2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[BDK33]

have prices been released? Have not seen them

 

[Gryhndmom]

have prices been released? Have not seen them[/QUOTE

Nothing official yet but based on the what Star Wars is selling we can make an educated guess.

 

[Ariel484]

have prices been released? Have not seen them

No, but I'd expect them to be similar to the prices for the January races. GSC in the $330-$350 range.

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

Hi everyone!

I will be doing my first run Disney race at the Princess weekend.

Completed my first ever 5k last weekend, and will be tackling the Enchanted 10k on marathon weekend.

I look forward to talking with all of you

 

[ReLiMe]

I'm not sure any of us can answer that for you. Galloway's training plan on runDisney.com starts in October, so if you commit to the plan and follow it that's enough time to get you there distance-wise. But the big concerns as a new runner would be injury prevention - you don't want to do too much too soon, make sure you get fitted for proper running shoes, etc. - and, I think, risk of mental burnout with having to put all of those miles in.

Is there a reason why you want to do GSC and not the 5K, or the 10K/half alone? As a newer runner it may be less overwhelming to start with a singular race instead of the challenge (which isn't going anywhere).

Well My ambition kinda over road my reasoning and I signed up for 2016 GSC but because of financial issues I had to defer so GSC is already paid for. Plus generally I can only go on one disney trip every 3 years and I don't want to wait till 2020.

I agree with ariel484 and the add the following. When I did my first princess half marathon I had done no running (the after Christmas sales don't count!) and took on training with a vengeance. DH and I got a running coach and he made us a training plan to get us over the finish line. Did I win my age category or break any time records? Nope, but did finish up right and still walking! You can totally do a race and even go for the half marathon as a trial run so to speak and then next year maybe try for glass slipper. This would give you plenty of time to see if you like running or walking since you can walk the half marathon too if you can maintain a 16 min. Not trying to keep you from doing the challenge but want to make sure you have all the facts to make the best decision for you ! Best of luck !

I have no desire to win (would be cool though... all the confetti's LOL) but to finish even if I collapse right after the finish line would be an incredible feat for me and one I get to share with my grandmother (who is the light of my life) and her first Disney Trip will be in 2017. I know I'm challenging my self but really failure is not an option at this point. Thanks for the idea about a running coach thats a great idea I didn't think about.

 

[Ariel484]

Well My ambition kinda over road my reasoning and I signed up for 2016 GSC but because of financial issues I had to defer so GSC is already paid for. Plus generally I can only go on one disney trip every 3 years and I don't want to wait till 2020.

Gotcha. I deferred from 2016 as well.

I think it's great that you are already starting. A good training plan that you think you can stick to 100% or a running coach is key. I'd also recommend trying to find a 10K in your area that you can run to submit your time for corral placement (and get yourself some race day experience).

 

[ReLiMe]

Gotcha. I deferred from 2016 as well.

I think it's great that you are already starting. A good training plan that you think you can stick to 100% or a running coach is key. I'd also recommend trying to find a 10K in your area that you can run to submit your time for corral placement (and get yourself some race day experience).

I have there is a 10k on October 30th with a very generous 4 hour time limit although the official time is 18min per mile based on the half marathon going at the same time. and I plan to do a half with a 16 min pace requirement December 18th so I don't feel overwhelmed during Princess.

 

[Keels]

Just be aware that training at a 16:00/mile pace allows no time for stops of any kind - characters, bathroom, etc. That's why Disney encourages you to train to a 15:00/mile pace to bank time!

 

[Ariel484]

I have there is a 10k on October 30th with a very generous 4 hour time limit although the official time is 18min per mile based on the half marathon going at the same time. and I plan to do a half with a 16 min pace requirement December 18th so I don't feel overwhelmed during Princess.

This is Galloway's GSC training plan from last year. It'll be the same for this year except the dates will be different...maybe read through this and see if you think this is doable for you?
http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/run...ess-half-marathon/Princess16_GlassSlipper.pdf

 

[pigletcanrun]

Started looking at info on this race and see it is geared towards women. Do many men run in it? It looks like they dont even offer mens apparel at the expo.
All feedback would be appreciated!

My husband has run with me the last two years and he loves it... he likes running amongst a "sea of pony tails" as he puts it. Plus he stays with me because he doesn't feel the competitive spirt he might if it weren't such a women's centered event.

 

[Hazelon]

Is it too ambitious to say that I will be able to complete the Glads Slipper challenge for 2017 if I currently do not run at all but can comfortably walk about. 17 min mile. I am extremely overweight but am making a very dedicated effort to reduce my weight and increase my physical fitness.

This is so so so personal. If you can honestly say you have the drive to completely transform your life by Feb, then yes you can 100%. It's going to be A LOT of miles, and cross training to get the pounds off. A trainer or a visit to a nutritionist would really help. It's going to go beyond getting the miles on your legs to getting your over all health in shape.

I'll say from experience chasing after the balloon people is not where you want to be in a Disney race, the corrals further back can be frustrating and have more bottle necks and spots where you have to walk and lose time. Disney wants a 16 min mile, but with that factored a 15 is the highest you can comfortably do it. There's no opportunity for character stops and the people on the bikes will stress you out letting you know ever mile how far back the pacers are. The last two races Disney races I've done if you have a 16 min mile you'll get swept with the amount of bottle necks and stops in the later corrals.

What's the distance you can keep a comfortable 17 min mile? Respecting the distances is so important. I'm an an awesome place where a half isn't so scary and a 10k is a training run, but there are times where those distances will still kick my butt.

I guess you just need to figure out if you're going to be able to really dedicate yourself to the amount of training you're going to need.

Personal opinion is make sure you like running, enter in some local races and work your way up. Have a 2018 princess goal. There are AMAZING and fun local races, and if you want to travel for them the rock and roll series are lots and lots of fun!

 

[courtneybeth]

Is it too ambitious to say that I will be able to complete the Glads Slipper challenge for 2017 if I currently do not run at all but can comfortably walk about. 17 min mile. I am extremely overweight but am making a very dedicated effort to reduce my weight and increase my physical fitness.

Congratulations to you, @ReLiMe for making dedicated strides in improving your health, fitness, and physique. It can be so so so hard to make those first steps towards building a better you - so yay to you and your new goals!

As for your inquiry - I am sharing my personal opinion from running and experience of being overweight, so please understand that... but I feel the best thing you can do is take the next year and a half and come up with a rigorous training program so that you can run comfortably for long distances. Go for the Challenge in 2018 and not 2017. Six months to adjust to weight loss, cross training, and running long distances is not for everyone and I am so fearful that you'll hurt yourself and then you won't be able to do it. Instead mark your calendar and take the next 18 months to practice and prepare!

Be a beast and have a great proof of time to submit for 2018!!! 2017 - you'll probably be in the last corral and be playing the "oh no, where are the balloon ladies at?!" paranoia game for most of the run and you won't be able to enjoy it

If you live in an area where there are many running events, use those as benchmarks for training runs during your 18 months of preparation! Rock n Roll Marathon Series does races all across the country with 5K, 10K, and half marathons -- many of which have the back to back challenges o fa 5K or 10K on day 1 and a half marathon on day 2. (Sound familiar? hmm!) May be a great way to test yourself as you prepare.

RunDisney recommends a 16 minute mile pace minimum and with overcrowding, stops for bathrooms, character opportunities, etc -- you likely won't be able to maintain the pace. I usually run a 13 minute mile for a 10K but by the last 3 miles of a half marathon i'm fatigued and averaging about a 15 minute mile. So think about the length of distance -- 13 miles is a LONG distance. Combining that with 6 miles the day before? Yowza. My legs hurt just thinking about it!

I was in your shoes and know how it feels. I was 215 pounds in June 2014, got down to 185 in January 2015 and wanted to do Princess Half Marathon after watching some friends go and do the race. I was like "yep i could totally do this" but the suggestions and recommendations from people like @Keels and @Ariel484 made me realize that hey, maybe next year is better! So I lost 75 pounds and began running and by January 2016 I was down to 142 pounds and began running half marathons through Rock n Roll to prepare myself for runDisney races in 2017!

Crazy right? runDisney is the only race group I can think of that sweeps people off the course and doesn't encourage them to finish. Rock n Roll will help you gain confidence as you run with a 4 hour time limit (longer than runDisney) and they have a sag wagon that'll take you further up the course. I can't imagine how crushed you would feel not being able to finish - and not likely getting your medals.


Whatever you decide to do --- make it a logical decision and know that you'll have a blast when you run the race. Enjoy the opportunity - you're spending $360 to do it, so make it count!

 

[joan4mickey]

I am not really good at keeping up with this thread, but as I say every year;
Start training now!!...and if you are following Gallaway or any other training plan, start it earlier than the plan allows because life will get in the way. Remember training schedules do not break for Thanksgiving and Christmas and sick kids, etc.
Another thing one can do to keep up is to keep a journal. I am old school and print our a calendar and write my daily exercise (miles completed or what ever cross training I do) and I food journal as well.
As others have said talk to a nutritionist and/or trainer. There is also a lot of info about training and diet on line.
Good luck to everyone on your journey to the Princess Half Weekend!

 

[Gryhndmom]

I am not really good at keeping up with this thread, but as I say every year;
Start training now!!...and if you are following Gallaway or any other training plan, start it earlier than the plan allows because life will get in the way. Remember training schedules do not break for Thanksgiving and Christmas and sick kids, etc.
Another thing one can do to keep up is to keep a journal. I am old school and print our a calendar and write my daily exercise (miles completed or what ever cross training I do) and I food journal as well.
As others have said talk to a nutritionist and/or trainer. There is also a lot of info about training and diet on line.
Good luck to everyone on your journey to the Princess Half Weekend!

Joan your are a wealth of wisdom! Will you be continuing your perfect princess status ?

 

[Keels]

This is really great advice and insight from @courtneybeth, not just for @ReLiMe but for many that are considering have their first RD race also be their first half AND first challenge. Or even for those JUST starting out running!

Challenges, while amazing, are also NOT for everyone. Personally, I ran six half marathons and two RD weekends before I registered for my first Challenge (Dopey). This year, I've done Dopey, Glass Slipper and Pixie Dust (along with the 5Ks).

Having done Princess this year, here are my additional thoughts:

-- Princess is a CROWDED race weekend, especially towards the back corrals. This race weekend is probably one of the most friendly and accessible for first-time runners and racers, so just be prepared that even if you CAN do better than a 16:00/mile, it may be so congested where you can't really get anything going. This is why POT is so very, very important.
-- RunDisney races cost A LOT, and that's because of the experience. That means, enjoying the on-course entertainment and stopping for photos with characters - where ELSE can you take pictures with a hot-air balloon OR all of the hunky princes in one spot? Only at Disney.
-- Be prepared for an incredibly early wakeup call. You'll possibly need to get to the staging area by 4 a.m. so you can guarantee that you're in the very front of your corral. It will give you space to move and bank some time, and it will also give you a buffer from the balloon ladies and hopefully allow you to avoid congestion and bottlenecks along the course. That means standing around in the elements for upwards of two hours before you even cross the start line ... twice.

If your goal is just to finish the challenge, then go for it - but go in knowing that it's going to be crowded and that there's a chance that a 16:00/mile might not be fast enough if places are congested. Know that you (very likely) won't be able to stop for any pictures at all (the lines can reach up to 5-10 minutes at some points for the most popular characters), and that, at some points, Port-a-Potty lines can rival those of character lines.

Dopey was a great challenge for me, and I treated it as such. I didn't stop for many pictures or goof-off times, but I was OK with that.

Every challenge since then, I stop for ALL the pictures and generally spend more time goofing off and posting pictures to Insta and stuff. I think my "moving time" at the 10K during Pixie Dust was something ridiculous like 16 minutes faster than my actual finish time. Whoops.

This is going to sound harsh, and I don't mean it to - but just because the Challenge is there, it doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. I think this is one of the things that frustrates RD the most - the emphasis put on the challenges and that they're the only thing that matters. Especially for first-timers.

The 2015 Disneyland Half was my first RunDisney weekend (I did the 5K and the Half), but was my fourth half marathon. In the weeks leading up to the race, I was SO tempted to swap into Dumbo because everyone was making me jealous talking about it AND I just loved the medal and the concept. I ended up settling for the 5K instead, and I am SO glad I did.

RunDisney races - even the 5Ks - are overwhelming for a first-timer. There were more people at the Expo, and at the 5K, then I'd ever experienced at a race previously - including Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans. And if I thought the 5K was overwhelming ... man, was I in for a complete and total shock when it came to Half Marathon day. I'd read so much through the boards here and felt I was prepared for the sheer amount of people. I was NOT. My husband, friend and I were all running in different corrals, and thought we'd have more time together before we needed to split up. Nope. Corrals were already packed to the gils at quarter-to-5. I was in ... D? So my corral was released around 6:05. That was quite a bit of standing around alone, already being in my head about a race. I'm pretty sure I would've really freaked out with the gravity of not finishing the challenge - and I certainly wouldn't have been able to have fun during the race.

 

[joan4mickey]

Joan your are a wealth of wisdom! Will you be continuing your perfect princess status ?

I sure hope to run in 2017 and be there for the 10th anniversary too!

Keels makes some good points to consider.

 

[bumbershoot]

runDisney is the only race group I can think of that sweeps people off the course and doesn't encourage them to finish. Rock n Roll will help you gain confidence as you run with a 4 hour time limit (longer than runDisney) and they have a sag wagon that'll take you further up the course. I can't imagine how crushed you would feel not being able to finish - and not likely getting your medals.

So true. (though rundisney tends to give the medals on the sag wagon)

I checked RnR Seattle, and this year as well they give the option of taking you further up the course. I adore that.

 

[Gryhndmom]

So true. (though rundisney tends to give the medals on the sag wagon)

I checked RnR Seattle, and this year as well they give the option of taking you further up the course. I adore that.

Not having done the RnR even though they have one in San Antonio, do they really pick up people who are unable to run any more and take them a couple of miles or so up the course and let them cross the finish line ?

I am definitely on the side of if you can't finish a race (or in the case of RnR who might get a ride Closer to the finish line) there should be no finisher medal. Have a separate participation medal but not a finisher medal. Yes I know people get hurt or sick etc. this is a part of life. Just expressing my thoughts.....

 

[Keels]

Not having done the RnR even though they have one in San Antonio, do they really pick up people who are unable to run any more and take them a couple of miles or so up the course and let them cross the finish line ?

I am definitely on the side of if you can't finish a race (or in the case of RnR who might get a ride Closer to the finish line) there should be no finisher medal. Have a separate participation medal but not a finisher medal. Yes I know people get hurt or sick etc. this is a part of life. Just expressing my thoughts.....

I can't speak for RnR but I know the Hot Chocolate series does this as well.

 

[keahgirl8]

I'm not sure any of us can answer that for you. Galloway's training plan on runDisney.com starts in October, so if you commit to the plan and follow it that's enough time to get you there distance-wise. But the big concerns as a new runner would be injury prevention - you don't want to do too much too soon, make sure you get fitted for proper running shoes, etc. - and, I think, risk of mental burnout with having to put all of those miles in.

Is there a reason why you want to do GSC and not the 5K, or the 10K/half alone? As a newer runner it may be less overwhelming to start with a singular race instead of the challenge (which isn't going anywhere).

I couldn't have given better advice than everyone else here. It can be done, just be sure you are ready willing and able to push yourself that hard. I started running in January/February 2013 and did my first 5K (non-Disney) in March of 2013. Then I started the 10K training plan, and did a POT 10K in September of that year. I picked up the GSC training with after that and did my first half (and GSC) in 2014. It was really hard and I had to really work to stay on top of the miles, but I did it.

Hi everyone!

I will be doing my first run Disney race at the Princess weekend.

Completed my first ever 5k last weekend, and will be tackling the Enchanted 10k on marathon weekend.

I look forward to talking with all of you

Welcome!