2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[FFigawi]

Also....if my husband and kids come with me as spectators...how likely is it that I'll be able to go to the park with them after I run a half? Do y'all race and then go to the hotel for the rest of the day to take it easy? Do you go to the parks that day or the next day? I want to plan realistically, but I have no idea!

Personally, I spend the rest of the day after the last race of a weekend in the parks rehydrating and relaxing. Walking around is also good to prevent your legs from getting too stiff and sore.

 

[Ariel484]

Assuming I could get a spot at the half through a travel agent...

I started Galloway's couch to 5k this past week. It's 8 weeks. Then his 5k to Half is another 17 weeks. That takes us right up to the half. In December I'll be at Disney with my family for a week, therefore losing a week of training, so I'd be a week short of completing my training by marathon weekend. So my question is...any suggestions on modifying the training to get ahead a bit? I've only done 1 week, but it seems fairly easy. I don't want to push so hard that I don't enjoy it. But I'd really like to complete the half training by princess weekend.

Also....if my husband and kids come with me as spectators...how likely is it that I'll be able to go to the park with them after I run a half? Do y'all race and then go to the hotel for the rest of the day to take it easy? Do you go to the parks that day or the next day? I want to plan realistically, but I have no idea!

Definitely possible to get a bib through a travel agent - keep an eye out here and on runDisney Facebook groups. But also keep in mind that TAs now require your to book hotel and park tickets if you buy a bib through them for WDW races. That's new recently.

Are you planning on following Galloway's plan for the half marathon? I'd say just follow the plan as it's written - don't worry about getting ahead, especially since you are a newer runner. You don't want to increase your mileage too quickly, but you also want to make sure that you peak at the right time. Missing one week of training won't derail you entirely, especially since it's in December (when you'll still have a couple of months until the race).

I go to the parks afterward - like @FFigawi said, it's good to move around after the half to stretch your legs and whatnot. But I'd guess the degree to which you can actually stay in the parks and walk around is different from person to person - someone who is well-trained and in good shape will likely last longer.

I'll try to remember to let you now if I see any bibs for sale!

 

[Keke]

Is it true we can't pick up bibs for others? How crowded is the expo when it opens on Saturday? My brother's family won't arrive till after the expo closes on Friday night. It opens at 9 am Saturday but we have to get our kids to the one mile kids race before 10:30. Is this enough time? I'll be there earlier Friday, but if I can't pick up their bibs that doesn't help.

 

[tacboze]

Definitely possible to get a bib through a travel agent - keep an eye out here and on runDisney Facebook groups. But also keep in mind that TAs now require your to book hotel and park tickets if you buy a bib through them for WDW races. That's new recently.

Are you planning on following Galloway's plan for the half marathon? I'd say just follow the plan as it's written - don't worry about getting ahead, especially since you are a newer runner. You don't want to increase your mileage too quickly, but you also want to make sure that you peak at the right time. Missing one week of training won't derail you entirely, especially since it's in December (when you'll still have a couple of months until the race).

I go to the parks afterward - like @FFigawi said, it's good to move around after the half to stretch your legs and whatnot. But I'd guess the degree to which you can actually stay in the parks and walk around is different from person to person - someone who is well-trained and in good shape will likely last longer.

I'll try to remember to let you now if I see any bibs for sale!

Thank you!
Yes, I was planning on following Galloway's plan. But I'm open to suggestions if someone has a better idea for me!

What about the day before a race....do y'all think walking around at a park is okay/good idea? Do you suggest resting and taking it easy?

 

[tacboze]

Personally, I spend the rest of the day after the last race of a weekend in the parks rehydrating and relaxing. Walking around is also good to prevent your legs from getting too stiff and sore.

Thank you! What about the day before the race...what do you usually do? Walk some, rest only? Walk in the parks?

 

[Ariel484]

Is it true we can't pick up bibs for others? How crowded is the expo when it opens on Saturday? My brother's family won't arrive till after the expo closes on Friday night. It opens at 9 am Saturday but we have to get our kids to the one mile kids race before 10:30. Is this enough time? I'll be there earlier Friday, but if I can't pick up their bibs that doesn't help.

Yes, that is true - everyone needs to pick up their own bibs (change they made last year or two years ago, I forget when).

Expo is decently crowded right at opening, especially for Princess. Is the 1-mile race at Wide World of Sports? I don't know how the timing works for the kids races, but if it's right there, just pop in whenever. I'd guess it'll be less crowded if you wait until the kids races are over.

Thank you!
Yes, I was planning on following Galloway's plan. But I'm open to suggestions if someone has a better idea for me!

Lots of people do great with Galloway's plans - you just need to pick what works best for your body and your schedule.

Personally I like Hal Higdon plans...I'll be using this one for Princess weekend.

What about the day before a race....do y'all think walking around at a park is okay/good idea? Do you suggest resting and taking it easy?

Definitely don't overdo it. I know some people will spend the entire day lounging at their resorts...I don't quite do that, personally, but I do try to keep in mind that it's probably not a great idea to walk, like, 13 miles that day in the parks. Again, I think it depends on the person and what kind of shape they are in. It's SO hard to do a good job of staying off your feet when the parks are right there though...

 

[FFigawi]

Thank you! What about the day before the race...what do you usually do? Walk some, rest only? Walk in the parks?

I rest some and walk some. Like @Ariel484 said, it's hard to sit around and do nothing when you're at Disney. The parks and attractions are a big reason for being there. The key is to keep the walking around under control. A few hours is good. An all-day trip is not.

 

[Keke]

Thanks! My issues is that they use bibs for the kids race and we need those prior to 10:30. So I guess what I'm asking is if it's even possible to pick up a kids bib on the morning of the race? I've emailed this question to runDisney but I'm still waiting on their answer.

Yes, that is true - everyone needs to pick up their own bibs (change they made last year or two years ago, I forget when).

Expo is decently crowded right at opening, especially for Princess. Is the 1-mile race at Wide World of Sports? I don't know how the timing works for the kids races, but if it's right there, just pop in whenever. I'd guess it'll be less crowded if you wait until the kids races are over.

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks! My issues is that they use bibs for the kids race and we need those prior to 10:30. So I guess what I'm asking is if it's even possible to pick up a kids bib on the morning of the race? I've emailed this question to runDisney but I'm still waiting on their answer.

Ah! I see.

I'm really not sure. Bib pick-up is in a separate building from the expo (where the craziness happens), so maybe you could pick up the bibs, do the race and then go to the expo after for their t-shirts. I think the rules of who can pick up for who are different for the kids bibs (when you asked about picking up for others,I assume you meant adults).

Maybe try to call runDisney if you don't get an answer soon. Sorry I can't help more!

 

[keahgirl8]

Assuming I could get a spot at the half through a travel agent...

I started Galloway's couch to 5k this past week. It's 8 weeks. Then his 5k to Half is another 17 weeks. That takes us right up to the half. In December I'll be at Disney with my family for a week, therefore losing a week of training, so I'd be a week short of completing my training by marathon weekend. So my question is...any suggestions on modifying the training to get ahead a bit? I've only done 1 week, but it seems fairly easy. I don't want to push so hard that I don't enjoy it. But I'd really like to complete the half training by princess weekend.

Also....if my husband and kids come with me as spectators...how likely is it that I'll be able to go to the park with them after I run a half? Do y'all race and then go to the hotel for the rest of the day to take it easy? Do you go to the parks that day or the next day? I want to plan realistically, but I have no idea!

You could maybe cut out one or two of the 30 minute "long run" weeks. If I recall, there are usually a few of those towards the end. I think I've done that before when I got in a bind. I almost always get sick at Christmas, so I'm usually in a bind. lol

Thank you!
Yes, I was planning on following Galloway's plan. But I'm open to suggestions if someone has a better idea for me!

What about the day before a race....do y'all think walking around at a park is okay/good idea? Do you suggest resting and taking it easy?

I can't say anything negative bout Galloway's plan. It's all I've ever used.

Walking around a little, yes. Playing park commando, no.

I rest some and walk some. Like @Ariel484 said, it's hard to sit around and do nothing when you're at Disney. The parks and attractions are a big reason for being there. The key is to keep the walking around under control. A few hours is good. An all-day trip is not.

Exactly. I usually don't go into the parks. I just wander around the expo, resort-hop, or go to Disney Springs. I don't even waste a park ticket on the little amount of walking I do. I do my park hopping when I'm done. I know some people can't take that much time off, but since I can, that's what I do.

Ah! I see.

I'm really not sure. Bib pick-up is in a separate building from the expo (where the craziness happens), so maybe you could pick up the bibs, do the race and then go to the expo after for their t-shirts. I think the rules of who can pick up for who are different for the kids bibs (when you asked about picking up for others,I assume you meant adults).

Maybe try to call runDisney if you don't get an answer soon. Sorry I can't help more!

I can't really help either, but I agree you should call if you can't get an answer over email. I haven't had trouble getting an email back, but I know a lot of people do.

 

[Keels]

I rest some and walk some. Like @Ariel484 said, it's hard to sit around and do nothing when you're at Disney. The parks and attractions are a big reason for being there. The key is to keep the walking around under control. A few hours is good. An all-day trip is not.

The only walking I do post-race is from country-to-country to get another drink! Preferably after I've spent an hour or so sitting and rehydrating with delicious, delicious margs at Cava del Tequila!

 

[Keke]

Ah! I see.

I'm really not sure. Bib pick-up is in a separate building from the expo (where the craziness happens), so maybe you could pick up the bibs, do the race and then go to the expo after for their t-shirts. I think the rules of who can pick up for who are different for the kids bibs (when you asked about picking up for others,I assume you meant adults).

Maybe try to call runDisney if you don't get an answer soon. Sorry I can't help more!

I called and talked to someone at RD. (However I'm a Disney travel agent and am quite aware that you can talk to ten cast members at Disney and get ten different answers. Part of me wants to call back again later just to see what I'm told the second time.) She said the person who registered the child has to be the one to pick up their bib. And she said they would be available at the expo on Saturday morning but she questioned my ability to pick them up and get to the race in 90 minutes. But like you said, I don't have to go into the expo itself for them. We can do that after the kids race. I still think I'll attempt to pick up my niece and nephew's bibs myself with their wavers on Friday and see what happens. It just seems silly to me to have such tight rules over an 8 year old participating in a fun run?!

 

[Ariel484]

I called and talked to someone at RD. (However I'm a Disney travel agent and am quite aware that you can talk to ten cast members at Disney and get ten different answers. Part of me wants to call back again later just to see what I'm told the second time.)

Truer words have never been...typed.

She said the person who registered the child has to be the one to pick up their bib. And she said they would be available at the expo on Saturday morning but she questioned my ability to pick them up and get to the race in 90 minutes. But like you said, I don't have to go into the expo itself for them. We can do that after the kids race. I still think I'll attempt to pick up my niece and nephew's bibs myself with their wavers on Friday and see what happens. It just seems silly to me to have such tight rules over an 8 year old participating in a fun run?!

I'm sure it's some sort of legality thing, if that's actually what the rule is - I think they've been tightening the pick-up rules to try to curb illegal bib selling. But yeah, totally try on Friday - the worst they can tell you is "no."



Here's a link to this year's program...I would imagine the location of the bib pick-up and kids races will stay the same for 2017. Just so you can get an idea of where things are: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/princess/2016/2016-princess-race-weekend-program.pdf

The bib pick-up is in the lower level of the HP Field House, while the Expo is in the Josten Center - the Josten Center and the upper level of the HP Field house (Dooney pick-up is located here) is where the s*** will hit the fan as far as crowds go, I think - assuming they keep this same set-up next year. I would THINK you'll be okay, if a little rushed, picking bibs up on Saturday.

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

I don't know how I'm going to actually be able to afford this trip Hotel rooms for one are pricier than splitting a hotel room with 2 people, and I didn't realize that the rooms would be so pricey- I guess it's a popular weekend! I could stay off site, but then I'd have to take Uber everywhere. I kind of wish I could cancel my registration now, now that my friend has backed out.

 

[bcarey2k]

I don't know how I'm going to actually be able to afford this trip Hotel rooms for one are pricier than splitting a hotel room with 2 people, and I didn't realize that the rooms would be so pricey- I guess it's a popular weekend! I could stay off site, but then I'd have to take Uber everywhere. I kind of wish I could cancel my registration now, now that my friend has backed out.

The sales will start in a few weeks. (Airfare is currently crazy too!!)

You also can probably still defer your registration, but I'd vote to make a new friend and roll on! Bring a non runner and convert 'em!

Brian

 

[Bree]

I don't know how I'm going to actually be able to afford this trip Hotel rooms for one are pricier than splitting a hotel room with 2 people, and I didn't realize that the rooms would be so pricey- I guess it's a popular weekend! I could stay off site, but then I'd have to take Uber everywhere. I kind of wish I could cancel my registration now, now that my friend has backed out.

Discounts should be coming soon! Here's the list of release dates for 2016.

http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/#2016

And yes, they jack up the rates just for this weekend. Nice, huh?

 

[keahgirl8]

The sales will start in a few weeks. (Airfare is currently crazy too!!)

You also can probably still defer your registration, but I'd vote to make a new friend and roll on! Bring a non runner and convert 'em!

Brian

Not sure deferrals are going to happen any more. I haven't personally called, but I have read more than one experience where someone was told by runDisney they were being phased out.

Discounts should be coming soon! Here's the list of release dates for 2016.

http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/#2016

And yes, they jack up the rates just for this weekend. Nice, huh?

Exactly...that being said, just try and wait for discounts! You might be surprised. They should be coming out soon.

 

[Ariel484]

Deferrals are gone.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Deferrals are gone.

What ???!!! So if someone gets sick (which we all know injuries happen, flu etc) Disney isn't offering deferrals ?

 

[Ariel484]

What ???!!! So if someone gets sick (which we all know injuries happen, flu etc) Disney isn't offering deferrals ?

Correct. Apparently there's race registration insurance coming at some point if you book hotel through runDisney. But they didn't have deferrals for DL Half weekend.

And there's not much we can do. It does say at registration that registrations are non-refundable...