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

[HockeyKat]

I'm impressed you could run with yours in your hand! I do that sometimes for a little while, but then I get to sweaty and slippery.

I tried an armband, too, but I couldn't make it tight enough. Now I use a SPIbelt, which I love.

I have a rubber/silicon case for it that makes it easier to grip.

I also have a feeling I will have no trouble making the armband tight enough. Upper arms are a problem area for apple girl over here.

I have a SPIbelt, that I used for the Princess, but it won't fit this phone with the case on. Plus for long runs, since it is NC in the summer, my training group requires us to either wear a hydration belt or carry water. I use a one botle fuel belt (that I got on ebay for $9!), and the pouch is needed for gu and keys and insurance cards. Wearing both makes me feel too much like a pack mule!


For the Princess, a hydration belt is unnecessary unless you really need a LOT of water. There is plenty of water and powerade along the course for my needs anyhow, plus in Feb it will likely not be very hot. Disney is excellent at running races, so you will never have to worry about them running out of water, cups, etc. like I have read about at some other races.

 

[Jeter02]

Thanks Kat....I just went out and stopped at target for a cheap stopwatch, can't figure out the lap button..,...grr somewhat tempted to use the cell phone, it lights up lovely and records the laps the way I like also time is nice and big....lol

 

[Jeter02]

Thanks Kat....I just went out and stopped at target for a cheap stopwatch, can't figure out the lap button..,...grr somewhat tempted to use the cell phone, it lights up lovely and records the laps the way I like also time is nice and big....lol

Who would have thought running or walking would become so technical/difficult.....lol

 

[chop456]

I see you are from Wisconsin - so am I. I agree I do much better in cooler temps. A friend and myself are planning on running this together. We are both non-runners but have started a training plan to get us ready to run. We are in southeast Wisconsin. Where are you?

I don't do so very well in the heat. So I am hoping for cooler temps, but above freezing is preferable.

It's hot and humid up North here. Yesterday, I had to call DH to come and get me. Just 3/4 miles from home, but I couldn't do it. Abd. cramps, blotchy vision, and started to have some difficulty breathing.

 

[Trudes]

I see you are from Wisconsin - so am I. I agree I do much better in cooler temps. A friend and myself are planning on running this together. We are both non-runners but have started a training plan to get us ready to run. We are in southeast Wisconsin. Where are you?

I am in a small town in Northwest WI. An hour North of Eau Claire, and about 1.5 hours South of Superior.

I am running my first HM this October, so I am training for that now. This heat and humidity is a bugger.
You have time to train for this. What training program are you following?

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I would like to thank you all for all the info. I sure have a lot to think about and learn by Feb. But you are really making me believe that I can do this.

Cripey I see you are in the Woodlands. I am in Atascocita. Have you ever been to the Luke's Locker out there? I am planning on going there in the next couple of months to get some shoes and I was wondering if you have gone what your opinion was.

 

[chop456]

Trudes- I have been researching training plans and have printed out both the smart coach and Hal Higdon plans. What do you use? This is my 1st half marathon and I only ran recreationally years ago (like 20 years ago!). I do have a good friend who is also running the half marathon with me. We are not completing our training runs together (yet) but we are holding each other accountable and that has been very helpful. I am glad to hear there is time to train for this. I am a bit worried about winter training - the snow in Wisconsin can be harsh and I like to run outside rather than on a treadmill.

I am in a small town in Northwest WI. An hour North of Eau Claire, and about 1.5 hours South of Superior.

I am running my first HM this October, so I am training for that now. This heat and humidity is a bugger.
You have time to train for this. What training program are you following?

 

[Hockeychic]

Personally I like Marathoning for Mortals. Lots of plans in that book.

 

[Cripey]

I would like to thank you all for all the info. I sure have a lot to think about and learn by Feb. But you are really making me believe that I can do this.

Cripey I see you are in the Woodlands. I am in Atascocita. Have you ever been to the Luke's Locker out there? I am planning on going there in the next couple of months to get some shoes and I was wondering if you have gone what your opinion was.

HI! Is your name Summer? Mine is too! Yes, I have been the Luke's out here in the Woodlands several times...love it. The people are very helpful and they have lots of fun running accessories that you never knew you needed...hahahaha! I don't know how often you get out near downtown Houston, but there is another Luke's Locker on West Gray in the River Oaks Shopping area that is wonderful...probably 3 or 4 times the size of the one in the Woodlands. They have a "track" down the center of the store where they will watch you run and analyze your gait and foot fall to reccommend the type of shoes you should wear...the one in the Woodlands will do the same of course, but on a treadmill. I've been very happy with the shoes I ended up with on their reccommendation...and it's getting close to time for me to get a new pair! I've found both locations to be extrememly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, but just due to sheer size, the West Gray location has a bigger selection of just about everything. Make sure to check the hours before you go out there though...I can't speak for the West Gray location on this, but I do know the Woodlands location closes alot earlier than normal retail stores do...I want to say even as early as 7pm and 5pm on Sunday, but double check their website for sure. Good luck shoe shopping!

 

[KarenAylwood]

Is anyone else worried about training in the winter? I saw it mentioned before but not many have talked about it. Heck, I'm scared and I live in Virginia!!

For veterans... how do you train in the winter? Will I just get used to the cold? I started "sort of" training for an 8K last year in February but it was relatively warm out and I did a lot of it on the treadmill since it was just short distances. I bought some underarmour compression shirts on sale at the outlets a few months ago in preparation, but I just am worried I won't be able to run in the cold (just like I can't run when it's 95 here) and I don't know how much more than 5 miles I can stand on a treadmill.

Any advice?

 

[HockeyKat]

Is anyone else worried about training in the winter? I saw it mentioned before but not many have talked about it. Heck, I'm scared and I live in Virginia!!

For veterans... how do you train in the winter? Will I just get used to the cold? I started "sort of" training for an 8K last year in February but it was relatively warm out and I did a lot of it on the treadmill since it was just short distances. I bought some underarmour compression shirts on sale at the outlets a few months ago in preparation, but I just am worried I won't be able to run in the cold (just like I can't run when it's 95 here) and I don't know how much more than 5 miles I can stand on a treadmill.

Any advice?

I did most of my training for the 2010 Princess on the treadmill. I am a big sissy when it comes to outdoor training, and much prefer heat to cold. Anything below about 45-50 and I am hating life.

Some of them I was able to go outside, in the exact opposite of right now, late afternoon.

It definitely sucked doing the longer runs on the treadmill, but it does make it easier when you have a goal like a race, or if you have a workout buddy. If it's your own treadmill, you could maybe put a tv or dvd player in there and watch a movie, or if you go to the gym, try to plan it out with a tv show that you would already be watching?

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Is anyone else worried about training in the winter? I saw it mentioned before but not many have talked about it. Heck, I'm scared and I live in Virginia!!

For veterans... how do you train in the winter? Will I just get used to the cold? I started "sort of" training for an 8K last year in February but it was relatively warm out and I did a lot of it on the treadmill since it was just short distances. I bought some underarmour compression shirts on sale at the outlets a few months ago in preparation, but I just am worried I won't be able to run in the cold (just like I can't run when it's 95 here) and I don't know how much more than 5 miles I can stand on a treadmill.

Any advice?

Last winter I ran outside in the snow and actually enjoyed it very much. I grew very very weary of my dreadmill and decided to just take the plunge and head out. I layered up with various performance fabric clothing and kept nice and toasty although it can be a little chilly when you first head out. I also purchased yaktrax for my running shoes but never had a chance to use them because there was always too much dry pavement. If you do run in snow, it is so peaceful and quiet and traffic is at a minumum. I loved it and look forward to running in the winter months again! It was the first winter in a long long time that I did not get cabin fever!!!

 

[Jeter02]

Personally I like Marathoning for Mortals. Lots of plans in that book.

I got that book a few weeks ago, when I decided to do this whole marathon thing for the first time......fantastic book (especially considering the point I don't like reading at all). Very informative.....I am using one of the plans from this book, and have been very happy with it.

 

[Cripey]

Is anyone else worried about training in the winter? I saw it mentioned before but not many have talked about it. Heck, I'm scared and I live in Virginia!!

For veterans... how do you train in the winter? Will I just get used to the cold? I started "sort of" training for an 8K last year in February but it was relatively warm out and I did a lot of it on the treadmill since it was just short distances. I bought some underarmour compression shirts on sale at the outlets a few months ago in preparation, but I just am worried I won't be able to run in the cold (just like I can't run when it's 95 here) and I don't know how much more than 5 miles I can stand on a treadmill.

Any advice?

Winter can't come fast enough for me...or at least Texas' "version" of winter. I still can't figure out what posessed me to take up running and train for a race right at the start of summer...it's really hard to be motivated to run when it's 97+ degrees and ridiculous humidity! I never knew one could sweat this much. I've been here my whole life and I'll never get used to the heat. I am anxious though to see how I'm going to handle running when it does get down close to freezing on a scheduled run day for me...just another excuse to buy new running stuff!

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

HI! Is your name Summer? Mine is too! Yes, I have been the Luke's out here in the Woodlands several times...love it. The people are very helpful and they have lots of fun running accessories that you never knew you needed...hahahaha! I don't know how often you get out near downtown Houston, but there is another Luke's Locker on West Gray in the River Oaks Shopping area that is wonderful...probably 3 or 4 times the size of the one in the Woodlands. They have a "track" down the center of the store where they will watch you run and analyze your gait and foot fall to reccommend the type of shoes you should wear...the one in the Woodlands will do the same of course, but on a treadmill. I've been very happy with the shoes I ended up with on their reccommendation...and it's getting close to time for me to get a new pair! I've found both locations to be extrememly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, but just due to sheer size, the West Gray location has a bigger selection of just about everything. Make sure to check the hours before you go out there though...I can't speak for the West Gray location on this, but I do know the Woodlands location closes alot earlier than normal retail stores do...I want to say even as early as 7pm and 5pm on Sunday, but double check their website for sure. Good luck shoe shopping!

Yes my name is Summer too. That is kind of funny.
Sadly I do not go downtown much. I prefer the drive to the Woodlands to downtown, even though downtown is probably about 10 minutes closer. I am really looking forward to shoe shopping. I just I want to wait until the kids are back in school so that I will only have 1 with me; if I get really lucky maybe I could go by myself.

Is anyone else worried about training in the winter? I saw it mentioned before but not many have talked about it. Heck, I'm scared and I live in Virginia!!

For veterans... how do you train in the winter? Will I just get used to the cold? I started "sort of" training for an 8K last year in February but it was relatively warm out and I did a lot of it on the treadmill since it was just short distances. I bought some underarmour compression shirts on sale at the outlets a few months ago in preparation, but I just am worried I won't be able to run in the cold (just like I can't run when it's 95 here) and I don't know how much more than 5 miles I can stand on a treadmill.

Any advice?

I actually prefer to run in cooler weather, but like Cripey said our winters are not terribly cold. We have gotten snow the last 2 years, but that is like a day or two thing, and we do get below freezing, but it is not an all winter thing either. Most of our rain comes in the spring and summer so actually all around fall and winter are better for running out here. If we are having bad weather I will do my shorter runs on the treadmill but I try to always do my long runs outside.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I am starting to suffer from the opposite problem. I will know TOO many people there!

I did the race last year with 9 women from another WISH thread, 4 of which I had met before at different times. 6 of us stayed in a BWV 2-bed and some variation on the 9 toured the parks together.

At least some if not all are planning on a reprise for 2011.

Also, at least a few from my running club will be going, and I have "met" some others through threads like these, and blogs...

It's a great problem to have, though! I am just amazed at how much support there is out there for running, even when you are in the turtle run/walk category like me.


Poor DH, he gets left at home. However, he is getting a "boys trip" to WDW this year so that will be brownie points for a while.

I haven't read the whole thread yet, so this question might have been asked and answered, but how did you deal with transportation from BWV? I'm thinking about doing this with my sisters, but we would have to stay at a DVC resort on points.
Thanks!
Rose

 

[haleofafamily]

I haven't read the whole thread yet, so this question might have been asked and answered, but how did you deal with transportation from BWV? I'm thinking about doing this with my sisters, but we would have to stay at a DVC resort on points.
Thanks!
Rose

I'm staying at BCV and planning on getting a taxi.

I walked the Minnie Marathon (5k) one year and stayed at one of the host resorts and on the race morning I went to the spot where buses were supposed to pick up and one never came. Thankfully some women in their own van were on the way there and offered us a ride.

 

[HockeyKat]

I haven't read the whole thread yet, so this question might have been asked and answered, but how did you deal with transportation from BWV? I'm thinking about doing this with my sisters, but we would have to stay at a DVC resort on points.
Thanks!
Rose

We drove, in 2 cars. Three of us had cars, and we had 9 total. There was some traffic but really not bad, and it was easy to get back to the resort and the end (since you end where you start).

You could definitely get a taxi, though.

 

[jenn-]

I am definitely waiting for our temps to come back down. Hopefully I will be able to train outside come late October. Just realize you can put more clothing on than you can take off. I have several cold weather compression shirts I use. I also have a couple lighter weight long sleeve running shirts I use under my running jacket for those in between temps. I can't do the heat thing though. Tomorrow's heat index is 110 here and the overnight lows are still in the upper 70's, so there is no getting up before the heat to run.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I'm staying at BCV and planning on getting a taxi.

I walked the Minnie Marathon (5k) one year and stayed at one of the host resorts and on the race morning I went to the spot where buses were supposed to pick up and one never came. Thankfully some women in their own van were on the way there and offered us a ride.

We drove, in 2 cars. Three of us had cars, and we had 9 total. There was some traffic but really not bad, and it was easy to get back to the resort and the end (since you end where you start).

You could definitely get a taxi, though.

Thanks! How early did you get up in order to drive? I'm thinking BWV or BCV. Though we might have to waitlist. I think you can rent a car at the Swan or Dolphin, and there will be 4 or us so if no one has a car that might work. I really tend to sweat the details, and I am kind of the "hostess" if we end up doing this.

The other thing I'm a little unsure of is, two of my sisters are probably going to walk at least part of the race. How do you politely say, I am planning on running the whole thing? They might already realize that, but I'm not sure. I'm getting a little excited, because I would love to get the coast to coast medal, and we've been talking about a trip to DL for a while so this would be perfect!

As for the cold and winter--I cough in the really cold air--mild allergy to cold air, so I figure a bunch of my training this winter will be on the treadmill. I will do anything to avoid the treadmill now, including getting up at 5:30, but temps below 35 or so are really hard on my lungs. One winter I ended up on an inhaler, so I guess I could do that again, but I probably will just tough it out and get on the treadmill. Hopefully the temps in Fl will be moderate.