Crazy person thinks she can do the 1/2 marathon!

[marathondreamer]

Hi everyone! I am new to message boards in general, and new to running. I have decided, against my better judgement, that I need to run a marathon (well half of one anyhow!) and the only place I would even consider is Disney.

For years now, my family has been lucky enough to vacation at WDW in January, usually right around marathon weekend. This last January I decided it was time to try it.

Now, why is this so crazy? Well, I am about 100 lbs overweight, 42 and have always believed that I would only run if chased.

So I have 9 months to train. I plan to run/walk, have no delusions of setting any records, and will train slowly and steadily. Currently I am walking 5x weekly, not worrying too much about distance, just trying to get into the habit.

What I need is encouragement, knowledge, wisdom. Ideas of books to read, websites to visit, other general advice. I know registration is coming up and I don't want to get shut out. So, here I am.
Woo Hoo! Let me know what you think, unless its negative!

Thanks!

 

[Tabetha]

Welcome and congratulations!

I just ran my first half marathon (Princess) last month at Disney, and it was a blast. I trained for 4 months following the Jeff Galloway program on the RunDisney site, although I'd done some prior running (Couch to 5K a couple of times, and part-way through Couch to 10K). I was by no means 'a runner'. I'm not fast, and I'm not in super shape.

I say I have 30 pounds to lose, but if I'm realistic, it's more like 50.

I think as long as you're patient, honest with yourself during training (learning when to push and when to give yourself a break) and dedicated, you're going to surprise yourself. Running (even run/walk/run, which is what I do) is so incredibly cathartic, and finishing the long runs and crossing them off as you get closer to your goal is a powerful boost to your confidence.

As far as reading - I think Jeff Galloway has some helpful information in his book "Half Marathon: You Can Do It", but I think he's probably a better coach than a writer. You just have to slog through the layout. I'm thinking about grabbing "Running for Mortals", it seems to be pretty well reviewed.

Galloway downplays crosstraining, but honestly, my physiotherapist is leading me towards some hip & calf strengthening exercises, and I could feel that my core really got a workout during the half, so I'm going to be doing more cross training leading up to the Disneyland Half Marathon in August - I'm going Coast to Coast this year!

Good luck on your journey, I hope you love it.

 

[SAHDad]

What I need is encouragement, knowledge, wisdom. Ideas of books to read, websites to visit, other general advice. I know registration is coming up and I don't want to get shut out. So, here I am.
Woo Hoo! Let me know what you think, unless its negative!

Thanks!

First, congrats! It's a noble goal, and not crazy at all. And, while many marathons are walker-friendly, Disney is one of the best when it comes to that.

As far as books, I recommend "The Courage to Start," "No Need for Speed," "Marathon for Mortals," and "Running for Mortals" - all by John "The Penguin" Bingham (a couple are co-authored by Jenny Hadfield)

Advise-wise - remember, cotton is rotten. Tech gear is better, and this includes socks and underwear. Get to a real running store and have them help you select a shoe.

 

[johde]

Like everyone else said, congratulation on your new goal. You've gotten some great advice already. I started off with John Bingham w/ Jenny Hadfield's "Marathoning for Mortals" to train for my first 2 half marathons. The first one I did all walking, the second one I did mostly walking with spurts of running (I walked 2 minutes then ran 1 minute). I've since transitioned to mainly Jeff Galloway's plans. To be honest, you can't go wrong with either one.

The one thing I would add is if you are planning on doing run/walk, it would be wise to start trying to incorporate some running into your routine now. If you're looking at starting at the very beginning you could look at Jeff Galloway Conditioning program. You could adjust the time to fit your current fitness level. If you're looking at doing run/walk you'll probably want to look into something to tell you when to switch from walking to running. There are any number of things you can use. I use my Garmin GPS watch but that's pretty expensive. If you have a smart phone, there are apps that will do interval training. Jeff Galloway recommends using a Gym Boss. There are also some watches that will do it. Trying to clock watch doesn't work very well.

The most important thing is Have Fun.

 

[yulilin3]

Congrats on taking the first steps toward a healthier you!!
I am also overweight, and have witnessed plenty of people walking around with their medals after all the Disney races and always wanted to try it but never thought of myself as a runner.
This past January I decided to give it a try, and trained with Galloways program, doing an interval of 1minute walking 1 minute jogging and finished my first 5K (the Royal Family) Now I'm registered for Tower of Terror 10 miler and looking forward to the 1/2 Princess next year.
First things first...go to a proper running shoe store, I went to one called Fit 2 Run, they recorded myself running on a treadmill to see if I needed special shoes and I overpronate so they recommended shoes that I just adore, no more calf pain when I train.
Next I have on my android the free app runkeeper. This is great, it measures, distance, time, speed, pace and you can input intervals so you have everything you need in one, free app.
The other thing is pace yourself, don't start too fast. Galloway recommends walking/running only 3 times a week. 2 30 min. sessions and one longer one. Rest in between to let your muscles recuperate.
Have fun and enjoy it.

 

[amykay9377]

Hi everyone! I am new to message boards in general, and new to running.
I am about 100 lbs overweight, 42 and have always believed that I would only run if chased.
Currently I am walking 5x weekly, not worrying too much about distance, just trying to get into the habit.
What I need is encouragement, knowledge, wisdom. Ideas of books to read, websites to visit, other general advice.
Thanks!

Welcome! From another "Why am I doing this am I crazy?" gal who is going to sign up for the Princess, you have found the right place!

I am about 55lb overweight and also thought that you would have to be chasing me with a chainsaw to get me to run. I've always been overweight and busty, so I never really learned HOW to run in PE class back in the day, so this is a real learning experience!

If you're looking at starting at the very beginning you could look at Jeff Galloway Conditioning program.

I was totally going to recommend this program, Johde! I'm on week 7 of this program, and honestly, I'm kind of winging it at this point, but still following it. My plan for the year is the Conditioning Plan, Couch-to-5k, Jeff's Half-marathon Training THEN Jeff's actual Princess Training (it'll be on runDisney's site later this year, or you can follow the 2011 plan and change the dates). I can run about 2 minutes at a stretch now, with my longest being 4 minutes at about 4.3 mph. Pretty big accomplishment for me.

First things first...go to a proper running shoe store, I went to one called Fit 2 Run, they recorded myself running on a treadmill to see if I needed special shoes and I overpronate so they recommended shoes that I just adore, no more calf pain when I train.

Not to steal the thread, but do they charge you for that running eval at Fit2Run? We have one at our mall and want to go in, but I don't want to get suckered into paying for anything extra if I'm just shopping around.

 

[yulilin3]

Welcome! From another "Why am I doing this am I crazy?" gal who is going to sign up for the Princess, you have found the right place!

I am about 55lb overweight and also thought that you would have to be chasing me with a chainsaw to get me to run. I've always been overweight and busty, so I never really learned HOW to run in PE class back in the day, so this is a real learning experience!


I was totally going to recommend this program, Johde! I'm on week 7 of this program, and honestly, I'm kind of winging it at this point, but still following it. My plan for the year is the Conditioning Plan, Couch-to-5k, Jeff's Half-marathon Training THEN Jeff's actual Princess Training (it'll be on runDisney's site later this year, or you can follow the 2011 plan and change the dates). I can run about 2 minutes at a stretch now, with my longest being 4 minutes at about 4.3 mph. Pretty big accomplishment for me.


Not to steal the thread, but do they charge you for that running eval at Fit2Run? We have one at our mall and want to go in, but I don't want to get suckered into paying for anything extra if I'm just shopping around.

No charge for the evaluation, the people that work at the Fla. Mall are mostly college kids, all fit , that was a bit intimidating for me since I'm the opposite of all that. But the guy that helped me was very nice and seemed to know what he was talking about. Remember to bring the shoes you are using now to walk, they look at the sole of them and can "predict" what you'll need. Then they put you in "neutral" running shoes and have you run for about 45sec. and record your feet. Then in slow motion the see how your feet land with each step and then they make recomendations. I was not pressured into buying anything, the guy that helped me brought out 2 pairs of shoes, had me put them on and then jog around the store to see what was more comfortable. It really made a huge difference since before I was using my regular reeboks and my calf would kill me within 5 min. Now I don't feel any discomfort while walking/running

 

[PeterPan09]

No charge for the evaluation, the people that work at the Fla. Mall are mostly college kids, all fit , that was a bit intimidating for me since I'm the opposite of all that. But the guy that helped me was very nice and seemed to know what he was talking about. Remember to bring the shoes you are using now to walk, they look at the sole of them and can "predict" what you'll need. Then they put you in "neutral" running shoes and have you run for about 45sec. and record your feet. Then in slow motion the see how your feet land with each step and then they make recomendations. I was not pressured into buying anything, the guy that helped me brought out 2 pairs of shoes, had me put them on and then jog around the store to see what was more comfortable. It really made a huge difference since before I was using my regular reeboks and my calf would kill me within 5 min. Now I don't feel any discomfort while walking/running

I had good luck there as well, even though I was intimidated by the really fit and healthy workers. I got a pair of New Balance and for the first time I have done a running program with no shin splints!

I'm using the Run Your Butt Off program from Runner's World and until my work schedule went nuts I was doing great!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

You can do it!!!!
I'm about 70 pounds overweight and I am going to do the Donald too.
I'll also be turning 40 next year and my goal is to be forty, fit and fabulous!

I hope you hang out here more often. You could start a journal in the WISH journal forum and we can all chat and progress together!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Congratulations on your goal! You can definitely do this. I started running on Memorial Day weekend last year and made my goal of finishing the Princess last month. It was such a blast! I, too, recommend Jeff Galloway's walk/run program. It will help to reduce the risk of injuries and keep you motivated. I started with the C25K on my iphone and continued to progress from there. Make sure you get fitted for a proper pair of shoes and hang out here on the dis to reap the benefits of all the princesses who will cheer you onto your goal! Consider doing a few local 5Ks/10ks this summer/fall to give you the experience of race day.

 

[Fluffy Princess]

Hi everyone! I am new to message boards in general, and new to running. I have decided, against my better judgement, that I need to run a marathon (well half of one anyhow!) and the only place I would even consider is Disney.
!

First , congratulations. You can do this! I too recently decided that I need to run a half despite being "fluffy", well fat. Second, get approval from your doctor to begin running or by other exercise program. Third, get fitted at a running store for some running shoes. Fourth, get moving and have fun!

See if your community has a running club or anything that you can join for encouragement. The running store should be able to tell you. Keep us posted!

 

[suzysharp]

First off congrats on your goal. It is definitely attainable! Last summer as I watched my father die of cancer I reflected on his weight struggle and decided I needed to do something to not follow in his shoes. I found the Tinkerbell 1/2 marathon online and decided that was what I was going to do. When I told my family they were concerned that I was creating too big of a goal for myself but also happy that I was trying to get in better shape. Well to make a long story short I did. I finished, my time wasn't great(3:32) but i finished and I crossed that finish line and got my medal. It wasn't easy but I did the Galloway training program from runDisney and found that very helpful. I agree with those who say to get fitted for shoes as you need to take care of your feet. I lost 15 lbs training for Tink and have another 50 to go. Now I'm training for Wine & Dine so I get my C2C and my running buddy who I met during the Tink is registered as well! You can do it! Just keep at it and this board is a great support system. Good luck!!

 

[PlutoBaby]

Hi everyone! I am new to message boards in general, and new to running. I have decided, against my better judgement, that I need to run a marathon (well half of one anyhow!) and the only place I would even consider is Disney.

For years now, my family has been lucky enough to vacation at WDW in January, usually right around marathon weekend. This last January I decided it was time to try it.

Now, why is this so crazy? Well, I am about 100 lbs overweight, 42 and have always believed that I would only run if chased.

So I have 9 months to train. I plan to run/walk, have no delusions of setting any records, and will train slowly and steadily. Currently I am walking 5x weekly, not worrying too much about distance, just trying to get into the habit.

What I need is encouragement, knowledge, wisdom. Ideas of books to read, websites to visit, other general advice. I know registration is coming up and I don't want to get shut out. So, here I am.
Woo Hoo! Let me know what you think, unless its negative!

Thanks!

If wanting to do a half (or whole) makes you crazy, then that makes me completely off my rocker! I've been doing the weight battle my whole life and FINALLY seeing some results with good old Weight Watchers (online). I did one half back in 2007 and did okay, but boy did my knees give me crapola for about two weeks afterward!. The first run after that was nothing less than pathetic but after that, my legs remembered what to do. Just like WW, take it in baby steps. You're already on your way with all the walking. Try slowly increasing your distance by 10% each week and let your body get used to moving - it will thank you.

I'm not much for reading as there's SO many opinions out there, but the Galloway training from runDisney does seem to be a popular choice. You just have to find what works best for YOU!

If you're looking for even more great support, check out the Team Goddess thread. It's a group of the most amazing women you could ever meet and they're all coming from the same place as you and I. Keep up the great work and even when you want to give up and stay on the couch just remember, the end product (13.1, a finisher's medal and pride in yourself) will make all the time and pain worth it!

Keep it up girlfriend! You'll be SO glad you did!!

 

[marathondreamer]

Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement! I am doing the Jeff Galloway 8 Week conditioning program. Started Monday and finished day 4 this morning. He recommends a run/walk ratio of 5 seconds to 55 seconds. Run/walking 3 days/ week walking on 2. I'm feeling good, however 5 seconds of running is harder than I would have liked for it to be! After my 8 weeks, I plan on starting with the beginner 1/2 marathon training in Jeff's Half Marathon book. By starting with the 3 mile long run week, it will be perfect, 35 weeks of training bringing me right up to race day!

So far, this isn't too rigorous. I plan on keeping it slow and steady! I think I will look at the journal section of the WISH forum and see about starting one.

Thanks again!

Also, I plan on getting fitted for good shoes this weekend.

Jen

 

[mahipp]

Put me in the 100 pounds overweight category. Well, maybe about 80 now.

I'm trying to navigate around these boards - finding my spot. There are so many threads it's overwhelming!

My goal at the minute is the Disney Family Fun Run 5K during the ToT 10 miler weekend in September. I really, really want to do a half marathon some day. I want that 13.1 sticker for the back of my car so bad I can taste it! LOL

 

[amykay9377]

Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement! I am doing the Jeff Galloway 8 Week conditioning program. Started Monday and finished day 4 this morning. He recommends a run/walk ratio of 5 seconds to 55 seconds. Run/walking 3 days/ week walking on 2. I'm feeling good, however 5 seconds of running is harder than I would have liked for it to be! After my 8 weeks, I plan on starting with the beginner 1/2 marathon training in Jeff's Half Marathon book. By starting with the 3 mile long run week, it will be perfect, 35 weeks of training bringing me right up to race day!

So far, this isn't too rigorous. I plan on keeping it slow and steady! I think I will look at the journal section of the WISH forum and see about starting one.

Thanks again!

Also, I plan on getting fitted for good shoes this weekend.

Jen

Good job, Jen! I just finished the Conditioning Program over the weekend, and I've moved on to Couch to 5k. It's great that the CP is not rigorous, because if it was, I think most people would quit!

I still need to get fitted for shoes, but the past few weeks have been so hectic - 2 weeks ago, I was baking all weekend for a bake sale, last weekend, I did the March of Dimes walk (which was awesome!) and this weekend I have my mom's 60th birthday party that I'm putting together and hosting. Maybe next weekend!

 

[marathondreamer]

Put me in the 100 pounds overweight category. Well, maybe about 80 now.

I'm trying to navigate around these boards - finding my spot. There are so many threads it's overwhelming!

My goal at the minute is the Disney Family Fun Run 5K during the ToT 10 miler weekend in September. I really, really want to do a half marathon some day. I want that 13.1 sticker for the back of my car so bad I can taste it! LOL

You can do it! Check out Jeff Galloway website. He's great!

 

[mahipp]

You can do it! Check out Jeff Galloway website. He's great!

Thanks for the encouragement! Right now, I'm walking 3-4 miles a day, but my pace is slow. I still need to lose 70-80 pounds. I'm concentrating on walking more right now, to lose the weight. Then, I figure in the fall, I will start working on one of the half marathon training programs to get my pace down.

 

[erinna]

Thanks for the encouragement! Right now, I'm walking 3-4 miles a day, but my pace is slow. I still need to lose 70-80 pounds. I'm concentrating on walking more right now, to lose the weight. Then, I figure in the fall, I will start working on one of the half marathon training programs to get my pace down.

That's EXACTLY where I started. I found Wendy Baumgarten's weekly walking newsletter helpful ( you can just google her name to get to her site) and I also found _Walking for Dummies_ helpful.

You've probably already done this, but I waited a couple of months before buying Target quality workout wear and a goodish ($60-level) pair of shoes. When I realized how much more comfortable I was in more appropriate gear, I wished I'd done it from the getgo!

 

[mahipp]

That's EXACTLY where I started. I found Wendy Baumgarten's weekly walking newsletter helpful ( you can just google her name to get to her site) and I also found _Walking for Dummies_ helpful.

You've probably already done this, but I waited a couple of months before buying Target quality workout wear and a goodish ($60-level) pair of shoes. When I realized how much more comfortable I was in more appropriate gear, I wished I'd done it from the getgo!

Thanks for the ideas - will Google her.

I've got Nikes that I bought on ebay. I found a pair that I like and bought a second pair. I NEED good shoes. I haven't really bought much in the way of clothing - already had some capri legging type pants that work well for me. I think I've got two friends of mine who want to do the Princess with me. They are younger and in better shape. But, I think having them onboard is going to help keep me motivated.