First, not to be THAT guy but a half is 13.1 miles not 8. And those additional 5 miles are a big deal. But that's not even the important part. Can anyone go 13 miles? If they're healthy sure. The real question goes back to, can he do it and NOT get swept. He's not going to qualify for anything but the last gate because he has no qualifying runs. So he's in the back of the pack with the people that are slow and tend to bunch up A LOT. This also means that if he wants to stop for any photos, he's in a bad spot because he's going to have a queue. And being in the back puts him in a bad way
Remember there's NO pace requirement for the 5K. But there is a 16 minute mile for the Marathon (26.2), Half-Marathon (13.1) and 10K (6.2) So he may not even be aware of this (since he's never done any real research on ANYTHING) For those that aren't aware, the Balloon Ladies start as the last people in the last corral. When they cross the start line, the 16-minute pace clock also starts. So he has a minimal buffer and has to keep it moving.
But going back to the video he posted the other day, he made it seem like a 3 MPH speed on the treadmill was "fast". I don't see him being able to complete a Half. Could he do a 5? He's done it. Could he do a 10 and not get swept? Yea, I think he could. Could he do a half? NOPE. No way in hades. He'd either get swept or have to get picked up by the medical people because he'd get hurt
I am a strong "back of packer" and have completed over half a dozen halfs, including some runDisney ones. Also someone I'm guessing you'd look at and assume (again based on appearance), "Psh they aren't healthy enough to do a half". So, just a note that someone not fitting into a preconceived look doesn't make them any less 'healthy' to participate in running events.
BUT on the whole I do agree when we are talking about Mike. If you are a back of packer and do a runDisney event, you have to weight the options of waiting for a character stop. You might have a 15 minute buffer from the balloon ladies, but if you are right on the 16min mile pace AND spend 10 minutes on line to meet Rabbit, you are really risking that sweep.
I also very much agree about the jump from a 10k to a half being a HUGE difference, both physically and mentally. It's not JUST shoes. It's clothing that won't betray you at mile 7. It's figuring out your fuel plan that best helps you. HYDRATION especially in Florida and not just water, but drinks with electrolytes. I think the risk with him is underestimating the events. Assuming that all runDisney stuff is like the 5ks when they so very much aren't.
It will be interesting to see (with registration for Springtime tomorrow) what he goes with. If he takes on the challenge, oh does he have a long way to get there. That's more than just doing the races. It's all about what you do between each race and, spoiler alert, eating greasy Disney buffets will lead to one shitting themselves.
It's horrible that I'm even thinking this, but if this chuckle!@#$ wanted to get some views and get some new content that's cheap he could start a mini-series of a "Couch to Disney Half" where he takes us with him every step of the way.
This would have been a perfect series for him when he lived in Maryland. Train, travel, show everyone the +/- and be honest if using time to travel to Disney for running is worth it.
Because for some it isn't. Some people can be in the parks all day and night, run a race, rinse and repeat.
Some can't or risk being unable to do the race they came for. There is nothing wrong with being either person, but I think an honest view of it would have been nice.
ETA: The majority of runDisney videos I've seen from non-locals are usually people who fall into that first category of "I can do this ALL day" folks. It would be nice to have a series from the prospective of someone not local who, due to the physical needs of the race(s), only goes to the parks a few times, if not at all.