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

[koolgirl]

I am 45, married for 23 years with 2 boys and have decided to pull out of the race because the family wants to go somewhere else that is warmer. I felt really sad at first, but noticed that my family comes first and all of this running everyday made me neglect them and the housework. My sons school swimming is coming up and I really want to be awake at the meets. Lol

Just wanted to tell you that I have HUGE respect for you on this decision. I know how difficult these types of choices are. You are an awesome mom & wife and this race will be here for years to come. I think unless you are actually in the midst of training, you have no idea the time and energy it sucks away from other things!

ENJOY whichever warm place you choose with your family!


~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[marathonmommy]

So how many of you plan on running with a tutu or tiara...thinking I would like to run with tutu not sure if it will be annoying and bother me.

Definitely a tutu! Not sure about the tiara . . .

So, finished the Philly Half today. My mom and kids wound up coming afterall...my mom was afraid "something might happen." Ran for Tourette's Syndrome Association and had a nice dinner with them the night before. Miles 7-9 on this course were almost all uphill! Yikes. Still finished in 2:23:30 - a PR for me at this point, so I am more than satisfied. No more Half Marathons until Princess I think. Will probably do some shorter races to keep my in the loop. DD's cheer competitions take over my life from now until then (when I take a weekend off selfishly to do this race with a friend sans children.) Had a great weekend in a very cool city!

 

[HockeyKat]

Definitely a tutu! Not sure about the tiara . . .

So, finished the Philly Half today. My mom and kids wound up coming afterall...my mom was afraid "something might happen." Ran for Tourette's Syndrome Association and had a nice dinner with them the night before. Miles 7-9 on this course were almost all uphill! Yikes. Still finished in 2:23:30 - a PR for me at this point, so I am more than satisfied. No more Half Marathons until Princess I think. Will probably do some shorter races to keep my in the loop. DD's cheer competitions take over my life from now until then (when I take a weekend off selfishly to do this race with a friend sans children.) Had a great weekend in a very cool city!

GREAT time!!!

FWIW, I think that it's great that you are taking "you time" and having a fun girls weekend with the Princess.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I personally don't think it's selfish at all. My parents spent weekends away with friends and had date nights and my great-aunt would babysit, and I don't recall any gap in their loving me or providing me with a stable, good home. It also helped me to develop a relationship with a close relative, that I might not have had otherwise.

Plus, it gives your husband or other family time with your children, right? I bet they will appreciate all you do for your family by the time you get back.

 

[Trudes]

marathonmommy~Congrats on your half marathon! Your time was great.

I agree with Kat. It's not selfish running this half marathon!

For me, when I think about what I have done for my family and sacrifices that I have made, I have no problem justifying signing up for the DPHM, taking the time to train, and spending a chunk of money to fly to FL, just to run a half marathon.

 

[Trudes]

I won't be wearing a tutu, but I will be wearing my "Princess" Bondi band.

 

[Trudes]

They make bondio bands with a tiara print....oeeeeee nice! Could you please driect me to where I can find one with a tiara print. I went on their website and did not see it.

I have the Princess one, there are also tiara's on this page

 

[Jeter02]

I have the Princess one, there are also tiara's on this page

Cutness.....Thanks!

 

[Swmr359]

So how many of you plan on running with a tutu or tiara...thinking I would like to run with tutu not sure if it will be annoying and bother me.

I'll be running with my Ariel tiara hot glued to a visor, I wore it last year also. I'll probably wear a running skirt, not a tutu

Hi Shelby, I just had to write, because I had trouble breathing also at one time.
I went to an Asthma doctor, and he measured the amount of oxygen I held in my lungs. I wasn't getting enough oxygen. Over weight people have trouble also because fat is pushing on their lungs and they don't get enough oxygen either.

He also said that a few allergies would make my lungs have trouble when I am running outside. I used to cough also. He said I had exercised-induced asthma. That means, it only bothers me when I am running. Bingo!

So, now I use an inhaler 15 minutes before a run. I can run so much farther and faster than ever. I don't even notice my breathing because I am getting tons of oxygen.

I have exercise induced asthma also; I didn't get diagonsed until I was an adult. Once I got diagnosed my mom, aunt and cousin also realized that they might have it also. I get chest pain and cough a lot; my mom starts feeling like she wants to lay down (on the path) and take a nap. The inhaler helps so much!


I ran what was supposed to be 6 miles today, turns out I remembered what I mapped wrong and it was only 5.18....and it was a horrible run. My cat talked me into a nap after work this morning so once I woke up, it was later that I wanted and I was groggy, I forgot to take my inhaler, I overdressed, and I was dehydrated I stopped at the library for water and was able to finish the run and rewarded my self with a cherry pepsi. I don't normally allow myself to drink soda on weekends but it was all I could think about during the run...a nice cold cherry pepsi! Lesson learned, don't talk to the cat before running...

 

[HockeyKat]

My cat talked me into a nap after work this morning
...
Lesson learned, don't talk to the cat before running...

Love it!!

 

[saysay]

I think I will affix one of our many tiara's to a hat....though liking that bondi band. I want to get a running skirt...I think a tu tu would bother me.

Jeannekay....don't feel bad about putting your family first. The race will be there next year! Enjoy those meets!

I was supposed to do 6 miles today but since I am running in a 10K on thanksgiving, just did 3.7. Hoping this little sub of the long run won't mess things up! It was 73 here today...beautiful day for a run!

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

For the half I think I will just wear my running skirt and probably get one of those bondi bands. For the Family 5K my daughter and I will wear matching tutus and tiaras

 

[Saylan]

I've been experimenting a bit and will probably be making my own princess headband for the race (much cheaper than buying it). I'm still undecided on the clothes, but whatever they turn out to be, they will be pink!

 

[Hockeychic]

I always wear my WISH shirt to all races. Last time I wore a princess crown as well and have bought one, time will tell if I wear it. I also always wear capri's but would love to make the switch to a running skirt, I think they are so cute.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i'm not sure what i'll wear! i don't do running skirts - nothing against them, just not me. maybe a little clip on tiara or something. i saw some lady walking around target with one the other day, lol! maybe it was her birthday??

i ran a little this week. my foot was still really bothering me. yesterday dh, ds and i went to the westchester road runner store (well, dh sat in the car while ds napped). the guys and gals in there were awesome! at first i was nervous that they would take one look at me and be like, "um, yeah, you're so NOT a runner" but i told they guy i needed new shoes, i had a foot injury, my current shoes suck and he was like, "well, when you leave here we will have helped one thing: no more sucky shoes!" haha. he spent a ton of time with me and had me running up and down the sidewalk to see how i felt.

i wound up with the nike zoom vomero 5. i like them! what i wasn't crazy about was the fact that they were $130. i had a $50 amex card though so that helped the pain a little.

i'm excited to use them and he suggested that i wear them all the time until my injury is better because they have the exact support i need. i had originally gone in thinking i'd buy a pair of running shoes too and he didn't even try to sell me another pair. to me, that's awesome service!

one bad thing (of course) - on my left foot, the injured one, is a HUGE rash that's been there for days. and it's spreading. ***??? i'm gonna go to the doctor today to see what it's all about.

if you made it this far, thanks for reading!!!

 

[Kensgirl519]

Hi Shelby, I just had to write, because I had trouble breathing also at one time.
I went to an Asthma doctor, and he measured the amount of oxygen I held in my lungs. I wasn't getting enough oxygen. Over weight people have trouble also because fat is pushing on their lungs and they don't get enough oxygen either.

He also said that a few allergies would make my lungs have trouble when I am running outside. I used to cough also. He said I had exercised-induced asthma. That means, it only bothers me when I am running. Bingo!

So, now I use an inhaler 15 minutes before a run. I can run so much farther and faster than ever. I don't even notice my breathing because I am getting tons of oxygen.

I am 45, married for 23 years with 2 boys and have decided to pull out of the race because the family wants to go somewhere else that is warmer. I felt really sad at first, but noticed that my family comes first and all of this running everyday made me neglect them and the housework. My sons school swimming is coming up and I really want to be awake at the meets. Lol
Good luck to you. Good luck to you all! I can't wait to see how you all did and hope you can post some pictures after the race.

Thank you all so much for the input and advice. After reading this, I made a doctors appointment! I never mentioned this in my original post, but when I got home after my run, I spent the next hour or so coughing. I couldn't figure out what the deal was with me but blamed it on just being out of shape. I also never mentioned that I also have a larger chest and when wearing a sports bra, i feel somewhat already restricted. Almost like I can't take a nice deep breath.

Anyway, this board really has helped me alot and I really appreciate all of you so much!

As far as you pulling out of the race, there is nothing to feel bad about. It is so wonderful to have a family to spend time with - as there are many who don't have what alot of us do. My family is pretty easy to talk into a Disney trip (since I have my 5 year old on my side! LOL) Anyway - when I'm breathing good during the race and finishing , don't think for a moment you won't be one of the many people in my mind!

 

[Belle&Boys]

Real Name: Robin
Age: 36 (until December)
Location: Charlotte, NC
Family Stats: Married with DS 9 and DS 6
Meaning of DIS Name: I LOVE Beauty & the Beast, and I’m surrounded by boys!
Races: Random 5ks back in the 90’s and my most recent – Twilight 5k in May ‘10
Upcoming Races: Princess Half!!!!!!
Pets: None
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, Running, TV, reading – anything other than work or housecleaning
Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom at the end of Extra Magic Hours… I love the quiet of the park and lights
For Fun: Traveling anywhere
Part of the Pack: towards the back
Favorite Disney Dining Spots: Kona Café, The Wave (cool atmosphere), Biergarten German buffet – lived in Germany, so it has a special place in my heart. Can’t wait to finally try Coral Reef and 50’s PTC during my Princess trip!
Coolest Things You Ever Did: all of the traveling around Europe I was able to do, and making a healthy turnaround over the last couple of years. I lost almost 30 lbs and decided to not “give up”. I’m going to hit 40 in a few years and I want to be a happier and healthier me/wife/mom!

 

[chernabogfamily]

To DumboBuddy:
I hope the rash is something very mild and easy to fix. You've had a lot going on--enjoy Thanksgiving and then you can get your mind and body back in the groove.

To Kensgirl:
My son also has exercise and allergy induced asthma. He gets the same way after vigorous activity...and on windy days. Hopefully, it will be an easy fix to help you take in more air. Good luck.

To Swmr359:
Don't listen to the cat LOL!!!

I agree with Trudes and HockeyKat:
I think all women and moms deserve a little me time (all men deserve it as well). Taking time for myself is where I keep my "sense-of-self" throughout my hectic life as chauffeur, secretary, cook, maid, personal shopper, decorator, etc, etc...
For me, running is a much-loved (it's a love-hate thing) and desired part of my day. I can admit to doing it less these days than in the past, due to schedule conflicts. But, I have found that with my 3-day-running week I am seeing greater improvements in form and speed (and less injury by far), than I did with my 5-6 day running weeks.
With all that being said, only you can decide when it is right for you to take time for yourself and when it is time for the family to come first. Everyone is different!
Good luck in whichever decision you all make.
Happy Running~~~

 

[koolgirl]

i ran a little this week. my foot was still really bothering me. yesterday dh, ds and i went to the westchester road runner store (well, dh sat in the car while ds napped). the guys and gals in there were awesome! at first i was nervous that they would take one look at me and be like, "um, yeah, you're so NOT a runner" but i told they guy i needed new shoes, i had a foot injury, my current shoes suck and he was like, "well, when you leave here we will have helped one thing: no more sucky shoes!" haha. he spent a ton of time with me and had me running up and down the sidewalk to see how i felt.

i wound up with the nike zoom vomero 5. i like them! what i wasn't crazy about was the fact that they were $130. i had a $50 amex card though so that helped the pain a little.

i'm excited to use them and he suggested that i wear them all the time until my injury is better because they have the exact support i need. i had originally gone in thinking i'd buy a pair of running shoes too and he didn't even try to sell me another pair. to me, that's awesome service!

one bad thing (of course) - on my left foot, the injured one, is a HUGE rash that's been there for days. and it's spreading. ***??? i'm gonna go to the doctor today to see what it's all about.

if you made it this far, thanks for reading!!!

So glad you went to the running store. The best thing I ever did was consult "real running experts". I love my Nike Triax. Felt a little funny running up and down the sidewalk of the local strip mall but well worth it! I hope this helps ease some pain. Have you been icing your foot or putting some kind of rub on it??? Oh, I hope the doctor can ID the rash and you can get rid of it quickly.

I have to say that as I was working (boy was it WORK for some reason!) through my 6 miler this weekend, I kept thinking of all of you doing this through injury and thought "I can do this if they can"; I was feeling a bit wimpy at moments Anyway, great job everyone in persevering...only 94 days left!!! Have a great Monday!

Good luck to all the Turkey Trotters!

~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

On the tiara/tutu debate: I personally don't like extra things on me when I run, but that's me. As long as you train with the tutu/tiara, it shouldn't be an issue. Don't try it for the first time on race morning.

 

[koolgirl]

I need to say that I don't think it is selfish at all to do this race with or without your family there. First year, I went on a 5-day weekend with my girlfriends to do it, this year took just my husband --2 trips to Disney without my KIDS-- I'm so excited to share it with them this year. It was so amazing to finish the first year with 4 of my very closest friends who had made the journey with me and encouraged me daily to keep going; then this year at mile 12 to see my husband there with tears in his eyes so proud of me...each experience was so different for me and no one here on this board will have the same experience. For someone it might be the very first time she says "I'm important too---important enough to do this for me" It will make her a better woman, wife &/or mom. For others, choosing NOT to go and choosing to instead save the money or just be with family is just as big a choice. Finding the balance and the courage to choose what is best for us is something we women don't always come to easily - either because we put our family before our own needs or we cave to peer pressure even as adults! I think it is hysterical that for so many of us it happens as we are about to hit 40

Reading the short snippets of your lives on these pages is really inspiring. Thanks for letting me join...