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

[disneyaway]

Today has been a big day today for my running-wise. Lots of developments. First, DH and I went out together this morning (those who remember my post from last night know what a disaster that was) and this time, I was faster than him!!! I was so proud of myself.

Then DH called and changed our hotel ressie for the half marathon from AKV to BWV which we are really excited about. We have always wanted to stay there.

Then, we got together with my rents who bought me a garmin 305 for my birthday! I can't wait to try it on Wednesday.

Good for you on being faster than your DH! I am sure that's an awesome feeling Let me know how you like your garmin. I have been looking at them but want to get more running under my belt before spending the money.

There's hope! There HAS to be hope, because I'm right there with you...on mile 2 of 3 and wondering what the heck I'm doing! I'm in Houston too and, believe me, I know how those after-work runs feel in all that heat...half of the water I carry ends up getting poured on me rather than used for drinking! But it can be done...I run during the week at Memorial Park with hundreds of other people out there doing it too so there's proof! Just keep focused and think about how nice it's going to feel when the weather starts to turn finally...and by that time you'll be able to do even more miles and feel great. The heat and humidity definitely have an impact...my runs are close to a minute and a half faster on saturdays when I am able to get up and run early in the morning before it's scorching. So, don't worry! Just keep at it and you'll get there. Do you track all your mileage and times? I keep a little mini-notebook in my car and after I've done my post-run stretch, I crank up the AC and take a minute to record the info I've collected on my watch before I head back home. It gives me something to flip back to and see the progress I've made...just a little extra motivating tool that works for me.

I know- this weather has been crazy. The 85 degrees with 82% humidity was at 8am! I am going to have to get up earlier or move the runs indoors for a while.

I did one of the walk / run 1/2 plan from marathoning mortals walk 3 min run 1 8 times. I was able to complete 2.3 miles within the 32min. Ugggg it was so not fun almost felt like tourture. My running buddy told me we didn't have to run anymore and we can just stop, I told her NO WAY! as much as I hate saying it I am not going to start a training plan and just give up or fully complete day one. Was proud when I found out I did 13:55 pace per mile but boy my inner thighs are feeling that workout today....uggg

That's a great pace! Just think that it can only get better

I am feeling much better today- I ran on the treadmill and was able to go further and faster without feeling tired. So my confidence is up a little. I am still slow, but not AS slow

Has anyone signed their kids up for the kids' races? We are taking DD4 with us, and I am debating on whether to sign her up for it or not. If we don't, we can just come in on Saturday instead of Fri.

And for anyone that raced last year- do you know if there were good promotions coming out at that time for packages? I am wondering if that weekend in going to be blacked out because of ESPN weekend and the HM.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I highly doubt there will be any deals with packages. There would have been if the original date was kept, but I really think strategy came into play with them moving the race up a week to coincide with those other events for a reason. It wasn't very busy in the parks this year, but I have a feeling it will be a bit different next year. I would just keep watching your inbox for any promotions because ultimately the factor in them being offered is the level of demand. I get offers from Disney all the time...just not for the dates I am traveling.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Regarding promotions:
I ran the Royal Family 5K last year. I was able to get some winter special Disney was promoting. I would suggest that you go ahead an book your room where you think you want to stay and then watch for the promos to come out later this fall or early winter. When I've booked directly with Disney (calling there reservation number or online), I have had no problem getting my rate reduced if Disney comes out with a promotion (as long as they still have rooms available at the promotional rate). So check often. Disney has been very accomodating. Also I've heard it is easer to change a "room only" package, for whatever reason.


Regarding the Garmin: I am interested in knowing how accurate the Garmin is. I have a couple of 1 to 1.5 mile loops I run. Does anyone know if it accurately measures the distance when running in a big circle? :>)


Regarding warming up: At the 5K it was really cold. I was really tired and didn't feel like warming up at all! And I didn't, other than I kept walking around the staging area of the race to keep warm. That was it. When we started the race, I was at a slow jog for a few minutes as there were so many people. That seemed to be enough for a warm up. I prefer to do most of my stretching after a run/walk as well.

 

[disneyaway]

I highly doubt there will be any deals with packages. There would have been if the original date was kept, but I really think strategy came into play with them moving the race up a week to coincide with those other events for a reason. It wasn't very busy in the parks this year, but I have a feeling it will be a bit different next year. I would just keep watching your inbox for any promotions because ultimately the factor in them being offered is the level of demand. I get offers from Disney all the time...just not for the dates I am traveling.

I figured the dates would be blocked out. I was debating whether I wanted to go ahead and by park tickets before the prices are supposed to go up this weekend or wait for a promotion. I was hoping for something so we could stay at the Poly or Contemporary. But if not, we will stay at the Swan or Dolphin- we've been there before and really liked it.

 

[maroo]

Regarding promotions:
I ran the Royal Family 5K last year. I was able to get some winter special Disney was promoting. I would suggest that you go ahead an book your room where you think you want to stay and then watch for the promos to come out later this fall or early winter. When I've booked directly with Disney (calling there reservation number or online), I have had no problem getting my rate reduced if Disney comes out with a promotion (as long as they still have rooms available at the promotional rate). So check often. Disney has been very accomodating. Also I've heard it is easer to change a "room only" package, for whatever reason.


Regarding the Garmin: I am interested in knowing how accurate the Garmin is. I have a couple of 1 to 1.5 mile loops I run. Does anyone know if it accurately measures the distance when running in a big circle? :>)


Regarding warming up: At the 5K it was really cold. I was really tired and didn't feel like warming up at all! And I didn't, other than I kept walking around the staging area of the race to keep warm. That was it. When we started the race, I was at a slow jog for a few minutes as there were so many people. That seemed to be enough for a warm up. I prefer to do most of my stretching after a run/walk as well.

My Garmin worked fairly well for going in circles - it could even tell when I stepped UP on a curb or back down. It was freaky accurate!

But...it did NOT do as well when I was on a course in a park that was really winding around a lot and had a lot of huge trees. It did ok, and much better than I would have expected, but it occasionally got off by a few feet and would think I was on another part of the course. That particular course was very close together (the path).

The other course I used had more space between the paths and the Garmin had no trouble telling me exactly where I was and it calculated by "lap" time, too.

I love my Garmin!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

disneyaway,
I called WDWIRUN Phone number today and the discount ticket rate will not change, they told me that you get that discount once you register for the reace (I was asked for 3day Park Hopper $170.??) per person and that will not change.

I was going to by my ticket in a few weeks to spread out the expense, with the race in Feb, right after Christmas I did nto want to have to worry about it.



buckeye, I use RunKeeper on my phone, the app is free and I LOVE IT>
I do a circle also and It works great.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I figured the dates would be blocked out. I was debating whether I wanted to go ahead and by park tickets before the prices are supposed to go up this weekend or wait for a promotion. I was hoping for something so we could stay at the Poly or Contemporary. But if not, we will stay at the Swan or Dolphin- we've been there before and really liked it.

Do you have a Disney Rewards Visa? Sometimes they run their own special promotions without black out dates. In addition, I end up having enough rewards points to pay for tickets. They really are doing something completely different this year with shortening the promotion dates so soon. I wonder if it may backfire...I kind of hope so!

 

[haleofafamily]

disneyaway,
I called WDWIRUN Phone number today and the discount ticket rate will not change, they told me that you get that discount once you register for the reace (I was asked for 3day Park Hopper $170.??) per person and that will not change.

Is this rate online anywhere? I just called to ask about 6 day hoppers and was quoted the price of $246.02. I was surprised since usually there isn't that much of a price difference in 3 to 6 day tickets.

So if that is the correct 6 day price should I just get the 3 day hopper and then upgrade at WDW after I have used a day?

 

[sabnrob06]

If you don't me asking where in South Florida are you from? I too am in the area. some really good running stores to check out are runners edge in boca and the running depot (runnersdepot.com) which has several locations one being in Ft. Lauderdale. I go to running depot in Coral Springs, which is conviently a 2 min drive from my house. They are extremely knowledgable and helpful. They also sell the fuel belts and belts with water bottles.

That's great that you are doing a c2k in prep. I am currently using one of the plans from the marathoning for mortals book by john bingham. I am also planing on doing a local 5k race first week in Septemeber to get an idea of what a race day is semi-like. It will be first race ever, and plan to get a couple more 5ks or even a 10k in before the Princess half.

Good luck on your training as you seem to be on the right track, and its great that you joined a running club are you apart of the GFLRRC? I am training on my own along with a friend of mine (we are both non-runners) who will run the princess with me.

I am in Ft. Lauderdale. My friend who is doing the Princess half is in Coral Springs. I got my running shoes at Runners Depot in Davie. I will have to go and see them about the running belts.

I have been attempting to do the C25K on my own but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I can't seem to keep up. I am hoping the running group will help. We are also signed up for a 5K in September. It's on the 18th at Tradewinds Park. Where's the one you are doing?

Good Luck to you and your friend!! Maybe I will see you around!!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions on the running belts. Plan on trying to get to the store tomorrow night! We will see what I end up with!!

 

[Jeter02]

I am in Ft. Lauderdale. My friend who is doing the Princess half is in Coral Springs. I got my running shoes at Runners Depot in Davie. I will have to go and see them about the running belts.

I have been attempting to do the C25K on my own but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I can't seem to keep up. I am hoping the running group will help. We are also signed up for a 5K in September. It's on the 18th at Tradewinds Park. Where's the one you are doing?


Good Luck to you and your friend!! Maybe I will see you around!!

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions on the running belts. Plan on trying to get to the store tomorrow night! We will see what I end up with!!

As sad as it sounds I looked at some of the c25k plans they have you doing to much running as I am only beginning to run myself. This is why I decided to do the walk/rn plan from marathoning for morals. It's more walking then running. I canno run for to ping of a prior of time as I feel like I can't breathe.

The fall fling 5k at tradesinds oaths one I am doing too. I will be doing with my brother who has more experience with this running thing

If you don't me asking how are the running coaches in the running club? I how it's working out for you? From my ordinal stand point I think it's easier for myself to train alone or with a friend, as I know it is going to take me some time to get the hang of this.

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

pikaboo, I am right there with you. I started running/walking in Dec and then I could not do 1 mile. I am still very slow 15min walk/ run but I have done up to 4.5. Last night I did the first day of Marthons 4 Mortals Run/Walk 1/2 plan
Run 3 mins walk 2 mins do that 7 times = 35 mins I did 2.4 miles on the treadmill, it was hard but I did not die, I then went out to cut the grass for 30 mins. With advice and help from all the wonderful people on Dis We CAN and WILL DO THIS!!!

It sounds like we are pretty close in our training.My longest run is also 4.5 miles, but that was a few months ago and since then I have been more in the 3 mile range. I started M4M run/walk last week and had my first long run yesterday. I think this week I am going to start stepping out of my comfort zone so it will be interesting.

I did one of the walk / run 1/2 plan from marathoning mortals walk 3 min run 1 8 times. I was able to complete 2.3 miles within the 32min. Ugggg it was so not fun almost felt like tourture. My running buddy told me we didn't have to run anymore and we can just stop, I told her NO WAY! as much as I hate saying it I am not going to start a training plan and just give up or fully complete day one. Was proud when I found out I did 13:55 pace per mile but boy my inner thighs are feeling that workout today....uggg
Hopefully it will on get easier and more enjoyable as the training days go by, I hope

That is a very good pace. I am doing the run/walk (3/2) and my pace has been in the low 13 range.

 

[HockeyKat]

I have been attempting to do the C25K on my own but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I can't seem to keep up. I am hoping the running group will help. We are also signed up for a 5K in September. It's on the 18th at Tradewinds Park. Where's the one you are doing?

As sad as it sounds I looked at some of the c25k plans they have you doing to much running as I am only beginning to run myself. This is why I decided to do the walk/rn plan from marathoning for morals. It's more walking then running. I canno run for to ping of a prior of time as I feel like I can't breathe.

...

If you don't me asking how are the running coaches in the running club? I how it's working out for you? From my ordinal stand point I think it's easier for myself to train alone or with a friend, as I know it is going to take me some time to get the hang of this.

I do a run/walk method as well, and my pace for 3 miles is under 11 min. My intervals are either run 2, walk 1 or run 3, walk 1.

I use the Galloway method, though, which always calls for run/walk. I tried c25k in the first place but had a lot of trouble with running straight through, so I did my own run/walk intervals before finding Galloway.

Everyone is different, so I mostly recommend trying different things until you find one that works for you.


As to the running club, I *love* mine. I have found it to be SO much fun, and so encouraging, even to slower runners. We have over 470 people, split into pace groups from 7mm to 15mm, with 2-4 leaders per group.

 

[sabnrob06]

As sad as it sounds I looked at some of the c25k plans they have you doing to much running as I am only beginning to run myself. This is why I decided to do the walk/rn plan from marathoning for morals. It's more walking then running. I canno run for to ping of a prior of time as I feel like I can't breathe.

The fall fling 5k at tradesinds oaths one I am doing too. I will be doing with my brother who has more experience with this running thing

If you don't me asking how are the running coaches in the running club? I how it's working out for you? From my ordinal stand point I think it's easier for myself to train alone or with a friend, as I know it is going to take me some time to get the hang of this.

I started the couch25k and was on week 2 and had to go back to week 1 and do it again. I can't run for 90 seconds!

Maybe I will see you there! My friend who is training with me has a sister who does marathons and triathlons! She has been keepinus motivated. She will tell me stories of when she started and how tough it was. So we look to her for advice. She will do the princess also but obviously she won't be running with our slow butts!!

This past Saturday was our first day but everyone seems really great. There are so many different shapes, sizes and ages the. It's very motivating to see all the different people. The coaches seem to be very motivating. Our coach, Audrey, who does the 1/1 was especially motivating. I fell behind a few times and she came back with me and kept me going. She said if I needed to slow down I could and she would go at my pace. That was nice!! It's definitely going to take me some time to get the hang of the whole running thing. It's doesn't seem to be getting any easier but I am determined to do this!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!


Stay motivated and keep thinking of running through Magic Kingdom!!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Is this rate online anywhere? I just called to ask about 6 day hoppers and was quoted the price of $246.02. I was surprised since usually there isn't that much of a price difference in 3 to 6 day tickets.

So if that is the correct 6 day price should I just get the 3 day hopper and then upgrade at WDW after I have used a day?

You have to call the I Run # and tell them you registered for the princess 1/2 their is a pin code you get when you register use that code to get the discount.

Again, they tell me the price will not change if WDW Up's prices this weekend

 

[haleofafamily]

You have to call the I Run # and tell them you registered for the princess 1/2 their is a pin code you get when you register use that code to get the discount.

Again, they tell me the price will not change if WDW Up's prices this weekend

Thanks for the information. I registered the day it opened, and the only e-mail I have received is a receipt from active.com. It doesn't have a pin code for tickets.

What other e-mail should I be looking for?

 

[Rose&Mike]

Regarding promotions:
Regarding the Garmin: I am interested in knowing how accurate the Garmin is. I have a couple of 1 to 1.5 mile loops I run. Does anyone know if it accurately measures the distance when running in a big circle? :>)

We bought the 305 this weekend and used it tonight on our short run (4miles, 6miles with warmup and cooldown). We run a 1.2 mile loop and it was very accurate. A couple of times the heart rate monitor went to 0, not sure if that was because of my skips (irregular heartbeat) or because DH got too far away--I wear the monitor, he wears the watch. Anyhow, I think we're really going to like it. It was really nice to have know our pace, distance, etc. If anyone is looking at buying a 305, we got it at Best Buy for ~149. Amazon had it for $144 but they were out of stock. Can't wait to see how it works on our long run this weekend.

 

[sandilbeach]

Planning on registering for the princess hm this Friday. I will need to work hard
to get back into shape for the event, but it will be worth the challenge.
My last hm was in Nashville in 2006. Any advice on training from a starting over athlete would be greatly appreciated. I was unable to do much for nine months and have lost my endurance. I think it is doable in six months though.
Thanks for your help.cool1:

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thanks for the information. I registered the day it opened, and the only e-mail I have received is a receipt from active.com. It doesn't have a pin code for tickets.

What other e-mail should I be looking for?

I sent you a PM with the pin code, it was on my confiration via email from Disney Endurance

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Planning on registering for the princess hm this Friday. I will need to work hard
to get back into shape for the event, but it will be worth the challenge.
My last hm was in Nashville in 2006. Any advice on training from a starting over athlete would be greatly appreciated. I was unable to do much for nine months and have lost my endurance. I think it is doable in six months though.
Thanks for your help.cool1:

I would recommend focusing on endurance training - spinning, eliptical, aerobics classes, pilates, or stationary bike work for the next several months along with stretching and circuit training so that you can realistically start whatever half marathon training plan you choose 12 weeks out. I prefer Hal Higdon's plans - he has a walking, and running plan that is very realistic. I think that endurance (being able to run or walk fast for three hours) is the main obstacle that most people face. Then, working on pacing and keeping under that 16 minute threshold. If you do use the treadmill for now, make sure you are going for a lower setting and gradually working your way up. But, your plan all depends on if you are going to walk the half, walk/run the half, or run the half. I think it is important not to push yourself too hard and risk injury. The goal should be to finish but not break any records.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I'm Jenelope at SP, too. Among other teams, I'm on the Disney Princess Half Marathon 2011 team (which needs to perk up!), the Disney Distance team, and the DISboards Disney-aholics team. I need a cute avatar.

I quit getting email notifications so I JUST found this plus I just found you on Spark. Howdy!!!!!!