Tinker Bell ½ Marathon Weekend ~ 2014 Check-in!

[mrsmoore]

I am thinking about making this my goal for my first 1/2 (might possibly try to find one local in the fall first). I am thinking 2014. Are there in blog recaps out there of this year's race?

Thanks!

[longhorns2]

I plan on writing mine this afternoon! I'll post it when I do.

[lilybell08]

I am definitely planning to do Tink again next year. Dh wants to do it too so I'm trying to find someone who can go with us and watch the kids during the race.

[jessicaerv]

Originally Posted by DharmaLou

So. I'm currently 100lbs overweight but just had thyroid surgery and am getting my levels under control & just joined a gym to help take off as many of the extra lbs the thyroid so kindly left me with. I don't think in any way, shape or form I will be ready for a 1/2, BUT my bucket list includes doing a 5K so I think I am going to sign up for the Neverland 5K (and kids run) and do my best to get out there next year! Knowing I have almost a year will motivate me to do my best with both weight and running!

DharmaLou, let me tell you that I was/am in the same position you are right now in terms of weight. When I started training for the Tink 1/2 in late July I was 240 (5'9"), but my goal weight is 160. I lost 18 pounds while training, but had I really watched my diet (which I didn't) I would have lost probably close to twice that much. I ran a 5k in September, a 10k in October and then the Tink 1/2 in January. AND I FINISHED!! I ran/walked and completed the 1/2 in 3:37:29.

My point is - don't sell yourself short. You have plenty of time to get yourself into jog/walk shape for next year's Tink 1/2. Start slow by using a free Couch to 5k program. I used 5k101 . com, but there are sooooo many out there.

And these are some of the most supportive folks I've ever met. Put yourself in the frame of mind that you can do it, and you will!

[jessicaerv]

Originally Posted by kim3339

Girlies...... if you didn't notice, I changed the title. (Thanks again Sherry!) I also updated the 1st couple of posts for next year. Now we can keep it going until next January!!

So who's in again for next year!?!

I was thinking of maybe splurging next year and staying at PP that way I'm really close, even though the walk from Harbor isn't bad. Although I heard you were able to walk back to Stovall's after the race this year vs. last year. We'll have to see what the prices look like.

Kim, you rock!! Now I don't feel homeless!

I am sooo in for Tink next year. My DH doesn't know it yet, but since I'm going to start running again in a week or two, he'll get the picture.

I stayed at Stovall's for this last Tink. The room was pretty nice, and the location was super convenient, especially after the race. However, my first night (Friday) I had a cricket crawl across my leg while I was lounging in bed reading my Nook (could have been worse, could have been a cockroach!) and then a couple of drunk men convinced themselves that my room was theirs around midnight. After a couple minutes of trying the key without success, they laughingly realized their mistake and ran off. The second night my sister said that someone in the adjoining room decided to try to open the doors to access our room (again around midnight). Somehow I slept through that whole episode.

All in all, I would stay there again if it was just me, but next year, I'm planning on a family trip. I'd like my DD to run the kids race because she always wants a medal "just like Mommy."

To that end, I'll likely try to book PPH. My 3 year old DD loves it there, and she and DH can roll out of bed around 8:00 race morning to cheer me at the finish line.

[jessicaerv]

Originally Posted by lilybell08

I am definitely planning to do Tink again next year. Dh wants to do it too so I'm trying to find someone who can go with us and watch the kids during the race.

Wonder if we can get a bunch of kids together and book a couple babysitters. Might be cost efficient...

Anyone want to explore this option with me?

[longhorns2]

Originally Posted by jessicaerv

DharmaLou, let me tell you that I was/am in the same position you are right now in terms of weight. When I started training for the Tink 1/2 in late July I was 240 (5'9"), but my goal weight is 160. I lost 18 pounds while training, but had I really watched my diet (which I didn't) I would have lost probably close to twice that much. I ran a 5k in September, a 10k in October and then the Tink 1/2 in January. AND I FINISHED!! I ran/walked and completed the 1/2 in 3:37:29.

My point is - don't sell yourself short. You have plenty of time to get yourself into jog/walk shape for next year's Tink 1/2. Start slow by using a free Couch to 5k program. I used 5k101 . com, but there are sooooo many out there.

And these are some of the most supportive folks I've ever met. Put yourself in the frame of mind that you can do it, and you will!

Listen to Jessica! Anyone CAN do this! it just takes dedication and training. Start now- you will be well on your way by the time registration rolls around!

Side note Jessica- I also ended up -18 lbs though I was shooting for 20... for the same reason you mentioned. helllloooo food issues! But I was happy with that progress since I had been stalled for a while before I started training! Next year, I'll be AT LEAST 30lbs lighter at Tink. Watch out yall!

Originally Posted by jessicaerv

Wonder if we can get a bunch of kids together and book a couple babysitters. Might be cost efficient...

Anyone want to explore this option with me?

Great idea- but I'm out. I'm rollin' solo dudes! Well, I say that, but I might be convinced to take my DD with me if my sister comes down with hers. Then she can watch them while I do the half- we will all do the 5K together. I'd love to get my DD excited about running!

[DharmaLou]

Originally Posted by jessicaerv

DharmaLou, let me tell you that I was/am in the same position you are right now in terms of weight. When I started training for the Tink 1/2 in late July I was 240 (5'9"), but my goal weight is 160. I lost 18 pounds while training, but had I really watched my diet (which I didn't) I would have lost probably close to twice that much. I ran a 5k in September, a 10k in October and then the Tink 1/2 in January. AND I FINISHED!! I ran/walked and completed the 1/2 in 3:37:29.

My point is - don't sell yourself short. You have plenty of time to get yourself into jog/walk shape for next year's Tink 1/2. Start slow by using a free Couch to 5k program. I used 5k101 . com, but there are sooooo many out there.

And these are some of the most supportive folks I've ever met. Put yourself in the frame of mind that you can do it, and you will!

Thanks

I'll be honest - with asthma and other issues I've never ran more than a mile (or a little over a mile) in my life. Even when I was 100lbs lighter. Part of it was mental, some was physical. Ultimately, I'd LOVE to do the 1/2. I'm not going to say no for 2014, but if I'm unable to, I really want to complete a goal of running an entire 5K.

But I won't say never!

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by kirstie101

Kim- sucks about the NY hotel prices! Reminds me of SF for Nike! Crazy!

Originally Posted by AZlady

Funny- I am also planning a trip to NYC and just shocked at the crazy prices !!

I know it's crazy! I guess it's just sticker shock b/c I'm used to DL prices and I did AS Sports at WDW. But it's like they hear marathon weekend and just gauge you, and what's worse is you have to pretty much lock up a room now, b/c tomorrow the price could go up.

Originally Posted by longhorns2

Listen to Jessica! Anyone CAN do this! it just takes dedication and training. Start now- you will be well on your way by the time registration rolls around!

I 3rd what Jessica and Patty say. You can totally do these races.

Originally Posted by DharmaLou

I'm not going to say no for 2014, but if I'm unable to, I really want to complete a goal of running an entire 5K.

But if you do the 5k and not the 1/2, it's still better than not doing anything! And for what it's worth, the Never Land 5k is my fave out of the Disney 5k's. I've done most of the DL 5k's in Sept and did the Princess/Royal 5k in WDW, but the Never Land one is the best. You're either in the park or backstage the entire course, and when you go from DL to DCA, you are still backstage going under the walkway from Harbor to the parks. The mile markers are totally themed out and there are tons of pirates and characters out! So, so, so much fun. And, if they keep the time like they did this year, it's dark out which adds a fun ambiance to it w/ everything "night" lit. It's perfect when you get to the end of the race/finish line and walking out of the park. The sun is just starting to rise and it hits the parks in a really pretty and neat way you usually don't get to see.

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by jessicaerv

Kim, you rock!! Now I don't feel homeless!

All in all, I would stay there again if it was just me, but next year, I'm planning on a family trip. I'd like my DH to run the kids race because she always wants a medal "just like Mommy."

To that end, I'll likely try to book PPH. My 3 year old DD loves it there, and she and DH can roll out of bed around 8:00 race morning to cheer me at the finish line.

Thanks for the info on Stovall's. That's funny you had drunk guys at your door, I had the same thing in WDW my last night too! I stayed at Stovall's just once, but it was 5 or 6 years ago and don't remember it well. I just know that it's close. I'll probably book it when reservations come out as a just in case, but really want to do PPH. It's right there and it's the cheapest of the 3 on-sites. Plus I very rarely stay on-site so if it's not crazy priced, I'll probably splurge. My big debate is how many days to stay ~ I knew it was a 3day weekend, but I really was surprised at the lines on Sunday afternoon. It just seemed a lot more crowded during that weekend than Labor Day weekend. We'll see.

[longhorns2]

Sunday in the parks: in.sane. I've never seen it that bad at DL or wdw. I was happy to be hiding out in club 33. Lol. But then again- who wouldn't?!?

It was nothing like that on Monday though. Just Sunday.

[FlameGirl]

Hello ladies (and gentlemen? Gentleman?)

I'd like to say I'm totally in for the Tink next year, but I guess we'll have to see how the Disneyland 1/2 goes first. I do want that medal, though.

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by longhorns2

I've never seen it that bad at DL or wdw. I was happy to be hiding out in club 33. Lol. But then again- who wouldn't?!?

It was nothing like that on Monday though. Just Sunday.

Oh my god! So lucky!!!! A girl in the office just read an online article to me about the club and I was saying how I'd love to go just for a day. (Especially after hearing the prices) I've been in the lobby on a tour, but would love to spend the day out on the verandas just people watching from up there. How was it?

Good to know and keep in mind about Mon. being better than Sun.

[longhorns2]

Best. Day. Ever!!!!!

Really amazing and special. Can't thank our benefactor enough for the opportunity. Spent hours inside. Great view of tiana singing from the balcony too!

I'll never forget how wonderful the CMs were to us as well.

[indygirl99]

Originally Posted by DharmaLou

Thanks

I'll be honest - with asthma and other issues I've never ran more than a mile (or a little over a mile) in my life. Even when I was 100lbs lighter. Part of it was mental, some was physical. Ultimately, I'd LOVE to do the 1/2. I'm not going to say no for 2014, but if I'm unable to, I really want to complete a goal of running an entire 5K.

But I won't say never!

You can so do this.

I started running June 24 2012. I am a outofshape overweight 50 yr old bad asthmatic who just completed her first Tinker Bell.

I did the Galloway and ran/walk/ran the race and finished in an upright position. I never saw the Balloon ladies or the sweepers and did not have one bit of trouble with my asthma during the race.

I dropped 20 pounds and increased my lung function so much in the 7 months from the start of my training to race day and my doctors are smiling bigger than me at my accomplishment. I had Jeff Galloway as a online trainer and he worked out a program for me that took my asthma and lower level of fitness into consideration and because of him I DID IT.

Start out just walking, walk to the end of the road, then walk to the next block, progress to that mile. Then add in a few jogging steps, then do the couch to 5k. Enter a few 5k races that are friendly to walkers. Complete one at a fast walk, then you will want to walk/run one. Then look out Tinker Bell.