Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[MRS AR]

I had a guy in a 5 k a couple if weeks ago said "your walk is faster than my run." I told him this us my run, lol. I'm not fast but I have finished 4 1/2 marathons and am training for a full in January. I'm trying to find a sept 1/2 so I can apply for 1/2 fanatics.

 

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

Can someone explain the 'magic mile' to me and how that works...can I still get an accurate time on a treadmill or do I have to run on a track?

 

[swimfly]

I probably missed this, but can anyone give a little advice on best resort to stay at for running in the marathon! Thx!!!

I'm assuming you mean the princess half (not January marathon) b/c of where you posted the question. I would first start with determining your budget and then where you want to stay. The trend seems to be towards POR-POFQ as the best moderate option. However, there's some debate regarding the best deluxe option. I personally prefer BC/YC b/c I can walk back to the resort from the finish. However, loads of people prefer the monorail resorts. It's truly a personal preference.

Can someone explain the 'magic mile' to me and how that works...can I still get an accurate time on a treadmill or do I have to run on a track?

Absolutely! You do not want to complete your MM on a treadmill. It is rare you will locate a treadmill calibrated correctly. You don't have to complete your MM on a track but it does need to be a measured route. You can use your car if you don't have a Garmin/GPS. While running, you want a strong but even pace. Be sure to regularly revisit the MM and average your pace (you can drop the lowest once you have accumulated 4).

 

[annmarieda]

I have been having shoe woes again... so I thought I would share my saga in case anyone else is considering new shoes....Had to replace my brooks pureflow that had been a great shoe for me.

Shoe #1 - I wanted to stay in the pure project line and since Pureflow 2 is out..and all that I could get in my size. I ordered it online despite the reviews of how the changes are affecting people. The box came very damaged and crushed. Not wanting to risk there being some damage to the shoe itself structurally, I returned to the store.

Shoe #2 - With a new pair of pureflow 2 in a size 7 1/2 I soon realized that it was not going to work. Too much slippage in the heel indicated they were way too big and I got blisters.

Shoe #3 - Exchanged the size 7 1/2 for a size 7. This seemed like a good idea until the heel again got blisters. Turns out the heel of the shoe is just a tad higher than the previous version and hits just right to give me blisters. Ran a 5 k race in them with my ankle literally bleeding and decided I needed a new shoe all together.

Shoe #4 - Given that all I have ran in really has been a minimalist shoe (except for last go round in the shoe hunt where I ran in a stability and got peroneal tendonitis), I was nervous to run in the mizuno wave rider 16. I tried it out and it was very light, but after I ran 18 miles in them, I was feeling pains in places I normally don't have pain... AND that tendon was acting picky. Plus my pace seemed unusual.

Shoe #5 - I think we may have a winner!! I have now ran just 10 miles in them... but no pains! no blisters! My pace seems to be what I would expect. They are not a minimalist shoe, but are really light and flexible. What shoe? The Adidas boost. I am rather excited about this shoe. Very comfy... good energy return... not horrible to look at... and the upper is more sock like than any other neutral I know of.

Anyone else trying these? They are flying off the shelves! The running store had just two womens left. My dh has been running in a mizuno wave rider 15 and thought to try on a boost. (he struggles with hip flexor pain) He liked it so much he got a pair... but they only have a few sizes for men left. Only a short run for him in them... but after the run... no hip flexor pain. Maybe us older folks need that extra cushion....

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I have been having shoe woes again... so I thought I would share my saga in case anyone else is considering new shoes....Had to replace my brooks pureflow that had been a great shoe for me.

Shoe #1 - I wanted to stay in the pure project line and since Pureflow 2 is out..and all that I could get in my size. I ordered it online despite the reviews of how the changes are affecting people. The box came very damaged and crushed. Not wanting to risk there being some damage to the shoe itself structurally, I returned to the store.

Shoe #2 - With a new pair of pureflow 2 in a size 7 1/2 I soon realized that it was not going to work. Too much slippage in the heel indicated they were way too big and I got blisters.

Shoe #3 - Exchanged the size 7 1/2 for a size 7. This seemed like a good idea until the heel again got blisters. Turns out the heel of the shoe is just a tad higher than the previous version and hits just right to give me blisters. Ran a 5 k race in them with my ankle literally bleeding and decided I needed a new shoe all together.

Shoe #4 - Given that all I have ran in really has been a minimalist shoe (except for last go round in the shoe hunt where I ran in a stability and got peroneal tendonitis), I was nervous to run in the mizuno wave rider 16. I tried it out and it was very light, but after I ran 18 miles in them, I was feeling pains in places I normally don't have pain... AND that tendon was acting picky. Plus my pace seemed unusual.

Shoe #5 - I think we may have a winner!! I have now ran just 10 miles in them... but no pains! no blisters! My pace seems to be what I would expect. They are not a minimalist shoe, but are really light and flexible. What shoe? The Adidas boost. I am rather excited about this shoe. Very comfy... good energy return... not horrible to look at... and the upper is more sock like than any other neutral I know of.

Anyone else trying these? They are flying off the shelves! The running store had just two womens left. My dh has been running in a mizuno wave rider 15 and thought to try on a boost. (he struggles with hip flexor pain) He liked it so much he got a pair... but they only have a few sizes for men left. Only a short run for him in them... but after the run... no hip flexor pain. Maybe us older folks need that extra cushion....

I'm DREADING this too! I am in the Pure Flows (1s) and don't like the reviews on the 2s. I have two pair though and I'm hoping they last a while with alternating. I may be able to grab another pair to stash away and that should get me through a bit longer. I really love minimal shoes though, so I was thinking of trying the Altra Torin.

 

[DVCFan1994]

I'm assuming you mean the princess half (not January marathon) b/c of where you posted the question. I would first start with determining your budget and then where you want to stay. The trend seems to be towards POR-POFQ as the best moderate option. However, there's some debate regarding the best deluxe option. I personally prefer BC/YC b/c I can walk back to the resort from the finish. However, loads of people prefer the monorail resorts. It's truly a personal preference.

Maybe you can clear this up for me. At what time can you walk back to your resort? Do they let you in to walk through Epcot prior to 9, or do you have to wait until then? If you start in an earlier corral (and I think I remember you've said you have started in A or B) what time do you start/finish? I know Elites go off first at 5:30, but what's the delay between corral starts? Only staggered starts I've done are triathlons, my last had 5 minutes between starts. Is that about right?

If you finish in around 2 hours, it's seems there'd still be a considerable wait to get into the park, though I'd much rather walk through my favorite park than get back on the bus! I am at BWV with family, so I've been curious about this. It's another reason (besides first half marathon nerves) I'm considering the race retreat. Somewhere "cushy" to stay while I wait for the park to open so I can go through. But if they let you through earlier , that reason needs to be crossed off my list. I just wish we could walk through to the start. Great warm up, and I hate the bus

 

[kappyfamily]

Hahaha, Nic. Got ya beat. Back in 2009 I got smoked by a dude in a manual wheelchair smoking a cigarette. He even made it into my finish line pic.

Haha that is awesome.

 

[mommy2lt]

I have been having shoe woes again... so I thought I would share my saga in case anyone else is considering new shoes....Had to replace my brooks pureflow that had been a great shoe for me.

Shoe #1 - I wanted to stay in the pure project line and since Pureflow 2 is out..and all that I could get in my size. I ordered it online despite the reviews of how the changes are affecting people. The box came very damaged and crushed. Not wanting to risk there being some damage to the shoe itself structurally, I returned to the store.

Shoe #2 - With a new pair of pureflow 2 in a size 7 1/2 I soon realized that it was not going to work. Too much slippage in the heel indicated they were way too big and I got blisters.

Shoe #3 - Exchanged the size 7 1/2 for a size 7. This seemed like a good idea until the heel again got blisters. Turns out the heel of the shoe is just a tad higher than the previous version and hits just right to give me blisters. Ran a 5 k race in them with my ankle literally bleeding and decided I needed a new shoe all together.

Shoe #4 - Given that all I have ran in really has been a minimalist shoe (except for last go round in the shoe hunt where I ran in a stability and got peroneal tendonitis), I was nervous to run in the mizuno wave rider 16. I tried it out and it was very light, but after I ran 18 miles in them, I was feeling pains in places I normally don't have pain... AND that tendon was acting picky. Plus my pace seemed unusual.

Shoe #5 - I think we may have a winner!! I have now ran just 10 miles in them... but no pains! no blisters! My pace seems to be what I would expect. They are not a minimalist shoe, but are really light and flexible. What shoe? The Adidas boost. I am rather excited about this shoe. Very comfy... good energy return... not horrible to look at... and the upper is more sock like than any other neutral I know of.

Anyone else trying these? They are flying off the shelves! The running store had just two womens left. My dh has been running in a mizuno wave rider 15 and thought to try on a boost. (he struggles with hip flexor pain) He liked it so much he got a pair... but they only have a few sizes for men left. Only a short run for him in them... but after the run... no hip flexor pain. Maybe us older folks need that extra cushion....

Just went and had my first "official" shoe fitting today and they put me in the Brooks adrenaline GTS 13. I am kinda nervous / excited to try them out tomorrow. My old shoes were just off the rack Nike's and besides shin splints really gave me no problem but I have already logged over 300 miles on them. I figured since I am needing to get serious about training for the GSC, I needed to get serious about shoes. Fingers crossed they work out !

 

[keahgirl8]

Just went and had my first "official" shoe fitting today and they put me in the Brooks adrenaline GTS 13. I am kinda nervous / excited to try them out tomorrow. My old shoes were just off the rack Nike's and besides shin splints really gave me no problem but I have already logged over 300 miles on them. I figured since I am needing to get serious about training for the GSC, I needed to get serious about shoes. Fingers crossed they work out !

I hope they work! I run in those!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm DREADING this too! I am in the Pure Flows (1s) and don't like the reviews on the 2s. I have two pair though and I'm hoping they last a while with alternating. I may be able to grab another pair to stash away and that should get me through a bit longer. I really love minimal shoes though, so I was thinking of trying the Altra Torin.

I should have stashed when I could. When I went to buy another pair of1s, there were NONE available in my size anywhere!!! The 2's are not too far off of the ones... but just slightly. The lat band is more narrow. The heel comes up higher. The little plastic piece that sits atop inside the fabric of the heel is more pronounced. (ultimately I wonder if this isn't at the core of my issue) The sole and everything else is pretty similar. I really really prefer minimal shoes. I like the light weight... flexible feel... and sock like upper. These are important to me. I had thought about the Altra... but since I already was in a return/exchange cycle and the store didn't carry them.. I figured it best to work within what they have. I am happy though... the boost seem to meet all my requirements... light weight, flexible and the upper is maybe even better than my frees. Oh...and they have cushion. I do need that too. Which is why the pureflow worked well for me over my frees.

Just went and had my first "official" shoe fitting today and they put me in the Brooks adrenaline GTS 13. I am kinda nervous / excited to try them out tomorrow. My old shoes were just off the rack Nike's and besides shin splints really gave me no problem but I have already logged over 300 miles on them. I figured since I am needing to get serious about training for the GSC, I needed to get serious about shoes. Fingers crossed they work out !

I know people like the adrenaline. Good luck! Personally, I like the pure project line... but brooks make great shoes!!! My only suggestion (and this comes from a VERY picky shoe person... I mean.... returned 4 shoes this time round) if you get shin splints from them... return! you shouldn't run in anything that causes you injury or pain. I pay close attention and if I notice any unusual pain during the few few runs... back they go!

 

[mommy2lt]

Well, sadly the Adrenaline's are not going to work for me
I couldn't even run a full mile in them because it felt like my foot was breaking. They feel almost like they are forcing me to run on the outside of my foot. Back to the store they go

 

[swimfly]

Maybe you can clear this up for me. At what time can you walk back to your resort? Do they let you in to walk through Epcot prior to 9, or do you have to wait until then? If you start in an earlier corral (and I think I remember you've said you have started in A or B) what time do you start/finish? I know Elites go off first at 5:30, but what's the delay between corral starts? Only staggered starts I've done are triathlons, my last had 5 minutes between starts. Is that about right?

If you finish in around 2 hours, it's seems there'd still be a considerable wait to get into the park, though I'd much rather walk through my favorite park than get back on the bus! I am at BWV with family, so I've been curious about this. It's another reason (besides first half marathon nerves) I'm considering the race retreat. Somewhere "cushy" to stay while I wait for the park to open so I can go through. But if they let you through earlier , that reason needs to be crossed off my list. I just wish we could walk through to the start. Great warm up, and I hate the bus

Great question! I haven't stayed at BC/YC for the PHM. For the WDW marathon weekend, the waves are approximately 6 minutes apart. Think we started around 5:50. I finished right around 8am and then took pics with hubs and family. I was running the marathon the next day so we probably started heading back to the resort around 8:45. I was definitely at breakfast by 9:15 b/c we had ressies. We did have to have a ticket to walk through Epcot but I'm positive we were allowed to enter before 9am. There were tons of spectators in Epcot cheering the half finish. That's also assuming the 2014 PHM will follow the same course with having you run into/out of Epcot at the end instead of the 2011 course which you finished outside of Epcot in the parking lot. Honestly though even with a sub-2 hour finish time you won't feel like you are lounging around the finish line long.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I should have stashed when I could. When I went to buy another pair of1s, there were NONE available in my size anywhere!!! The 2's are not too far off of the ones... but just slightly. The lat band is more narrow. The heel comes up higher. The little plastic piece that sits atop inside the fabric of the heel is more pronounced. (ultimately I wonder if this isn't at the core of my issue) The sole and everything else is pretty similar. I really really prefer minimal shoes. I like the light weight... flexible feel... and sock like upper. These are important to me. I had thought about the Altra... but since I already was in a return/exchange cycle and the store didn't carry them.. I figured it best to work within what they have. I am happy though... the boost seem to meet all my requirements... light weight, flexible and the upper is maybe even better than my frees. Oh...and they have cushion. I do need that too. Which is why the pureflow worked well for me over my frees.

I decided to learn from your mistake and ordered ANOTHER pair to stash! I'm lucky (if that's what you want to call it) to need size 12's...so there are still some of the original PF 1s around in my size. They are fairly cheap (compared to when they first came out) so I just needed to bite the bullet and get some to put away.

 

[PrincessV]

I have been having shoe woes again... so I thought I would share my saga in case anyone else is considering new shoes....

Okay, I'm ready! (You know I'm always interested in shoe discussion! )

Shoe #5 - I think we may have a winner!! I have now ran just 10 miles in them... but no pains! no blisters! My pace seems to be what I would expect. They are not a minimalist shoe, but are really light and flexible. What shoe? The Adidas boost.

This is veeeery interesting... somewhere on Runner's World's site, they have a Find Shoes Similar To... thingie and I gave it a try using the PureFlows as a base, just for kicks. I figured it would tell me to try the PureFlow 2, but no - it suggested the Boost! Will you keep us posted on how they go for you? I'm stocked for a while, but fear I may be in the same boat when it comes time to replace my Pure Flows.

I may be able to grab another pair to stash away and that should get me through a bit longer. I really love minimal shoes though, so I was thinking of trying the Altra Torin.

I'd stash while you can! I like the Torin, but it felt nothing like my beloved Pure Flows at all.

Maybe you can clear this up for me. At what time can you walk back to your resort? Do they let you in to walk through Epcot prior to 9, or do you have to wait until then?

You can't walk through EP until it opens at 9am - and you'll need a park ticket to do so then. Defintiely don't count on that as a way to get to a hotel after the race unless you'll be in a late corral with a slow pace!

Well, sadly the Adrenaline's are not going to work for me
I couldn't even run a full mile in them because it felt like my foot was breaking. They feel almost like they are forcing me to run on the outside of my foot. Back to the store they go

I'm sorry. I was put in the Adrenaline the first time I was fitted - and had the EXACT same experience. Awful!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In case anyone's traveling to WDW before the race and planning some training runs - I'm freshly back and blogged my reviews of a couple routes through SSR! (Link below.) I definitely recommend the SSR/DTD combo to get some distance in.

 

[Figment1990]

Well, sadly the Adrenaline's are not going to work for me
I couldn't even run a full mile in them because it felt like my foot was breaking. They feel almost like they are forcing me to run on the outside of my foot. Back to the store they go

I spent quite a bit of time debating between the Adrenaline 13 and the Ghost 6 the last time I was at the running store. I ended up buying the Ghosts (which didn't work either), but I could tell the Adrenalines would feel the same way for me as they did for you. Too much stuff in the arch. The Ghosts, however, left the soles of my feet screaming for some reason. Too much cushioning? Not enough drop? Too much flexibility? Not sure. Since I can't find specs on the Ghost 6 anywhere, I took a chance. Oh well.... I have a very hard time finding a "stability" shoe that is more on the "neutral" side but which also has a significant heel drop AND doesn't rub my ankles the wrong way (I'm looking at you New Balance and Asics!)

I stocked up last week on my current shoes, and might place another order this weekend. Let's see.... how many will I need to get me to/through a 10k, W&D, Tink, and GSC???? That's 8 months and at least 600-700 miles of training I think. Sigh.... I wish I had my own personal cobbler....

When I hit the store next, I'm going to try the Addidas Boost and the Mizuno Precision. The Boost doesn't have as much of a heel drop as I'd like, but I'm going to check it out.

I second the Runner's World Shoe Finder tool. But I've found I can't rely solely on their recommendations - I have to look at the specs of what I like about a shoe that works for me, and then wade through all the specs in the "recommended" ones and then some. THEN after spending hours doing that, I spend hours in the store trying them on. Once I find ones that "feel" right, I get 'em, take them home, and do a VERY brief trial in them on my treadmill. I can usually tell within a quarter of a mile if they are going to hurt my legs/feet/knees but wow the process is such a PAIN!

 

[annmarieda]

Well, sadly the Adrenaline's are not going to work for me
I couldn't even run a full mile in them because it felt like my foot was breaking. They feel almost like they are forcing me to run on the outside of my foot. Back to the store they go

I am sorry to hear that. It is ever so frustrating to go through shoes. I feel like such a nut bringing them back. I love the store I have been going to though. Awesome service. The gal doesn't even need to be told my size... she just knows (course, maybe she knows cause I make her get so many darn shoes out for me. ) She did say this last time though... when I told her how I watch for any unusual pain and return the minute I notice it. She mentioned when people run in pain she wonders..."ya think it might be your shoes?" This made me feel not so self conscious about returning.

Any thoughts on what shoe you may try? Let us know how it goes! I, like princessV, always like a good shoe discussion.

I decided to learn from your mistake and ordered ANOTHER pair to stash! I'm lucky (if that's what you want to call it) to need size 12's...so there are still some of the original PF 1s around in my size. They are fairly cheap (compared to when they first came out) so I just needed to bite the bullet and get some to put away.

That is so awesome you could get another pair stashed!!! I wish I had thought to do so when I had the chance. I just didn't realize that I would love the shoes so much. My dh read that if you rotate two pairs of shoes, they will last the same length of time that 3 pairs would last if running exclusively in them.

Okay, I'm ready! (You know I'm always interested in shoe discussion! )

You and me both!

This is veeeery interesting... somewhere on Runner's World's site, they have a Find Shoes Similar To... thingie and I gave it a try using the PureFlows as a base, just for kicks. I figured it would tell me to try the PureFlow 2, but no - it suggested the Boost! Will you keep us posted on how they go for you? I'm stocked for a while, but fear I may be in the same boat when it comes time to replace my Pure Flows.

That is interesting! I wonder if the 2s are not recommended cause...well, they are just not getting great reviews.

I will definitely keep you all posted on how the boost work out. So far most everything I liked about the pureflow 1's is in the Boost. (except the lat band.... I liked the thick lat band) however, the upper is very stretchy and hugs my foot nicely while giving it room to move...so maybe that makes up for it. I wish the heel to toe drop was a bit less, but so far during a 4 mile and a 6 mile run it did not feel like I had weights on my heels..thus making me heel strike. I also like that they should last a bit longer mileage wise. 8 miles tomorrow (assuming what ever tummy bug I have allows me to go out... 6 miles was a tad rough yesterday)

I stocked up last week on my current shoes, and might place another order this weekend. Let's see.... how many will I need to get me to/through a 10k, W&D, Tink, and GSC???? That's 8 months and at least 600-700 miles of training I think. Sigh.... I wish I had my own personal cobbler....

I think stocking up is a good thing. Why they have to always "improve" shoes... Course, I guess some shoes need improvement.

600 to 700 miles... if you were in a minimal shoe... that would be a LOT of shoes. That is one thing that has me a bit excited about the Boost. I may not have to rush out and buy a new pair in a couple months.

When I hit the store next, I'm going to try the Addidas Boost and the Mizuno Precision. The Boost doesn't have as much of a heel drop as I'd like, but I'm going to check it out.

You will have to post what you think of the Boost. It is funny you want more of a heel drop... I want less.

 

[PrincessV]

I have to look at the specs of what I like about a shoe that works for me, and then wade through all the specs in the "recommended" ones and then some. THEN after spending hours doing that, I spend hours in the store trying them on. Once I find ones that "feel" right, I get 'em, take them home, and do a VERY brief trial in them on my treadmill. I can usually tell within a quarter of a mile if they are going to hurt my legs/feet/knees but wow the process is such a PAIN!

I do exactly the same process, only by mail, since my local store rarely has anything I want.

I wanted to mention, too, for anyone who likes the Pure Flow and would consider going even more minimalist, I really like the Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris. They have the snug heel I like and the "hugging" feel I like in the upper, but with zero drop. Also, hardly any cushioning in the forefoot - which is why I can't use them for long distances. But they're roomy enough that I could put a plain ol' Dr. Scholls foam insert under the shoe's insert to gain some cushioning, so I plan on trying that.

I will definitely keep you all posted on how the boost work out. So far most everything I liked about the pureflow 1's is in the Boost. (except the lat band.... I liked the thick lat band) however, the upper is very stretchy and hugs my foot nicely while giving it room to move...so maybe that makes up for it. I wish the heel to toe drop was a bit less, but so far during a 4 mile and a 6 mile run it did not feel like I had weights on my heels..thus making me heel strike. I also like that they should last a bit longer mileage wise. 8 miles tomorrow (assuming what ever tummy bug I have allows me to go out... 6 miles was a tad rough yesterday)

Crossing my fingers and sending good thoughts - you deserve to find the Perfect Shoe!

 

[annmarieda]

I do exactly the same process, only by mail, since my local store rarely has anything I want.

I wanted to mention, too, for anyone who likes the Pure Flow and would consider going even more minimalist, I really like the Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris. They have the snug heel I like and the "hugging" feel I like in the upper, but with zero drop. Also, hardly any cushioning in the forefoot - which is why I can't use them for long distances. But they're roomy enough that I could put a plain ol' Dr. Scholls foam insert under the shoe's insert to gain some cushioning, so I plan on trying that.

Oh! I tried those... liked them... but thought there was not enough cushion. I never thought about adding an insert!

Crossing my fingers and sending good thoughts - you deserve to find the Perfect Shoe!

thanks That is sweet of you to say..

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

After only running in Asics Nimbus for years, I broke down and tried a pair of Brooks and they were ok, but I think they altered my gait some and made the backs of my knees hurt. All this talk about stocking up inspired me and I went on runningwarehouse and bought two pairs of my Nimbus 14's that I love. My husband was perplexed by this decision, but I knew you guys would understand!

 

[Figment1990]

After only running in Asics Nimbus for years, I broke down and tried a pair of Brooks and they were ok, but I think they altered my gait some and made the backs of my knees hurt. All this talk about stocking up inspired me and I went on runningwarehouse and bought two pairs of my Nimbus 14's that I love. My husband was perplexed by this decision, but I knew you guys would understand!

Of course! My family thinks I'm nuts too. I have FOUR of my current running shoe - one that I don't wear for running anymore, but can wear around the house or to the store, etc, one for running now which are almost done mileage-wise and TWO still in the box. What makes this even funnier is that I put little pen marks on the back of the shoes so I can keep them straight. DH and DS just