Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread - Take 2

[Cripey]

Originally Posted by happybaker

Question about the Expo. My orginal thought was to go to the Expo around 10AM on Friday, but now I'm second-gussing that idea. How busy is it when it first opens? Would we be better off going to a park in the morning and then hitting the Expo mid to late afternoon? Right now I don't think we'll listen to any speakers, so it would be picking up our packets and browsing the vendors. Thanks!
Holly

I think if you aren't interested in any of the hot "limited" items like the New Balance shoes, the Dooney's etc. then you'd probably be better off waiting a few hours and letting the opening rush die down. Last Friday my Super Shuttle rolled up to the DL hotel to make a drop off right as they were opening the Tink expo and it was a MAD HOUSE. Line wrapped around and went on for forever. I wasn't getting out at that stop, and I could tell I was too late for the New Balance on Friday already (but I scored a pair on Saturday! ), so I unpacked when I got to my hotel, watched a little TV and strolled over (which took a while from where I was staying) to the expo maybe an hour to hour and a half later...walked right up for my bib and t-shirt with absolutely NO line.

[sunnygal041]

Originally Posted by bskelly07

You are not alone. The reason I went all half-marathon crazed was because my bf of 3 and a half years blindsided me and dumped me in October. The best thing I ever did for myself was focus on running. I'm doing 5 half-marathons so far this year, and looking for more. Keep your head up, girl, it'll get easier, I promise. Focus on YOU and what make YOU happy!

What is it with SOs? I guess they can't see the forest through the trees. I love your outlook! I hope to do the 5K trail and the W&D, even if its solo

[irunner]

I am running it too, this is my first Disney run and I will be running solo! Hopefully not the only one though!

[happybaker]

Originally Posted by Cripey

I think if you aren't interested in any of the hot "limited" items like the New Balance shoes, the Dooney's etc. then you'd probably be better off waiting a few hours and letting the opening rush die down. Last Friday my Super Shuttle rolled up to the DL hotel to make a drop off right as they were opening the Tink expo and it was a MAD HOUSE. Line wrapped around and went on for forever. I wasn't getting out at that stop, and I could tell I was too late for the New Balance on Friday already (but I scored a pair on Saturday! ), so I unpacked when I got to my hotel, watched a little TV and strolled over (which took a while from where I was staying) to the expo maybe an hour to hour and a half later...walked right up for my bib and t-shirt with absolutely NO line.

Thanks Cripey for the advice on the Expo. I think I'll wait and hit the Expo later in the afternoon since I don't need any of the limited items.

Congrats on scoring a pair of sneakers...they are cute!

Holly

[VickiHD]

Originally Posted by sunnygal041

Thanks, V. Yes, this month has been awful for me. After I came home from marathon weekend, I got dumped by my SO. Just in time for Valentines Day and my Bday next month. Everyone in my office is sick, but me. My runs haven't going as well as i would have liked and my fiends all think I am crazy for doing the 1/2. I feel so heartbroken, frustrated and hurt.

So sorry !!!! As they say...time heals all wounds. I really used to hate that saying but it's true.

It sounds like Princess is JUST what you need for your spirit. A little "me time" actually how about 13.1 miles.
Now is the time to be take care of yourself. And start getting ready for race day. You can do this !!!

[Jenn310]

I will be driving down with my mom who is also running with me and staying at CSR, has anyone not taken the buses and drove there in the morning or is that a huge disaster? lol Just curious. We did this for the TOT when it was the 13K and obviously a much smaller race.

[sunnygal041]

Originally Posted by VickiHD

So sorry !!!! As they say...time heals all wounds. I really used to hate that saying but it's true.

It sounds like Princess is JUST what you need for your spirit. A little "me time" actually how about 13.1 miles.
Now is the time to be take care of yourself. And start getting ready for race day. You can do this !!!

Thanks sooo much. I am in tears just reading all the lovely wishes of support and advice I am getting. Funny how a bunch of Internet folks become the best running and whatever else support group there is.

[sunnygal041]

Originally Posted by PrincessV

Girl, I wish I could pull you into a big hug and then hand you a margarita RIGHT NOW! I'm so sorry - what a dirtbag. (It's important to have friends who'll take a totally biased-toward-you stance, even if they're imaginary Internet friends you've never met )

Know what? It's okay to hurt. And to be mad. And to be sad. All normal responses when life dumps all over us. But remember that it won't always feel that way and a big ol' dose of happy might be right around the corner, waiting for you to run into it. Keep running - do it for YOU and don't worry about what your friends think. You've got this!

Just read your blog. You know Exactly how I feel. I don't have kids, but the pain, hurt and anger apply to both stories.

[TiggerAllie]

Any thoughts on how busy the Expo will be on Saturday? We don't get in early enough to go on Friday. I'm debating if I should be at the Expo when it opens at 9AM and then go to MK or be at MK when it opens at 9AM and make a mid-day trip over the Expo, getting back to MK for early dinner. I want time (and space) to shop, and I don't want to spend it all in lines.

[Danhockey04]

Just stopping in to see how everyone is doing and their plans are going. I see some of you have some awesome costumes going, love this race for that (and I can dress up too ). I have my costume in hand, I am debating on getting a Rapunzel wig or not for it, since I have a full length custom made costume.

The EXPO is typically crowded round the clock, but less crowded Saturday than Friday. Lines should be smaller, but that doesn't mean it won't be easy to walk through the place.

Hope all the training is going great, on schedule and injury free. Those that are sick, take care of yourself, get better, being healthy is better than fighting the illness through training. During these times of cold weather and flu season, water is a great friend and necessity, keep up with a healthy diet and remember, its all for the fun of the race (unless your fast and want to win).

Now that we are less than a month out, the waivers should be coming soon and be posted sometime during next week, maybe even this weekend. I know I won't be in A for this race since my kind is allowed , but should be in first corral I am allowed in, which previously has been B. Maybe I will see some of you there, if you see a guy in a full Rapunzel costume, that is most likely me and feel free to say hi!

[sunnygal041]

Originally Posted by Danhockey04

Just stopping in to see how everyone is doing and their plans are going. I see some of you have some awesome costumes going, love this race for that (and I can dress up too ). I have my costume in hand, I am debating on getting a Rapunzel wig or not for it, since I have a full length custom made costume.

The EXPO is typically crowded round the clock, but less crowded Saturday than Friday. Lines should be smaller, but that doesn't mean it won't be easy to walk through the place.

Hope all the training is going great, on schedule and injury free. Those that are sick, take care of yourself, get better, being healthy is better than fighting the illness through training. During these times of cold weather and flu season, water is a great friend and necessity, keep up with a healthy diet and remember, its all for the fun of the race (unless your fast and want to win).

Now that we are less than a month out, the waivers should be coming soon and be posted sometime during next week, maybe even this weekend. I know I won't be in A for this race since my kind is allowed , but should be in first corral I am allowed in, which previously has been B. Maybe I will see some of you there, if you see a guy in a full Rapunzel costume, that is most likely me and feel free to say hi!

Sounds good!

[bskelly07]

Originally Posted by sunnygal041

What is it with SOs? I guess they can't see the forest through the trees. I love your outlook! I hope to do the 5K trail and the W&D, even if its solo

Boys are crummy and stupid, they never realize what they have until it's long gone. It'll feel so good when you're okay and suddenly he's not anymore . I do all my runs solo. It's really great thinking time. Not to divulge too much, but I eventually found out after we broke up that he cheated on me with two girls I knew and WAS friends with. Pounding my feet on the streets was the best therapy I could ask for. Meanwhile in my head I was picturing breaking all their faces in, but besides that... I think it kept me really level headed about the whole situation. And MUCH stronger. We deserve to be treated like princesses, and our prince is definitely out there somewhere you can manhunt with me at the princess half! There's bound to be some there

[sissy_ib]

Originally Posted by irunner

I am running it too, this is my first Disney run and I will be running solo! Hopefully not the only one though!

Welcome! There are plenty of us who are running and in WDW alone. I cant believe it is less than a month out now!

[annmarieda]

Well, I had to skip my run yesterday (seriously a first with this training program. I shifted by a day once...but NEVER skipped) I too have been hit by a bug. I am so frustrated. I spent all of yesterday in bed and today I still feel woozy. I just hope I am up to a run tomorrow so that I don't skip two (today was a rest day and I took it as such. ) I guess I have to see the positive though... had I not got sick (this sick) I would have went to a work luncheon where someone turned out to have pneumonia. (although I am not sure it is viral) This tummy bug that has hit me so hard... I should recover from fairly quickly (or so that is my plan) Getting pneumonia at this point could put my running the phm in jeopardy.

Originally Posted by princessmeghan

I personally think 10.5 and 12.5 are too much combined the week before. Could you make the 10.5 a 12 or 12.5 then do maybe 6-8 in place of the 12.5?

It would actually be 12 days before the race, so almost 2 weeks. However, I kinda wondered about making that last run an 8 to 10...

Originally Posted by PrincessV

I really think it comes down to knowing your body and what it can handle/what makes it strong. There are folks who can put a whole lot of mileage in right before a race and be just fine, but others who need to drastically reduce distance in preparation for race day. I'm going by what's worked (and what hasn't) in training and how my body feels on any given week.

So what you are saying is that what works for one...may not work for another? I consider myself to be pretty new at this... but I am starting to figure out some of what works for me... and yes, I can see that what works for some doesn't work for me...and vis versa.

Originally Posted by joan4mickey

First, I am not an expert, just a rec. runner.
I do see that you run three days a week like me and have similar pace. I just came oft the full, so I have a great base.

This is my plan:
Tomorrow 8 miles LR (20 sec over half pace), then following weeks LR: 2/1 10 miles; 2/8 12 miles; 2/15 8 miles.
On Mondays speed drills 6ish miles and Wednesday Mid tempos 6ish miles.
After 2/15, two easy runs on 2/18 & 20 3-4 miles.

I'm a bit confused on your weeks...but I wouldn't be running anything really long after 2/15. And runs after that should be easy so your body can recover and repair.

Your schedule looks similar to mine...only mine continues to go up My last long run (I think on 2/12) is suppose to be 13 miler.. but the time given for that is 1:26 and there is no way that I will finish in that time. I would assume more like 12 miles. I just wasn't sure if I should try and fit in any more long runs after that. I like the idea of maybe a couple 3 to 5 milers...

Originally Posted by Tracerr00

I run three days a week. Because of a previous injury my PT suggests that I don't run two days in a row. So my PT helped me find a training program and my next few weeks look like this. I'm not adding in the rest days because I run on the same days every week.

This week:
4,5,11

Week of the 28th:
4,6,12

Week of the 4th:
4,5,9

Week of the 11th:
3,4,8

Week of the race:
3,3, HALF!! It says walk 2 miles on one of the rest days but I'll be at WDW so I'm sure I'll end up walking at least 2 miles!

Given how I am feeling right now... I like your plan. Do you mind if I just copy yours? And if not... considering it will not take me to 13 miles..that should still be okay, right? Seems like everyone agrees as long as you get to 10 you are probably good for the half.

My training has times listed rather than miles...so I guestimate how far I will go...but below I list your miles vs. mine..and how it would affect.

4,5,11 instead of 3 (which I skipped yesterday) 5, 3 and 10 ( two more that I will finish this week but 1 less than I was scheduled for)

4,6,12 instead of 3,6,3, and 11 (one less than I was scheduled for)

4,5,9 instead of 3,11,12 (8 less than I was scheduled for)

3,4,8 and since I had nothing... this helps out with that last week before the race.

Originally Posted by Gryhndmom

I totally have a vision of you in a hazmat suit doing chemical warfare on your co-workers work area !

glad I am having a cold now rather than right before the race. DH went out to do his 10 mi run and left me at home with my cough syrup...actually felt sad he could go out and I am...BENCHED ! on Sunday I can walk four miles if I feel better...baby steps I know.

Getting caught up on all the talk on when to taper off...running coach had me tapering off after what was suppose to be a "practice " half marathon this Sunday but....since the world's worse cold has sidelined me this week...we will redo my sched a little and my remaining long runs will be a 8, 9, 7 for the remaining 3 weeks. As a newbie first timer...his goal was to build me up gradually and not tax my body since it is now obvious my long runs are making me susceptible to germs and taking longer to recover. Those that have been running longer can probably handle longer runs closer to the race. My mid week runs will stay at 4-5 miles.

I hope you feel better soon! My dh thinks that my long runs are what caused my body to be susceptible to the bug I am trying to get over. Your advice is good too... 8, 9 and 7... I like your plan too...

Originally Posted by cantwaitvaca09

30 days!! Anyone starting to freak?

Me a little. I have an 11 mile run planned for the weekend, but its gonig to be cold out.

Yes, I am extremely freaked out. My last long run (and my longest to date) was only 10.35 miles. I did it...ran the entire thing... and did it with a pace of 10:32. I should be able to finish the half, right? I just keep having crazy thoughts like... maybe runkeeper is off and I am not actually running as far as I am or as fast. crazy... cause... I am... but I get done and think "did I really just do that?" Then I think "and I am suppose to finish a 5k on top of that??!!"

Originally Posted by tink2007

Did 11 miles today. Finished in 2:10. Not my best time but considering all the injures I've had of late, I will gladly take it.
I'm really getting pumped for this half!!

Good job!!!

Originally Posted by joan4mickey

I wound suggest NOT checking your running clothes and shoes. Day time clothes can be replaced but if you don't have what you are comfortable running in, 13 miles could be a long way. Bags do get "lost", sent to other airports, etc. It just happened over Christmas. One of our bags look an extra 24 hours to arrive. Luckily it was skis and on Southwest and they pay for the cost of rental equipment...great time to demo new stuff! But you do NOT want to demo new shoes etc on race day.

Thank you for this reminder!!! I totally forgot!!!

Originally Posted by IMGONNABE40!

Believe it or not, I am all packed! Just washed my stuff from the Tink trip and put it back in the suitcase. I replenished my nutrition products and got a new tube of toothpaste and I am set.

That is pretty slick! Now I know the key to easy packing.. just have multiple trips planned. If only airfare would cooperate I might have more of a shot in doing that. As it sits... airfare for the 2013 ToT race might about kill me.

Originally Posted by the_princess

Can you walk from POR/FQ???? I'm staying at POR but was planning on taking the bus.

I know someone posted it is possible... but isn't that walking along main roads? And wouldn't it add mileage on right before the race?

Originally Posted by cantwaitvaca09

The stomach flu has hit my house, DD 5 has it. THe poor thing.

I just pray that it ends quick and no one else in the house gets it.

I have no love for the flu. I am to do 11 miles tomorrow. I may have to rethink that plan.

I hope you don't get it. I got it... not at all fun.

Originally Posted by StarGirl11

Seems like the flu is hitting everyone. My Mom came down with it last night and is now sicker than I am.

Of course I got the mother of all double whammies it feels like. I finally got over the flu yesterday and the first thing I notice is an all too familiar set of cramps. I was praying it was just some left overs of the flu, no luck.

This isn't the first time my body has done this either. Sometimes I think my body hates me.

believe me... I know that feeling!

[mamacate]

Originally Posted by MoonFaerie

MCO seems huge to us! Obviously not as huge as someplace like ATL, but our airport at home is tiny. We have only have 12 gates. But yes, it's easy to find your way around MCO.

I confess I once got lost (with two kids in tow) in MCO and I travel for work regularly. There are lots of signs--even when we got lost, we were only lost for a few minutes.

Originally Posted by JoyaDelMar

With 30 days left, it seems like everyone has their own worries and plans to iron out - i know I do!! (still don't have a costume and haven't figured out my day-of plan).

But since today is a milestone of sorts, I wanted to reflect on the process that got us all this far. This is such an amazing group on Princesses and we've all already accomplished so much. I'm proud of myself and also of everyone who had embarked on this journey. We're amazing!

Wishing everyone the best during the next month. Can't wait to see where our training will take us!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

ITA. This is a great group.

Just wanted to send good wishes to those dealing with emotional and physical (and professional!) setbacks. There has been some great advice and encouragement here. Nothing like feeling your power as you run 13.1 miles!

Good thoughts to everyone on your training runs this weekend. I only have 9 on tap, but it's going to be in the low 20sF here in western MA, and I wish I was still in Atlanta!

Cate