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

[Cripey]

WOO HOO! Continental dropped the fare to Orlando from Houston by $80 today....looks like I'll be booking this afternoon and it will all be official! I mean, I already had rooms booked and ADR's but those can all be cancelled...it always feels more official and set in stone when the plane is booked!

 

[UGAFan0829]

I've been going back and forth with whether or not I'm actually going to do this race. Up until a couple weeks ago, my mind was set on it, and my training was going okay. Then it's like I lost all my motivation to train. So, I decided I just couldn't make it, and even went as far as cancelling our reservation at POR. Of course I registered for the race the same day that it opened up, so no worries there. Now I've changed my mind again and decided that I really want to do this. I remember how proud I was last year when I crossed that finish line, and I really want to do it again. I'm just worried about my training. I had really hoped to be able to run at least half the distance, if not more, but I don't think that's going to work. As long as I finish then that's all that matters!! Now I've got to re-book a room!!!

Since I noticed everyone else was sharing, I thought I would too:

Real Name: Missy

Age: 31

Location: North GA, between Athens and Atlanta

Family Stats: Married with 3 four-legged children and 8 nieces and nephews that I love dearly!

Meaning of DIS Name: Speaks for itself...GOOOO DAWGS!

Races: Other than this year's Princess, I've only done a couple 5k's and that's it!

Upcoming Races: The 2011 Princess

Pets: 2 Basset Hounds-Molly (who's in heaven), Maggy and Sadie, and a Fiest-Buck

Hobbies/Interests: All things Disney, country music (especially Rhett Akins and Jason Aldean), traveling, dirt-track racing, shooting

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom

Part of the Pack: Wherever I'm at!

Favorite Disney Dining Spots: 'Ohana!!

Coolest Things You Ever Did: Finishing the 2010 Princess 1/2!

 

[Cripey]

WOO HOO! Continental dropped the fare to Orlando from Houston by $80 today....looks like I'll be booking this afternoon and it will all be official! I mean, I already had rooms booked and ADR's but those can all be cancelled...it always feels more official and set in stone when the plane is booked!

WOW! Just got back from lunch and the fare has gone down another $20

anyone that is planning to fly to Orlando for the Princess that hasn't booked yet should check...Southwest also dropped their fares today.

 

[Saylan]

Just an update, registration is now 70% full!

 

[Jeannekay]

Just an update, registration is now 70% full!

I am nervous and excited to be entered for the Princess Half! We haven't booked a flight yet. I will check into the Southwest or Continental.

I ran 5 miles Sunday. I was sluggish. Monday (rest day) Raked leaves, bagged them and dragged them to the curb. Grocery shopped until the cart was overflowing. It really wasn't a rest day.

Tuesday, I ran 35 minutes on the Jeff Galloway's Half training. I ran outside in the rain. It was 50*F, and thought it would be good practice in case it rained in Florida.

Wed. Jeff says rest, but Hal says run 30 minutes. Housework and doing laundry will take care of that!

Thursday - 3 miles at the gym on the treadmill that has a HILL workout. Will lift weights for my upper body, abs and back.

Friday - cleaning my house and my mom & dad's house. They are super old and need a little help.

Saturday - rest Sunday 6 miles

I bought one of the foam roller's at Dick Sporting. A person is supposed to roll their legs on it. Along their Illotibial, calves and hams etc. On the box is some instruction. It also says for 40yr. olds. Lol

 

[longhorns2]

Okay yall... I am in too!

Small issue... I signed up for the race in September. Got positive pregnancy test (unplanned) in October. Doh!

I'll be 24 weeks. Doc says to go for it (have been running for 3 years now- but nothing this long yet) He said as long as I was already training, keep doing it unless my body tells me different.

Anyone do this thing pregnant before? Or any 1/2 pregnant before?

I am a sloooowwww runner, so the pick up thing is going to be looming in my head as far as keeping the pace up. I can do 5Ks at 12.5 min miles comfortably (my fastest was a sub 10 min mile 5K), so figure the 13.1 will be more like 15 to 16 min miles... the cut off is 16!

Anyone have experience with previous races that can tell me about the sweepers? Do they have certain places they pick you up from, or do they just drive around in a bus and snatch you off the street? lol Wondering if I can mentally think "get past mile 5 and I should be good until mile 9" or something like that.

I am going to go back and read this whole thread- so the answer might be in there, but it's gonna take me a few days! LOL!!!!

Thanks for any help and suggestions. I figure I paid for it- I want to go to Disney- so I am going to GO FOR IT!

 

[disneyaway]

WOW! Just got back from lunch and the fare has gone down another $20

anyone that is planning to fly to Orlando for the Princess that hasn't booked yet should check...Southwest also dropped their fares today.

Thanks for letting us know. We had already booked our tickets through continental and these prices are 100$ per ticket cheaper. So I called but was told it would be a $150 change fee per ticket. Which really irritates me.

 

[Korileigh]

Anyone having trouble with plantar fasciitis? I am new to running and I am still mostly walking and this half will be my first. I am pretty slow and overweight - although i have lost 25 pounds so far in training! I am following the Galloway plan for those who just want to finish and this last weekend was a shorter one at 3 miles and it was so hard for some reason - harder than the 6 miler the weekend before. I had terrible shin splints and afterwards my left heel hurt really bad and still does. From the little reading I did it seems like the heel pain can result from plantar fasciitis. I tried to do 30 mins tonight and only got through 17 bc of the pain. Ugh. Trying not to get discouraged and worried about the 7 miles I need to do this weekend.

ALso I am not training with a group - any tips on how to push myself? Not sure I am working as hard as I should be some of the time.

Here is my info:

Real Name: Kori

Age: 37

Location: Nashville, TN

Family Stats: Married 14 years with 2 girls (7 and 9)

Meaning of DIS Name: It's my first and middle names

Races: I did a 5k about 5 years ago and that is it1!

Upcoming Races: The 2011 Princess

Pets:1 adorbale cavachon puppy - Maggie and 2 cats - Maeby (name from arrested development) and Sharpay

Hobbies/Interests: All things Disney, music, traveling, reading, family, games

Favorite Disney Park: Magic Kingdom

Favorite Disney Dining Spots: Le Cellier and Kona,

Coolest Things You Ever Did: Got my master's degree at 36

 

[Grammie3]

Anyone having trouble with plantar fasciitis? I am new to running and I am still mostly walking and this half will be my first. I am pretty slow and overweight - although i have lost 25 pounds so far in training! I am following the Galloway plan for those who just want to finish and this last weekend was a shorter one at 3 miles and it was so hard for some reason - harder than the 6 miler the weekend before. I had terrible shin splints and afterwards my left heel hurt really bad and still does. From the little reading I did it seems like the heel pain can result from plantar fasciitis. I tried to do 30 mins tonight and only got through 17 bc of the pain. Ugh. Trying not to get discouraged and worried about the 7 miles I need to do this weekend.

Hi, Kori and welcome to my world. I have developed the same. Shin splints, now that I know more about the problem of plantar fascitis, should have been my first warning sign, that I was not stretching enough and that I had the wrong shoes for the walking that I was doing. I started in August doing a walking interval program and that is when I developed the shin splints. Then my heels on the bottom felt like I was walking on rocks. My right foot got better, no pain at all there. But, the left foot still has a nagging pain, but it is not severe anymore. I have tried everything, for suggested treatments. I am only planning on doing the 5K since I am just getting into this and will be more walk to run intervals. I actually walk as fast as I run, and don't get as tired from the walking. I thought my problem started because of the hills I was walking, duh! Not at all since training on an indoor track it got worse.

I am taking it easy and have rested my foot, for a few weeks. I have been icing it, stretching exercises and tried several orthodics. I have also been trying to find the right shoe, getting a little costly. I have settled on the third pair, gave the second pair to my DIL and still have the first pair in the closet.

Hope you can get yours feeling better.

Cindy

 

[Grammie3]

Here is my information:

NAME: Cindy
AGE: 57
FAMILY: Married, 39yrs on December 28, two grown sons-both married, 4 grandchildren, 3 grandsons and 1 princess
DISNAME: Grammie3 (obviously before grandchild #4 came)
FAVORITE PARK: Magic Kingdom with Epcot not far behind
FAVORITE EATING PLACE: Chefs de France and The Plaza
RACES: Did the Biking portion of a Triatholon many years ago, was in a lot of Rowing races. None by foot.
UPCOMING RACE: Royal 5K
COOLEST THING EVER DONE: Coming in first place in a parent/child rowing national race. ( Child was hardly a child since he was 19yrs old, but it counted)

HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK DO I TRAIN: 2-3X depends on my foot how it is doing. I am training by the Couch to 5K intervals.
CROSSTRAINING: Sometimes, using my Wi Fit Plus
HOW MANY FULL REST DAYS: 2 or may be 5 if foot is hurting
STRAIGHT RUN OR RUN/WALK: Whatever my foot tolerates, mostly a fast walk/run intervals.
WHAT PARK DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE IN: Magic Kingdom after the 5K and Epcot on Sunday. Doing Dinner Sunday at GF with friends.
ARRIVING AND DEPARTING: Arriving Friday and departing on Monday

Cindy

 

[Swmr359]

Anyone having trouble with plantar fasciitis? I am new to running and I am still mostly walking and this half will be my first. I am pretty slow and overweight - although i have lost 25 pounds so far in training! I am following the Galloway plan for those who just want to finish and this last weekend was a shorter one at 3 miles and it was so hard for some reason - harder than the 6 miler the weekend before. I had terrible shin splints and afterwards my left heel hurt really bad and still does. From the little reading I did it seems like the heel pain can result from plantar fasciitis. I tried to do 30 mins tonight and only got through 17 bc of the pain. Ugh. Trying not to get discouraged and worried about the 7 miles I need to do this weekend.

How old are your shoes? I get shin pain when it's past time for new shoes. I haven't had plantar fasciitis, but my mom used to. She would freeze soda bottles and then roll them with her feet at night; I think it helped her.
Congratulations on the 25lb loss!!

 

[Kensgirl519]

Korileigh super job on the weight loss! That is SOOOOO Awesome as I know first hand how hard that is to do! (I'm only at 12 pounds but I'm doing it!)

As far as plantar fascitis - i have been cursed with this BEFORE I even started exercising. I went to the ER because I had no idea what was going on. Just woke up and couldn't walk..... Anyway - the advice about freezing a water bottle was the BEST that I received and it was from my Orthopedic Dr. I was SHOCKED that it worked. I wake up now everymorning and stretch my toes and it really helps. Rolling the water bottle under your arch really does work - so give that I try. My understanding is that once you really start stretching your foot regularly, it helps and doesn't happen that often. I haven't had it again since April - but now i'm healing a stress fracture.

 

[Kensgirl519]

Any Marylanders out there???? Jeff Galloway is going to be at Fleet Feet in Baltimore this weekend giving a running class!!! Contact me if you want more information! I want to go but I'm not sure if it's an actual "running" class or a lecture type but with a stress fracture there will be no "running" for me....

 

[koolgirl]

How far are you training to for the Princess? Would like to add to this survey:

What park are you going to celebrate in after the race? I was planning on going to Epcot Sunday after the princess and doing Harry Potter on Saturday, but tickets are like $84 for each one!!! Since funds are limited right now, I have to pick one. I'm definitely going to go on Sunday after the race because I want to wear my medal!!!! I'm kind of thinking Harry Potter (blasphemy, I know...) just because it's somewhere I've never been before and my mom (who will be my travel buddy) likes Harry Potter as well.

After the race, I think we will go to Epcot but maybe MK, depends what we've accomplished in the days before.

However, I wanted to echo your HP dilemma! We really want to go to WWOHP one day (probably Thursday) but adding that is so expensive! Especially compared to adding a 7th day to our park hopper. I think if you are choosing ONE thing to do though, I'd go with HP---yes, sounds blasphemous but you'll be in the minority with your medal on there---more Princess attention is never a bad thing And, technically, you'll have gotten to run down Main Street already

Coolest Things You Ever Did: Finishing the 2010 Princess 1/2!

I love that this is your "coolest thing" as it is for so many of us in some way or another. BTW, LOVED your trip report! I haven't ever read trip reports and it was such a great way to get to know you and see some details of the 1/2 Marathon Weekend!

Small issue... I signed up for the race in September. Got positive pregnancy test (unplanned) in October. Doh!

Anyone have experience with previous races that can tell me about the sweepers? Do they have certain places they pick you up from, or do they just drive around in a bus and snatch you off the street? lol Wondering if I can mentally think "get past mile 5 and I should be good until mile 9" or something like that.

First...CONGRATS! Second, "Runners World" dedicated a magazine recently to runners who run while pregnant, you could probably find good advice there. Third, submit a time for the race so you get into a closer corral; get near the front of that corral; remember that the "sweepers" are sweeping people who are slower than 16 min pace from the LAST person to cross the start line. Check other threads on the board, I did recently see one about people who have been swept.
Good Luck!!


~~~ Jennifer ~~~

 

[Cripey]

ALso I am not training with a group - any tips on how to push myself? Not sure I am working as hard as I should be some of the time.

I'm not training with a group either...I keep two main things in mind when I feel like I need that extra push or those "I don't know if I can really do this" thoughs come creeping up. The first thing I think about is the 5 friends and family members that jumped on board immediately and said they'd be there to cheer me on as soon as I said I signed up...they are all excited to spend their vacation time and $$ to travel to Florida just to support me...so I HAVE to do it...that's a great motivator! I also like to use "rewards" to push myself...for me, that means not one single cheeseburger until I finish this race...I haven't had one since March and I'm SOOOOO looking forward to having one for lunch after the race! I also remind myself, oh about 100 times, during each run about how CUTE the Princess medal is and how disappointed I'd be in myself if I gave up and didn't get it. All of these things will usually help to push a little harder in training because I know the harder I work now, the easier it's going to be on Feb. 27!

 

[longhorns2]

Thanks Jennifer! I loved that RW- but I am nowhere near those ladies levels. LOL!!! But I know running pregnant is ok, so I will keep on keeping on!

Good to know about the last corals- I didn't realize that. So I should move up to the front of whatever coral I get in and just go from there. That makes me feel a little better.

 

[longhorns2]

Real Name: Patty

Age: 36- Birthday is the day after the Princess! Yay me!

Location: Central Texas

Family Stats: Married with DS 7, DD 5, DS 3 and one on the way!

Meaning of DIS Name: I went to UT- Hookem!

Upcoming Races: 5K on Friday for RMDH and then the Princess! Maybe doing the Austin half end of January

Pets: Big ol yellow dog named Ranger

Hobbies/Interests: Running, reading, and sleeping (YES, it's a hobby! lol!)

Favorite Disney Park: MK- always MK. It's where the magic happens!

Coolest Things You Ever Did: gah- I don't know. I worked for a NHL team before- that was kinda cool.

How many times do you run each week? Do you do distance or time? Right now, 5 days a week. I try to get in 15-20 miles- some days I only have X amount of time, so it's shorter distance, but then I make up the miles on the other days.

Do you cross-train or just run? Before I got pregnant I was Xtraining too- but just now getting out of the M/S time period and feeling human again! Will try to get back on P90X ASAP because it was GREAT for Xtraining.

How many all-rest days? at least one, but I like 2 a week

Are you doing straight run or run/walk? run walk. Going to slow down for the race to a 1:1 or 2:1 most likely on the race day.

Most importantly---when are you arriving/leaving the Happiest Place on Earth for the Princess weekend?!?
Get there on Saturday and leave on Tuesday! Birthday celebration at California Grill with my friends who are traveling in for the race! Girls weekend!!! Yahoooooo!!!

 

[Jeannekay]

Okay yall... I am in too!

Small issue... I signed up for the race in September. Got positive pregnancy test (unplanned) in October. Doh!

I'll be 24 weeks. Doc says to go for it (have been running for 3 years now- but nothing this long yet) He said as long as I was already training, keep doing it unless my body tells me different.

Anyone do this thing pregnant before? Or any 1/2 pregnant before?

I am a sloooowwww runner, so the pick up thing is going to be looming in my head as far as keeping the pace up. I can do 5Ks at 12.5 min miles comfortably (my fastest was a sub 10 min mile 5K), so figure the 13.1 will be more like 15 to 16 min miles... the cut off is 16!

Anyone have experience with previous races that can tell me about the sweepers? Do they have certain places they pick you up from, or do they just drive around in a bus and snatch you off the street? lol Wondering if I can mentally think "get past mile 5 and I should be good until mile 9" or something like that.

I am going to go back and read this whole thread- so the answer might be in there, but it's gonna take me a few days! LOL!!!!

Thanks for any help and suggestions. I figure I paid for it- I want to go to Disney- so I am going to GO FOR IT!

My first thought was, fear for the baby.
I have read about women running and their bodies held the baby fine.
I could not exercise hard like that. I felt my body would miscarry if I pushed too hard. I was tired all of the time I was pregnant.

If it was me, I would get three Doctors opinions.

If your the type of person that could walk all day, then maybe you could do it with part walking and part jogging. You will be about 4 months along and you would not be too big and awkward.

No doubt, the 1/2 marathon was tough for me the first time I did it, and I wasn't even pregnant.

Good Luck.


Today, I stretched and stretched. Felt great, like a massage. I like that new roller also.

Now, I'll watch some tv while icing my knees.

 

[Jeannekay]

I'm not training with a group either...I keep two main things in mind when I feel like I need that extra push or those "I don't know if I can really do this" thoughs come creeping up. The first thing I think about is the 5 friends and family members that jumped on board immediately and said they'd be there to cheer me on as soon as I said I signed up...they are all excited to spend their vacation time and $$ to travel to Florida just to support me...so I HAVE to do it...that's a great motivator! I also like to use "rewards" to push myself...for me, that means not one single cheeseburger until I finish this race...I haven't had one since March and I'm SOOOOO looking forward to having one for lunch after the race! I also remind myself, oh about 100 times, during each run about how CUTE the Princess medal is and how disappointed I'd be in myself if I gave up and didn't get it. All of these things will usually help to push a little harder in training because I know the harder I work now, the easier it's going to be on Feb. 27!

I'm not training with a group either. I like to concentrate on my own body. Run faster when I feel like I can and go slower when I don't feel so good.
I would feel bad, if I just decided to take off running fast and leave my friend behind.

My husband did ride his bike alongside me a few times during the summer. It was nice to have him carry my water and snacks for me. It was nice having the protection too. He was so shocked that I could run so far.

I am always looking for motivators. Pictures, items, reading stories about other runners, talking to friends who run and getting new songs to keep me motivated.

I am just starting out and will increase the intensity closer to the run day.
I know I will get stronger and faster each day. It is amazing how the body responds to exercise. I love it.

I have to say, I had pizza, light beer and ice cream for dinner two days in a row, after my first 1/2 marathon. Lol I felt like celebrating.

I think about that medal often too!! It is pretty! I dream about crossing that finish line and getting that medal.
I wonder what color the ribbon on the medal will be this year? And what color the t-shirt will be? Anyone have insider information???

 

[saysay]

Anyone having trouble with plantar fasciitis? I am new to running and I am still mostly walking and this half will be my first. I am pretty slow and overweight - although i have lost 25 pounds so far in training! I am following the Galloway plan for those who just want to finish and this last weekend was a shorter one at 3 miles and it was so hard for some reason - harder than the 6 miler the weekend before. I had terrible shin splints and afterwards my left heel hurt really bad and still does. From the little reading I did it seems like the heel pain can result from plantar fasciitis. I tried to do 30 mins tonight and only got through 17 bc of the pain. Ugh. Trying not to get discouraged and worried about the 7 miles I need to do this weekend.

ALso I am not training with a group - any tips on how to push myself? Not sure I am working as hard as I should be some of the time.

I had it BAD in April, bad enough I needed a corizone shot, which helped the pain but I coudln't exercise for 3 weeks.

My arches are normal, so by issue was not related to my arch. The doctor I went to, podiatrist told me my case could have been any of the following factors which i met.... had put on a little weight that winter - 15lbs, was working on my feet all day at preschool first year, old sneakers, had started a new exercise program and wasn't stretching like I should be.

I don't walk around the house barefoot anymore or in stocking feet, bought crocs to use as slippers. While my doctor didn't prescribe orthotics, I got some from a friend who sells PT equipment. I showed them to my doctor and he told me they were good...with my arch I didn't nec need them, but they would certainly keep my foot stable so not a bad idea. I recently put Super Feet in my running shoes and seem to work ok. The other orthotics I wear in my "everyday sneakers". I only wear birkenstocks, my sneakers or Dansko clogs during the day....my days of cheap flat shoes with no support are over.

I do the frozen ice in water bottle, massage on a little ball with nubs I got at the running store, and stretch it out before I get out of bed...point and flex 10 times. I also scrunch up my toes and flex out my foot. When I run I do all my stretching an pay special attention to my feet and calves.

I am no doctor, but this worked for me...however since I have been back at preschool its back though not bad. I only train the minimum 3 days on the galloway program.

I am also trianing alone. I just keep saying the low mileage runs are nothing I can easily knock them out....and I prioritize that I HAVE to get them done to avoid injury and to be able to finish the race. The long runs I just say to myself...well its only another 13 minutes that the last one and I made that one ok. So far seems to work, I know when I get up 9 miles with me being out there going on 2 hours won't be easy, but good music on the IPOD makes time FLY by.

Good luck, if you foot is really bothering you go see a doctor, pref a sports med one.