Official 2011 Princess Half Marathon Thread - Link to new thread Post 3703!

[Swmr359]

ugh I hate buying new running shoes, seems like I always need them after my previous pair has been upgraded and the upgrade never works for me...Of course I always wait too long to get new shoes; maybe if I got new ones right away I wouldn't have this problem!


A Question: When I registered for the 1/2 I entered my time from last year, do I need to bring something to prove this time or will they know since it was a Disney race?

 

[Kensgirl519]

I'm so bummed.... I have taken a week off from running. Last monday after 4 miles, I got a HORRIBLE pain in my left leg. Kinda in the front like I had been kicked by a toddler with steel toed boots!!! I have been taking it easy because I'm so scared of getting hurt. I'm sooooo looking forward to the Princess 1/2 and I don't want to already be out of the game.

I have been putting ice on it and really trying my best to go easy. Today is the first day that it's not a constant pain! I'm hoping to at least do a nice slow jog today at the gym. Any advice? I really am a beginner and a slow one at that. The best i have done was my 4 miles and that was still doing a 14 min mile.... I am not fast at all.

I'm so afraid of being the last one and getting picked up by the bus!!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm so bummed.... I have taken a week off from running. Last monday after 4 miles, I got a HORRIBLE pain in my left leg. Kinda in the front like I had been kicked by a toddler with steel toed boots!!! I have been taking it easy because I'm so scared of getting hurt. I'm sooooo looking forward to the Princess 1/2 and I don't want to already be out of the game.

I have been putting ice on it and really trying my best to go easy. Today is the first day that it's not a constant pain! I'm hoping to at least do a nice slow jog today at the gym. Any advice? I really am a beginner and a slow one at that. The best i have done was my 4 miles and that was still doing a 14 min mile.... I am not fast at all.

I'm so afraid of being the last one and getting picked up by the bus!!

The good thing is, you still have 15 weeks to train. Don't panic yet. Take all the time you need off. If your jog today hurts, by all means, stop jogging for a few more days.

Do you have any idea what might have caused the pain?

 

[MamaCrush]

What were your symptoms?

Hope it's better soon.

Well, I had been training for the Disney Halloween 5K for 3 months and was doing well. Then the Monday before the Sat. race, I got a sharp pain at the top of my tibia, right beneath the right side of my left knee. I babied it the rest of the week and didn't run until the race Saturday AM. I taped it, warmed up, etc. I was fine until about a mile into the race, then it started to hurt again. I walked way more than I had planned, just so I could finish the race upright! Afterwards for the 3 days I was still in Diseny, I did minimal touring and spent a lot of time by the pool or in the hot tub. (Still a great trip! ) As soon as I got back home, I went to the sports med dr. who diagnosed it through an MRI. Stress fractures don't show up on normal xrays. Then I was put on crutches for a month. I could put some weight on the leg, but definitely not full weight. After about 1 week on crutches, I had absolutely no pain. I've been off of them for 3 weeks and I see her again tomorrow. She's fitting me for orthotics before we leave for Disney in 11 days. This will hopefully relieve some pressure on the knee area since I'm extremely flat-footed. She also has advised I may have to use a scooter while I'm there if my leg is feeling overly fatigued. She thinks she'll release me to start running again by the end of December. But bear in mind, I'm 51 years old and overweight so I'm sure she's being extra conservative.

Hope this info helps! As much as I have hated being hurt, I still have religously followed drs orders. If not, I'm afraid I'll not be able to run again.

 

[HockeyKat]

Well, I had been training for the Disney Halloween 5K for 3 months and was doing well. Then the Monday before the Sat. race, I got a sharp pain at the top of my tibia, right beneath the right side of my left knee. I babied it the rest of the week and didn't run until the race Saturday AM. I taped it, warmed up, etc. I was fine until about a mile into the race, then it started to hurt again. I walked way more than I had planned, just so I could finish the race upright! Afterwards for the 3 days I was still in Diseny, I did minimal touring and spent a lot of time by the pool or in the hot tub. (Still a great trip! ) As soon as I got back home, I went to the sports med dr. who diagnosed it through an MRI. Stress fractures don't show up on normal xrays. Then I was put on crutches for a month. I could put some weight on the leg, but definitely not full weight. After about 1 week on crutches, I had absolutely no pain. I've been off of them for 3 weeks and I see her again tomorrow. She's fitting me for orthotics before we leave for Disney in 11 days. This will hopefully relieve some pressure on the knee area since I'm extremely flat-footed. She also has advised I may have to use a scooter while I'm there if my leg is feeling overly fatigued. She thinks she'll release me to start running again by the end of December. But bear in mind, I'm 51 years old and overweight so I'm sure she's being extra conservative.

Hope this info helps! As much as I have hated being hurt, I still have religously followed drs orders. If not, I'm afraid I'll not be able to run again.

Thanks!!!

I got the same sharp pain you described during the Chicago RnR back in August. I took 6 weeks off then, but the pain has returned as I trained for the OBX half.

I will definitely be getting it checked out this week. I play ice hockey in an organized group, so I have asked the group for sports med dr recommendations and already have a few suggestions.

I am also very flat footed and about 30-40 lbs overweight, although I am 34 and not 51.

 

[Kensgirl519]

I'm sure my super fast speed had nothing to do with my pain...

I really don't know. This is my first month training. (I started Oct. 9th) and i have only been doing treadmill runs. I don't feel confident enough for "public running" yet.

At first, I thought it was just sore muscles because my legs would hurt or be sore, but I would take two motrin and was fine the next day. I have been following all the advice about not doing too much to soon, not doing more than 10% increases a week and although I try each time to do better than my last time, I don't over push myself.

When I got off the treadmill, everything just felt really tight. I don't know if it's the muscle infront of the leg or what. I have been trying to do exercises to help strengthing that muscle.

I don't know how long i should wait before seeing the doctor.

 

[HockeyKat]

I'm sure my super fast speed had nothing to do with my pain...

I really don't know. This is my first month training. (I started Oct. 9th) and i have only been doing treadmill runs. I don't feel confident enough for "public running" yet.

At first, I thought it was just sore muscles because my legs would hurt or be sore, but I would take two motrin and was fine the next day. I have been following all the advice about not doing too much to soon, not doing more than 10% increases a week and although I try each time to do better than my last time, I don't over push myself.

When I got off the treadmill, everything just felt really tight. I don't know if it's the muscle infront of the leg or what. I have been trying to do exercises to help strengthing that muscle.

I don't know how long i should wait before seeing the doctor.

Do as I say, not as I do here!

I am not a doctor or medical professional of course, but I think that the cue to see a doctor is acute pain that doesn't fade after a day or two, and/or recurs even with rest.

For example, over the last two weeks, I have no real aches or pains *other* than the front of the left shin, and it hurts beyond just I can't get off the couch stiff (which I have today as well thanks to the half!). That is telling me that it's not normal post-exercise muscle aches.

 

[Jeannekay]

I'm sure my super fast speed had nothing to do with my pain...

I really don't know. This is my first month training. (I started Oct. 9th) and i have only been doing treadmill runs. I don't feel confident enough for "public running" yet.

At first, I thought it was just sore muscles because my legs would hurt or be sore, but I would take two motrin and was fine the next day. I have been following all the advice about not doing too much to soon, not doing more than 10% increases a week and although I try each time to do better than my last time, I don't over push myself.

When I got off the treadmill, everything just felt really tight. I don't know if it's the muscle in front of the leg or what. I have been trying to do exercises to help strengthening that muscle.

I don't know how long i should wait before seeing the doctor.

If you have health insurance, don't wait. It takes Doctors forever to figure stuff out. I would go to a sports medicine doctor though, if you can.

I also stretch everything all of the time. I was surprised at how running tightens up everything. My calves are the tightest. I am at the weight I should be for my height. I think extra pounds makes it harder on the body.

I was having trouble with the laces being too tight or too loose. My ankle joint would hurt if they were too tight. Too loose and the shoe would threaten to fall off. The running store guy said to try and find elastic laces.

He said the new Asics 2160's would be almost the same as the 2150's. The 2150's would be going on sale soon.

I finally bought a 13.1 sticker for the rear window of my car. I have been seeing a lot of those lately and wanted to show that I did it too. I used to be proud to wear my 5k shirt to the gym. Now, I only want to wear my 13.1 shirt! Lol

I met a man who ran the Niagara Falls marathon! Amazing. He said it was almost all flat, which surprised me. He said he doesn't bring his own water, but brings food. He says it gets boring and he starts to walk and talk. Now, I don't feel so bad for walking and chatting at mile 10 & 11.

 

[HockeyKat]

I was having trouble with the laces being too tight or too loose. My ankle joint would hurt if they were too tight. Too loose and the shoe would threaten to fall off. The running store guy said to try and find elastic laces.

...

I met a man who ran the Niagara Falls marathon! Amazing. He said it was almost all flat, which surprised me. He said he doesn't bring his own water, but brings food. He says it gets boring and he starts to walk and talk. Now, I don't feel so bad for walking and chatting at mile 10 & 11.

The guy that fitted my shoes showed me a lacing trick that really worked. Go here: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12334-0,00.html

It's lacing trick #5, Create a more secure fit around the ankle without tightening the entire shoe.

I found it to be a lot easier to adjust and it would stay where I wanted it.


I never bring my own water at a race. I hate my water belt. I do wear it for training but I feel like I lost 10 lbs by just racing with a spibelt for my phone and id and sports beans. I don't accept race day food either, though, as I stick to what I have tried in training for all other aspects (clothes, food, pre and post race fuel, etc.).

I definitely get bored. The OBX half, I had 4 friends with me from my running club that are in my pace group and do the same run/walk intervals. We stayed together for most of it and it really made the time fly by, the same way it does every week for our training runs. By mile 10 we had broken into 2s, but I can say that my friend with me helped so much, we pushed each other at the right times and finished stronger because of it.

However, I really like the social aspect of running, as my home life is generally quiet and peacful, and my job can occasionally be solitary. For some, the solitude and quiet of running is the draw, though, so this approach is definitely not for them!

 

[koolgirl]

Wow...I'm usually lurking on this thread every day but you girls have been busy in the last few days while I've been gone. Everyone must be getting whole-heartedly into their training. This will be my third time doing this but first without girlfriends doing it with me (or starting with me...we didn't stay together the whole time). I think I'll be posting more on here this time because I'm missing the encouragement you get when you are training for the same race. So glad to have this outlet.

I wanted to say that I do have the Princess-In-Training shirt from last year. I LOVE IT. I know someone said earlier that the logo was small and it wasn't great but I think that's why I love it. The logo on the front isn't too flashy and right at the middle at the top in the back is the official Princess Half 2010 logo. I was waiting for the big announcement that they were available this year. It is a decent tech shirt (a bit clingy compared to others I have) and is not all waffle material so it feels a bit warmer than another one I have. I did so many long runs in it! I'm sad they won't be making them again. It really doesn't make sense...they sold out quickly and have potential to sell 10000! At that quantity, they could produce for under $10 and sell for at least $30 -can't remember whether I paid $30 or $40!- and women would be clamoring to buy. Seems like an easy marketing decision. (I'll try to post a picture this week but I'm not sure I have enough "posts" to be allowed to do that. I haven't tried)

Anyway, I am so sorry for everyone who is dealing with injuries. I have to echo those who have said that you still have time to baby and rest and get the training in to finish this race. By the way...most of the time rest means REST, not jogging a few slow miles, or just walking...it means 2-3 days (or weeks??) of letting your body heal. Just in case anyone was thinking of running through the pain. My trainer has said many times that your body is telling you something if you feel sharp acute pain...listen! Also, go easy on the ibuprofen. Don't use it to mask pain so you can get through a run. Only you know your body but if you are really new to this, get good advice from a doctor.

Glad to be starting this journey again with you guys. Hope everyone finds time for good training this week!

~~Jennifer~~

 

[Kensgirl519]

Thank you guys for all the great advice. I'm sure my weight has alot to do with it, along with the fact that I'm pretty new at all this. I am a good 50 pounds overweight (was 60 pounds overweight a month ago!) I'm short too - 5'1(ish) but I'm doing my best. I'm so afraid of falling off the exercise wagon. It took me sooooo long to get off the couch and get started. I really want to prove something to myself.

I did run last night, only for 20 minutes and ice my leg afterwards. It doesn't feel bad today, but my fear is that there is damage! I just don't want to get so close to the Princess only to have to bail out... that would be so painful.

Anyway - guess I will be seeing if i can just get checked out for piece of mind.

By the way - i did get the Garmin forerunner 305 - AWESOME!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! Amazon had it on special a few weeks ago for $99 - well worth the money! I was having issues believing the treadmill and well, the treadmill is pretty accurate!

Also - I have a shirt being made for me that has the tiara and 13.1 miles to go on the front and "No sleeping for this beauty" on the back.... It's being done in rhinestones, of course and I hope to have in the next week or two. When I get it, i will post a picture! (I'm sleeping beauty for the race - thought that was a good fit given that I WAS a couch potato!)

 

[Jeannekay]

http://www.ezywrap.com/p-1022-foam-post-op-compression-cryotherapy-knee-wrap.aspx

That is the website for the knee wraps I use to ice my knees. I ice everyday and sometimes 2-3 times a day for about 10 minutes each if they are hurting.

I first got them from my dh's and ds's knee surgeries. They are post op icing wraps that use velcro. They work great for reducing swelling.

My knees always feel ready to go every morning. I wouldn't be running without them. I just make sure I use them while watching tv after a run.( I sit still because something might tear in that frozen state). After my knees warm up, I walk around.

Your shirt sounds beautiful Kensgirl!!! I can't wait for the Expo in Florida!!! Where will it be???

I will buy two shirts because I am notorious for ruining shirts in the washing machine. LOL

Well, got to go run!!! See you later!

 

[Saylan]

Is it too late to join in on this thread?

I'm new to all marathons (the Princess will be my first ever) so I'm really excited to find so many others who are also doing it. I have no running friends and it's definitely becoming a one person battle for me. I haven't bit the bullet and registered left because I'm not sure I'll be set for it. I don't want to have to back out and I'm terrified of being 'swept'.

Kensgirl, that shirt sounds great! I love the slogan and the whole idea of it!!

Jeannekay, I'm going to definitely look into those knee wraps. I had never run before and am finding it necessary to ice my knees at night so that's a great suggestion!

 

[joan4mickey]

Is it too late to join in on this thread?

Never too late to join. You don't have to run the whole race or any of it. You do have to keep a 16 minute mile pace. Check out Hal Higdon beginner half training..just google it. You still have time to train. There is other information and books, but this should get you started. There is also a link for Jeff Gallaway training on the Princess Half Official site.

 

[Swmr359]

Welcome Saylan!!
The princess last year was my first ever 1/2 marathon. I had never been much of a runner (ok I hated running) but I found the idea of getting to go to WDW and getting a pretty medal was great motivation. I had so much fun that I'm back for round two!

 

[Jeannekay]

Is it too late to join in on this thread?

I'm new to all marathons (the Princess will be my first ever) so I'm really excited to find so many others who are also doing it. I have no running friends and it's definitely becoming a one person battle for me. I haven't bit the bullet and registered left because I'm not sure I'll be set for it. I don't want to have to back out and I'm terrified of being 'swept'.

Kensgirl, that shirt sounds great! I love the slogan and the whole idea of it!!

Jeannekay, I'm going to definitely look into those knee wraps. I had never run before and am finding it necessary to ice my knees at night so that's a great suggestion!

I say, "The more, the merrier!" I am new to this thread too! It's my first Princess Marathon too!

I've run 13.1 three times this fall. 11 & 12 miles a few times as well. The training can be hard, but it's worth it on the BIG day! I was so relaxed and happy running my first 1/2 marathon.

I was worried about being picked up by the bus and taken back to the start but when the race day came, it all worked out. As long as you can run more than you walk, you will do fine. It's over so quickly too!

I thought about the times I had to clean the house and it took all day. Slow and steady always gets the work done. So, just jogging a few hours for a 1/2 marathon is easy. Plus, we will all be together and we can talk as we jog and there will be so many fun things to see along the way. You'll be sad when it's over!!

I think my number will say Princess Jeanne won't it?? If I sign up soon???? If it won't, I'll bring a sticker with my name on it.

Oh yeah, I am re-using the Hal Higdon's schedule for beginner 1/2 marathon for this race.

 

[Saylan]

Never too late to join. You don't have to run the whole race or any of it. You do have to keep a 16 minute mile pace. Check out Hal Higdon beginner half training..just google it. You still have time to train. There is other information and books, but this should get you started. There is also a link for Jeff Gallaway training on the Princess Half Official site.

Yeah, I started on the Jeff Galloway plans since Hal Higdon's were a little intense for me just starting. I was upping it to what Hal's plan had right before I had to stop for a week and start physio therapy on my knee. Apparently, I'm a pronator and didn't know it. My knee was caving so I'm re-learning to walk and run at the same time. Wheee! Now, I'm doing a Galloway-Higdon hybrid concoction.

Welcome Saylan!!
The princess last year was my first ever 1/2 marathon. I had never been much of a runner (ok I hated running) but I found the idea of getting to go to WDW and getting a pretty medal was great motivation. I had so much fun that I'm back for round two!

I hated running too. I also thought I could never run because going faster than a brisk walk on the treadmill was almost enough to floor me.

Your initial motivations are the same as mine! I figured if anything could motivate me to run Disney would be it. I'm just hoping my nerves hold out (and my legs).

 

[Saylan]

I say, "The more, the merrier!" I am new to this thread too! It's my first Princess Marathon too!

I've run 13.1 three times this fall. 11 & 12 miles a few times as well. The training can be hard, but it's worth it on the BIG day! I was so relaxed and happy running my first 1/2 marathon.

I was worried about being picked up by the bus and taken back to the start but when the race day came, it all worked out. As long as you can run more than you walk, you will do fine. It's over so quickly too!

I thought about the times I had to clean the house and it took all day. Slow and steady always gets the work done. So, just jogging a few hours for a 1/2 marathon is easy. Plus, we will all be together and we can talk as we jog and there will be so many fun things to see along the way. You'll be sad when it's over!!

I think my number will say Princess Jeanne won't it?? If I sign up soon???? If it won't, I'll bring a sticker with my name on it.

As long as your register before December 31, it should say that.

Oooh, I'd love to have people to run with! Even just to talk to before/during/after. I'm just so darn nervous and I'm sure it'll just get worse as the race nears.

 

[schmass]

Hey everyone!

As of today we are 100 days away from the race! Tomorrow we will be in the double digits!

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

Hey everyone!

As of today we are 100 days away from the race! Tomorrow we will be in the double digits!

OMG I still haven't resgistered, still trying to figure out all the travel plans. I better do it soon

A few questions for the ones that ran this before. Okay here it goes:

1 - After you finish the race, is there an awards ceremony? Is it at a certain time? Is there any other type of celebration after the fact?

2 - I asked #1 because I was wondering what does everyone do after the race? And at what time? I was thinking of going for a nice meal but at what time for the ressie and where? Help

3 - ALso someone mentioned that the shirt you get depends on the princess you say is your favourite on the registration, is that true? Are the shirts different colours? If so is Cinderella blue, Ariel green, etc, etc?

4 - Is anyone running a sub 2 hours that would like to run together and take each others pics at the photo op stations? Let me know!

Okay I think that's all my questions for now. Thanks ahead!