Marathon Weekend 2025

[kleph]

i know everyone is concerned about the cold but as any LOTR nerd can tell you, Jan 12 is the day the fellowship are forced to turn back from the pass over caradhras due to a blizzard. the upshot? no matter how cold it is, you won't be chased by wolves to the gates of moria on monday.

 

[Baloo in MI]

i know everyone is concerned about the cold but as any LOTR nerd can tell you, Jan 12 is the day the fellowship are forced to turn back from the pass over caradhras due to a blizzard. the upshot? no matter how cold it is, you won't be chased by wolves to the gates of moria on monday.

You have made my day!

 

[Naomeri]

i know everyone is concerned about the cold but as any LOTR nerd can tell you, Jan 12 is the day the fellowship are forced to turn back from the pass over caradhras due to a blizzard. the upshot? no matter how cold it is, you won't be chased by wolves to the gates of moria on monday.

And hopefully encounter no balrogs

 

[nancipants]

And hopefully encounter no balrogs

But we will want to fly like fools during the marathon.

 

[kleph]

And hopefully encounter no balrogs

Jan 15. you're good.

 

[Z-Knight]

Holy Snow Balls - I just looked at the predicted temperatures and many things have shrunk (except for my gut) at the thought of these early morning runs. I also hope there is no wind, cause the cold you can sort of make it through, but the wind just hurts. eek.

 

[Z-Knight]

I think this will have to be my first year wearing a costume - I'm going as a blanket.

 

[cburnett11]

SAFD: I think it’s worth saying that staying warm in the corrals is important not only for comfort but to save energy as shivering can expend a lot of it.

 

[PrincessV]

Holy Snow Balls - I just looked at the predicted temperatures and many things have shrunk (except for my gut) at the thought of these early morning runs. I also hope there is no wind, cause the cold you can sort of make it through, but the wind just hurts. eek.

Oh my - I just looked and it’s getting WORSE! 30s every night?! Nope. Not cool. Not a fan.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

Question about cold and FL humidity. How is that different than just cold and drier air? Will it make me sweat more? Want to be prepared.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I think this will have to be my first year wearing a costume - I'm going as a blanket.

Buy one of those tortilla blankets, add some felt eyes and go as Mr tortilla face!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

SAFD: Also hate the cold - though I understand I'm in the minority here! So layers it will be. I'm going to have to do more shopping as I only have throw away layers for 2 days right now. The only tips I can think of as a regular winter runner (going to be heading for an outdoor run today - temperature is sitting right at the freezing mark) is don't forget to protect your extremities. Find a warm hat, gloves, etc. I'm going to do a rush order of cheap wool gloves from amazon that I can toss.

Also - don't forget post race. While Disney usually hands out mylar blankets, you'll want to have something warm to throw on in your checked bag (another reason I hate cold races- I really don't like checking a bag). Even if you're feeling warm at the finish, your body temp will drop quickly during recovery. Have a hat, gloves, jacket available for after the race.

A little post race here too: if you’re doing the 5k, they will most likely not be letting people on the bus until the last of the runners clear the road. I’ve done the Princess 5k the last two years, and they held us in the elements until given the go ahead. I have no idea if that’ll change with the weather, so just be prepared.

 

[nancipants]

Question about cold and FL humidity. How is that different than just cold and drier air? Will it make me sweat more? Want to be prepared.

Yes to sweating more, but it can also FEEL colder due to the moisture in the air. Some of the coldest I’ve ever felt is at Magic Kingdom on December 30 in 2016. We were sitting around waiting for fireworks and it was sooo cold. My husband bought me a thick pair of socks in the Emporium and that helped. It also got super cold one night at MK in 2019. I was 9 months pregnant and had no cold weather gear that fit me, so I was stuck with thin sweats and my husband’s hoodie. I made him go look for a blanket and he couldn’t find any. I can’t imagine how much colder I would have felt if I hadn’t been 40 pounds heavier.

 

[FFigawi]

One question I do have - here in winter I have winter/ snow running shoes - I will NOT be running in those in Florida and my long distance running shoes are all light mesh. Definitely not a recipe for keeping feet warm during the 2+ hour wait pre-race. Any suggestions short of bringing my winter runners (which I honestly am not sure I could run a full marathon in - and certainly not 4 days in a row of races).

Those blue booties used in hospitals work well at keeping heat in and cold & wet out.

SAFD: If you’re looking for throw away clothes to keep warm in the corral, or maybe even keep on in the 5k, go to Target or Walmart or some other big store this week. Their tacky Christmas tops, bottoms, PJs, etc., will all be on sale. We did this for our 5k costume several years ago. Cheap and easy, and warm.

 

[StarGirl11]

SAFD: For wheels there’s not a lot we can do once we’re in our devices. We have limited mobility so for us it’s make sure we have mylars for the start. RunDisney knows this and has staff usually come by and grab any from those of us who are too far removed from the fence to be able to toss it over.

Layering for us always is a challenge. Because we can’t just throwaway easily once we’re on the course. Or at least I don’t think it would be easy. So it’s usually Mylar plus whatever we’re going to be wearing while racing. Which means the cold weather running charts get extra scrutiny from me going in.

Funny for me despite the extra challenged cold weather brings. I like it for rD races because it means I don’t have to alter pre planned outfits. Just toss on whatever layers I need under the costumes and go.

Not helpful for me but for yall. Idk what year it was but I swear I remember it being cold enough they broken out the heat lamps. Wouldn’t rely on it as a means to warm up. But they could be back.

 

[Disneyhanna]

Living in cold climates, I have plenty of gear to bring with me, though I am grabbing a Smartwool gaiter at REI tomorrow as all mine are built for warmer temps.

My merino wool Buffs are my prized possessions for winter runs. As long as my hands, neck, and ears are warm, I can survive anything. Though I like cold runs as much as the next Midwesterner, I don't typically stand around outside for 2-3 hours before starting, so I will be evaluating my closet very carefully the next few days

 

[MissLiss279]

I’m now thinking that maybe instead of heading to the corrals right when they open, maybe I’ll wait closer to closing time, and gear check some warmer clothes and then just have my blankets and emergency ponchos (for wind protection) for the corrals.

 

[The Expert]

A little post race here too: if you’re doing the 5k, they will most likely not be letting people on the bus until the last of the runners clear the road. I’ve done the Princess 5k the last two years, and they held us in the elements until given the go ahead. I have no idea if that’ll change with the weather, so just be prepared.

Yes, and this stat is part of the timing spread sheet a few of us have been updating. Pretty much everyone who has submitted their info is likely to finish before the buses start rolling if they stick to the pace they think they will. I plan to drive to the 5K and 10K!

SAFD: If you’re looking for throw away clothes to keep warm in the corral, or maybe even keep on in the 5k, go to Target or Walmart or some other big store this week. Their tacky Christmas tops, bottoms, PJs, etc., will all be on sale. We did this for our 5k costume several years ago. Cheap and easy, and warm.

I was shopping around online and found a lot of good deals at Old Navy, too! Also, if your size is sold out, look at bigger sizes and unisex/men's clothes for women for true throw-away corral-only gear. It'll be easier to fit over other clothing and you won't be tempted to keep anything that you may like!

 

[sandam1]

SAFD

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - arm sleeves! A cheap and easy layer. I've also found that my rain coat - while breathable - makes an awesome outer layer to keep the heat in and any potential wind out.

If you are looking for cheap sweatshirts and pants, try looking at Kohls as well.

Thank you to everyone for suggesting planning for post-race. I hadn't considered that. I've never gear-checked anything before. Is it drop-off and pick-up usually a quick process?

 

[The Expert]

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - arm sleeves! A cheap and easy layer.

Cheap tube socks will work for this in a pinch (cut the toes off -- or not)! You can get multi-packs at any discount store or on Amazon.