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

[DVCFan1994]

I have a question about packet pick-up for those with experience. Are all the packets in one place, or are races separated? I am asking because I do not want to drag my kids, but I want to explore the expo. My parents will watch the kids. But I need to get my GSC packet, my fathers (I signed him up for the 5k), and each of my kids packets. So, that is 4 different races. I've been to events with different distances where pick up been by last name (same letter for all of us thankfully) or by race distance. I am hoping it is by last name and not race distance here, or I'll have a lot of lines to sort through

Also, I have lunch at Epcot on Thursday, and was planning to go to the expo right after that. Are there buses from the theme parks, or only hotels? Wondering if I should exit out the front or the back to get a bus to the Expo. Although, lunch is at Rose and Crown in England, so I might actually be as close to the BC buses as the front of Epcot from there.

Hope everyone's training is going well. I bailed on a long run this weekend due to ITB issues. Should have done 11 but did 4. I started out okay, pain came on at 2 miles, and got worse so that by somewhere around 3 I had to walk, pain was severe. I walked 5 min. and felt okay, tried to run again and pain came right back. I have done up to 10 miles. I am going to do short distance runs a couple of times this week to see how it feels. For my remaining long runs I really would like to do 11 next weekend, then 8, then 12, then 8 then start tapering the next weekend. I am really starting to be nervous about injuries ruining this for me. I can walk fine with the ITB issues, no pain at all, but I really hoped to run the race, not race it, but run the whole distance between 10-12 min/mile. My normal race pace is about 9:45. But I've only done up to a 10k before, so I know I'll be slower in the half.

Let the extreme foam rolling sessions begin

 

[cewait]

I have a question about packet pick-up for those with experience. Are all the packets in one place, or are races separated? I am asking because I do not want to drag my kids, but I want to explore the expo. My parents will watch the kids. But I need to get my GSC packet, my fathers (I signed him up for the 5k), and each of my kids packets. So, that is 4 different races. I've been to events with different distances where pick up been by last name (same letter for all of us thankfully) or by race distance. I am hoping it is by last name and not race distance here, or I'll have a lot of lines to sort through

Also, I have lunch at Epcot on Thursday, and was planning to go to the expo right after that. Are there buses from the theme parks, or only hotels? Wondering if I should exit out the front or the back to get a bus to the Expo. Although, lunch is at Rose and Crown in England, so I might actually be as close to the BC buses as the front of Epcot from there.

Hope everyone's training is going well. I bailed on a long run this weekend due to ITB issues. Should have done 11 but did 4. I started out okay, pain came on at 2 miles, and got worse so that by somewhere around 3 I had to walk, pain was severe. I walked 5 min. and felt okay, tried to run again and pain came right back. I have done up to 10 miles. I am going to do short distance runs a couple of times this week to see how it feels. For my remaining long runs I really would like to do 11 next weekend, then 8, then 12, then 8 then start tapering the next weekend. I am really starting to be nervous about injuries ruining this for me. I can walk fine with the ITB issues, no pain at all, but I really hoped to run the race, not race it, but run the whole distance between 10-12 min/mile. My normal race pace is about 9:45. But I've only done up to a 10k before, so I know I'll be slower in the half.

Let the extreme foam rolling sessions begin

Roll away!

The packet pickup should be in one location and the GSC on one set of tables. They should also have a different set of tables for each the 5, 10 and half races alone. The tables are set up by bib number so if you have lots of folks in lots of races with bibs not close to one another you may be in for a few tables. Note that I have rarely been more than the third person back in any single line as they do break the numbers down into rather small groups.

With regard to the expo bussing, the buses only run from the resort, not the parks. The most expedient way to get to the expo from lunch would be the BC or Boardwalk.

Heal up and train safe.

 

[cewait]

Yep, I ran the half! Weather-wise, it was nearly a repeat of 2013 Princess: temps in the high-60s and almost 100% humidity... perfect for this FL girl, but pretty miserable for a whole lot of others.

I was in corral J and started in about the first 1/4 of the corral and never had any real problems with being blocked by walkers. I had a great first half of the race and honestly felt like I was placed in the right corral at around a 13:15-13:45/mile pace. WDW races are just plain crowded; there was never a spot at which I had the road all to myself, but there was always room to go around others who were slower and to allow faster folks around me when I slowed down. At risk of sounding judgmental, I think perhaps some people go into these races with unrealistic expectations; it's a go-with-the-flow kind of race for the majority of us - unless one is an elite or near-elite, in which case he/she ought to have turned in a time for a spot in the elite or A corral to avoid the other 20,000+ slower folks.


I suspect we'll be bumped up a corral or two, just because PHM tends to be a slower field than the WDW Half.

Hmm, as a Dopey runner I was in a much slower corral than my pace and did end up running the grass for about half the race. Not complaining too much as I tend to run there when I feel the course closing in on me. I passed a few folks I knew in the J corral along the big bend from Epcot to World. They spooked me as they yelled my name - that was fortunate as I was coming up on the only spot along the entire course that I know of where there is a hidden hole. It re-focussed me on the task at hand and then off I went again once I passed the hole.

I think with the new system and the main race being the half that the course will feel a lot less crowded regardless of your starting position.

ADDING - I will say that the 10k course was a hoot. Scenery is pretty much back road and parking lot for the first three miles but then we hit Epcot at Norway and have folks around the remainder of the course. Be ready for lots of small undulations as there are a few hills (ok florida hills) that most folks never realize are there.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Well, it's been fun, ladies, but unfortunately I have finally given into my DH's not so gentle hints to defer the Glass Slipper Challenge.

I am in fine shape to run it, but at the time of the races, I will be 20 weeks pregnant and he would prefer if I held off until next year.

It's really a hard pill for me to swallow because I am in good shape and can easily do it (and I desperately want those medals). However, I'm still going to Disney to relax for a few days and will do the 5k with my mom.

Good luck to all!

I can defintely relate to your feelings. I found out about Princess Marathon via this board in 2010. I signed up for 2011 but became pregnant and had her in 2011 so had to postpone to 2012. Was doing the 2013 5 year commerative Princess but little man made his debut in September. But ultimately not particpating was hard but I knew it is best for baby. I know many women who train through pregnancy but too many relaxin horomones and bad morning sickness side lines me every time.
Here's to growing a future Diser! Happy pregnancy

 

[pixarmom]

I am hating the treadmill right about now, never felt any pain while running on outside. Been running it a bit now and behind my knee is hurting. There is a lot of ice outside, both on roads and sidewalks so I am afraid to run outside but the furthest I have done walk/run is about 8 miles and that is back the end of November. I have done just over 6 since a few times, but if this ice doesn't go away I might go nuts!

I'm with you! I've trained outside to 11 miles, but when I ran 10 on the treadmill, all of a sudden I had blisters and shin splints! Never had either before - crazy! But now that I've been on the treadmill for a couple weeks (with only my short runs outside) it's getting better.

Yep, I ran the half!

At risk of sounding judgmental, I think perhaps some people go into these races with unrealistic expectations; it's a go-with-the-flow kind of race for the majority of us - unless one is an elite or near-elite, in which case he/she ought to have turned in a time for a spot in the elite or A corral to avoid the other 20,000+ slower folks.

Congrats on the half!!! And I think this is excellent advice for everyone. It really does need to be go-with-the-flow. I think I'll start in A (proof of time for 1:50) but there are SO many different factors - crowds, heat, how I'm feeling that day - that could have a significant impact on my finish time. I'm not planning to stop for characters or photos, but I am planning to have fun and go with the flow. Just wanted to add a big for PrincessV's advice!

I have a question about packet pick-up for those with experience. Are all the packets in one place, or are races separated? I am asking because I do not want to drag my kids, but I want to explore the expo. My parents will watch the kids. But I need to get my GSC packet, my fathers (I signed him up for the 5k), and each of my kids packets. So, that is 4 different races. I've been to events with different distances where pick up been by last name (same letter for all of us thankfully) or by race distance. I am hoping it is by last name and not race distance here, or I'll have a lot of lines to sort through

Thanks to Coach for confirming the expo situation! And DVCFan, it was the same for the DL races - separate lines, but even with the messy DL expo, it went very quickly once we were admitted into the pick-up area. For the PHM, I'll be in line for the 5K, the kids' run and the half marathon on Thursday afternoon . . . with my three boys! Clearly, I won't be doing much (if any) expo shopping!

 

[appleorchard]

Please add the 10k for me-- I'm doing all three! Unfortunately, not eligible for the GSC medal

 

[McDuck]

Finally found my way over!!!! I'm doing the Glass Slipper Challenge, God willing and the creek don't rise.

 

[jdd]

Yay! Finally had some decent weather this weekend! Got 5 miles in yesterday on a wet, but snow-free trail. It was chilly, around 35, but I didn't notice it after the first mile. Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer (45ish) and no snow in the forecast for the next week

So exciting to hear about experiences at the WDW marathon this weekend. Does anyone know if the 10K course will be the same for the Princess? My parents are coming down and staying at the Boardwalk - it would be awesome if they could just pop downstairs and catch me going by....

 

[Mouseketeer Heather]

Less than 6 weeks to go...and getting soo excited!!!

Training this past weekend was interesting. Actually all of last week was an adventure in weather. We went from bitter, don't go outside, record breaking cold at the beginning/middle of the week to warm, muggy, gross on Saturday...we had horrible storms Sat afternoon that resulted in 3 confirmed tornados, unfortunately. Just property damage, thank goodness!! At least yesterday and today were relatively stable so folks could work on clean up.
I figure Saturday morning's weather was a good dress rehearsal for Princess. I tried a new pair of shorts...wicking 2 layer with a compression short on the inside and a regular short length outer. Gotta say...total no go. Compression shorts kept rolling up and I had to stop several times for wardrobe adjustments and ended up chaffed, miserable and totally frustrated by the time I finished my 8 miles and cooled down. So lesson learned! I will not be wearing a cute costume but rather my (boring) tried and true wicking shorts and shirt which will be a total kick as it's usually multiple layers for outside workouts this time of year!

 

[JamieLM]

Does anyone know if the ChEar Squad rides the bus with us in the morning, leaving around 3-3:30am? Thank you!

 

[pixarmom]

Less than 6 weeks to go...and getting soo excited!!!
I tried a new pair of shorts...wicking 2 layer with a compression short on the inside and a regular short length outer. Gotta say...total no go. Compression shorts kept rolling up and I had to stop several times for wardrobe adjustments and ended up chaffed, miserable and totally frustrated by the time I finished my 8 miles and cooled down. So lesson learned! I will not be wearing a cute costume but rather my (boring) tried and true wicking shorts and shirt which will be a total kick as it's usually multiple layers for outside workouts this time of year!

So funny you say that about new shorts - now is the time to try them out! I usually run in Lole run skorts, but then I bought new shorts. Wore them for a long run on the treadmill and knew halfway through that this would not work for the PHM!

 

[appleorchard]

I bought one of the handmade "sparkle" skirts when I was just planning on doing the 10k, but I'm not sure how it will work for the half. It has the shorts underneath, and they're quite long and supposedly don't ride up. It's been so cold here I've haven't had a chance to try them out and honestly I'm going to feel like a fool running in my neighborhood in it lol.

I have a tech shirt I had made for the half that says, "Staying one step ahead of the balloon ladies!" and that might be my entire costume. If it's warm, I'm thinking of wearing a regular pair of running shorts. If it's in between, capris and if it's supposed to be freezing, like it was a few years ago, I'll bring tights!

 

[Mouseketeer Heather]

So funny you say that about new shorts - now is the time to try them out! I usually run in Lole run skorts, but then I bought new shorts. Wore them for a long run on the treadmill and knew halfway through that this would not work for the PHM!

That's the same thing my racewalking coach told me - try new stuff now, so I'll know whether or not it's a go for Princess. I figure on 2 options: 1 for warm and 1 for cool (I don't think it's likely I'll need my storm pants for PHM, although they're lifesavers for Shamrock!).

I have a cute skort, but it has these mini boy shorts on the inside so it's the same issue with the chafing. So I'm going to try a pair of compression shorts with it and see how that works. My issue is that while I've lost quite a bit of weight (125 and counting!), a lot of the fitness clothing is causing me issues. Plus size is too big, and reg size is big in the waist but causing issues at the upper thighs (even with liberal Glide application). And I can NOT do pants when it's warm...I'm a red faced sweat machine, and I can't deal with hot drippy sweaty me in pants. YUCK!

I did try a pair of mesh shorts from last season, Champion in a 1X. My DH was rolling, I had to pull the things up to my chest to keep them on. It was a sight, I'm telling you! I really prefer a bit longer short but I'm having a hard time...I think a lot of the issue is the fact that it's simply the wrong season. With the way winter has beat us up this year with brutal cold, no one is remotely thinking of warm weather gear as yet...at least not that I've found in stores around here.

So if anyone has any advice on possible race apparel avenues that won't break the bank, I'm all ears.

And belated thanks to the poster that responded to my questions on the Expo, much appreciated!! Will be taking the cattle prod with us to get DH out of bed early, early, EARLY on Sat AM so I can hit that Expo!!!

And the DB purses...drooling....

 

[kappyfamily]

Just an FYI...if you are wanting to try to fast pass Be Our Guest for lunch, the spots just opened for lunchtime. I just got my fast pass for it on the 22nd!

 

[pinkvol7]

Just an FYI...if you are wanting to try to fast pass Be Our Guest for lunch, the spots just opened for lunchtime. I just got my fast pass for it on the 22nd!

How do you go about that? We were told on the phone that only a select few could FP it. Thanks!

 

[emilyindisney]

Please add the 10k for me-- I'm doing all three! Unfortunately, not eligible for the GSC medal

Finally found my way over!!!! I'm doing the Glass Slipper Challenge, God willing and the creek don't rise.

Added!

 

[PrincessV]

I have a question about packet pick-up for those with experience. Are all the packets in one place, or are races separated? I am asking because I do not want to drag my kids, but I want to explore the expo. My parents will watch the kids. But I need to get my GSC packet, my fathers (I signed him up for the 5k), and each of my kids packets. So, that is 4 different races. I've been to events with different distances where pick up been by last name (same letter for all of us thankfully) or by race distance. I am hoping it is by last name and not race distance here, or I'll have a lot of lines to sort through

It's both, really - by race and then by bib number. But they're all in the same area and I've never had to wait more than a minute or two, tops, for packet pick-up.

I can walk fine with the ITB issues, no pain at all, but I really hoped to run the race, not race it, but run the whole distance between 10-12 min/mile. My normal race pace is about 9:45. But I've only done up to a 10k before, so I know I'll be slower in the half.

Let the extreme foam rolling sessions begin

I was nailed by what felt like ITBS 10 miles into the WDW Half Saturday (turns out not to be ITB-related, but same issue - friction at the outer knee = OUCH) and walked the final three miles... it was actually okay! I wound up taking it all in and having a really good time for once. I'll probably need to do a whole lot more walking than running for GSC, so I'm just going to enjoy the experience and take lots of pics. Hope things improve for you quickly!

Hmm, as a Dopey runner I was in a much slower corral than my pace and did end up running the grass for about half the race. Not complaining too much as I tend to run there when I feel the course closing in on me.

I totally thought of you, Coach, when I took to the grass for a while to get a break form the asphalt! Yeah, I've been hearing from some Dopey and Goofy friends that they were really coralled further back than they should have been. Seems like rD/TrackShack understimated runners' abilities - some of my group's Dopeys PRd both the half and full!

Congrats on the half!!! And I think this is excellent advice for everyone. It really does need to be go-with-the-flow. I think I'll start in A (proof of time for 1:50) but there are SO many different factors - crowds, heat, how I'm feeling that day - that could have a significant impact on my finish time. I'm not planning to stop for characters or photos, but I am planning to have fun and go with the flow. Just wanted to add a big for PrincessV's advice!

Thank you! Honestly, my race experience was 1000% better than any others, just because my head was in a place of "FUN!" I've got a whole new mindset for Disney races now.

Does anyone know if the 10K course will be the same for the Princess?

Expectations are that it will be!

 

[PrincessV]

I'm officially insane... added the 5K to GSC for a Triple Crown. Eek!

 

[Figment1990]

I'm officially insane... added the 5K to GSC for a Triple Crown. Eek!

yep! you are insane!

The question is, how long before they make THAT an official challenge? haha.

 

[PrincessV]

yep! you are insane!

The question is, how long before they make THAT an official challenge? haha.

I cant' believe they didn't already! They missed a prime opportunity to bank even more $$$... so unlike The Mouse.