Woohoo! Glad I could find this thread I've been wanting to do the Glass Slipper Challenge since I found out about it a few years ago and I'm really hoping to make 2017 the year! We've started planning for it and my husband and I would be participating...I think he's more nervous than I am! Neither of us have had a lot of running experience, we started trying to do some after I had weight loss surgery, but I had to go through some medical treatment a while after so we didn't continue. I figure we have a little over a year to go though, so we can make it happen (as long as our budget agrees ).
We're DVC members so I'm hoping we can register with the pre-reg on July 5th! Now a question: does anyone have any recommended training plans or tips for the GSC? I've seen the Jeff Galloway and another (can't recall the name) but I wasn't sure what would be best, coming from a total novice standpoint!
I 100% recommend Jeff Galloway! If you're planning to do the GSC, the training plan on the site is great, because it prepares you for the back to back runs.
100 percent this! First Half Marathons are intimidating enough - but with the amount of people at an RD half, it can be downright overwhelming. No sense to stress yourself out about both the distance AND the overall race day experience.
So true. I started with Couch-to-5K back when I started running at the end of 2014. For Dopey, I used a hybrid program based on Hal Higdon that I enjoyed. For marathon training for next year, I'm going back to the Higdon plan but will stick with it to the letter instead of altering it. I really enjoy his methodology, and after I read his Marathon book I truly bought in to the plans and what he advises.
Galloway is a great plan for a first timer, because it really helps break down the mileage into shorter chunks and makes the distance seem more "doable", but like with every other plan make sure that you're training your WHOLE body (cross-training, stretching, etc.) and not just building up your legs. Your body will thank you!
That reminds me... I'd recommend doing the 5K as well, if you've never done a Disney race. If you don't mind 3 days of getting up early instead of 2, it's a good way to see how everything works without the time pressure. You can also stop for lots of pictures! It took me over an hour to finish it this year, and there were tons of people behind me.
Although I should say that I told my doc in great detail about the training plan switch and he didn't seem to think that it caused my injury...but at the same time he didn't seem to love the idea of my using a training plan like that (he's a runner too). So whenever I think I can start up again I will be going back to Higdon/lifting/yoga. It's been a hard lesson to learn and I feel a little stupid over how it has all played out. Oh well.
I'm with you. I was underprepared for the 2015 PHM, and I ran it anyway. I didn't adjust my intervals, or walk the whole thing, or stop and let them take me when the pain got too severe. Now I'm still paying for it.
When I think about the GSC it seems like alot of running in two days. So many run people say it is important to rest between run days. Are you not really sore and tired after the 10k? Do people run the whole HM or do you rest through out it? Never done a HM and the more I think about it the more I get freaked out about being able to do both. 10k doesn't scare me but 10k and HM in two days?! I think I have been thinking too much about it. Really want to do it but I am so far from being ready. I know I have a year. I figured I could ramble here and get some information and advise.
It is, but you train for it. Also, take it a little easy on the 10K. You still need to keep up the pace, but don't go as fast as you possibly can. Also...this is not a popular opinion, but don't overdo it in the parks! You're there to do the races, so keep that in mind.
I'm trying to distract myself from this year's even starting (since I was supposed to be there...

Last time I'll whine about it, I promise!) by focusing on planning for next year.
Where is everyone thinking of staying for the races? I have other trips planned for 2017 so part of me thinks I should go for something a little more cost-effective...but I'd also REALLY like to stay on the monorail. Decisions, decisions...
I always stay at POR, because it's my favorite resort. No monorail, but it's a relatively short bus ride.
You may know this, but I wanted to point out (in case you didn't, because I see you have done
Disneyland races but not WDW ones from your signature) that you cannot actually walk to the starting line from the Epcot resorts. The bus ride is short though!

And still a great location overall.
Yeah, the expo sounds insane right now! The last time I did Princess was in 2011...the pull to get merchandise wasn't so crazy then.

I'm thinking for next year I'm just going to plan on arriving later in the day when it (hopefully) has calmed down.
Honestly, the experience seems to depend on the person. It was very crowded when I was in there, but nowhere near what some people experienced.
Riverside is AMAZING! The Royal rooms are awesome. I do love the idea of a princess room for a princess race. If you're getting there early there is a running path down to FQ and back.
I always have to speak to how amazing the Royal rooms are, and the wonderful laid back nature at Riverside. The resort itself is just beautiful as well. If you want a low key resort that you can relax at without the price of a deluxe this is the resort you want to be at.
Agreed! It is my "vacation" home, and now I have stayed in every room type. You really can't go wrong. Though, if you're worried about the walk to the mail building, I'd get a RR or a preferred. That's the only way to guarantee proximity to the food court.
Aw, what's the matter with Merida? I'd love her.
Me too! I'd be pretty excited! She's a warrior!
Since it's not an anniversary year, based off of what runDisney has done for the past few years I think the half marathon, 10K and GSC medals will basically look the same - same basic shapes at least. Except this year's seashell on the 10K will not be there (maybe an apple if it's Snow White?) and they'd change up the ribbons and the color of the jewel on the half medal - and I guess the color they added to this year's GSC medal. The 5K medallion and Kids medallion would be the biggest changes. I did like how the 2014 medals were silver.
This is most likely how it will be until the next anniversary year. I wish they would do silver again. I actually liked those best, but that was special for Frozen, so we probably won't get them again.
Still better than the Pixie Dust Challenge Medal.
No kidding! I haven't done it yet, but when I saw the medal at the expo the first year, I couldn't believe it!
With Rock N Roll San Diego having a fairly flat and downhill course, there's a good shot I may be faster than a 3:15 pace for Proof of Time.
I have 17 half marathon races left to get that time less than 3:15 --- so there's a good shot that I may actually be able to not be in the last corral. Last weekend's half marathon was 3:22 -- so I'm getting closer!
EDIT: I just realized that I can use a 10K time to submit for corral placement. Yessss. I think I can maintain a 14 minute mile pace for Tink 10K no problem.
I always use a 10K. They do add a little bit of time to your "estimated" half marathon time, but I still think it comes out better than what I could do over the course of a half.
My first time posting since 2008. Not sure if I am starting a new post or accidentally posting this as a reply (help!) Any walkers out there? I'm thinking of registering for the 2017 Princess 10K and Half-Marathon (Glass Slipper Challenge). I've only done one Disney race (back in 2008 - walked a 15K). I walked my first and only half-marathon last November and my pace was under 15 minutes/mile, so I think I can do it. When does registration open up? I heard one rumor that it is 7/12/16 - anyone else heard this?
I am hoping to run again, but I am currently a walker. Lots of people walk. As long as you can keep the pace, you'll be fine! There will likely be people finishing behind you! Try to do a 10K for corral placement.
Almost 2 months later, I FINALLY got my deferral confirmation from runDisney for GSC (I deferred on January 14). They really mean it when they say it'll take 6-8 weeks!
So I'll definitely be in for 2017.
No kidding! Since I was doing the 5K, I was beginning to wonder if I needed to go ahead and try to pick up my shirt!
I just finished a 10K race in 1:04. I have some more races coming up, including at least 1 half, to improve upon, but assuming I don't where does a 10-11 minute/mile generally place you in the corral line-up?
Wow! You'll likely get a pretty good placement. I ran a 12:30 or 13:00 minute mile and I was in I in 2013 and J in 2014