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

[need_a_Disney_fix]

That's what I've been curious about. How would you keep your feet dry during a long rainy race? Any tips/tricks? My feet would be a soggy blistery mess in no time!

In the post above you can see I was dripping wet. I wore my Drymax Maximum Protection socks and even though my shoes were sloshing, my feet were just a little damp. These socks are so worth the $25 I paid for them and I wear them for each and every long run now. No problems with blisters what so ever!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Laurie, you are some kind of fierce to run in the rain in a skirt

Did a slow 10 miles tonight at 11:00ish pace. 1:50 is a LONG time to be out, especially as it gets dark. It felt good, though, and I still had some stuff in the tank.

 

[crystalight33]

Wow, it's great to read everyone's progress! I did 6 miles on Sunday, 1/2 way to the 1/2

I'm feeling a lot more confident about my 10k on Labor Day now that I know I can go the distance. I also used a GU gel for the first time and it was not what I was expecting. Strawberry Banana is not a winner... I also bought a chocolate outrage and will try that next time. I only took half of the gel because it seemed like a lot all at once, and I'm not sure I noticed much difference after I took it so next time I'll down it all. It also made me SO thirsty! I took water after, but I was still thirsty for at least 30 mins afterwards... I also bought the sports beans to try as well, so it's all a learning experience.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Wow, it's great to read everyone's progress! I did 6 miles on Sunday, 1/2 way to the 1/2

I'm feeling a lot more confident about my 10k on Labor Day now that I know I can go the distance. I also used a GU gel for the first time and it was not what I was expecting. Strawberry Banana is not a winner... I also bought a chocolate outrage and will try that next time. I only took half of the gel because it seemed like a lot all at once, and I'm not sure I noticed much difference after I took it so next time I'll down it all. It also made me SO thirsty! I took water after, but I was still thirsty for at least 30 mins afterwards... I also bought the sports beans to try as well, so it's all a learning experience.

Chocolate Outrage is awesome. You should definitely drink water with the gel!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I wear good shoes, have been fitted, and wear the right socks (coolmax, cushioned, etc.). My feet have never hurt, not in training for 2 half marathons this year, and including a game of ice hockey at least once a week.


I think my lost toenail is actually somewhat due to cutting that nail *too* short.

I have lost that nail on the other foot just from regular shoes and no running, before, though. Weird because that one seems just fine.

Oh well, it wasn't very painful, and still seems to be hanging on for now.

I have known a lot of runners with lost toenails, and my very experienced running group leaders (some have done a marathon in every state, even) seem to think that it's pretty common.

Regardless, the toenail stories are making my toes hurt! Kind of the same effect as when you see a spider and have the heebie jeebies for the rest of the night. When I first started running that was a major concern of mine because I have long toes and I was certain there would be some consequences but switching socks has been good for me. I know no two people are the same and my running group must just be really lucky.

As far as the Gu flavors...the chocolate was good for me until I did a long run and that texture just didn't do it for me. I agree the Strawberry Banana is a little funky tasting. I really like the Orange Roctane. Not enough to eat all the time, but it does the trick for my long runs. The Disneyland Half is getting closer and closer. With how busy work has been lately, I am actually looking forward to it and not nearly as anxious.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I ran in the rain for the first time ever a month ago when I ran the Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa. This was not just a sprinkle as it was a steady rain all 7 miles. It was awesome. I had my iPod with me but beacuse of the rain I did not use it. Here is a photo of me in that race soaking wet and as you can see I had nothing to protect me from the rain as it was not needed because I don't melt LOL. I had to wring out my skirt during the race because the weight of the rain water was pulling the skirt down. Now I run in rain (and snow) no matter what.

Wow, love that picture

My first ever 5K was in the pouring rain and I had a blast.

 

[cewait]

That's what I've been curious about. How would you keep your feet dry during a long rainy race? Any tips/tricks? My feet would be a soggy blistery mess in no time!

If you have a tech fabric sock the fabric tends to become a second skin once wet. The issue is once the skin of your feet 'wrinkle' the protective calluses soften and that is when blisters start.

In all seriousness this time of year my shoes look and feel like I ran in the rain after 45-60 minutes outdoors. My shoes easily double in weight from sweat alone. I say this to let you know that the sock material is critical for wet feet.

 

[cewait]

Wow, it's great to read everyone's progress! I did 6 miles on Sunday, 1/2 way to the 1/2

I'm feeling a lot more confident about my 10k on Labor Day now that I know I can go the distance. I also used a GU gel for the first time and it was not what I was expecting. Strawberry Banana is not a winner... I also bought a chocolate outrage and will try that next time. I only took half of the gel because it seemed like a lot all at once, and I'm not sure I noticed much difference after I took it so next time I'll down it all. It also made me SO thirsty! I took water after, but I was still thirsty for at least 30 mins afterwards... I also bought the sports beans to try as well, so it's all a learning experience.

Keep shopping for flavors and brands. The row in the store is crowded for a reason. Not every gel works for every person. Even worse, what worked last year may not work this year.

A great procees to follow for gelling (or any supplement) is to sip a water, gel then take a cup of water. You need the water to wash it down but more importantly to dilute the mass in the GI tract.

Pay attention to the caffiene levels in the flavors you are using. Caffiene will enhance perfomance but comes with a cost, also. It is a diuretic so it will deplete water a bit and can cause issues at the other end.

Do not expect a 'pick up' from a gel, etc. You are not really taking in enough Kcal to create a burst of energy. You are looking to maintain rather than accelerate.

Finally, while chocolate sounds good in the store... many runners find the flavor will stick to the throat. It seems to have a histamine effect in the throat and well it kind of gets stuck

 

[dumbo_buddy]

laurie, can i please have your strong legs?? you look great! what an inspiration! love knowing i'm running with some amazing gals in february!

room317 - slow 10 miles? lol! i'd love to be as slow as you! hehe. good job! be careful running downtown as it gets dark! (says the chick from the bronx)

it is "COLD" out today. ok, not cold, but it's in the 60s and VERY windy. I'm going to have to skip the run around maritime college and go up the avenue instead. i'll need to dress the baby in something warmer too. can't believe it's sweatshirt time. stay away fall!

also, and this is TMI (sorry coach) but i got my first non-medicated, first post-partum AF today. haven't had an AF that didn't involve some sort of pill or shot since i was 17 (i'll be 30 in oct). i don't know how i feel about it. could the running have something to do with kick-starting my body? (sorry, i know that's tmi!)

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I have experimented so much with gels that I just know when its time for another one. I can't quite explain it but I read my body cues so well that it has become second nature to me. Runners react differently to the different gels and that is why there are so many brands and flavors. What might work for one doesn't sit well with others. Chocolate Outrage works PERFECTLY for me and I have no problems whatsoever. I also start my long runs by popping a Sports Bean every whipstitch and it gets me going nicely. Keep experimenting!!!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

laurie, can i please have your strong legs?? you look great! what an inspiration! love knowing i'm running with some amazing gals in february!

room317 - slow 10 miles? lol! i'd love to be as slow as you! hehe. good job! be careful running downtown as it gets dark! (says the chick from the bronx)

it is "COLD" out today. ok, not cold, but it's in the 60s and VERY windy. I'm going to have to skip the run around maritime college and go up the avenue instead. i'll need to dress the baby in something warmer too. can't believe it's sweatshirt time. stay away fall!

also, and this is TMI (sorry coach) but i got my first non-medicated, first post-partum AF today. haven't had an AF that didn't involve some sort of pill or shot since i was 17 (i'll be 30 in oct). i don't know how i feel about it. could the running have something to do with kick-starting my body? (sorry, i know that's tmi!)

Thanks... I didn't mean that 11 min/mile is slow, just relaxing. It also took me months to get to this point, so I'm enjoying the heck out of it.

Central Park was awesome last night. Not too crowded. I wish the lights would have come on about 10 minutes before they did, but everything went well.

Today looks great for running. Hoping to get in some recovery miles.

What is an AF?

 

[elbowglitter]

I'm another Chocolate Gu fan Deeelicious. But it took me a while to find one that I liked and that liked me back.

While I know there's no instant pickup, for me, there's a mental pickup after I've had a gel. It's like I know that there's a bit of energy coming, so I feel like I can go again. I know it's all in my head but that doesn't mean it doesn't work. I'm all about the placebo effect.

 

[Cotillard]

Congrats! I am on day 1 week 5 tomorrow and a little nervous about the end of the week, but so far so good. It is a fantastic program. Way to go!

Thank you! Good luck later this week. I was nervous - wondering if maybe I couldn't do it (20 min. w/out stopping). Then stopped myself right there! I CAN do it. It was more a mental challenge than a physical one. I even got the feeling that I "could run forever" - something I would never in a million years have dreamed for myself.

I ran in the rain for the first time ever a month ago when I ran the Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa. This was not just a sprinkle as it was a steady rain all 7 miles. It was awesome. I had my iPod with me but beacuse of the rain I did not use it. Here is a photo of me in that race soaking wet and as you can see I had nothing to protect me from the rain as it was not needed because I don't melt LOL. I had to wring out my skirt during the race because the weight of the rain water was pulling the skirt down. Now I run in rain (and snow) no matter what.

What a fantastic picture. It made me smile. I hope to have a similar one one day soon

 

[saysay]

The humidity was gone this morning on my 30 min run....HOORAH! I am so sick of the summer weather. Week 5 of C25k and so far so good. Coming off recovering from Plantar Faciitis - diagnosed back in April, so a little nervous about ramping up after I can run the 5k distance, but I know if I just dedicate myself to training, finishing is possible. I am stretching like crazy to try to keep my foot healthy.....

So excited DH brought up the race last night and we talked about options of 1. me going alone with a friend from up north; 2. us going as a family; 3. Going with my DD who will be 4 but needing someone to watch her during the race if he doesn't go. I just need to book someplace now and sign up! I was wondering this week if it would happen, but looking like it will yippee! Now to just stay healthy and train smart!

 

[MeredithRX]

i got my first non-medicated, first post-partum AF today. haven't had an AF that didn't involve some sort of pill or shot since i was 17 (i'll be 30 in oct). i don't know how i feel about it. could the running have something to do with kick-starting my body? (sorry, i know that's tmi!)

It could be, or it could be that your body is just readjusting back to a new 'normal' after being PG. I've seen it happen SO many times. People who were regular before aren't any more after PG. People who never had AF before are suddenly every 28 days. Darn AF, so unpredictable! Now you'll have to go for #2!

I have experimented so much with gels that I just know when its time for another one. I can't quite explain it but I read my body cues so well that it has become second nature to me. Runners react differently to the different gels and that is why there are so many brands and flavors. What might work for one doesn't sit well with others. Chocolate Outrage works PERFECTLY for me and I have no problems whatsoever. I also start my long runs by popping a Sports Bean every whipstitch and it gets me going nicely. Keep experimenting!!!

I also love the Chocolate Outrage. My extreme favorite, though, is the Chocolate Mint. That stuff is DELICIOUS! I can handle the Strawberry Banana and the Tri-Berry, but I'm much more of a chocolate person than a fruity person. The Chocolate Outrage and Mint Chocolate are like little rewards for myself along the route. I definitely notice that I can finish my assigned distance without running on empty when I use them. I don't have a surge of energy, but I feel like I am just moving along without a reduction. It definitely helps since my stamina is now much more than it was pre-Gu.

I got a box of Chocolate Mint today in the mail from Amazon. I am excited since I was afraid I'd have to try some of those citrus flavors I have in my closet that I've been avoiding...

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I also love the Chocolate Outrage. My extreme favorite, though, is the Chocolate Mint. That stuff is DELICIOUS! I can handle the Strawberry Banana and the Tri-Berry, but I'm much more of a chocolate person than a fruity person. The Chocolate Outrage and Mint Chocolate are like little rewards for myself along the route. I definitely notice that I can finish my assigned distance without running on empty when I use them. I don't have a surge of energy, but I feel like I am just moving along without a reduction. It definitely helps since my stamina is now much more than it was pre-Gu.

I got a box of Chocolate Mint today in the mail from Amazon. I am excited since I was afraid I'd have to try some of those citrus flavors I have in my closet that I've been avoiding...

Say it isn't so! There is a chocolaate mint???!!! Must. Get. Some!!!!

 

[MeredithRX]

Say it isn't so! There is a chocolaate mint???!!! Must. Get. Some!!!!

Oh yes. There most definitely is. And it's definitely worth it. Did I mention that Mint Chocolate Chip is my favorite flavor EVER? This tastes just like it - just in Gu form.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Oh yes. There most definitely is. And it's definitely worth it. Did I mention that Mint Chocolate Chip is my favorite flavor EVER? This tastes just like it - just in Gu form.

Off to Amazon I go!!! Now I have reason to run so I can use it. LOL

 

[MamaCrush]

I am on Cloud 9 with my C25K training. I did W6D2 today and it was great. Two days ago i ran 20 min. without stopping for the first time in my life. Crazy.
I'm definitely going to register for the Princess Half and could not be more excited. My sis-in-law is considering doing it with me
I just booked Animal Kingdom Lodge on-line and am very excited about that too
Once I complete C25K I'm going to do the Run/Walk training plan from Marathoning for Mortals. What a great book!
Good luck to everyone with their training - and toes! LOL.

We're on the same schedule!! Except I was supposed to do Week6/Day 2 today, but with the kids starting back to school-- and a new one at that-- this week's schedule has kicked my backside, big time! I'm taking tomorrow off work as is my tradition on the first day of school, so once they're in their classrooms, I'm planning on some quality me time on the treadmill!

Once I run my first 5K in the Magic Kingdom on 10/2, I' too will begin the run/walk M4M with my eye on doing the Princess Half. Can't wait! If anyone would have told me only 3 mos ago that I a) would run a continuous 2 miles without being chased and/or collapsing, and b) would look forward to doing even more, I would have had laughed myself silly!

Here's to a great training week!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

So excited DH brought up the race last night and we talked about options of 1. me going alone with a friend from up north; 2. us going as a family; 3. Going with my DD who will be 4 but needing someone to watch her during the race if he doesn't go. I just need to book someplace now and sign up! I was wondering this week if it would happen, but looking like it will yippee! Now to just stay healthy and train smart!

I would love to bring DD almost 6, but I don't know who would watch her either. I am loving the idea of going alone. ME time for 3 days!!!


On the Gu, when do you start to use it? I as of now, I have not used anything yet. No Gu, no beans. I am up to 4.5 miles.
(I must add, I have not done anything in 4 days )