I interviewed NYC coach and runner, Marianna Biribin who talked about how she was inspired to run Walt Disney World Races and survive the Disney Dopey Challenge.
She tells us what she can’t run without and what first-time runners need to know before taking on this epic race weekend!
What exactly is the Disney Dopey Challenge?
It’s a race that takes place in January at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Each year Walt Disney World hosts a Marathon Weekend with races ranging from 5k’s to Marathons.
This race is the ultimate race challenge – 48.6 miles of “fun”. Over the 4 days of race weekend, racers will run the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, AND the Walt Disney World® Marathon back-to-back.
Sounds hard right? Well, Marianna has done it and she’s going to tell us all about how to survive the Disney Dopey Challenge.
Coach, how long have you been a runner, and when and why did you start running the WDW races?
It’s funny, I guess I’ve always been a runner. I did run in middle school and high school, but I had forgotten all about that side of me until I reconnected with it while training for the NYC marathon in 2008.
So the very first race I ever ran as an adult was a marathon, I guess you can say I am a goal seeker!
Since then I’ve run twelve marathons including six in Disney. Disney was a logical progression. I’d always been a big fan and when I found out they had a race series, I rallied some family members to join me and we made a weekend of it.
My husband and I loved it and now a few of us have made it an annual trip!
Pro Tip:
Here is a list of what runners pack when traveling to help you train for your next Disney Race!
You said that the New York Marathon was your very first race, how did that go?
It was just supposed to be a bucket list thing. I had been living in New York City for about 10 years at that point and it was always such a big deal in the city. I always wanted to try it but was afraid.
Then in 2007, two things happened: a good friend ran it and I knew she was no more or less of a runner than me so I figured if she could do it so could I. Second, I had a horrible break and it became the impetus for me to get stronger and reconnect with my own goals, myself, my wants, and my power.
I had such clarity throughout training, that it became a metaphor for life. I finished with a 4:08 and knew that I had to run again because I was certain I could break 4 hours.
What made you decide to run the Disney Dopey Challenge? 4 races in 4 days that’s wild!
The simple answer is like Elle Woods – I like a challenge.
How did you feel during each race and how did you ultimately survive the Disney Dopey Challenge?
Sadly it was unseasonably cold in Florida this year (2018) – like 26 degrees cold and since I don’t like running in anything colder than low 50’s – high 40’s this caused me great anxiety leading up to the race.
Thankfully I knew ahead of time so I combatted this by being extremely prepared. I ran the 5k with my best friend and it was fun. It might be my favorite course because it’s almost exclusively inside EPCOT and the Boardwalk which is just awesome and unique.
The mistake I made with that one was making breakfast reservations after the 5K. By the time we got to the Contemporary Hotel then waited because we were there earlier than opening, ate, and went back to the hotel, I couldn’t nap so I was pretty exhausted by the time 7 pm came around.
Pro Tip:
Stay just two miles off Disney property at a Hilton Grand Vacations and pay much less than staying on property! The rates are reasonable and they are near local shops to pick up supplies as needed.
I was psyched for the 10k because I love that distance and planned to run relatively fast. I ran by myself to get it done quickly and head back to my hotel for a nap.
All of my friends, my husband and I decided to do the half together so that was a relaxing, fun social morning – a bit of a reprieve!
Then the main event, the marathon. Truthfully I was exhausted, freezing, tired of being cold, and filled with doubt. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it and wanted to cry.
I think I went through all the stages of grief and then decided to push myself at mile six in the Magic Kingdom and eventually had the time of my life!
How long did you train for the race?
Essentially the mileage and the components (i.e. tempo, speed, long runs, etc.) were the same as a typical marathon training plan, but I tried to run more consecutive days.
I set my plan up to have 4 consecutive days in which my mileage closely emulated the race layout.
- Saturday I would run 3-5 miles
- On Sunday I would run a medium distance with speed
- Monday was an easy medium distance
- Tuesday was my long run day with tempo work
What advice can you give someone about trying to survive the Dopey Challenge for the first time?
Respect the distance and plan for it. No matter how you want to do it, it isn’t going to be easy – the super early wake-up times alone ensure that – so come up with a plan ahead of time.
I chose to make the marathon my main focus because I didn’t want to be out there any longer than I had to. Don’t go too hard in the early races or you won’t have legs by the time you get to the marathon.
Speaking of tired legs, rest them as much as possible after the races. If you can, save the parks for after the races are over. I try to stay 2-3 days after the marathon to be able to enjoy Disney and mainly just rest (and eat) the first part of the week.
What’s the one thing you cannot run without?
Hate to say it, but my Garmin Fenix – I love the feedback!
I use the the fenix3 and it gives you cool info like your VO2Max and your recovery time. I will say though, if you’re trying to run a qualifying race it’s best to go old school with a chrono watch and splits. (remind me of that next race)
Will you try to survive the Disney Dopey Challenge again?
We want to run it again, but probably not this year. I wouldn’t do it unless I was sure I could set aside the necessary training time.
We are signed up for Wine and Dine in 2018 (first time) and I will either do the Goofy or the half in January as well. I have this thing about doing every Disney race for my 40th year and I turn 39 this year so getting close!
Well, that’s it folks, we will be watching Coach Marianna for sure. Luckily, I got a chance to run the Disney Half Marathon in 2016 with her. Well, not so much “with her”, as I was in a corral much farther back, but I ran in her footsteps per se!
Are you looking to run a race but need some direction? Check out Marianna’s website where she creates actionable training plans for every race distance.
About Your Coach
Marianna is a marathoner, run coach, personal trainer, a “DisNerd”, and a lifelong believer in achieving the impossible. She has spent the last 10+ years in New York City instructing groups and working on one with athletes to help them reach their goals.
It is her true aspiration and passion as a coach to help you overcome your challenges and limitations and surpass not just your current level of fitness, but the level you never thought was attainable.
You can connect with Marianna through her Website on Instagram and Facebook.
*All images are owned by Marianna, pixabay.com, and pexels.com and may also contain affiliate links.
