You have followed the tips and tricks of registering for a Run Disney race, now let's talk about training! Depending on the mileage you have chosen, I will give you some training options to earn that awesome Run Disney medal!
There are several different types of training for every level or runner. Here are a few I am familiar with and would be great training options.
Jeff Galloway Training Program The Jeff Galloway Training Program is very close to my heart because this is the method I use to train. Jeff Galloway started a Run Walk Run method where you use a timer to tell you when it is time to run and when it is time to walk. The principles behind Run Walk Run are the following: - Continuous use of a muscle will result in quicker fatigue. - Quicker Recovery - Conservation of resources The Run Walk Run method is a smart way to run, by giving you control over each one of your runs, allows you to carry on with all of your life's activities (even after a long run), is a huge motivation for beginners, helps control fatigue and will help you improve your finish times. I started using the Run Walk Run method in 2011 after I signed up for my first half marathon. I knew about the program because my Mom ran her first marathon in 2011 by training with the Jeff Galloway plan. I still use this method to train and run my races! Jeff Galloway is also the official training for all Run Disney races, so you can head over to the training tab on the Run Disney page and there will be a link for all of the race weekends. Jeff does not provide a 5k training schedule for Run Disney, but you can get a schedule for 5k training, amongst other distances, on his site.
Hal Higdon Training Program I have never used the Hal Higdon training program, but I have a friend who used it to train for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon and didn't have any issues. This training program specifically targets half and full marathons and has training from novice levels to advanced levels. The one thing I didn't know about the Hal Higdon training program is he has a training program exclusively for walkers. It is a 12 week program that is specifically designed to train you to walk your first half marathon. If the Hal Higdon training program sounds like the one you would like to use, head over to his site and check it out!
Nike Training Plans While doing the research for this post I came across training plans Nike has put together for a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon. The longest training is 18 weeks and Nike includes speed, endurance and recovery into all of their plans. Each week you will focus on speed, endurance and recovery in specific workouts. The one thing the Nike training includes, that the others don't, is a weekly track workout, which is something that is typically not built into a training program, unless you are running with a club. I used to loosely follow some pre-planned runs on the Nike+ App, but I may give one of these training programs a try and let you know what I think.
Local Running Clubs While some people just like to put in their headphones, jam to their favorite music and hit the road, there are local running groups who have training plans for any distance you may be interested. For example, I know living north of Atlanta that I have at least two options of training groups. The first option would be from Atlanta Track Club. They have training groups that train for specific races throughout the year. The second option would be training with North Georgia Running Company. They don't have specific race distance trainings, but they do have group runs on Sundays. Check with your local running store to see what training groups are in your area.
Running Apps If you are a person who really likes doing everything on their phone, there are so many different apps out there that will help you with training. I did a search through the Apple App Store and hundreds of apps came up. If this is the route you want to go, I would read through the information about the app and the reviews to see which one would be best for you!
I know these are only a few options that are out there for training, but you will find the perfect program for you. Enlist some friends to register for the race with you and then you have some built in training partners!