Does anyone run the PHM without the company of their family?

[laura428]

I'm really going back and forth on whether I should register for the PHM. It's not because I don't think I can do it - although I've not been as active lately, I know that with enough lead time and discipline, I can definitely do it. It's more about the logistics and probably not having my family with me.

We'll be flying down at the end of October for a wonderful week at BC CL. Considering that PHM is only four months later, and that it took some convincing to get DH down for the October trip, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be up for another Disney vaca so soon. I love the idea of running Disney, but I don't know yet how I feel about going without the family. It'd be so... weird! But I'm really wanting to do this.

Does anyone else go by themselves?

 

[erinna]

There's LOTS of solo princesses as far as I can tell -- check out the event thread or Google solo princess half marathon and you'll see what I mean.

And I can tell you firsthand that Disney is a great place to be solo: I feel safe, there's plenty to keep me amused and if I get chatty, it's more than easy to find people to talk to! And on a race weekend, where it's up at cockadoodledoo and zzzzz after the race? I prefer to be on my own, actually. Not that I don't love vacationing with the fam -- I just like vacationing with me, too!

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

I can't speak from experience as the PHM will be my first runDisney event, but I want to stop in and encourage you anyway. I have read numerous thread replies where people mention the immense support at these runs. If in your heart you want to give this a go, you will not be lacking cheerleaders I can promise you that! As the previous poster mentioned, if you're going to go solo at a half-marathon, Disney is the place to be.

Before I signed up for the PHM, I, too, did not know if I'd be going solo or if my husband and young daughter would be able to tag along. I decided in advance that I'd be registering either way. If this is something you really want to do, I say go for it. We'll all be there to cheer you on! I know it's probably easier said than done but I want to offer my support to you anyway.

 

[mommy2lt]

I may be going solo. The original plan was for me and DH to go because I don't want to pull the kids out of school. But the kids (mainly my daughter ) have never been away from home or been without us so not really sure how they would do. I really don't even know who would keep them It would be easier all around if I just go by myself. I am already stepping pretty far out of my comfort zone just doing the GSC, and flying down, staying in a hotel, eating etc... is WAY out there for me, but if it's what I have to do, then so be it

 

[paxsarah]

I think if the trip otherwise works for you, you'll have a good time solo. This year I did PHM with a group of friends, no family, and we're doing it again next year. And I'm also doing marathon weekend totally solo (though my SIL - not a runner - might come along with me for company).

 

[Davidg83]

I've never participated in a runDisney event (The upcoming Disneyland half will be my first), so I can't tell you if a lot of people are solo, however, I've signed up for the PHM and am doing it solo. I don't really have any running friends but don't want to miss out on these runs because of that. Go for it!

 

[laura428]

Thanks for all of the replies!!

There's LOTS of solo princesses as far as I can tell -- check out the event thread or Google solo princess half marathon and you'll see what I mean.

And I can tell you firsthand that Disney is a great place to be solo: I feel safe, there's plenty to keep me amused and if I get chatty, it's more than easy to find people to talk to! And on a race weekend, where it's up at cockadoodledoo and zzzzz after the race? I prefer to be on my own, actually. Not that I don't love vacationing with the fam -- I just like vacationing with me, too!

That's what I was thinking, too! I'm so comfortable at Disney - it sounds odd, but it's kind of like going home when I'm there. So do you just completely zonk out after the race? Do you get together with any of the other solo runners at any point during the weekend?

I can't speak from experience as the PHM will be my first runDisney event, but I want to stop in and encourage you anyway. I have read numerous thread replies where people mention the immense support at these runs. If in your heart you want to give this a go, you will not be lacking cheerleaders I can promise you that! As the previous poster mentioned, if you're going to go solo at a half-marathon, Disney is the place to be.

Before I signed up for the PHM, I, too, did not know if I'd be going solo or if my husband and young daughter would be able to tag along. I decided in advance that I'd be registering either way. If this is something you really want to do, I say go for it. We'll all be there to cheer you on! I know it's probably easier said than done but I want to offer my support to you anyway.

You are so sweet. I'm so proud of you for registering, and you're honestly my inspiration for even considering the PHM!!

I may be going solo. The original plan was for me and DH to go because I don't want to pull the kids out of school. But the kids (mainly my daughter ) have never been away from home or been without us so not really sure how they would do. I really don't even know who would keep them It would be easier all around if I just go by myself. I am already stepping pretty far out of my comfort zone just doing the GSC, and flying down, staying in a hotel, eating etc... is WAY out there for me, but if it's what I have to do, then so be it

I do a ton of solo travel for business, and have done girls' weekends before, but Disney just screams family to me, you know? And honestly, I don't know how the kids would feel if Mom was going to WDW without them!

I think if the trip otherwise works for you, you'll have a good time solo. This year I did PHM with a group of friends, no family, and we're doing it again next year. And I'm also doing marathon weekend totally solo (though my SIL - not a runner - might come along with me for company).

Trying to see if I can round anyone up to do this with me, but I dunno. I have a few runner friends, but they're not Disney fans. And I have a few Disney fan friends, but they're definitely not runners!

I've never participated in a runDisney event (The upcoming Disneyland half will be my first), so I can't tell you if a lot of people are solo, however, I've signed up for the PHM and am doing it solo. I don't really have any running friends but don't want to miss out on these runs because of that. Go for it!

Good for you!! So I'll ask you the same question I asked erinna above: do you get together with other runners over the course of the weekend, or just kinda do your own thing? I could see me enjoying some me time at the World, but I'd love to meet some folks while I'm there, too.

 

[kappyfamily]

I'm going solo, all the way from Oregon!

 

[longhorns2]

I go every year with girlfriends. And it's AWESOME. Such a different experience when you are a Princess in the World than when you are a Mom!

I highly encourage it.

 

[Figment1990]

Thanks for all of the replies!!

That's what I was thinking, too! I'm so comfortable at Disney - it sounds odd, but it's kind of like going home when I'm there. So do you just completely zonk out after the race? Do you get together with any of the other solo runners at any point during the weekend?

You are so sweet. I'm so proud of you for registering, and you're honestly my inspiration for even considering the PHM!!

I do a ton of solo travel for business, and have done girls' weekends before, but Disney just screams family to me, you know? And honestly, I don't know how the kids would feel if Mom was going to WDW without them!

Trying to see if I can round anyone up to do this with me, but I dunno. I have a few runner friends, but they're not Disney fans. And I have a few Disney fan friends, but they're definitely not runners!

Good for you!! So I'll ask you the same question I asked erinna above: do you get together with other runners over the course of the weekend, or just kinda do your own thing? I could see me enjoying some me time at the World, but I'd love to meet some folks while I'm there, too.

I hear ya- I don't have anyone who will run these races with me who is committed enough to actually do them. Last year I was supposed to run w a friend and her work schedule messed up her training schedule and she didn't end up running. Then this year my sis was supposed to run and HER work messed that up. So now I plan to run solo bc im out of running friends at this point! Wish I had a group that I could make it a girls weekend!

As it is, I'll be traveling w my family for princess, and just DH for tink and wine and dine. But I've often thought of going to Disney solo. I would spend a chunk of time at the mandara spa at the dolphin, another chunk of time poolside just reading (or on a balcony if that was too cold) and enjoy wandering epcot and shopping! I've done solo time in the world on our trips as a family- usually when DS was napping or when I wanted to shop in Epcot and they were riding. Or when I ride tower of terror. I don't find it odd to be there alone, probably because I'm so comfortable there.

Last year at wine and dine I met the nicest girl on the bus. We had such a blast before the race. Disney is a great place for meeting new friends!

 

[momof4disneykids]

Just jumping in to encourage you to go for it. I appreciate the support you gave me on the other thread! I will be traveling by myself for the GSC. Like you, I still feel a bit strange about going to the Happiest Place on Earth without my family (my kids still don't know I will be going without them), but running at WDW is something special that I wanted to do for me. Because I don't usually do things for myself I think I've earned this. You deserve it too! Go for it! You definitely won't be the only solo traveler and I know you will have an amazing time. I am game for a meet up with others going alone. After reading the 158 pages of the other thread I already feel like I know some of my fellow princesses lol!

 

[RangerPooh]

I'm glad I found this thread. A girlfriend and I are registering for the TB half at DL and I too am looking at going without my family.

 

[Raenstoirm]

I am not doing the PHM, but I am running my first half this year. I will be doing it alone. Incidentally this will also be the first time I will be staying in a hotel alone in my life. Dh said he would come with me, but he would hate the expo the night before and he is a night owl, so me having to go to bed early would bore him to tears and then getting up early the next morning is just not his thing. So I thanked him for volunteering and told him I would go alone. I do have a few more months till my race though, so I might change my mind (thought I doubt it).

I have to admit I am looking forward to going it alone. I kinda look at the training and eventual race as a personal victory. I guess I am weird!

 

[fruitcakes24]

I'm on the fence....
I would love to be able to go down and just relax before/after the race without worrying about pleasing the other members of my family.

However, I can't imagine not having someone to celebrate with after I was done.

At the end of the day, if it meant not going AT ALL, I would definitely do it solo.

 

[laura428]

I'm going solo, all the way from Oregon!

Such a different experience when you are a Princess in the World than when you are a Mom!

Disney is a great place for meeting new friends!

Love all of this!

Just jumping in to encourage you to go for it. I appreciate the support you gave me on the other thread! I will be traveling by myself for the GSC. Like you, I still feel a bit strange about going to the Happiest Place on Earth without my family (my kids still don't know I will be going without them), but running at WDW is something special that I wanted to do for me. Because I don't usually do things for myself I think I've earned this. You deserve it too! Go for it! You definitely won't be the only solo traveler and I know you will have an amazing time. I am game for a meet up with others going alone. After reading the 158 pages of the other thread I already feel like I know some of my fellow princesses lol!

You are so welcome! And I'd love to put a meet up together.

I'm glad I found this thread. A girlfriend and I are registering for the TB half at DL and I too am looking at going without my family.

Glad you found it, too! It honestly makes me feel better to hear about others who might be going it alone.

I have to admit I am looking forward to going it alone. I kinda look at the training and eventual race as a personal victory. I guess I am weird!

Not weird at all! I totally get it, really.

I'm on the fence....However, I can't imagine not having someone to celebrate with after I was done.

At the end of the day, if it meant not going AT ALL, I would definitely do it solo.

And that's just it - if I can't go at all, will I regret it? I think I might.

 

[laura428]

ACK!!! I just checked the registration page, and it's jumped from 80% full as of this morning to 87% full now.

Think I'm going to take the plunge.

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

You are so sweet. I'm so proud of you for registering, and you're honestly my inspiration for even considering the PHM!!

So sorry I haven't been able to reply until now. Work was a bit crazy today! LOL! But thank you for your kind words! I've never dreamed of being an inspiration to anyone, especially pertaining to a half-marathon. You totally made my day and I'll be honest...it's the amazing participants who inspire me to push forward, overcome my self-doubt, and give this my best effort. You can do it too! I'll stand by my words and be your cheerleader every step of the way. I have total faith in you!

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

ACK!!! I just checked the registration page, and it's jumped from 80% full as of this morning to 87% full now.

Think I'm going to take the plunge.

Here I am, chanting,"DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!"

Let me tell you what happened with me... The PHM was 70% full when I was contemplating registering. One day at work, I loaded the page on my cell phone and I THOUGHT I saw it say "100%". My heart sank and I felt this doom come over me. Once I realized my eyes were tricking me, I vowed to go home that very night and register. That feeling of doom was a huge indicator that I'd regret it if I didn't sign up. It sounds to me like you really want this so I say do it! Sign up, mark your spot, and come back to tell us what princess you chose.

 

[Neesy228]

I have to admit I am looking forward to going it alone. I kinda look at the training and eventual race as a personal victory. I guess I am weird!

This is totally me too. it's a personal journey and victory for me just days before my 40th birthday. I took the plunge and registered two days after it opened! I will join the chant: DO IT! DO IT!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I always run solo and tend to do race days solo- I like that since so many of my friends and family are so wide spread that with the race updates as well as my personal updates on FB that when I need the 'high five' I can quickly pull up and see lots of comments from them cheering me on-

-em