Tag Archives: disney world marathon

DAWS, Dopey Challenge, Dopey Training, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, runDisney

It’s all for charity…

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Last week someone (Matthew Thomas) over at Team DAWS, the charity dedicated to ridding the planet of the horrible genetic disease known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA for short, came up with the crazy idea of challenging myself and a friend of mine (Mitch Brannen) to a little fundraiser for DAWS to raise some cash for a good cause.

The Challenge:

This is a very simple event.

Assuming a certain threshold of fundraising is met Mitch and I will dress up and run as Anna and Elsa (From Frozen…but you knew that) during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend if people donated money.

After the fundraising goals are met, we will be dressed in full costumes that are being designed including a matching tutu or skirt. But who could forget complimenting makeup and a full wig to ensure authenticity…jeesh.

Donate money today and see us run around Walt Disney World in full regalia.  You never know what surprises may be in store.

What are the minimum donations for the two of us to run?

  • At the $500 total donation level, we will run the 5K in full costume.
  • At the $700 total donation level, we will run the 10K in full costume.
  • At the $1000 total donation level, we will run the Half Marathon in full costume.

When does the race take place?

  • Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is January 8-11, 2015

How do you know we ran in costume?”

  • Pictures will be taken along the way and posts on all of our social media including a Go-Pro video of the race!

Do you get a tax receipt?

  • Yes, 100% of your donation will be tax deductible and a receipt will come from DAWS.  

Upping the Ante: …but wait, there’s more…

If we raise $2000 in total donations, I have reluctantly agreed to shave my legs for the event…how do I get myself into these things? I keep remembering it’s all for a good cause.

Wait, it gets better!  Again at the same $2000 total donation level, Mitch will shave his head! No joke, we have video of him saying he would and you can see it here on my Facebook page!

Something for YOU the donor!

For every $25 you donate, you will be entered into a drawing for a free pair of new running shoes.  Donations must be made by November 30, 2014.  The drawing will be held on December 1, 2014.  Emails will be sent out to receive information on Brand, Style, Size, and Shipping Address.  Brooks, Asics, Nike, Saucony, and New Balance are all available.

I didn’t realize training for Dopey would make me so…well, you know.  Uh, happy to help out a good cause!

Happy Training!

Brian

Marathon Training, runDisney

And so it begins…the training journey to Disney’s Marathon Weekend

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While I’m always working out, hitting the weights, doing an Insanity video, going for a run or a ride or just taking a brisk walk/hike, Monday marked the first day of my own official Walt Disney World Marathon training plan.  This year I will be running just the marathon on Sunday which means I will feel great for running around EPCOT on Sunday afternoon/evening!

I’ll be running the Disney marathon with three good friends and fellow runners on the WDW Radio Running Team which is exciting as marathon weekend is one of the only times the four of us are all in the same part of the country at the same time!

To kick off Monday’s training I woke up with a killer pain in my lower back from this past weekend’s camping trip. We stayed in cabins, but was so happy when the cots gave us that real “sleeping on the ground” experience!

Not to be deterred I went to the gym anyway and rode the bike for 8 miles and then spent 25 minutes lifting weights.  I primarily am going to focus on dumbbells over the next 16 weeks and go for an all body workout hitting the major muscle groups. Here’s what I planned out for my Monday morning cross training.

First, I hit the bike. It’s a nice way to warm up and it does wonders for strengthening the leg muscles, tendons and ligaments especially around the knee joint. The gym bike allows me to adjust the resistance to either work on foot turnover which helps speed on the run or just to get a good alternative workout from running. Next I lift some weights.  I only do free weights as the machines are much less effective at strengthening muscles. Why? Because the machine balances the weight for you which makes it easier.  All the little muscles that you would use to balance a dumbbell above your head are taken out of the picture or severely lessened. Therefore, I use free weights only. Time is a factor in the morning so I focus on the big muscle groups.

  • Back
  • Legs
  • Chest
  • Shoulders

I usually do 3 sets of 8-10 reps or 5 sets of 5 repetitions. I’ve been using dumbbells a lot as this allows me to quickly change weight for a specific exercise and it’s safer since I don’t workout with a partner who would spot me.

After my visit to the gym I went home and before the day was finished I did an Insanity workout video focused on cardio recovery. The workout consists of lots of stretching and plank work for the core. Overall, my back was feeling great by the time I was warmed up and stretched out.  I can’t wait to get going on my three run this week!

Happy Training!

Brian