Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[PrincessV]

Do those who have done the race and gotten the retreat really think it is worth it?

Yes and no... for my first PHM experience, it was worth it to know I'd have shelter if we had inclement weather, access to porta-potties, and a quick bag check. As it turned out, we had fine weather, the lines for the non-RR porta-potties didn't look so bad, and neither did the bag check lines. In the end, I'm glad I got it because it assuaged a lot of pre-race anxiety. But I won't be getting it again; if weather looks dicey, I plan to drive to the races and hang out in my car until I have to get into my corral.

 

[swimfly]

Do those who have done the race and gotten the retreat really think it is worth it?

Ditto PP! It all depends on the weather. Was it worth it in 2010 WDW marathon weekend when it snowed at the start and the water stops were all iced over.... YES! Any other time nope. I added it for Dopey b/c I'll be getting up 4 days in a row at 3am but don't plan to add it for GSC.

 

[PrincessV]

Ditto PP! It all depends on the weather. Was it worth it in 2010 WDW marathon weekend when it snowed at the start and the water stops were all iced over.... YES! .

THAT is exactly why I got RR for Princess, lol! I wasn't racing, but I was out and about at WDW the morning it snowed. Crazy!

 

[DVCFan1994]

Yes and no... for my first PHM experience, it was worth it to know I'd have shelter if we had inclement weather, access to porta-potties, and a quick bag check. As it turned out, we had fine weather, the lines for the non-RR porta-potties didn't look so bad, and neither did the bag check lines. In the end, I'm glad I got it because it assuaged a lot of pre-race anxiety. But I won't be getting it again; if weather looks dicey, I plan to drive to the races and hang out in my car until I have to get into my corral.

It will be our first half. We will have done some 5ks and 10ks by then, but no halfs. And the ones we do will all be small and less hectic. I was thinking mostly of the unknowns, and the retreat providing some lower anxiety about the unknowns, just as you referred to. I did my first triathlon last summer and I was very anxious ahead of it about what it would be like in the morning waiting for 2 hours. I had no idea what to expect and I don't like that. I'm a bit of a control freak My sister is even worse than me, so thats why I thought it would be great for her too. My race was cold and rainy to start, so I wish I'd had a warm place to relax ahead. Of course I was just waiting to jump in a cold lake and swim, so it would just have been putting off the inevitable.

Sounds to me like it worked okay for you for the reasons I am concerned with. I just hope I can swing it for both of us! Thanks for the reply!

 

[joanzie72]

I am not going to be a very happy camper if what I heard is true at work. I work for an agency that provides preschool and early child education. teachers have Christmas break however the office staff, me included in that group, don't. I am fine with that. But today I heard from our secretary that everyone going to have to take vacations when breaks happen and you must use your vacation time. I have been planning on going to Disney in February and running the Princess half. I do not have enough vacation time to take 1 1/2 weeks off at Christmas and then take another 1 1/2 weeks off in Feb. In fact I have been taking days off without pay these last few snow days so I wouldn't have to burn my vacation time. Guess it yet another reason for me to start looking for a new job.

 

[cupcakegoddess13]

Awesome and Congratulations!!! I'm not a fast runner either, I just get satisfaction from knowing I didn't have to stop and walk . You sound like you're well on your way to more races!

I actually do a run/walk combo, otherwise I would not be able to do this. I'm going to work on increasing my running time in the near future.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Way to finish under your goal, too!!!

My goals for races are threefold: 1. show up 2. not be last, or at least finish before the guy who picks up the portapotties 3. finish with enough in me so that I want to do more races. Especially the ones that have the cute T-shirts and/or pretty medals.

Go you!!!! Keep up the great work!!!

I would love to do a race with cute shirts and medals! This one was very small. Your goals are great!

Awesome job!!! Unless you're an elite runner, this sport is all about meeting your personal goals not beating anyone else. And you did!! Congrats on doing great in your first 5k!!

Thanks! I was worried about my pacing before the race and if I would be last/if I would get in the way of faster runners, etc, but I shouldn't have worried. Once I found my groove, it was all good!

Woohoo! Are you addicted now?!?!? So proud of you. It's all about being a supportive, loving, community not so much about times!

I don't know if I'm addicted to the races yet, but I'm definitely addicted to running. This was a very small race (about 200 people) in my hometown. I would really like to get the experience of a larger race (before the PHM).

Congratulations!! No matter what time you finish in, you're still finishing, and that's better than not starting! Good job

Amen!

Thanks everyone for all of your encouragement and support! It means the world to me!

 

[afnaechiquita]

She means $440 for both Tink and GSC. GSC is rumored to be around $265.

Oh that makes much more sense now. And much more doable. I was about to start writing letters

 

[afnaechiquita]

Do those who have done the race and gotten the retreat really think it is worth it? I will hopefully be doing the GSC. My sister will be doing the PHM with me. I was thinking of getting her the retreat and surprising her with it for Christmas or her birthday. But then obviously I'd have to get it for myself too Need to know its worth the cash when I'm already spending a small fortune. And any guess if I need to get it all on registration day? Does the retreat sell out? I was hoping to plunk down my expected $300 with fees for the GSC and then add the retreat later when my bank account has recovered...but don't want to miss the chance to sign up.

I've said this before in this thread but ill say it again: it's worth it and yet it should be changed to provide an area exclusively for runners. Another runner's family made me feel extremely uncomfortable sitting at a table because they had one person who couldn't sit at the table (I sat down first). I get everyone paid to be there, but runners should have priority. I know people want to be with their families, but maybe then RD needs to separate the areas.

That being said, it was invaluable to have a smaller area to meet my aunt after the race. We couldn't find each other in 2011 so getting the RR in 2012 was a big help. Second to that, the portapotties were great to have along with the shelter. The food was eh. We agreed to do it again.

We also added it on pretty late, maybe around December (I didn't register until November) so i wouldn't worry about timing.

 

[pilotwife_02]

So, early registration for AP holders is June 6. I have an AP, but this will be my first time doing early registration. Anyone know how it works? Will they e-mail us a link or do you just go to the AP page on MyDisneyExperience? I like to be prepared! Thanks!!

I have a question about the AP early registration. Can you register your team if the other person isn't an AP holder or can you only register yourself?

This is my first Disney race so I'm trying to prepare and figure out when we can register.

Thanks!

 

[Cripey]

Happy to report I got the yesterday for the last minor detail I had to work out for the PHM/GSC trip and everything's a go My little buddy from the Expedition Everest finisher pic in my signature below will be returning with me to participate in the 10k! She's joining her school's cross country team in the fall too so hopefully that will help her prepare some. We can't wait to start planning our outfits!

So, I asked last week about the Moving Comfort bras...how the Juno required you to be a contortionist to get into it and all...well I returned it for the Fiona and I have to say I'm not quite a fan. It was comfortable and when I first put it on I thought it was going to be a winner, but about 15 minutes into kickboxing last night I knew I didn't like it. It's like it stretched out or something once it got sweaty. I thought I might give it one more shot and put it on a tighter hook in the back and see if that helps...but I also didn't like how thin it was. It's a little, um, unflattering shall we say, to walk into a chilly gym wearing it, KWIM? So, I may be back to the drawing board. Any other suggestions other than the Juno or Fiona that really holds 'em down?

 

[PrincessV]

It will be our first half. We will have done some 5ks and 10ks by then, but no halfs. And the ones we do will all be small and less hectic. I was thinking mostly of the unknowns, and the retreat providing some lower anxiety about the unknowns, just as you referred to. I did my first triathlon last summer and I was very anxious ahead of it about what it would be like in the morning waiting for 2 hours. I had no idea what to expect and I don't like that. I'm a bit of a control freak My sister is even worse than me, so thats why I thought it would be great for her too. My race was cold and rainy to start, so I wish I'd had a warm place to relax ahead. Of course I was just waiting to jump in a cold lake and swim, so it would just have been putting off the inevitable.

Sounds to me like it worked okay for you for the reasons I am concerned with. I just hope I can swing it for both of us! Thanks for the reply!

Yep, I felt EXACTLY the same way going in - plus, I'm not an early morning person. The RR was very helpful to me. Honestly, if you can swing the cost, I definitely recommend it for first-timers prone to anxiety!

I don't know if I'm addicted to the races yet, but I'm definitely addicted to running.

I just love this statement! Way to go!

Happy to report I got the yesterday for the last minor detail I had to work out for the PHM/GSC trip and everything's a go My little buddy from the Expedition Everest finisher pic in my signature below will be returning with me to participate in the 10k! She's joining her school's cross country team in the fall too so hopefully that will help her prepare some. We can't wait to start planning our outfits!

Hooray! I love that your buddy will be joining you again - good for her!

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

Happy to report I got the yesterday for the last minor detail I had to work out for the PHM/GSC trip and everything's a go My little buddy from the Expedition Everest finisher pic in my signature below will be returning with me to participate in the 10k! She's joining her school's cross country team in the fall too so hopefully that will help her prepare some. We can't wait to start planning our outfits!

So, I asked last week about the Moving Comfort bras...how the Juno required you to be a contortionist to get into it and all...well I returned it for the Fiona and I have to say I'm not quite a fan. It was comfortable and when I first put it on I thought it was going to be a winner, but about 15 minutes into kickboxing last night I knew I didn't like it. It's like it stretched out or something once it got sweaty. I thought I might give it one more shot and put it on a tighter hook in the back and see if that helps...but I also didn't like how thin it was. It's a little, um, unflattering shall we say, to walk into a chilly gym wearing it, KWIM? So, I may be back to the drawing board. Any other suggestions other than the Juno or Fiona that really holds 'em down?

Yay, glad you're going to make it!

I'm using the Moving Comfort Rebound Racer. It has the velcro shoulder straps and is a racer back. I think I bought one size too small because it is pretty tight, but that's my own fault and I continue to expect to lose weight so it might fit right one day. Still, it's pretty good and I like it. I do double up with one sports bra + a tank with a built in shelf whenever I run. The tank with a shelf gives just a little extra support plus sucks in my gut a bit AND keeps the cold gym effect from being so obvious. Sometimes I wear a tech shirt on top and sometimes I don't.

Good luck finding your perfect fit sports bra. Ha, if "Perfect Fit" isn't a bra company name yet, it sure should be!

 

[TMcDwyer]

Happy to report I got the yesterday for the last minor detail I had to work out for the PHM/GSC trip and everything's a go My little buddy from the Expedition Everest finisher pic in my signature below will be returning with me to participate in the 10k! She's joining her school's cross country team in the fall too so hopefully that will help her prepare some. We can't wait to start planning our outfits!

So, I asked last week about the Moving Comfort bras...how the Juno required you to be a contortionist to get into it and all...well I returned it for the Fiona and I have to say I'm not quite a fan. It was comfortable and when I first put it on I thought it was going to be a winner, but about 15 minutes into kickboxing last night I knew I didn't like it. It's like it stretched out or something once it got sweaty. I thought I might give it one more shot and put it on a tighter hook in the back and see if that helps...but I also didn't like how thin it was. It's a little, um, unflattering shall we say, to walk into a chilly gym wearing it, KWIM? So, I may be back to the drawing board. Any other suggestions other than the Juno or Fiona that really holds 'em down?

What is PHM?

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

What is PHM?

PHM = Princess Half Marathon

 

[fashionista311]

Is it time to sign up yet?? I've never been so anxious to part with my monies

Am I crazy for wanting to attempt this 5 months after having a baby? It might be crazy enough going to Disney with a 4yo, almost 2yo and 5mo....

I just really want to have a goal and do something just for me after this surprise baby arrives. Running through Cinderella's castle sounds amazing.

I think it depends on what kind of pregnancy you have and the fitness base you come from. If you are already a seasoned runner, and you have an easier pregnancy, you should be able to run or at least run/walk through pregnancy as long as you get the go ahead from your doctor (and def make sure your doctor is experienced in treating runners!). Just be prepared to slow waaayy down and go by your heart rate - I remember Deena Kastor said in an interview she was running about a 11 min/mile pace right before her baby was delivered. And that's a woman whose marathon PR pace is a 5:19 min/mile pace!

If you're a new runner, I think it's probably best to start running post pregnancy - although of course you stay active during pregnancy!

Again, post pregnancy, it kind of depends on the women and type of delivery when you can start working out and getting back in the swing of things. 5 months should be enough time to get into shape, but if you end up having complications (which of course I hope nothing but the best for you!) ,that could require longer recovery time, which will cut training time short, etc.

I would sign up for it, but I would have an "out" - i.e. don't book anything that's not refundable (plane tickets, nonrefundable hotel rooms, etc), until you see how it goes.

The runners world womens forum has a wealth of information from women who either have just had their baby, just found out they are pregnant, or trying to conceive..def check it out!

Do those who have done the race and gotten the retreat really think it is worth it?

I ran the princess race a few years ago when it was chilly (although once you got going, it was perfect running weather!), and I didn't regret not having the race retreat at all. My family all participated in the event, but we all had different finishing times. I was the earliest, so I just used running tracking to keep an eye on when they were all expected to come in, and then we all met up in family reunion. In the meantime, I just kept myself amused by waiting in line to take photos with all the various princesses they had in the post race finish area! I'm planning on glass slipper, and there's no way I'm doing the race retreat. I'd rather spend that money eating/drinking around the world post race with my bling

 

[swimfly]

Is it time to sign up yet?? I've never been so anxious to part with my monies.
I'd rather spend that money eating/drinking around the world post race with my bling

Right there with you looking forward to registering and planning my girl's weekend with my mom and daughter.

Psssst... I think you offer great advice.

 

[MRSBLONDIEWIFE]

Hi Everyone!

Needing help on how to register on June 6th.

I DO have a Disney World AP. ( I also have a Disneyland AP and VISA).

This is all so GREEK to me... I do think I have to call (what number?) to do preregistration on the 6th: I just got my WDW AP this week. Only prob is I have no idea where to call?! Does anyone have a number?

Also, if there is preregistration for Visa holders where do I go for this? My sis will be joining me.

THanks for your help! Have to say these boards ROCK!! Can't believe I have never seen this before!!!

 

[TMcDwyer]

Hi Everyone!

Needing help on how to register on June 6th.

I DO have a Disney World AP. ( I also have a Disneyland AP and VISA).

This is all so GREEK to me... I do think I have to call (what number?) to do preregistration on the 6th: I just got my WDW AP this week. Only prob is I have no idea where to call?! Does anyone have a number?

Also, if there is preregistration for Visa holders where do I go for this? My sis will be joining me.

THanks for your help! Have to say these boards ROCK!! Can't believe I have never seen this before!!!

From what I understand if they offer early registration to anyone (DVC, AP, Visa) it will be sent out via e-mail.

 

[swimfly]

Hi Everyone!

Needing help on how to register on June 6th.

I DO have a Disney World AP. ( I also have a Disneyland AP and VISA).

This is all so GREEK to me... I do think I have to call (what number?) to do preregistration on the 6th: I just got my WDW AP this week. Only prob is I have no idea where to call?! Does anyone have a number?

Also, if there is preregistration for Visa holders where do I go for this? My sis will be joining me.

THanks for your help! Have to say these boards ROCK!! Can't believe I have never seen this before!!!

AP Option: Since you have the new RFID card you will need to call runDisney on 6/6. The new cards cannot register on the Passholder Landing site. If you are already registered on the site b/c of your DL AP, go to My Disney Experience - Annual Passholders - Select Events Special Offers - Select "Early Registration RunDisney" - The registration button will turn orange when it's active.

Disney Visa: Login to your account and look under cardmember benefits. You will see your last 4 of your Visa number as your verification code for $10 off. Assuming it's the same process as the WDW Marathon weekend in January.

Don't count on an email. I have yet to receive an email for AP or Disney Visa.

 

[MRSBLONDIEWIFE]

Thanks for the help!

My Disneyland AP does not have a link to any runs in WDW

(I did however see WDW AP section online, and it is WAY COOLER than Disneyland AP section).

Visa card only shows WDW Marathon weekend as an option. No early registration either. Though I have read whispers that there may be for VISA holders too...

SO my option is calling RUN DISNEY using the new WDW AP info which is all good with me.

Thanks for all your help!!