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

[cantwaitvaca09]

Hi Jo!

I mean to comment on the chocolate milk. I don't always do it but yes, sometimes I drink chocolate milk after a run. It does take the edge off if I'm hungry and it satisfies my sweet tooth at the same time. If I drink it I do so right after my run before I do anything else.


I admire all of you who can go down and stay alone. If my family doesn't come down with me I'll have to consider dragging a friend down with me because the idea of being in a hotel room alone just doesn't work for me.

Meg,
if you family does not go you can share a room with me.
Kat may share a room too, but she is not sure yet, and I don't know what Amiee is going to do.
As of now I have a 1 bed at All Star Music. I booked that to make sure I had a room, but I would change to CBR if there were two of us.

 

[jenelope]

I used to go to WDW about once or twice a year for a solo trip. I really enjoyed it. When I travel with other people, I have a tendency to get a little hung up on making sure they're enjoying themselves and end up skipping some things I want to do. The joy of solo trips is that you get to do everything *you* want to do and never have to do something just because someone else wants to do it. I also have a tendency to be almost bizarrely friendly (even by Midwestern standards), so I rarely feel truly alone at WDW. The cast members seem to love friendly guests and I've gotten some great tips just because I stopped to chat with a CM. Last year, I was taught how to play Mancala by an AKL Villas CM from Johannesburg just because I stopped to talk with her about the animals on the savanna. It probably helps that I'm very comfortable being alone. There is a lot of great advice on the Adults and Solo board here at the DIS. The biggest stumbling block for most people is the prospect of dining alone. For me, it's that I don't have someone to hold my spot if I claim a spot for Illuminations, Wishes or Fantasmic and suddenly realize that I need a bio break!

 

[poppinspal]

I was wondering what you use to put the chocolate flavor in the milk? I like Ovaltine but is that ok? My favorite post workout snack is an apple with peanut butter spread on it.

I just add nesquick to my regular milk I buy. I don't know what the experts would say but it works for me so if ovaltine works for you I say go for it!

Jo- I hope to figure my plans out soon. We are just done planning a trip to north Carolina for a wedding so now my family can talk Disney. If they aren't going I'm definitely in for sharing a room with you goddesses and either hotel would be fine for me!

I should say I'd probably be fine with touring the park on my own. I think it's more the idea of coming back to an empty hotel room. I am an independent person but I also like the idea of sharing my experiences with people.

 

[haleofafamily]

I just started reading Marathoning for Mortals and am really enjoying it. I feel like I have learned so much, and I'm not even to the midway point yet.

I have a question though. The author suggests that you shouldn't plan on running your first half or full marathon until you have been walking for a year and training for 6 months. What are your thoughts?

I just started training/walking-jogging in early June. If I had to wait 1.5 years until my first half marathon then I don't think I would ever make it. The main thing that keeps me going is imaging crossing the finish line in Feb! My goal is not to finish in any sort of timeframe - I just want to finish!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I just started reading Marathoning for Mortals and am really enjoying it. I feel like I have learned so much, and I'm not even to the midway point yet.

I have a question though. The author suggests that you shouldn't plan on running your first half or full marathon until you have been walking for a year and training for 6 months. What are your thoughts?

I just started training/walking-jogging in early June. If I had to wait 1.5 years until my first half marathon then I don't think I would ever make it. The main thing that keeps me going is imaging crossing the finish line in Feb! My goal is not to finish in any sort of timeframe - I just want to finish!

I think Marathoning for Mortals is VERY, very conservative. Most people do not need to be walking for a YEAR to start training for a half. Run a 5k, a few 10ks, and you're good to start half training.

 

[chop456]

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.

I will be there without family, too. I am going with a friend but will not have any family cheering me on along the way. But like you said, this is not about taking the kids to Disney - this is about me and my personal journey.

I truly hope we are able to set up a meeting time, for those interested, from this thread while we are at the Princess 1/2. I am so motivated and inspired by everyone!

 

[Cotillard]

I used to go to WDW about once or twice a year for a solo trip. I really enjoyed it. When I travel with other people, I have a tendency to get a little hung up on making sure they're enjoying themselves and end up skipping some things I want to do. The joy of solo trips is that you get to do everything *you* want to do and never have to do something just because someone else wants to do it. I also have a tendency to be almost bizarrely friendly (even by Midwestern standards), so I rarely feel truly alone at WDW. The cast members seem to love friendly guests and I've gotten some great tips just because I stopped to chat with a CM. Last year, I was taught how to play Mancala by an AKL Villas CM from Johannesburg just because I stopped to talk with her about the animals on the savanna. It probably helps that I'm very comfortable being alone. There is a lot of great advice on the Adults and Solo board here at the DIS. The biggest stumbling block for most people is the prospect of dining alone. For me, it's that I don't have someone to hold my spot if I claim a spot for Illuminations, Wishes or Fantasmic and suddenly realize that I need a bio break!

I love everything you said.

I just started reading Marathoning for Mortals and am really enjoying it. I feel like I have learned so much, and I'm not even to the midway point yet.

I have a question though. The author suggests that you shouldn't plan on running your first half or full marathon until you have been walking for a year and training for 6 months. What are your thoughts?

I just started training/walking-jogging in early June. If I had to wait 1.5 years until my first half marathon then I don't think I would ever make it. The main thing that keeps me going is imaging crossing the finish line in Feb! My goal is not to finish in any sort of timeframe - I just want to finish!

The authors are very experienced and are trying to keep people from doing too much, too soon. They want to keep people from burning out and/or getting injured. You see what John Bingham says about his own start and how bull-headed he was - and how much pain and injury he lived with. It doesn't have to be that way.
Just take what they are saying into account, even if you don't strictly adhere to it. Don't you just love the book? I just finished it. I absolutely loved it.

I will be there without family, too. I am going with a friend but will not have any family cheering me on along the way. But like you said, this is not about taking the kids to Disney - this is about me and my personal journey.
I truly hope we are able to set up a meeting time, for those interested, from this thread while we are at the Princess 1/2. I am so motivated and inspired by everyone!

chop456

I feel exactly tha same way. This is my journey

 

[Cripey]

I was wondering what you use to put the chocolate flavor in the milk? I like Ovaltine but is that ok? My favorite post workout snack is an apple with peanut butter spread on it.

I usually buy the organic low-fat chocolate milk that comes already prepared in the "juice box". The brand I buy is Horizon, but I know it's available in many other brands. I like it because it's easily portable, shelf-stable (although I always refridgerate) and in just the right portion. I love anything chocolate so if I were mixing it myself, it would be WAY too tempting for me to pour up a TALL glass and put a heavy squeeze on the chocolate syrup.

 

[chop456]

Where do you keep your arms when running? A friend told me to keep my arms up high near my rib cage (near my girls ). She said something about it helping my breathing. It seems to tight to me. I see many runners with their arms lower down near their hips. That seems like a better spot for me - my shoulders are not as tense. Does it make a difference? Which is "better"?

 

[jenn-]

Any suggestions for a post run recovery drink for us lactose intolerant people?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Any suggestions for a post run recovery drink for us lactose intolerant people?

Silk

 

[jenn-]

Where do you keep your arms when running? A friend told me to keep my arms up high near my rib cage (near my girls ). She said something about it helping my breathing. It seems to tight to me. I see many runners with their arms lower down near their hips. That seems like a better spot for me - my shoulders are not as tense. Does it make a difference? Which is "better"?

I know the guy doing C25K always reminds you to keep you arms loose and to your sides, so lower down by your hips. You should not be carrying tension in your shoulders.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Where do you keep your arms when running? A friend told me to keep my arms up high near my rib cage (near my girls ). She said something about it helping my breathing. It seems to tight to me. I see many runners with their arms lower down near their hips. That seems like a better spot for me - my shoulders are not as tense. Does it make a difference? Which is "better"?

My physical therapist taught me to keep my hands and arms low and relaxed and NOT up high as that will lead to tensing the shoulders.

 

[Benducci]

Any suggestions for a post run recovery drink for us lactose intolerant people?

I would like to know this too! I am allergic to milk & I am not crazy about soy drinks.

 

[disneyaway]

How do you get back into your miles after taking a short break? i last ran 3 miles on saturday and my knees and shins were really hurting after ( i think there was something off with the treadmill). So i havent done anything too aerobic since then. i am planning on doing weights and the elliptical tomorrow since i feel so much better. i am supposed to do 4 miles on saturday. is it ok for me to do it if i havet done any running in a week?

 

[haleofafamily]

I think Marathoning for Mortals is VERY, very conservative. Most people do not need to be walking for a YEAR to start training for a half. Run a 5k, a few 10ks, and you're good to start half training.

I was hoping they were being conservative. I plan on doing a 5k in Sept. and a 10k in Nov. Will that be enough?

The authors are very experienced and are trying to keep people from doing too much, too soon. They want to keep people from burning out and/or getting injured. You see what John Bingham says about his own start and how bull-headed he was - and how much pain and injury he lived with. It doesn't have to be that way.
Just take what they are saying into account, even if you don't strictly adhere to it. Don't you just love the book? I just finished it. I absolutely loved it.

I understand their point and don't want to end up injured. I was just wondering if I should skip the half in Feb (which would kill my morale) or if they were being cautionary because of John's experience. It seems like most of the testimonials they use start out "less than a year ago I would have never thought I could do this..." and then go on to list successsfully completed half or full marathons.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i'm not crazy about soy milk either but chocolate soy is really delicious! i've had the silk brand before. get it FREEZING cold and it's yummy!

i love the posts about the solo runners. it's so true - this "trip" to disney isn't about eating as many mickey ice cream bars as i can (the usual reason i go!), it's about a personal mission. to run this race and prove to myself i can do it. it just so happens to be pretty spectacular that it's in disney since it's my favorite place!

 

[MamaCrush]

I usually buy the organic low-fat chocolate milk that comes already prepared in the "juice box". The brand I buy is Horizon, but I know it's available in many other brands. I like it because it's easily portable, shelf-stable (although I always refridgerate) and in just the right portion. I love anything chocolate so if I were mixing it myself, it would be WAY too tempting for me to pour up a TALL glass and put a heavy squeeze on the chocolate syrup.

That's a really good idea! Thanks for sharing.

 

[MamaCrush]

I was hoping they were being conservative. I plan on doing a 5k in Sept. and a 10k in Nov. Will that be enough?



I understand their point and don't want to end up injured. I was just wondering if I should skip the half in Feb (which would kill my morale) or if they were being cautionary because of John's experience. It seems like most of the testimonials they use start out "less than a year ago I would have never thought I could do this..." and then go on to list successsfully completed half or full marathons.

I started this past June and after my Disney 5K on Oct 2, I will be starting the M4M plan. I'm trying to be smart about my training so as not to get injured, but I need the Princess to use as my "carrot" after the 5K so I don't slack off! One thing I'm thinking I'll do is instead of training to run the half marathon, I'll train for the run/walk or maybe even the walk/run. If I crawl the whole darn thing it would be more than I've ever done in my life!!

I love this book also. I keep it on my night stand and flip through it every night before turning the lights out and reviewing whatever catches my eye. I've really found some gems I would have forgotten by doing this.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I think that “enough” is a relative term. It totally depends on what your goals are. If you’re just going over the finish line, you could walk 13.1 miles tomorrow, probably under a 16 min/mile pace. You might not feel good for a week afterwards, but the vast majority don’t need to train for a Disney half if their only concern is not being swept.

I think a 5k and a 10k is a great way to start. I started running in March, and since then have done two 5ks, three 10ks, a 3mile, two 4miles and a 5mile, with two more races (a 4mile and a 1mile) coming up before my first half. I find that every time I do a race at a new distance, I learn something about myself, and about racing, and about the running community. I make mistakes, and learn from them, and employ the lessons in my next race. As long as you’re putting in the miles, you don’t need to race on a crazy basis, but I love the ability to gage where I am in a race situation, and have the race director do all the work (timing, water, snacks) for me.