Dopey Challenge

brenstar05

I am running the Dopey Challenge as part of the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend in Orlando in January. Has anyone in this group run the Dopey or the WDW marathon? If you have any pointers, wisdom, learning experiences, must-dos, or any other general information, it would be greatly appreciated.

If no one has done or seen this craziness, then just tell me about your biggest running goal and how you accomplished it. This is a crazy race (48.6 miles in 4 days) and I'm kind of panicking with it getting so close. I would love to hear how others may have been nervous before a big race, but then totally killed it and realized they worried for nothing!!

DavidMartinez2

When running back-to-back marathons I suggest getting an ice bath ASAP after the first race. Don't panic when you start the second race when your legs don't want to go, after a mile they will loosen up and you will be fine. I would pack multiple pairs of shoes for the 4 races if your luggage will support.

lishie_rebooted

That sounds crazy not dopey!

Good luck!

I found this image while Googling what it was:
http://land.allears.net/blogs/lauragilbreath/dlhalf13/dlhalf13_59.jpg

jturnerx

I did the Goofy Challenge in 2011. The Dopey did not exist yet. Assuming your training was appropriate to the task at hand, it's not going to be what happens during the run that will impact how things go but what you do for recovery between stages. Ice baths, proper nutrition, getting sleep, etc.

Or you can be on your feet for hours on end wandering around Disney World, drink until you pass out and do the race the next day hung over. Rinse, repeat for however many days you can stand it.

I have it on good authority that both methods are equally as effective.

sinister2014

good luck! get lots of rest.

i ran the 1/2 in 2013 and the only advice i have is that if you or your friends/family want to go to the park and on the rides the day of the 1/2 is the day to do it. we went back to the park after our race and it was dead there.

my only guess is that the people running the marathon (and the goofy and dope)y were all in their hotels resting for the next day. i don't think we stood in line for more than 20 minutes for a ride.

valentine4

I would love to do the dopey! my 40th is in a few years would love to ( save up) and do the dopey or the below quadrathon.

A couple of ladies from our running club did it during the summer - 4 back to back marathons in the wilds of Donegal, they said it was doable just took it very very steady - no pb's, changed runners for each race and just enjoyed it.

If I can I will do the 4 half marathons this year, but ideally would love to train for the full's in a few years time.

http://www.extremenorthevents.com/quadrathon-4-half-full-marathons/

best of luck and keep us posted on how you get on!

regards,

Valentine

STrooper

I have a coworker who did the Goofy challenge last year and judging from what he said and the timing data for people who did the Dopey challenge, many thought the same thing...nice and slow (i.e., walking) for the first races and save for the real endurance effort of the marathon. Remember, you're going to get started at oh-dark-thirty.

_Terrapin_

I'll be there, originally doing 2 legs, but injuries derailed myself and my wife. We will attempt the 10k (hopefully injury free) with our 13 year old. We have a fairly large group going down to support 4 runners doing the Dopey. They collectively ran 18 miles for their long run last weekend and yesterday was a re-set day, I believe they did 13. Many people have talked about the early times and the recovery. Best of luck for those running any or all of the Challenge. Be well.