DisneyRunning.Com

2007 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge Report: Ian Mohammed

I did it! I survived the Goofy Challenge of 39.3 miles (half marathon plus a full marathon the day after). And a year ago I had never run a half marathon or a full marathon before. I am VERY HAPPY!!! Report has four main sections: - How I did - Photos (correction: Lots of photos!) - For 2008 Runners - Will I Do It again? Ian ===== How I Did ==================== For the half marathon I decided to go for gusto and try to beat my PB (2:00:01) and therefore decided not to take my camera. I was on track for this until 9 miles then I started to run low on gas due the humid weather (with the humidity it felt like 24 degrees). I finished in 2:10:44 (overall rank of 2,385 out of 12,282 finishers; I think 17,000 started according to the numbers issued). I was pleased with this since its showing that my ankle is doing much better. For the full marathon the forecast was to be worse with sunny skies. With the humidity it felt like 28 degrees by late morning. For the start I was focused on running slow. I was thankful to find an elderly runner (wearing a 100 marathon club shirt) running at my slow pace. So I decide to run behind him for the first 4 miles while all the faster runners passed us (for every one runner we passed; we had about 40 runners pass us). This was interesting because at 14 miles the sun was beating down on us and caused most runners to be walking. So for miles 14 to 25 it was the reverse. For every 50 runners (now walkers) I passed there was one runner passing me. I think this showed the high number of first time marathoners on the course. I was glad that I refueled with oranges and bananas on the course. It kept me running slow right to the end rather than walking. I finished with a nice slow 6:03:35 for a rank of 8,530 out of 10,936 finishers. I think 15,000 or so started. My other 3 marathons in 2006 were about 5:24 , 6:02, and 5:16. I am very pleased with the results given (a) the bad humidity, (b) running a half marathon the day before at full effort, and (c) a year ago I never did a half marathon or a full marathon. Oh yeah… and (d) because I took about 40 photos during this race! Oh! And it was awesome meeting fellow maniacs Jane & Heather, and Tori & Ron (or it is Rob?). Its not often I get to see fellow Maniacs here in the USA. ===== Photos from FULL marathon (took none during Half MArathon ================ Waiting around at the start. [Outside Epcot] Somehow I ended up very close to the start. Pretending I have muscles too. [Epcot] After you. No,after you. Your too kind, please you got first. No I insist you go first. [Epcot] More roads... The four big parks are connected by Disney's own highways/roads. [between Epcot and Magic Kingdom] Its was very humid. So I loaded up my hat with ice to help cool me off. I ended up doing this FIVE TIMES! Beware of seniors with FALSE SIGNS! I did not get any free beer and there was no short cut to the monorail. They still had Christmas decoration up. [Magic Kingdom] Main Street leading towards Cinderella's Castle. [Magic Kingdom] Cinderella's Castle in the morning fog. [Magic Kingdom] Seeking help from Donald and Daisy Duck. [Magic Kingdom] Hiding... [Magic Kingdom] Two Goofy's. [Magic Kingdom] I just ran thru the castle! [Magic Kingdom] Another photo in case the first does not work out. [Magic Kingdom] Looking Cross Eyed. [Magic Kingdom] I gotta get myself a hook too. [Magic Kingdom] I'm still able to run! Victory celebration at mile 15. Baby alligator that I wanted to kiss. [Animal Kingdom] Darn goat could not tolerate my stench and wanted to walk away! [Animal Kingdom] Hey rabbit, can I borrow your legs? [Animal Kingdom] What talons (sp?)! [Animal Kingdom] Hey bird, can you open some a GEL pack for me? [Animal Kingdom] Hey, do you have a double that I saw earlier? [Animal Kingdom] My long lost twin! [Animal Kingdom] Us three trying to hitch a ride from other runners. [Animal Kingdom] The new Everest ride. [Animal Kingdom] What a doll! [Animal Kingdom] Hey Mickey, I saw someone kissing Minnie! Hiroko whom we kept leap frogging each other. I used hands signals to ask if I could take a photo of both os us while running. With his limited English he asked where I was from, perhaps so he knows where not to travel to! He is from Japan. At one point on the race I tapped him on one shoulder and passed him on the other side but he caught me! Darth Vader didn't want me to lean against him. He looked pretty cold as usual. Guess he has a reputation to keep up. [MGM Studios] Hollywood Blvd with the huge 3D looking wall mural on the background. [MGM Studios] Kermit! I met KERMIT! My childhood hero! [MGM Studios] They weren't too sure what to do with me. [MGM Studios] Mickey's Magic Hat at the center of MGM studios. [MGM Studios] Hey Pigglet come with me, my mom is cooking a great meal and is running low on pork. [MGM Studios] Chinese arch in Epcot. Only had time for one quick photo since I wanted to get under my PW (personal worse time). [Epcot] UGHHHH.... After a total of 39.3 miles and 8 hours 13 minutes, I AM FINISHED! I DID IT! HEY, ITS HIROKO AGAIN! Darn, I should have recruited him as a RM member. Then we can boost that we have a presence in Japan. Me and Kel celebrating with Goofy! Donald Duck medal (Half), Mickey Mouse medal (Full), and the Goofy medal (for doing both). I heard a runner suggesting they rename the Goofy Challenge to the Dumbo Challenge! ===== For 2008 Runners ======================= ORGANIZATION: It was extremely well organized. During the months prior to the race, WDW Marathon sent out several emails with updates. NEW IN 2007: (A) VIP LOUNGE: In one of their emails they advertised a new VIP lounge for runners (heated tent, with carpet, beverages, bagels, fruits, separate bathrooms, separate bag check). Last year (2006) they had a cold temperatures close to freezing so I guess that I why they came up with the tent. It cost $50 for the VIP Runner Lounge per each race. I found this to be very beneficial but it did include a 10 minute massage which I appreciated. (B) VIP SPECTATOR SEATING: This Kel did not find very beneficial. It include beverages and a simple snack box (which they advertised as a continental breakfast). But it did give her reserved grand stand seating that overlooks the Finish line. EXPO: We went on the first day (Thursday) and experienced a long line. To my surprise the lines of Friday was much shorter. Disney did a great job in correcting this problem. There was lots of Disney gear to buy. For each race (Donald, Mickey, and Goofy) they had lots of shirts, track suits, pins, photo frames, luggage tags, key chains, mugs, stuff animals, etc etc. START METHOD: The Half Marathon had about 17,000 race numbers issued separated into three waves (A, B, and C)commencing 15 minutes apart. I somehow got assigned to A-1. So I decided to start at the back of wave A. It turns out the half marathon has lots of newer runners so I ended up spending 15 minutes working my way pass them. To give you an idea, I finished in 2:10:44 for an overall rank of 2,385 out of 12,282 finishers (where as normally I expect to be in the last 30%). So if you run a 2:30 or better then you may wish to provide proof of time to get in wave A. The Full Marathon had about 14,000 race numbers issued separated into corals A to H all starting at the same time on two roads. I somehow ended up in Coral D which was the first coral on one road. This I did not mind because I was concerned that I may need all the time I could get in case I am at risk of hitting the cut off times. SPECTATOR EXPERIENCE: It was great! Many love it because (1) friends/relatives can view you from other points in the park. (2) it doubles as a vacation for all (not just for runners enjoyment only). Because of this, there were tons of cheering spectators in the parks and cross roads which made you feel like a super hero! COURSE SAFETY: Over all it s excellent and they have tons of volunteers and staff looking out for you. Two things things to be careful of are (1) the fountain in Epcot close to the big globe has wet pavement. (2) Animal Kingdom (at miles 17-1 is open to the public by the time your reach there. It was narrow winding paths where the public sometimes have to cross the course. It well managed by staff. But at the point most runners were walking (likely first time marathoners) and I was still running well. The staff let a family cross with two baby strollers but due to my speed and the winding paths I was en route to run them other. The staff had to urge them to cross quickly and I had to pause for a second or two. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANIACS DOING 2008: REGISTER EARLY: It got booked full about June-August (the Goofy Challenge gets filled the quickest; note registering for the Mickey and Donald will not earn you a Goofy medal) BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS EARLY IF STAYING ON DISNEY: All the value and moderate priced resorts were full. You can leave a $200 deposit and pay the rest 45 days before the trip. BOOK RESTARURANT RESERVATIONS EARLY: One of the big attractions are all the great restaurants. One can make reservations 60 or 90 days before your trip. Some restaurants are extremely hard to get into such as the Canadian steak restaurant at Epcot. DISNEY DINING PLAN (IF STAYING AT A WDW Resorts): It costs about $50 per day per per adult to add the Disney Dining plan. Its worth it. It includes (a) Table Service meal [appetizing, main entrée, desert, and one non alcohol beverage; gratuities are included too] (b) Counter service meal [meal, desert, and one non alcohol berevage] amd (c) Snack [a drink or snack under $4]. For the meals you can select anything, including the most expensive items on the menu. START AREA: Be prepared for a long wait. This us due to them herding 17 thousand runners. GOOFY RUNNERS: (a) Beware of doing too much Disney activities during the races. (b) Do all you can do in between the two races (get a post race massage, drink plenty of fluids, ice bath, have relative/friend use the roller on your legs; do stretches) WEATHER: 2006 they had temperatures close to freezing. 2007 it got up to about 28 due to the humidity. Be prepared for both. Next type of challenging weather I can think of is heavy rain and winds for 2008. TWO PAIRS OF SNEAKERS (maybe?): I was wondering if this is true… do some runners alternate sneakers so it gives the sneaker’s cushioning material to uncompress? If yes, then I wonder for the Goofy if it’s a good idea to take two pairs (one for each race). FRIENDS AND FAMILY:. It awesome for everyone to enjoy. But for the runner its hard to prepare for the race and recuperate with all the Disney attractions. Its very hard to do both on the same weekend. - CROWDED START: Bring a donkey to push your way through for the first 4 to 5 miles. ARRIVE EARLY: Take the Disney bus shuttles if you are staying at the Disney resorts (which start at 3:00 am and stop at 4:00 am). If you are staying off the Dsineys resorts then allow plenty of time for the long traffic lines. 15 minutes prior to race start (6:00am) we could still see cars arriving. Even after arriving it takes about a solid 20-30 minutes walk to get from the race area down to the actual race start area. I often like to arrive at races just 15 minutes prior but there is no way you can do this at Disney. RACE BAG: Because you will be waiting until 4:45 am in the huge parking lots, then I suggest bringing a blanket to sit on, some drinks and snacks, maybe even reading material. RACE PREPARATION: Make sure you are ready by 4:45 am (finish your warm ups, drinks/snacks, and bathroom). That is when the band stops playing and they suddenly announce “Runners check in your bags”. And that is when the Wave A for the half marathon started to walk to the start area. I had arrived late due to the washroom line and by the time I walked to the start area I had all of wave B (6,000 runners) in my way to get to wave A. Thankfully I was permitted to walk on the restricted side area to get past wave B. Anyways, after your 20 minute walk to the start area you then I had a 45 minute wait until the 6:00 am start. Family and friends can be with you in the parking lot until you leave at 4:45am to go to the start area. ====== Will I Do this Again???? =================== After finishing this race in brutal hunidity I definitely say "NO WAY!", but seeing how much fun it was and other Maniacs are going, then I am tempted to go again.