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

[dumbo_buddy]

Coach, I for one humbly thank you for all the free advice you so willingly and often give. You have benefited me tremendously in my baby steps to becomeing a runner.

me too! love the great info and tips. i'm really learning alot and getting motivated!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

runner's lube - oh god that just sounds embarrassing! i'll check it out. i need to get some non-cotton clothing. it's all i own! luckily right now i'm not at the super high miles yet so it's not too bad. but once i hit higher miles i'll need to definitely wear better gear.

for those who have talked about the chilly weather on race day, what do you do for gear? i'd imagine once you start running it's not cold - do you just toss your outerwear? i'd hate to just throw something out!

You wear things that you have no problem donating along the way. So, layering is valuable. I can't tell you how many people I saw in their running gear (like marathon gear - tank tops, shorts with nothing else) freezing! Some people used trash bags to keep in the heat, some wore jackets. I wore my princess in training long sleeved shirt and it didn't really keep me that warm. The best thing I wore were gloves and a hat. But, I was so cold!! I thought about bringing my jacket but I didn't want to donate it as it was too expensive and I couldn't imagine running with it around my waist for miles and miles. I am really thinking about the strategy next year. I may just get some sweats and take them off right before we start. Or, maybe a blanket and just donate it. Charities can always use blankets. I bet a Snuggie (I think that is what it is called) would be perfect! I wish I could bring my Boston Terrier - he is so warm!!

Everything you dump at Disney gets donated to charity so make sure that whatever you wear (aside from your running gear) is okay to give up.

I am going to have to try the runners lube because Body Glide doesn't work that well for me and the Monistat anti chafing stuff doesn't last very long. But, just like Coach Charles said, getting the right fit of clothes can be a chore. Each brand has sizes that either run small or large. Nike was the only one that fit pretty well for me. It is okay if you are curvy! Running gear isn't nearly as difficult to fit into as finding that perfect pair of jeans!

 

[cewait]

runner's lube - oh god that just sounds embarrassing! i'll check it out. i need to get some non-cotton clothing. it's all i own! luckily right now i'm not at the super high miles yet so it's not too bad. but once i hit higher miles i'll need to definitely wear better gear.

for those who have talked about the chilly weather on race day, what do you do for gear? i'd imagine once you start running it's not cold - do you just toss your outerwear? i'd hate to just throw something out!

I generally follow the following rule

- above 60-70F - a singlet (or tank)
40-60 - short sleeved top
below 40 a long sleeved top (in wicking material)

These are my general ranges but even my mileage varies depending on wind, and how I am feeling.

Pre-race
I will have a throw down cotton long sleeved shirt on if below 60. I usually pack it in the checked bag if the weather warrants but haev donated quite a few in the starting corrals.

If windy or below 45-50 I will have my walmart cheap $6 sweatshirt that I donate in the starting corral (or pack in the checked bag if I feel like I do not need in the race).

In the 30's I will start the race in the long sleeved shirt and possibly the sweat shirt (ala 2010). I will make sure that I am warm and comfortable - not too hot then toss the shirt off course near an aid station.

You can just tie the 'throw down' clothing around your waist if you do not want to loose. Note that the mouse launders and donates thrown clothing.

FOR Bottoms... I have a pair of flannel sweats with the long seams cut up the legs to allow the removal of the sweats with the shoes still on.


I carry a trash bag with me for an emergency pancho and wind shell. While I started this in 99 I have only used once.





NOTE - look at the winds at Disney at the start. If the wind is out of the north do not toss your top too early. The course starts towards the north and bends to the west while in the protection of trees and hundreds of runners you may feel warm. Keep your top until you hit World Drive and see how the winds feel once in the open and running into the wind.


Long but hope it helps.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Everyone who hasn't booked yet- Disney just came out with their Free Dining promotion and discounted rates for 2011. The room and gift card discounts seem to both end on 2/16, but there is free dining after that.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I generally follow the following rule

- above 60-70F - a singlet (or tank)
40-60 - short sleeved top
below 40 a long sleeved top (in wicking material)

These are my general ranges but even my mileage varies depending on wind, and how I am feeling.

Pre-race
I will have a throw down cotton long sleeved shirt on if below 60. I usually pack it in the checked bag if the weather warrants but haev donated quite a few in the starting corrals.

If windy or below 45-50 I will have my walmart cheap $6 sweatshirt that I donate in the starting corral (or pack in the checked bag if I feel like I do not need in the race).

In the 30's I will start the race in the long sleeved shirt and possibly the sweat shirt (ala 2010). I will make sure that I am warm and comfortable - not too hot then toss the shirt off course near an aid station.

You can just tie the 'throw down' clothing around your waist if you do not want to loose. Note that the mouse launders and donates thrown clothing.

FOR Bottoms... I have a pair of flannel sweats with the long seams cut up the legs to allow the removal of the sweats with the shoes still on.


I carry a trash bag with me for an emergency pancho and wind shell. While I started this in 99 I have only used once.





NOTE - look at the winds at Disney at the start. If the wind is out of the north do not toss your top too early. The course starts towards the north and bends to the west while in the protection of trees and hundreds of runners you may feel warm. Keep your top until you hit World Drive and see how the winds feel once in the open and running into the wind.


Long but hope it helps.

How long did you end up keeping the warm clothing on in January? I heard that there was snow falling and it was much colder than the Princess. Do you ever wear gloves?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Hello all. I have missed alot of posts. I have not read them all but I have read a few.


Nancy, I wanted to tell you we are doing this for the same reason. US!
I also am going to the 1/2 ALL BY MYSELF. ( I have a DH & 2 girls 3 & 6) and they are not coming, this is not about taking them to disney. this is about doing something ONLY for me. and doing something SOOOOO far out of my comfort zone. You will not be alone at the finish. I am scared out of my mind for doing this, but that is my motivation.
I just turned 35 a few weeks ago, I am 30lbs over weight, and I am a 15 min mile pace. Slow I know, but my goal is just to finish. OMG I hope I finish.

My name is Jo.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

The best thing I wore were gloves and a hat. But, I was so cold!! I thought about bringing my jacket but I didn't want to donate it as it was too expensive and I couldn't imagine running with it around my waist for miles and miles. I am really thinking about the strategy next year. I may just get some sweats and take them off right before we start. Or, maybe a blanket and just donate it. Charities can always use blankets. chore. Each brand has sizes that either run small or large.

Thank you! I just had a brain surge and I am going to the Dollar store beforehand and get an el cheapo fleece blanket, the good ol' el cheapo gloves and stocking cap.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Dollar Store great idea

 

[jenelope]

It's a long way off, so I don't doubt my gear choices will change- especially since I am actively losing weight and hope to be at least 25-30 pounds lighter by race day. My current plan is to wear a running skirt with either built-in shorts or capris (I'm thinking Skirt Sports' Gym Girl or Lotta Breeze). I'm probably going to pair it with one of the singlet tops I'm already wearing and a throwaway top with long sleeves. I like things snug on the bottom and looser (but not baggy) on top.

After the race, I'm thinking pool, nap, and an early birthday/"I did it!" dinner. I want to have my dinner at 'Ohana, but I suspect that would be the epitome of too much food post-race. True Mousejunkies don't answer the question "More steak, cousin?" with "Dude, I think I'm gonna barf."

One of the things I've been doing to prepare is Googling "Disney Princess Half Marathon" and reading as many race reports as I can find. There are a lot of blogging runners who ran in 2009 and 2010 and they all have a different story to tell about their experiences. Several of the Spark People runners who did the Princess this year mentioned the banked hill at mile 10, so that has influenced how I plan to train. My parents have a banked hill right at the entrance to their drive. I suspect it may be perfect for training.

 

[cewait]

runner's lube - oh god that just sounds embarrassing! i'll check it out. i need to get some non-cotton clothing. it's all i own! luckily right now i'm not at the super high miles yet so it's not too bad. but once i hit higher miles i'll need to definitely wear better gear.

for those who have talked about the chilly weather on race day, what do you do for gear? i'd imagine once you start running it's not cold - do you just toss your outerwear? i'd hate to just throw something out!

How long did you end up keeping the warm clothing on in January? I heard that there was snow falling and it was much colder than the Princess. Do you ever wear gloves?

Hmmmm forgot the glove and ear protection.

Yes, the expo (at least in Jan) will have white throw down (Painter's gloves) in a booth. I also purchased a tear away Tykek top for the weekend since there was a chance of wet from the same folks.

On Saturday I used my Tyvek for the wind and wet. I tossed it in the starting corrals. From there I had a long sleeved dry-fit top with a short sleeved tech fabric top over that. It is backwards from normal convention but was only looking for the core protection. I did have my gloves and a head band over a running cap. Once around the corner described it was a comfortable morning. My feet got a little wet in MK but all in all not too bad. I tossed the gloves in the MK and and was fine the remainder of the race.

Sunday was a much colder and I had my flannel warmups on into the corral with a cotton long sleeved t and the two tech shirts again with gloves and only the headband. I tossed the bottoms as the firewoks went off but kept the sweatshirt on through mile 5 (the same corner as mile 1 in the half). I tossed the cotton t at mile 10 the CM entrance into MK. I kept the gloves and hand band through mile 16/17. once on Osceola the sun was out and the wind blocked. Was fine until mile 22 when we headed north again. Regretted losing everything but helped me through the tough 22-24 miles that were starting to affect me.

All in all my lessons learned were that I planned on a warm up that simply did not occur and I was fooled a little by the sun.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

It. My current plan is to wear a running skirt with either built-in shorts or capris (I'm thinking Skirt Sports' Gym Girl or Lotta Breeze). I'm probably going to pair it with one of the singlet tops I'm already wearing and a throwaway top with long sleeves. I like things snug on the bottom and looser (but not baggy) on top.

I already have 3 Sportsirt running skirts and I LOVE them. I was toying around with the idea of gettng the Lotta Breeze with the attached capris. Too cute! (and warm)

 

[cewait]

It's a long way off, so I don't doubt my gear choices will change- especially since I am actively losing weight and hope to be at least 25-30 pounds lighter by race day. My current plan is to wear a running skirt with either built-in shorts or capris (I'm thinking Skirt Sports' Gym Girl or Lotta Breeze). I'm probably going to pair it with one of the singlet tops I'm already wearing and a throwaway top with long sleeves. I like things snug on the bottom and looser (but not baggy) on top.

After the race, I'm thinking pool, nap, and an early birthday/"I did it!" dinner. I want to have my dinner at 'Ohana, but I suspect that would be the epitome of too much food post-race. True Mousejunkies don't answer the question "More steak, cousin?" with "Dude, I think I'm gonna barf."

One of the things I've been doing to prepare is Googling "Disney Princess Half Marathon" and reading as many race reports as I can find. There are a lot of blogging runners who ran in 2009 and 2010 and they all have a different story to tell about their experiences. Several of the Spark People runners who did the Princess this year mentioned the banked hill at mile 10, so that has influenced how I plan to train. My parents have a banked hill right at the entrance to their drive. I suspect it may be perfect for training.

Try hitting the hill at the bottom and slide up the hill if you are having issues. The top of this particular hill is flat and smooth --- just longer

 

[HockeyKat]

I shopped the Walmart clearance rack and found a nice velour/thin fleece zip up jacket for $3. It was ugly but that way throwing it away didn't feel so bad. You could also try the thrift shop?

Also, make sure to bring a $1 pair of throwaway gloves.

Wow, you shaved 20 minutes off your time, I say that's admirable. Good job. As I ran my 6 miles yesterday, I couldn't help but think that it wasn't even half the distance I need to do to complete the HM. 13.1 miles is a long ways, whether it's walking or running, completing it is admirable.

Thanks!!

gear - what does everyone run in? i don't want to go out and spend tons of money on gear since i'm such a beginner but, ehem, my thighs are chafing so badly! (i know, tmi). my marathoner friend said that i need better shorts as i'm just running in baggy mesh shorts. she even mentioned not running on cotton underwear!

is that necessary for a beginner? i'm wearing basically what i'd go play basketball in. i don't "look" like a runner.

what's your running uniform??

Check out the "active wear" section of Target. Yeah, I know it's not the best stuff ever, but it's cheap and gets the job done.

I also look at TJ Maxx, Ross, and the clearance section of Dick's.

For summer outside I wear a singlet (sleeveless), compression shorts, and a running skirt. I don't like wearing sleeveless but it's too darn hot to be self-conscious.

I am tall (34" inseam) and on the bigger side, so the shorts that are part of the running skirt just aren't long enough. I bought men's.

Inside, I wear short sleeve, compression shorts, and loose shorts over them.

dumbo buddy I wear running skirts with built in compression shorts. At the race you will see everything from full princess costumes to what looks to me like bra and panties. You will even see guys dressed as princesses-I think it would be cool to see guys dress as princes. Many do recommend no cotton, but it doesn't seen to bother me. I am "small" on the top and buy cheap walmart bras (3 for $10) and just wear my everyday panties which are cotton and nylon.
You could get some compression shorts to wear under your running short to see how that works. Many wear just compression shorts, but to me it's like just wearing my undies out.

I wish I could wear the cheap walmart bras. I had to get a super-high-impact underwire Champion.

I feel the same way about compression shorts on their own.

None of my underwear is cotton anyhow, so I have no comment on that!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

The activewear section of Old Navy is really awesome, too, and cheap!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I've seen at fabric stores, such as JoAnn Fabrics, a large selection of fleece material. It seems pretty cheap per yard and comes in many designs, especially Disney designs. (You may even find some to coordinate with your princess of choice! ) I am thinking this might be good to use as a blanket that I can wrap around myself or spread out on the ground to sit on or stretch out on pre race.

I am more concerned about how to dress if it is cold and there is rain. That is something I"ll need to plan out closer to the race. This fall I'll probably start looking into that more.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I've seen at fabric stores, such as JoAnn Fabrics, a large selection of fleece material. It seems pretty cheap per yard and comes in many designs, especially Disney designs. (You may even find some to coordinate with your princess of choice! ) I am thinking this might be good to use as a blanket that I can wrap around myself or spread out on the ground to sit on or stretch out on pre race.

I am more concerned about how to dress if it is cold and there is rain. That is something I"ll need to plan out closer to the race. This fall I'll probably start looking into that more.

That is a great idea! I think it would be wise to wait for wardrobe planning until the WDW Marathon and Half Marathon/Goofy to determine what the temps will most likely be. If it is cold when that group runs, then we should all be prepared to deal with the same. Especially since the race has been moved up to February.

 

[es45]

I already have 3 Sportsirt running skirts and I LOVE them. I was toying around with the idea of gettng the Lotta Breeze with the attached capris. Too cute! (and warm)

I have the Lotta Breeze capris. They are fantastic. I first purchased some cheaper skirts and shorts from Target but the fabric riding up and subsequent chafing was unbearable. I've worn the same pair of capris every day for 3.5 months now and they still look fantastic. I can't tell you how many washings they've gone through and there is no fading or shape loss.

Perfect for all kinds of weather too!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Hello all. I have missed alot of posts. I have not read them all but I have read a few.


Nancy, I wanted to tell you we are doing this for the same reason. US!
I also am going to the 1/2 ALL BY MYSELF. ( I have a DH & 2 girls 3 & 6) and they are not coming, this is not about taking them to disney. this is about doing something ONLY for me. and doing something SOOOOO far out of my comfort zone. You will not be alone at the finish. I am scared out of my mind for doing this, but that is my motivation.
I just turned 35 a few weeks ago, I am 30lbs over weight, and I am a 15 min mile pace. Slow I know, but my goal is just to finish. OMG I hope I finish.

My name is Jo.

jo - we ought to meet up before/during/after the race! we can have a celebratory drink afterwards

 

[MamaCrush]

I have the Lotta Breeze capris. They are fantastic. I first purchased some cheaper skirts and shorts from Target but the fabric riding up and subsequent chafing was unbearable. I've worn the same pair of capris every day for 3.5 months now and they still look fantastic. I can't tell you how many washings they've gone through and there is no fading or shape loss.

Perfect for all kinds of weather too!

Have you been wearing them during this unGodly heat and humidity in NC???? How are they?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

jo - we ought to meet up before/during/after the race! we can have a celebratory drink afterwards

That would be great!