Prepping for Dopey Challenge
Dopey Challenge 2024 is a week away. This will be my fourth Dopey Challenge and eleventh full marathon. And for the 3rd time I’m going to say it, this is my last full marathon. I’m serious this time.
This training session has been hard. I had every intention of last Dopey Challenge being my final full marathon but at the end of every marathon, I get this high that makes me think, I can do one more, why not.
Then a few months later, training begins and I think to myself. What did I get into?
I have begun packing for the trip and there are a few things, a few Dopey’s in, that I think might be helpful whether this is your first RunDisney race, or your tenth. I have a few suggestions, that maybe you haven’t thought of.
Energy and Packs:
I love these for energy. I pack them in my running pack. I take two running packs. One for shorter runs that I carry my phone, chapstick and a couple other things in. This is more like a fanny pack. And a hydration pack for long runs. These are the best tasting in my opinion and they pack a punch in a tasty little bean.
My hydration pack comes in a set of two and I love that. It is compact, lightweight and has plenty of pockets and room for everything I need for a long run. It’s also easy for me to access my phone and other things I need.
Clothing:
While I dress in costume for each race, I always have multiple options for shirts and bottoms because it might be Florida but it is January and the races start early… like really early. So, I have a long-sleeve for the 5k because you will be finished with the race before the sun is even up and I get chilly. So, I have a long sleeve option to go with my costume. Additionally, I have throwaway sweatpants and a sweatshirt for each day.
The items tossed aside along the course (there are barrels and things you can toss them in) are collected and donated to charity. So, I take a cheap pair for each day (or an old pair) that I don’t need and discard them before my heat. You can find cheap ones on Amazon, at Walmart, places like Shein and others. I don’t go over $4.00 per piece. But, I like to keep warm. You will be sitting for a long time, you want to stay warm.
Good socks. Make sure you pack extra socks. And I always pack extra shoes. Rain happens. Especially in Orlando. If you are doing Dopey, and it rains for the 10k, you will want a dry pair for the half. Always pack an extra pair of shoes.
Extras:
Chafing stick. I prefer Body glide. I keep one on the counter for before we leave the room and one in my hydration pack. I don’t typically get blisters, because I run year-round but you just never know especially during a four-day race. I like these blister guards. I think they work the best for protecting against blisters once they form. If you are prone to blisters in a certain area, Moleskin works best for protecting those areas.
Recovery:
Recovery is big. Don’t skimp on this. I pack a lot of recovery things. For 2023, I had an entire recovery room. I miss that room. We had a one-bedroom at Saratoga Springs and in the bedroom was comfy chair in corner. I used that as my recovery zone. I set up my Normatec Boots, had a table for my water, Gatorade and post-race Pina Colava (a necessity). I also had stretch bands, a massage gun, and then Epsom Salts for the bathtub.
Food and Snacks:
If you have a car, you can go to the store to get water, gatorade, something to eat pre-race (you have to be on the bus at 3, don’t be late.) If you have a microwave in your room, highly recommend getting something substantial to eat pre-race that you can heat up. If not, Uncrustables are great, bananas, something with protein and carbs. don’t forget water and Gatorade or hydration supplements. Also, Emergen-C. This is not the weekend to get sick.
Hopefully this gives you some good insights into race weekend! Are you ready? Are you psyched?! We’ll see you there!
Oh, and it’s good to be back.
