Am I that Dopey?

Staying with my theme of consistency, time to write my monthly post!  This week, I did something that will serve as a motivator and challenge for the next 40 weeks.  I signed up for the Dopey Challenge with the perks of Runner's World.

The Dopey Challenge, the newest runDisney planned event series, will take place in January 2014 in conjunction with the Disney World Marathon Weekend.  The challenge, for those who take it, consists of completing a 5k on Thursday, a 10k on Friday, the half marathon on Saturday, and the full marathon on Sunday -- 48.6 miles over 4 days.  12.2 miles a day.  No problem. Right?

I originally planned to accept the Goofy Challenge and when I saw this new run series on the marathon page.  I started to dismiss it out of hand, thinking I AM goofy, but certainly not dopey.  The more I thought about it, the idea started to grow on me.  Finally, I decided the difference in mileage will be minimal compared to the satisfaction of the achievement!  And who can turn down earning 6 medals over 4 days (5k, 10k, half, full, goofy, and dopey).

The good news is I will not undertake this challenge alone.  My bother and a friend, Dave, already threw their names in the hat while my wife signed up for the 1/2.  We plan to get the kids signed up for their race which will make this a fun family adventure.

Time to quit writing and get running . . .

WDW Marathon Race Report Part 2 -- The Race

After a restless sleep (not much), the 2 am wake up call got me out of bed and I put on my race gear.  I lubed, sun-screened, checked, and double-checked before I made the walk at 2:30 am.  I needed to meet the bus at 3am about a five minute walk from my room and I certainly did not want to be late!  I set multiple alarms as the race instructions were clear, if you don't start on time, you don't start.  I was not going to work this hard to be derailed by something like sleeping in.

Race Retreat

I was the first to arrive in the lobby.  Shortly after I sat down, hoping for a few quiet minutes to take it all in, the other members started to arrive and just as quickly the bus showed up.  We filed onto the bus with nervous energy abound and left promptly at 3 for the start line.  The bus driver did a terrific job guiding us to the start  and followed his own plan to the front, dropping us off at the race tent.  Here lies another perk of the challenge . . . the race retreat tent.

Runner's World Challenge Retreat

This large, air conditioned tent was a nice way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the race, hence the name "race retreat".  Even better?  The area set aside for the challenge, with private bag check and tables reserved for us.  They had a nice spread of bananas, bagels, peanut butter, and assorted beverages.  The best part?  Private portapotties with nearly no line.  Heaven before a race!

Breakfast

After about an hour of burning nervous energy, using the facilities twice, and consuming my prerace bagel with peanut butter and a banana, I was ready for the race.  About 30 minutes prior to the race we were led by a race official to our starting corral.  I was assigned corral B, yet another perk of the challenge.  In fact, it was strange seeing the start line so close.  At most races, I always assume the start line is somewhere ahead of the crowd and take my pace towards the back.  In this case, I was has happy to be near the front!

Let's Get This Party Started!

After some racing legends spoke and some music to pump the crowd the countdown began and fireworks launched into the sky as the first corral, A, took off into the darkness.  Those of us in corral B shuffled to the front and readied ourselves for our race to start.  Here is another example of the Disney magic.  After a 5 minute break between corral starts, the countdown began and fireworks shot off.  Everyone, from the front to the back, got to enjoy the same send off.  Classy.

When our fireworks went off we started to shuffle then run.  I was surrounded by folks the entire race and yet I very rarely felt crowded and was able to settle into my pace quickly.  I had decided before the race that I would start out slow (11 min miles with walk breaks every mile) and see what I had left by mile 20.  The heat at the beginning was 65 with 100% humidity (not sure how it wasn't raining) and everyone was nearly soaked and dripping by the end of the first mile.

The first six miles ticked off uneventfully as we ran down a highway towards the magic kingdom.  We saw a few characters along the way, but I was settling into a nice (albeit warm) pace and wanted to keep going.  Running down main street USA, through the castle, and out the other side of the Magic Kingdom was certainly a thrill, especially with the crowds cheering us on.  The sun started to rise as I exited the Magic Kingdom and as the sun rose so did the heat.

Then came the long miles down roadways and around the Richard Petty Speedway.  The speedway was lined with new and classic cars which was cool, but it was also at this time that I noticed the heat starting to take its toll on me.  I was consuming water or sports drink at every stop and fueling every 30 minutes or so as in training.  I thought that plan would keep me ahead of the heat, but alas it did not.

By the time Animal Kingdom came and went my energy started to fail.  On the highway towards the Wide World of Sports and I was walking more and running less.  I still maintained my 11/mi pace during this stretch, although in retrospect I should have started backing off then.

Mickey Hot Air Balloon Mile 18

As we turned into the Wide World of Sports the exiting runners on the other side of the road had an announcer who said something like "your past mile 20, all downhill from here!".  I looked at my watch and I was only reading 17.5 . . . talk about demoralizing!  I briefly entertained the idea of jumping over the median and heading back the other way.  I soon banished those thoughts and continued to slog forward.  By this time I was running 4 minutes and walking 1.  The heat seemed oppressive and I kept repeating "relentlessly forward".

Finally passing mile 20 and exiting the Wide World of Sports Complex I started to regain my mojo and pick up the pace again.  I smiled and thought "I got this and a bag of chips!".  My strength returned and I was ready to resume my 1 mile run and 1 minute walk to the finish.  Then my calf said "hold on there mister!"

Just past mile 21 my left calf cramped.  No pain.  Just a cramp that nearly took me down.  Let me repeat, my LEFT calf.  After all of the quad, hamstring, and IT problems with my right leg during the training, my left leg saved this moment to make its presence known.  After cursing the heat and reviewing my hydration strategy, I came to the conclusion that I was going to finish the race and would do my best to keep running off an on.  So, I would pick a sign and run to it.  Then after another walk I would try to run two road signs.  So far, so good, why not try three signs?  The calf would twitch right after three signs and remind me that finishing was better then three signs.

The run through Hollywood Studios, along a path near our resort, and then through Epcot was slow going, nearly double my previous splits.  The crowds were amazing which made the time that much more enjoyable.  Then came the finish line.

I have always done my best to sprint (or my version of sprint) down the finishing chute to the line because that is what I thought I should do.  This time, I considered saving my energy and making that my goal.  Then I reconsidered.  I knew as I neared the finish that I would set a PR.  I was not going to set my optimistic time goal of under 5 hours but I would beat my previous marathon time.  This also would be the first time my kids have ever seen me finish a race.  So, I decided I would run, but in a controlled manner and enjoy the moment . . . which I most certainly did.

Me and that Finisher Medal

I could see Zack, Zoe, and Angela in the bleachers waving a sign as I crossed the finish line.  At that point I could not wait to get my medal and then reunite with them.  After a few formalities and a picture, I rejoined them in the race retreat tent and relived the race with them.  Certainly on of the highlights of the weekend.

Amazingly enough, at the same time I decided that I wanted to go Goofy next year (more on that later).  I could write so much more, and maybe will at another time, but suffice to say I enjoyed this race and look forward to taking on the challenge again in the future. 

Happy Running my friends . . .

Sums It Up

WDW Marathon Race Report Part 1 -- Check In and Expo

Wow!  What a weekend.  The atmosphere before, during, and after the race nearly defies explanation and the run was unexpected.  I am not sure, looking back, what I did expect.  Whatever it was, I now know and want to do it again.

Wide World of Sports Stadium

The weekend started with our Friday afternoon flight.  We arrived on time and hopped the express bus to the Beach Club Resort.  We were assigned a room on the main floor just off the lobby which ended up saving me many a step before and after the race.  I was initially concerned the lobby noise might get to us, but it was never really a problem.

Jeff Galloway and I

After checking in, we rushed over to the expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports area to check in.  We found the Runner's World Challenge tables set up in a convenient location and received my race packet, number, and final instructions.  As we would soon find out, this luxury was just the beginning of the challenge's perks.  When then went into the first building to retrieve the chEAR squad packets for my wife and kids.  After finishing this task we stopped into the expo to see what I couldn't live without. 

The crowded expo was a runner's product dream.   We wandered around for a bit, but after the flight, check-in and no dinner, we cut the visit short and headed back to our resort.  In retrospect, the tight quarters for the expo discouraged us (and others) from staying longer.  Did help us save some money!

The next day I stayed back in the room to save the legs while the family went into the Animal Kingdom.  The race directors issued heat warnings Thursday as record temperatures and high humidity were expected all weekend.  Saving my legs and staying out of the heat seemed prudent at the time and I can only surmise that it paid off the following day.  I spent the time watching tv, preparing my stuff for the race, and generally trying to stay off my feet while not going stark-raving-crazy.

Bart and I

Late afternoon on Saturday Runner's World hosted a strategy session for challenge participants.  Hosted by Bart Yasso, we receive great advice from a panel of experts and had the opportunity to ask questions.  As you can tell, I also took the opportunity to snap a few pictures with a couple of running legends.  The advice did alter my race strategy, with the most notable change in targeting an even slower start pace and leaving my running hat in the room.  After a enjoyable and uneventful pasta dinner, I went back to the room to catch a few zzzzs prior to the bus departure at 3 am. 

Race Expo Stage

Next Up . . . the race report!

On The Road Again

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and with the rest of the holidays bearing down, the mileage continues to add up. Add in two business trips and we have tons of fun ahead!


Last week I ran another 30 mile week with a 15 mile long slow distance (LSD), tying my longest run in ten years. This week, on the advice of my body and my PT, I took Monday's 7 miles off and gave into a three day rest -- my longest since September. As the miles pile up, so do the aches and i noticed for the first time last week that my mental endurance was starting to wane. Time for a rest and to remember, all this training will be in vain if I can't make it to the start line of the marathon healthy. The goal is to complete the marathon, not just train for it.

I am still scheduled for nearly 30 miles for the week with an 18 mile LSD Saturday. I may continue to take Monday's off as my long run increases. Only another month and then the race taper begins, so this is still the time to remain mentally strong and vigilant.

These runs, no matter the difference, will be key to remaining sane over the next few weeks. Between the travel, the culmination of a large year-long project, and the holidays these runs may be the right tool to keeping the mounting stress in check.

As they say, keep calm and run on!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Week One, The Fun has Begun

The training began in earnest for the marathon this week.  I decided to really get in and enjoy this experience so I signed up for the Disney World Marathon Runner's World Challenge .  As a part of the challenge they provide a training plan and premium access to the training site TrainingPeaks.

Sunday involved get everything set up in Training Peaks.  After imputing my personal information and loading the beginner plan from the assortment of training plan choices, I am ready to go.  This week's plan calls for two runs of 4 miles, one run of 2 miles, and a LSD (Long Slow Distance run) of 8 miles.  I chose this plan intentionally to allow my body 3 days of rest in order to make it to the start line healthy and ready to run.  Given the intensity and distances in this plan, I have not doubt I will be ready to race if I can keep to the plan. 

I have taken to rolling out the legs every day as after a week of inactivity they seemed a little stiff during the first run.  I could tell the difference today and made sure I quickly rolled them out this evening.  So far the first two 4 mile runs this week have felt good.  I will run the 2 miles tomorrow and then run an 8 on Saturday. 

I will post again when week one is in the books. 

Happy miles my friends . . .