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

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

Hello everyone! I'm a long-time lurker first-time poster who decided to run the Princess half a few months ago. I started running around May as a 'I should probably do something to keep me active' kind of thing. However, I severely lack in the motivation department, so when I read a review of someone's 2010 Princess run, I decided that would be my motivation to keep running. I've learned the HUGE difference good running shoes can make, that I love shorts with built in undies, and that I hate the treadmill so much that I can and will run in 90 degree heat with 80 percent humidity at 5am. I've (foolishly) signed up for my first run as a 10k on Labor Day, but I'm already up to 5 miles at a (slightly embarrassing) 15mm pace, so I'm pretty optimistic.

Thanks again for all your support! I can't wait to run this half!

Krista

Welcome Krista. Don't be embarrassed about the 15 mm, you are out there doing it! When I started running in Dec I was at about 14:30 mm and that was for only 1 mile. By about April I was running a minimum of 2.5 to 3 miles and at a pace of the low 12's. I have been running for about 6 months now (had a month and 1/2 off in there) and my longest run has been 4.5 miles so you are totally fine.

 

[HockeyKat]

Hello everyone! I'm a long-time lurker first-time poster who decided to run the Princess half a few months ago. I started running around May as a 'I should probably do something to keep me active' kind of thing. However, I severely lack in the motivation department, so when I read a review of someone's 2010 Princess run, I decided that would be my motivation to keep running. I've learned the HUGE difference good running shoes can make, that I love shorts with built in undies, and that I hate the treadmill so much that I can and will run in 90 degree heat with 80 percent humidity at 5am. I've (foolishly) signed up for my first run as a 10k on Labor Day, but I'm already up to 5 miles at a (slightly embarrassing) 15mm pace, so I'm pretty optimistic.

I do have a question for the Droid users. I'm using RunKeeper, but I'm noticing that my GPS is kind of finicky. When the GPS is working, I love it, but sometimes in the middle of my runs, my phone sends me from TN to AL and I end my run with 151 miles... I can't decide if it's my phone or if it's my signal. I'm leaning more towards signal, but it does it when I'm in downtown Nashville too, so I'm at a loss. I'm planning to go to the Verizon store, but I was wondering if anyone else had the same issues.

Thanks again for all your support! I can't wait to run this half!

Krista

15mm will get you to the finish line!! I started 2 months before the Princess 2010 at an 18mm and finished the Princess with a 14:34mm average.

I have a Samsung Moment, which runs the same OS as a Droid. I also use RunKeeper. I have found it to mostly be accurate, although some in my running club with Garmins usually run about .25-.5 miles further than I record, over a 10 mile run/walk. Those with the Nike+ are usually way off, sometimes by as much as a mile.

 

[Benducci]

Thanks for all the replies on your training. I think I may just start on working my long runs up and then try to hold at around 8-10m until I get closer to the race. I'll probably try to get an 11 or 12m in as it gets closer.
I read Marathons for Mortals but wasn't sure how to make the training work when you're 7 months out instead of 14 weeks out. Seems silly to have a long run of 2-3 miles when you're already beyond that.

I agree with doing this for ME. I have never taken a vacation w/o dh and the kids. Dh and I are going to WDW over MLK alone too since I have a conference that weekend. It will be so strange to be there two times in a row w/o the kids. At least we have a trip planned for Nov '11 for dd2 and dd3s b-days. They have been there enough that I'm not going to feel guilty for taking time out to train for and run the Princess. What a great weekend it's going to be!

This sounds like it was written by me! I have NEVER gone anywhere without DH & kids but as I said to DH I have to do this for ME - this is just the right time in my life - a little scary because I am not someone who ever embraced exercising but I find I am getting into it! I have a great group that I am traiing with & I think that makes all the difference in the world. We are going down together & going to do it together.
Since we are so far out, we are working more on the endurance part rather than speed. Since we are all not prime athletes, we are trying to get our legs used to walking/jogging/running so much! We are up to 4.5 miles. We are doing a 5K in September & probably a 10K in either October or November.
The sparks references made me curious so I looked them up - I am Libby1965 on there if anyone wants to look me up! I have to see how all that logging of information works. I am bad at keeping track of things.

Thanks for all the info here! Right now I am trying on different running shoes to see what works for me. Then I need to work on nutrition.

I am also on FB - pm if you want to look me up there!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

And based on how that goes, hopefully I will have the courage to go ahead and just sign up for the disney princess. I am starting the planning for it and even asked for the time off already. Just need to take the plunge.

Signing up with give the the courage to do the training, Hey you pay your money and that will get you out there to run, thats what is working for me

I agree with doing this for ME. I have never taken a vacation w/o dh and the kids. Dh and I are going to WDW over MLK alone too since I have a conference that weekend. It will be so strange to be there two times in a row w/o the kids. At least we have a trip planned for Nov '11 for dd2 and dd3s b-days. They have been there enough that I'm not going to feel guilty for taking time out to train for and run the Princess. What a great weekend it's going to be!

I do not feel guilty doing this for me, (maybe a little sad when I think of going to MK with out my girls) BUT For ONCE this is ALL ABOUT ME!!!
(p/s, I am not one to even go into the city by myself, so doing this is a big step out of my comfort zone)

Is there any Princesses going solo?

I am SOLO!!, I have been posting with FABULOUS women on another thread and I hope to meet up with them.

I do have a question for the Droid users. I'm using RunKeeper, but I'm noticing that my GPS is kind of finicky. When the GPS is working, I love it, but sometimes in the middle of my runs, my phone sends me from TN to AL and I end my run with 151 miles... I can't decide if it's my phone or if it's my signal. I'm leaning more towards signal, but it does it when I'm in downtown Nashville too, so I'm at a loss. I'm planning to go to the Verizon store, but I was wondering if anyone else had the same issues.

Thanks again for all your support! I can't wait to run this half!

Krista

I have a Sprint HTC phone, I use RunKeeper also, and it has been giveing me some trouble this past week.
My phone is new, I have only had it about a month

 

[disneyaway]

Signing up with give the the courage to do the training, Hey you pay your money and that will get you out there to run, thats what is working for me

I am SOLO!!, I have been posting with FABULOUS women on another thread and I hope to meet up with them.

I know-- I just need to suck it up and do it. I don't feel like I will slack off on the training. I am worried I am not going to be able to meet the time requirement. I did 4 miles today in about 60 min so I logically know that I should be ready by Feb. But the doubt lingers..

Reading about all of those going solo is kind of tempting me. I was planning on going with DH and DD4 and spending the week there. More because DD loves princesses and since she starts kinder next year, we aren't going to be able to pull her out to go during the off season. So, I feel like we should all go. But maybe if I can get through this, I will sign up for the DL half next year- and that would be solo.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I know-- I just need to suck it up and do it. I don't feel like I will slack off on the training. I am worried I am not going to be able to meet the time requirement. I did 4 miles today in about 60 min so I logically know that I should be ready by Feb. But the doubt lingers..

Reading about all of those going solo is kind of tempting me. I was planning on going with DH and DD4 and spending the week there. More because DD loves princesses and since she starts kinder next year, we aren't going to be able to pull her out to go during the off season. So, I feel like we should all go. But maybe if I can get through this, I will sign up for the DL half next year- and that would be solo.

Do It, you have nothing to loose, You are at the same time I am 4 miles in 60 mins, I signed up because as I have said on another thread, if I run, walk, crawl or inchworm to the finish I am going to finish. They picking me off the course can happen but I just pray that it wont. BUT if I never signed up I would not go and I would never know what I could do. Little late in life to try to learn what I can do as person other than mother, wife, house cleaner, office worker. But as I turn 35 very soon, I just for once, or one weekend what to try to find out what I can do.


Sorry for the long ramble...

 

[natale1980]

Haven't had a chance to read the whole thread yet but I'm very excited!!
Looks like my DH will be keeping his job for awhile (he's an electrician and we thought once he was done with the project he would be done until next summer) It's not 100% sure yet... but it seems like it's heading that way.
So anyways - that means that I will be running the princess!!! I've done a 5k and have plans for a 5k in October and a 15k in November.
I did the 5k in January and have slacked BIG TIME on running since then. I kinda feel like I'm starting from ground zero - but I am motivated and can't wait!

Here is my youtube video from teh 5k in January at Disney World durring marathon weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN9xZX55m04

208 days!
-nat

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Haven't had a chance to read the whole thread yet but I'm very excited!!
Looks like my DH will be keeping his job for awhile (he's an electrician and we thought once he was done with the project he would be done until next summer) It's not 100% sure yet... but it seems like it's heading that way.
So anyways - that means that I will be running the princess!!! I've done a 5k and have plans for a 5k in October and a 15k in November.
I did the 5k in January and have slacked BIG TIME on running since then. I kinda feel like I'm starting from ground zero - but I am motivated and can't wait!

Here is my youtube video from teh 5k in January at Disney World durring marathon weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN9xZX55m04

208 days!
-nat

Love your video

I have done a 5K in April then a 4 mile race, I am planning on the 15K downtown in November also, (Running for Chocolate!!) I have not registered waiting on DH's schedule.

Would you want to post where in Chicago you are?
I'm in South Burbs, Near Joliet

 

[Hockeychic]

So glad there are a few WISH ladies going solo.

 

[NCrunner]

Yes! Do not be discouraged! I have been running since Jan and am only doing 4.5 mile runs at 14mm....that is with some walking! I dont consider myself a 'natural' but I'm plodding along and making it work, in my time! AND I am optimistic as well, already signed up for the Princess 1/2!

 

[NCrunner]

Do It, you have nothing to loose, You are at the same time I am 4 miles in 60 mins, I signed up because as I have said on another thread, if I run, walk, crawl or inchworm to the finish I am going to finish. They picking me off the course can happen but I just pray that it wont. BUT if I never signed up I would not go and I would never know what I could do. Little late in life to try to learn what I can do as person other than mother, wife, house cleaner, office worker. But as I turn 35 very soon, I just for once, or one weekend what to try to find out what I can do.


Sorry for the long ramble...

I second that notion! I am 41 and have signed up for the exact same reason! I will be there....walking if I have to! So, all us mothers with doubt....just keep moving, keep running, and I'll see you Feb 27, 2011!

 

[sabnrob06]

My girlfriend that I am doing the race with said she overheard some women talking this afternoon and they said the race is 80%f full !! That can't be true! It's so soon!! Anyone hear anything???

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

My girlfriend that I am doing the race with said she overheard some women talking this afternoon and they said the race is 80%f full !! That can't be true! It's so soon!! Anyone hear anything???

Not even close to true. It takes several months to fill up, and they will post race capacities starting at 50%

 

[HockeyKat]

Not even close to true. It takes several months to fill up, and they will post race capacities starting at 50%

Agreed. It didn't fill up until January last year.


Btw, finished the Chicago RnR today. 2:49, compared to my 3:11 Princess 2010.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Agreed. It didn't fill up until January last year.


Btw, finished the Chicago RnR today. 2:49, compared to my 3:11 Princess 2010.

Awesome job! A 22 minute PR is FANTASTIC.

 

[sabnrob06]

Thanks ladies!!! I thought it was a little soon!

 

[HockeyKat]

Awesome job! A 22 minute PR is FANTASTIC.

Thanks!! I was pleased, but was hoping for slightly better. A painful left shin took me out at about mile 7 and I had to do a lot more walking than I wanted.

It seems like every race I do, I see people that overdo it and pass out. I always wonder if it's undertraining or overdoing or both? It's SO preventable, too.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Thanks!! I was pleased, but was hoping for slightly better. A painful left shin took me out at about mile 7 and I had to do a lot more walking than I wanted.

It seems like every race I do, I see people that overdo it and pass out. I always wonder if it's undertraining or overdoing or both? It's SO preventable, too.

Just from my own training, I think it's both preventable and not. You can do all the right training, put in all the work, be hydrated, ready to go, and then something (weather, crowding, lack of water stations, going out too fast, etc) goes horribly, horribly wrong. It's a crapshoot, but a lot less of one if you're prepared.

 

[HockeyKat]

Just from my own training, I think it's both preventable and not. You can do all the right training, put in all the work, be hydrated, ready to go, and then something (weather, crowding, lack of water stations, going out too fast, etc) goes horribly, horribly wrong. It's a crapshoot, but a lot less of one if you're prepared.

Well, true. But I think it's really important to adapt to the situation if you can. Lack of water stations or crowding is not something you can do about. Injuries (like blowing a knee or spraining an ankle) are usually just unfortunate accidents.

However, hot weather just means, slow down. It sucks but if it's much about 75 when you start, you stand little chance of having your fastest race.

Going too fast at the start is harder... race adrenaline is hard to fight!

 

[swim-mom]

Kat - Just remember your medal means just as much as the winner and everyone else who finished ahead of you No worries you did it, while others sat in their car and/or even slept!!

Like you, the princess last year was my first and I was 7 months post op and my trap muscles got the best of me between 7-10 miles and then kept acting up over and over again. I did not in 2:46 my goal was 2:30ish but regardless I did it. I am hoping for another great run, and hopefully reducing my time, but the reality is as long as I do it - its been a successful day.

I want to do the philly rock and roll, but its sept and the weather so far has been hot and humid. I am afraid of doing it and just killing myself for nothing. So instead Im doing the diva half in Oct - another month means alot to me so I am hoping to bring my time down their and then a bit more at the princess..........fingers crossed I want to be in corral B, not C again - another crazy goal - like it really makes a differance,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,to me yes