Lisa loves Pooh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
PLEASE NOTE--this thread is in the process of getting cleaned up. So please pardon our dust as we prepare this area for your future enjoyment.
I do not work with Disney or the race--these are fact based answers to FAQ that pop up often on our training threads.
Answers have been compiled to the best of our knowledge and expertise. Please be advised that there are risks involved with exercise—especially endurance exercise. If you question your abilities to participate in any kind of training regime for an event, please consult with your doctor.
The FAQ has changed. Links are provided to the most commonly asked questions. Please post any additional questions you have on the individual topic thread by clicking on the topic below. This will assure that some of our more experienced DISers can assist you with an appropriate response.
(LINKS ARE COMING)
So what exactly is a marathon:
Full: 26.2 miles
Half: 13.1 miles
Did you know that the first marathon was in 1886. The current distance was established in 1908 for the Olympic Games held in London. About a mile and a half was added so that the race could start at the stadium and finish at Windsor castle. With the last 385 finishing in front of King Edward the VII’s box. It wasn’t until the 1924 Olympics that this distance was again utilized and it has stuck ever since. So let us give a DIS board “Thanks a lot man” to King Edward the VII—who obviously hasn’t experienced “the wall” except from his cozy little box.
History Link #1
History Link #2
**********************************************
This information below has not be "cleaned up yet"--so you must read it here as there are no links. Right Now--it is all of our information.
***NEW INFORMATION--Links for Team events at the bottom of this post for the team dinner and the team t-shirt***
NEW INFORMATION: Registration is open. Go to this link for information on Disney's endurance events--and your chance to earn a Medal
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....s/sportDetail/detail?name=EnduranceDetailPage Listed under Amateur Sportes Tab then click on drop down "Endurance."
When is the next Disney Marathon Weekend?
The 2010 Half-Marathon is 6am on Saturday, January 09, 2010.
The 2009 Full-Marathon is 6am on Sunday, January 10, 2010.
How do and when should I register?
REGISTRATION FOR 2010 HAS LIMITED OPENINGS
There were over 30,000 participants registered for both events past years.
DVC Members get a $5 discount, but you cannot do online registration. DVC members need to call 407-938-3398 to register.
Registration fees are non-refundable, so you should register when you are ready to commit to the races. The sooner you register, the better, as it is unknown when registration will close.
Both events fill up well before race weekend. Based on the past races, expect that the half will fill up well before the full race.
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell when registration will close this year. The only thing that is certain is that once it is closed, there is no way to participate in the event unless you choose a fundraising team. Disney saves positions for many fundraising organizations. They are all for good causes and your efforts can benefit your health and the health of others.
While you can fundraise for any cause--these causes were recognized by Disney for 2005 and ways to participate if you find that registration for the half or full marathon has already closed. Contact the organizations for more information.
American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org
American Stroke Association Train to End Stroke - www.strokeassociation.org
AT Childrens Project - www.atcp.org
Huntsman Cancer Institute Hometown Heroes - www.huntsmancancer.org
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training - www.teamintraining.org
Multiple Sclerosis Society - www.nmss.org/flc
National Arthritis Foundation Joints in Motion - www.arthritis.org
National Association for Children of Alcoholics - www.nacoa.org
National Neurofibromatosis Foundation - www.nf.org/marathon
Prevent Blindness Team 20/20 - www.pbga.org
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy - www.parentprojectmd.org
Roswell Park Cancer Institute - www.roswellpark.org
Taylor's Angels - www.taylorsangels.org
Charities for the marathon have not been posted. Check the registration link periodically. They have previously listed charities associated with event weekend.
How long is a half marathon/full marathon?
The Half Marathon is 13.1 miles.
The Full Marathon is 26.2 miles.
What about a course map?
Full Marathon, Half Marathon and family 5k
Is the course really flat?
In the racing world, this course is considered flat...but in the real world....not so flat. The impact on your racing is that it will challenge more and slow down your expected finish time as you work through these "mole hills".
You have overpasses, on/off ramps, and contemporary hill to contend with, plus the little bridges in EPCOT and along the Boardwalk--which at mile 25 aren't so little anymore.
It would be a good idea to incorporate some hill training--but be advised that this needs to be done with care and within your physical limitations. I am not an expert, but certain injuries or ailments would be made to feel worse with hill training or what wasn't injured is now injured after the hill or bridge work. So BE CAREFUL. Those with IT Band problems would most likely have problems with hill/bridge training and I have had coaches say to teammates to NOT train on hills or bridges.
The run down of hills as I remember them in order of appearance:
Half: 1 or 2 overpasses in the first mile (depends on exact placement of the starting line) + downhill (270 degree turn) ramp. Contemporary Hill (down then up--short but steep), small incline up and into the castle and down the ramp, repeat of the 270 degree turn ramp--but up hill, 1 or 2 overpasses to possibly include exit ramp.
Full: 1 ramp/overpass thing as you come around EPCOT to get to the auto plaza to run into EPCOT between mile 1 and 2, pedestrian bridge in EPCOT, 2 overpasses then the downhill (270 degree turn) ramp, Contemporary Hill (down then up--short but steep), small incline up and into the castle and down the ramp, between mile 14 and 16....there will be a portion of the road that banks steeply, Animal Kingdom pedestrian bridges, on-ramp from the AK parking lot exit onto the main road, 2 overpasses on your way to Wide World of Sports, Exit ramp up and then down to get to World Drive (that crosses over an MGM parking lot entrance), Exit ramp that goes uphill to get to MGM, some minor (but at that point seems major) elevation shifts within MGM, downhill after exit MGM to run along canal, 2 bridges along boardwalk (one where you enter the beach club/board walk area and one when you are heading into EPCOT) that seem very tall towards the end, and 2 pedestrian bridges in World Showcase.
How long do I have to finish the Disney Marathon and what are the pacing requirements?
You have 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the half marathon.
You have 7 hours to complete the full marathon.
You must MAINTAIN a 16 minute per mile pace for the entire race. At anytime you fall off of that pace...you are subject to being swept and prevented from continuing and finishing the race.
Here's the sweep pickup times from previous events--if you do not reach a particular point by a particular time--you will be swept. It is clear by these times that this is the elapsed time from race start and NOT the elapsed time from when you cross the start line. So plan accordingly :
Mile Mark: Location Description: Time Allowed:
3.5 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Speedway 1:11:00
6.3 Magic Kingdom® Park Security Gate 1:56:00
8.1 Magic Kingdom® Parking Lot (Daisy) 2:25:00
10.2 World Drive Ramp to EPCOT® Center
Drive 2:58:00
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....Marathon2006PacingRequirementsEventDetailPage
Full Marathon
Mile Mark: Location Description: Time Allowed:
2.7 EPCOT® Main Entrance 0:53:00
3.3 Backstage EPCOT® at Test Track 1:03:00
5.5 EPCOT® Center Drive Bridge 1:38:00
8.3 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Speedway 2:23:00
10 Disney's Contemporary Resort 2:50:00
13 Floridian Way 3:38:00
18 Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park 4:58:00
20.5 Osceola Parkway 5:38:00
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....Marathon2006PacingRequirementsEventDetailPage
PACE Calculators:
McMillan pace calculator
New calculator:
Pacing Calculator--version 2
HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you train for a 15 minute per mile pace. This will allow you wiggle room to handle congestion and any unknowns along the course.
Training tip: Take Baby steps and be sure to count them.
Lisa's tip of the day----COUNT YOUR STEPS!!! I did not believe my coach last year--didn't believe him this year...UNTIL this morning.
Walkers should be at 70 steps per minute (per foot) and runners at 90 steps per minute (per foot). You accomplish this by taking SHORTER steps....not more longer ones. It will feel foolish--I felt like a Looney tune on steroids trying to shuffle along....though I have been affirmed that I looked just fabulous (but of course!). I got to 90....I went from a 13:42 pace 2 weeks ago to a 12:55 pace today and that is with 3:1 intervals. Now some of that is the fact we didn't run the bridge--but with the bridge I was at 4:1, so that is an impressive improvement.
Count your steps--and work on getting close to the 70 or 90 per your activity. If counting for a minute is hard, just count for 30 seconds (35 steps for walkers and 45 steps for runners).
Now here is why this is important:
With every step (at least for running)--you impact with 3x your body weight with each step. The longer the stride (and the less steps you take)--the more in the air you are between steps--and the more weight/stress you are place on your legs (ahem--KNEES!). Shortening the steps does a few things: It increases the turnover rate, gives you less time in the air, and it lessens the impact and reduces the risk of injury and strain to your knees and other parts of your leg.
And here's the best part--at least for me anyway....I was not running fast--but I felt like I was zipping along (though as a zippy turtle) and it did not feel fatiguing to me.
If you are several steps away from 90 (or 70)...make a goal in the workout to shorten the strides to increase the amount of steps you take. It may take one or two workouts--it may take several.....but you will eventually get to 90. As training progresses and as your walking or running regime continues on well past Disney....you will notice as you get stronger, that your strides will naturally get longer...(a clue is that your step counts start going above your goal....time to lengthen the stride a little bit). Your body will then be telling you it is ready to take bigger steps.
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase BABY steps.
If you are a mortal--and want to get FASTER...the key is to step shorter--and not reaching as far as you can with your foot.
Happy Training!!!
How do I know what my anticipated race time is and what is it used for?
Anticipated race time is the time you think it will take you to finish the event. Based on the time you estimate, you will be placed in an appropriate corral with other people who anticipate to finish in similar times.
With a good training program--you can finish in less than 3.5 or 7 hours....so unless you really think it will take you the entire regulation time to complete the race--you should mark it for less or you will get placed in the last corral.
To determine your anticipated finish time...take anticipated pace and multiply that by the number of miles. If you are unsure...IMHO it is best to underestimate than over estimate. For half marathoners--3 hours is safe and for full marathoners 6 or 6.5 hours is safe. If your training shows that anticipate to finish more quickly--be prepared on race day to pass lots of people. You can still get a good chip time....but you will have slower racers in front of you that you need to get by.
So how bad are the crowds?
Well--imagine a Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) shopping experience at Toys R Us, Wal-mart, or even the mall around 10am. Imagine trying to run through it while every one is in your way.
This is a good image of the feel of race day. While you cannot practice with 1000s of your friends during training....knowing that it will be exceptionally crowded and having a mental plan on how to deal with that is a good idea.
These crowds will slow you down and you should always be cognizant of your pace to know when it is a good time to take it easy--or time to fly through the crowds. You can expect in the first 3 miles for there to be major congestion and for you to be minor to majorly over your pace. That is why it is a good idea to get your warm-ups done in the parking lot PRIOR to race start. If you are already a SLOW starter...you will be an even SLOWER starter with the crowds.
Can I walk?
Yes you can...you just need to maintain the pace requirements set forth by racing officials.
I registered for one event, can I change my mind?
Good question. I will have to look up the official reason for when both events are still opened.
I do know that if you change your mind to not compete at all, your entry fee is non-refundable. However, you are guaranteed entry for the same event in 2010 (you still have to register and pay the fee for 2010 when registration opens).
Once both events have closed registration, you cannot change your mind and switch. Additionally, on race day, you can only show up for the correct event. Officials will not let you switch on race weekend. The half and full marathon are on different days, so you cannot opt to complete only 13.1 out of 26.2 miles and get credit for finishing the half. Additionally, it is not recommended to sneak in to the wrong event. If you found your sneakiness led to success, be aware that your chip will not register at the start which in turn will not work at the finish and means that you did not officially participate. Disney will not provide you with a finishers certificate.
I'm feeling ambitious, can I participate in both the half and full marathon?
Wow, that is ambitious. Yes you can and must register for both events as a Goofy registrant for that Goofy medal. Those who succeed in completing both races will receive a special Goofy medal award and bib numbers are different colors. (Not recommended for novices ). And those who choose to do this are just plain GOOFY!!!
What is an official time versus a chip time?
You official time is the time from when the gun goes off to start the race to the finish. All clocks you see along the course are "official" time.
Your chip time is how long it really took you--you where a chip on your shoe (provided at packet pickup), it registers when you cross the start line and as you cross mats along the course if they are placed out. More importantly it registers at the finish. Your chip time in the full marathon is what is what you use in future races to state how long it will take you. Finishers within pace time will record a chip time. If you finish within the time constraints, you will be acknowledged as an official finisher when Disney mails you a certificate and race results post-event.
Once pace time (Official time + the amount of time it takes the last person to cross the start time) has passed the limit allowed on the course, Disney will turn off the mats allowing no other finishers to record a chip time. If you have not been swept yet, you will be allowed to finish. You will be given a finishers medal, but you will not be officially acknowledged as a finisher because you will not receive a certificate.
But if you cross that finish line--you FINISHED regardless if you get a piece of paper in the mail. I'm proof of that!
What does sweep mean?
This means that you are swept or removed from the course. Disney will provide a bus or other transportation to take you to the finish.
Is this a good event for beginners?
Good Question and a profound YES!!! This is a great event for beginners, but you must be armed with the knowledge to help you succeed and navigate the world of endurance. Based on our experiences in 2005--the WISH team wants you to have all the knowledge you need to help you get to the finish line and not be swept.
The crowds are HUGE and this is a serious racing event. When Disney says they will sweep--they absolutely mean it. That being said...it is possible to come with your poker face on, but have an absolute blast.
A good training tool is to enter some 5K races close to home to get a feel for a racing environment. If your training schedule allows...a participant registered for the Disney Half can participate in a half marathon elsewhere for practice. This will give you a good feel for your pacing and racing habits regarding supplements and water.
Participants in the Disney Full should register in a half marathon close to home that corresponds with your 14 mile long day training week. You should use this as practice and not as an opportunity to win first prize as that can lead to injury resulting in a setback or not being able to participate at Disney at all. You should NEVER participate in a marathon as a "practice" run--save all that energy for race day.
I do not work with Disney or the race--these are fact based answers to FAQ that pop up often on our training threads.
Answers have been compiled to the best of our knowledge and expertise. Please be advised that there are risks involved with exercise—especially endurance exercise. If you question your abilities to participate in any kind of training regime for an event, please consult with your doctor.
The FAQ has changed. Links are provided to the most commonly asked questions. Please post any additional questions you have on the individual topic thread by clicking on the topic below. This will assure that some of our more experienced DISers can assist you with an appropriate response.
(LINKS ARE COMING)
So what exactly is a marathon:
Full: 26.2 miles
Half: 13.1 miles
Did you know that the first marathon was in 1886. The current distance was established in 1908 for the Olympic Games held in London. About a mile and a half was added so that the race could start at the stadium and finish at Windsor castle. With the last 385 finishing in front of King Edward the VII’s box. It wasn’t until the 1924 Olympics that this distance was again utilized and it has stuck ever since. So let us give a DIS board “Thanks a lot man” to King Edward the VII—who obviously hasn’t experienced “the wall” except from his cozy little box.
History Link #1
History Link #2
**********************************************
This information below has not be "cleaned up yet"--so you must read it here as there are no links. Right Now--it is all of our information.
***NEW INFORMATION--Links for Team events at the bottom of this post for the team dinner and the team t-shirt***
NEW INFORMATION: Registration is open. Go to this link for information on Disney's endurance events--and your chance to earn a Medal
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....s/sportDetail/detail?name=EnduranceDetailPage Listed under Amateur Sportes Tab then click on drop down "Endurance."
When is the next Disney Marathon Weekend?
The 2010 Half-Marathon is 6am on Saturday, January 09, 2010.
The 2009 Full-Marathon is 6am on Sunday, January 10, 2010.
How do and when should I register?
REGISTRATION FOR 2010 HAS LIMITED OPENINGS
There were over 30,000 participants registered for both events past years.
DVC Members get a $5 discount, but you cannot do online registration. DVC members need to call 407-938-3398 to register.
Registration fees are non-refundable, so you should register when you are ready to commit to the races. The sooner you register, the better, as it is unknown when registration will close.
Both events fill up well before race weekend. Based on the past races, expect that the half will fill up well before the full race.
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell when registration will close this year. The only thing that is certain is that once it is closed, there is no way to participate in the event unless you choose a fundraising team. Disney saves positions for many fundraising organizations. They are all for good causes and your efforts can benefit your health and the health of others.
While you can fundraise for any cause--these causes were recognized by Disney for 2005 and ways to participate if you find that registration for the half or full marathon has already closed. Contact the organizations for more information.
American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org
American Stroke Association Train to End Stroke - www.strokeassociation.org
AT Childrens Project - www.atcp.org
Huntsman Cancer Institute Hometown Heroes - www.huntsmancancer.org
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training - www.teamintraining.org
Multiple Sclerosis Society - www.nmss.org/flc
National Arthritis Foundation Joints in Motion - www.arthritis.org
National Association for Children of Alcoholics - www.nacoa.org
National Neurofibromatosis Foundation - www.nf.org/marathon
Prevent Blindness Team 20/20 - www.pbga.org
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy - www.parentprojectmd.org
Roswell Park Cancer Institute - www.roswellpark.org
Taylor's Angels - www.taylorsangels.org
Charities for the marathon have not been posted. Check the registration link periodically. They have previously listed charities associated with event weekend.
How long is a half marathon/full marathon?
The Half Marathon is 13.1 miles.
The Full Marathon is 26.2 miles.
What about a course map?
Full Marathon, Half Marathon and family 5k
Is the course really flat?
In the racing world, this course is considered flat...but in the real world....not so flat. The impact on your racing is that it will challenge more and slow down your expected finish time as you work through these "mole hills".
You have overpasses, on/off ramps, and contemporary hill to contend with, plus the little bridges in EPCOT and along the Boardwalk--which at mile 25 aren't so little anymore.
It would be a good idea to incorporate some hill training--but be advised that this needs to be done with care and within your physical limitations. I am not an expert, but certain injuries or ailments would be made to feel worse with hill training or what wasn't injured is now injured after the hill or bridge work. So BE CAREFUL. Those with IT Band problems would most likely have problems with hill/bridge training and I have had coaches say to teammates to NOT train on hills or bridges.
The run down of hills as I remember them in order of appearance:
Half: 1 or 2 overpasses in the first mile (depends on exact placement of the starting line) + downhill (270 degree turn) ramp. Contemporary Hill (down then up--short but steep), small incline up and into the castle and down the ramp, repeat of the 270 degree turn ramp--but up hill, 1 or 2 overpasses to possibly include exit ramp.
Full: 1 ramp/overpass thing as you come around EPCOT to get to the auto plaza to run into EPCOT between mile 1 and 2, pedestrian bridge in EPCOT, 2 overpasses then the downhill (270 degree turn) ramp, Contemporary Hill (down then up--short but steep), small incline up and into the castle and down the ramp, between mile 14 and 16....there will be a portion of the road that banks steeply, Animal Kingdom pedestrian bridges, on-ramp from the AK parking lot exit onto the main road, 2 overpasses on your way to Wide World of Sports, Exit ramp up and then down to get to World Drive (that crosses over an MGM parking lot entrance), Exit ramp that goes uphill to get to MGM, some minor (but at that point seems major) elevation shifts within MGM, downhill after exit MGM to run along canal, 2 bridges along boardwalk (one where you enter the beach club/board walk area and one when you are heading into EPCOT) that seem very tall towards the end, and 2 pedestrian bridges in World Showcase.
How long do I have to finish the Disney Marathon and what are the pacing requirements?
You have 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the half marathon.
You have 7 hours to complete the full marathon.
You must MAINTAIN a 16 minute per mile pace for the entire race. At anytime you fall off of that pace...you are subject to being swept and prevented from continuing and finishing the race.
Here's the sweep pickup times from previous events--if you do not reach a particular point by a particular time--you will be swept. It is clear by these times that this is the elapsed time from race start and NOT the elapsed time from when you cross the start line. So plan accordingly :
Mile Mark: Location Description: Time Allowed:
3.5 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Speedway 1:11:00
6.3 Magic Kingdom® Park Security Gate 1:56:00
8.1 Magic Kingdom® Parking Lot (Daisy) 2:25:00
10.2 World Drive Ramp to EPCOT® Center
Drive 2:58:00
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....Marathon2006PacingRequirementsEventDetailPage
Full Marathon
Mile Mark: Location Description: Time Allowed:
2.7 EPCOT® Main Entrance 0:53:00
3.3 Backstage EPCOT® at Test Track 1:03:00
5.5 EPCOT® Center Drive Bridge 1:38:00
8.3 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Speedway 2:23:00
10 Disney's Contemporary Resort 2:50:00
13 Floridian Way 3:38:00
18 Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park 4:58:00
20.5 Osceola Parkway 5:38:00
http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....Marathon2006PacingRequirementsEventDetailPage
PACE Calculators:
McMillan pace calculator
New calculator:
Pacing Calculator--version 2
HIGHLY SUGGESTED that you train for a 15 minute per mile pace. This will allow you wiggle room to handle congestion and any unknowns along the course.
Training tip: Take Baby steps and be sure to count them.
Lisa's tip of the day----COUNT YOUR STEPS!!! I did not believe my coach last year--didn't believe him this year...UNTIL this morning.
Walkers should be at 70 steps per minute (per foot) and runners at 90 steps per minute (per foot). You accomplish this by taking SHORTER steps....not more longer ones. It will feel foolish--I felt like a Looney tune on steroids trying to shuffle along....though I have been affirmed that I looked just fabulous (but of course!). I got to 90....I went from a 13:42 pace 2 weeks ago to a 12:55 pace today and that is with 3:1 intervals. Now some of that is the fact we didn't run the bridge--but with the bridge I was at 4:1, so that is an impressive improvement.
Count your steps--and work on getting close to the 70 or 90 per your activity. If counting for a minute is hard, just count for 30 seconds (35 steps for walkers and 45 steps for runners).
Now here is why this is important:
With every step (at least for running)--you impact with 3x your body weight with each step. The longer the stride (and the less steps you take)--the more in the air you are between steps--and the more weight/stress you are place on your legs (ahem--KNEES!). Shortening the steps does a few things: It increases the turnover rate, gives you less time in the air, and it lessens the impact and reduces the risk of injury and strain to your knees and other parts of your leg.
And here's the best part--at least for me anyway....I was not running fast--but I felt like I was zipping along (though as a zippy turtle) and it did not feel fatiguing to me.
If you are several steps away from 90 (or 70)...make a goal in the workout to shorten the strides to increase the amount of steps you take. It may take one or two workouts--it may take several.....but you will eventually get to 90. As training progresses and as your walking or running regime continues on well past Disney....you will notice as you get stronger, that your strides will naturally get longer...(a clue is that your step counts start going above your goal....time to lengthen the stride a little bit). Your body will then be telling you it is ready to take bigger steps.
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase BABY steps.
If you are a mortal--and want to get FASTER...the key is to step shorter--and not reaching as far as you can with your foot.
Happy Training!!!
How do I know what my anticipated race time is and what is it used for?
Anticipated race time is the time you think it will take you to finish the event. Based on the time you estimate, you will be placed in an appropriate corral with other people who anticipate to finish in similar times.
With a good training program--you can finish in less than 3.5 or 7 hours....so unless you really think it will take you the entire regulation time to complete the race--you should mark it for less or you will get placed in the last corral.
To determine your anticipated finish time...take anticipated pace and multiply that by the number of miles. If you are unsure...IMHO it is best to underestimate than over estimate. For half marathoners--3 hours is safe and for full marathoners 6 or 6.5 hours is safe. If your training shows that anticipate to finish more quickly--be prepared on race day to pass lots of people. You can still get a good chip time....but you will have slower racers in front of you that you need to get by.
So how bad are the crowds?
Well--imagine a Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) shopping experience at Toys R Us, Wal-mart, or even the mall around 10am. Imagine trying to run through it while every one is in your way.
This is a good image of the feel of race day. While you cannot practice with 1000s of your friends during training....knowing that it will be exceptionally crowded and having a mental plan on how to deal with that is a good idea.
These crowds will slow you down and you should always be cognizant of your pace to know when it is a good time to take it easy--or time to fly through the crowds. You can expect in the first 3 miles for there to be major congestion and for you to be minor to majorly over your pace. That is why it is a good idea to get your warm-ups done in the parking lot PRIOR to race start. If you are already a SLOW starter...you will be an even SLOWER starter with the crowds.
Can I walk?
Yes you can...you just need to maintain the pace requirements set forth by racing officials.
I registered for one event, can I change my mind?
Good question. I will have to look up the official reason for when both events are still opened.
I do know that if you change your mind to not compete at all, your entry fee is non-refundable. However, you are guaranteed entry for the same event in 2010 (you still have to register and pay the fee for 2010 when registration opens).
Once both events have closed registration, you cannot change your mind and switch. Additionally, on race day, you can only show up for the correct event. Officials will not let you switch on race weekend. The half and full marathon are on different days, so you cannot opt to complete only 13.1 out of 26.2 miles and get credit for finishing the half. Additionally, it is not recommended to sneak in to the wrong event. If you found your sneakiness led to success, be aware that your chip will not register at the start which in turn will not work at the finish and means that you did not officially participate. Disney will not provide you with a finishers certificate.
I'm feeling ambitious, can I participate in both the half and full marathon?
Wow, that is ambitious. Yes you can and must register for both events as a Goofy registrant for that Goofy medal. Those who succeed in completing both races will receive a special Goofy medal award and bib numbers are different colors. (Not recommended for novices ). And those who choose to do this are just plain GOOFY!!!
What is an official time versus a chip time?
You official time is the time from when the gun goes off to start the race to the finish. All clocks you see along the course are "official" time.
Your chip time is how long it really took you--you where a chip on your shoe (provided at packet pickup), it registers when you cross the start line and as you cross mats along the course if they are placed out. More importantly it registers at the finish. Your chip time in the full marathon is what is what you use in future races to state how long it will take you. Finishers within pace time will record a chip time. If you finish within the time constraints, you will be acknowledged as an official finisher when Disney mails you a certificate and race results post-event.
Once pace time (Official time + the amount of time it takes the last person to cross the start time) has passed the limit allowed on the course, Disney will turn off the mats allowing no other finishers to record a chip time. If you have not been swept yet, you will be allowed to finish. You will be given a finishers medal, but you will not be officially acknowledged as a finisher because you will not receive a certificate.
But if you cross that finish line--you FINISHED regardless if you get a piece of paper in the mail. I'm proof of that!
What does sweep mean?
This means that you are swept or removed from the course. Disney will provide a bus or other transportation to take you to the finish.
Is this a good event for beginners?
Good Question and a profound YES!!! This is a great event for beginners, but you must be armed with the knowledge to help you succeed and navigate the world of endurance. Based on our experiences in 2005--the WISH team wants you to have all the knowledge you need to help you get to the finish line and not be swept.
The crowds are HUGE and this is a serious racing event. When Disney says they will sweep--they absolutely mean it. That being said...it is possible to come with your poker face on, but have an absolute blast.
A good training tool is to enter some 5K races close to home to get a feel for a racing environment. If your training schedule allows...a participant registered for the Disney Half can participate in a half marathon elsewhere for practice. This will give you a good feel for your pacing and racing habits regarding supplements and water.
Participants in the Disney Full should register in a half marathon close to home that corresponds with your 14 mile long day training week. You should use this as practice and not as an opportunity to win first prize as that can lead to injury resulting in a setback or not being able to participate at Disney at all. You should NEVER participate in a marathon as a "practice" run--save all that energy for race day.