Calling all Princesses! (2014 Princess Half Marathon Weekend)- thread #2

[joan4mickey]

Help, please.
Thinking about packing and was wondering if any knows the blog address of the girl who posts all the race shirts photos. I need to match my shorts to tops.
TIA

 

[Mouseketeer Heather]

They are thinking, "OMG am I going to die before I get to mile 13?" or something like that. And you will be so stinkin' proud of yourself for your accomplishment that you will love every sweaty picture of yourself with a character, or with random other runners around you, that you will not care that you look like wet dog running after a mickey ice cream bar.

LOL, totally loved the mental image of myself a wet mess running after ice cream, thanks for that!!!

Did my 14K race this past Sunday, finished better than I anticipated! Stuck to my guns and my coach's words of wisdom and walked the 8.7 miles is 2:07:27. So I know I can totally finish PHM, but I still have those nagging little doubts that keep creeping up on me. WHY??? I totally know I have put in the time and need to trust in the training, but I keep having freak out moments. AARRGGHH!!!

We are leaving on Friday, stopping in GA to sleep and will be there bright and early Saturday AM. Can't wait to check out the Expo and see everyone at the meet in DD Sat afternoon!

Also...at my coach's and several mentor's suggestions, I plan to do a shake out walk Saturday afternoon. Probably about 3 slowish miles, just want to work out the kinks. If anyone is interested and staying at or around PQFQ and wants to meet up, let me know!

See ya real soon!

 

[donaldandpirates]

12. Don't worry about what you look like to others or even in race photos. First, no one else is thinking about your beet red face. They are thinking, "OMG am I going to die before I get to mile 13?" or something like that. And you will be so stinkin' proud of yourself for your accomplishment that you will love every sweaty picture of yourself with a character, or with random other runners around you, that you will not care that you look like wet dog running after a mickey ice cream bar.

Thank you for this!!!

 

[Fruto76]

Quick question for those doing more than one race. I'm doing all 3 and I'm trying to decide if I should bring more than one pair of sneakers. What is everyone else doing?
I have my newish Brooks and I'll be wearing those for the 1/2 and probably the 10k but I'm not sure if I should wear them for the 5k too or bring my asics. I did most of my long training in the Brooks and they feel really good but I've never done 3 days in a row in them.


On another note, I hate packing! Lol especially when I have the running element as well. We pack pretty light, doing carry ons only which is usually no biggie, but this is challenging.

I will bring 3 pair of running shoes plus my birks for post race and park touring. I have finicky feet and the way my feet feel in the morning dictates what shoes I run in. I have altras, newtons and then I have the NB Cindy's I was lucky enough to get at WDW Race weekend. We drive in so getting it all in carryon isn't an issue. I did pack 3 pair for DDD in a carryon with no problem. I would much rather have them and not need them than want them and not have them.

 

[katclicks]

Is anyone else completely stressed about race weekend weather? I arrive Friday and leave weds. This is my first me time in 7.5 years and I am so sad about the forecast. I want to enjoy my trip, not have it rain every day.

 

[Figment1990]

Is anyone else completely stressed about race weekend weather? I arrive Friday and leave weds. This is my first me time in 7.5 years and I am so sad about the forecast. I want to enjoy my trip, not have it rain every day.

Yeah, I'm quietly stressing but trying to ignore it as best I can because I know there's nothing I can do to change the weather. But honestly I keep focusing on the idea that if its a 40% or even 60% chance it still means it might NOT.

I really don't want it to rain at all, but especially during the races. But for the rest of the time, at least there are lots and lots of inside things to do in Disney world. My son however is already sad it's looking bad for swimming weather.

But it's 33 degrees outside today and I actually think it feels WARM. Which means 70 or anything near it will feel like heaven. And at least it won't be snowing.

 

[afnaechiquita]

Also, there is a big crane set up behind and over the castle. I was told that they are still taking Christmas lights down. So hopefully that will be gone by race day.

word is crane is there through march. pretty disappointing if so since princess' main draw is running through the castle and the pics that go with it.

 

[emilyindisney]

Yeah, I'm quietly stressing but trying to ignore it as best I can because I know there's nothing I can do to change the weather. But honestly I keep focusing on the idea that if its a 40% or even 60% chance it still means it might NOT.

I really don't want it to rain at all, but especially during the races. But for the rest of the time, at least there are lots and lots of inside things to do in Disney world. My son however is already sad it's looking bad for swimming weather.

But it's 33 degrees outside today and I actually think it feels WARM. Which means 70 or anything near it will feel like heaven. And at least it won't be snowing.

Amen to that! It's snowing here (again) as I type so I know ANYTHING Florida can give me will be better than this!

Also- I love scrolling up the board and seeing how close all of our tickers are. It seems like yesterday when mine had months and months to go!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Help, please.
Thinking about packing and was wondering if any knows the blog address of the girl who posts all the race shirts photos. I need to match my shorts to tops.
TIA

http://margaritasmilesandmouse.blogspot.com/2014/02/race-shirts-fit-for-princess-in-all-of.html

I will bring 3 pair of running shoes plus my birks for post race and park touring. I have finicky feet and the way my feet feel in the morning dictates what shoes I run in. I have altras, newtons and then I have the NB Cindy's I was lucky enough to get at WDW Race weekend. We drive in so getting it all in carryon isn't an issue. I did pack 3 pair for DDD in a carryon with no problem. I would much rather have them and not need them than want them and not have them.

I agree, I'd rather have them and not need them. I will try to figure out how to pack my other Asics.
All of our running gear is packed in one bag already. Now I need to tackle everything else!

Is anyone else completely stressed about race weekend weather? I arrive Friday and leave weds. This is my first me time in 7.5 years and I am so sad about the forecast. I want to enjoy my trip, not have it rain every day.

I am. I'm worried about the humidity. I'm hoping it will change for the better.

 

[PrincessV]

Ok, here are my top 10 tips for "newbies":

1. Smile!

Seriously.... have fun and be amazed at yourself!

2. Trust your training.
3. Get on the bus/monorail early. Hurry up and wait is the name of the RunDisney game.
4. Pre-hydrate, but don't over-hydrate during the race.
5. Keep to your planned pace/intervals, at least for the first 2/3 of the race. You will be tempted to start out too fast thanks to adrenaline and other princesses, resist and "Run Your Own Race".
6. Remember "the relentless pursuit of forward momentum" just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
7. Don't wait in too many long character lines if you are close on pace. Remember you can also get pictures with characters AFTER the race, and with your medal!
8. Pack your running gear in your carry-on luggage.
9. If you tend to be a salty sweater, consider having a spectator bring pretzels or tortilla chips to the finish line for you (or in your gear checked bag).
10. Don't be afraid to chat with other runners before the race, or during! Especially those whose costumes make you smile.

Could not say it any better than that!

Got my 10 in this morning!!!!

HOORAY!!! Congrats

I have finicky feet and the way my feet feel in the morning dictates what shoes I run in.

So glad to hear I'm not the only one who does this! I'm bringing 3 very different types of running shoes: #1 goes with my 5K outfit, but #2 and #3 will options available for the 10K and half, depending on what my feet want those mornings.

Oh, and that's in addition to the flip flops and Dansko sandals for non-running. And maybe a pair of Crocs for post-race. I like variety.

Is anyone else completely stressed about race weekend weather?

Being Floridian, I shouldn't be... but yes. Stressed. The stupid forecasts have been ALL over the place!

 

[Fruto76]

So glad to hear I'm not the only one who does this! I'm bringing 3 very different types of running shoes: #1 goes with my 5K outfit, but #2 and #3 will options available for the 10K and half, depending on what my feet want those mornings.

Oh, and that's in addition to the flip flops and Dansko sandals for non-running. And maybe a pair of Crocs for post-race. I like variety.

No, you are not the only one... I'm relieved to find out I am not crazy. I have a rotation of running shoes I use...typically 3-4 pair
I am also the slightest bit nervous about the weather. Just keeping fingers crossed the chances go down as the days get closer.

 

[ErinsAuntMimi]

Need some advice!! My DH's registration is all messed up. He's been on the phone several times the last few weeks with RunDisney to have it corrected. Each time they say they have, yet he still cannot download his race waiver; we are only doing the 5K. He has called several times today to only get the computer or voice mails. As it stands now he is a female named "Danielle" with my birth date. LOL!!!

Any suggestions on what to do IF this isn't resolved before we arrive Thurs. AM?? What should he do at packet pick up? How complicated is this going to be??

TIA, y'all!!!

 

[joan4mickey]

Need some advice!! My DH's registration is all messed up. He's been on the phone several times the last few weeks with RunDisney to have it corrected. Each time they say they have, yet he still cannot download his race waiver; we are only doing the 5K. He has called several times today to only get the computer or voice mails. As it stands now he is a female named "Danielle" with my birth date. LOL!!!

Any suggestions on what to do IF this isn't resolved before we arrive Thurs. AM?? What should he do at packet pick up? How complicated is this going to be??

TIA, y'all!!!

Sorry IDK, but there is a booth near packet pickup called Runner Relations and maybe they can help.

 

[Freight Train]

Yeah, I'm quietly stressing but trying to ignore it as best I can because I know there's nothing I can do to change the weather. But honestly I keep focusing on the idea that if its a 40% or even 60% chance it still means it might NOT.

I'm nervous too, but a few things to remember:
1. Judging from accuweather, it looks like the forecast is built around a front coming through this weekend. Fronts stall out or speed up all the time. This is especially true in Florida. It's a little different if you're up north, where you KNOW the nor'easter is coming. In Florida we often see those fronts coming this time of year, only to have them peter out and dissipate. Also, sometimes they break down without necessarily dissipating altogether, so you might see spotty showers and not a complete washout. There have been many times I hoped for a front to come through in winter to cool things off, only to be disappointed.
2. When they talk about percentage of rain chances, my understanding is it's the percentage of receiving any rain during the time period. So even a light sprinkle counts for "percentage" purposes.
3. What I'm looking at from accuweather says between 24-30% chance of rain. If I got 70-76% odds in Vegas, I'd be pretty happy.
4. Florida weather forecasts are NOTORIOUSLY unreliable until about 48-72 hours out. I've had many plans over the years ruined in both directions from weather that was or wasn't supposed to happen.

I really think we'll be generally OK. My only concern is slickness on the running surface from rain. If there was overnight rain or rain during the race, I think the best strategy is to slow down a little if you can, especially in areas with bottlenecks (where a runner falling could take out many others) and in areas with painted surfaces (I'm thinking around Cinderella's castle) and inclines. That's not scientific by any means--just best guess.

Don't despair everyone!

 

[FSUWXGirl]

alrighty so the forecast has changed about 100000 times since last week and it is starting to drive me crazy looking at this. That tiny cool front I saw last week in a few models is expected to pinch off of a storm system in the Midwest this week and make its way down to Florida earlier than expected and of course, this weekend HOWEVER: most models show that it is not going to be a very strong front and there is still a high in place over Fl right now that will further weaken it as it gets closer. The most current models today actually have it falling apart or moving offshore in GA/N. Fl and not making it far enough south to cause serious issues this weekend. SO: At this point, I think it looks likely that this front will give us the cooler temps we wanted and I do not think the chance of rain will be extremely high, especially in the mornings! Fog is still a possibility which is very gross for running but even the current soundings are trending towards less moisture at the surface. This is good

Obviously this silly front is kind of a pain to forecast for and I expect the forecast to change about 1000 more times before this weekend but right now I would say don't panic

 

[katclicks]

alrighty so the forecast has changed about 100000 times since last week and it is starting to drive me crazy looking at this. That tiny cool front I saw last week in a few models is expected to pinch off of a storm system in the Midwest this week and make its way down to Florida earlier than expected and of course, this weekend HOWEVER: most models show that it is not going to be a very strong front and there is still a high in place over Fl right now that will further weaken it as it gets closer. The most current models today actually have it falling apart or moving offshore in GA/N. Fl and not making it far enough south to cause serious issues this weekend. SO: At this point, I think it looks likely that this front will give us the cooler temps we wanted and I do not think the chance of rain will be extremely high, especially in the mornings! Fog is still a possibility which is very gross for running but even the current soundings are trending towards less moisture at the surface. This is good Obviously this silly front is kind of a pain to forecast for and I expect the forecast to change about 1000 more times before this weekend but right now I would say don't panic

You've made me feel a bit better. I'm in CO and we often joke if you wait 10 minutes, the weather will change. I am hoping all this worry is for not. Good luck to us all!

 

[Figment1990]

alrighty so the forecast has changed about 100000 times since last week and it is starting to drive me crazy looking at this. That tiny cool front I saw last week in a few models is expected to pinch off of a storm system in the Midwest this week and make its way down to Florida earlier than expected and of course, this weekend HOWEVER: most models show that it is not going to be a very strong front and there is still a high in place over Fl right now that will further weaken it as it gets closer. The most current models today actually have it falling apart or moving offshore in GA/N. Fl and not making it far enough south to cause serious issues this weekend. SO: At this point, I think it looks likely that this front will give us the cooler temps we wanted and I do not think the chance of rain will be extremely high, especially in the mornings! Fog is still a possibility which is very gross for running but even the current soundings are trending towards less moisture at the surface. This is good

Obviously this silly front is kind of a pain to forecast for and I expect the forecast to change about 1000 more times before this weekend but right now I would say don't panic

Thanks for your update! I'm going to try to be glass half full this week. Like... if it's foggy, then maybe we will get some interesting photos of the castle peaking out of the fog... Anyhow, the only thing we can do is be prepared. I'm adding a garbage bag to my packing list in case it rains on the way to the start, and also pretending that I love my "beautiful" (ugly, stupid, lame) running hat. And bringing extra shoes. And adding extra socks to my gear check bag. From what I hear, that's the #1 thing runners want if it's raining - dry feet.

If I can't wear my tutu this weekend because of the weather - I'll just have to go back for the Halloween party and wear it then!

And tonight I'm going to take my unlucky (it-always-rains-when-I-wear-it) shirt and bury it in the back of my closet. Perhaps that will help.

 

[FSUWXGirl]

I'm nervous too, but a few things to remember:
1. Judging from accuweather, it looks like the forecast is built around a front coming through this weekend. Fronts stall out or speed up all the time. This is especially true in Florida. It's a little different if you're up north, where you KNOW the nor'easter is coming. In Florida we often see those fronts coming this time of year, only to have them peter out and dissipate. Also, sometimes they break down without necessarily dissipating altogether, so you might see spotty showers and not a complete washout. There have been many times I hoped for a front to come through in winter to cool things off, only to be disappointed.
2. When they talk about percentage of rain chances, my understanding is it's the percentage of receiving any rain during the time period. So even a light sprinkle counts for "percentage" purposes.
3. What I'm looking at from accuweather says between 24-30% chance of rain. If I got 70-76% odds in Vegas, I'd be pretty happy.
4. Florida weather forecasts are NOTORIOUSLY unreliable until about 48-72 hours out. I've had many plans over the years ruined in both directions from weather that was or wasn't supposed to happen.

I really think we'll be generally OK. My only concern is slickness on the running surface from rain. If there was overnight rain or rain during the race, I think the best strategy is to slow down a little if you can, especially in areas with bottlenecks (where a runner falling could take out many others) and in areas with painted surfaces (I'm thinking around Cinderella's castle) and inclines. That's not scientific by any means--just best guess.

Don't despair everyone!

Yes that is pretty much what I believe it will do! Forecasting fronts in Fl is very hit or miss this time of year and us meteorologists tend to get a bad rep because things change so quickly and can go from one end of the spectrum to the other within 12 hours

Accuweather and Weatherunderground are known for being extremely aggressive for their rain chances, and they often change their forecasts every couple of hours even before new models runs come out. I generally prefer the NWS forecasts for accuracy and right now they are just saying cloudiness with 30% chance of rain. so slim chances and probably in the afternoon mainly due to increased convection with the heating of the day. And yes that 30% does mean that at any give location at any time of the day there is a 30% chance that there will be precipitation! so that is really not very high at this point


Alright I promise I will stop stalking the weather models for now and maybeeee get some actual work done? not likely though because I leave tomorrow and am entirely too excited!!

 

[ErinsAuntMimi]

Sorry IDK, but there is a booth near packet pickup called Runner Relations and maybe they can help.

THANKS! We'll look for it if the need arises!

 

[Freight Train]

Yes that is pretty much what I believe it will do! Forecasting fronts in Fl is very hit or miss this time of year and us meteorologists tend to get a bad rep because things change so quickly and can go from one end of the spectrum to the other within 12 hours

Just to clear up since my earlier post (since I wasn't very precise), the meteorologists in Florida do a great job of making sense of the chaos that is Florida weather. The forecasts change all the time, but that isn't the fault of the meteorologists, it's the fault of the weather.

I didn't mean any offense!!!