Hello fellow Disnney Running Freaks...
This will be first year in a while that I haven't run at least one or both of the races on Marathon weekend. Figures it would be nice and cool this year.
LOL
I'm from Ohio and have trained for and run the half, full and goofy over the last few years in temps well below freezing, so I know each of you can do it!
A couple of thoughts...
Even though I regularly train in those really cold temps in Ohio, I never really stood around outside very long before I started a training run. I recommend you wear plenty of clothes and have enough hand, toe and head warmers to stay warm while you wait in the corrals or staging areas. If you haven't run Disney before, the wait for the start seems like forever since most folks get there pretty early. You really don't want to be cold that entire time. Buy whatever you need. Cheap or expensive. Just buy it. When you toss it before the race, well... At least you were warm before the start and keep your leg muscles in good shape before the race. Those dollars will be considered well spent when you see others freezing before the start then possibly cramping or tightening of the calves not far into the race.
Bring a really big lawn / leaf garbage bag or two. Cut out a hole for your arms and head and wear 'em! You'll look really silly.
But - If it's the least bit windy as you are waiting... This will cut the wind and you'll be happy. If there's any chance of rain in the forecast before the start, the garbage bag can serve a dual purpose by helping keep your shoes and (more importantly) your socks dry. These take absolutely zero space in your luggage but can be invaluable as they really keep your body heat IN! I wear one all the time in the corral when running races that start below 40 degrees even when I'm just wearing a singlet and shorts underneath. Ditch them at the start.
Another trick I do in cold races is wear a long sleeve tech shirt over my singlet. (I put my race bib on the singlet.) When I warm up enough, I take off the long sleeve tech shirt and tie it around my waist. Then I'm good to go for all the photo opportunities.
Chances are you may get cold again during the race with the sweat / wind / cool weather, so you can always untie the tech shirt and put it back on whenever necessary. Typically this only happens to me when I'm running in temps below 30 at home, but that's because I'm used to it.
Make sure to continue to drink fluids at the same rate you do during your training runs. Cold weather will make you think you don't need as many fluids as you won't appear to be sweating as much. While there is a little truth to this, you still need plenty of fluids when going these distances. Don't let yourself think you don't need to drink as much because we all know what happens when we push our bodies to the limit and there isn't enough fluid in there. Better to make one ot two pit stops during the race if needed than DNF or bonk in the second half of the race.
Be positive! You mental conditioning will go a long way on race day. Good, positive attitude will help you run better than bad, negative attititude. My first ever half marathon was at Disney and I worried about every possible thing and I just didn't run well that day. It was like 68 degrees at the start and I had not run in weather that warm in months other than a few shorter training runs on the treadmill. I was scared to death and my run showed it. Missed my expected finish by over 11 minutes and actually had to walk about 5 minutes during the race. I went out too fast, I didn't listen to my body, I didn't smile and generally didn't have fun. All that training for this??? I was SO disappointed.
Well - That was my fault. So... Go out at run just like you've trained. Chances are you aren't going to win (unless you are Adriano Bastos), so don't fret if things aren't perfect with the weather as I've learned that is absolutely one thing we CANNOT control. All we can do is control how we react to the weather.
Smile when you can and enjoy a moment like no other in racing. Running at Disney is absolutely the BEST distance running you will do with all the magic constantly around you. You will have more cheering during the entire race than anywhere else that I've run. HAVE FUN! (It's harder than you think if you are not an experienced half or full marathoner.)
I wish each of you the VERY BEST this weekend and I'll be with you in spirit.
You've trained it. You've worked very hard. You've put yourself in position to be a champion. All that is left to do is EXACTLY WHAT YOU'VE TRAINED YOUR BODY TO DO. It's ready!
See you at the starting line in 2011...
Mav
Praying for the power to stay on while we are are away!!!!!
you would have thought it was -32* with how many clothes those little people were wearing 
man was it cute 
I got in my car yesterday and had no idea how to turn on the heat 
and when I found it I am pretty sure the car got confused and it just kept the AC on, thank goodness for heated seats 
, but I HATE the cold! I really do. I pretty much feel chilled here in Philly all the time from November through March, and I was so looking forward to a break from this.
(in her defense she was not feeling well, and very tired, but still . . . !). This has just left me feeling upset about the whole trip.
