RunninDisney
11-15-2006, 08:13 AM
I've done both the half and the full at Disney, so I kind of know what to expect. I'm doing the Goofy's Challenge this year. Does anyone have any advice that has already done the Goofy's Challenge for me? I have a few things I would like to offer to the ones that have never ran at Disney.
1. Be on the first bus at 3:00 leaving your resort. You don't want to be running to the start line.
2. Pack everything. Last year it was warm all week, and turned reaaaaally cold right before the run. It was around 36 degrees outside when the run started. People were buying up all the pants and gloves they could find at the expo. Anything you take off and throw to the side of the road will be picked up and donated to charity, so don't throw your $75 nike jacket over the fence and expect to get it back. I go to a thrift store and buy a $2 sweatshirt that I don't mind getting rid of. Also, bring a black garbage bag to wear while standing around before the run if its cold. It keeps your body heat in. I actually saw a guy pass me around mile 22 last year still wearing his.
3. EAT. Disney has a spagetti supper the night before the run at the Wild World of Sports. I believe its $10 a person. I've never done it, but I am this year. Make sure you eat breakfast. I don't know about anyone else, but around mile 10 I start to get really hungry. Disney has a food stop just past mile 13 where they pass out bananas and oranges.
4. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water the week before the race. Stay hydrated during the race. Disney has plenty of water stops. Look on the map on disneyworldmarathon.com and it will show you all the stops. They'll also pass out little books with maps in them at the expo. Disney uses Powerade. Its a good idea to start using powerade in your training if yoru not already. You don't want to start anything new on race day, your stomach is already nervous enough as it is.
5. Go to the expo. Listen to a speaker. These guys are world class runners and can give you good advice. You can normally get the best deals towards the end of the expo. They dont want to have to pack everything back up and bring it back.
6. If you can, bring a disposable camera with you. You can get pictures with characters along the way. There will also be people dressed up running in the race. There is a guy that runs the full every year carring a pole with about a 3'x5' American flag the whole 26.2 miles.
7. HAVE FUN!
I'm sure I missed something, so if anyone has anything else to add....
1. Be on the first bus at 3:00 leaving your resort. You don't want to be running to the start line.
2. Pack everything. Last year it was warm all week, and turned reaaaaally cold right before the run. It was around 36 degrees outside when the run started. People were buying up all the pants and gloves they could find at the expo. Anything you take off and throw to the side of the road will be picked up and donated to charity, so don't throw your $75 nike jacket over the fence and expect to get it back. I go to a thrift store and buy a $2 sweatshirt that I don't mind getting rid of. Also, bring a black garbage bag to wear while standing around before the run if its cold. It keeps your body heat in. I actually saw a guy pass me around mile 22 last year still wearing his.
3. EAT. Disney has a spagetti supper the night before the run at the Wild World of Sports. I believe its $10 a person. I've never done it, but I am this year. Make sure you eat breakfast. I don't know about anyone else, but around mile 10 I start to get really hungry. Disney has a food stop just past mile 13 where they pass out bananas and oranges.
4. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water the week before the race. Stay hydrated during the race. Disney has plenty of water stops. Look on the map on disneyworldmarathon.com and it will show you all the stops. They'll also pass out little books with maps in them at the expo. Disney uses Powerade. Its a good idea to start using powerade in your training if yoru not already. You don't want to start anything new on race day, your stomach is already nervous enough as it is.
5. Go to the expo. Listen to a speaker. These guys are world class runners and can give you good advice. You can normally get the best deals towards the end of the expo. They dont want to have to pack everything back up and bring it back.
6. If you can, bring a disposable camera with you. You can get pictures with characters along the way. There will also be people dressed up running in the race. There is a guy that runs the full every year carring a pole with about a 3'x5' American flag the whole 26.2 miles.
7. HAVE FUN!
I'm sure I missed something, so if anyone has anything else to add....