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

[chop456]

the bag check area

What is the bag check area? What do you check? Do you pick it up after the race somewhere?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

There was a water stop at the beginning (where you meet in the parking lot), and then just about every two miles or so (9 total including the ones at the start and finish). It is cold, so you will drink a lot less. I honestly didn't sweat until mile 9, which they distributed the Clif Shots at mile 8.7, so the last thing I needed was a ton of water which I think was part of the reason that I had to pee so much! I alternated between Powerade and Water at each stop and the cups didn't have a lot of liquid in them since the doctors were really watching out for people not drinking themselves to death. I wish I had waited to go to the bathroom when we got into the Magic Kingdom or even back to Epcot. The lines were chaotic, people were incredibly messy (most of us were ladies and I don't expect ladies to be disgusting but that myth was squashed!), and I didn't see many using the regular restrooms - which were at mile 5-6 (MK). I am holding it next time! Live and Learn. I am curious about the gel that is supposed to taste like Apple Pie! I haven't tasted one that I absolutely loved yet. Maybe that is a good thing. The bag check area is at the beginning and you pick your stuff up at the end (you have a luggage claim tag) and file it by last name - there are people that collect it at the beginning and return it back to you at the end.

 

[leeshiebean]

What is the bag check area? What do you check? Do you pick it up after the race somewhere?

It's right in the beginning after you get dropped off by the buses. There are tents set up based on last name, and you are to take the bag check ticket from the bottom of your bib and secure it to your bag, check it in the tent, then come out the other side where there are potties. Then you begin a mile long walk to the actual corrals/start line.

I think the first year you were allowed to check any sort of bag, but last year we had to use the drawstring backpack they provided us at the expo (the goody bag). I used mine to store my running tights (I wore them until bag check, then bared my legs after that), and a few other things like my breakfast and some chapstick.

 

[cewait]

There was a water stop at the beginning (where you meet in the parking lot), and then just about every two miles or so (9 total including the ones at the start and finish). It is cold, so you will drink a lot less. I honestly didn't sweat until mile 9, which they distributed the Cliff Shots at mile 8.7, so the last thing I needed was a ton of water which I think was part of the reason that I had to pee so much! I alternated between Powerade and Water at each stop and the cups didn't have a lot of liquid in them since the doctors were really watching out for people not drinking themselves to death. I wish I had waited to go to the bathroom when we got into the Magic Kingdom or even back to Epcot. The lines were chaotic, people were incredibly messy (most of us were ladies and I don't expect ladies to be disgusting but that myth was squashed!), and I didn't see many using the regular restrooms - which were at mile 5-6 (MK). I am holding it next time! Live and Learn. I am curious about the gel that is supposed to taste like Apple Pie! I haven't tasted one that I absolutely loved yet. Maybe that is a good thing. The bag check area is at the beginning and you pick your stuff up at the end (you have a luggage claim tag) and file it by last name - there are people that collect it at the beginning and return it back to you at the end.

On average the distance is 1.5 miles. The early two are closer to 2 miles and the later at 1.0 miles. Avoid the apple pie CliffShot – unless you tried the flavor in training, or they have changed the flavor mix…. We had it in the 2006 races and it almost sent me to the side of the road in the half.

What is the bag check area? What do you check? Do you pick it up after the race somewhere?

Rupert S noted what they are… Just so you know it also serves as the gateway to the runner’s only area and the course. You will need to show a bib to go through the tents.

They had tons of portapotties before the race last year, both at the bag check area and by the corrals (and all had lines). I went at both places. I think I only had to go once during the entire race (which for me was over 3 hours!), and I lucked out when I ran through the TTC area and spotted a bathroom there with NO LINE! An actual bathroom with sinks and everything!

It was around mile 4! (See my map: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3893583)

The TTC rooms are a secret! The next real ones are in MK at mile 5 in as you cross into Fantasyland from Futureland. There are also a set in Frontierland around the cut off to Haunted Mansion (these are really hidden)

Like I mentioned earlier I did 3 miles this morning, didn't take any water with me, tcasue I wanna prep myself, crossing my fingers the use of the portapottes will only be before race and hopefully not during. Can honestly say I never used one, and not liking the idea, but I guess better then going on side of road. Therefore as a school teacher hopping my trained bladder can hold out for 13.1 as I don't have time during the workday to use bathroom for 7-8 hours. I am always working my tail off during my 2 breaks short of 15-20min.

You know for the most part, you have a need to go pre-race – maybe. For the most part it is nerves driving the need to go. As a guy it’s a little easier to judge flow conditions and I can tell you that after the first visit you really are just satisfying the urge. (I think they have a guy drug or two ad on TV about the same thing Arghhhh). In all seriousness, once you get on the road and moving the urge should disappear. If you are well trained and not pushing into anything near the red zone you should be fine.

With regards to not drinking during a run for fear of weeing….. Please read my hydration post. You seriously need to understand what your hydration needs are in all kinds of weather. Hydration is a balance between dehydration and Hyponatremia. You cannot guess your way to safe hydration.

 

[peachygreen]

I greatly dislike all gels, gus etc and find I really don't need one in the half. Now on the full I have to do something as I can't go the distance without some extra energy.

I have generally conditioned my body to not need water for any training run or race under 3 miles. My last marathon didn't have a water stop until mile 3, so I decided to get my body used to that. I normally don't go for anything but water except every 6 miles or so, so on a half I'd stop for the gatorade etc at mile 6 and 12 and water at the other stops.

I hate the prerace nervous bladder/stomach. I'm a little nervous with the early start to the race about getting my body awake and functioning enough so that I don't have to stop on the race.

Speaking of the early start, how early do you have to get to the park? If you aren't staying onsite, where do you go to park or be dropped off?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I greatly dislike all gels, gus etc and find I really don't need one in the half. Now on the full I have to do something as I can't go the distance without some extra energy.

I have generally conditioned my body to not need water for any training run or race under 3 miles. My last marathon didn't have a water stop until mile 3, so I decided to get my body used to that. I normally don't go for anything but water except every 6 miles or so, so on a half I'd stop for the gatorade etc at mile 6 and 12 and water at the other stops.

I hate the prerace nervous bladder/stomach. I'm a little nervous with the early start to the race about getting my body awake and functioning enough so that I don't have to stop on the race.

Speaking of the early start, how early do you have to get to the park? If you aren't staying onsite, where do you go to park or be dropped off?

Most were there by 4:30 a.m. It took us about five minutes to drive for the HI DTD. It did suck to have to wait so long though...mainly because of the cold. I may stay in my car a bit longer next year. I felt like a popsicle. You park in the Epcot Parking Lot. Piece of Cake - no big deal at all. I hear that the Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon is an entirely different story though...still deciding if I will try that in 2011. The gels grossed me out in the beginning and to some extent, still do. If I think about them when I am eating them, they are difficult to swallow. So, I just pretent like they are lima beans and eat them really fast. When I get to a certain distance (definitely 10 miles) they really do help. I like the Gu Chomps beforehand. It helped to have something to chew on while I was waiting. It helped wake me up too!

 

[jcwishes]

I DID IT. I am registered. This will be my first race and Diseny and my first half.

We plan on staying at the Poly does anyone know what kind of deals tend to come that time of year. I think I remember some good ones from last year.

So excited and planning on being here to talk training ofter.

 

[appledown]

A hint about running without water... For me, the need for water is more mental than anything. I started chewing gum on my shorter distances (under 3 miles), and it helps with that "need" for water. It keeps my mouth from getting dry, which is really the problem I'm having, not that I'm not hydrated. I just tuck a couple of pieces in my pocket so that i can have fresh pieces as I need them.

Disclaimer: this all goes out the window when it's hot. We've had the hottest 2 months on record, and even at 5:30 am it's 85 and humid. I'm carrying water even on a 2 miler there.

 

[Jeter02]

Congratualtions JCwishes....welcome to the board!

 

[jenn-]

What type of stuff is in the gels and gums that my body is eventually going to need? The thought of ingesting that many empty calories and carbs makes me want to hurl. Could I make up some granola bars to eat and do something similar to the gels for my body?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

What type of stuff is in the gels and gums that my body is eventually going to need? The thought of ingesting that many empty calories and carbs makes me want to hurl. Could I make up some granola bars to eat and do something similar to the gels for my body?

The main thing they provide are electrolytes and carbs. It isn't really empty calories - but not enough to count as a meal or anything. At first, it does seem gross and I had to taste test a lot before I stuck with a couple. You could make some granola bars, but believe me, the last thing you are going to want to do is eat and run. For me, that would be too dangerous! I say if you are too scared about the gels or jelly beans or gummy things to just go without - but make sure that you have enough of a buffer in your running time to account for the slow down because most people hit a wall, especially when getting up that early, being cold, etc. It made a huge difference for me to take one (and in a half marathon you will only need one thankfully)

 

[cewait]

What type of stuff is in the gels and gums that my body is eventually going to need? The thought of ingesting that many empty calories and carbs makes me want to hurl. Could I make up some granola bars to eat and do something similar to the gels for my body?

If you are walking I would say sure go for more of a foodstuff supplementation. Running, Jogging or run/walking I would urge caution. The gut really does not want to process anything when under heavy load. Solid food may not set well... your system may process, it may set or move one direction or the other in a hurry.

I would note that gels/gus taken in isolation would in fact be called empty Kcal.

However while training or running (walking) the race these Kcal would not necessarily be considered 'empty' Simply stated your body only has a capacity to burn 90 minutes of Glycogen (body's version of sugar). This is also the primary fuel for the brain. At some point in time your brain will simply say - STOP I sense you are close to depleting my fuel. You can fool these stop signals for a while but sooner of later they will force you to stop. (Note I truly do not think one can have a full bonk in a half distnce event.)

Looking at the Kcal balance you are bunring plus of 1300-1500 Kcal for a half marathon. At a 15 minute pace you would consume no more than 550 Kcal (maybe as little as 220). These are not simple carbs; rather, most gels are 75-100% complex carbs.
The is a negative value. You are looking for a supplement that is somewhat palletable, is easily processed in the gut (liquids or semi liquids) and will hit the blood stream in a hurry. In addition you are looking for some replenishment of lost electrolytes in the process.

So making a short answer long... Yes you may try the granola supplementation but make sure you have the abaility to deal with teh consequences should they occur. Do it in training and as you get closer to the race you will know if it works.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Based on the comments, it seems that the need for water is definitely an individual thing. For some, it may be psychological, such as knowing it is there just in case you need it. When it is hot, I like to have it, even if I just want to sip it or splash it on my face. 16 oz gets me through a 1 and 1/2 hour workout just fine. It doesn't seem like too much, certainly not in this heat and humidity we've been having.

I'm still trying to figure out the nutrition for when on a run. I'm not sure I would like the gels like some have already mentioned. I'd like to be able to eat "regular" food instead of a gel. I'm wondering if taking a piece of a bagel, or sometype of granola snack as the other poster mentioned might work or be enough for a half marathon. Or if I just stick with water only, and if I eat only the jelly bean electrolyte snacks if that would be enough nutrition during the race?

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Looks like my question about the "regular" food has been answered. Thanks! I am curious about whether the electrolye jelly beans would be enough + water only for the half. It seems like this would be enough, as long as I have some proper nutrition before the race and after.

I noticed that the regular bottle of power aid I bought has high fructose corn syrup. I've heard that that is not so good, so I've been trying to avoid foods that contains it. It seems like it is in a LOT of things too. So this is why I'm thinking about taking only water instead of the power aid at the race.

 

[cewait]

Looks like my question about the "regular" food has been answered. Thanks! I am curious about whether the electrolye jelly beans would be enough + water only for the half. It seems like this would be enough, as long as I have some proper nutrition before the race and after.

I noticed that the regular bottle of power aid I bought has high fructose corn syrup. I've heard that that is not so good, so I've been trying to avoid foods that contains it. It seems like it is in a LOT of things too. So this is why I'm thinking about taking only water instead of the power aid at the race.

Yes you should be able to get on with Sport Beans. As far as PowerAde - I believe the powdered product to contain fructose - not HFCS. Though, I looked and could not confirm that on the net.

 

[corinnak]

I don't like to drink the powerade or eat the gels, but I manage just fine in a half with the sport beans or Luna Moons plus water. I like that I can carry water with me and add energy as needed sometimes even a little at a time, which is easier for me to process while running.

I also make sure to eat something upon waking, several hours before these early morning Disney races. Some bagel, milk, peanut butter to top off the tank makes a huge difference to how I feel in the race.

As for eating something more food-like, I find sometimes a broken-up clif-type bar can be good while running, but there is a greater chance of stomach upset. Like the good coach said, try everything in training first.

 

[HockeyKat]

If you are walking I would say sure go for more of a foodstuff supplementation. Running, Jogging or run/walking I would urge caution. The gut really does not want to process anything when under heavy load. Solid food may not set well... your system may process, it may set or move one direction or the other in a hurry.

I would note that gels/gus taken in isolation would in fact be called empty Kcal.

However while training or running (walking) the race these Kcal would not necessarily be considered 'empty' Simply stated your body only has a capacity to burn 90 minutes of Glycogen (body's version of sugar). This is also the primary fuel for the brain. At some point in time your brain will simply say - STOP I sense you are close to depleting my fuel. You can fool these stop signals for a while but sooner of later they will force you to stop. (Note I truly do not think one can have a full bonk in a half distnce event.)

Looking at the Kcal balance you are bunring plus of 1300-1500 Kcal for a half marathon. At a 15 minute pace you would consume no more than 550 Kcal (maybe as little as 220). These are not simple carbs; rather, most gels are 75-100% complex carbs.
The is a negative value. You are looking for a supplement that is somewhat palletable, is easily processed in the gut (liquids or semi liquids) and will hit the blood stream in a hurry. In addition you are looking for some replenishment of lost electrolytes in the process.

So making a short answer long... Yes you may try the granola supplementation but make sure you have the abaility to deal with teh consequences should they occur. Do it in training and as you get closer to the race you will know if it works.

I don't usually quote wholesale, but this is awesome, thanks.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I don't usually quote wholesale, but this is awesome, thanks.

Oh I know, Kat! We are so lucky to have Coach with us. Thank you, Coach, for offering such wise information.

 

[elbowglitter]

For me, sometimes the gel or sport beans is totally a mental thing. I know it's going to give me a boost, so as soon as I get it in my mouth, I feel better. I realize that it probably is actually doing something, but not as quickly as my brain thinks it's going to.

Plus, I'm a sucker for jelly beans, so on a long run, I can say "Okay, just five more minutes, then you can have a treat," and it keeps me going. I'm much like a dog. Will do tricks for treats.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I am a new runner, I am signed up for a 15K in November and I want to do the princess, I will be 35 in a few weeks and I have been out of shape for the better part of 6 years. I started training in January I have lost 15lbs and I ran a 5K a 4Mile race and I have gone as far as 4.5 in training.

Here is my questions, in reading your thread I have found how unprepared I am, I did not know anything about gels, sports beans, clif shots (ok I don't even know what clif shots are) I as well thought I could bring a protein bar and snack on that if I needed to, and another FABULOUS thread I have learned about the correct socks and fuel belt for to bring water.

So with that said, Am I out of my league here? I love to run/walk because no drama you just need your feet, (or so I thought)
Its a little discouraging to read how unprepared I am.....

Thanks for letting me post on your thread and any advise would be greatly appreciated.