I have an interesting story abou the Disneyword 2007 Marathon.
As I collect all my thoughts I will probably post some sort of race report as well. I registered for the Disneyworld Half marathon with one of the affiliated race teams. Paid all money for the rooms, (training which I did not need) and admin fees. I have been running for a few months and it was the only way for me to get into the half as it was closed.

(or so I thought) The night before the race my brother asks me my bib number. I look online and see it says marathon.Nothing about bib number. I call my contact at the race team and she says there is an error but I can tell something is wrong. The race team people talk to Disney officials and tell me tough luck. No changes. Even though it is not my fault tough XXit. I was running in honor of my neighbors teenage daughter (16) who was killed dec 30 in a car crash. OK now what. I have read Galloway and used the strategy a little bit in my first few long races 10-13.1 miles. I read the haf marathon book -Not every page but the basics, and part of his full book which the main difference is the race schedule.

My longest run was 14 going into the full. I really wasnt prepared. I go to the booth where Galloway was and spoke to him. First he is a very nice and motivating person. I tell him my story and he suggests 1/1 ratio. My previous half races were 1:59-2:05. He suggested I run 1/1 until mile 20 and if I had something left, just run it in from there.

I was running to finish and did not want to try anything funny. That is what I did. Mostly 1/1 There were some sports where I ran a little more with crowd support but stuck to the program. I did reach the half in 2:30 and thought I would have a shot at 5:00 Personally I feel that with proper training I might be able to run 4:30 or a little faster.

The weather got very hot at mile 20. My legs felt like lead. I had a tough time getting things moving and the last 6 miles was more walking than running. I did finish at 5:35. I want to thank Galloway and I will send him an email. By following his advice I finished the race. Had I tried even another ratio like 6/1 or 1 mile run/1 mnute walk, I am not sure if I would have made it.

Now there are people on the boards here who are great runners and for them I wish them the abslute best, however there are also "regular" people that would like to be able to run half or full marathons. If Galloways methods get people to finish and they are injury FREE I think that only adds to the sport. Most Americans can use some more exercise. I will continue to run halfs but now I am thinking about a fulll in a few months and I will train for it.

I am in South Fla and the winter races have been tough with unusually warm winter temps. I thougt I could make 5 hours in Orlando but even if th weather was cooler, I dont know if the 5 hour mark would have been made. Maybe 5:15. Jeff is a truly nice person and he was helpful in my finish of the race.

Robert in S. Fla.