Official 2016 Dopey Challenge Thread

Dopey Devon · Nov 26, 2015

Hey guys, I've just recently signed up to this website (after lurking for quite a while) so just thought I'd say hi! This will be my first RunDisney race so all advice for any of the 4 races will be much appreciated!

Training was going well up until last week. Tight IT Band half way through my 18 miler so had to call it quits and having a week of rest/smaller run/walks just to keep it active. Got myself a support for it and hoping to get out for a medium run this weekend to test the waters. Never had any problems before with my leg, and I came into my HH plan having trained for 4 half marathons this year already so a little sad I'm having some problems late in the game.
p.s. less than 6 weeks!!!

BuckeyeBama · Nov 26, 2015

Dopey Devon said:
Hey guys, I've just recently signed up to this website (after lurking for quite a while) so just thought I'd say hi! This will be my first RunDisney race so all advice for any of the 4 races will be much appreciated!

Training was going well up until last week. Tight IT Band half way through my 18 miler so had to call it quits and having a week of rest/smaller run/walks just to keep it active. Got myself a support for it and hoping to get out for a medium run this weekend to test the waters. Never had any problems before with my leg, and I came into my HH plan having trained for 4 half marathons this year already so a little sad I'm having some problems late in the game.
p.s. less than 6 weeks!!!

Good luck with the IT band. Happy Thanksgiving.

BuckeyeBama · Nov 26, 2015

Simba's Mom said:
So how's everyone's Dopey training going? DH was all excited today. He ran a nearly Dopey dress rehearsal-44 miles in 4 consecutive days. He says that now he fully understands why it's called "The Dopey Challenge", but more importantly, for the first time he feels confident that he can do it! But he couldn't do much after he finishes.

My training is / was going well until the foot injury. Will decide next week whether to try and tough it out or defer. If the pain subsides, I am going to be in great shape for the Dopey.

Baloo in MI · Nov 28, 2015

Dopey Devon said:
Hey guys, I've just recently signed up to this website (after lurking for quite a while) so just thought I'd say hi! This will be my first RunDisney race so all advice for any of the 4 races will be much appreciated!

Training was going well up until last week. Tight IT Band half way through my 18 miler so had to call it quits and having a week of rest/smaller run/walks just to keep it active. Got myself a support for it and hoping to get out for a medium run this weekend to test the waters. Never had any problems before with my leg, and I came into my HH plan having trained for 4 half marathons this year already so a little sad I'm having some problems late in the game.
p.s. less than 6 weeks!!!

Sorry to hear about the IT Band issues. Sounds like you have a good plan. Hope that it works out. Hard to believe that January is so close now.

MightyDuck001 · Nov 28, 2015

Dopey Devon said:
Hey guys, I've just recently signed up to this website (after lurking for quite a while) so just thought I'd say hi! This will be my first RunDisney race so all advice for any of the 4 races will be much appreciated!

Training was going well up until last week. Tight IT Band half way through my 18 miler so had to call it quits and having a week of rest/smaller run/walks just to keep it active. Got myself a support for it and hoping to get out for a medium run this weekend to test the waters. Never had any problems before with my leg, and I came into my HH plan having trained for 4 half marathons this year already so a little sad I'm having some problems late in the game.
p.s. less than 6 weeks!!!

I had some knee pain in 2014, I KT Taped the knees (both of them) and then did hip strengthening exercises. That was what really helped me a lot--and also being really careful during the races on the roads that have a significant slope (usually exit/entrance ramps). I like to head for the grass or shoulder on those portions.

DopeyBadger · Nov 28, 2015

Dopey Devon said:
Hey guys, I've just recently signed up to this website (after lurking for quite a while) so just thought I'd say hi! This will be my first RunDisney race so all advice for any of the 4 races will be much appreciated!

Training was going well up until last week. Tight IT Band half way through my 18 miler so had to call it quits and having a week of rest/smaller run/walks just to keep it active. Got myself a support for it and hoping to get out for a medium run this weekend to test the waters. Never had any problems before with my leg, and I came into my HH plan having trained for 4 half marathons this year already so a little sad I'm having some problems late in the game.
p.s. less than 6 weeks!!!

Good Luck with the recovery!

Advice/Notes for RunDisney:
-Corral assignments should come out within the next two weeks (eek)!
-Go to the expo the earliest you can (opens Wednesday at 10am) if your goal is to get your best choices for merchandise
-Try to get as much sleep as possible (optimal muscle recovery occurs between 8-9 hours)
-Disney races start early (5K-6:15am, all others - 5:30am), so you'll likely be in the waiting area a while
-Things I like to bring to the waiting area: bath towel (to sit on), garbage bag (if cold/wind), fleece throw, throw-away long sleeve/sweat pants
-Start your recovery process immediately after finishing the race by consuming carbs/protein, wear recovery compression, etc.
-If you're quick (if sub 4-hour POT), then you'll likely finish your 5K before all corrals have started. This delays the buses leaving back to the hotel, so either take your time during the 5K or be aware you'll likely be waiting around for the bus for about 30-45 minutes after finishing (but get in line if intending to leave quickly).
-Drink lots of water throughout the day
-When running any of the races, listen to your body. It is the best gauge to whether you're pushing too hard.
-Most importantly, no matter your goals - Have Fun!

cavepig · Nov 28, 2015

DopeyBadger said:
Good Luck with the recovery!

Advice/Notes for RunDisney:
-Corral assignments should come out within the next two weeks (eek)!
-Go to the expo the earliest you can (opens Wednesday at 10am) if your goal is to get your best choices for merchandise
-Try to get as much sleep as possible (optimal muscle recovery occurs between 8-9 hours)
-Disney races start early (5K-6:15am, all others - 5:30am), so you'll likely be in the waiting area a while
-Things I like to bring to the waiting area: bath towel (to sit on), garbage bag (if cold/wind), fleece throw, throw-away long sleeve/sweat pants
-Start your recovery process immediately after finishing the race by consuming carbs/protein, wear recovery compression, etc.
-If you're quick (if sub 4-hour POT), then you'll likely finish your 5K before all corrals have started. This delays the buses leaving back to the hotel, so either take your time during the 5K or be aware you'll likely be waiting around for the bus for about 30-45 minutes after finishing (but get in line if intending to leave quickly).
-Drink lots of water throughout the day
-When running any of the races, listen to your body. It is the best gauge to whether you're pushing too hard.
-Most importantly, no matter your goals - Have Fun!

Great tips (that 5k bus waiting thing I didn't realize so good to know), but online it says for 5k "Thursday, January 7, 2016 6:00 a.m."

Dopey Devon · Nov 28, 2015

DopeyBadger said:
Good Luck with the recovery!

Advice/Notes for RunDisney:
-Corral assignments should come out within the next two weeks (eek)!
-Go to the expo the earliest you can (opens Wednesday at 10am) if your goal is to get your best choices for merchandise
-Try to get as much sleep as possible (optimal muscle recovery occurs between 8-9 hours)
-Disney races start early (5K-6:15am, all others - 5:30am), so you'll likely be in the waiting area a while
-Things I like to bring to the waiting area: bath towel (to sit on), garbage bag (if cold/wind), fleece throw, throw-away long sleeve/sweat pants
-Start your recovery process immediately after finishing the race by consuming carbs/protein, wear recovery compression, etc.
-If you're quick (if sub 4-hour POT), then you'll likely finish your 5K before all corrals have started. This delays the buses leaving back to the hotel, so either take your time during the 5K or be aware you'll likely be waiting around for the bus for about 30-45 minutes after finishing (but get in line if intending to leave quickly).
-Drink lots of water throughout the day
-When running any of the races, listen to your body. It is the best gauge to whether you're pushing too hard.
-Most importantly, no matter your goals - Have Fun!

Thanks for the heads up about the 5k bus waiting time (I submitted a 1.44 half POT) - hoping to go to one of the parks afterwards so you think its worth taking the car?

I don't get 8-9 hours sleep a night anyways! However I've read sleep is a pretty big factor for the weekend and so have booked a late lunch after the half so if I feel sleepy mid afternoon my plan is just to head to bed then - if i wake up at 2 in the morning theres really no harm in it!

DopeyBadger · Nov 28, 2015

cavepig said:
Great tips (that 5k bus waiting thing I didn't realize so good to know), but online it says for 5k "Thursday, January 7, 2016 6:00 a.m."

Hmm... that's interesting. Change from the last two years. Thanks for catching. I wonder what the reason is?

Dopey Devon said:
Thanks for the heads up about the 5k bus waiting time (I submitted a 1.44 half POT) - hoping to go to one of the parks afterwards so you think its worth taking the car?

I don't get 8-9 hours sleep a night anyways! However I've read sleep is a pretty big factor for the weekend and so have booked a late lunch after the half so if I feel sleepy mid afternoon my plan is just to head to bed then - if i wake up at 2 in the morning theres really no harm in it!

Depending on your park timeframe this is what I calculate:

Race Starts - 6:00am (You will be in Corral A for the 5K/10K guarantee with your POT)
Finish - 6:25am (an estimate)
Last Corral Starts - ~6:50am (based on last year's difference between chip/gun times)
Buses pick-up - ~7:00am (based on pace necessary to clear those people from the bus parking area)
Earliest Park Opening - 9:00am

I would think unless you want to get to the park for the purpose of seeing the opening song/dance, you'll be fine with their bus transportation.

Z-Knight · Nov 28, 2015

This is my last post here on Disboards, but before I leave I wanted to let you know something good for the Dopey near future. I just got a call from runDisney after I sent them my letter to ask for keeping the Dopey going. They told me that they have no plans of cancelling that challenge and appreciate my letter and my enthusiasm for the challenge. They were real nice and I'm glad they will keep it going.

I also made a suggestion to them for adding another challenge that they appreciated and will pass it on to the runDisney people for me. My suggestion was inspired by @SarahDisney, and I called it the Five-and-Dime (or Nickle-and-Dime) - basically to do a challenge (so you can get an extra cool medal) for doing just the 5k and 10k, because some people are not able to compete in the other days. I think they liked the suggestion, but we'll see if they pursue it.

Anyway, just want to let you know that before I leave. bye. good luck to all of the runners.

DopeyBadger · Nov 28, 2015

Z-Knight said:
This is my last post here on Disboards, but before I leave I wanted to let you know something good for the Dopey near future. I just got a call from runDisney after I sent them my letter to ask for keeping the Dopey going. They told me that they have no plans of cancelling that challenge and appreciate my letter and my enthusiasm for the challenge. They were real nice and I'm glad they will keep it going.

I also made a suggestion to them for adding another challenge that they appreciated and will pass it on to the runDisney people for me. My suggestion was inspired by @SarahDisney, and I called it the Five-and-Dime (or Nickle-and-Dime) - basically to do a challenge (so you can get an extra cool medal) for doing just the 5k and 10k, because some people are not able to compete in the other days. I think they liked the suggestion, but we'll see if they pursue it.

Anyway, just want to let you know that before I leave. bye. good luck to all of the runners.

Thanks for passing this along. Wishing you the best and hope you decide to come back!

WDWarchitectureguy · Dec 7, 2015

Being a 2015 Dopey finisher my only real advice is the sleep. We had a red eye flight from Dallas to do the Expo on Wednesday. Awake by 3am. Then the same Thursday for an early bus from our resort to the 5k start. Rinse and repeat for the 10k, Half, and Full. 5 days of ~3am wake up calls and pushing your body to extremes wears on you.

We were going to bed by 7pm with the curtains drawn and soft music playing to help reduce the outside normal resort noise.

Best of luck to everyone! It was a beating, but I'm glad I did it.

ChrisNY2 · Dec 8, 2015

It doesn't look like there's monorail transportation to the 5K or 10K, just the half and full. Is that how it normally is?

DopeyBadger · Dec 8, 2015

ChrisNY2 said:
It doesn't look like there's monorail transportation to the 5K or 10K, just the half and full. Is that how it normally is?

Interesting catch. It appears you are correct. The 2015 event guide specifically mentions monorail transport for the 5K/10K. However, as you've noticed the 2016 guide does not list monorail transport. Wonder what the justification is.

Also, for anyone not following the Marathon thread: I am putting together a comprehensive list of dis'ers and their corrals/timing for marathon weekend. If you're interested in joining in on the fun just give me the following information.

Race
Name
Bib#
Dis'er Name
Costume
Corral
Early Bird/Late Arriver to corral
Front/Middle/Back lining up in the corral
Expected Pace

FFigawi · Dec 8, 2015

DopeyBadger said:
Interesting catch. It appears you are correct. The 2015 event guide specifically mentions monorail transport for the 5K/10K. However, as you've noticed the 2016 guide does not list monorail transport. Wonder what the justification is.

Also, for anyone not following the Marathon thread: I am putting together a comprehensive list of dis'ers and their corrals/timing for marathon weekend. If you're interested in joining in on the fun just give me the following information.

Race
Name
Bib#
Dis'er Name
Costume
Corral
Early Bird/Late Arriver to corral
Front/Middle/Back lining up in the corral
Expected Pace

I think it's great that you're doing this for everyone. I'm not running this year, which for you is probably just as well. I'd be the one outlier compared to everyone else on the marathon weekend thread. I arrive very late and stay in the back of the corral.

Keels · Dec 9, 2015

FFigawi said:
I think it's great that you're doing this for everyone. I'm not running this year, which for you is probably just as well. I'd be the one outlier compared to everyone else on the marathon weekend thread. I arrive very late and stay in the back of the corral.

Slacker.

FFigawi · Dec 9, 2015

Keels said:
Slacker.

You over achievers make it easy for us. There are no lines for bag drop or porta potties by the time we show up. Last year, our timing was perfect. We walked into our corral right before the gun for the first start went off.

Simba's Mom · Dec 9, 2015

ChrisNY2 said:
It doesn't look like there's monorail transportation to the 5K or 10K, just the half and full. Is that how it normally is?

Does this mean that transportation-specifically, the times the buses will be available to get you from the resort to the start-has already been announced? DH is running the Dopey (for the first and last time-his retirement gift to himself) and is concerned he might have missed something. For the 5K, do many spouses ride the bus to the start/finish line or do they just stay in bed at the resort? I feel kind of guilty not getting up with him.

DopeyBadger · Dec 9, 2015

Simba's Mom said:
Does this mean that transportation-specifically, the times the buses will be available to get you from the resort to the start-has already been announced? DH is running the Dopey (for the first and last time-his retirement gift to himself) and is concerned he might have missed something. For the 5K, do many spouses ride the bus to the start/finish line or do they just stay in bed at the resort? I feel kind of guilty not getting up with him.

Here is the event guide

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/disneyworld-marathon/2016-WDW-Program.pdf

Transportation is on page 10-13 and lists the bus times for the expo and each race.

As for going to see the 5K, I'd say it's pretty sparse but there are definitely people there. My family comes some times and other times not. Totally a personal preference. Last year it was so cold for the 5K I think it kept more spectators away.

Simba's Mom · Dec 9, 2015

DH claims he's never seen the event guide. Where is it?

Official 2016 Dopey Challenge Thread

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