Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess half marathon board)

[DVCFan1994]

So after spending hours trying to find a usatf certified 10k, I finally found one. I did that because I read on the rD site somewhere it had to be usatf certified. But, now since there seems to be a question about if/how it needs to be certified I went back to read the language again. It's gone. It just says certified. I know I didn't make it up because I am new to running races, and I wouldn't have known to look for usatf certification. I actually wouldn't have had a clue who certified the courses. But, regardless, it's not there. The 10k I signed up for is not ideal for me timeframe wise due to my still rehabbing an injury. But it was the absolute latest 10k I could find in a 200 mile radius that was usatf certified.

My question is, who else certifies them? I'd like a back up plan a little later than my first race if I can determine there are other races that would qualify.

 

[jmasgat]

Woohoo, ran my first half today! I ran the surftown half marathon in RI and finished in 2:10....several minutes faster than my goal time! I already submitted my time to improve my corral...do they usually send a response/acknowledgement?

Congrats on your first half! That is a great time. Hope that gets you Corral A.

My question is, who else certifies them? I'd like a back up plan a little later than my first race if I can determine there are other races that would qualify.

Well....no one officially. I mean, each race director would lay out the 10k course with the intent of making it 10k, but as for official certification, I don't know of any other organization besides USATF. I understand your confusion--I also have a non-USATF certified 10k result that I won't currently submit, with plans to run another 1 or 2 10k next month. If I were you, I would just find another on-road, established, chip-timed 10k and run that.

Maura

 

[jbish]

So after spending hours trying to find a usatf certified 10k, I finally found one. I did that because I read on the rD site somewhere it had to be usatf certified. But, now since there seems to be a question about if/how it needs to be certified I went back to read the language again. It's gone. It just says certified. I know I didn't make it up because I am new to running races, and I wouldn't have known to look for usatf certification. I actually wouldn't have had a clue who certified the courses. But, regardless, it's not there. The 10k I signed up for is not ideal for me timeframe wise due to my still rehabbing an injury. But it was the absolute latest 10k I could find in a 200 mile radius that was usatf certified.

My question is, who else certifies them? I'd like a back up plan a little later than my first race if I can determine there are other races that would qualify.

So I can't post a link just yet - I'm too new. But Google "USTAF certified courses" and it will take you to the USTAF page. Then go to link "Find a certified course/map" and it will take you to a set of search criteria. Then search by state, maybe city, too - it should list out all of the courses that already are certified. Maybe your race is on there?

 

[acename]

So the during the last two runs that I did I felt a slight twinge in both knees. It doesn't hurt really but feels a little uneasy. My shoes have a couple hundred miles on them. Could that be the cause? I've never had this feeling before, but I've only been running a few months, and these are the first shoes I've had.

 

[DVCFan1994]

So I can't post a link just yet - I'm too new. But Google "USTAF certified courses" and it will take you to the USTAF page. Then go to link "Find a certified course/map" and it will take you to a set of search criteria. Then search by state, maybe city, too - it should list out all of the courses that already are certified. Maybe your race is on there?

Thanks for the help.. I do already have a usatf certified race. But, now there seems to be a question about if there are other "certified" races that Disney would accept besides USATF. The very last usatf certified 10k in my area - going as much as 200 miles away - is October 27. I'd really like to race more like mid November because I'm still coming back from an injury.

I guess at this point I just need to find some mid November 10ks and get in touch with the organizers to see if any group has certified the race.

 

[jmasgat]

So the during the last two runs that I did I felt a slight twinge in both knees. It doesn't hurt really but feels a little uneasy. My shoes have a couple hundred miles on them. Could that be the cause? I've never had this feeling before, but I've only been running a few months, and these are the first shoes I've had.

I wouldn't think the shoes would be an issue just yet--assuming they are the right shoes for your running style. Wouldn't hurt to take them to whichever running store you purchased them and ask them to take a look.

Since you've only just been running a couple of months, it could just be "fatigue"--you building the body up. Even after 5 years of running, I get random soreness at various body parts for no apparent medical reason.

One thing I would suggest is making sure you stretch out and strengthen your surrounding leg muscles, e.g. your quads, hamstrings, calves. It's all interrelated, and strong leg muscles are a good thing.

Hope things resole quickly, but if they don't, get to a medical professional. Don't try to run through it. It never ends well!

Maura

 

[joanzie72]

I just want to go now! I can't function at work today. Sadly we still have 156 days.

 

[cewait]

So the during the last two runs that I did I felt a slight twinge in both knees. It doesn't hurt really but feels a little uneasy. My shoes have a couple hundred miles on them. Could that be the cause? I've never had this feeling before, but I've only been running a few months, and these are the first shoes I've had.

I wouldn't think the shoes would be an issue just yet--assuming they are the right shoes for your running style. Wouldn't hurt to take them to whichever running store you purchased them and ask them to take a look.

Since you've only just been running a couple of months, it could just be "fatigue"--you building the body up. Even after 5 years of running, I get random soreness at various body parts for no apparent medical reason.

One thing I would suggest is making sure you stretch out and strengthen your surrounding leg muscles, e.g. your quads, hamstrings, calves. It's all interrelated, and strong leg muscles are a good thing.

Hope things resole quickly, but if they don't, get to a medical professional. Don't try to run through it. It never ends well!

Maura

I second the notion of seeing a doctor if the pain worsens or does not get better. Maura most likely hit the issue on the head. The inner quad is a little weaker in folks who are not coming from a long background of running. The VMO (inner Quad) main function while running is to help stabilize the patella. If weak, the stronger outer quads will pull the patella slightly out of track.

If you do not already do leg workouts, try doing squats, lunges, etc in an effort to strengthen the muscle around the knee. In addition, stretch post run and roll the muscle with a foam roller or something similar.

 

[cewait]

So after spending hours trying to find a usatf certified 10k, I finally found one. I did that because I read on the rD site somewhere it had to be usatf certified. But, now since there seems to be a question about if/how it needs to be certified I went back to read the language again. It's gone. It just says certified. I know I didn't make it up because I am new to running races, and I wouldn't have known to look for usatf certification. I actually wouldn't have had a clue who certified the courses. But, regardless, it's not there. The 10k I signed up for is not ideal for me timeframe wise due to my still rehabbing an injury. But it was the absolute latest 10k I could find in a 200 mile radius that was usatf certified.

My question is, who else certifies them? I'd like a back up plan a little later than my first race if I can determine there are other races that would qualify.

In general, if a course has electronic timing using chips (either bib or on the shoe) the runD folks will accept that as proof. The thought is that someone has taken the time to measure the course. Trust me as a former race director, if you are a little short, the folks up front will tell you before they leave the race.

All this to say that the runD folks are really wanting proof from a race where someone did more than drive around a few blacks and say 10k.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

So the during the last two runs that I did I felt a slight twinge in both knees. It doesn't hurt really but feels a little uneasy. My shoes have a couple hundred miles on them. Could that be the cause? I've never had this feeling before, but I've only been running a few months, and these are the first shoes I've had.

I wouldn't think the shoes would be an issue just yet--assuming they are the right shoes for your running style. Wouldn't hurt to take them to whichever running store you purchased them and ask them to take a look.

Since you've only just been running a couple of months, it could just be "fatigue"--you building the body up. Even after 5 years of running, I get random soreness at various body parts for no apparent medical reason.

One thing I would suggest is making sure you stretch out and strengthen your surrounding leg muscles, e.g. your quads, hamstrings, calves. It's all interrelated, and strong leg muscles are a good thing.

Hope things resole quickly, but if they don't, get to a medical professional. Don't try to run through it. It never ends well!

Maura

I second the notion of seeing a doctor if the pain worsens or does not get better. Maura most likely hit the issue on the head. The inner quad is a little weaker in folks who are not coming from a long background of running. The VMO (inner Quad) main function while running is to help stabilize the patella. If weak, the stronger outer quads will pull the patella slightly out of track.

If you do not already do leg workouts, try doing squats, lunges, etc in an effort to strengthen the muscle around the knee. In addition, stretch post run and roll the muscle with a foam roller or something similar.

I would "third" the idea of having it checked out if it doesn't improve soon. I am by no means a medical expert and am new to running - I speak only as someone who had some knee pain and am doing well now after seeing an orthopedist for diagnosis and physical therapist for treatment.

I am only weighing in because with my particular diagnosis (Patellar Femoral Syndrome), doing squats would have resulted in further damage per both the orthopedist and physical therapist -- I needed a "softer" strengthening exercise. I tend to play it safe and consult these professionals when in doubt. Just ran 12mi last night, so their advice is paying off for me.

Sending you that it resolves without an issue!!

 

[DVCFan1994]

In general, if a course has electronic timing using chips (either bib or on the shoe) the runD folks will accept that as proof. The thought is that someone has taken the time to measure the course. Trust me as a former race director, if you are a little short, the folks up front will tell you before they leave the race.

All this to say that the runD folks are really wanting proof from a race where someone did more than drive around a few blacks and say 10k.

Excellent. Thanks for the help! I am registered for the 10/27 race because I didn't want it to fill up before I got a spot. But now I'll know if my ankle tendinitis and hip issues are still nagging me I can take it slow as long as I have a back up race.

Darn I wish I had saved a list of all those other races I had found that were not usatf certified!

 

[acename]

I can never remember how to quote multiple people, but thanks everyone who gave me ideas about knee issue. It's not really painful, just a weird feeling I've never had before. I need to get fitted for shoes probably. I didn't get fitted the first time, I just bought some I could afford. I do lift weights pretty heavily at least 2 days a week, but my outer thighs are crazy strong and muscley (I don't think that's a word) compared to the inner part. So maybe that's a problem. I also know I haven't been stretching properly every time. Usually as soon as I get home I have a kid or husband pulling me in different directions so I don't get a chance to.

I have a couple of days off this week from running, due to other commitments, so hopefully by Friday, when I'm scheduled to run again, I'll feel better.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I can never remember how to quote multiple people, but thanks everyone who gave me ideas about knee issue. It's not really painful, just a weird feeling I've never had before. I need to get fitted for shoes probably. I didn't get fitted the first time, I just bought some I could afford. I do lift weights pretty heavily at least 2 days a week, but my outer thighs are crazy strong and muscley (I don't think that's a word) compared to the inner part. So maybe that's a problem. I also know I haven't been stretching properly every time. Usually as soon as I get home I have a kid or husband pulling me in different directions so I don't get a chance to.

I have a couple of days off this week from running, due to other commitments, so hopefully by Friday, when I'm scheduled to run again, I'll feel better.

I know how that is, being pulled every which way as soon as you walk in!! It's why I often didn't stretch, too. Now I do it religiously -- the "mom, I need..." can wait a couple of minutes!

FWIW, my knee issue started out as something I just called a "weird feeling". Then it started occasionally clicking during walk breaks (not while running). Then it started getting sore. I didn't wait long, though, before seeing the doc/PT. Glad I didn't, because with some "soft" strengthening and stretching exercises things are just about back to 100%.

 

[jockey]

I have finally found a timed 10k in my area ...can someone advise what sort of 10k. Times gets you into the various corrals ...! Tia

 

[disneyhorselover]

I have finally found a timed 10k in my area ...can someone advise what sort of 10k. Times gets you into the various corrals ...! Tia

I don't remember off the top of my head, but it wasn't too hard to figure out if you are at a computer (currently on my phone or I'd look for you...)
But I googled "2012 princess half marathon corral times" to get an idea of what the time requirements were for each corral.

Then, I searched "race pace calculator" or "half marathon estimated finish time" or something similar to get a calculator similar to what Disney uses to determine my estimated half finish based on a 10k time. Someone around here probably knows the exact converter Disney uses...

If I recall correctly, a 10k time of around 57 minutes put me right on the line between A and B.

Hope this helps!

 

[Dreamer2012]

Hi fellow Princesses - Anyone else suffering with Plantar Fasciitis? Mine I think I caused myself by not replacing my worn out sneakers

 

[dminnie]

Hi fellow Princesses - Anyone else suffering with Plantar Fasciitis? Mine I think I caused myself by not replacing my worn out sneakers �� I was told I had a stress fracture in my heel, but that has healed and I'm in sooo much pain. I just want to cry with each day that passes and I can't train I see my dream fading before me...anyone have advice? I have the sleeping sock, I use the pressure ball, iced etc... Nothing seems to help this horrible heel pain ��Will I EVER be able to walk again??? Can you share your story and what worked for you? I also think its in my other heel too.....

I did all the above and eventually went for physical therapy. They did a deep tissue massage (ASTYM)...aka "torture the patient so they will religiously do all their exercises" As much as it hurt, I think it was really worth it. After a few months of the PT, I finally gave in and got a cortizone shot too. I'm really glad I didn't do that right away though, since I really learned a lot about preventing and managing it through the PT. I also learned to always stretch my feet BEFORE getting out of bed in the morning and whenever I'm sitting for a long period(such as car rides). I think that one thing really helped a HUGE amount for me. It is different for everyone though. I was not a runner, but a "wanna be" runner when it started for me. Every time I have tried to run, it seems to flare up again. I'm now happy with walking a fast pace. I don't have to do the exercises nearly as often as when it started(about 3 years ago). I can tell much earlier now when it's flaring up and I get right on the exercises and bumping up my stretching.

 

[Cripey]

Hi fellow Princesses - Anyone else suffering with Plantar Fasciitis? Mine I think I caused myself by not replacing my worn out sneakers dde22 I was told I had a stress fracture in my heel, but that has healed and I'm in sooo much pain. I just want to cry with each day that passes and I can't train I see my dream fading before me...anyone have advice? I have the sleeping sock, I use the pressure ball, iced etc... Nothing seems to help this horrible heel pain dde22Will I EVER be able to walk again??? Can you share your story and what worked for you? I also think its in my other heel too.....

I have it and have for quite some time...in fact as I'm typing this I'm stretching for it. . How long have you had it? It's VERY tough to get rid of...the doctor I saw for it said usually 6 months or more. Icing it never really did anything for me. What helps me the most is stretching. Google some stretches for PF and get into the habit of doing a stretch routine religiously a couple of times a day. You may find that more than anything, you need to loosen up your calf muscles...somehow, everything is connected. If the pain is really unbearable you may want to get in to see a specialist. I did and he took some ultrasounds to see how bad it was and make sure there were no tears in the facia. The sock you are sleeping in has been recommended to me by a couple of people and seems to work for a lot of folks in conjunction with stretching...I haven't tried it myself though. Hope you find something that works for you...I know it's a real painful nuisance.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Hi fellow Princesses - Anyone else suffering with Plantar Fasciitis? Mine I think I caused myself by not replacing my worn out sneakers �� I was told I had a stress fracture in my heel, but that has healed and I'm in sooo much pain. I just want to cry with each day that passes and I can't train I see my dream fading before me...anyone have advice? I have the sleeping sock, I use the pressure ball, iced etc... Nothing seems to help this horrible heel pain ��Will I EVER be able to walk again??? Can you share your story and what worked for you? I also think its in my other heel too.....

I'm so sorry. I had PF for 10 months of no running and then some soreness still for a few months once I got back to it. It was so hard to not be able to run! There are 2 different opinions about it, many say no barefeet, no flip flops, orthodonics and the other side says all those things are good to do to strengthen your feet. That's the route I took. The best thing I did was stretching. I did calf stretches, religiously (you can google these) against the wall at least three or four times a day. I wrote more about it in my blog, I don't want to fill up the thread, so here is a link to what I wrote back in March about it: Those Glass Slippers

 

[Cripey]

Hi fellow Princesses - Anyone else suffering with Plantar Fasciitis? Mine I think I caused myself by not replacing my worn out sneakers dde22 I was told I had a stress fracture in my heel, but that has healed and I'm in sooo much pain. I just want to cry with each day that passes and I can't train I see my dream fading before me...anyone have advice? I have the sleeping sock, I use the pressure ball, iced etc... Nothing seems to help this horrible heel pain dde22Will I EVER be able to walk again??? Can you share your story and what worked for you? I also think its in my other heel too.....

Oh and how could I forget the most important thing....never ever ever ever EVER go barefoot. I suggest investing in a great pair of flip flops or slides to have around the house. I personally am in love with Sole....they do wonders for the pain when mine is flared up pretty bad. Google Sole USA sport flips (they have other styles other than the sport flip, but those are my fav)and you should find them easily...they are pricey, but a lot of times the less popular colors go on sale which is how I bought my first pair...read a little about them, they mention how they help PF sufferers specifically. They sell great inserts too.