Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[disneyhorselover]

I would wait. Nowhere does it say you can't change twice but I do remember someone (here maybe?) getting that response back. Basically rd saying we have already changed your proof once- sorry- have a nice day.

Yikes! If anyone can confirm this I'd appreciate it!

I sent in one proof of time (that I am quite happy with), but have another half in 2 weeks so wanted to send that in if it was better, especially if the corral times will be drastically different this year.

(My fear is this: I sent in a proof of time that was a 1/2 in 2:10. With the old times that would put me in A. I'm worried that the new times could be <2:10 and I'll have missed a better corral by a second! (Of course, I have no idea if I'll be able to beat that time in 2 weeks anyways...probably not.) And really, at the end of the day, a corral or two difference doesn't really matter, it's a just a goal I kept in my head to keep me training for and running these other races so that's why I'm a little hung up on it :/

 

[PrincessV]

I would wait. Nowhere does it say you can't change twice but I do remember someone (here maybe?) getting that response back. Basically rd saying we have already changed your proof once- sorry- have a nice day.

Yikes! If anyone can confirm this I'd appreciate it!

Longhorns and I may be referencing the same thing, but I, too, remember hearing that someone tried and was denied. I'd wait.

 

[JamieLM]

Hi everyone, alittle off the subject, but does anyone know if Disney has any races in the month of October 2014?

 

[cewait]

I would definitely not send in more than one new proof if it can be avoided.

With regard to the new corral system, I think runners who had to submit proof under the old system are going to be happier, even if one or two corrals off. The corrals will be about one third the size of previous year’s races; 1000-1200 runners and less. Basically the front 1-2 corrals will be relatively small giving those with a high chance of earning AG hardware a better chance of not hitting a rolling roadblock. For the remaining sub 2:30-2:45 runners, the 1000-1200/ corral range. It is similar to the RnR style of corralling. After that, from what I am seeing, the corrals will grow in size just a little but still remain smaller than the historical Disney size.

I think folks will have a better chance of running an unencumbered race earlier as a result of these revisions. The proof will come up in 2 weeks at the ToT since is corralled following the newer thought process.

 

[cewait]

Hi everyone, alittle off the subject, but does anyone know if Disney has any races in the month of October 2014?

Tower of Terror... Or Tower of Terrer if you look at the spelling on the race program. October 3-4, 2014

 

[PrincessV]

I would definitely not send in more than one new proof if it can be avoided.

With regard to the new corral system, I think runners who had to submit proof under the old system are going to be happier, even if one or two corrals off. The corrals will be about one third the size of previous year’s races; 1000-1200 runners and less. Basically the front 1-2 corrals will be relatively small giving those with a high chance of earning AG hardware a better chance of not hitting a rolling roadblock. For the remaining sub 2:30-2:45 runners, the 1000-1200/ corral range. It is similar to the RnR style of corralling. After that, from what I am seeing, the corrals will grow in size just a little but still remain smaller than the historical Disney size.

I think folks will have a better chance of running an unencumbered race earlier as a result of these revisions. The proof will come up in 2 weeks at the ToT since is corralled following the newer thought process.

Coach, while you're here, may I run some corral strategy by you?

I'm almost exclusively a second-half racer, negative splits all the way. Which does not mean that I'm fast - what I am is old, and it always takes me the first half of longer distances for my old body parts to get in the groove. On top of it, I went into PHM this year not knowing how well a mostly recovered injury would hold up... and I'm about to be in the exact same situation for TOT soon. My strategy for PHM was to start in the corral I'd been assigned - C - but start in the very back and stick to the right side, as I planned to walk a good portion of the first few miles and see how things felt later in the race.

That worked really well for the most part - I didn't seem to be holding anyone up, despite my slow speed early on, and was able to find a decent amount of space to pass when I sped up considerably in miles 7 through 13. But I'm a little concerned about that approach with the new corral system, y'know? With less time between corral starts, and fewer people in each corral, I don't want to feel like I'm in the way of 5 corrals behind me in the early miles, but neither do I want to get stuck behind 5 corrals when I'm ready to speed up later. Any thoughts? I'm in G for TOT this year and I imagine I'll be similarly seeded (though a later corral, since there'll be more racers) for Donald and PHM.

 

[cewait]

Coach, while you're here, may I run some corral strategy by you?

I'm almost exclusively a second-half racer, negative splits all the way. Which does not mean that I'm fast - what I am is old, and it always takes me the first half of longer distances for my old body parts to get in the groove. On top of it, I went into PHM this year not knowing how well a mostly recovered injury would hold up... and I'm about to be in the exact same situation for TOT soon. My strategy for PHM was to start in the corral I'd been assigned - C - but start in the very back and stick to the right side, as I planned to walk a good portion of the first few miles and see how things felt later in the race.

That worked really well for the most part - I didn't seem to be holding anyone up, despite my slow speed early on, and was able to find a decent amount of space to pass when I sped up considerably in miles 7 through 13. But I'm a little concerned about that approach with the new corral system, y'know? With less time between corral starts, and fewer people in each corral, I don't want to feel like I'm in the way of 5 corrals behind me in the early miles, but neither do I want to get stuck behind 5 corrals when I'm ready to speed up later. Any thoughts? I'm in G for TOT this year and I imagine I'll be similarly seeded (though a later corral, since there'll be more racers) for Donald and PHM.

Interesting issue. Reminds me of my very last half IM where I was seeded in the old guy wave; just in front of the competitive 20 something’s. At the race announcements, the RD announced that due to lake conditions the times between waves was cut to 1/3. Panic city!

Sorry, I digressed. I would do exactly the same and start in the back of the assigned corral; or possibly one back. You are in the corral commiserate with your ability. You will not have but 4-5 minutes before the next wave starts to catch you. I do think I would start course left on the ToT to set up the first corner and then keep to a comfortable place on the clover leaf. The faster folks will try to hug the right side of the road in the cloverleaf and it does slope to the right. As I look at the street view of the clover leaf, you could slide up to the upper radius of the curve and find flat footing. It adds a few feet to the race but will keep you out of harm’s way. Once on Osceola, hug the left to take the bend out.

Hope this helps

 

[pixarmom]

Ugh - not good news about the updated proof of time denials. I ran the DL 10K last month with my family - and with all of the factors (crowds and starting in later corral, in particular) my time was several minutes slower than all my training runs. I'm running another 10K this weekend, with the hopes of updating my time on Saturday after the run. I'll report back and let everyone know how it goes - please wish me luck!

 

[PrincessV]

Sorry, I digressed. I would do exactly the same and start in the back of the assigned corral; or possibly one back. You are in the corral commiserate with your ability. You will not have but 4-5 minutes before the next wave starts to catch you. I do think I would start course left on the ToT to set up the first corner and then keep to a comfortable place on the clover leaf. The faster folks will try to hug the right side of the road in the cloverleaf and it does slope to the right. As I look at the street view of the clover leaf, you could slide up to the upper radius of the curve and find flat footing. It adds a few feet to the race but will keep you out of harm’s way. Once on Osceola, hug the left to take the bend out.

Hope this helps

It does, thanks! I started out faster last TOT and was on the inside right of that first cloverleaf... I was fine, speed-wise, but found myself looking longingly toward the left, lol!

 

[kappyfamily]

I would wait. Nowhere does it say you can't change twice but I do remember someone (here maybe?) getting that response back. Basically rd saying we have already changed your proof once- sorry- have a nice day.

Yep that was me! I gave my original estimate when I registered then sent in an update. I then improved my time again and when I re submitted it I got the response "we already have your placement". So now I wait until right before the deadline before I submit an improved time.

 

[longhorns2]

Meet-Up wanna-bes- check this out. Might be a slight change to the process to get in!

http://margaritasmilesandmouse.blogspot.com/2013/09/are-you-stalker-you-might-want-to-read.html

 

[pixarmom]

Yep that was me! I gave my original estimate when I registered then sent in an update. I then improved my time again and when I re submitted it I got the response "we already have your placement". So now I wait until right before the deadline before I submit an improved time.

Oh well, then my 10K on Saturday may just be for fun. Did you receive that response for the 2014 PHM, or was it for an earlier runDisney event? Just wondering if there is any chance I'll be able to submit a new time.

 

[fashionista311]

I would definitely not send in more than one new proof if it can be avoided.

With regard to the new corral system, I think runners who had to submit proof under the old system are going to be happier, even if one or two corrals off. The corrals will be about one third the size of previous year’s races; 1000-1200 runners and less. Basically the front 1-2 corrals will be relatively small giving those with a high chance of earning AG hardware a better chance of not hitting a rolling roadblock. For the remaining sub 2:30-2:45 runners, the 1000-1200/ corral range. It is similar to the RnR style of corralling. After that, from what I am seeing, the corrals will grow in size just a little but still remain smaller than the historical Disney size.

I think folks will have a better chance of running an unencumbered race earlier as a result of these revisions. The proof will come up in 2 weeks at the ToT since is corralled following the newer thought process.

Any guesses on what the front corrals will be like for Princess? I submitted a 53 min and change 10K...hoping that's fast enough to get me pretty close to the front

 

[cewait]

Any guesses on what the front corrals will be like for Princess? I submitted a 53 min and change 10K...hoping that's fast enough to get me pretty close to the front

I have no real idea until wee see Donald in a couple months

 

[disneyhorselover]

I have no real idea until wee see Donald in a couple months

Will princess corral times be the same as Donald? In the past it looked like each corral allowed more time than the non female oriented races...

 

[annmarieda]

I ended up sending another message to rd. now I feel even more frustrated and afraid for January (I know this is the phm thread... Originally I was going to be doing it... Then dh decided he would run to, but wanted a more manly race )

So after being more clear on what my question was - this is what the rep wrote back

"The verification process is in process, so I cannot answer your question regarding your proof of time.

With regard to race certification, that has to do with the race course being certified for distance; you ran 6.2 not 6 or 6.5. Measured courses are important but all will be USATF certified.

Timed races is the secondary request in that you are timed by race management and not self-timed.

Thank you for reaching out, and have a great day!"

I feel like the process may leave some who think they have submitted proper verification in a situation where they are sequestered to the last corral. I know I would have assumed mine was ok. It was ustaf sanctioned. It was chip timed... Had race officials. AND was accepted for the tower of terror race. It was only when I recently contacted the race director that I learned it was not certified. Had I not done that I would not have known and likely would have arrived on the day that bibs and waivers came out to find I had not been placed how I expected to be placed. I am almost sure my pot will be rejected... And what does the new rules state about that? Something about automatic last corral placement? Now- I am all for verification and proper corral placement. It has been a bit of a pet peeve with me actually when congestion occurs so close to the start. But shouldn't the process involve notification or time to appeal?

Anyway- just thought I would share the response I got. Maybe I am being too paranoid. Probably am. However, just to be sure.. I am registered for a ustaf certified race in mid October.

 

[jmasgat]

annmareida I understand your confusion because your latest response from RD is--in my opinion, not stated very well.

It would be clearer if they just said "races must be USATF certified and chip-timed". That covers both the distance aspect and the timing aspect. Right now their use of the word "certified" is vague--who gets to do the certification?. And they don't mention anything on their registration page about what is an acceptable method of timing.

I was curious and went to the USATF web site and saw this:

"What are USATF-Certified Courses?

A USATF-certified course is a road race course whose distance has been certified for accuracy."

Pretty straightforward definition. And now I know that my most recent 10k won't be certified because there was a short trail/path portion, so it's probably not considered a 100% "road race".

Having said this, I also think that since the whole RD process for verifying times is run by people--and will they all be using the same standard to vet times?

 

[cewait]

Retracted

 

[cewait]

Will princess corral times be the same as Donald? In the past it looked like each corral allowed more time than the non female oriented races...

No, they are not the same... But they are similar. My thoguths are that once we see how the Don packs the corrals, we will have a better idea on the PHM.

The most obvious differences are the non-male stacking of the front corrals and how many will be reserved for that purpose.

 

[pixarmom]

Hello runDisney Princesses! Just ran a (relatively) local 10K today and sent in my new time to runDisney in an attempt to update. We'll see how it goes. After the crowded DL 10K last month, I was able to take 10 minutes off my time - went from 1:03 at DL to 0:53 at a local USTAF certified course. No crowds and ran my regular pace - yay!

I know I may have to wait a few days to hear back from runDisney, so I'm still concerned about kappyfamily's experience. Really hoping they will let me update, since it's over two months before the December 1 deadline and a significant change in time.