Couch to WDW 2012 1/2 Marathon..... AKA running for my life

[TinksApprentice]

Thanks NitroStitch I think I have to just decide to go for it... and work towards the goal. Either I survive or I don't. If I cross the line "upright and smiling" as they say, it's a success. Anything less means I try again next year

Of course if you pass me on the way and I'm laying on the ground, feel free to join me, or kick me to the curbside lol

 

[NitroStitch]

Thanks NitroStitch I think I have to just decide to go for it... and work towards the goal. Either I survive or I don't. If I cross the line "upright and smiling" as they say, it's a success. Anything less means I try again next year

Of course if you pass me on the way and I'm laying on the ground, feel free to join me, or kick me to the curbside lol

Good for you!

I'm not sure whether I would have the energy left to kick you to the curbside, so you may want to go with crawling to the side of the road...I probably should remember that myself...

 

[tigerchick]

I don't think its crazy at all to start from nothing. We have almost a whole year to train. Start small and with an interval program.

I am using 5k 101 on my ipod and it tells me when to walk and when to run.
I feel like if I can make it through the workout then anyone can because I hate working out!!!

Hope evryones training is progressing well!!! Keep it up!

 

[TinksApprentice]

Thank you Tigerchick! I'm going for it and that's that Now to think about a costume

 

[Laurabearz]

I have had sick kids all week! Didnt get out to run once. I am such a slug! Weather has sucked too... so all in all just blehy here...

BUT

The weather will get better and the WDW 1/2 Marathon is (still) a long way away...

Next Sunday I have my first official event. A 5 K Fitness walk. Can't wait to get the goodie bag for it!

Spring break is this week. Chilly damp/rainy weather is keeping us indoors. boo hiss.

NEED SPRING TO ARRIVE PLEASE THANKS!!!

 

[dthogue]

Before I go any further, can someone tell me if I'm nuts?

I'm 48, overweight but otherwise in great health. Am I crazy to think I can be ready in time for the 1/2?

Thanks!

Not crazy at all - If you set your mind to it, you can do it. The biggest thing is getting started. I suggest the C25K program to start. Then you can do the C210K or like I did go right into a 1/2 Marathon training progam. I am using Jeff Galloway's training program from the WDW Marathon website - I also bought his book "1/2 Marathon Training" The key is make a plan - I have my training schedule mapped out from now to the Princess Marathon next February. My first 1/2 Marathon is scheduled for July. Can I do it, who knows, but I am going to try my best.

Yes, my family thinks I'm crazy, but they play along and encourage me. I honestly don't think they think I will follow through, but I am going to prove them wrong!

 

[dthogue]

Thanks NitroStitch I think I have to just decide to go for it... and work towards the goal. Either I survive or I don't. If I cross the line "upright and smiling" as they say, it's a success. Anything less means I try again next year

Of course if you pass me on the way and I'm laying on the ground, feel free to join me, or kick me to the curbside lol

I saw a shirt the other day that said "If you find me on the ground, please drag me to the fininsh line" Thought it was perfect!!

 

[dthogue]

Its great to see all the activity here - if you aren't aware of it, there is a "Official" thread under events boards for the 2012 Princess Marathon - you might want to check it out - lots of great support from others who are also planning on running!

I am on week 3 of my 1/2 marathon training schedule - today is my first long run - 4 miles - long for me, I've only done 3.1 so far. Wish me luck!

 

[junebugTN]

Hmmm....Disney lover, mid forties with a few extra pounds and a dream to run at Disney in 2012? We must be reading each others' minds!

I have been kicking around the same idea for a while, started attempting to jog/waddle in late January and did something weird to my hip. So, I have just re-started my attempt, and I'm on week 2 of a scaled back C25K program.

I'll be following along and cheering for everyone as we all progress closer to our goals. I'm mostly stuck on the treadmill these days, but it's nice to know there are some fellow DISers out there running toward the same goals with me.

Can't wait to hear more!
June

 

[Mom of 3 Princesses]

I started my training for my 2nd trail marathon this Oct 15th. I use Hal Higdons plans. It is a good starting point.

I keep track of my runs and workouts on his site as well as the IRUN site.

Good luck everyone!

 

[Freyja]

Wow. You´re my inspiration. I need to lose at least 50 lbs and am a complete couch potato, which I hate being.
Thinking of starting the couch 2 5K. Running a 1/2 marathon sounds to me like an unreachable goal, but maybe it isn´t.

 

[johde]

Completing a half marathon is very possible for a wide range of people. I started training for my first half as a 325lb man 2 years ago , down from a heaviest of 375. I completed my first half marathon last May,all walking, in 3:28. The race I signed up for had a separate walking division. I'm now down to 285 and my current PR is 2:51 in the half marathon. The most important things are realistic goals, time, and consistency.

If your not running now, the goal of Running in January may not be realistic. You may want to look at walking or doing a run/walk for January. On the area of time, The more time the better. I spent the first summer building up to 10K before going on to the half distance. I probably could have gone quicker but It was nice to have the time to repeat weeks, add cut back weeks, etc. You need to make walking/running part of your regular routine. It doesn't need to be every day. In fact, it probably shouldn't be as a beginner. Rest days are important. But improvement occurs by regularly getting out there.

3 years ago if people would have said I'd have completed 3 half marathons and was getting ready to train for my 4th I would have called them crazy. But now, getting out running and walking is part of my life.

 

[diznmom]

You all can do it! In January of 2010 I was 50 pounds overweight and could barely walk a mile without huffing and puffing. In February 2011 I completed the Princess 50 pounds lighter. A month later I ran a half marathon in Maine and cut 9 minutes off my time (I know...not as festive...it was the day after our April Fool's Day major snow storm!).

I followed Hal Higdon's program to train for the Princess. I had tears in my eyes when the Fairy Godmother sent us off with fireworks, tears when I entered the Magic Kingdom, tears when I ran through the castle, and tears when they announced my name crossing the finish line.

It is a feeling I will never forget. Set your eyes on the prize. I was a non athelete who is now a runner... It is so worth it. So many of us here understand the challenge you go through each and every day. Know that we are with you every step of the way.

 

[travlrmel]

I love this thread! I am very excited about the Tinkerbell and Princess 1/2 marathons. I am still very new - and I am scared about these lofty goals -- but I am exercising for the first time in my life on a regular basis and I feel great. I still can't mentally get my head around doing a half marathon -- but these threads are giving me inspiration.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[mickeysgal]

Hi Everyone! Glad to have found you all.

We've just started our Couch to 5K training program. Made our 2 bedroom OKW reservations for January 2012 - we're setting our sites on the 1/2 marathon and I know it will be a combo of walking/running. What we really want to do is then do another 1/2 in Disneyland sometime in 2012 for the Coast to Coast medal. We're 49 and 48 and I'm determined to prove it's never too late to start. We're on the path to losing some weight as well. I've lost 10 lbs...DH has lost 15 so far. So glad to find others like us in the same beginner boat!

 

[NitroStitch]

Hi Everyone! Glad to have found you all.

We've just started our Couch to 5K training program. Made our 2 bedroom OKW reservations for January 2012 - we're setting our sites on the 1/2 marathon and I know it will be a combo of walking/running. What we really want to do is then do another 1/2 in Disneyland sometime in 2012 for the Coast to Coast medal. We're 49 and 48 and I'm determined to prove it's never too late to start. We're on the path to losing some weight as well. I've lost 10 lbs...DH has lost 15 so far. So glad to find others like us in the same beginner boat!

Congrats on the weight loss and getting active! Funny how we suddenly become run/walkers in our 40's after not being active before. I never pictured myself starting these activities at all, much less at nearly 44. It's wonderful to have people of a bunch of ages and experience levels to talk to online for commiseration and information and celebration.

 

[hops&dreams]

Laurabearz - that's awesome! I'm also planning on doing the half in Jan. I'm scared, but I'm confident I can finish, even if most of it ends up being walking. I just walked a half this past weekend without training, so I feel like with training, I might be able to run most, if not all, of it.

I was really hoping to do the full or even the Goofy! (man, I must've been crazy to think I could just jump in and do that!), but after doing the half this weekend, I know I want to just limit myself to the half this year, and be able to enjoy the rest of our trip (till the Fri after Marathon Weekend), not being too sore to walk the parks.

There's a half in my area Labor Day weekend, the same weekend as the DL half. I'm going to try to follow that training schedule and see where it leads me.

First run is today. During the week, I will do C25k runs, and then long runs for distance on the weekend on my own, according to the training plan from run Disney's site. I'll probably keep that week's c25k walk/run timing for the long runs until I graduate from c25k.

Does that sound reasonable?

 

[Sandy321]

Laurabearz Good for you for starting this thread!

I admit to reading it a few weeks ago - and not wanting to! As you can see from my signature, I've done the Half twice now - the first time was ok, the 2nd was overwhelming (I was the last person to cross the finish line, the sweepers followed me for the last few miles actually!) and I told dh I NEVER want to do it EVER again...

and I've gained weight, and have lost motivation, etc etc...

so, now dh wants to do Goofy AGAIN! and How Can I allow him to run, and me do nothing, but sit on the couch?

I'm not ready yet, I've walked about a mile 3 - 4 times a week - but not consistent...

Trying to figure out resorts right now...

Hope your training is going well!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Wow. You´re my inspiration. I need to lose at least 50 lbs and am a complete couch potato, which I hate being.
Thinking of starting the couch 2 5K. Running a 1/2 marathon sounds to me like an unreachable goal, but maybe it isn´t.

NOTHING is impossible............. I was 8 stone overweight and I secretly had a things to do when im normal list, I struggled with my wt and finally cracked it after 10 years, I done ALL the things on my list(dont ask) but included marathon,skinny dipping,ski holiday and disney cruise, ive done lots of marathon running in the last 4 years, it helps my wt hugely, I still struggle

You go freyja
Come on Sandy, Im doing the goofy

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Laurabearz - that's awesome! I'm also planning on doing the half in Jan. I'm scared, but I'm confident I can finish, even if most of it ends up being walking. I just walked a half this past weekend without training, so I feel like with training, I might be able to run most, if not all, of it.

I was really hoping to do the full or even the Goofy! (man, I must've been crazy to think I could just jump in and do that!), but after doing the half this weekend, I know I want to just limit myself to the half this year, and be able to enjoy the rest of our trip (till the Fri after Marathon Weekend), not being too sore to walk the parks.

There's a half in my area Labor Day weekend, the same weekend as the DL half. I'm going to try to follow that training schedule and see where it leads me.

First run is today. During the week, I will do C25k runs, and then long runs for distance on the weekend on my own, according to the training plan from run Disney's site. I'll probably keep that week's c25k walk/run timing for the long runs until I graduate from c25k.

Does that sound reasonable?

Sorry, I dont know that plan, Ive started from scratch with the non runners marathon guide..

some inspiration for you guys.

My first half marathon !!!!!!!!!!!

I was peeved cause I had done so well no one was at the finish line to see me cross the line!