#126 - Disney Marathon/Should I Get On Rides?

In this week’s podcast I ask a serious question; 

When running my first marathon at Disney on January 9th, 2022, Do I get on rides or not? 

I’m torn about this because I know a part of doing this race is to enjoy the rides. Below is what others had to say. On the podcast, we also celebrate the life of Eric Keating!

Have you run Disney races in the past? What was your approach? Did you get on any rides? Leave your thoughts and comments below. In the meantime, let's hear what others had to say about their Disney experience. 

Carlos Torres: Enjoy the moment. There will be other fulls, where you can work on intensity and speed. Your first full (especially at Disney) should be all about celebrating your marathon journey, smiling for the camera, enjoying the sights and sounds, if possible, riding a ride or two.


Katie Ess: Yes, jump on rides! It’s what makes running Disney so much fun and different!


Kelley Matthews: Get on rides only if you know you’re in a good place in the race. If you fall behind the balloon ladies, they can pick you up.


Emily Lindenberg: I’m very sad. Everest will still be down because it’s at the halfway mark and can get you out of the mental block. 

However, my legs feel like jello after.


Colleen Garoofalo: Following - my first full is also 1/9. I’m afraid I’ll be so nervous I’ll just make a beeline for the finish and regret not taking it all in later.


Kim Bruce: Lines will be long for Everest. From the experience of those who had plans to go on rides during a full marathon, I can tell you by the time I got to Animal Kingdom, the rides were out of the mental question for me as I just wanted to finish the darn race. 🙂


Heather McGowen: You have to make sure you time yourself. Don't go on a ride then get swept, that ride isn't worth not completing. When Everest was at the 13-mile mark and the start was 5:30 am,  I spent the first half playing a math game with my pace and time to get to Everest about 15 minutes before opening. Got the first ride and ran normal (was at ESPN and a DJ mentioned the balloon ladies were just getting into Animal Kingdom, so I had a time cushion). I know people go on Tower of Terror but think about whoever has to sit in that sweaty seat after you.


Question Was Asked:

Ruth Alexander: How do you handle your GPS during a ride? I don't want to record a super fast mile on a ride and I don't stop my watch during races.


Answer: 

William Malone: Ruth Alexander I’d suggest not to take it too seriously….or pause your device if you feel you must. Enjoy!


The Comment With The Most Reactions:


Lydia Evans:

I’m not just because if I sit down I’m not getting back up. Lol

Concluding Thought:

Lydia’s comment is what I’m afraid of. Not wanting to get stiff while waiting to get on the ride. Then sitting on the ride and having 5-10 miles left to run. I also do not want to do the math that Heather brought out. On the flip side, Carlos brings out the most important part….. It’s Disney! It’s a celebration. I should be celebrating my marathon journey, smiling for the camera, enjoying the sights and sounds, if possible, riding a ride or two.


With all of this said, I believe for my first ever marathon, I will just run it. I will enjoy the sights and maybe take my pictures. When I return for perhaps 2023, I will get on rides and maybe Mount Everest would be ready by then. 

Please leave your thoughts below. 



Celebrating

Eric Keating

Eric joined our program back in the spring of 2019. As a retired painter, him and his wife Lisa wanted to find something that they can do together to be healthy. Eric joined as a walker, while Lisa joined as a beginner runner.

Eric could barely walk a half mile without getting winded. Within 12 weeks, Eric walked his first 5k for breast cancer at the Shirley Mae 5k in Atlantic City, NJ.

Marie Geary & Eric Keating

Eric quickly became one of our best walking leaders. What really surprised me was when Eric showed up to a mud run. I thought he was there to drop off Lisa….. not a chance, he was there to compete! Eric tackled every obstacle with a fire that most young people half his age couldn’t even finish.

You can listen to Lisa Keating talk about her and Eric’s journey as their story was featured on episode #51 - “Believe In Yourself” w/ Lisa Keating

1956 - 2021

We Will Miss You Buddy!

Tadris Parker2 Comments