2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend ** Check-In ** May 7-10, 2015

[dec2009mama]

HoJo rate is kind of high b/c I booked the superior room with a disney view
vs
PPH I just booked the standard room

 

[kim3339]

Thanks Kim! I NEVER fuel before or during a run. I was definitely going to practice it during my longest training runs over the next month or 2 but I don't even know where to start!

I do think that I 1. start out too fast on the long runs (didn't realize I should be that much slower...thanks!) and 2. maybe have some long run anxiety.

Anyway, you're right. Nothing to do but learn from it and move on. Ran 4.4 this morning and felt great!

Glad the run this morning went well!

As for the fueling aspect, go to a local running store or Road Runner Sports, something like that. There are so many options out there it all depends on what you and your body like and don't like. There are tons of flavors and brands of gu and more solid stuff like chomps and chews; Jelly Belly even has Sport Beans that are Jelly Beans geared towards runners. If you've never tried any before, I'd pick up a bunch of different brands, types and flavors to try out on the runs; this way you can find out what you like and don't like and what works and doesn't work for you. Some people even use those applesauce pouches, pretzels, raisins and honey.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Just found an amazing rate for a rental car for Tink weekend through Costco travel. Worth checking out!!

 

[Miranda]

Some people even use those applesauce pouches, pretzels, raisins and honey.

Since I haven't made it to a sports store yet to get some Gu or beans or anything to try out, I have been using a Larabar for fueling. So far it's worked ok. For the 8.5 mile run last week, I used the peanut butter cookie flavor that is just dates, peanuts, and salt. FOr the 7 mile run 2 weeks before, I used the peanut butter chocolate chip flavor, but had some stomach issues that started near the end of the run and lasted afterwards, so I think I will stick to the plainer ones during my run for now. I am so slow that both of those took me well over an hour, so I ate it at the 1 hour point while I was resetting the treadmill (the ones at the gym have a 1 hour limit).

 

[kim3339]

Since I haven't made it to a sports store yet to get some Gu or beans or anything to try out, I have been using a Larabar for fueling. So far it's worked ok. For the 8.5 mile run last week, I used the peanut butter cookie flavor that is just dates, peanuts, and salt. FOr the 7 mile run 2 weeks before, I used the peanut butter chocolate chip flavor, but had some stomach issues that started near the end of the run and lasted afterwards, so I think I will stick to the plainer ones during my run for now. I am so slow that both of those took me well over an hour, so I ate it at the 1 hour point while I was resetting the treadmill (the ones at the gym have a 1 hour limit).

Have you tried any other flavors? Haven't tried that brand yet. I like the peppermint Cliff Bar ones.

 

[kim3339]

Patty posted medals on her page or the PDC page. Like the 5k and might have tomsteal my niece's Kid's Race one. But the PDC one is, well, not one of rD's finest in my opinion. [GALLERY=] [/GALLERY]

 

[Miranda]

Have you tried any other flavors? Haven't tried that brand yet. I like the peppermint Cliff Bar ones.

I have tried quite a few flavors as they used to be just snack bars for me... those 2 are my favorites along with the chocolate brownie one, but that one has bigger nut pieces and has a strong flavor, and I didn't want to do a lot of chewing or have chocolate mouth the rest of the run. I figured they'd be decent fuel since they are date-based and dates are pretty good carb-wise. I'm going to give some other things a try too once I make it to a store to check out the options. It's too overwhelming to look online and I don't want to order big boxes while I'm testing things out.

 

[Chiomaca]

I have tried quite a few flavors as they used to be just snack bars for me... those 2 are my favorites along with the chocolate brownie one, but that one has bigger nut pieces and has a strong flavor, and I didn't want to do a lot of chewing or have chocolate mouth the rest of the run. I figured they'd be decent fuel since they are date-based and dates are pretty good carb-wise. I'm going to give some other things a try too once I make it to a store to check out the options. It's too overwhelming to look online and I don't want to order big boxes while I'm testing things out.

I love Larabars but haven't tried them as running fuel. Actually, I stopped buying them and started making my own a while ago but have to convince myself to take out the food processor, so don't have them nearly as often as I used to.

Thanks Kim! I NEVER fuel before or during a run. I was definitely going to practice it during my longest training runs over the next month or 2 but I don't even know where to start!

I do think that I 1. start out too fast on the long runs (didn't realize I should be that much slower...thanks!) and 2. maybe have some long run anxiety.

If you're doing 7 mile runs, it's definitely time to start fueling. You couls start with what you have easily available - I have friends who swear by Red Vines and Swedish Fish and I've been known to indulge in those, too. Remember to start fueling early and get yourself on a schedule (i.e. every 2-3 miles) so your body learns what to expect. What are you eating before you run and what time of day are you running? Again, you're hitting the mileage where you should eat something about 30 minutes or so before you run so that you don't conk out in the early miles.

Like Kim said, we all need bad runs to remind us that we're still learning and to pay attention. I still cringe at the thought of my more spectacular long run bonks. (four miles from my car and couldn't run another step...fun times.)

As for the fueling aspect, go to a local running store or Road Runner Sports, something like that. There are so many options out there it all depends on what you and your body like and don't like. There are tons of flavors and brands of gu and more solid stuff like chomps and chews; Jelly Belly even has Sport Beans that are Jelly Beans geared towards runners. If you've never tried any before, I'd pick up a bunch of different brands, types and flavors to try out on the runs; this way you can find out what you like and don't like and what works and doesn't work for you. Some people even use those applesauce pouches, pretzels, raisins and honey.

Once a season I go to the store and buy a handful of everything that catches my eye, then use each one on a long run. Turns out that I have an iron stomach and nothing bothers me digestion-wise, but I have serious texture and coordination issues. I no longer buy anything gel-like because I have to force myself to choke them down. Sports Beans are awesome as long as I'm walking...if I try to deal with the package while I'm running, you can follow the trail of beans behind me. I saw a woman at the SF Half Marathon last year with a necklace made of dental floss strung with pretzels. I thought that was clever but couldn't imagine them bouncing against my chest for miles.

Also give some thought to how you're going to carry your fuel and practice that. My Sparkle Skirts have plenty of pocket space, but some people pin the gels to their shirts, buy belts with elastic loops to hold gels, that sort of thing. What works best with they way you run?

 

[kim3339]

Once a season I go to the store and buy a handful of everything that catches my eye, then use each one on a long run. Turns out that I have an iron stomach and nothing bothers me digestion-wise, but I have serious texture and coordination issues. I saw a woman at the SF Half Marathon last year with a necklace made of dental floss strung with pretzels. I thought that was clever but couldn't imagine them bouncing against my chest for miles.

I do the same thing! Right after X-mas I went to a local store and bought a ton of different stuff to try before Jan races. I loved the idea of the Lemonade Roctane but still had a gu like flavor so no go. And there was a Cherry Bomb flavor but one taste and threw it out.

And the idea of the dental floss and pretzels!?! Genius!! I'm like you and couldn't imagine something bouncing on my chest, they're bad enough already, but around my wrist... Which 1/2 did you run? I've done the 1st 1/2 and signed up last week for the full and am curious about the 2nd 1/2 outside of the park.

 

[dec2009mama]

i like the medals -- guess cause I don't have any RD ones so I am thrilled to get these

 

[Chiomaca]

I do the same thing! Right after X-mas I went to a local store and bought a ton of different stuff to try before Jan races. I loved the idea of the Lemonade Roctane but still had a gu like flavor so no go. And there was a Cherry Bomb flavor but one taste and threw it out.

And the idea of the dental floss and pretzels!?! Genius!! I'm like you and couldn't imagine something bouncing on my chest, they're bad enough already, but around my wrist... Which 1/2 did you run? I've done the 1st 1/2 and signed up last week for the full and am curious about the 2nd 1/2 outside of the park.

I have ended up consistently back with Cliff Bloks in Orange and Margarita - that one especially in the heat for the extra salt. I like the Honey Stingers but again, I have to deal with a bag instead of just clipping the end of a package and sliding them into my mouth.

SF Marathon - I did the second half last year. It was my mom's first half, so I registered secretly and surprised her at the expo...then showed her my bib. She's still really slow, so I ran the first 6 miles with her and then finished on my own. If you're okay with steady climbs (the first 6.5 miles or so), then it's a great run. The last few miles include a HUGE downhill and then a mile or so of small ups and downs until you get to the Embarcadero where it flattens out. I think I'd have PRd if I ran it on my own. I train off and on an incline that's an 8-10 mile uphill depending on your turnaround point, so I was ready. Mom had trained on rolling hills and wasn't so ready. I'm running the first half this year with her, so I'll get to see the whole course. Then I may decide to go for the full. Would love to hear your thoughts on the first half!

 

[kelly 1]

Hi everyone! Question. I am coming down with my husband he is not running. I was wondering if he will able to get to the finish line to see me come in? Or do I have to purchase some kind of package? We are not purchasing park tickets so I realize he will not be able to get to park viewing areas but I'm hoping to see him at the finish. Last year I had the flu when I ran so when I finished I just left right away. Didn't get to enjoy any of the festivities. Can hardly wait to get those medals around my neck! Loved read reading the story of the medals on the blog!

 

[Miranda]

I'm actually curious about that too... should I get my SO the ChEAR squad thing? He's not running, just cheering me on. Will getting that package make it easier for him to get to places where he can cheer for me and I might see him?

 

[Chiomaca]

My family was able to see me cross the finish line without a ChEAR package, and we watched my mom finish after I did at Avengers, so I'd say there's no real need to buy the package. If you've got anyone with mobility issues or this is your first big race, it might be worth it because there are bleachers and better sight lines for pictures.

 

[kim3339]

Hi everyone! Question. I am coming down with my husband he is not running. I was wondering if he will able to get to the finish line to see me come in? Or do I have to purchase some kind of package? We are not purchasing park tickets so I realize he will not be able to get to park viewing areas but I'm hoping to see him at the finish. Last year I had the flu when I ran so when I finished I just left right away. Didn't get to enjoy any of the festivities. Can hardly wait to get those medals around my neck! Loved read reading the story of the medals on the blog!

He'll be able to see you. Just tell him to get there a little on the early side just in case and to get as close as possible.

 

[kim3339]

I'm actually curious about that too... should I get my SO the ChEAR squad thing? He's not running, just cheering me on. Will getting that package make it easier for him to get to places where he can cheer for me and I might see him?

The Chear package mostly just gives you access to see you in the parks and certain perks. There are tons of places at and close to the finish as well as along the course to see you w/o it. He can line up along DL Dr to watch at the start, along DTD during mile 5, Harbor if he wants to be on that side near the start and then again towards 12. Here's last year's course to give you a better idea.

 

[kim3339]

SF Marathon - I did the second half last year. It was my mom's first half, so I registered secretly and surprised her at the expo...then showed her my bib. She's still really slow, so I ran the first 6 miles with her and then finished on my own. If you're okay with steady climbs (the first 6.5 miles or so), then it's a great run. The last few miles include a HUGE downhill and then a mile or so of small ups and downs until you get to the Embarcadero where it flattens out. I think I'd have PRd if I ran it on my own. I train off and on an incline that's an 8-10 mile uphill depending on your turnaround point, so I was ready. Mom had trained on rolling hills and wasn't so ready. I'm running the first half this year with her, so I'll get to see the whole course. Then I may decide to go for the full. Would love to hear your thoughts on the first half!

Thanks! For the 1st 1/2, flat along the Embarcadero and Marina Green. There's a short hill around 2.5 right after the 1st water stop on the map. Then the big hill up to the Bridge. It's kinda steep and on the longish side. There's an arch on the Bridge, but in the handful of times I've run the Bridge, I've noticed it but never felt it. If you're gonna take photos and it's clear, the ru.on the Bridge is absolutely gorgeous. You see the whole skyline! After you come off the bridge, there's a little more incline, nothing big and you come out on the ocean. Then there's a big downhill followed again by more incline into the Richmond District. The homes are really pretty there. The park is a little undulating for the short period that you're there. I definitely recommend a drop bag for after w/ some warm clothes, food and drink. The lines for the shuttles back can be a bit of a wait and even w/ the mylar, if there's fog, you could get cold really fast. You should do the full next year! W/ running the 2nd 1/2 last year and 1st this year you'd qualify for the 52 Club and get a nice looking sweatshirt.

 

[Chiomaca]

Cool - I'll definitely put it on my list and hope that my schedule works. I'm hoping it works for the DLP Half, too. It's insane that I'm already thinking of 2016 races and it's still Feb 2015.

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm totally late on the topic here (silly changes on the boards, I forgot my password!) but wow that medal for the PDC is ... interesting. I'll still enjoy getting it, but can't say it's all that pleasing to the eye.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Glad the run this morning went well!

As for the fueling aspect, go to a local running store or Road Runner Sports, something like that. There are so many options out there it all depends on what you and your body like and don't like. There are tons of flavors and brands of gu and more solid stuff like chomps and chews; Jelly Belly even has Sport Beans that are Jelly Beans geared towards runners. If you've never tried any before, I'd pick up a bunch of different brands, types and flavors to try out on the runs; this way you can find out what you like and don't like and what works and doesn't work for you. Some people even use those applesauce pouches, pretzels, raisins and honey.

Remember, they do hand out free Gu at one of the water stops, so you might want to try it beforehand to see if you should plan on taking the freebie (and factor that into what you will use as fuel) or pass on the freebie. I personally like the sports beans from Jelly Belly because they come in a resealable pack, and I can't consume a whole chew or gu pack in one go without feeling gross (individual beans aren't quite as potent).

Finally settled on Wendy for my costume for the 10k after finding a light blue short-sleeve running shirt (with a key pocket!) at Ross. All that's left is to pick up some ribbon to attach just under the bust line and to make a bow for my hair. Just over 2 months to go!!!