2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[WIFriendofFigment]

Re: running belts and hydration belts

Been looking at hydration belts and was wondering if any of you had feedback on one you love or hate.

Thanks, I didn't ask my doctor, but I do use my ventolin while running! I do need a running belt though. Any suggestions for a good one?

I find hydration belts to be largely a personal preference item. My shape tends to make hydration belts ride up to my chest in a fairly comical way, but others in my running group have ones that they love. I've tried lots of kinds and have resigned myself to carrying a handheld for water. I like the amphipod shape and my preferred size also fits my inhaler when I need it, but I have friends who love the Nathan ones. If you have acquaintances who run, it may be worthwhile to see if you can borrow a belt (or a few different types, if possible) for a training run before you buy to see if its design works with your needs.

I have used a flip belt and spi belt for carrying personal items like my inhaler also. They both worked well. I found the flip belt more comfortable shape-wise, but a little warmer to wear because it's pretty thick. A word of caution with storing phones or other electronics in belts- Unless you buy a specifically water-resistant one, sweat and rain could get to the items inside. You may want to consider a plastic bag around phones as a precaution if it's raining or if you sweat a lot.

Most of the time I just wear shorts with a built-in back zip-pocket and/or waistband pockets, carry the amphipod with the inhaler in it, and skip a belt.

 

[WIFriendofFigment]

Does anyone know when Expo times get posted? We're planning on flying in on Sat AM for the Sun HM, but I'm worried about making sure we get there to pick up packets on-time, especially since weather is so wacky that time of year.

 

[WIFriendofFigment]

Also, is anyone else immediately overwhelmed? This is my first destination race. I've done lots of local races, but there are so many more things to work out for this! I'm already like-"How early do I have to set my alarm? What am I going to eat? What am I going to wear? What will the weather be like?" for a date that is 219 days away! I'm on information overload. Is there a good rundisney checklist somewhere that helps prioritize when you need to have certain things done? Like a "Do ASAP" "100 days away" etc. I'm looking at too many things at once!

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Also, is anyone else immediately overwhelmed? This is my first destination race. I've done lots of local races, but there are so many more things to work out for this! I'm already like-"How early do I have to set my alarm? What am I going to eat? What am I going to wear? What will the weather be like?" for a date that is 219 days away! I'm on information overload. Is there a good rundisney checklist somewhere that helps prioritize when you need to have certain things done? Like a "Do ASAP" "100 days away" etc. I'm looking at too many things at once!

Ummm..... YES! This is my 1st half marathon and my first time to WDW as an adult planning the trip. I am SO excited but also anxious/nervous!

 

[joan4mickey]

There will be no way to know the weather...I can say that is has never rained, but there has been some pretty hot years and a couple of years that the weather was perfect for me.

You can get up when you want, but the last bus is scheduled to leave at 4am (if I remember correctly...too early to remember anything). I like to get the 3:30 bus so for me I get up at 3am and eat a little. I also take a snack to eat around 4:30 and and again around 5am. I also pack a bottle of water to drink slowly while waiting. I take this in a plastic grocery bag. There are trash can around all the corrals. Also I keep a few clothing items to use as "throw aways" .They aren't thrown away but given to Goodwill or something like that. A long sleeve shirt is good if it is cool and pack a large garbage bag incase it rains or pick one up at the dollar store along with a pair of dollar gloves to keep hands warm.

I know of no lists. But if you are flying, make reservations now. It is also the Daytona Race weekend and the end of Pres. week so it is consider a high season. Make room reservations now and look for specials in the fall.

And just keep asking questions as you think of them because you will be various answers here and take what you think will work for you.

 

[miabellarose]

Are there any special vacation packages for runners in Feb?

 

[Ariel484]

Does anyone know when Expo times get posted? We're planning on flying in on Sat AM for the Sun HM, but I'm worried about making sure we get there to pick up packets on-time, especially since weather is so wacky that time of year.

Times should be similar to last year:

Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

[keahgirl8]

So as fate would have it, the deployment I got wind of is a go and I found out I am going on it leaving mid August. Sadly no half for me this time around. I have a couple questions on transferring to the 2018 Princess Half but every time I call the number at the bottom of the form it rings a few times then makes a noise like a fax machine. Anyone by chance know an alternate way to actually speak to someone? I prefer phone calls simply because it gets my answer quickly (ideally). That way maybe while I'm deployed I can start running....you know assuming the high temps actually fall below the project 110s !

Thank you for your service. I'm so sorry you won't be able to do it next year! They have actually been pretty good about responding to my emails. I have not heard good things about reaching them by phone either.

I have been using the FlipBelt for the last 2-3 half marathons and I LOVE it. They come in every color of the rainbow and are great because it's flat against you with slots to hold things, like your ID, phone, energy gels and their water bottle. If you go to FlipBelt.com they sell the belt and the water bottles that are designed to fit inside. I usually align it so that the water bottle is in the back and the energy gels are in the front since I tend to refuel faster than I need water (but it's easy enough to reach because of the way the pockets are designed.

I don't like things in my hands because it throws off my gait/stride. This helps immensely.

I love my Flipbelt! I even wear it to work. I just got a water bottle for it and I've walked one race since. I haven't tried it running, but it was fine to walk with. I didn't even realize it was there.

Re: running belts and hydration belts




I find hydration belts to be largely a personal preference item. My shape tends to make hydration belts ride up to my chest in a fairly comical way, but others in my running group have ones that they love. I've tried lots of kinds and have resigned myself to carrying a handheld for water. I like the amphipod shape and my preferred size also fits my inhaler when I need it, but I have friends who love the Nathan ones. If you have acquaintances who run, it may be worthwhile to see if you can borrow a belt (or a few different types, if possible) for a training run before you buy to see if its design works with your needs.

I have used a flip belt and spi belt for carrying personal items like my inhaler also. They both worked well. I found the flip belt more comfortable shape-wise, but a little warmer to wear because it's pretty thick. A word of caution with storing phones or other electronics in belts- Unless you buy a specifically water-resistant one, sweat and rain could get to the items inside. You may want to consider a plastic bag around phones as a precaution if it's raining or if you sweat a lot.

Most of the time I just wear shorts with a built-in back zip-pocket and/or waistband pockets, carry the amphipod with the inhaler in it, and skip a belt.

It's definitely personal preference! I did tons of research when I was looking for a belt. I read so many good reviews for Fitletic belts, so I bought one. I can't stand it. It moves on me within a second of running with it. I contacted customer service, and I even talked to the owner at the PHM expo. I talked to someone I trust at my runner store and she suggested a different style, so I bought another one. I have done everything they told me to do and I still hate it. So many people love them! I'm selling two that have barely been worn, because I'll probably never wear them again.

 

[courtneybeth]

I love my Flipbelt! I even wear it to work. I just got a water bottle for it and I've walked one race since. I haven't tried it running, but it was fine to walk with. I didn't even realize it was there.

The small size water bottle did great during the RNR Chicago half this weekend - wore it in the curve of my back and it didn't move around at all with no worries about it falling out or around. I didn't realize it was there either... glad there's another fan in the thread. I may pick up a second belt so that they're fresh for each race on a two-race weekend. Maybe grab purple - I have pink right now.

 

[keahgirl8]

The small size water bottle did great during the RNR Chicago half this weekend - wore it in the curve of my back and it didn't move around at all with no worries about it falling out or around. I didn't realize it was there either... glad there's another fan in the thread. I may pick up a second belt so that they're fresh for each race on a two-race weekend. Maybe grab purple - I have pink right now.

Maybe I'll get another color. Maybe... I am a pink girl!

 

[Bree]

i used a FlipBelt for a long time, but have since moved onto a SPIbelt. I find it doesn't need as much adjusting during my runs even when I have one of their water bottles clipped on and it's not nearly as hot around my waist. I don't like to run with anything in my hands or on my arm so I like using a belt. Heck, I wear bluetooth earbuds because I don't even like the feel of a wire touching my body LOL!!! I see knock off SPIbelts in the Target dollar section all the time for around $5.

 

[seashell7290]

Also, is anyone else immediately overwhelmed? This is my first destination race. I've done lots of local races, but there are so many more things to work out for this! I'm already like-"How early do I have to set my alarm? What am I going to eat? What am I going to wear? What will the weather be like?" for a date that is 219 days away! I'm on information overload. Is there a good rundisney checklist somewhere that helps prioritize when you need to have certain things done? Like a "Do ASAP" "100 days away" etc. I'm looking at too many things at once!

What I found helpful was reading other people's trip reports to read about their experiences and what worked for them. Try a search on here or google and see what's out there. Helped put me at ease!

 

[Allison]

Registered for race-done
Flights booked-done
Resort reservation made-done
Park tickets purchased-done
Training-in progress

 

[ryansstitch]

i used a FlipBelt for a long time, but have since moved onto a SPIbelt. I find it doesn't need as much adjusting during my runs even when I have one of their water bottles clipped on and it's not nearly as hot around my waist. I don't like to run with anything in my hands or on my arm so I like using a belt. Heck, I wear bluetooth earbuds because I don't even like the feel of a wire touching my body LOL!!! I see knock off SPIbelts in the Target dollar section all the time for around $5.

Hmm, I looked at the spibelts, but I couldn't quite conceptualize whether I could get my inhaler and epipen along with keys in there. Does it seem pretty roomy to you?

 

[ryansstitch]

You ladies are awesome! Such a wealth of knowledge. I'm a bit overwhelmed too and I've planned numerous trips as an adult! Having this thread for support is great.

 

[ryansstitch]

The small size water bottle did great during the RNR Chicago half this weekend - wore it in the curve of my back and it didn't move around at all with no worries about it falling out or around. I didn't realize it was there either... glad there's another fan in the thread. I may pick up a second belt so that they're fresh for each race on a two-race weekend. Maybe grab purple - I have pink right now.

I have a friend who ran the same race! She said it was a lot of fun, but there was lightening at one point. Does anyone know if Disney has an official policy about races in storms? I'm not expecting an early morning thunder shower or anything, but I wonder...

 

[pixxi]

I have so many questions which I'm mainly looking for tips from others that have attended these races.

We have 4 kids, we are struggling with plans for park days, what day to pick up the expo material, will I want/be able to do a light day at HS after the 1/2 on Sunday (also doing the 10K Sat). We thought about leaving them home and just DH and I going for a 4 day trip and come back in the fall with kids but it's a large cost, so we might as well bring them. What have other parents experienced with bringing kids? We were thinking of arriving on a Tues. and leaving next Tues. Going to the park Tues (depending on flight) ,Wed park,Thurs park,going to expo Fri. and Disney Springs, Race Sat with resort/pool time and Sunday 1/2 marathon with HS after a small rest, then park on Mon. We have been to WDW many times so we don't feel we have to do a lot at the parks. HS day I was thinking after the 1/2 since I like to watch the shows and there isn't a much walking with the construction now.

Not seeing how the race is done, I assume it would be too difficult for the kids (6,11,14,17) to hang with my husband at the finish line? My husband wants to make sure he gets pic's at the finish, is this something that he will be able to do? He was also thinking about one of the cheer packages.

What tips for running back to back races (ex. advil, ice legs, compression stockings, wrap ankles, elevate legs, different shoes for each race)? I am planning on going a 10K to get a time for the corrals at Princess races, what time gets me away from the end of the corrals for a 10K or 1/2 marathon)? I love characters and think it would be a waste if I didn't get a few pics but I'm not a runner so I worry about time).

Now, to get to TMI section...I sweat in my crotch on a good day (even at work) is there anything to help on race day to keep that area fresh? I have been known to wear panty liners to help and then I can remove later and have dry underpants. Also what suggestions for a large chest and sweat under where air doesn't flow to help with sweat? I also read a lot about porta potties having long lines, when I have to go it's NOW or I might start leaking. I also hear some run out of toilet paper. I have read about some gals who pee on the side of the road by trees. So, should I bring some TP since I'll be at the back of the race and since I work in healthcare we have female urinals and since I can't bring one....don't laugh....I was thinking maybe I can improvise and bring a paper funnel like for car oil and see if I can use that if I need to be one of those who have to pee on the side of the road. I have no idea if it will ever come to it but I seriously have no idea how things are run and how often potties are available.

Ok, that enough question for now, but I'll be back!

 

[courtneybeth]

I have a friend who ran the same race! She said it was a lot of fun, but there was lightening at one point. Does anyone know if Disney has an official policy about races in storms? I'm not expecting an early morning thunder shower or anything, but I wonder...

Yeah I was at mile 9 (approx 9am, or about 2.5 hours into the clock time) we had major thunder/lightning storms and heavy rain. RNR tried to shove as many people as they could on to a bus and clear the course, but they missed a group of us and we kept running. Oops. Those that were pulled were bused ahead to mile 12 so they could finish the race when the rain ended so our finish times are all wonky. I ran all 13.1 miles in 3:15 but my husband only did 10 miles and finished four minutes behind me.

RunDisney will do the same thing - hold off the race if it's already in progress (ie: Wine and Dine the last couple of years) or pull people off the course if it's unsafe. Safety is very important and they'll still make sure we all get our medals

 

[Keels]

Not seeing how the race is done, I assume it would be too difficult for the kids (6,11,14,17) to hang with my husband at the finish line? My husband wants to make sure he gets pic's at the finish, is this something that he will be able to do? He was also thinking about one of the cheer packages.

There is a very large set of bleachers at the finish line for both races - ChEAR Package will have the best seating RIGHT at the finish line, but there is plenty of space in the free bleachers to get a good spot. I was able to get iced up, get a beer (drink it and then get another - oops), change my shoes, walk over to the finish area and got a GREAT spot in the front row of the bleachers right before the finish line to watch my cousin finish the race. Plus, the bleachers let out into the Family Reunion area (where the also sell flowers/roses for family members to give runners - so you may want to drop that hint to your husband!) where you can meet up after you cross the finish, hit Med if you need to, go through the medal area and then get your snack box. Easy peasy!

What tips for running back to back races (ex. advil, ice legs, compression stockings, wrap ankles, elevate legs, different shoes for each race)? I am planning on going a 10K to get a time for the corrals at Princess races, what time gets me away from the end of the corrals for a 10K or 1/2 marathon)? I love characters and think it would be a waste if I didn't get a few pics but I'm not a runner so I worry about time).

Back-to-Back Races: I do not wear the same shoes for two races in a row. If you can swing it, buy a new pair of shoes about a month before the race and break those in during your taper. The fresher shoes should be your half marathon shoes. Ice after the 10K, even if you don't feel like you need it (I always have med ice up my knees). And as much as it sucks, limit your park time ... unless you work in the extra mileage for park time into your training so your body knows what to expect.

For time ... it's all relative.
Here are the Glass Slipper Challenge corrals from this year.
Pick what your goal time is and then use the McMillan Calculator to give yourself an idea of what 10K PoT you need to shoot for. The formula RD uses is very similar - if not the same - as McMillan.

Now, to get to TMI section...I sweat in my crotch on a good day (even at work) is there anything to help on race day to keep that area fresh? I have been known to wear panty liners to help and then I can remove later and have dry underpants. Also what suggestions for a large chest and sweat under where air doesn't flow to help with sweat? I also read a lot about porta potties having long lines, when I have to go it's NOW or I might start leaking. I also hear some run out of toilet paper. I have read about some gals who pee on the side of the road by trees. So, should I bring some TP since I'll be at the back of the race and since I work in healthcare we have female urinals and since I can't bring one....don't laugh....I was thinking maybe I can improvise and bring a paper funnel like for car oil and see if I can use that if I need to be one of those who have to pee on the side of the road. I have no idea if it will ever come to it but I seriously have no idea how things are run and how often potties are available.

I'm not familiar with a single issue you mention, but I'll just give you some advice off the top of my head.

For the sweating - what do you generally wear when you workout? Tight/fitted attire? Cotton? Poly? Etc.? You might look into swapping into more loose fitting running attire - like looks poly-blend shorts. Also, almost all of the expensive workout brands make moisture-wicking underwear that could help. Some even have microbial technology that can help with bacteria. My yoga instructor friend recommends Dear Kate as another brand to check out.

As far as Porta-Potties go ... I wouldn't worry about that until you start hitting some of the longer runs during your training (like 6 miles, minimum) and see what your bathroom habits are. For me, I haven't had to visit the restroom during a race, so I haven't had to worry about those things. If you find that you have to use the bathroom a lot, then you can figure out what you'll need to carry.

The only reason you'll have to pee in the bushes is if you want to. There will be porta-potty lines, but RD is pretty good about staging a fair amount of portapotties throughout the course. Plus, you'll also be able to use real bathrooms in the parks and TTC.

 

[keahgirl8]

Hmm, I looked at the spibelts, but I couldn't quite conceptualize whether I could get my inhaler and epipen along with keys in there. Does it seem pretty roomy to you?

I wear a Flipbelt now, but have worn SPIbelts before. They are deceptively large and stretch a lot. I don't know if they still do this, because it's been years, but they used to have an extra pocket you could get to slide on there if you need it.

Back-to-Back Races: I do not wear the same shoes for two races in a row. If you can swing it, buy a new pair of shoes about a month before the race and break those in during your taper. The fresher shoes should be your half marathon shoes. Ice after the 10K, even if you don't feel like you need it (I always have med ice up my knees). And as much as it sucks, limit your park time ... unless you work in the extra mileage for park time into your training so your body knows what to expect.

As usual, @Keels says it best. Definitely bring more than one pair of shoes, if for no other reason than you have a backup. About the park time...YES. This is something no one wants to hear, and no one wants to do, but you'll thank yourself for it on Sunday. I usually do a little bit in the parks Sunday afternoon, but I don't make any breakfast or lunch reservations. Especially if this is your first half, you have no idea what you'll feel like after the race. Keep your legs loose, but don't overdo it.

For time ... it's all relative.
Here are the Glass Slipper Challenge corrals from this year.
Pick what your goal time is and then use the McMillan Calculator to give yourself an idea of what 10K PoT you need to shoot for. The formula RD uses is very similar - if not the same - as McMillan.

I honestly don't do any kind of speed work or really worry that much about my time. I run at what feels good to me, and get myself a decent POT. Then I have a little bit of a cushion. It seems like I'm a rare bird as far as that is concerned, but I just don't care if I'm fast.

I'm not familiar with a single issue you mention, but I'll just give you some advice off the top of my head.


As far as Porta-Potties go ... I wouldn't worry about that until you start hitting some of the longer runs during your training (like 6 miles, minimum) and see what your bathroom habits are. For me, I haven't had to visit the restroom during a race, so I haven't had to worry about those things. If you find that you have to use the bathroom a lot, then you can figure out what you'll need to carry.

The only reason you'll have to pee in the bushes is if you want to. There will be porta-potty lines, but RD is pretty good about staging a fair amount of portapotties throughout the course. Plus, you'll also be able to use real bathrooms in the parks and TTC.

I'm with you. I don't really have to use the bathroom either. I'm too much of a sweater!