Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[jessanic]

I thought I'd introduce myself since I'll be following along. I just turned 35 years old and my gift to myself was registering for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I started running a little less than a year ago using the C25K program as a way to add activity to my Weight Watchers program. It was a huge struggle to get through those first few weeks but something clicked in the last couple of months and I now love running! Honestly, part of it is still my fascination with a former fat girl (lost 111 pounds in the last year with Weight Watchers) running, but a lot of it is just the feeling of empowerment I get! I realized last week that I was now up to running (okay, more jogging since I'm 4.5-5 mph) 4 miles at a time and my plan for completing a fourth 5K this year (first one was New Year's Day, then a Color Run and then the Castaway Cay 5K) was maybe not an ambitious enough goal. I was looking into doing a 10K with Run Disney, but those were all booked. I got the crazy idea that maybe I'd try for the half marathon and here I am!

I'll be doing a 10K in September here in Omaha to check my progress and to have a time to submit for a corral. I'm training slow and easy and have no goal other than to finish. I'll be running (well, alone with thousands of women) but my husband and 2 year old will be waiting for me at the finish line. I'm looking forward to chatting with you guys as we get ready and maybe meeting some of you there that weekend!

Jessica

 

[laura428]

For those who have run the PHM before: any thoughts on the best day to hit the Expo and pick up our race packets? My friend and I are planning on flying in sometime on the 20th, maybe earlier in the day.

Do commemorative items sell out quickly?

Is it an absolute madhouse on the 20th and 21st?

And how long are the lines for packet pick-up, anyway?

We're really not in a terribly hurry, but I'd like to plan around this so that we can get the most out of our weekend!

 

[11point5]

For those who have run the PHM before: any thoughts on the best day to hit the Expo and pick up our race packets? My friend and I are planning on flying in sometime on the 20th, maybe earlier in the day.

Do commemorative items sell out quickly?

I'm wondering about this too! I assume it will be SIGNIFICANTLY less horrible crowd-wise in 2014 since the expo will be at WWOS again instead of CSR, but you never know... From what I've read on the boards it sounds like unless you want a MAJOR limited edition item REALLY BADLY (like the purse or the shoes), you don't have to go at the crack of dawn on the first day and you might actually have better luck going mid-afternoon sometime.
I'm planning to fly in early on the 20th as well because I'm in school Mon-Thurs and I can't afford to take off more than the Thursday of that week (since I'll be missing the whole next week of school for Disney haha!) The only way I'm flying in on the 19th after school is if by some ridiculous miracle they announce free dining or something for arrivals on the 19th! (yeah right!) I can hope, right?

 

[LoveMyMoos]

For those who have run the PHM before: any thoughts on the best day to hit the Expo and pick up our race packets? My friend and I are planning on flying in sometime on the 20th, maybe earlier in the day.

Do commemorative items sell out quickly?

Is it an absolute madhouse on the 20th and 21st?

And how long are the lines for packet pick-up, anyway?

We're really not in a terribly hurry, but I'd like to plan around this so that we can get the most out of our weekend!

This year I went early. It opened on Friday(next year opening on Thursday with the 10k added) and I was there as soon as it opened. Getting bibs was not an issue, took me maybe 15 mins, and that was standing in 3 different lines, as I was getting my half packet and a friend's half and 5k packets. Even just 15 mins after it opened the Disney merch booth was a madhouse. I barely got what I went in for and stood in line to pay for a good 20 mins. And this was a light crowd from what I heard. By the time I'd checked out the was a long line just to get in to that booth. I heard it only got worse, but I did also hear that later in the afternoon things thinned out again. Based on this year, I prefer to go first thing in the am on the first day, which will be my goal next year.

Some of the commemorative items do sell out quickly, especially the "I Did It" shirts.

 

[laura428]

This year I went early. It opened on Friday(next year opening on Thursday with the 10k added) and I was there as soon as it opened. Getting bibs was not an issue, took me maybe 15 mins, and that was standing in 3 different lines, as I was getting my half packet and a friend's half and 5k packets. Even just 15 mins after it opened the Disney merch booth was a madhouse. I barely got what I went in for and stood in line to pay for a good 20 mins. And this was a light crowd from what I heard. By the time I'd checked out the was a long line just to get in to that booth. I heard it only got worse, but I did also hear that later in the afternoon things thinned out again. Based on this year, I prefer to go first thing in the am on the first day, which will be my goal next year.

Some of the commemorative items do sell out quickly, especially the "I Did It" shirts.

Hmmm, that's tough. Honestly, when it was just going to be me, I wasn't going to fly down until the 21st, but when my friend decided to join me, we thought it'd be fun to go a day earlier for a girls' Disney trip. But another day on top of that? I really would love those NBs, and absolutely want the "I Did It" shirt, but is it worth an extra night away from the fam, an extra day off work and the cost of an additional night in a hotel?

 

[mickeymom629]

Another question about the EXPO, how do the resort buses run? Does each resort have a bus to and from the EXPO?

 

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

Good Morning to you all you princessess in training Just got back from a training run and noticed something interesting..

...for the last few weeks ive been stuck training indoors on a treadmill because its been wicked humid here (like 95-97% humidity ) so this morning I decided that since its the first day in awhile it hasnt been ridiculously hot i'd do my 5 km run outside.

Well I did and man did I struggle. My breathing was so hard and I felt like I couldn't catch my breath..ive never had this issue when running on the treadmill indoors - I can run my 5 km with ease but this was tough...

Has anyone else found this? Im wondering if the weather was a factor - when I got home I checked the weather 71 degrees 65% humidity...so not too bad...? I also wonder though if I was running harder than I normally do on the treadmill. At least I can set my speed on the treadmill and maintain/track it with ease.

It doesnt help that my Garmin is all messed up so I cant even rely on that data right now...only bought it a month ago and every time I go to upload my runs it says corrupt file

Considering what I hot mess I felt like today I was only 10 sec/mile slower than normal despite not being to run anywhere near the run/walk intervals I normally use...any advice for my next outdoor run?

 

[afnaechiquita]

Good Morning to you all you princessess in training Just got back from a training run and noticed something interesting..

...for the last few weeks ive been stuck training indoors on a treadmill because its been wicked humid here (like 95-97% humidity ) so this morning I decided that since its the first day in awhile it hasnt been ridiculously hot i'd do my 5 km run outside.

Well I did and man did I struggle. My breathing was so hard and I felt like I couldn't catch my breath..ive never had this issue when running on the treadmill indoors - I can run my 5 km with ease but this was tough...

Has anyone else found this? Im wondering if the weather was a factor - when I got home I checked the weather 71 degrees 65% humidity...so not too bad...? I also wonder though if I was running harder than I normally do on the treadmill. At least I can set my speed on the treadmill and maintain/track it with ease.

It doesnt help that my Garmin is all messed up so I cant even rely on that data right now...only bought it a month ago and every time I go to upload my runs it says corrupt file

Considering what I hot mess I felt like today I was only 10 sec/mile slower than normal despite not being to run anywhere near the run/walk intervals I normally use...any advice for my next outdoor run?

Are you running on an incline on the treadmill? If not, I'd think maybe the issue was your outside run wasn't so flat, so your body needed to readjust to account for that. I always do at least a 1% incline on the treadmill to mimic real life.

There's also the fact that while treadmills CAN be our friends, they are far different from a real run outside in that during an outside run, you don't have a belt forcing your run.

I live in a climate that has high humidity year round, and while I'll do quick 3-4 mile runs on a treadmill if it's raining, I try to find the least humid times of day to get outside. And drink plenty of water.

Sorry that it was a bad run

 

[xCourxCorex]

I agree, probably the lack of incline on the treadmill vs hills/uneven pavement outside? Also I find it much harder to go slow outside .. Last week I did the treadmill three times but slower (4.5 speed) but outside I find I naturally go faster at like 5.5-6

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

I have been consistently running for the past year and a half but have stuck to the 5k to 10k distances. I have a 9.5-10 m/m pace at those distances. I've been thinking about training for a half for a while. There is a local race in November that I set as my goal but deep down I really wanted to "runDisney". My world revolves around my children and taking them to and supporting them in all their activities. I finally decided that I deserved to do something for me and the day registration opened for the Princess I did it! Reading this thread has been so inspiring and it's obvious there are many amazing women planning to run this race. I hope to meet some of you in February and thanks for letting me hang around. Sorry this post was so long. It's hard to express just how excited I am!

Welcome to the runDisney cult, ahem I mean team! It is such a great race and the atmosphere is supportive and fun.

As well you should be. Another WW member here. Down 120lbs in two years. It's amazing how we can change our lives and we are in total control of that! Congrats to you and your new body as it is and as it's soon to be!

Congratulations on your weight loss and fitness gains!

I'm not gaining but I'm not losing either. Ever since I upped my mileage this year I haven't been able to lose (and I have another 20 or so to lose). I contribute it to training, I think I'm hungrier with the miles I'm putting in.

I lost over 30 lbs last year, but plateaued around Halloween when the longer distance training started. I'm working hard to get the scale moving down again too.

I've been stalking all the local Best Buys waiting for them to get the Fitbit Flex in and when they finally did I snatched one up! It helps me to feel so much more motivated to train. It helps me keep track of everything and set goals for myself. It's great!

Good to hear. I've got some gift cards saved up on Amazon and keep debating about getting the Fitbit Flex. I'm going to have to break down and get it soon.

I thought I'd introduce myself since I'll be following along. I just turned 35 years old and my gift to myself was registering for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I started running a little less than a year ago using the C25K program as a way to add activity to my Weight Watchers program. It was a huge struggle to get through those first few weeks but something clicked in the last couple of months and I now love running! Honestly, part of it is still my fascination with a former fat girl (lost 111 pounds in the last year with Weight Watchers) running, but a lot of it is just the feeling of empowerment I get!

Welcome and congratulations on your amazing progress!

For those who have run the PHM before: any thoughts on the best day to hit the Expo and pick up our race packets? My friend and I are planning on flying in sometime on the 20th, maybe earlier in the day.

Do commemorative items sell out quickly?

Is it an absolute madhouse on the 20th and 21st?

And how long are the lines for packet pick-up, anyway?

I went around 1pm on Friday and packet pickup was almost empty. It was super easy and I had to go to a bunch of different booths to pick up bibs for me, my kids and a friend's commemorative items. Now, the actual shopping part of the expo was crazy. I think it was crazy all the time. I went twice (I forgot to advance register for Wine and Dine so I went back on Saturday around lunchtime and shopping was just as crazy).

Another question about the EXPO, how do the resort buses run? Does each resort have a bus to and from the EXPO?

They have special Mears buses that run from all the resorts. If they manage to get it back at WWoS, you can drive and park there. When we did packet pickup at WWoS for Expedition Everest, parking was super easy.

I finally got my 10k time under one hour today on a training run. I've got a 10k in six weeks that I hope to use for corral placement, so getting that under an hour is a huge goal for me. It's a nighttime trail run, so it still may not happen but I'm super happy to get the training run under an hour.

 

[Figment1990]

Does anyone have any insight into the kids races in Epcot? Like where? How long it takes? What time they need to be there? I signed my son up for the 400m dash on Friday morning (I'm running the GSC and wanted him to have a separate day). I think my DH is considering the 5k but we were hoping for more info on the kids race before he signed up for that.

TIA!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I lost over 30 lbs last year, but plateaued around Halloween when the longer distance training started. I'm working hard to get the scale moving down again too.


I finally got my 10k time under one hour today on a training run. I've got a 10k in six weeks that I hope to use for corral placement, so getting that under an hour is a huge goal for me. It's a nighttime trail run, so it still may not happen but I'm super happy to get the training run under an hour.

Ha! April, I just realized who you were on the DIS b/c I saw you mention this on FB! FANTASTIC that you got it under an hour!!! OMG, I'm worlds away from that just yet...or 6-8 minutes...which is the same as worlds away!

I lost 40 pounds last year and have plateaued all of 2013 as I've added in the miles. I'm sure part of it is b/c I'm pretty comfortable with myself now and not as good with logging my calories, but even when I'm vigilant the weight doesn't budge much...but I'm shrinking, so I think I'm losing fat but building muscle! Whatever works!

 

[mickeymom629]

They have special Mears buses that run from all the resorts. If they manage to get it back at WWoS, you can drive and park there. When we did packet pickup at WWoS for Expedition Everest, parking was super easy.

Thanks! I won't have a car, so I'm wondering how often the buses run (I will probably be staying at AKV).

 

[kappyfamily]

Thanks! I won't have a car, so I'm wondering how often the buses run (I will probably be staying at AKV).

Yep they will have one!

 

[IleneF]

I'm booked at POP too! Got a bit of a discount through a travel agent. She said she would have discounted tickets too sometime this month. Been a while since I have stayed here. Because we have a family trip scheduled for May/June wanted to limit expenses for this trip. Happy planning and training everyone!

Booked at POP too, also with TA. Getting excited already!

 

[IleneF]

Ran my first Half Marathon in Jamestown, RI today. Weather was almost perfect for a run: overcast, about 76 degrees, just a little humid as it was alongside a beach on an island. Was supposed to rain and was kind enough to hold off . My goal was to finish. Would be nice to finish under 3hrs. Official time not posted yet but looks like we finished about 2:45. VERY happy with that. Love my medal but more than the medal what it stands for. For me that is going out of my comfort zone, making the conscious decision to improve my health w wt.loss and exercise, having faith in my body to be strong and the endurance to see my commitment to the end. It's very empowering.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Ran my first Half Marathon in Jamestown, RI today. Weather was almost perfect for a run: overcast, about 76 degrees, just a little humid as it was alongside a beach on an island. Was supposed to rain and was kind enough to hold off . My goal was to finish. Would be nice to finish under 3hrs. Official time not posted yet but looks like we finished about 2:45. VERY happy with that. Love my medal but more than the medal what it stands for. For me that is going out of my comfort zone, making the conscious decision to improve my health w wt.loss and exercise, having faith in my body to be strong and the endurance to see my commitment to the end. It's very empowering.

Woohoo! That's great!

Overcast and 76 in July?! Sounds fantastic!

 

[laura428]

Ran my first Half Marathon in Jamestown, RI today. Weather was almost perfect for a run: overcast, about 76 degrees, just a little humid as it was alongside a beach on an island. Was supposed to rain and was kind enough to hold off . My goal was to finish. Would be nice to finish under 3hrs. Official time not posted yet but looks like we finished about 2:45. VERY happy with that. Love my medal but more than the medal what it stands for. For me that is going out of my comfort zone, making the conscious decision to improve my health w wt.loss and exercise, having faith in my body to be strong and the endurance to see my commitment to the end. It's very empowering.

Great job!

 

[gmakosy]

Congratulations on completing the half marathon, and to everyone with their training goals. I'm usually pretty quiet and just like to read what everyone is talking about, not to mention I've just stumbled across this a few days ago, but I have to share something that may help some of you. I've been running on and off for 13 years, and it began as a weight loss effort after having my daughter. I was inspired when I was pregnant and I saw the Marine Corps Marathon on the news. Although I was 6 months pregnant at the time I knew I was going to attempt to run a marathon after the birth of my daughter. Since then I've had 3 more children and use running for weight management and anxiety relief! Honestly though, until a couple years ago when I found clean eating and weight lifting, I never really lost weight. My body never really changed with running alone. Yeah, I was able to lose the 'baby weight' but as I read the posts on here about Princesses reaching plateaus I want to encourage you to pick up hand weights, or kettle bells because not only will you see your body make changes but you will also become a better, faster and stronger runner. I see this all the time with my running friends who don't do any lifting. They are finally seeing what I've been telling them about. I've fallen in love with Crossfit and in a few short months my body has made tremendous differences, but not the scale. Don't fool yourself about your weight either! In the past few months I've really only lost about 4-5 lbs but I look and feel so much better. Okay, I'm done but I had to share that, and if only one of you benefits from that I will be happy.

On another note, my friends and I were asked to take pictures with Cosmo last year at the expo and are in the August edition. There is an article titled 'So you want to be a Princess' that is about professional women forgetting real life for a weekend to be Princesses. It is an awesome weekend and the expo is so much easier at WWoS. If you have the magazine, I'm the one in the crease with the pink shirt on. The page with the tutus hanging and tiaras on the shelf is our room, too.

 

[laura428]

Congratulations on completing the half marathon, and to everyone with their training goals. I'm usually pretty quiet and just like to read what everyone is talking about, not to mention I've just stumbled across this a few days ago, but I have to share something that may help some of you. I've been running on and off for 13 years, and it began as a weight loss effort after having my daughter. I was inspired when I was pregnant and I saw the Marine Corps Marathon on the news. Although I was 6 months pregnant at the time I knew I was going to attempt to run a marathon after the birth of my daughter. Since then I've had 3 more children and use running for weight management and anxiety relief! Honestly though, until a couple years ago when I found clean eating and weight lifting, I never really lost weight. My body never really changed with running alone. Yeah, I was able to lose the 'baby weight' but as I read the posts on here about Princesses reaching plateaus I want to encourage you to pick up hand weights, or kettle bells because not only will you see your body make changes but you will also become a better, faster and stronger runner. I see this all the time with my running friends who don't do any lifting. They are finally seeing what I've been telling them about. I've fallen in love with Crossfit and in a few short months my body has made tremendous differences, but not the scale. Don't fool yourself about your weight either! In the past few months I've really only lost about 4-5 lbs but I look and feel so much better. Okay, I'm done but I had to share that, and if only one of you benefits from that I will be happy.

On another note, my friends and I were asked to take pictures with Cosmo last year at the expo and are in the August edition. There is an article titled 'So you want to be a Princess' that is about professional women forgetting real life for a weekend to be Princesses. It is an awesome weekend and the expo is so much easier at WWoS. If you have the magazine, I'm the one in the crease with the pink shirt on. The page with the tutus hanging and tiaras on the shelf is our room, too.

How awesome is this?! I'm picking up a copy today - congrats on your moment in the spotlight! And what a great way to earn it.

And by the way, I totally agree with you on clean eating and weight lifting. I've found that when I strength train, it does amazing things to help me lose the excess weight and carves my body the way I want it to look, whereas walking will shape my thighs and tush, but does nothing for my weight. I've been struggling with this issue since committing to the PHM. I don't have much to lose - maybe 5 pounds away from where I'd like to be - but I really do want the strength and shaping benefits of crosstraining. I'm still in my conditioning training, then jumping into the half training in about 6 weeks, and am prone to injury so am concerned about pushing it. I think I'm going to start with strength training on my walking and off days, and see how I do.