly better programs, but for me and my busy family and professional schedule, this approach, requiring running only four days per week has secured some reasonable times for an aging guy:

-One day a week, run your "distance." (Whatever you can do with relative comfort, to start. I usually begin at six miles, then go up two miles every two weeks. This way, in month one, I do a six-mile distance the first two weeks, then an eight-mile distance the second two weeks. The second month, it's 10's and 12's; the third, 14's and 16's, then 18, 20, and 22 the final (or fourth) month. This can be stretched out as far and over as many months as you want, but remember that the "next distance" is almost always hard the first time out--don't expect to run six miles each Sunday for a month and then have a great time running eight miles the next: Be safe, but push through it.)

-One day a week, run a "half-distance." Typically, I try to put this in the middle of the week, as far as possible from my distance.

-One day a week, preferably on a treadmill, run hill intervals, keeping your speed at roughly marathon pace (whatever you hope for or is realistic) and alternating each minute from (more-or-less) flat to increasing inclines, for 30 minutes. If you exhaust yourself, go "flat" for a few minutes, catch your breath, and start over.

-One day a week, on a treadmill or outside, run speed intervals, similar to the hills, but changing the pace instead of the incline.

-Other days are options. I usually rest or run very lightly, if I have time.

**Be careful on a treadmill. Use the safety strap, especially until you know what you're capable of.

**On race day, especially at WDW, you'll be inspired and hyped. DO NOT GO OUT TOO FAST: Run your trained pace, and pick it up at the end if you still have the steam. Drink water and Gatorade in alternating, small amounts, and get some carbs in yourself EARLY, before you think you need them. Once you've bonked, it's way too late.

Good luck.
 
Mickey&Minnie

Mickey&Minnie

Active Member
Original Poster
Thanks guys for your help so far. I have actually saved these training programs so that I can refer to them occassionally. I think they will both prove helpful.
I am still looking for package deals. We had thought about staying in a deluxe villa but the prices seem a little out of budget for us even splitting it up as a group. Any help in this regard will be helpful to.
We are also thinking about having a celebratory vacation after the marathon. We plan on leaving the following Saturday or Sunday. I have never been to the parks during this time. How are the crowds?
 
gatordoc

gatordoc

Active Member
The crowds after the marathon are generally pretty light until MLK weekend when they pick up again.

One other thing to think about with where to stay is transportation. Although there are buses to the race start from all the resorts, this can be a bit iffy with traffic. I even had a bus driver get lost one year :eek: Sometimes as the race gets closer, prices at the villas drop, especially at Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. However, IMO, if you can possibly stay on the monorail line, that is best - I'm using my DVC points to stay at Bay Lake Tower this year.
 
Mickey&Minnie

Mickey&Minnie

Active Member
Original Poster
Gatordoc you have been such a great help, thank you. We are planning on driving down and splitting gas. The drive isn't too bad and we like having the vehicle. I had actually wanted to stay on the monorail, but the price scares me.
Joanna71985 have a great race and let us know how it goes.
 
joanna71985

joanna71985

Well-Known Member
Mickey&Minnie said:
Gatordoc you have been such a great help, thank you. We are planning on driving down and splitting gas. The drive isn't too bad and we like having the vehicle. I had actually wanted to stay on the monorail, but the price scares me.
Joanna71985 have a great race and let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...

Oh definitely (this is going to be my first marathon- I hope it goes well). I probably will do a report for it.
 
GoofyFan1

GoofyFan1

Active Member
Try this link http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=WdwMarathonDetailPage and go to Travel Details...this will give you an idea of package prices for this coming year's marathon. If you want room only though you'll have to wait for the new prices (that's where I'm at right now)

Good luck running next year. If things progress, I should be running the Goofy. Last year I ran my first Disney 1/2, this year will be my first full, next year...hopefully the Goofy)
 

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