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

[crystalight33]

Lol, I've learned to never listen to my cat! Except that when I ignore his advice, he hacks up a hairball on the carpet right next to my side of the bed....wonderful morning surprise!

So, maybe someone else can learn from my mistake. Ran 7.5 miles yesterday. At about mile 2, I rolled my foot going down a hill (I hate to say twisted my ankle because my ankle was mostly un-involved). Hurt like the dickens, but after walking it off for about 5 mins, it was back to pain free. At this point, I should have called it and walked the .5 mile back home, but I was like, "Hey, no pain, I'm fine!" So I ran the last 5 miles of my run (no pain). I got home, stretched, and sat down with a glass of water, but when I got back up, I couldn't use my foot.... Wonderful.... I iced it yesterday and have been wearing a brace and taking lots of ibprofen. It seems slightly worse today than yesterday, but swelling is minimal, so I think (I hope) it's just irritated.

Moral of the story - Don't run injured!!!!!

As far as what I'm wearing, I have a small pair of wings and am making a short tutu. I'm thinking of doing 2 braids in my hair and putting those little rhinestones that you twist into your hair in the braids (like these http://www.daisy-days.com/shell-hair-twist-in.html). The wings may get a little annoying, but I really can't imagine a slight annoyance like that affecting my ability to finish the race, but thats just me. I want to have fun at this race and that involves dressing in costume for me.

 

[FFigawi]

I want to have fun at this race and that involves dressing in costume for me.

Ditto! I had a great time running in costume (tutu, wig, tiara, wand) at the Disneyland half back in September and will certainly break it out again. I didn't wear everything before race day, but I did put the tutu on to see how it fit. Good thing I did because it needed to be trimmed down some so it didn't rub on my legs below my shorts.

 

[joan4mickey]

This year at the Princess I tried to help out a guy...his tutu was "riding up" so I told him he needed to cover his back side as his tutu had come up...Poor guy, he looked at me confused and kept running. I sure hope that wasn't you, JOHN. We ran most of the race together. He did have compression shorts on.

 

[FFigawi]

No, that thankfully wasn't me. My outfit stayed in place the entire race. I even kept it on after the finish to get a nice picture with some other people in similar costumes.

 

[marathonmommy]

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.

Ummm...hell, no! I am NOT running in a tutu around my neighborhood for training. If it doesn't work race day and annoys me too much, I will chuck it! (As an aside, I wore CW-X tights for the first time during my Half on Sunday and LOVED them. I think they really helped my knee!)

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

Funny you should say this . . . I have been to Disney twice within the last year (WDW Half and Wine and Dine Half) without my kids. Swore I could NOT do that to them again, in my own head, but just registered for the Princess and they can't come! So it will be 3 trips without them. Granted, they are more of long weekends than vacations, so I justify them in my mind because they solely revolve around women's races. And wouldn't you know it . . . I am 40. Perhaps, I am having a mid-life crisis. I lost a ton of weight and have completed 3 Half Marathons, a 10 Miler Race, and a 7 Mile Trail run this Fall - and up until this Fall, I HATED running. If this is a mid-life crisis that is wrong, I don't want to be right!

 

[Trudes]

Funny you should say this . . . I have been to Disney twice within the last year (WDW Half and Wine and Dine Half) without my kids. Swore I could NOT do that to them again, in my own head, but just registered for the Princess and they can't come! So it will be 3 trips without them. Granted, they are more of long weekends than vacations, so I justify them in my mind because they solely revolve around women's races. And wouldn't you know it . . . I am 40. Perhaps, I am having a mid-life crisis. I lost a ton of weight and have completed 3 Half Marathons, a 10 Miler Race, and a 7 Mile Trail run this Fall - and up until this Fall, I HATED running. If this is a mid-life crisis that is wrong, I don't want to be right!

I enjoyed this marathonmommy!

 

[Kensgirl519]

Boo hiss!!!! So after a few weeks of "my legs are sore" and "resting" them and slowly working back up to my running - I decided to just take the advice of several of you and have a sports medicine/orthopedic check it out.... good thing I finally listened - looks like someone has stress fractures!

Luckily - I found a fanastic orthopedic doctor. Trained the US Naval Academy and was their doc for 22 years, is a runner, LOVES TO RUN and thinks everyone should run, all of his children are runners too.... Anyway, he promises that he will get me in tip top shape for the Princess!

I will be holding him to it also! For now, he wants me to run in the pool. Not exactly sure how to do that since i'm only 5'2' on a good day and the water is usually over my head! But I am going to do whatever he tells me to.

So, I guess add me to the injured list and send me some pixie dust for a fast recovery!!

 

[MamaCrush]

Boo hiss!!!! So after a few weeks of "my legs are sore" and "resting" them and slowly working back up to my running - I decided to just take the advice of several of you and have a sports medicine/orthopedic check it out.... good thing I finally listened - looks like someone has stress fractures!

Luckily - I found a fanastic orthopedic doctor. Trained the US Naval Academy and was their doc for 22 years, is a runner, LOVES TO RUN and thinks everyone should run, all of his children are runners too.... Anyway, he promises that he will get me in tip top shape for the Princess!

I will be holding him to it also! For now, he wants me to run in the pool. Not exactly sure how to do that since i'm only 5'2' on a good day and the water is usually over my head! But I am going to do whatever he tells me to.

So, I guess add me to the injured list and send me some pixie dust for a fast recovery!!

Kensgirl, Kat and others-- I hate this for you! These stress fractures are major Disney villains! I'm still mourning the fact I'll not be able to do the Princess 2011 due to mine. But I console myself that as long as I follow drs orders, I'll should be good for the 2012!

Kensgirl-- I've looked into a running vest or belt for the pool. It basically keeps you afloat and upright so you can go through the running motion. I found them at Dicks Sporting Goods, but I'm sure Sports Authority, etc. would also have them.

Good luck and happy healing, everyone!

 

[Jeannekay]

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!

It was nice reading everyone's opinion. I am still struggling with the decision.
Swim started and I have to take DS to 5:45 am practices! Make double lunches because he has to stay after school for more swimming. Now, he is the one with sore muscles.

About the coughing: Coughing can be an asthma thing or a heart thing.

I did a treadmill test at the doctor's office. They had me walk uphill for about 9 minutes. My heart rate was still calm, so they had me run uphill for a few more minutes until my heart rate was about 175-180. Then, I quickly got off the treadmill and they did an ultrasound of my heart beating super fast. They sent the information to a cardiologist and he determined if I had something wrong with my heart that would keep me from running the 1/2 marathon. I got the GREEN light on the heart, so the coughing was definitely the asthma acting up.

I wonder if I can switch from running 6 days a week to 3 without getting an injury. All of that running and working out at the gym took up too much time.

 

[Jeannekay]

Boo hiss!!!! So after a few weeks of "my legs are sore" and "resting" them and slowly working back up to my running - I decided to just take the advice of several of you and have a sports medicine/orthopedic check it out.... good thing I finally listened - looks like someone has stress fractures!

Luckily - I found a fanastic orthopedic doctor. Trained the US Naval Academy and was their doc for 22 years, is a runner, LOVES TO RUN and thinks everyone should run, all of his children are runners too.... Anyway, he promises that he will get me in tip top shape for the Princess!

I will be holding him to it also! For now, he wants me to run in the pool. Not exactly sure how to do that since i'm only 5'2' on a good day and the water is usually over my head! But I am going to do whatever he tells me to.

So, I guess add me to the injured list and send me some pixie dust for a fast recovery!!

Oh, NO! I am so sorry to hear you have a stress fracture! I have never had one yet. Did they tell you to take a calcium supplement? I take glucosamine chondroitin. The calcuim gives me kidney stones, so I just drink milk.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[joan4mickey]

I wonder if I can switch from running 6 days a week to 3 without getting an injury. All of that running and working out at the gym took up too much time.

After some IT band issues, I switched from running 5 days a week to 3..usually MWF and I'm fine. In fact I have run faster this year. Most weeks I do a long run on Monday and shorter runs or speed or tempo work on the other days. I crosstrain on TTH.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

After some IT band issues, I switched from running 5 days a week to 3..usually MWF and I'm fine. In fact I have run faster this year. Most weeks I do a long run on Monday and shorter runs or speed or tempo work on the other days. I crosstrain on TTH.

I have ITBS issues, too. I run 3 or 4 days a week. 5 or 6 would be crazy for me.

 

[koolgirl]

Funny you should say this . . . I have been to Disney twice within the last year (WDW Half and Wine and Dine Half) without my kids. Swore I could NOT do that to them again, in my own head, but just registered for the Princess and they can't come! So it will be 3 trips without them. Granted, they are more of long weekends than vacations, so I justify them in my mind because they solely revolve around women's races. And wouldn't you know it . . . I am 40. Perhaps, I am having a mid-life crisis. I lost a ton of weight and have completed 3 Half Marathons, a 10 Miler Race, and a 7 Mile Trail run this Fall - and up until this Fall, I HATED running. If this is a mid-life crisis that is wrong, I don't want to be right!

I'll admit it...if it wasn't my kids school vaca week I'd probably be going yet again without them. We are actually going for a week this time.

So glad you don't HATE running anymore. I still do but in a "hate it but it gives me opportunity to eat what I want and go to fun places" kind of way. YOU are a running machine - congrats on the weight loss too! I think this is about the best mid-life crisis we could have...kudos Although...I do sometimes covet a cute black convertible BMW...

 

[HockeyKat]

Boo hiss!!!! So after a few weeks of "my legs are sore" and "resting" them and slowly working back up to my running - I decided to just take the advice of several of you and have a sports medicine/orthopedic check it out.... good thing I finally listened - looks like someone has stress fractures!

Luckily - I found a fanastic orthopedic doctor. Trained the US Naval Academy and was their doc for 22 years, is a runner, LOVES TO RUN and thinks everyone should run, all of his children are runners too.... Anyway, he promises that he will get me in tip top shape for the Princess!

I will be holding him to it also! For now, he wants me to run in the pool. Not exactly sure how to do that since i'm only 5'2' on a good day and the water is usually over my head! But I am going to do whatever he tells me to.

So, I guess add me to the injured list and send me some pixie dust for a fast recovery!!

OH NO!!! I really, really feel for you. Do you have one in each leg, or just one leg?

How is he treating it? I have an air cast and hate hate hate it, and was wondering if there were other options. Is he having you ice massage at night?

Running in the pool... I have the opposite problem, I had heard you were supposed to do it without touching the bottom and my gym's pool is 5' deep and I am 5'8".

I wonder if I can switch from running 6 days a week to 3 without getting an injury. All of that running and working out at the gym took up too much time.

Most training programs recommend 2 short runs (2-4 miles for half) and one long run (6-14 for half). The other days you can cross-train if you want to (biking, swimming, etc.). but it's not mandatory.

Wow, no wonder you are overwhelmed with training! There is no way I could do 6 days a week.

 

[Kensgirl519]

He believes it is in my left leg but thinks that there is a possiblity of it being in my right as well. I don't have an aircast - which kinda surprised me but I go back on Friday to view the bone scans - so maybe that is when I will get my little gift? He does have me icing it in the morning and at night. He told me that he saw no reason for me to give up on the 2011 Princess. He said if I follow what he tells me to do and train in other ways while I can't "run" - then he feels by Christmas I can get back on my running schedule. He did say he believed that I was doing to much to fast. (5 days a week) and that I would be better off doing only 3 days a week. He suggested Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - with Saturday being my long run days.

I'm still setting my sights on the Princess - i just hope it's a realistic goal.

 

[HockeyKat]

He believes it is in my left leg but thinks that there is a possiblity of it being in my right as well. I don't have an aircast - which kinda surprised me but I go back on Friday to view the bone scans - so maybe that is when I will get my little gift? He does have me icing it in the morning and at night. He told me that he saw no reason for me to give up on the 2011 Princess. He said if I follow what he tells me to do and train in other ways while I can't "run" - then he feels by Christmas I can get back on my running schedule. He did say he believed that I was doing to much to fast. (5 days a week) and that I would be better off doing only 3 days a week. He suggested Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - with Saturday being my long run days.

I'm still setting my sights on the Princess - i just hope it's a realistic goal.

Mine is in my left as well. She didn't do a bone scan because she saw enough evidence of it in the x-ray and through the symptoms.

My doctor also thought that I should be fine to train for the Princess. When I go back on Dec 28th she is going to give me a training plan that will get me back into it safely. Next week I am going to start with the cross training and swimming. She also cleared me for ice hockey 3 weeks in, considering skating is considering low-to-no impact.

Let me know via PM if you want to exchange emails and such and we can complain together.

 

[Jeannekay]

After some IT band issues, I switched from running 5 days a week to 3..usually MWF and I'm fine. In fact I have run faster this year. Most weeks I do a long run on Monday and shorter runs or speed or tempo work on the other days. I crosstrain on TTH.

Now that I look at my schedule, it is running 4 times a week. But since it says strengthen twice a week, I was going to the gym for two hours lifting weights and one day a week cross train, I was riding my bike or playing the wii or tennis. That Hal Higdon's gave me Friday off. But three days off a week would be better.

I was so tired on Sunday's, after my long run, that I couldn't clean or cook.

Maybe, I am just too old to keep up with you all. Lol I did notice that most of you are around 30 years young. I am 45.

 

[Jeannekay]

Mine is in my left as well. She didn't do a bone scan because she saw enough evidence of it in the x-ray and through the symptoms.

My doctor also thought that I should be fine to train for the Princess. When I go back on Dec 28th she is going to give me a training plan that will get me back into it safely. Next week I am going to start with the cross training and swimming. She also cleared me for ice hockey 3 weeks in, considering skating is considering low-to-no impact.

Let me know via PM if you want to exchange emails and such and we can complain together.

How does a person pm someone? I see a pm at the top of this page....

I think I got it HockeyKat!

 

[joan4mickey]

Maybe, I am just too old to keep up with you all. Lol I did notice that most of you are around 30 years young. I am 45.

No, you are not too old. I started this journey almost 3 years ago and I'm still alive and hope to see my 50th birthday next year.

On a very cool note...I ran a 5K Saturday...Santa Scramble and set a very high goal and I did it. Ran it in 24:10

 

[FFigawi]

On a very cool note...I ran a 5K Saturday...Santa Scramble and set a very high goal and I did it. Ran it in 24:10

That's an awesome 5K time! Congrats!