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

[MeredithRX]

It's funny how many people were inspired by the 2010 Princess! I did exactly the same thing. I actually was watching the videos and seeing pictures online from friends and online acquaintences that were participating and I decided right then that I was going to be there in 2011 no matter what! I literally got up off of the sofa when my friend finished the race and went out for my first walk. I hadn't moved from the sofa in years before that.


And, I already bought my tiara. I need to practice with it on, but it'll have to be a treadmill day. The people around here just would not understand if I were out on a long distance day with a tiara on. I found it on ebay and snatched it up. I knew I wanted a rhinestone one with combs (and I need to figure out how to keep it on) but I didn't want to pay expo prices!

So, I'm waiting on a Cindy Blue running skirt and I have my tiara. I'll be all geared up and ready to go soon.

 

[swim-mom]

Been wearing my compression sleeves and my shins have been sore, and OK to deal with.

I had to blow off my 3 mile run this week, because I am teaching 3 nights a week and my shins do not like it when I wear heels So I figured why push it, I would just allow another rest day for the shins.,

Last night I ran 4 in 45:55, which is a PR for me thus far. I tried to run at a comfy pace and had a what I consider a great run with an aching shin.

I did go to my inlaws house with my lovely PINK compression sleeves and wore them all night until noon today. They were feeling great!!

I am tempted to run today just an easy 3, but tomorrow six and I have date tomorrow ................ I cant miss that!!! As much as I want to run today to get those 4 runs in - I have to be smart about it.

UGH........hopefully next week I can get all 4 days in ......... I have 6 weeks left until the half as of Tomorrow!!!

October 3 here I come!!! (that is with or without shin problems - I will be there)

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I also read the part on how many people end up taking off their tiaras and tutus becasue is bothers them when they run. I was telling this my brother who is avid runner and marathon participant. He told me to go for the tutu. As he put it these races are suppose to be fun, so enjoy it. If your worried about timing then he could understand, but if its just to finish it, be a little silly and enjoy it

I found these on Etsy http://tiny.cc/ibalo
I sew so I am going to make my own but I think it will be cute and would not get in the way as much as a tutu would with all the tulle flying around. I will be wearing compression carpis under mine.

And, I already bought my tiara. I need to practice with it on, but it'll have to be a treadmill day. The people around here just would not understand if I were out on a long distance day with a tiara on. I found it on ebay and snatched it up. I knew I wanted a rhinestone one with combs (and I need to figure out how to keep it on) but I didn't want to pay expo prices!

So, I'm waiting on a Cindy Blue running skirt and I have my tiara. I'll be all geared up and ready to go soon.

I could only imagine the looks I would get if I was running around the neighborhood in a tiara.
I don't think I am going to be wearing a tiara. I am cutting my hair short in the next couple of months and without a ponytail I am not sure how I would keep the darn thing on.

 

[poohs4me]

Thank you for the advice coach. I will give that a try.

 

[annhad4]

Hello Royal Runners, I love all of the good advice and insight on this thread it is so very helpful. Thank You! I read many, many pages, but could not find any posts on a possible discount for DVC or Annual pass holders. I would like to sign up this weekend with my oldest son, you know strike while the iron is hot, but the Active office is closed and there is no information I could find on their FAQ's about discounts. We've been talking about doing the Princess for a year and a half, but just haven't quite made the commitment. I think it's now or never. Thanks in advance.
Ann

 

[poohs4me]

What do people do about food before the race?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

What do people do about food before the race?

Bringing a protein bar.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

What do people do about food before the race?

About a month before the race, I started to get used to what I would eat the morning of. I chose 2 packets of Quaker Instant Oatmeal (apple cinnamon because I love it), and a banana. I had no problem eating it beforehand and believe me, you have plenty of time before the start to let it settle. I got up at 4 a.m., left at 4:15 right after eating, and got there right before 4:30 a.m. Then, because it was so cold, I snacked on Gu Chomps. Two packages of them! It is important to know what works for you before that morning. Too many people got runners diarrhea (I know - TMI but it was absolutely disgusting! and is the truth) and ruined the portapotties. Don't be one of those people. Try eating your chosen meal before your training for a week and see how things go. The morning of isn't about trying anything new. Please!! Granted, I don't plan to see the portapotties more than twice! At the beginning and at the end!

 

[El&Asmom]

Hello Royal Runners, I love all of the good advice and insight on this thread it is so very helpful. Thank You! I read many, many pages, but could not find any posts on a possible discount for DVC or Annual pass holders. I would like to sign up this weekend with my oldest son, you know strike while the iron is hot, but the Active office is closed and there is no information I could find on their FAQ's about discounts. We've been talking about doing the Princess for a year and a half, but just haven't quite made the commitment. I think it's now or never. Thanks in advance.
Ann

As far as I know there are no DVC/AP discounts. I'm hoping for AP rates at POR since I'm splitting the room with a friend, and won't be using points. LMK if you find a discount.

 

[MeredithRX]

I haven't seen any mention of DVC or AP discounts yet. The best rate I've found (and went ahead and booked in case I couldn't find better) was the race rate booked through the 1-407-WDW-IRUN number. I booked a room at POR and it was actually a little less than the race rate they posted with the race registration info. It's definitely less than reservations made through the regular reservations number.

I'm not counting on a lot in the way of discounts for this particular week/weekend. Between President's Week, ESPN the Weekend, and the Princess events I think they'll be able to fill up their rooms without a discount.

 

[svwkirby]

ugh! so after my "long" run of 4.6 miles yesterday (hey, it's long for me!) my knees are KILLING me. i was up all night because of it.

i decided not to run today to try to rest the knees. i did some yoga instead.

does anyone have advice on knee pain and how to help it? is it better to rest a day or run through the pain?

i really hope i figure this out because i just HAVE to do this race!!!

i saw the video of last year's race and cried my eyes out

I'm worried about this too. My knees only hurt when I'm running on pavement though. Once I switch to walking the pain goes away. It also doesn't happen (or hasn't so far) on a treadmill.

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if the discomfort is in soft tissue (i.e. muscle) then it's OK to attempt to run through it as long as you don't push..... if it is hard tissue or a joint do not push through the pain.

Best to ice for inflamation, compression for comfort and rest for a few days. The ice causes the small micro tears to stop bleeding. The propoer way to ice is to place the ice on the afflected area for 10 minutes (keeping a damp cloth between the ice and tissue). Then take the ice off for 10 minutes and repeat. After a few days if still in pain heat will work better to help get healing blood flow moving.

I would suggest a NSAID to helpw with the pain and to reduce inflamation while you are on injured reserve.

Finally, if you cannot run again in a week see a doctor.

Thanks for the information. Does this apply if the pain is only during running on pavement also? Is there anything that can be done as a preventative or to alleviate the problem over time?

I used to be a dancer so I'm used to dealing with injuries, but all my problems then were in my ankles. Every once in a while I'll feel those flare up but I know what type of pain in my feet and ankles is a problem for me and what isn't.

 

[Lisacope]

Yay! I just figured out that this event is during a trip we already had planned to DW! I signed up this morning! I have already run several marathons (including my first trail marathon in Bend Or this weekend!) and I love to run half marathons! I did the DL half last year and it was a blast! I am excited to be a Princess in 2011! We are going to be at the Contemporary - I was thinking I could just trot over to the Poly to catch the bus to the race - has anyone else done this?

 

[cewait]

I'm worried about this too. My knees only hurt when I'm running on pavement though. Once I switch to walking the pain goes away. It also doesn't happen (or hasn't so far) on a treadmil.

Knee pain can be from any number of issues ranging from an injury to the joint, musclue imbalance to issues from the big toe up through the upper hip. Generally in runners - especially begining runners - it is a muscle issue where hte outer quads overpower the single inner quad. Hills, lunges, squats, step ups, etc are great for working on the inner quads. (note I did not say leg extensions - sorry these machines are simply not worth much more than 1) allowing a trainer to hit the quads on a deconditioned person or 2) to polish off and work to failure the quad muscle oafter a series of other leg workouts.)

I digressed. If you are having knee issues add the above mentioned work. So you can focus on the inner quads lightly touch the muscle when it is contracting (i.e. leg extending from a squat). That light touch will help you focus on ensuring the quad is activating. If it is not... turn the toes slightly out until it starts to activate.

Thanks for the information. Does this apply if the pain is only during running on pavement also? Is there anything that can be done as a preventative or to alleviate the problem over time?

I used to be a dancer so I'm used to dealing with injuries, but all my problems then were in my ankles. Every once in a while I'll feel those flare up but I know what type of pain in my feet and ankles is a problem for me and what isn't.

If it is an on pavement only issue look at the age of your shoes. If overly worn then foam loses elasticity or becomes hard. The shock of the pavement transfers up the leg. Take your shoes into a local running starte and let them look at the shoes and your stride to see if maybe they are not exactly correct. Fianlly there are some cuhioning insoles you could add. I am not a fan of these as I have seen them add to injury.

Another option is to run on grass or trail surfaces. I highly recommend this as a preference over harder surfaces. If you are following a path used by runners there will be a dirt trail to one side or the other. Start sliding over to it on your non-intense runs.

Fianlly for the ankle I do a lot of unstable work. I will do single le squats on a Bosu ball . http://www.bosu.com/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=BOSU/story.html

It takes time to work up to this but I work staning on the flat side and squat with one leg while holding a dumbell in the other hand

Here is a video of a good squat... it is NOT me nor can I go that deep.

While these are really core workouts they do activate and fire the smaller supporting muscle round the ankle and will eventually help sprain proof the ankle complex.

Finally, I really encourage a foam roller for the three calf muscles and the one little muscle in the shin. If any of these are overly tight or full of leasions (knots) it will negatively affect the ankle complex.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Thanks for the information on increasing the pace. I have started to incorporate hills into my workouts - just started.

Lately though I have seen my pace slip. I was trying to get from 12.5 min/mile to sub 12. For the past couple of weeks or so, it has been difficult to keep the pace under 13 or 13.5! even when running the flats, and even when running shorter distances, like 3 miles.

The last time I saw an overall increase in pace was when I stayed with 3 mile runs for awhile (that is, not increasing my distance). Now that I've signed up to do a half this fall, I've been trying to increase distance. I've started increasing my weekend long runs and tomorrow I will be doing 8 miles (with walk breaks).

Anyway, I am wondering if simply starting to increase pace on the weekends is affecting the pace of my shorter midweek runs? I'm not sure the question makes much sense. But what I mean is, is there such a thing as seeing pace decrease for awhile (for long or short runs) when starting to train for longer distances, perhaps until my body starts adjusting to the longer distances, and then I might see overall pace starting to increase again.

BTW, enjoy reading about everyone's progress. So much of it really hits home for me too!

 

[poohs4me]

About a month before the race, I started to get used to what I would eat the morning of. I chose 2 packets of Quaker Instant Oatmeal (apple cinnamon because I love it), and a banana. I had no problem eating it beforehand and believe me, you have plenty of time before the start to let it settle. I got up at 4 a.m., left at 4:15 right after eating, and got there right before 4:30 a.m. Then, because it was so cold, I snacked on Gu Chomps. Two packages of them! It is important to know what works for you before that morning. Too many people got runners diarrhea (I know - TMI but it was absolutely disgusting! and is the truth) and ruined the portapotties. Don't be one of those people. Try eating your chosen meal before your training for a week and see how things go. The morning of isn't about trying anything new. Please!! Granted, I don't plan to see the portapotties more than twice! At the beginning and at the end!

I eat oatmeal now, but where did you cook it?

 

[dumbo_buddy]

hey coach! thanks for the info on knee pain. i'm still sore this evening but hope to be ok tomorrow morning when i go out for a run.

just curious - what is everyone doing right now as far as training? it's still too soon to the do the 12 week plan to get to 13.1 miles. what should we be doing? should i start the 12 week plan now and just keep up with the 13.1 miles? or, do i just focus on trying to get to, say, 5 miles and keep up with that?

(this is all assuming i can beat this knee pain and get up to 5 miles to begin with!!)

also, what is everyone eating these days? i am 143 lbs and really should be about 130-135 but i just eat soooo much. what is a good runner's diet plan? i need something to stick with!

ps - just wanted again to thank everyone for being on here and letting me join in. i really need the motivation! and i can help motivate!

 

[MeredithRX]

just curious - what is everyone doing right now as far as training? it's still too soon to the do the 12 week plan to get to 13.1 miles. what should we be doing? should i start the 12 week plan now and just keep up with the 13.1 miles? or, do i just focus on trying to get to, say, 5 miles and keep up with that?

I have another related question. I'm working on my half training now since I have a half coming up in 2 months. But, I have about 4 months between that Half and the Princess. How should I handle that gap? I know I could start another 12-15 week plan to increase to Half distance, but it doesn't make sense to drop my distances back to 1-2 miles again and work up. How do I maintain (provided I actually GET to 13 miles in the first place )

 

[El&Asmom]

I'm curious too about everyone's training programs. I'm doing my first tri next weekend, so I've been focusing on that with an increase in running for the program.
After the tri, I'm not sure where to start. I was thinking about doing the Marathon for Mortals plan and just doubling each week except for the rollback weeks. I like that plan because it includes crosstraining which I enjoy doing.

Also, I have been training 6 days a week for the tri, but most half programs are 4-5 day a week programs. Maybe I'll add an extra day of cross training.

It's so nice to have a forum where we can all figure this out together.

 

[disneyaway]

Tiaras, and tutus are the first thing to get dropped for a lot of the runners - maybe because they aren't comfortable? Regardless, a lot of people ended up scoring free tiaras. It was funny to watch as well as surprising. Those suckers were expensive.

That's good to know. I was thinking of wearing a tiara but thought it might be too uncomfortable.

good morning everyone!

i just completed a 5k (by myself) and have my sights set on doing the princess half marathon. i am a SLOW runner and am still huffing and puffing even just to complete one mile.

Welcome! I just finished my first 5k last weekend and was so slow that there was a mom with two kids in a double stroller who finished well in front of me, if that makes you feel better

I never understood the attraction of running because it seemed so difficult. Now I understand that in some ways, that is it's attraction! I feel that if I can conquer a 5K and then a half-- I can conquer any other challenges in my life.

I so agree with this sentiment. I am starting to see why people love to run. That time is just for me. It's great.

I am going to have to see if I can find the tiara Bondi Band.
.

That sounds like a good idea.

Last night I ran 4 in 45:55, which is a PR for me thus far. I tried to run at a comfy pace and had a what I consider a great run with an aching shin.

I did go to my inlaws house with my lovely PINK compression sleeves and wore them all night until noon today. They were feeling great!!

I am tempted to run today just an easy 3, but tomorrow six and I have date tomorrow ................ I cant miss that!!! As much as I want to run today to get those 4 runs in - I have to be smart about it.

UGH........hopefully next week I can get all 4 days in ......... I have 6 weeks left until the half as of Tomorrow!!!

October 3 here I come!!! (that is with or without shin problems - I will be there)

Hope you had a great date! And yeah on the PR! Where did you get the compression sleeves?

Finally, I really encourage a foam roller for the three calf muscles and the one little muscle in the shin. If any of these are overly tight or full of leasions (knots) it will negatively affect the ankle complex.

I love and hate that foam roller. It hurts but I am noticing that it really does help. Is there a site that shows specific excercises to do?

just curious - what is everyone doing right now as far as training?

I was working on getting a 5k done. And now I am working towards getting a 10k done and hope to do my first one at the end of October and one in november. The Galloway program for the half is 19 weeks and that's the one I am choosing. My goal until I start for that is to get up to 5-6 miles comfortably. Well, without feeling like I will pass out


Hope you all are having a good weekend. Am visiting the inlaws this weekend and have to get a run in sometime. But it's been crazy hot-- it was over 90 at 7pm. So, my I may have to do my long run on the treadmill tomorrow.

 

[Trudes]

After the tri, I'm not sure where to start. I was thinking about doing the Marathon for Mortals plan and just doubling each week except for the rollback weeks. I like that plan because it includes crosstraining which I enjoy doing.

I am running my first HM in October and I am using the Marathon for Mortal running plan. I am trusting it will get me to the finish line.