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

[cantwaitvaca09]

. I love the group on this forum and do not feel that there is any judgement of anyone here. We are all completing different training programs and none of us are professional marathoners - just people who really like Disney medals!



There are so many inspirational people on this thread...and it will be fun to meet so many of you (hopefully) in February or before then!

That is why I am on the DIS. The other thread I post to and now this one is what gives me the help I need to keep going. None of you know me. None of you judge me. But ALL OF YOU are so supportive. Its Amazing.

Can't Wait til February.

 

[DIS-OH]

Not moving was my worst mistake and deciding to drive back to Atlanta that very day (7 hr. drive) was absolutely stupid. It turned me into a person that could hardly move by the time I got home. So, you can bet I would hope people would learn from my mistakes. I sure have!

That was the best advice someone gave me last year...to keep moving after the race.

I thought it was crazy and was sure what I really needed after the race was a long nap...LOL! Instead, we went back to the resort, showered and hit the parks...we spent part of the day at Epcot and part at DHS. My DDs and I wore our medals and enjoyed the comments from CMs and other race participants who were wearing their medals!

 

[DIS-OH]

Lets get back to the "hear and now" ..........we all have a goal, lets keep moving towards it - ONE STEP AT A TIME

(keep negative posts to a min.)

Please note: C25K, is a proven plan has been proven to be effective. However, like with everythingh in life individual results will vary - if you like it great if not - move on.

Way to much time wasted on this...........

Sorry you feel that I wasted your time with my posts that you decided were negative.

I will go away now since it looks to me like a few of you feel that only "certain privileged" people have the right to post here and only the experiences and opinions of the "in crowd" matter. The rest of us are just here bothering you...

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I agree that you have to find a training that works for you. And, if just training for the Princess Half in 2011, that will provide some time to try different plans or to tweak one so that you have a plan that is right for you.

I've tried "no" plans, I've tried the Higdon 5k (worked great for my 5K), the Higdon 1/2 plan (it was okay), tried the Marathon for Mortals 1/2 Run/Walk plan (decided it felt too choppy with the frequent run/walk intervals and decided that one wasn't right for me either!) Now I am sort of using a combination of things AND also doing what feels right at the time for me.

I am a beginner and am not one to over train, so if I feel like increasing my mileage more than the plan says for a long run, I go a little farther. If I am not having a very good day, I decrease the mileage a bit, even if that is not in the "plan."

What I'm discovering (seems obvious probably) but the important thing is to train. Period. Whatever method you try, slowly increase your mileage and make sure you put in some increasingly long runs to prepare you for the half. Take walk breaks when needed. And take some REST days too. They seem to really benefit me as well. Regardless of the plan that works best for your style, this is the lesson I've "taken home" from all of them.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I agree that you have to find a training that works for you. And, if just training for the Princess Half in 2011, that will provide some time to try different plans or to tweak one so that you have a plan that is right for you.

I've tried "no" plans, I've tried the Higdon 5k (worked great for my 5K), the Higdon 1/2 plan (it was okay), tried the Marathon for Mortals 1/2 Run/Walk plan (decided it felt too choppy with the frequent run/walk intervals and decided that one wasn't right for me either!) Now I am sort of using a combination of things AND also doing what feels right at the time for me.

I am a beginner and am not one to over train, so if I feel like increasing my mileage more than the plan says for a long run, I go a little farther. If I am not having a very good day, I decrease the mileage a bit, even if that is not in the "plan."

What I'm discovering (seems obvious probably) but the important thing is to train. Period. Whatever method you try, slowly increase your mileage and make sure you put in some increasingly long runs to prepare you for the half. Take walk breaks when needed. And take some REST days too. They seem to really benefit me as well. Regardless of the plan that works best for your style, this is the lesson I've "taken home" from all of them.

It is almost impossible to overtrain, FYI. You can certainly overdo it, "too much, too soon", but 99% of people undertrain. Proper training for a Half Marathon is 45-60 mpw. How many people can say they accomplish that?

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I'm not sure how it works if you make a reservation through the regular resort reservation line. I made mine through the WDW-IRUN number to get the room discount at a host resort and in order to get a room in the 'race block' of rooms they have set aside at the discount, you have to put a deposit down and the rest is due Jan 10th.

I was surprised by this since I have only made room-only reservations in the past and was always allowed to pay the balance at check-in. I'm really going to have to try and remember to pay the balance before the deadline!

Thanks for the info, that looks like it is 45 days out, just like the packages. I may have to rethink/ rework a few things since we usually get out tax return in early to mid Feb and that will be too late. I may have to book at rack rate and hope for a PIN or bounce back or something. Although I am afraid to see what rack rate will be with what the prices that are suppose to be discounted are.

Hey Everyone,
I am 4 weeks into my training for the Princess Marathon. Not in 2011 but in 2012. I am recovering from 2 ACL graft surgeries and extensive knee damage. Before my accident I had made it a goal to run/walk a full marathon. Now I am happy to have the OK by my Docs to train for a 1/2 marathon. My training started with a few 10 min walks 3x a week. Slow and steady. My knees and calves can't afford anymore injuries. I will do some 5k and 10ks as my training progresses. I know it may seem way far off to many, I am so excited to be able to look forward to achieving my goal,completing a 1/2 marathon. What makes this really special is I am going to be doing it with my sister. You Go Girl!!!

GL. My sister is planing to run in 2012 also. She isn't able to go next year, but she has been training with me so far so I guess she will just be that much more prepared when the time gets here.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It is almost impossible to overtrain, FYI. You can certainly overdo it, "too much, too soon", but 99% of people undertrain. Proper training for a Half Marathon is 45-60 mpw. How many people can say they accomplish that?

I haven't seen any training programs that require 45-60 miles per week. Thank goodness!! Not even my Marathon Program requires that. I know that a friend who just retired from being a professional marathon runner did complete distances like that, but only because she did Olympic trials and that allowed her to do speed work. I definitely wouldn't run a 1/2 marathon or a full marathon if my initial training required that investment. I would run away screaming! I don't know how anyone could run that distance except for someone that works part-time. My longest runs are always on the weekends because it works better that way and luckily Hal Higdon's plans understand that. I agree that it would be difficult to overtrain...maybe for a 5K or a 10K but I don't really see an opportunity to overtrain for a half marathon or higher. Wouldn't it be great to get to race day and have it be a piece of cake? Yeah...probably not a reality!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I haven't seen any training programs that require 45-60 miles per week. Thank goodness!! Not even my Marathon Program requires that. I know that a friend who just retired from being a professional marathon runner did complete distances like that, but only because she did Olympic trials and that allowed her to do speed work. I definitely wouldn't run a 1/2 marathon or a full marathon if my initial training required that investment. I would run away screaming! I don't know how anyone could run that distance except for someone that works part-time. My longest runs are always on the weekends because it works better that way and luckily Hal Higdon's plans understand that. I agree that it would be difficult to overtrain...maybe for a 5K or a 10K but I don't really see an opportunity to overtrain for a half marathon or higher. Wouldn't it be great to get to race day and have it be a piece of cake? Yeah...probably not a reality!

Most non-novice training plans have that kind of mileage.

 

[swim-mom]

Between seeing patients being a mom of 4, teaching at the univ level and also a wife..............that is unthinkable

nothing is ever impossible........

 

[Hockeychic]

I think each person has to listen to here own body.

Last year I was signed up to do my first goofy...now I am also a walker and about 4- 50 pds overweight. I was well into my trainning and developed bone spurs and PF. I was trying to continue full on trainning and it was killing my feet. My friend Robert from DR gave me some great advise, he said it was better to go in undertrainned then injured and althought I was still in pain I was able to finish were as I think If I continued full trainning I wouldn't have been able to.

Moral of my long winded story. We are all different that is what makes us all wonderful just to what is right for you and listen very carefully to your body. It is what will carry you the 13.1 M regardless of if you walk, jog, wog, waddle, crawl...you get the idea.

Group hug!!!!

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I haven't seen any training programs that require 45-60 miles per week. Thank goodness!! Not even my Marathon Program requires that. . . I definitely wouldn't run a 1/2 marathon or a full marathon if my initial training required that investment. I would run away screaming!

ITA. I am interested though, I may try to look up these training programs to see what they look like. Is it like 3 20 mile runs a week? To be able to run 13.1 on race day? To me it just seems like a lot of mileage, what would your short runs be?

On that note, I need to get new running shoes today...I thought that the running store guy was crazy saying you needed new shoes every six months but he was right! Now to decide if I should stick with the Nike Lunar Glide+ or try out a new shoe. Decisions...Decisions...

Have fun shoe shopping! I have Lunar Glide+ too. I really like them, but next month I am going to get a new pair of shoes and see about getting some insoles for my Lunars. They feel great on my feet but I am not sure if they have the right support for me.

I have a quick question about burning calves. Is this normal? Maybe a stride issue? It has been more of a recent occurrence and they usually settle down about a mile or so in. After my run I stretch them out and they don't feel sore or anything so I am not sure what is going on.They also feel fine when I am walking around afterward and stuff.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Here's a sample Pfitzinger plan for a marathon.

If you cut the mileage in half, that's not bad, to start.

 

[Cripey]

ITA. I am interested though, I may try to look up these training programs to see what they look like. Is it like 3 20 mile runs a week? To be able to run 13.1 on race day? To me it just seems like a lot of mileage, what would your short runs be?


Have fun shoe shopping! I have Lunar Glide+ too. I really like them, but next month I am going to get a new pair of shoes and see about getting some insoles for my Lunars. They feel great on my feet but I am not sure if they have the right support for me.

I have a quick question about burning calves. Is this normal? Maybe a stride issue? It has been more of a recent occurrence and they usually settle down about a mile or so in. After my run I stretch them out and they don't feel sore or anything so I am not sure what is going on.They also feel fine when I am walking around afterward and stuff.

That happens to me sometimes too, though not too often...I've always assumed that maybe it was because I should have spent a little more time stretching them out and warming up before the run, but who knows if that was really the reason...but like you, it normally subsides after a while so I end up forgetting about it in the midst of being so happy that I'm finished for the day!

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

Here's a sample Pfitzinger plan for a marathon.

If you cut the mileage in half, that's not bad, to start.

Thank you for the link.

And that is part of the reason why I have no interest in a full marathon. LoL I have only been running for 8 months and I am no where near being able to put up that kind of mileage. Plus I never run 2 days in a row anymore. I did it once and ended up with pretty bad knee pain so I am too afraid to try it again.

That happens to me sometimes too, though not too often...I've always assumed that maybe it was because I should have spent a little more time stretching them out and warming up before the run, but who knows if that was really the reason...but like you, it normally subsides after a while so I end up forgetting about it in the midst of being so happy that I'm finished for the day!

I am glad I am not the only one to experience it. I just found it weird because I never had the problem before and it has happened with my last 2 or 3 runs.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

ITA. I am interested though, I may try to look up these training programs to see what they look like. Is it like 3 20 mile runs a week? To be able to run 13.1 on race day? To me it just seems like a lot of mileage, what would your short runs be?


Have fun shoe shopping! I have Lunar Glide+ too. I really like them, but next month I am going to get a new pair of shoes and see about getting some insoles for my Lunars. They feel great on my feet but I am not sure if they have the right support for me.

I have a quick question about burning calves. Is this normal? Maybe a stride issue? It has been more of a recent occurrence and they usually settle down about a mile or so in. After my run I stretch them out and they don't feel sore or anything so I am not sure what is going on.They also feel fine when I am walking around afterward and stuff.

My understanding is that burning calves could be one of two things - either not giving your legs enough of a rest on your cross training days and not doing exercise like cycling, pilates, spinning, or swimming. In my running group earlier this year, several had that burning and our coach found out that they had been playing regular sports on their off days like basketball, volleyball, soccer which apparently don't give your legs enough of a rest.

Another thing to consider is with your shoes. When you do go to buy new ones, take your old ones with so that the running store people can look at the pattern of wear. My gait has changed a bit since the beginning (they think because of my circuit training and pilates strengthening my core) - it isn't a significant change but you never know.

If all else fails, I would just consult with a sports medicine doc. Better to catch something early than when it really becomes a constant problem.

Definitely keep us posted!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Thank you for the link.

And that is part of the reason why I have no interest in a full marathon. LoL I have only been running for 8 months and I am no where near being able to put up that kind of mileage. Plus I never run 2 days in a row anymore. I did it once and ended up with pretty bad knee pain so I am too afraid to try it again.



I am glad I am not the only one to experience it. I just found it weird because I never had the problem before and it has happened with my last 2 or 3 runs.

That plan scares me! The Hal Higdon Marathon Plan isn't nearly as overwhelming. Regardless, it wasn't fun thinking that I am going to be at the gym a lot longer before you know it. I don't know about others, but the treadmills at our local YMCA let you stay on for an hour and then you have to reset it. Although it only takes a minute maybe to get things back on track, it does get annoying. Maybe there is a way to hack the treadmill?

 

[Hockeychic]

I get shin splints once in a while, hurt like heck, feels like my bone is going to snap in two.

I find I get them if I start out too quickly and don't give my legs a chance to warm up. Or also if I have taken a break and let too many days go inbetween training. I will get them and like you they do go away after a mile or two but usually fatugue my legs so much it makes the rest of my walk a total stonker.

Kim

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

That plan scares me! The Hal Higdon Marathon Plan isn't nearly as overwhelming. Regardless, it wasn't fun thinking that I am going to be at the gym a lot longer before you know it. I don't know about others, but the treadmills at our local YMCA let you stay on for an hour and then you have to reset it. Although it only takes a minute maybe to get things back on track, it does get annoying. Maybe there is a way to hack the treadmill?

Hal Higdon's plans are mostly just to get you to the finish line, and aren't really meant for training for a Half for any time.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Hal Higdon's plans are mostly just to get you to the finish line, and aren't really meant for training for a Half for any time.

His Novice Plans are absolutely about getting to the finish line which for your first race or group of races is pretty much the goal. I would imagine that most of those who run the Princess or any of the other Disney half marathons fit into that group. But as you work up levels and look at the plans in his book or at his professional training plans, they are all about speedwork. He has some pretty incredible records as does his son. I just steer clear of those plans for now - maybe forever.

The Galloway plans are very similar to me except that Galloway seems to love walk breaks which at first seemed fantastic, but then seemed to mess up my pacing. However, I know plenty of people who do great with that.

It is overwhelming for someone new to running to see all the different plans - but the Hal Higdon Plans were recommended by my professional marathoner friend and they have worked for me. They never overwhelm me which is a definite plus. I know I won't break records running the novice program but that is okay with me for now.

 

[swim-mom]

I get shin splints once in a while, hurt like heck, feels like my bone is going to snap in two.

I find I get them if I start out too quickly and don't give my legs a chance to warm up. Or also if I have taken a break and let too many days go inbetween training. I will get them and like you they do go away after a mile or two but usually fatugue my legs so much it makes the rest of my walk a total stonker.

Kim

Kim - Try getting compression sleeves NOT socks to run in and a pair to keep your shins wrapped the rest of the day and night if possible. It helps to reduce the amount of fluid and the stretching of the fibers that actually cause them. They have actually helped me out alot!!