Post detail
681.8 #154 (DL Qual #153)
September 4, 2012 9:12 AM
#TIPS Good morning...officially starting the training calendar today from runDisney for the Tinkerbell half marathon in Jan. and the scariest thing about it for me is not knowing what to expect. So, while it's fresh in the minds of this past weekends runners...I thought it would be a good idea to start a "tips" post about it. Would you share: Things you would've done differently, things you wish you had known, best experiences, how much time to allow for the expo, are you really able to stop and take pictures with characters and keep up the pace, etc. please? Thanks and congrats again to everyone for the stories and pictures throughout the events! :)
If you have never done a half marathon and don't regularly run I would suggest that you first start off by getting a great pair of shoes that work well with your type of foot and how you run. I recomend that until you really know how you run and the type of foot you have, you visit with Road Runner sports or Snails pace running store and let them do a free analysis of your foot and how you run and make some recommendations. I cant tell you how many people get shin splints because of either bad shoes, old shoes or the wrong type of shoes...After you have gotten your shoes fitted make sure to start off slow and when I say slow, just walk on a treadmill at at brisk 3.5 to max 4.0 MPH for a few miles and do that for a good 3 to 4 weeks so you can start to build up some muscell in your legs and get them use to the pounding that is running....I also hihgly suggest that with any training program you make sure that you have a good balance of running outdoor and indoors on treadmill...Outdoor mostly because you don't get the pain that you will get on a cushioned treadmill..However, a treadmill is a great way to use the increased speed to monitor your pace and speed and do intervals to throw your legs off for preformance....I could go on and on and will but this is a start - Dave
8824.6 #2 9:51PM
👍 - Minnis2Society 366.4 #394 10:02PM
Awesome tips Dave. Thanks so much - angy17 172.0 #2010 10:11PM
Great tips Dave. I need to try to mix the treadmill in more myself. - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:41PM
Can i just put on roller skates and hold onto your shirt??? - Zipitydoodahdad 258.3 #939 11:52PM
Great tips Dave. I basically did exactly what you recommended here when I started running, including a trip to RoadRunnner Sports for a running analysis and fitting. I can't recommend highly enough the shoe fitting!!! - vernswifevickie 374.1 #378 4:59AM
👍 Yep. A lot of people just start out by going into Foot Locker or something and buying the most expensive running show without knowing anything about their feet. They end up wasting their money because that shoe might not be the best for them. It depends on bone structure, pronation, stride...so many things. You risk injury if you are uninformed about your body. And the tip about the treadmill is spot-on: a lot of people avoid running inside because it feels easier and they want a harder, more realistic to race day workout. That makes sense, but the treadmill is a great training tool and it's important to "trick" your body by running on different surfaces so
you continue to
improve. - Spoonful_O_Sugar 439.2 #288 6:17AM
Yup! Everything Dave said. - Jacqueline 550.4 #208 6:38AM
hmmmm what are folks thoughts on if we make a Facebook group for MW tinker trainers? then again we always have chubb 33 :) but maybe a facebook group would be fun too so that we can have check ins - BooEve123
800.9 #121 1:44PM
I have often thought about making a Facebook group for MW Runners. I think that's a great idea. - LilSterner 2686.2 #20 3:05PM
I would love this. I have never ran in any type of marathon but after seeing all of the great posts, I would LOVE to do the 5k in Jan and then the half next summer. - Vegan7LuvsStitch 817.4 #118 3:57PM
That sounds great! - kss4tink 216.8 #1428 4:00PM
I'm in :) - Darlingwendi 681.8 #154 4:01PM
K i made it:) will start adding folks - BooEve123 800.9 #121 4:07PM
Do they Have a Full marathon? Or just half? - PrinceTeaJack 804.2 #120 4:08PM
Just halves out here they might have a full out in florida? - BooEve123 800.9 #121 4:17PM
I have made a group :) I am not really sure how to add people that are not on my friends list... so either check out other MWers you are friends with to find it or you are welcome to add me but take note to put me as somone to hide feed from if you are easily offended by techno music, angry rants about work, cussing, political talks and such..... LOL but yah come find mee Cass Evans BooEve - BooEve123 800.9 #121 5:47PM
I'm in! - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz 923.0 #97 5:55PM
Yey I'm also running the tink in January but I'm only doing the 5k. First race ever. - angy17 172.0 #2010 10:08PM
I'm not signed up to do any of the halfs yet, but would like to start running just to get in shape. Love to be in this group for motivation. And who knows maybe I will do a half one day! - jjdq 326.7 #505 10:22PM
HEre is the link guy... let me know if it works - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:45AM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/464555870251234/ - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:45AM
Link didn't work for me...looks like it's cut off? Maybe post as a comment instead of as a reply? - Darlingwendi 681.8 #154 12:25PM
hmmw hat about this one: http://on.fb.me/QmrjzT - BooEve123 800.9 #121 1:07PM
Great post! I'm thinking of running the Half now and not the 5K and any info would be appreciated! - iamdugsmaster
762.3 #132 9:39AM
Oh I don't plan on doing the Tink...I plan on doing next years Half. - iamdugsmaster 762.3 #132 10:17AM
I am too! Next year is my goal - MarshaMouse 2936.2 #16 10:42AM
Yay Marsha! - iamdugsmaster 762.3 #132 11:28AM
I am with you dugsmaster! I want thay gold D!!! And I'm giving myself a year to train! XD - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz 923.0 #97 11:41AM
Ooooo Marsha too??? How cool! - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz 923.0 #97 11:41AM
OK, so I admit...I am thinking about doing it also! I think in a year I may be able to accomplish this! - Minnis2Society 366.4 #394 11:44AM
I'm glad U R going to do it MWAJBB!!!! :D - iamdugsmaster 762.3 #132 11:50AM
I haven't ever run a half, but I did work in the fitness industry for years. Two big tips: 1) be consistent with your training and 2) be SURE to invest in the right shoes for your feet. You can go to some specialty shops and they'll watch you run on a treadmill and examine your feet. The $75 extra you'd pay for the right fit is well worth the investment in your body and training schedule. :) - Spoonful_O_Sugar
439.2 #288 6:07PM
The bit about the shoes is so true! I only buy my running shoes at specialty stores. If anyone lives in or near the San Fernando Valley, I know a great store. - VeloMouseGirl 549.7 #210 7:41PM
Great post Wendi! - LaPearleNoir
621.1 #180 10:18AM
My suggestion as I lay here in bed still unable to walk.... Train, train, train:). 1st it is def time to suck it up and go get a good pair of running shoes. Also might want to look at insoles. That combo cost me about 160$ but my body thanks me:)....... I am pretty sure Jeff plan doesn't start to October tho? But if anything get couch to 5 K and start working on that. Also find yourself a nice pair of athletic sun glasses, they made a world of diffreience for the half:). The more commuted you stay to your plan the less you will feel like I do right now bahaha. As Romec said try to get that mile to about a 14 so you can take photos.... Photos took up 2.5 mins of my time making me not hit the 16 min mile:-/........ Um I may be alone of this but I take it a 5 k at a time mentally..... And for both my half anything after 9 miles was a mind challenge. Start thinking of costume ideas too;) congrats on this commitment. - BooEve123
800.9 #121 10:29AM
Oh yah to answer a few of your other ?s: expo I say you need a good 3 hours to look at all the boths. They also have a tap booth that will tap up injuries for ya very very helpful:) differently : I would have trained, I didn't train really at all for this still finished in 3:32 but finished the tink just under 3:00. Some things to look into socks and gel or gel substitutes. Socks: first time eer I got very bad blisters this time at mile 6 that destroyed me. My mistake getting brand new socks at expo. It is suggested to never introduce new things on race day. For gels I typical do two gels, one jelly bean bag, and one thing of blocks. They taste meh.... For gels try to take it at water station so you don't get chalky mouth. Um best experience finally seeing Merida and taking a pic also they had this awesome mile long car show! - BooEve123 800.9 #121 10:41AM
Did you carry a fanny pack with your own water bottle or was there alot handed out along the way? - Darlingwendi 681.8 #154 10:45AM
nah no fanny pack with water... I do have a running belt thought that I put my phone, and the gels, bandaids, and lip balm in. I personally feel they did a wonderful job with the water stations only once did I feel that two were seprated. To me that is extra weight I need to lug around. - BooEve123 800.9 #121 10:50AM
whhhhhattt lol?!? I still can not walk lmbo I am in bed had to call out of work because I can not gt down my apartment stairs lol... looks like I will be missing day one lol - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:29AM
Good luck I know you can do it!! - MarshaMouse
2936.2 #16 10:42AM
Yay!! I'm starting today too for the half !! I think I might do a vlog/blog about it. If I do I'll share the training experience with you! :) - AshleyLynn22
748.1 #137 11:09AM
I suggest trying to squeeze towards the front of your corral if you're afraid of falling behind time. I used a running belt at tink & a camelbak at the last half and both worked well at holding all my junk-sunglasses, lip balm, phone, camera, sport beans, ID, inhaler, etc. I agree with booeve, don't introduce anything new you havent used on training runs and definitely spring for some good shoes. I got a foot injury from my over mileage shoes because I didn't want to spend the $$ and I was off training for weeks. Use the in parks bathrooms if you can, short to no lines compared to the portapotties. Some character lines are shorter than others so I'd prob pick your most fave or rare characters to stop for. Hmmm, that's all I can think of right now. It is a total blast!!! Stick with the training schedule and listen to your body and most of all have fun! - supertracy
435.6 #290 11:42AM
Has anyone followed the Galloway plan? He promotes a no injury plan. - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz
923.0 #97 11:49AM
for the tink i would say i stuck about 75% to his training plan feel off track for about 3 weeks during the holiday. I never did the magical mile thought... I need to suck it up and get a pace watch:-/ - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:56AM
I used the Galloway plan for the Tink and Princess, didn't have a single injury. Always train on of your long runs with EVERYTHING you plan on wearing for race day. Use lots of Vaseline on your feet and potential rub spots. I prefer to carry water on me and I use the same gel fuels they'll be handing out on the course so I don't have to carry them with me. Go to an actual running store and have your stride/foot strike evaluate and get 2 good pairs of shoes, alternate wearing them so they both are well broken in. Hope this helps! - Ladystrac
438.6 #289 12:25PM
They passed out some right around the 9 mile mark. Oh yah the med station have this ice hot gel stuff i swear that save my sore legs i lathered that stuff on lol - BooEve123 800.9 #121 12:57PM
What do you all do in this heat? Y husband leaves too early, so I can't go running in the morning and it's still hot when he gets home. He also doesn't want me to go running after dark. I finished Bridge to 10k a month ago but haven't been running since :(. Should I just suck it up and try training in the heat? - kss4tink
216.8 #1428 1:32PM
this is sadly what got me in this race. Not making time for myself then blamming the heat too. I think that Lilsterner just got up early for her short runs... myself I stillc an only go at dusk..... luckily it will start to cool down soon - BooEve123 800.9 #121 1:41PM
Lol, yeah, I guess I need to realize I'm just making excuses. Good idea to take a cold cloth. Unfortunately, it's going to be hot for a while, so I guess I just need to bite the bullet and try today! Thanks guys :). - kss4tink 216.8 #1428 2:35PM
My husband leaves early too, but I'm up at 4am to get my run in - shodge12 277.5 #766 2:42PM
I wish I could go early but my husband leaves too early and I need to be home cause we have a toddler. - kss4tink 216.8 #1428 4:06PM
The heat during the half was difficult for me because I had trained for months very early in the morning while it was cool. After doing the half this weekend that's one change I'll be making to my training...I'm going to start varying the time of day that I do my long runs so I'm better prepared for temperature changes. - vernswifevickie 374.1 #378 5:06AM
Be consistent about your running. I used run training app on my phone. I also did a half marathon earlier in the year to help me prepare. - shodge12
277.5 #766 2:43PM
I will be a wimp and will be doing the Neverland 5K - but it's my first 5K, so it's a start! - PrincessKristin
776.9 #125 3:12PM
A 5k is not wimpy! You can do it :) - Darlingwendi 681.8 #154 3:51PM
Girl! It's not wimpy! 5ks are great because they are short and the sense of accomplishment is great! Disney puts on great events! You will do great! - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz 923.0 #97 5:59PM
So, I know the Tink course is different than this one right? Is it all flat? Hills? Toughest part? Thanks for sharing everyone...VERY helpful :) - Darlingwendi
681.8 #154 3:54PM
for the half las year was early morning - it was mostly flat minus one "hill" right in the begin the course was flipped we ran the other direction. Went DL, DT Anaheim, the DCA, finish line behind Paradise peir. ALl of it was rather flat on both courses:) I swear to this day the toughest party for me is running into the sun. I finally sucked it up and bought soccer mom running glasses at the expo and i thank the stars i did. - BooEve123 800.9 #121 4:09PM
I might try signing up for next year's half marathon too... or maybe just the 5K but I think I'll start running now and see how it goes before half marathon registration begins :) - Jenniferr
428.1 #298 4:15PM
Saw some runners today at DCA with their medals! You can do it! - MrsSchnooks
713.8 #142 4:21PM
Here's my suggestion. If you are a treadmill trainer, make sure you get enough time on the road. Otherwise you will be extremely sore after. Spoken from personal experience. Allthough I ran a personal record of 2:02,I'm still paying the price with sore legs. - streetsweeper
446.6 #284 7:23PM
That's me...usually do the treadmill while my littlest naps. Thanks! - Darlingwendi 681.8 #154 8:46PM
Nutrition and hydration are so important. There are sine great web sites out there for inexperienced runners that give you training schedules as well as advice on nutrition and hydration. - VeloMouseGirl
549.7 #210 7:44PM
Thank you thank you thank you!! For this amazing post!!! Im really crunching down on my training and I'm getting more and more nervous!!! But all of this makes me feel like maybe I can do it!!! - CourtyAstroBlisters
450.1 #277 7:58PM
you can do this!! - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint 1840.2 #43 9:31PM
I'm signing up for the half next year. I'm getting tired of seeing medals around everyone's neck but my own. - Slotherini 911.7 #100 9:37PM
that would be great. You can start planning a costume :) - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint 1840.2 #43 9:40PM
It's about 28 steps for sloth. - Mouse4life 1086.2 #78 9:42PM
I feel the exact same way sloth - MomWithAJuiceBoxBuzz 923.0 #97 10:16PM
How about pictures? Saw Dave's and other "official" ones taken...are there Disney photographers all along the course...and how much do the pix cost to purchase? :) - Darlingwendi
681.8 #154 8:48PM
They are mostly in the parks at the expo they had a big map with all the locations:). They do sit low to the ground on the sides for those action shots so smile big always haha - BooEve123 800.9 #121 9:29PM
What are gels and sport beans? Reading your comments has inspired me to sign up! I have run pretty consistently for about 17 yrs for fun, but have only done two races- something I did with the kids. I have always wanted to do the Disney run, but never thought seriously about it until reading about it on posts . Sounds like fun! Maybe I'll get my courage up! - 7mouskedoodles
163.9 #2139 10:17PM
I sadly am not sure the proper definition of it but they are used for "fuel" I personally am not a fan on gels only can handle 2 max. I like the beans they are like Ober sweet jelly beans:) I just tries the blocks they were yummy! They give your body the extra boost. - BooEve123 800.9 #121 10:40PM
Thanks, where can I buy them? - 7mouskedoodles 163.9 #2139 10:56PM
I would assume that most sports stores would and running shops. Personal suggestion if you get gels make sure to take them with water avaiable:) from what I have gathered folks don't not us these for anything under 4 or so miles. They are very helpfull for endurance long runs:) - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:03PM
Thanks Boo! - 7mouskedoodles 163.9 #2139 11:58PM
Does anyone know when registration usually starts for the half marathon ? I'm so mad I didn't do it this year. - Hendizl
1378.0 #58 10:23PM
I believ in early Jan. Pretty close to the first of the year. - Mimmy 1405.6 #57 10:27PM
Ok thanks I looked everywhere and even google but didn't find the answer for it - Hendizl 1378.0 #58 10:30PM
Yep I signed up first day taxes could be filled lol - BooEve123 800.9 #121 10:34PM
Great! I have time to find a job, get my mula, and sign up! - iamdugsmaster 762.3 #132 10:42PM
I have some questions kind of out of curiosity.. On the RunDisney site it says listening to music is not recommended but I want to know the opinions of MWers who participated if having earphones in was "unsafe"? Also, are there like towels or paper towels provided along the run to wipe off your sweat? LOL - Jenniferr
428.1 #298 11:25PM
There are a few locations along the course that a voice recording warns you of sharp turns, dips, hills. I wore headphones the whole time and was fine I think it becomes viewed as a safety hazard. And no wet clothes or towels along the course but they may have them at first aide:) - BooEve123 800.9 #121 11:36PM
I listen to recorded books, which is not as loud as music. I'm still able to hear my surroundings, maybe that could be an option. - kss4tink 216.8 #1428 11:59PM
As for the sweat, try wearing a visor or one of the sweat-wicking headbands. Or you can take a washcloth or gym towel and tuck it into your waistband or running belt. - Mimmy 1405.6 #57 5:08AM
Good luck everyone!! You can do it! Woo!! - AshleyLynn22
748.1 #137 11:28PM
One of the best tips I can offer is regarding the bathrooms. If you need to make a pit stop, do NOT stop at the first set of port-a-potties! There is generally a healthy sized line and this cuts into your time. Keep going a while and stop a little later. Also, many of the restrooms inside the park are open. They are staffed with a CM who is cleaning and replenishing supplies. This is a much better option than a port-a-potty!! 😝 - Mimmy
1405.6 #57 5:13AM
Yes!!! Plus the restrooms in the park were not very crowded at all. - vernswifevickie 374.1 #378 6:21AM
Ooh! Good to know! I always wondered if they opened the bathrooms up! - Spoonful_O_Sugar 439.2 #288 6:29AM
My old boss runs marathons, does triathlons, and has done Iron Man a couple times....his advice to me was always work on distance first. Speed comes later. Do as much outside as you can. Treadmills dont offer the same resistance. Join a running group. We have the Loma Linda Lopers who meet every Sunday to train and coach. Visit places like the Running Store - KissDclown
1088.4 #77 5:19AM
Training, training, training!!! Be consistent and diligent in training. I used the Jeff Galloway plan and I am not even a little bit sore from doing the half. Also, spend the $$ to get a running analysis and shoe fitting at a running store. The analysis is free but the custom insoles and shoes will run around $150.00 to 175.00...TOTALLY worth the money! If you go to Roadrunner Sports for shoes spend the couple of bucks to become a VIP customer. VIPs have 90 days to return the shoes for an exchange if they aren't working out for any reason. It made it so much easier for me to spend the money for the shoes knowing I wouldn't be stuck with them if they didn't perform. One last thing...I read John Bingham's book "Marathoning for Mortals" as I began training....it encouraged me so much and sort of demystified the whole running thing for me. - vernswifevickie
374.1 #378 5:28AM
I was so amazed by you! Congrats!! - MarshaMouse 2936.2 #16 6:29AM
Awww....thank you. I cried like a baby when I crossed the finish line :) - vernswifevickie 374.1 #378 6:50AM
Not even a little sore. You did some great training. Congratulations!! - Tealtownfan 701.8 #145 6:56AM
How about the special Character pasta meal the night before...it's seems pretty pricey, but of course a very fun experience. Any pros or cons from anyone who has gone? - Darlingwendi
681.8 #154 12:23PM
Few more tips....when you have reached the next step from doing some brisk/power walking and are ready to start running, dont go all out. Try and start out by running on a treadmill at a pace of around 5.5 mph and just try and work yourself up to higher and higher amounts of consistent running as your training goes on. It might take you a couple weeks just to be able to run 5 minutes without stopping but keep at it and you will realize that over time those 5 minutes turn into 10 and into 15 and so forth. Also make sure to get plenty of rest in between runs. Its not a good idea to try and run every day at a beginner or even a moderate runner. Your legs need to rest and the more strain you put on them could possibly put you in danger of sustaining an injury. ...Also, never sell yourself short...I hear so many times, I cant do it, there is no way, I'm not a runner...That is not the attitude you want to start off with..You will be quite surprised at what your body can do if you have the right attitude, some patience, a strong desire...You can do it!!!! - Dave
8824.6 #2 12:56PM
DAve you should be a couch you offer very wise advice and wisdom:) Thanks for checking in on me the day of the race to make sure I finished! I have a btn for you Mr will drop it off at Napa for you one of these days soon;) - BooEve123 800.9 #121 1:08PM
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