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

[peachygreen]

There is a wonderful 10k on Thanksgiving day in the galleria. Its the vannual turkey trot.

I also love the Space City 10 miler in Oct. Its down in Kemah area. There are also several marathon tune up races if you go to the houston marathon page and I thimk there is a 10k there.

I know there are some others thoses are just some I've run a few times.

Sorry for typos. I'm nursing mw DD and typing 1 handed.

 

[HockeyKat]

Kat you really give me a lot of inspiration. The princess 1/2 wil be my first HM and probably even my first race and my time goal is under 3:00 and you totally make me feel like it is possible. I honestly have little interest in running the whole thing right now and plan on doing a run/walk training program once I figure out the right one for me. I am sure there are many out there who would not consider me a runner because of that, but it really doesn't matter to me what they consider me if I am out there and getting it done. KWIM? I am doing this for me anyway, not them.


I have thought about joining a running group, but since I have 4 kids I just don't feel like I have the time to commit to something like that right now. I am trying to get my sister to run the HM with me and since she lives next door we will sometimes run together or trade off watching the kids.

Thanks!! I know sometimes it can get really intimidating, or at least it was to me at first. I had a great group of ladies from WISH virtually cheering me on (and literally, during the race), so just trying to return the favor.

Maybe we aren't "running" by some standards, but exactly, at least we are out there. Anyhow, you have to start somewhere.

I love my running group. It's a Galloway training program, and I know for sure those 14 this morning would not have been done without them. We are up and done by 10AM on Sat mornings, and there are a lot of moms in the group who make dad take over Sat morning.

 

[peachygreen]

I too run/walk. I used to run with the Galloway program here in Houston. They are the group I trained with for my 1st marathon. I loved doing my long runs with them. Then I moved a little further out and really didn't want to drive the ~40 miles in on Saturday morning after having kids. So now I do my runs on my own. I live closer now, so I could try again I suppose, if my husband wasn't on call or having to work every other saturday. Oh well I actually enjoy running by myself. It gives me time to think.

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

There is a wonderful 10k on Thanksgiving day in the galleria. Its the vannual turkey trot.

I also love the Space City 10 miler in Oct. Its down in Kemah area. There are also several marathon tune up races if you go to the houston marathon page and I thimk there is a 10k there.

I know there are some others thoses are just some I've run a few times.

Sorry for typos. I'm nursing mw DD and typing 1 handed.

Thank you. I will have to check those out. The ones I was looking at were Lake Houston/ Kingwood 5K/10K that is Aug 28th and the Kemah/ Seabrook Toughest 10K is Sept 18th, but that bridge scares me.

I too run/walk. I used to run with the Galloway program here in Houston. They are the group I trained with for my 1st marathon. I loved doing my long runs with them. Then I moved a little further out and really didn't want to drive the ~40 miles in on Saturday morning after having kids. So now I do my runs on my own. I live closer now, so I could try again I suppose, if my husband wasn't on call or having to work every other saturday. Oh well I actually enjoy running by myself. It gives me time to think.

My husband works Saturdays too. I think a group could be nice, but like you I also like the quiet alone time I get while running.

 

[leeshiebean]

Hey everyone! I posted this awhile back when someone first started this thread, but I wanted to share the link to my race report from last year in case some newcomers (or those still on the edge) want to read it. Before I ran the race (even before I decided to), the few race reports I found got me way pumped up for it. It was such a fun time and I'm legitimately sad that I can't make it to Disney this year for it, though I keep trying to figure out a way to go. Anyway, check it out - I've got pictures on the blog as well as a link to all of my race pictures. And be ready for a long read because my race report is 4 pages!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Race Report page 1

 

[haleofafamily]

Hey everyone! I posted this awhile back when someone first started this thread, but I wanted to share the link to my race report from last year in case some newcomers (or those still on the edge) want to read it. Before I ran the race (even before I decided to), the few race reports I found got me way pumped up for it. It was such a fun time and I'm legitimately sad that I can't make it to Disney this year for it, though I keep trying to figure out a way to go. Anyway, check it out - I've got pictures on the blog as well as a link to all of my race pictures. And be ready for a long read because my race report is 4 pages!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Race Report page 1

Thanks for posting! I loved reading it. I am new to running and love WDW so this was a fun, encouraging and emotional read.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Hello! I am new to the DISboards and am so glad I found this thread so I can be inspired and learn from all of you!

I am not new to Disney but new to running and I only wish I had started sooner with the running. I would like to be Perfectly Princess, but alas, 2011 will be my first Princess Half race. No matter, I'm still so excited!!!

January 2010, I was visiting some family in FL and we went to Downtown Disney just to do some shopping, preceeded by a little hotel hopping (stopped in at the Pop). It just so happened that this was the morning of the Disney World Marathon!

Okay, running has always killed me. Was a painful experience. Never enjoyed it. Ever! But when I saw the smiles on the faces of all of the runners returning from their races, on that COLD January day, and when I saw that wonderful **BLING** of the medals around their necks, I KNEW this was something I wanted to do!

When I returned home, I checked out the website and saw the upcoming Princess 1/2 Marathon weeked. I debated. Could I do this? Could I get away from work for a long weekend? The 1/2 was out of the question, but I registered for the Royal Family 5K and made it happen! (Another long story.)

When I started training, I ran my first full mile I think I have ever run, one cold, dark, January, winter evening - 18 min/mile pace. (I do believe that I walk faster then that!) But I got the Hal Higdon training plan for the 5K, and started training myself up.

The Royal Family 5K was one of the best experiences ever! It was so cold that morning, I was all alone (I was there on a solo trip). I was so tired (not a morning person) and maybe got 2 hrs sleep. I was slow for a runner (and still am) but managed to complete it in about 43 minutes. And possibly better than that, I actually have come to ENJOY Running! Now I lament my "rest" days.

I am still slow for a runner, and I am trying the run/walk method to prepare for the Princess 1/2, but I am in the 12.5 min/mile pace now. My main goals are to keep having fun while training and to stay healthy and injury free!

Sorry I'm so long-winded, I am just exicted to be registered for the Princess 1/2 in 2011 and happy to find others with the same interest!

 

[swim-mom]

Hello! I am new to the DISboards and am so glad I found this thread so I can be inspired and learn from all of you!

I am not new to Disney but new to running and I only wish I had started sooner with the running. I would like to be Perfectly Princess, but alas, 2011 will be my first Princess Half race. No matter, I'm still so excited!!!

January 2010, I was visiting some family in FL and we went to Downtown Disney just to do some shopping, preceeded by a little hotel hopping (stopped in at the Pop). It just so happened that this was the morning of the Disney World Marathon!

Okay, running has always killed me. Was a painful experience. Never enjoyed it. Ever! But when I saw the smiles on the faces of all of the runners returning from their races, on that COLD January day, and when I saw that wonderful **BLING** of the medals around their necks, I KNEW this was something I wanted to do!

When I returned home, I checked out the website and saw the upcoming Princess 1/2 Marathon weeked. I debated. Could I do this? Could I get away from work for a long weekend? The 1/2 was out of the question, but I registered for the Royal Family 5K and made it happen! (Another long story.)

When I started training, I ran my first full mile I think I have ever run, one cold, dark, January, winter evening - 18 min/mile pace. (I do believe that I walk faster then that!) But I got the Hal Higdon training plan for the 5K, and started training myself up.

The Royal Family 5K was one of the best experiences ever! It was so cold that morning, I was all alone (I was there on a solo trip). I was so tired (not a morning person) and maybe got 2 hrs sleep. I was slow for a runner (and still am) but managed to complete it in about 43 minutes. And possibly better than that, I actually have come to ENJOY Running! Now I lament my "rest" days.

I am still slow for a runner, and I am trying the run/walk method to prepare for the Princess 1/2, but I am in the 12.5 min/mile pace now. My main goals are to keep having fun while training and to stay healthy and injury free!

Sorry I'm so long-winded, I am just exicted to be registered for the Princess 1/2 in 2011 and happy to find others with the same interest!

My first half was last year!! You picked an amazing half for your first I will continue to do this every year, because it is all about my goals outside of being a wife and mom of 4 children

Like you I hate running, but I enjoy the physical accomplishment of doing this half.

It is all about empowerment and proving to yourself that anything is possible!!

 

[jenn-]

Hello! I am new to the DISboards and am so glad I found this thread so I can be inspired and learn from all of you!

I am not new to Disney but new to running and I only wish I had started sooner with the running. I would like to be Perfectly Princess, but alas, 2011 will be my first Princess Half race. No matter, I'm still so excited!!!

January 2010, I was visiting some family in FL and we went to Downtown Disney just to do some shopping, preceeded by a little hotel hopping (stopped in at the Pop). It just so happened that this was the morning of the Disney World Marathon!

Okay, running has always killed me. Was a painful experience. Never enjoyed it. Ever! But when I saw the smiles on the faces of all of the runners returning from their races, on that COLD January day, and when I saw that wonderful **BLING** of the medals around their necks, I KNEW this was something I wanted to do!

When I returned home, I checked out the website and saw the upcoming Princess 1/2 Marathon weeked. I debated. Could I do this? Could I get away from work for a long weekend? The 1/2 was out of the question, but I registered for the Royal Family 5K and made it happen! (Another long story.)

When I started training, I ran my first full mile I think I have ever run, one cold, dark, January, winter evening - 18 min/mile pace. (I do believe that I walk faster then that!) But I got the Hal Higdon training plan for the 5K, and started training myself up.

The Royal Family 5K was one of the best experiences ever! It was so cold that morning, I was all alone (I was there on a solo trip). I was so tired (not a morning person) and maybe got 2 hrs sleep. I was slow for a runner (and still am) but managed to complete it in about 43 minutes. And possibly better than that, I actually have come to ENJOY Running! Now I lament my "rest" days.

I am still slow for a runner, and I am trying the run/walk method to prepare for the Princess 1/2, but I am in the 12.5 min/mile pace now. My main goals are to keep having fun while training and to stay healthy and injury free!

Sorry I'm so long-winded, I am just exicted to be registered for the Princess 1/2 in 2011 and happy to find others with the same interest!

Welcome to the site. It is a wonderful site full of supportive people.

 

[Jeter02]

For all my runners / walkers training in the mornings.....If you don't mind I would love to hear what you are doing for nutrition. Just want to make sure I am on hte right track and not doing to little of anything.

Unfortuantely I am not muich a breakfast eater especially in the morning. I curently wake up an hour before my workout and drink a entire glass of OJ.

Please also share what you do after workout/training as well.

Love to hear what you all have to say...Thanks

P.S. I completed my first 3 miles of walking (took me 44 min), but hey just want to start building some mileage before I start my walk/run training plan from the book marathoning for mortals. In the past 2 weeks I keep adding a mile and workout 3 days a week at that distance. Currently my pace is averaging 14.50 min/mile In other words close to 15min/mile. I am happy with that considerinng I haven't even thrown and any 1 min runs in after 4 min of walking, which I will start next week.

Now I know the person at the running store told me to take the gel every 45 min. I have to questions if anyone can answer would be great... 1) Is okay to take gel after a work out if the workout only took me 45min. 2) or should I take gel while walking/running after 45 min and still have more to complete....for example if 3 miles takes me roughly 45 min...does that mean I really should be taking the gel unless I complete 6 miles??????

****Please excuse my ignorance as I am trying to learn all of this stuff!!!!

 

[leeshiebean]

Now I know the person at the running store told me to take the gel every 45 min. I have to questions if anyone can answer would be great... 1) Is okay to take gel after a work out if the workout only took me 45min. 2) or should I take gel while walking/running after 45 min and still have more to complete....for example if 3 miles takes me roughly 45 min...does that mean I really should be taking the gel unless I complete 6 miles??????

Generally you only need to take the gel if you are going to be running about an hour and a half or longer. In that case, you would take your first one 45 minutes in and every 45 minutes after. But if you're simply running for 45 minutes, you don't need to take a gel, just get something to eat when you get home (protein) within 15-30 minutes of the run. Hope that helps!

 

[Jeter02]

Generally you only need to take the gel if you are going to be running about an hour and a half or longer. In that case, you would take your first one 45 minutes in and every 45 minutes after. But if you're simply running for 45 minutes, you don't need to take a gel, just get something to eat when you get home (protein) within 15-30 minutes of the run. Hope that helps!

Thanks Alicia! By the way I read your blog, and it was very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

Also any suggestions on morning nutrition before workout?

 

[Cripey]

For all my runners / walkers training in the mornings.....If you don't mind I would love to hear what you are doing for nutrition. Just want to make sure I am on hte right track and not doing to little of anything.

Unfortuantely I am not muich a breakfast eater especially in the morning. I curently wake up an hour before my workout and drink a entire glass of OJ.

Please also share what you do after workout/training as well.

Love to hear what you all have to say...Thanks

P.S. I completed my first 3 miles of walking (took me 44 min), but hey just want to start building some mileage before I start my walk/run training plan from the book marathoning for mortals. In the past 2 weeks I keep adding a mile and workout 3 days a week at that distance. Currently my pace is averaging 14.50 min/mile In other words close to 15min/mile. I am happy with that considerinng I haven't even thrown and any 1 min runs in after 4 min of walking, which I will start next week.

Now I know the person at the running store told me to take the gel every 45 min. I have to questions if anyone can answer would be great... 1) Is okay to take gel after a work out if the workout only took me 45min. 2) or should I take gel while walking/running after 45 min and still have more to complete....for example if 3 miles takes me roughly 45 min...does that mean I really should be taking the gel unless I complete 6 miles??????

****Please excuse my ignorance as I am trying to learn all of this stuff!!!!

I'm new to all of this stuff too, so still trying to figure out what works for me as I go I've just started my training recently and the program that my trainer has me on is holding at 3 miles for my runs right now...so nothing too major. I average close to 12 and a half minute miles so usually finish somewhere around 37 minutes. For now, I don't do any gels/supplements. For me, I just don't think they are necessary yet at lower miles, though I will probably rethink that when I get up to higher training miles. Right now for breakfast before my run I eat a whole grain english muffin, a little "all-fruit" spread and a banana. I try to eat that at least an hour before I leave for the park and drink a small gatorade with it...I like the low-cal G2's. During the run, I carry only water and afterwards I make sure to get another G2 in me...but the medium one instead of the small one I have with breakfast. Sometimes I also snack on a granola bar if I'm just starving after my run and can't wait until lunch...I like the Cascadian Farms Organic chocolate chip ones. Anyway, I hope you get some good feedback and can find what works best for you and gives you the energy you need!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I honestly don't do the gels until I get into over 8 mile territory. For morning runs (which I don't do until the last few weeks of the training program when the runs get longer) I prefer to eat a Banana, two packages of instant oatmeal and a bagel or piece of raisin toast. I don't drink juice before running, but just water as I find that acid is just not something that works well with my digestive system. Nothing is worse than running on an upset stomach. For afternoon runs (after work - which I prefer), I stick to some sort of pasta or a PB&J Sandwich with some yogurt. You will probably have to try a few things before you find something that works. I guess my main priority is figuring out how many calories I am likely to burn and making sure that I eat at least that amount before my runs. A lot of people in my running group stick with shredded wheat or toast before their runs with some fruit. I know one lady that eats chicken nuggets for breakfast...so anything works.

 

[HockeyKat]

I competely agree about the gels. I don't use gels unless I am more in the 10 mile range, and even then I only use about half of one.

My morning breakfast lately before long runs has been 1/2 cup of kashi go lean original with a splash of almond milk. The almond milk is a lot easier on my stomach than dairy, and the kashi has a lot of protein and fiber. I will sometimes have it for a snack before an evening short run, or as a late breakfast if I am doing a lunch short run.

I am trying to lose weight, so I steer clear of any of the gatorade products and only drink water or powerade zero. I believe you can buy electrolyte tablets as well, although I haven't tried them and don't know calorie content.

Since I am deliberately trying to create a calorie deficit, I am sure not to replace all of the calories I burned. I do eat a 140 calorie south beach protein fit bar after a 10 miler or more though.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have never used a gel, but might use a GU chew on my long run once I get up to 9 or 10 miles. I'm up for experimenting, but gels just seem like they are very messy and a lot of work.

I am a very bad example, nutrition wise. The other night, before my 4M race, I had a 24 ounce steak, fries and a martini. This is not unusual for me.

 

[Jeter02]

Do you think I am intaking to little in the morning with just a full glass OJ?...not much a morning water, food usually doesn't sit well with me early in the morning

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Do you think I am intaking to little in the morning with just a full glass OJ?...not much a morning water, food usually doesn't sit well with me early in the morning

Do what works for you and what won't upset your stomach.

That being said, I never, never eat breakfast in the morning, except for race day. Then, I break out a fruit or protein bar to eat with my coffee.

 

[Jeter02]

Okay thanks for the helpful advice....just wasn't sure if I needed to take extra protein before starting run. Awesome....I know someone told me just to take a gel 15 min prior to the start of the actual race.

 

[cewait]

Jeter02 -

You should be fine with OJ for a pre-run meal. Most commercial OJ's contain a little extra sugar - exactly what the body is craving.

The folks posting are correct - you really do not need supplemental Kcal on a run until you will be out there for more than 80-100 minutes.

The general rule of thumb with gels (I will use gels but this includes all sport supplemental Kcal including beans, blocks, etc) is:

• 
  - If you are headed out for more than 90 minutes
  - Take your first gel around 45 minutes into the run
  - Take a gel every 30 minutes after that

Since these are general rules you may find that you want to take your first gel between 30 and 60 minutes into the run. The follwoing gels between 30 and 45 minutes. It really depends on you, your metabolic burn ratio (i.e. fat/sugar ratio) how hard you are running, etc.

When taking a gel, pull the top open, take a sip of water to wet the mouth, take the gel and once swallowed, take about 2-4 oz of water to chase it down. Can't take a gel all at once - take a half a gel at the first stop as above. Roll the top over so it will not leak out and hold in your hand until the next stop. At the next stop take the remaining gel.

There are several brands of gels each offering several flavors. There is no perfect gel. If may be perfect for me but could easily upset your system. Training is all about learning how to make the end of the race. When your distance is high enough to need a gel, buy 1-2 flavors from 1-2 brands. Experiment with these and move on to another flavor or brand if you cannot take one. Some are thicker than others, some flavors just do not tast good on the run, some electrolyte mixes taste really bad and some sugar blends tend to create GI issues.

Finally, there is a large contingent of folks who will just take candy. Use this path as a last resort. Sport supplements come with electrolytes and blends of carbs that carry some thought of how they work in an endurance situation. Candy on the other hand comes with HFCS and only thinking about good tase and selling more.

Good luck in your training

OH - post run make sure to get a nice little meal. 4 carbs to 1 protien is ideal but that ratio can vary some. Ideally you should consume the meal within 15-20 minutes post run to help get the protien into the muscle within the first hour. Chocolate milk is a good quick fix for this meal in a pinch.