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

[jmasgat]

Jeannekay I didn't start running til I was 49+ (It was something to do in the year I turned 50. Just 2+ years ago. And I have done so much that I NEVER thought possible, including qualifying to run Boston marathon. So don't think you can't, because you can!

So I am debating 1 of the following 4 options for a midwinter break. Anyone want to weigh in?

1) Go to FL in February and run a local 1/2 marathon
2) Revise my marathon training plan and go to FL for Princess (and early baseball)
3) Go to FL in March and run local 1/2 and watch spring training
4) Save my money and just stay home! (Okay, DD wants to go to Germany next year and DH and I may be going to Washington(state) to cycle next summer)

Decisions, decisions. FL is cheap in early Feb, which was my first thought. But princess could be fun-haven't got that medal yet. Baseball is always good. But spending ~$1000 on something that could be done at home for $0--especially since I will be in WDW next month--might be foolish.

I'm ready for convincing!

Maura

 

[marathonmommy]

Do you really have to ask our opinion of this question on the Disney Princess Half Marathon thread? What do you think we will say? Join in our madness, PLEASE! I just registered last week after much internal conflict and debate. Come on - register. Everybody's doing it!

Jeannekay I didn't start running til I was 49+ (It was something to do in the year I turned 50. Just 2+ years ago. And I have done so much that I NEVER thought possible, including qualifying to run Boston marathon. So don't think you can't, because you can!

So I am debating 1 of the following 4 options for a midwinter break. Anyone want to weigh in?

1) Go to FL in February and run a local 1/2 marathon
2) Revise my marathon training plan and go to FL for Princess (and early baseball)
3) Go to FL in March and run local 1/2 and watch spring training
4) Save my money and just stay home! (Okay, DD wants to go to Germany next year and DH and I may be going to Washington(state) to cycle next summer)

Decisions, decisions. FL is cheap in early Feb, which was my first thought. But princess could be fun-haven't got that medal yet. Baseball is always good. But spending ~$1000 on something that could be done at home for $0--especially since I will be in WDW next month--might be foolish.

I'm ready for convincing!

Maura

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

I say do the Princess Half with all of us Would you expect a different answer here! LOL

 

[joan4mickey]

Jeannekay I didn't start running til I was 49+ (It was something to do in the year I turned 50. Just 2+ years ago. And I have done so much that I NEVER thought possible, including qualifying to run Boston marathon. So don't think you can't, because you can!

So I am debating 1 of the following 4 options for a midwinter break. Anyone want to weigh in?

1) Go to FL in February and run a local 1/2 marathon
2) Revise my marathon training plan and go to FL for Princess (and early baseball)
3) Go to FL in March and run local 1/2 and watch spring training
4) Save my money and just stay home! (Okay, DD wants to go to Germany next year and DH and I may be going to Washington(state) to cycle next summer)

Maura

First

I really thought you had been running much longer and now I must pick it. My DS keeps telling me to work harder and expect more.

You must get the Princess Bling and maybe you could bring your runner daughter. The first half I did was with my girls..you know how special that can be. I thought too much $$$$, but DH said "priceless". I'm back for a third time and my DD will return with me this year (they skipped last year).

 

[koolgirl]

Jeannekay I didn't start running til I was 49+ (It was something to do in the year I turned 50. Just 2+ years ago. And I have done so much that I NEVER thought possible, including qualifying to run Boston marathon. So don't think you can't, because you can!

So I am debating 1 of the following 4 options for a midwinter break. Anyone want to weigh in?

1) Go to FL in February and run a local 1/2 marathon
2) Revise my marathon training plan and go to FL for Princess (and early baseball)
3) Go to FL in March and run local 1/2 and watch spring training
4) Save my money and just stay home! (Okay, DD wants to go to Germany next year and DH and I may be going to Washington(state) to cycle next summer)

Decisions, decisions. FL is cheap in early Feb, which was my first thought. But princess could be fun-haven't got that medal yet. Baseball is always good. But spending ~$1000 on something that could be done at home for $0--especially since I will be in WDW next month--might be foolish.

I'm ready for convincing!

Maura

You are amazing! Living in Boston, I seriously cannot ever imagine doing the marathon here...such a huge life accomplishment...congrats on qualifying!!!

Gotta go with the other girls and say come to the Princess. However, we are making a long weekend trip to see the Sox at Spring Training in March and I totally get that pull too. So, number 3 would be a great choice as well.

Whatever you decide, good luck in April! I'll be at Fenway that day but we'll go out to the finsh line for a bit after the game. I'll definitely think of you

 

[saysay]

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.

The galloway training is only 3 days a week for time for muscles and joints to recover..... You might be pleasantly surprised if you go down to 3 days!

 

[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.

Thanks for your help! That seems do-able for me. I have been sad, and running does cheer me up. (The short runs Lol) I had friends and family say "No, stop, you'll get hurt" . All of them. I am going to turn off my ears for awhile.

Thanks for the support.

 

[saysay]

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

WOW awesome time Joan! Way to go.

 

[Jeannekay]

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

That's an awesome OMG time!!!! Congratulations!!

 

[Jeannekay]

The galloway training is only 3 days a week for time for muscles and joints to recover..... You might be pleasantly surprised if you go down to 3 days!

Wow! Thanks, I'll check it out right now.

Just printed it out and will go read it. Thank you!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

ah boo! all these injuries! that really stinks! i'm sorry that not everyone is feeling great.

i actually have some good news! i ran in my brand new sneakers and my foot felt great! GREAT!!! woot!!!

the rash on my foot apparently is contact dermatitis. so like, poison ivy or something? i'm on a steroid and some lotion stuff for it. it's so itchy!!! hopefully it'll go away soooooon!

anyone doing some good runs on thanksgiving? i was going to do a 5 miler in brooklyn but didn't sign up. i might try to get in 5 anyway (assuming the foot still feels ok)

 

[koolgirl]

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

WOW...Congrats! That is such a great time.

 

[Jeannekay]

Wow! Thanks, I'll check it out right now.

Can someone show me the website that shows how full the princess marathon is right now?

DH says that I look so sad, that I should do the princess.

The website main page says 65% full. Is that accurate?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Wow! Thanks, I'll check it out right now.

Can someone show me the website that shows how full the princess marathon is right now?

DH says that I look so sad, that I should do the princess.

The website main page says 65% full. Is that accurate?

The www.rundisney.com is the only website that shows the capacity. They update the amounts periodically. I highly doubt it will sell out more than two weeks out - but one thing to keep in mind is that your name will only be printed on your race bib if you register by January 1st. At least that is what the rundisney.com website claims. Regardless of what you decide, the race isn't going anywhere so if 2012 is your year, there will still be many of us on this thread there I would imagine. You are not too old - look at the results on Active - just google Disney Princess Half Marathon and 2010. There are all ages at the race...it is never too late! It doesn't matter how fast you are (as long as you stay above that 16 min. per mile threshold), it is all about finishing...some would say that it is just about the experience...but this race and all Disney races are expensive once you add everything up, so I really recommend that anyone who chooses to sign up is truly ready to complete those 13.1 miles because unless I lived next door to Disney and didn't need to stay in a hotel, had the Florida Resident pass, and didn't have to pay transportation costs, I have to get my moneys worth and get that medal while having fun of course!

If you are sore, having any pain, definitely take a break. Follow the Jeff Galloway or the Hal Higdon walking half marathon plan - it is easier on the joints. I love Hal Higdon's plans - but use the intervals training that Jeff touts. There is no shame in walking the half! Especially if it is your first one. So, don't get discouraged...everything will fall into place just stick to a plan, and don't overdo it. The only person that matters is you - if others run faster, aren't sore after running, etc. who cares? It is all about you! That is what I had to learn because when I would see people with more experience, better times, and who I thought were better prepared, it was easy to psych myself out. But, I enjoyed the DL half much better because I didn't care about the people around me - it was just me, and I enjoyed it so much more. JMHO.

 

[saysay]

ah boo! all these injuries! that really stinks! i'm sorry that not everyone is feeling great.

i actually have some good news! i ran in my brand new sneakers and my foot felt great! GREAT!!! woot!!!

the rash on my foot apparently is contact dermatitis. so like, poison ivy or something? i'm on a steroid and some lotion stuff for it. it's so itchy!!! hopefully it'll go away soooooon!

anyone doing some good runs on thanksgiving? i was going to do a 5 miler in brooklyn but didn't sign up. i might try to get in 5 anyway (assuming the foot still feels ok)

Yay for no sore feet.

I am registered for a local 10k. Hoping I finish strong! I won't feel so bad eating Thanksgiving after that race in th e morning.

 

[marathonmommy]

Jeannekay I didn't start running til I was 49+ (It was something to do in the year I turned 50. Just 2+ years ago. And I have done so much that I NEVER thought possible, including qualifying to run Boston marathon. So don't think you can't, because you can!


Maura

Maura,
Were you a runner in high school or when you were younger? Or, is this just a talent you discovered at 49? That seems so crazy! You should be so proud. Although I MAY have the determination and have improved my time significantly over the last year (I did a 3:05 Half in January and a 2:23 Half last weekend), I don't think I have the natural God-given ability to ever qualify for Boston. You are my hero!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Yay for no sore feet.

I am registered for a local 10k. Hoping I finish strong! I won't feel so bad eating Thanksgiving after that race in th e morning.

that's why even though i'm not doing a race, i at least want to knock out 4 or 5 miles! i would have loved to do more but i don't want to push the mileage so soon after my footsy is feeling better.

good luck on the 10k!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Maura,
Were you a runner in high school or when you were younger? Or, is this just a talent you discovered at 49? That seems so crazy! You should be so proud. Although I MAY have the determination and have improved my time significantly over the last year (I did a 3:05 Half in January and a 2:23 Half last weekend), I don't think I have the natural God-given ability to ever qualify for Boston. You are my hero!

agree! you are my hero too!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

tomorrow is the big turkey day! what is everyone doing? anyone cooking?

dh, ds, and i are headed to new rochelle, ny which is only about a 20 or 30 min drive from our house. woot! yay for no big traveling! my dad is one of 10 kids and i'm the second oldest of 27 cousins (the oldest is only 6 months older and just got married this past weekend!). it'll be a fun time. my little guy is the only great grandkid so until a new baby comes along he'll be getting alot of attention

i'm not cooking anything - i'm in charge of bringing pies (none of which i will bake, hehe). time to get to the bakery and pick up some pies!

what are your plans?? besides running and eating, of course!

 

[jmasgat]

Yeah....I know what I expected to hear from the Princess board.... Decisions, decisions--something to ponder while eating turkey tomorrow.

Thanks (blushing) for the compliments. My only point in bringing it up was to make the point that taking up running-or walking or whatever can be done at any age. I think I just discovered that you have to WANT to do something--not be pushed into it by anyone else other than yourself. It just took me a while longer than most to want to do it.

So congrats to everyone who is doing this at any age younger than 49. You have all made a commitment that I just couldn't make back then.

Maura