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

[roomthreeseventeen]

well, i knocked it out. i did the run. and it was....HOT!! i kept thinking about how pissed i would be at myself for not running. i think i need to stop getting myself so worked up about this whole thing. i tend to become consumed by things once i set my mind to it (like, after my son was born i just focused on planning every detail of our disney trip when he was 7 months old. it was all i thought about!). seems like the half marathon is something i'm becoming obsessed with. probably not all that healthy! but at least it's better than becoming obsessed with chocolate....right??

Wow, you are a superstar.

 

[MamaCrush]

well, i knocked it out. i did the run. and it was....HOT!! i kept thinking about how pissed i would be at myself for not running. i think i need to stop getting myself so worked up about this whole thing. i tend to become consumed by things once i set my mind to it (like, after my son was born i just focused on planning every detail of our disney trip when he was 7 months old. it was all i thought about!). seems like the half marathon is something i'm becoming obsessed with. probably not all that healthy! but at least it's better than becoming obsessed with chocolate....right??

Congrats! You rocked it just by walking out the door in the heat!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

well, i knocked it out. i did the run. and it was....HOT!! i kept thinking about how pissed i would be at myself for not running. i think i need to stop getting myself so worked up about this whole thing. i tend to become consumed by things once i set my mind to it (like, after my son was born i just focused on planning every detail of our disney trip when he was 7 months old. it was all i thought about!). seems like the half marathon is something i'm becoming obsessed with. probably not all that healthy! but at least it's better than becoming obsessed with chocolate....right??

You are a better person than me.
I would have done the treadmill or crosstrain instead.
Way to go.

 

[mla1977]

Hi everyone! Just an FYI-

I've updated the list of participants. I've only worked my way through page 75 since I was so far behind, but I'll get around to making sure everyone is on the list soon. If I've added you to the list and you want your real name included, please PM me so that I can add you and the thread doesn't get cluttered with those requests.

As for me, I have the Philly Rock & Roll half on Sept 19 and W&D on October 2, then I kick it into high gear for the WDW full before I "taper" for the Princess.

Happy running!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Hi everyone! Just an FYI-

I've updated the list of participants. I've only worked my way through page 75 since I was so far behind, but I'll get around to making sure everyone is on the list soon. If I've added you to the list and you want your real name included, please PM me so that I can add you and the thread doesn't get cluttered with those requests.

As for me, I have the Philly Rock & Roll half on Sept 19 and W&D on October 2, then I kick it into high gear for the WDW full before I "taper" for the Princess.

Happy running!

I'm running Philly and Wine & Dine, too

 

[jenelope]

I'm also becoming a reluctant victim of the heat. In SE Michigan, it's been in the mid-90s all week and we've had "ozone action days" just about every day. They recommend avoiding heavy exertion because ground ozone can be hazardous to your healthy. I may be some kind of delicate flower, but I generally try not to run outside if it's over about 83F. I run on the indoor track at my gym, instead. Well, my gym is closed this week for their annual maintenance shutdown, so that's not an option. On Monday, I broke out my Wii Fit for the first time in a year and a half and spent two hours getting in 42 minutes of activity. Running in place and "hula hooping" may not be the same as a half-hour run, but at least I did something to stay active. Tonight, it's supposed to be cooler, but not cool enough for me to run. I think my walking pace needs work, so I plan to work on that for half an hour.

The gym reopens on Saturday morning- just in time for a sudden temperature drop!

I don't have a RoadID, but I wear custom dogtags whenever I exercise at the gym or outside. One tag has my full name, home town, blood type and religious affiliation (you never know). The other is my "ICE" contact information with my sister's and my dad's first names and phone numbers. I got them at dogtagsonline.com. I had bought a set of tags with my name and contact info to use as luggage tags and when I started working out, I was wearing one to the gym as ID. After a while, I decided workout specific tags were in order! They're not as sleek as the RoadID bracelets, but they're a lot cheaper!

 

[bounceliketigger]

Poppinspal- not sure what you're doing for shoes, but I have 2 suggestions: New Balance 800 & Vibram Five Fingers. The NB800s were created for midfoot strike runners (& actually there's now an 801), but the shoe has exceptional room in the toebox & is made w/ a somewhat stretchy mesh that mite accommodate your foot.

If you're not familiar w/ Vibrams, they are 'barefoot' shoes. It's quite physically demanding to run in them, but worth it imho. Your bunion would love them, but do some research first if you aren't familiar w/ minimalist running.

good luck!!

 

[estherhead]

OK, I'm signing onto this thread, though I've not signed up for this race (yet).

I have questions!

Here's the deal: I'm getting ready to go to Disney World Monday for a week. I'm buying annual passes for my entire family & we have three trips already planned for now, March, and June. We aren't rich! We're gonna drive (I live in Ohio) and camp in March and rent a house with my sister in June (driving again) to get the most $ out of these passes and have our special "year of Disney."

So, my niece comes up to me today & says, "Would you run a half marathon at WDW with me in Feb? I REALLY want to do it & don't want to do it alone."

I've pondered this all day. And I really want to. I've run 10k's in the past, run 2 5k's this year. But I haven't been a serious runner since my baby (she's 3) was born. I exercise fairly religiously 3 times a week. 30 min. on treadmill and lift weights once, pilates once, 1 hour Zumba class once. I'm 36 with no real health issues I know of (I had a complete physical in January & had a slightly elevated cholesterol, wasn't as flexibile as they'd like to see, and am 5lbs over "ideal weight.")

So here's my questions. I really think it would be impossible for me to run a 10 mile training run on a treadmill. I can barely do 30 min & never want to run again at 45 min. It's so boring even when I'm listening to my ipod AND reading a magazine. I can't imagine 2 hours! But I'd be doing the huge bulk of my training in OHIO! in January & February. I have some allergy/asthma stuff & I've always had a "no running outside under 20 degrees" rule because it hurts my lungs. I do have a small mall that opens it doors to runners. I've done 2 miles in there before but it is mostly old people walking and they tolerate me, but aren't crazy about it. What do you all do in the winter????

Second, me wanting to be cheap & all, my AP gets me free parking. I was pondering getting a cheap hotel close (there's one I've stayed at before at Crossroads that I usually can get for $39.00 per night) and renting a car. Do you think this is doable? What is the Value rate for Princess racers? Do you think when AP rates come out they would be cheaper?

And.... anything else you can tell me! We're like at 80% right now & need lots of info to get us over that 20% hump.

 

[HockeyKat]

OK, I'm signing onto this thread, though I've not signed up for this race (yet).

I have questions!

Here's the deal: I'm getting ready to go to Disney World Monday for a week. I'm buying annual passes for my entire family & we have three trips already planned for now, March, and June. We aren't rich! We're gonna drive (I live in Ohio) and camp in March and rent a house with my sister in June (driving again) to get the most $ out of these passes and have our special "year of Disney."

So, my niece comes up to me today & says, "Would you run a half marathon at WDW with me in Feb? I REALLY want to do it & don't want to do it alone."

I've pondered this all day. And I really want to. I've run 10k's in the past, run 2 5k's this year. But I haven't been a serious runner since my baby (she's 3) was born. I exercise fairly religiously 3 times a week. 30 min. on treadmill and lift weights once, pilates once, 1 hour Zumba class once. I'm 36 with no real health issues I know of (I had a complete physical in January & had a slightly elevated cholesterol, wasn't as flexibile as they'd like to see, and am 5lbs over "ideal weight.")

So here's my questions. I really think it would be impossible for me to run a 10 mile training run on a treadmill. I can barely do 30 min & never want to run again at 45 min. It's so boring even when I'm listening to my ipod AND reading a magazine. I can't imagine 2 hours! But I'd be doing the huge bulk of my training in OHIO! in January & February. I have some allergy/asthma stuff & I've always had a "no running outside under 20 degrees" rule because it hurts my lungs. I do have a small mall that opens it doors to runners. I've done 2 miles in there before but it is mostly old people walking and they tolerate me, but aren't crazy about it. What do you all do in the winter????

Second, me wanting to be cheap & all, my AP gets me free parking. I was pondering getting a cheap hotel close (there's one I've stayed at before at Crossroads that I usually can get for $39.00 per night) and renting a car. Do you think this is doable? What is the Value rate for Princess racers? Do you think when AP rates come out they would be cheaper?

And.... anything else you can tell me! We're like at 80% right now & need lots of info to get us over that 20% hump.

Welcome!

I also have an annual pass and am going to WDW next week.

Renting a car and staying close by is totally doable. Just give yourself enough time to get there and beat any traffic, probably at least leaving the hotel by 3:45.

As to training/doing a half. Well, that is really up to you and if you think the goal of finishing a race will propel you through the boring parts of training. I started training for the Princess in the winter (at way more than 5 lbs over ideal weight! ), and did most of it on the treadmill. What kept me going was fear of the sweepers and the pride part of wanting to finish the race no matter what.

 

[estherhead]

Welcome!

I also have an annual pass and am going to WDW next week.

Renting a car and staying close by is totally doable. Just give yourself enough time to get there and beat any traffic, probably at least leaving the hotel by 3:45.

As to training/doing a half. Well, that is really up to you and if you think the goal of finishing a race will propel you through the boring parts of training. I started training for the Princess in the winter (at way more than 5 lbs over ideal weight! ), and did most of it on the treadmill. What kept me going was fear of the sweepers and the pride part of wanting to finish the race no matter what.

Have fun! I know I will .

3:45! It's ok. I'm a morning person. Though I don't NORMALLY push it to 3:45!

Did you actually do 10 miles on treadmill? 2 hours worth? How much of that did you walk/run? Or just all your shorter stuff. After I posted this I found a training program I like and looking at it it's mostly 30-45 minute runs with just one long run per week. If I did three early morning 45 min treadmill runs, my evening Zumba class, my afternoon Pilates, and then one 3:00 (warmest part of the day) outside long run (3-10 miles) I think I could do it and not get too bored. And one (or two) rest days.

Do you guys think this sounds about right? Or am I not understanding the time commitment? I have three kids and run a business. So I have TONS of spare time. But if this sounds right it'd only be 2-5 more hours per week which I know I could find considering I watch plenty of t.v.

 

[HockeyKat]

Have fun! I know I will .

3:45! It's ok. I'm a morning person. Though I don't NORMALLY push it to 3:45!

Did you actually do 10 miles on treadmill? 2 hours worth? How much of that did you walk/run? Or just all your shorter stuff. After I posted this I found a training program I like and looking at it it's mostly 30-45 minute runs with just one long run per week. If I did three early morning 45 min treadmill runs, my evening Zumba class, my afternoon Pilates, and then one 3:00 (warmest part of the day) outside long run (3-10 miles) I think I could do it and not get too bored. And one (or two) rest days.

Do you guys think this sounds about right? Or am I not understanding the time commitment? I have three kids and run a business. So I have TONS of spare time. But if this sounds right it'd only be 2-5 more hours per week which I know I could find considering I watch plenty of t.v.

I did do 10 miles on the treadmill, once. I do it at the gym, though, so switched treadmills, changed it up a bit.

Now I do my long runs on Sat AM with a run club - MUCH more fun that way, for me.

Your workout schedule sounds even a bit too ambitious. My recommendation would be two 30-45 min short runs and one long run, in addition to Pilates and Zumba.

That would be *plenty* to be able to finish the Princess. You have to be able to keep a 16 min mile which it sounds like you would have no problems with.

See, look at me enabling!

 

[Trudes]

I did do 10 miles on the treadmill, once. I do it at the gym, though, so switched treadmills, changed it up a bit.

Kat, WOW!

I can't imagine 10 miles on a TM, I guess I'd do it if I had to, because I WILL run this HM.

dumbo_buddy~Good job getting out for your run!

I got a nice 5.25 mile run in. I didn't run until 8pm, so it was a perfect for running.

 

[bounceliketigger]

I hate the TM but found myself doing a huge amount of training for the Princess on it this past winter. I would have preferred freezing my buns off, but it was just too icy & dangerous outside. Against all manner of reason for me, I actually did 12 on the godforesaken thing. The trick- a good movie. My sweet DH mounted a small TV on the wall in front of TM & I zoned out. Funny thing is I just can't seem to tolerate it at all now! Lol

 

[Trudes]

I actually did 12 on the godforesaken thing. The trick- a good movie. My sweet DH mounted a small TV on the wall in front of TM & I zoned out. Funny thing is I just can't seem to tolerate it at all now! Lol

LOL, I couldn't help but laugh when I read the godforesaken thing. I can relate to that feeling. I have a love/hate relationship with my treadmill. You ladies give me hope that it IS possible, if necessary, to run that long on my TM. In my first year of running, I ran on it almost the whole winter. I was thankful I had it, and I am still thankful I have it. I have no good excuse not to exercise.

DH and I were shopping Monday for a flatscreen TV for my newly acquired fitness room. (DS# 3 moved out, and I got his room) We are looking at one with a DVD built in it. Haven't made any decision yet.

 

[jenn-]

Movies are also what get me through my long runs on the treadmill. 8 miles is my longest run to date on it. I think I watched Enchanted for that one. Do you have Netflix? If so they just recently released an ap for the iPod (assuming you have a touch). You could stream movies that way. A big thing for me though, my headphones. I need to be able to drown out the outside noise. I've found with watching on the regular tv, I still hear too much of everything else going on. With 4 kids at home, I don't want to hear petty bickering while I am running(DH can handle that).

 

[poppinspal]

I'm another one who will use the treadmill for extreme weather. (No sidewalks in my town make it hard to do runs in winter and I'm not going to run in 100 degree weather.) Luckily we have a tv in our workout room so I pop in movies. I happen to like Blue Crush for it's kind of girl power feeling. I think I only watch it when i'm on the treadmill.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice on running with a bunion. I found a gel padding for bunions so I'm going to try that for now and use it in my hockey skates tomorrow night to see if a little more protection might help.

Coach- A cortisone shot has not been suggested yet but I think you're right and finding a doctor who has experience with runners might help. My aunt is active... biking, cross country skiing, tennis and after she had her bunion surgery she was still in pain, just different pain then before. And I've also heard mixed reviews about foot surgery so I'm extremely reluctant to consider that.

Bounceliketigger- I am always barefoot and more then one person has said that I would probably enjoy running in vibrams. I just haven't convinced myself it's a wise investment/decision for me. I used to play soccer barefoot but that was in the summer on the beach and loved it but I think it's the price tag that has me pausing. But I will definitely check out the new balances you recommended. Thank you!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Good Morning Ladies

I did 3 miles again last night, so 2 short runs of 3 miles each, 2 days in a row.
Going for 5 this weekend.


I have done 4 on the treadmill, while watching a movie also. I am just have to deal with the TM beacuse our winters here can be harsh. It's not called the Windy City for nothing. Ha Ha.

Jenn, Why do the kids always seem to fight while I'm on the treadmill.
Glad to hear its just not my kids!

 

[cewait]

OK, I'm signing onto this thread, though I've not signed up for this race (yet).

I have questions!

Here's the deal: I'm getting ready to go to Disney World Monday for a week. I'm buying annual passes for my entire family & we have three trips already planned for now, March, and June. We aren't rich! We're gonna drive (I live in Ohio) and camp in March and rent a house with my sister in June (driving again) to get the most $ out of these passes and have our special "year of Disney."

So, my niece comes up to me today & says, "Would you run a half marathon at WDW with me in Feb? I REALLY want to do it & don't want to do it alone."

I've pondered this all day. And I really want to. I've run 10k's in the past, run 2 5k's this year. But I haven't been a serious runner since my baby (she's 3) was born. I exercise fairly religiously 3 times a week. 30 min. on treadmill and lift weights once, pilates once, 1 hour Zumba class once. I'm 36 with no real health issues I know of (I had a complete physical in January & had a slightly elevated cholesterol, wasn't as flexibile as they'd like to see, and am 5lbs over "ideal weight.")

So here's my questions. I really think it would be impossible for me to run a 10 mile training run on a treadmill. I can barely do 30 min & never want to run again at 45 min. It's so boring even when I'm listening to my ipod AND reading a magazine. I can't imagine 2 hours! But I'd be doing the huge bulk of my training in OHIO! in January & February. I have some allergy/asthma stuff & I've always had a "no running outside under 20 degrees" rule because it hurts my lungs. I do have a small mall that opens it doors to runners. I've done 2 miles in there before but it is mostly old people walking and they tolerate me, but aren't crazy about it. What do you all do in the winter????

Second, me wanting to be cheap & all, my AP gets me free parking. I was pondering getting a cheap hotel close (there's one I've stayed at before at Crossroads that I usually can get for $39.00 per night) and renting a car. Do you think this is doable? What is the Value rate for Princess racers? Do you think when AP rates come out they would be cheaper?

And.... anything else you can tell me! We're like at 80% right now & need lots of info to get us over that 20% hump.

You can train on a treadmill. 10 miles for the half is more than doable. I have run 23 on a mill and survived. I put a TV on the wall (at that time hanging from ceiling) in front of the mill and watched a game then a movie. I would try to find some place to run outdoors if at all possible. While mill training will get you ready, you need a few runs so you get the feel of moving, especially if this is your first half.

As far as AP rates in the off season for the economy resorts, they will more than likely not meet your off-property rate unless the occupancy rates at WDW are really bad this fall and they feel the need to discount. AP rates for Feb should be out soon. But do remember that recently meals have been a factor that you must plug into the equation. I have not really paid attention to the specials but you may want to keep an eye for those offers once they appear.

You two should go for it! Where else are you going to find warm weather in February – at least compared to Ohio and the upper Midwest? Besides, you really want to get maximum value out of the AP, right? There is nothing better than running a WDW race

 

[elbowglitter]

Last winter, I did all my long runs on the treadmill - with the crazy amount of snow we got in the DC area (not that much by many standards, but not enough equipment to get rid of it), the treadmill was my only safe option. To get through 10, I had many distractions. I was at the gym, so I couldn't pick the movie, but I did have the tv, plus my iPod with both music and podcasts. I alternated between all of those things and got the miles in.

 

[estherhead]

Thanks everyone! You are all so encouraging!

I don't have a treadmill, it'll be at the gym. But I do have an iphone and an active Netflix account and I have watched a movie already on my iphone. Hearing you all makes me think it's possible and I've been brainstorming. The gym is in a bigger university building and I could do 30 minutes on a treadmill & then run around inside the building for 15 minutes (it's several stories and lots of people do this during their workouts to run the stairs) then do 30 minutes on an elliptical, then around the building again, etc. I think this could help keep it interesting to me.

We have an amazing bike path in our town and I'll have my niece (she's a member of the same gym) to get through the long runs with no matter where we have to do them. I might even be able to borrow my sister's ipad so we could both watch the same movie. I have run many winters outside but last winter here it was truly impossible. For at least half of February it was a sheet of ice. We were out of electicity for 6 days in a row plus a couple other days (so treadmills wouldnt work!) and it was super cold.

I like winter, so I'm not compaining, I just have to be practical if I'm gonna do it for real.

I think I'll go on my trip right now & decide when I get back next week.

Thanks!!!!!