Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[MRS AR]

GAH! So I got all excited to swap the WDW Half for the GSC, but runDisney says no: "Unfortunately, for our deferral policy you can only defer to the same
race you are registered for but the following year. If you would like
to do this, please let us know."

Really? Is this new? I KNOW people have deferred to another race entirely in the past.

Looks like you'll be doing both.

 

[PrincessV]

Looks like you'll be doing both.

IDK - maybe... I'll have to price it out and see what I can do. Maybe, if I only stay one night for the WDW Half and do so off-site on Hilton Honors points... I'd hate to spend my whole race worrying about getting back to my hotel with time to shower and check out before 11, though!

 

[JerzPrincess]

Ask for a late checkout. That's what I did last year at the Tinkerbell and they were more then helpful

 

[MRS AR]

IDK - maybe... I'll have to price it out and see what I can do. Maybe, if I only stay one night for the WDW Half and do so off-site on Hilton Honors points... I'd hate to spend my whole race worrying about getting back to my hotel with time to shower and check out before 11, though!

I was planning on asking for an extended check out after the marathon, but my DD said there was no way she was catching a plane home Sunday after running 26.2 so I guess I'm splurging a few more HH points for Sunday night.

 

[swimfly]

I was planning on asking for an extended check out after the marathon, but my DD said there was no way she was catching a plane home Sunday after running 26.2 so I guess I'm splurging a few more HH points for Sunday night.

Completely agree. Plus, you need to walk around WDW wearing your bling. It's the only marathon I know of where you don't look silly wearing your medal the next day!

 

[annmarieda]

Well, it is official. I won't be doing the phm in 2014

I guess I shouldn't be too sad. I am going to do the WDW half in January with dh. Since it will be his first half, I figured I should give him the choice of what one he wanted to do... and not surprising he picked the WDW half. We are both all registered! Interesting how the registration is different (I assume because of the 2014 changes). Very specific on how you had to give your qualifying time.... also had to list if this was my first half or not. I guess that is a good thing.... no more "faking" times. I do think they are gonna be checking.

I should be in for 2015 phm though. A friend and her dd are thinking they will want to do it... so I am sure I will be back for that one.

I plan to still hang out here though... I have made it over to the WDW marathon weekend thread... It just isn't full of princesses.

 

[AimKo]

Are there any resorts close enough to walk to the race start?

 

[PrincessV]

Well, it is official. I won't be doing the phm in 2014 ...

I plan to still hang out here though... I have made it over to the WDW marathon weekend thread... It just isn't full of princesses.

You are not alone - I was just about to post the same thing: I'm out on the 2014 PHM/GSC. Heard back from runDisney and it's a new policy for the DL Half and beyond - deferments can only be done to the same race the following year. Since I'm already out the money for Donald and truly cannot afford both in 2014, I'm sticking with the WDW Half.

I have to admit, I'm pretty annoyed with runDisney at this point. Bad enough, the ever-escalating prices, but I sort of feel duped by not having the information about GSC and the new deferral policy before registering for the WDW Half.

 

[Cripey]

Are there any resorts close enough to walk to the race start?

While I have no personal experience on this, I know I've read where people have opted to walk to the start of the WDW half (I think), which shares the same start at the Princess. I want to say it was from OKW, could have been others too...and was a route that some had figured out on their own over the years...not condoned by the Disney folks for sure. Honestly, as long as you are up early enough to be out at your resort's stop for the first bus, it should be a smooth, stress-free experience. Keyword here being EARLY though I've yet to have any problems using the race morning transportation.

You are not alone - I was just about to post the same thing: I'm out on the 2014 PHM/GSC. Heard back from runDisney and it's a new policy for the DL Half and beyond - deferments can only be done to the same race the following year. Since I'm already out the money for Donald and truly cannot afford both in 2014, I'm sticking with the WDW Half.

I have to admit, I'm pretty annoyed with runDisney at this point. Bad enough, the ever-escalating prices, but I sort of feel duped by not having the information about GSC and the new deferral policy before registering for the WDW Half.

Well, it is official. I won't be doing the phm in 2014

Sorry we won't be seeing yall at the PHM! I've definitely been reading in alot of places about irritation that the new GSC wasn't announced before WDW marathon weekend registration.

I've been second guessing my own registration plans in the last couple of days too. I hadn't planned on doing PHM again prior to the GSC announcement, but was definitely in for Tinkerbell and then was planning another non-race trip probably in April...a trip promised to a 12 year old. At this point, I'm gonna be REALLY hard pressed to do 3 trips that close together...I'm trying to figure out a way to skip the April trip and bring her with me on the PHM trip, but there's a few other things complicating that and I'll need to get her mother's thoughts too. My other option is to skip out on PHM/GSC all together and just stick with Tink and a spring trip, but we'll see. I'm really hoping I can make it work...she's signing up with her school's cross-country team in the fall so if I can make the PHM trip work with her included, I may see if she wants to do her first 10k at Disney! Unfortunately, all of this has to get worked out before registration next month!!!

 

[annmarieda]

You are not alone - I was just about to post the same thing: I'm out on the 2014 PHM/GSC. Heard back from runDisney and it's a new policy for the DL Half and beyond - deferments can only be done to the same race the following year. Since I'm already out the money for Donald and truly cannot afford both in 2014, I'm sticking with the WDW Half.

I have to admit, I'm pretty annoyed with runDisney at this point. Bad enough, the ever-escalating prices, but I sort of feel duped by not having the information about GSC and the new deferral policy before registering for the WDW Half.

That really stinks that you can't just apply your deferred registration to the one you would like.

I too can't afford to do both even though I would really like to... I was sure I was in for the gsc... It was going to be the first time I attempted back to back races like that. So between finances, old body and even time... I just can't afford it.

I agree with you on the costs too... and it isn't just rundisney increasing theirs. (or at least I dont think) In registering for the Donald, I got the DV discount... which I thought That brings it down to$145. Nope... active gets their fee too which was about $10. (didn't it use to be just $5?)

Well... on the bright side we will both be there at the donald.

Sorry we won't be seeing yall at the PHM! I've definitely been reading in alot of places about irritation that the new GSC wasn't announced before WDW marathon weekend registration.

I've been second guessing my own registration plans in the last couple of days too. I hadn't planned on doing PHM again prior to the GSC announcement, but was definitely in for Tinkerbell and then was planning another non-race trip probably in April...a trip promised to a 12 year old. At this point, I'm gonna be REALLY hard pressed to do 3 trips that close together...I'm trying to figure out a way to skip the April trip and bring her with me on the PHM trip, but there's a few other things complicating that and I'll need to get her mother's thoughts too. My other option is to skip out on PHM/GSC all together and just stick with Tink and a spring trip, but we'll see. I'm really hoping I can make it work...she's signing up with her school's cross-country team in the fall so if I can make the PHM trip work with her included, I may see if she wants to do her first 10k at Disney! Unfortunately, all of this has to get worked out before registration next month!!!

As sad as I am to miss the gsc, I will be happy to support dh in his first half. The donald will be a much better fit for him. So as much as it stinks for those who picked the donald before knowing about the gsc... I registered with my eyes wide open. I know what I will be missing. Maybe for 2015...

I hope you get your plans worked out. That has got to be a tad frustrating! So you might do the tink and then the phm? All issues of money and time aside, I am not sure I have it in me to run a half in both January and February. As much as I would love to.

 

[Cripey]

I hope you get your plans worked out. That has got to be a tad frustrating! So you might do the tink and then the phm? All issues of money and time aside, I am not sure I have it in me to run a half in both January and February. As much as I would love to.

Yep, I may do both...I did this year and didn't have a problem and I've done DL and Wine & Dine fairly close together (before they moved W&D to the last weekend of the festival ...I'm still mad about it ) But, I didn't intend on doing it again in 2014 until they mentioned GSC. I don't want to drop Tink because I got in on the inagural for that one and I wanted to see if I could do it at least 5 years straight to see if they do anything like they did for "Perfect Princesses" this year. I need to figure something out soon though, because it's stressing me out!

 

[hpygrll]

Hi Everyone

My husband and I will be doing the 10K and the Half this year! We are so excited. It will be our first Half Marathon. Already have our reservations at OKW for the weekend.

Speaking of..I read that DVC members also get early registration for the race. Will that be the same day as the Disney Visa? (we have that too - so I'm happy to use whatever gets me regsitered!)

Thanks all!
Jenny

 

[cewait]

Are there any resorts close enough to walk to the race start?

Yes, one can walk from either OKW or POR to the start. Take care as the roadway (Bonnet Creek) is used by cast members who may still be asleep and are forced to use alternative paths to work. There is a cast member entrance on Vacation Club Way just before the main entrance (a bus stop is also located there). Likewise, there is a maintenance road form POR to the same spot on Vacation Club Way.

As word of caution, Disney has started to put language in the program suggesting this is not a great idea to walk from these resorts. So, you are kind of on your own in the event the Mouse squelches this. I would think that there are enough folks making this walk that it would be hard to enforce without stronger language in the program.

Good Luck

 

[hollypoast]

Quick question for experienced Disney runners…

This will be my first 10k. I am considering do one in September for practice and so I have a time to submit. Is it better to submit ANY time over nothing? Meaning, if I simply finish the 10k in September in the allotted time is it worth submitting or will I still be in the last corral anyway?

This is kind of a bucket list thing for me so I simply want to finish in the allotted time limit. However, I have already started training so I hope to be in good enough shape so I can do a 10-12 minute mile to allow for stopping for photo ops, etc.

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

 

[cupcakegoddess13]

I agree, I never understood the whole breaking in thing...if I'm in the right shoe, it never feels better than straight out of the box! But definitely until you know, I wouldn't wear them for the first time on race day . Now I want new shoes!

Thanks to everyone who suggested that I get fitted at a running store. I went by today and the guy there was so helpful! I apparently over-pronate so he suggested a stability shoe. I tried some Pearl Izumi's and bought them. They feel completely different from my other shoes. I'm excited to try them out tomorrow on my run!

He also thought that I might be over-training based on the amount of time that I'm running every week. I might scale it back a bit after my 5K.

 

[11point5]

Well, it is official. I won't be doing the phm in 2014

I was just about to post the same thing: I'm out on the 2014 PHM/GSC.

SO MUCH SAD NEWS ALL IN ONE DAY! I'm really sorry to hear you two won't be at PHM/GSC next year. But it's nice that you both still have other runDisney events to look forward to for 2014! And I'm super impressed (and glad!) that you're gonna be able to stay and hangout on this board without getting all sad about sitting out the 2014 PHM! I don't think I could do that! After about 2 days of reading other people's posts I'd probably be desperately coming up with ways to get PHM back in my plans!

(....I'm secretly hoping this might happen for both of you!!)

 

[Cripey]

Thanks to everyone who suggested that I get fitted at a running store. I went by today and the guy there was so helpful! I apparently over-pronate so he suggested a stability shoe. I tried some Pearl Izumi's and bought them. They feel completely different from my other shoes. I'm excited to try them out tomorrow on my run!

He also thought that I might be over-training based on the amount of time that I'm running every week. I might scale it back a bit after my 5K.

glad to hear it! If it's the right shoe for you, you'll be amazed at the difference! But if something doesn't feel right after a few runs, don't be afraid to take them back and try something else. You'll sometimes get a different opinion on what you need depending on the person helping you...which can sometimes be frustrating But it's worth it in the end to get matched with the right shoe...until the brand decides it needs to tweak them one year...oh, don't even get me started!!

 

[swimfly]

Are there any resorts close enough to walk to the race start?

Yes. OKW and POR. However, I really wouldn't do it. We stayed or POR in the past and it's truly frightening to see the runners dodge out in front of your car. If it's a wet day, you'll start the race with soggy shoes as there's a ditch you traverse.

active gets their fee too which was about $10. (didn't it use to be just $5?)

It's not a flat rate but a percentage. Think it was like $70 active.com fee when I registered for the Dopey.

Speaking of..I read that DVC members also get early registration for the race. Will that be the same day as the Disney Visa? (we have that too - so I'm happy to use whatever gets me regsitered!

Yes. Usually the same day as AP which is the day before Disney Visa.

As word of caution, Disney has started to put language in the program suggesting this is not a great idea to walk from these resorts. So, you are kind of on your own in the event the Mouse squelches this. I would think that there are enough folks making this walk that it would be hard to enforce without stronger language in the program.

Completely agree with this. I wish they would start enforcing it.

Is it better to submit ANY time over nothing? Meaning, if I simply finish the 10k in September in the allotted time is it worth submitting or will I still be in the last corral anyway?

Submitting any time is better than nothing. The last corral is the absolute pits if you plan to start out running. You'll be weaving and dodging for miles.

Thanks to everyone who suggested that I get fitted at a running store. I went by today and the guy there was so helpful! I apparently over-pronate so he suggested a stability shoe. I tried some Pearl Izumi's and bought them. They feel completely different from my other shoes. I'm excited to try them out tomorrow on my run!

Hooray! So glad you found your shoe. Remember to head back to the store and provide feedback if something doesn't feel right.

 

[fashionista311]

Quick question for experienced Disney runners…

This will be my first 10k. I am considering do one in September for practice and so I have a time to submit. Is it better to submit ANY time over nothing? Meaning, if I simply finish the 10k in September in the allotted time is it worth submitting or will I still be in the last corral anyway?

This is kind of a bucket list thing for me so I simply want to finish in the allotted time limit. However, I have already started training so I hope to be in good enough shape so I can do a 10-12 minute mile to allow for stopping for photo ops, etc.

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

I would definitely submit a time...*especially* if you are planning for 10-12 min/miles. But regardless, unless you are at a 16 min/mile, you def will not be in the last corral, so you might as well submit a time

 

[DVCFan1994]

Thanks to everyone who suggested that I get fitted at a running store. I went by today and the guy there was so helpful! I apparently over-pronate so he suggested a stability shoe. I tried some Pearl Izumi's and bought them. They feel completely different from my other shoes. I'm excited to try them out tomorrow on my run!

He also thought that I might be over-training based on the amount of time that I'm running every week. I might scale it back a bit after my 5K.

I'm glad you were able to get help at the running store. I am also an overpronator, and getting stability shoes helped me a lot. Unfortunately my shoes, which I loved, got a "makeover" for the latest model and they are not as good for me. Ugh. At least my running store was able to help me find another good pair.

I would definitely submit a time...*especially* if you are planning for 10-12 min/miles. But regardless, unless you are at a 16 min/mile, you def will not be in the last corral, so you might as well submit a time

Is there anywhere that lists corrals and their qualifying times? I assume it changes year to year, but is there a general range for the corrals? And how many are there? I won't be in the front couple I'm sure, but I'd like to know how fast I have to get avoid being in the last couple. My best 5k was just under 27 minutes, so 9ish minutes a mile, but I have no idea how ill hold up at longer distances. The most I've run is four miles and that was closer to 10/mile. I fear it'll keep going up as I add distance. I'd like a goal to aim for. I want to enjoy the experience and take pictures, it will be my first half, so anything will be a PR!!! But the earlier I start I hope the more time Ill have to savor the experience. I'm also running the PHM with my faster little sister, so clearly I need to keep up with her.