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

[dumbo_buddy]

Coolest Things You Ever Did: Gave birth to my daughter in the garage (not on purpose)

um until i got to this one!! whaaa??? in the garage?? i guess she couldn't wait!

 

[marathonmommy]

Thought I could sleep in really late today . . . maybe even until 7:30 - to no avail. My DS6 foiled my plans. I got home late and need to travel to Philly today for my Half tomorrow. My friend, who was traveling with me and my DD, can't come because her DH got really sick (she has a high maintenance husband.) Now, it's too late to make other arrangements. DH has to work and Mom is watching my sister's kids while she goes to to doctor's. Guess it will be a quiet night for me in the hotel alone. Hmmmm....maybe not so bad? LOL! But I am bummed I will have no one to cheer for me - other than the 30,000 friends I meet on the course. Having my kids at the end would be a special motivation to get there a little faster. They get so excited about races! Still have to go pack my stuff and make my trek into the city solo! Have a great weekend everyone! Can't wait for the Expo!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

um until i got to this one!! whaaa??? in the garage?? i guess she couldn't wait!

Yep. My water broke as we were walking into the garage to go to the hospital, and she was born in less than 5 minutes. The ambulance arrived 10 minutes after she was born. We had help from the 911 operator who instructed us to tie off the cord with a shoestring and wrap her in a towel.

We laugh because her birth is so indicative of her personality. She came in with a bang, and she is still our firecracker!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

right on jo!! my favorite answer so far!

Thanks

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Yep. My water broke as we were walking into the garage to go to the hospital, and she was born in less than 5 minutes. The ambulance arrived 10 minutes after she was born. We had help from the 911 operator who instructed us to tie off the cord with a shoestring and wrap her in a towel.

We laugh because her birth is so indicative of her personality. She came in with a bang, and she is still our firecracker!

Wow that's amazing

 

[Saylan]

The pink shirts (09), I think, ran much smaller than the blue ones this year. This is no guarantee, of course, but I think I'd order the larger size then try to trade down when you are there if it is too big. It seemed the larger sizes went much faster. However, my friend was able to exchange up a size later on Saturday even this year. The staff really seemed to try to accommodate everyone as best they could. Hmmmm...not sure if I really helped with that response.

To sum up...my small from '09 is snug--I only wear it when running. Whereas my medium from this year is loose for running (for me) and a little bigger than I'd choose, but I love to wear it for regular work-outs or when I'm out walking my dog, etc. I think my shirt size is 6-8. Hope that helps a little???

~~~Jennifer~~~

It does! Are you normally a small or medium shirt-size? I tend to be one or the other depending on make. It's good to know they may exchange it if I don't fit.

 

[Kensgirl519]

Okay, did my first public run outside today. I had my husband drop me off this morning at a park that is about 3.5 miles from our house and leave me! I figured that way I had to do it! Right?!?

Anyway, I did it and boy was it different than running on the treadmill at the gym. First of all, the road that felt soooo flat when driving on it - ISN'T flat at all! So that a nice little surprise. I thought about calling him to come get me several times.... But I did finish and was so happy to see my house!

It wasn't great at all but I did it. According to my garmin (which didn't start at the exact time I started because it was searching for a GPS signal) I did 3.03 miles in 43:29. It's about what I do on the treadmill still. I found alot of satification in the fact that A) I finished! and B) that the treadmill I have been so worried about being wrong, is pretty close to being right after all. I was pretty winded when I got home. I really have to work on my breathing. I just don't feel like I do it right when I'm running. I feel like I never get a deep enough breath. Any tips?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Okay, did my first public run outside today. I had my husband drop me off this morning at a park that is about 3.5 miles from our house and leave me! I figured that way I had to do it! Right?!?

Anyway, I did it and boy was it different than running on the treadmill at the gym. First of all, the road that felt soooo flat when driving on it - ISN'T flat at all! So that a nice little surprise. I thought about calling him to come get me several times.... But I did finish and was so happy to see my house!

It wasn't great at all but I did it. According to my garmin (which didn't start at the exact time I started because it was searching for a GPS signal) I did 3.03 miles in 43:29. It's about what I do on the treadmill still. I found alot of satification in the fact that A) I finished! and B) that the treadmill I have been so worried about being wrong, is pretty close to being right after all. I was pretty winded when I got home. I really have to work on my breathing. I just don't feel like I do it right when I'm running. I feel like I never get a deep enough breath. Any tips?

Great job on finishing! I have often called my SO to come get me on a failed run (although he doesn't have a car, so it's more like asking him to bike over and accompany me home.) I've also taken to bringing my subway card with me at all times, in case something goes wrong and I need to get home.

As for breathing tips, it's something that you just have to get used to. Pay a lot of ttention to your breathing while you're running. Counting in and out (in your head) works.

 

[koolgirl]

Okay, did my first public run outside today. I had my husband drop me off this morning at a park that is about 3.5 miles from our house and leave me! I figured that way I had to do it! Right?!?

Anyway, I did it and boy was it different than running on the treadmill at the gym. First of all, the road that felt soooo flat when driving on it - ISN'T flat at all! So that a nice little surprise. I thought about calling him to come get me several times.... But I did finish and was so happy to see my house!

It wasn't great at all but I did it. According to my garmin (which didn't start at the exact time I started because it was searching for a GPS signal) I did 3.03 miles in 43:29. It's about what I do on the treadmill still. I found alot of satification in the fact that A) I finished! and B) that the treadmill I have been so worried about being wrong, is pretty close to being right after all. I was pretty winded when I got home. I really have to work on my breathing. I just don't feel like I do it right when I'm running. I feel like I never get a deep enough breath. Any tips?

CONGRATS!!! You did great and kudos for not calling in the cavalry!

My only advice with the breathing echoes Amy pretty much. During one of your shorter runs, pay close attention to your breathing. Counting is a great idea. If running is relatively new, your body has to get used to being used in a different way. I know you don't want to hear "go slower" but that is another reason for not being able to take deep breaths...you made need to slow your pace a little. I am SO not an expert, just sharing my experience. Running outside is SO different. I'm glad you conquered your fears and did it

I switched my long run today to a 1.15:1 run walk just so I could keep strong until the end. I used to do 3:1 but never was able to go further at that rate than about 4.5 miles. I did 6 today, still in 11:15 pace (my goal is 11:30/mile for the half...last year was 12:30 so I really may be pushing it) and stayed within the intervals. I used to think these intervals seem wimpy but I've just realized I need to get past worrying what others might think and do what works for my body. Yes, it took a while but my mind is finally willing to really listen to my aging yet fabulously working body!

If you'd told me three years ago that I would run/walk 6 miles in the morning then be doing laundry and headed to the mall with my daughter, I would have laughed hysterically. Doing this race is no small thing...congrats on the next step toward that goal today

~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

Yep. My water broke as we were walking into the garage to go to the hospital, and she was born in less than 5 minutes. The ambulance arrived 10 minutes after she was born. We had help from the 911 operator who instructed us to tie off the cord with a shoestring and wrap her in a towel.

We laugh because her birth is so indicative of her personality. She came in with a bang, and she is still our firecracker!

What a great story and memory

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

Okay, did my first public run outside today. I had my husband drop me off this morning at a park that is about 3.5 miles from our house and leave me! I figured that way I had to do it! Right?!?

Anyway, I did it and boy was it different than running on the treadmill at the gym. First of all, the road that felt soooo flat when driving on it - ISN'T flat at all! So that a nice little surprise. I thought about calling him to come get me several times.... But I did finish and was so happy to see my house!

It wasn't great at all but I did it. According to my garmin (which didn't start at the exact time I started because it was searching for a GPS signal) I did 3.03 miles in 43:29. It's about what I do on the treadmill still. I found alot of satification in the fact that A) I finished! and B) that the treadmill I have been so worried about being wrong, is pretty close to being right after all. I was pretty winded when I got home. I really have to work on my breathing. I just don't feel like I do it right when I'm running. I feel like I never get a deep enough breath. Any tips?

Congrats on the run and sticking with it

For me breathing took practice to get it right and I always feel that I have to remind myself to watch my breathing. Its something really easy to over look and something that can totally ruin your run. Keep it up!

 

[Saylan]

I had to slow my pace a bit to get my breathing rhythm down. Once you get a pattern going you can speed it up again. Because I pronate, I also have to remember ot keep my abs in so I tend to tie the reminders together. If you find your breathing gets out of whack, try to get it back in time when you switch to a walk time (if you're doing the walk/run method). It's much easier to get it in control.

 

[koolgirl]

Thought I could sleep in really late today . . . maybe even until 7:30 - to no avail. My DS6 foiled my plans. I got home late and need to travel to Philly today for my Half tomorrow. My friend, who was traveling with me and my DD, can't come because her DH got really sick (she has a high maintenance husband.) Now, it's too late to make other arrangements. DH has to work and Mom is watching my sister's kids while she goes to to doctor's. Guess it will be a quiet night for me in the hotel alone. Hmmmm....maybe not so bad? LOL! But I am bummed I will have no one to cheer for me - other than the 30,000 friends I meet on the course. Having my kids at the end would be a special motivation to get there a little faster. They get so excited about races! Still have to go pack my stuff and make my trek into the city solo! Have a great weekend everyone! Can't wait for the Expo!

Good luck tomorrow!
now...eat a good dinner and get to bed


~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[koolgirl]

It does! Are you normally a small or medium shirt-size? I tend to be one or the other depending on make. It's good to know they may exchange it if I don't fit.

Oh my...folding laundry this afternoon and checked the Princess shirts...
my '09 was a Medium and this year's is a Large! Sorry I led you astray...I like the fit of the Medium. I am usually a small for work-out gear as I like it to fit close (but not so close to see the love handles!!) and I wear medium in things like jackets or fleece to fit stuff under comfortably. In "dress" clothes, I will usually do a 6 but sometimes an 8.

Just an FYI...BOTH shirts are Champion style #4934, 86% poly/14% spandex.

~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[chernabogfamily]

Got busy and didn't check the computer for 2 days and...man everybody's been posting...it's so awesome to meet you all and hear your stories!! Here's mine-

Real Name: Kellie

Age: 39 celebrating my 40th birthday with the Princess 1/2

Location: Missouri

Family Stats: Married with DS 10 and DD 7

Meaning of DIS Name: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Disney villains.

Races: New Year's 5k in 2008, St Louis 1/2 in 2009-11, Hospital Hill 1/2, Joker's Wild 1/2, numerous Jingle Bell 5k's, R n R San Antonio Marathon

Upcoming Races: Turkey Trax 5k, Jingle Bell 5k, Princess Half

Pets: none~~the Hubby makes enough of a mess around the house

Hobbies/Interests: Running, reading, and watching my children on their competitive Dance team.

Favorite Disney Park: I must admit that I love Disneyland!! The World Showcase would be my WDW pick

For Fun - Back to Disneyland again...got a soft spot for the original!

Part of the Pack: middle.

Favorite Disney Dining Spots: Sanaa and Flying Fish

Coolest Things You Ever Did: meeting the Secretary of Defense, hanging out with the Royal Air Force, and working at the Embassy in Colombia, South America

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

B]Pets:[/B] none~~the Hubby makes enough of a mess around the house

[/QUOTE]

 

[Jeter02]

So I think I have finally concluded....I am not meant to be a fast runner....would love to be down into the 10 min/mile, butr lately have no time to stick in training during the week...on the weekends.....therefore I am vgoing to take my 11 min/mile with a smile (grant you i do intervals of walk run)


So how many of you plan on running with a tutu or tiara...thinking I would like to run with tutu not sure if it will be annoying and bother me.

 

[chernabogfamily]

So how many of you plan on running with a tutu or tiara...thinking I would like to run with tutu not sure if it will be annoying and bother me.

I've been playing around with the idea of a tutu or tiara. I'm very picky when it comes to what I'm wearing when running. I don't like anything to creep up on me, or be itchy, or make swishy noises, or clank around (I know...I sound awful). I just know what will begin to annoy me 8-10 miles in to the race. I'd love to wear a tiara, but I think I may do a Bondi-Band with a tiara printed on it instead. I love my bands, so this is a good excuse to get another (and would make a great stocking stuffer).

Don't know if I want to get a mini-tutu off Etsy or wear a running skirt in a matching color. What's everyone else's plan?

 

[Jeannekay]

Okay, did my first public run outside today. I had my husband drop me off this morning at a park that is about 3.5 miles from our house and leave me! I figured that way I had to do it! Right?!?

Anyway, I did it and boy was it different than running on the treadmill at the gym. First of all, the road that felt soooo flat when driving on it - ISN'T flat at all! So that a nice little surprise. I thought about calling him to come get me several times.... But I did finish and was so happy to see my house!

It wasn't great at all but I did it. According to my garmin (which didn't start at the exact time I started because it was searching for a GPS signal) I did 3.03 miles in 43:29. It's about what I do on the treadmill still. I found alot of satification in the fact that A) I finished! and B) that the treadmill I have been so worried about being wrong, is pretty close to being right after all. I was pretty winded when I got home. I really have to work on my breathing. I just don't feel like I do it right when I'm running. I feel like I never get a deep enough breath. Any tips?

Hi Shelby, I just had to write, because I had trouble breathing also at one time.
I went to an Asthma doctor, and he measured the amount of oxygen I held in my lungs. I wasn't getting enough oxygen. Over weight people have trouble also because fat is pushing on their lungs and they don't get enough oxygen either.

He also said that a few allergies would make my lungs have trouble when I am running outside. I used to cough also. He said I had exercised-induced asthma. That means, it only bothers me when I am running. Bingo!

So, now I use an inhaler 15 minutes before a run. I can run so much farther and faster than ever. I don't even notice my breathing because I am getting tons of oxygen.

I am 45, married for 23 years with 2 boys and have decided to pull out of the race because the family wants to go somewhere else that is warmer. I felt really sad at first, but noticed that my family comes first and all of this running everyday made me neglect them and the housework. My sons school swimming is coming up and I really want to be awake at the meets. Lol
Good luck to you. Good luck to you all! I can't wait to see how you all did and hope you can post some pictures after the race.

 

[Jeter02]

They make bondio bands with a tiara print....oeeeeee nice! Could you please driect me to where I can find one with a tiara print. I went on their website and did not see it.