2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Oh I'm on...probably around 11:30!

OH I mean they will have all the info there by at least that time. ;)


Today I did a mock Avengers/superheroes/whateverit'scallednow DVC pre-sale registration (I went quickly so I wasn't depriving anyone of the 5K for more than 5 minutes) and took screenshots to show my cousin. I hope it helps her in July.
 
So my family and I just decided to plan a trip for Feb next year and realized the end of our trip will be the Princess weekend. I'd like to run the 5K along with a couple others in my group. For those that have run it, what's it like? What's the course? Is it super crowded? Is it clogged with walkers? We're no speed demons, but we'd like to try and run the whole thing as for me it will be my first race (probably) after having my 3rd child in July and for the others it will be (probably) their first race ever!
 
So my family and I just decided to plan a trip for Feb next year and realized the end of our trip will be the Princess weekend. I'd like to run the 5K along with a couple others in my group. For those that have run it, what's it like? What's the course? Is it super crowded? Is it clogged with walkers? We're no speed demons, but we'd like to try and run the whole thing as for me it will be my first race (probably) after having my 3rd child in July and for the others it will be (probably) their first race ever!
I did it once in 2014, but I've run the course 3 times (it's the same as the WDW 5K in January). This is the course map:
2013RoyalFamily5KMap1.jpg


I would say that it's a little crowded. For the longer races, there are more corrals (like 16 or so), so runners are a little more spread out. For the 5K (and the 10K), there are 6 corrals. One thing I have definitely found with the 5Ks is that they are more casual than the other races...they are not officially timed (they are "fun runs") so you will definitely get a good amount of people walking. I've seen people sort of strolling along in khakis during the Disney 5Ks! And unless you are right up front, the character lines are VERY long.

I do think that they are great races for newer runners. With the longer races you need to arrive a lot earlier, and there's a long (~20 minute) walk to the corrals. With the 5K, the start and finish line will be closer to the bus drop-off point/parking, so it's less to navigate. And as I said above, the race is not officially timed, so you won't get official results, but there is VERY little worry of being swept. :)
 

@Ariel484 It blows me away that EPCOT can fit an entire 5K inside of it, while the Disneyland 5Ks need to go through both California Adventure and Disneyland... PLUS downtown disney to make the distance requirement. World Showcase is always bigger than I remember!
Welllll...they did take some artistic liberties with the above map. This is the certified map - you can see that the entire first mile is outside of the park. But yeah - Epcot is huge!
FL14014TY.png
 
Welllll...they did take some artistic liberties with the above map. This is the certified map - you can see that the entire first mile is outside of the park.

Yep.

Those cutesie maps mess me up with expectations!

(FWIW the 10K had the same start line as the 5K, so no long walk for it, at least this year)
 
Hi everyone! I did the princess 5k this past year, and used it to kick-start the addiction. I'm signed up for the 10k Wine & Dine, hoping to do the Half (and maybe the 5k) Princess, and then go from there...Trying to keep myself from planning too far ahead/giving all the $$$ to the mouse.

This would be my first half, so the goal is to stay upright :tiptoe:
 
So my family and I just decided to plan a trip for Feb next year and realized the end of our trip will be the Princess weekend. I'd like to run the 5K along with a couple others in my group. For those that have run it, what's it like? What's the course? Is it super crowded? Is it clogged with walkers? We're no speed demons, but we'd like to try and run the whole thing as for me it will be my first race (probably) after having my 3rd child in July and for the others it will be (probably) their first race ever!

It's pretty crowded, because there are a lot of kids and beginners, and it isn't timed. People who are running GSC also may be taking it easy or using it as a chance to get more pictures with no fear of being swept. It's a lot of fun though!

Hi everyone! I did the princess 5k this past year, and used it to kick-start the addiction. I'm signed up for the 10k Wine & Dine, hoping to do the Half (and maybe the 5k) Princess, and then go from there...Trying to keep myself from planning too far ahead/giving all the $$$ to the mouse.

This would be my first half, so the goal is to stay upright :tiptoe:

Hello! Welcome! You have plenty of time to train, so just stick to it and you'll be just fine!
 
Ran outside today, which was a treat. I've been using the Y's inside track, where 12 times around is a mile (and no one can tell me if it's on the inner, middle, or outer lane LOL).

Didn't hit any milestones for time BUT I'm running slower and longer, and I finished in about the same time as I do with intervals. Since my hips feel better when making a running motion, and worse with walking, this makes me happy. And it tells me that I'm starting to condition my leg muscles better AND my lungs. It's very thrilling. And it's thanks to my cousin who showed me during the Princess 5K that if I just slow down my run I can go longer.

I know this is like the exact opposite of Galloway (and the opposite of my training and learning about 2 years ago), but it makes me happy b/c my hips just like jogging so much more than walking.


Wore my Princess 10K shirt and my Sparkle Athletic sparkly skirt (over my shorts of course). Two teen girls said "I like your skirt" and one of DS's fellow dancers smiled and said "that's a sparkly skirt, and it goes with your Princess shirt". :)
 
Ran outside today, which was a treat. I've been using the Y's inside track, where 12 times around is a mile (and no one can tell me if it's on the inner, middle, or outer lane LOL).

Didn't hit any milestones for time BUT I'm running slower and longer, and I finished in about the same time as I do with intervals. Since my hips feel better when making a running motion, and worse with walking, this makes me happy. And it tells me that I'm starting to condition my leg muscles better AND my lungs. It's very thrilling. And it's thanks to my cousin who showed me during the Princess 5K that if I just slow down my run I can go longer.

I know this is like the exact opposite of Galloway (and the opposite of my training and learning about 2 years ago), but it makes me happy b/c my hips just like jogging so much more than walking.
Running theory is just that, theory. The success of application is going to vary by individual. Galloway works very well for a lot of people, including myself, but I ignore most of the standard runner diet methodology because low-fat/high-carb is disaster city for my mood and body.
 
Ran outside today, which was a treat. I've been using the Y's inside track, where 12 times around is a mile (and no one can tell me if it's on the inner, middle, or outer lane LOL).

Didn't hit any milestones for time BUT I'm running slower and longer, and I finished in about the same time as I do with intervals. Since my hips feel better when making a running motion, and worse with walking, this makes me happy. And it tells me that I'm starting to condition my leg muscles better AND my lungs. It's very thrilling. And it's thanks to my cousin who showed me during the Princess 5K that if I just slow down my run I can go longer.

I know this is like the exact opposite of Galloway (and the opposite of my training and learning about 2 years ago), but it makes me happy b/c my hips just like jogging so much more than walking.


Wore my Princess 10K shirt and my Sparkle Athletic sparkly skirt (over my shorts of course). Two teen girls said "I like your skirt" and one of DS's fellow dancers smiled and said "that's a sparkly skirt, and it goes with your Princess shirt". :)

You have to do what works for you! If it's keeping you comfortable (as comfortable as you can be when running lol), happy and injury-free, go for it!

Running theory is just that, theory. The success of application is going to vary by individual. Galloway works very well for a lot of people, including myself, but I ignore most of the standard runner diet methodology because low-fat/high-carb is disaster city for my mood and body.

Exactly! That's why I give kind of wishy-washy advice. lol I tell people what works for me, but then I say that everyone has to play with things and figure out what works for them. Whether it's training methods, gear, fuel, or hydration, every runner is different.
 
I didn't mean to sound complainy. :)

I've adored intervals because it's what got me back into this. And now that I can do a little more "both feet off the ground for a moment" movement, I'm happy.

Just wanted to explain that I'm happy about this because my hips feel better when doing a running movement; not because I don't value intervals.

My brother prefers to run, too. Gotta be something genetic about our hips or something!
 
I just started in February and I'm still trying to figure it out, I was using different apps to train (still am) I was dieting a lot. My legs hurt all the time and my feet were absolutely miserable. Then my legs stopped hurting for the most part, you know you still get the jello feeling after a long run but few hours later and definatly by next day I feel perfectly fine. But my feet were still giving me problems. A friend suggested I go get accual running shoes from a running store. So I got fitted and learned I'm very flat footed. Broke down and spent $150 on shoes ( I know I'm cheap I usually spend $30-50 lol) but I felt good when I got home and couldn't find them online for any cheaper than what I paid. Wow wish I would have gotten them sooner! Every day o wore them my feet hurt a little less. And now about week later I have like no foot pain, or almost none compared to before it's like walking in clouds!

Here's my Delma. I've got a mud run obstacle course run next month in May. 5k and I'm like do I wear my new shoes, do I wear a pair of old shoes? I'm torn!!! Cause I don't want to hurt my feet lol there probably still heeling from the damage I put them through with crappy running shoes lol suggestions? I go on vacation to FL June 26-july10 and right when I come back I know I'll need to register for Disney Princess Run so I'm trying to be budget friendly and buying another pair of $150 shoes that soon will hurt my heart!
 
I didn't mean to sound complainy. :)

I've adored intervals because it's what got me back into this. And now that I can do a little more "both feet off the ground for a moment" movement, I'm happy.

Just wanted to explain that I'm happy about this because my hips feel better when doing a running movement; not because I don't value intervals.

My brother prefers to run, too. Gotta be something genetic about our hips or something!

You didn't sound complainy at all! I'm glad you've found something that works for you and makes your hips happy. I wish my hips were happier. lol

I just started in February and I'm still trying to figure it out, I was using different apps to train (still am) I was dieting a lot. My legs hurt all the time and my feet were absolutely miserable. Then my legs stopped hurting for the most part, you know you still get the jello feeling after a long run but few hours later and definatly by next day I feel perfectly fine. But my feet were still giving me problems. A friend suggested I go get accual running shoes from a running store. So I got fitted and learned I'm very flat footed. Broke down and spent $150 on shoes ( I know I'm cheap I usually spend $30-50 lol) but I felt good when I got home and couldn't find them online for any cheaper than what I paid. Wow wish I would have gotten them sooner! Every day o wore them my feet hurt a little less. And now about week later I have like no foot pain, or almost none compared to before it's like walking in clouds!

Here's my Delma. I've got a mud run obstacle course run next month in May. 5k and I'm like do I wear my new shoes, do I wear a pair of old shoes? I'm torn!!! Cause I don't want to hurt my feet lol there probably still heeling from the damage I put them through with crappy running shoes lol suggestions? I go on vacation to FL June 26-july10 and right when I come back I know I'll need to register for Disney Princess Run so I'm trying to be budget friendly and buying another pair of $150 shoes that soon will hurt my heart!

Absolutely do not wear your old shoes. Ever. Unless you're doing yard work or something. The foot pain (and maybe more) will just come right back. I know it's hard to pay that much for shoes, but it's better than the alternative. You can try to look online for sales. I get them cheaper on Zappos sometimes, when the next version is coming out.
 
Running shoes can be washed. :)
Yeah, I'm thinking of that too :) but I'm keeping an eye out on older versions of shoes. Maybe keeping one pair for trails and muddier terrain and another pair for street and pavement :) also I'm super excited. I used map my run for the first time. I've walked outside but really only timed myself on treadmill. For my first real outside run/walk I'm pretty happy! image.png
I do think I needed to stretch a little more before starting. Mile 3 I had some technical difficulties lol I stopped to take a few selfies and check to make sure all the deffrent apps I had going were all working. I thought I had paused my workout but I did not lol it's the only time I stopped but my ankle was kinda bothering me so I only walked my last miles. I did 4 miles on treadmill last night so Before a timed race I won't do anything the night before. But to just test my first 10k I was really pleased. I think I did alright and by Febuary I can only improve right? I have 2 5k this month, a 5k next month, and I signed up for a test half marathon in mid August as a timed practice to see how I do! Training pointers always welcome. I'm using apps to train and really just figuring things out as I go. It would make it easier if I could to love running lol
 
I thought I had paused my workout but I did not lol

IMO it's best to not pause workouts. When you're at an event, the clock does not stop b/c you are taking pictures. So it's best to gear yourself towards that. I had been auto-pausing my runs, left that on for a rundisney event. Thought i was doing one sort of OK, timewise, only to find out at the finish that I was something like 20 minutes slower than I thought. Huge ego crush. Doesn't matter what my watch says; it only matters what their clock says.

I think I did alright

I think you did well.

I'm using apps to train

Can I direct your attention to the free Galloway training plans on the rundisney site? :)
 
IMO it's best to not pause workouts. When you're at an event, the clock does not stop b/c you are taking pictures. So it's best to gear yourself towards that. I had been auto-pausing my runs, left that on for a rundisney event. Thought i was doing one sort of OK, timewise, only to find out at the finish that I was something like 20 minutes slower than I thought. Huge ego crush. Doesn't matter what my watch says; it only matters what their clock says.



I think you did well.



Can I direct your attention to the free Galloway training plans on the rundisney site? :)
All good advice! I did print off the Galloway last week but just haven't borrowed through it. I started this the active apps a few weeks ago before I even decided to try the princess run. I'm just a busy single momma so I wish that the Disney training program had an app too lol. I know that's just being lazy but between working over 40 hours a week and the taxi service I provide to my kids after school commitments. I'm so happy that I'm able to find the time to work out almost every day now that there a little older that helps! But it's just so easy to get to the gym or the park and turn on the app that tells me what to do!
 
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IMO it's best to not pause workouts. When you're at an event, the clock does not stop b/c you are taking pictures. So it's best to gear yourself towards that. I had been auto-pausing my runs, left that on for a rundisney event. Thought i was doing one sort of OK, timewise, only to find out at the finish that I was something like 20 minutes slower than I thought. Huge ego crush. Doesn't matter what my watch says; it only matters what their clock says.



I think you did well.



Can I direct your attention to the free Galloway training plans on the rundisney site? :)

Agree with all of this! Great advice!
 












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