Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[queen mimi]

Half Fanatics

Come join the madness

I did Country Music last year in the monsoon. RnR does a great job of organizing and the medals are big and heavy! Nashville's a bit hilly if you're not used to that kinda thing.

Ohhh Noooooooo!!! I live in Cincinnati and I hate the hills! But at least I am used to them I always look for races that are flat. Somehow the descriptions of almost every race in the country describe them as flat. Hopefully, the music will take my mind off the hills.

Meg

 

[rnronda]

Ran my first 10K today. Beat my set race pace. It was pounding rain and 15 - 20 mph winds. I was totally soaked by the end. But what a great feeling.

NelleBelle 50 - I'm sure that pasta will be on everyones minds on Sat night. Mama Melrosa in HS and Via Napolle in Epcot of course. We are opting for Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge. They have a Penne with chicken and a very light garlic sauce. For everyone else in my party they have BBQ and an amazing steak. Kids games and lots of yelling.Check out the restaraunt boards here. There are lot of great choices.

 

[ban26ana]

Thanks for the suggestions on the fuel belts. I'll check them out.

Next questions. The cost of flights with Spirit has dropped from what it was. It's not the crazy $9 fare prices, but less than what it was before. Should I wait to see if another coupon comes out like they do on a regular basis, or would that mean that the price of the actual fare goes up? I'm on a very very limited budget and need to save money whenever possible. I do get their emails with the specials.

And is anyone else worried about getting swept? I'm so paranoid about this. I haven't been able to train as much as I should because of back pain. We've found the cause of my pain (birth defect that hasn't been caught until now) and it should hopefully be taken care of by the time of the race. But right now I'm averaging a 15:30 mile because of my run/walk. This has me soooooo scared. So scared. Tell me it will be okay!

 

[TeresaZ]

Ohhh Noooooooo!!! I live in Cincinnati and I hate the hills! But at least I am used to them I always look for races that are flat. Somehow the descriptions of almost every race in the country describe them as flat. Hopefully, the music will take my mind off the hills.

Meg

Country Music was my first half marathon. And yes, it was a MONSOON last year. And it is really hilly. Just when you think you are done with the hills, they are back.

 

[tinkeramy]

And is anyone else worried about getting swept? I'm so paranoid about this. I haven't been able to train as much as I should because of back pain. We've found the cause of my pain (birth defect that hasn't been caught until now) and it should hopefully be taken care of by the time of the race. But right now I'm averaging a 15:30 mile because of my run/walk. This has me soooooo scared. So scared. Tell me it will be okay!

You know, I'm sure you will be okay. During one of my walking breaks yesterday I checked what my pace was and it was around 16.30 - that was just pure walking, not "race-walking". I think the only way you get swept is if you either just flat out walk the whole way, or wear yourself out going too fast in the beginning and are just exhausted and plodding toward the end. If you are doing this pace right now before you even take care of your back problem, I would think that you would be just fine! And you know, I find that I actually go a tad faster during a race (ooh- all 2 that I've done so far!) b/c of the atmosphere - support and encouragement and adrenaline all going! Don't let it stress you!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

kristinu sorry about the strep throat. i had strep in december (or was is november?) and ran through it once i got started on the zpac. i seem to get strep every single year! so frustrating.

I was in NC visiting my friend for her baby shower. I got in my 10 miler on friday but then spent all day saturday and sunday stuffing my face with every type of fried southern food i could get my hands on. i need to go out and do my short run but i feel so fat and bloated.

i was really hoping to lose some weight with all this running but i'm doing such a bad job at eating that i've actually gained a couple pounds. where is my discipline??

 

[tinkeramy]

So, I got in 10 miles yesterday after being iced in all week - dang, that was hard! Hoping to be able to get my reg. short runs in this week so that next week's 11 miles won't be quite so taxing!

Stopped by Goodwill and got a gap hooded sweatshirt to be my throwaway layer. Also found a black, long-sleeve tech tee for a couple of bucks! Was going for a whole Tinkerbell thing but have decided simplicity is best - I think I'll just order the green sparkle skirt, pair it with this black shirt and be done with it! Still working on the camera issue. Mine is small but a bit heavy. My camera on my phone has a delay that I don't like and could really mess up a lot of pics if someone else is taking it for me.

Also- I hear a lot about sportbeans on this page - what are those? I've hear of Gu. Anyone have an experienced opinion on which of these energy / protein things work best for you?
Thanks!

 

[tinkeramy]

[QUOTE=dumbo_buddy;39572294
I was in NC visiting my friend for her baby shower. I got in my 10 miler on friday but then spent all day saturday and sunday stuffing my face with every type of fried southern food i could get my hands on. i need to go out and do my short run but i feel so fat and bloated.

This is so funny - I felt this same way in October. I am in Atlanta and went up to visit my family in Buffalo, NY. I totally stuffed myself on beef on weck, Buffalo wings and NY pizza and absolutely paid for it later!!!!

Get in a good quick run to clear your arteries!

 

[koolgirl]

kristinu i was really hoping to lose some weight with all this running but i'm doing such a bad job at eating that i've actually gained a couple pounds. where is my discipline??

Oh...I can so relate...I really thought when I got on board with training for the '09 Princess that I was going to be thinner and in better shape than ever in my life. However, I just could not (and over 2 years later still...) get right on the eating. I do eat a lot more good stuff than I ever did but I'm always starving and I can always "justify" the junk with the fact that I've run 20 miles in the last week! UGH! However, I am in the best shape of my life in that I'm energized and much more toned (I'm 42)...just never getting back in that 16 year old bikini body . Would any of us go back to 16 though ???

Also- I hear a lot about sportbeans on this page - what are those? I've hear of Gu. Anyone have an experienced opinion on which of these energy / protein things work best for you?
Thanks!

I love sports beans but I'm a candy freak (see above!) and have texture issues -the gu does me in! The beans are made by Jelly Belly. I like the lemon lime as they taste like green gatorade. I also do OK with the orange or the berry. I have tried the Caffeinated ones but decided they aren't great on my stomach mid-race. I eat a package at each 1 hour mark during my walk breaks. Beans are not for "only-run" runners...I think you'd choke! However, if you take regular walk breaks (I do very short intervals 1.5 min/1min), you can eat a few beans at a time, there are 12-15 in a pack I think. You can get them at running stores, some sports stores and online. I buy mine by the case (24 pks) on Amazon.

Hope that helps!

Good luck with the running!!

~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[longhorns2]

At 15:30 I think you should be ok as long as you don't have any major issues. Like, not needing to stop at medical tent type issues. Skip the long lines for pictures- and make fast potty breaks! lol I also pick someone out who is walking a good pace ahead of me and make them my "do not lose" person. If left to my own, I do tend to slag off on my pace. But if I have a pacer (even if they don't know they are my pacer!) ahead of me, then I do way better just following them. Luckily I am doing this with a friend who has also been forced to walk it (broke her hip running! can you imagine?!) and she is REALLY good at keeping a strong pace. With her- I am in the 14:30-15 min range. By myself, I am kissing that 16 min mark.

Annnnndddd.... I'll probably be waddling along behind you all, so I will be SURE to make the bus wait a long time for my fat prego butt to get on if they try to pick me up. Give yall a few extra min to sprint to the next mile.

Training is going along just fine here- did a few short walks this week and planing a 12er this weekend. YAHOOOO! Just praying for decent weather at this point for the actual race.

 

[stitchfan18]

I did 8 miles yesterday and feel great today! It was my longest run since my 1/2 in November that I ran injured, so I was really glad to wake up pain free today.

Is anyone else coming in for the race just for the weekend? With school this semester I have to fly into Orlando Friday night after I finish student teaching, and fly out Sunday night so I can be back to school Monday morning. I'm excited to run the 5K and the 1/2, but I feel like this trip is going to go by so fast that it'll hardly be worth the time and travel to get there. Plus, I'm going to be exhausted the following week at school.

Sorry to vent, I know I should be thankful that I get to go at all. I will be happy to have that princess medal around my neck. I was inspired to start running at Disney last year during marathon weekend, and actually started running last February. It's amazing how a year can change you!

 

[KristinU]

Ran my first 10K today. Beat my set race pace. It was pounding rain and 15 - 20 mph winds. I was totally soaked by the end. But what a great feeling.

Wow, excellent!!! And a great "I braved it!" weather story to boot! Nice job!!!

kristinu sorry about the strep throat. i had strep in december (or was is november?) and ran through it once i got started on the zpac. i seem to get strep every single year! so frustrating.

Thanks for sharing this with me, Dumbo buddy...I stayed in yesterday and plan to head out to do a light 3 miler at lunchtime. I'm 2 days into my zPac, so it sounds like from your experience I should be fine. I feel good, so hopefully I'm back in action.

 

[Swmr359]

Is anyone else coming in for the race just for the weekend? With school this semester I have to fly into Orlando Friday night after I finish student teaching, and fly out Sunday night so I can be back to school Monday morning. I'm excited to run the 5K and the 1/2, but I feel like this trip is going to go by so fast that it'll hardly be worth the time and travel to get there. Plus, I'm going to be exhausted the following week at school.

Sorry to vent, I know I should be thankful that I get to go at all. I will be happy to have that princess medal around my neck. I was inspired to start running at Disney last year during marathon weekend, and actually started running last February. It's amazing how a year can change you!

I'm flying in Friday night and leaving Sunday night also. I got a park hopper, so I'm hopping to do as much as I can on Saturday (without wearing myself out)

I ran 11 miles yaterday, my knee hurt so bad..my only when I was walking.
I have the day off work today so I'l be on th couch with ice strapped to my knee.

 

[KristinU]

Also- I hear a lot about sportbeans on this page - what are those? I've hear of Gu. Anyone have an experienced opinion on which of these energy / protein things work best for you?
Thanks!

Jelly Belly makes them. I like them, and I like that they are less messy than a gel...but like the chomps and blocks you need to chew them, which can be a little tricky while you're running. Try some on a training run and see how you like them. My stomach is pretty sensitive to anything acidic, so personally with any of them (beans, gels, whatever) I stay away from the citrus flavored ones and go for more of the berry or tropical or apple. I got a sample of Hammer Gel in a swag bag this past fall and I liked it (and the ingredients - a bit more natural than some other brands), so I've been training with that for the Princess. I do like the fact that the gel goes down much easier, so I might be a convert. One thing to know is that some of them have caffeine in them, so just watch the packages whether you want it or not (personally I like it).

 

[SeptemberGirl]

And is anyone else worried about getting swept? I'm so paranoid about this. I haven't been able to train as much as I should because of back pain. We've found the cause of my pain (birth defect that hasn't been caught until now) and it should hopefully be taken care of by the time of the race. But right now I'm averaging a 15:30 mile because of my run/walk. This has me soooooo scared. So scared. Tell me it will be okay!

It will be okay! I was terrified of being swept last year. I averaged about 15 but when I did my 12 mile training (had to go that far, mentally) I did it 16 with bathroom breaks (hopping off TM - it was a snowstorm when I did it!). On race day, I did the half in 3:17 and that was with a MK potty break! So you will be fine.

You know, I'm sure you will be okay. During one of my walking breaks yesterday I checked what my pace was and it was around 16.30 - that was just pure walking, not "race-walking". I think the only way you get swept is if you either just flat out walk the whole way, or wear yourself out going too fast in the beginning and are just exhausted and plodding toward the end. If you are doing this pace right now before you even take care of your back problem, I would think that you would be just fine! And you know, I find that I actually go a tad faster during a race (ooh- all 2 that I've done so far!) b/c of the atmosphere - support and encouragement and adrenaline all going! Don't let it stress you!

Exactly!

At 15:30 I think you should be ok as long as you don't have any major issues. Like, not needing to stop at medical tent type issues. Skip the long lines for pictures- and make fast potty breaks! lol I also pick someone out who is walking a good pace ahead of me and make them my "do not lose" person. If left to my own, I do tend to slag off on my pace. But if I have a pacer (even if they don't know they are my pacer!) ahead of me, then I do way better just following them. Luckily I am doing this with a friend who has also been forced to walk it (broke her hip running! can you imagine?!) and she is REALLY good at keeping a strong pace. With her- I am in the 14:30-15 min range. By myself, I am kissing that 16 min mark.

Annnnndddd.... I'll probably be waddling along behind you all, so I will be SURE to make the bus wait a long time for my fat prego butt to get on if they try to pick me up. Give yall a few extra min to sprint to the next mile.

Training is going along just fine here- did a few short walks this week and planing a 12er this weekend. YAHOOOO! Just praying for decent weather at this point for the actual race.

I love the tracking person - last year I had two friends who were with me and hustled their butts, so I had to keep up!

And, are you doing this pregnant? OH my word!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i'm flying in friday morning (note to self: need to find a sitter for the baby til dh gets home) and flying back home sunday night. sunday is probably going to be the longest day of my life! we have to get up at 3am and i won't get home until well after midnight! oh well!

i will be solo so my plan is to go to the expo on friday after i check in at ASMo. i'll walk around there and get my packet and then hit up a park. i plan on going to bed early on friday and trying my best to sleep in on saturday. i will hit up another park or perhaps resort hop during the day. i tend to be all commando when at disney with my family so i need to make it a point to take it easy. then i'll be back in the room and in bed probably by like 7pm!!!

the hardest thing for me will be to NOT eat everything in sight when i get down to disney. i'll just have to hold out until AFTER the race!!

 

[jillybell]

Just checked the weather to see when the next round of snow is coming. Seems like we have it on an every other day basis. It sure is making training for long runs outdoors a lot more challenging. I don't mind the 4 or 5 miles on the indoor track, but more than that drives me crazy! Just going round and round and round! I think I'm starting to tilt when I walk! OH, well... winter can't go on forever! Happy training, ladies!

Meg

ha ha ha. I know exactly how you feel. Here in Wisconsin, nothing but snow and cold. Having some issues with my left achilles and shin, which I think is related to the curves on the track (track only goes counter clockwise). I did 8 yesterday, but my shin hurt so much I rubberbanded an icepack to it while I ran errands! Much better today though.

Good luck with your training! Next time I run on the track, I'll think of you. I did compliment a women yesterday on her running skirt, and she told me she and her daughter are training for the Princess half, too! Isn't that fun?!

Jill

 

[haleofafamily]

Does anyone know of a good place to eat on sat. Nite? Not too expensive but looking for something to make it memorable being I will be at Disney. TIA

Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney has some good pasta options. They are huge protions so could easily be shared.

 

[tink2007]

Okay, Ive been training since October. I did 10 miles on Saturday and thought I was going to die. The first 5 miles were fine. About 14.5 minutes per mile. Some running and some walking. By the 8th mile it was more walking than running. Ive been doing short runs during the week and longer ones on the weekends. Ive done a few 5Ks and done okay. How does this pace thing work? My friend did this race a few years ago and she says they are not that strict about the pace. Is this true?

 

[lisah0711]

And is anyone else worried about getting swept? I'm so paranoid about this. I haven't been able to train as much as I should because of back pain. We've found the cause of my pain (birth defect that hasn't been caught until now) and it should hopefully be taken care of by the time of the race. But right now I'm averaging a 15:30 mile because of my run/walk. This has me soooooo scared. So scared. Tell me it will be okay!

Sorry about your back pain. With your pace it sounds like you should be fine.

I worry about being swept but at this point in time all I can do is keep on training and trust the plan. It would be sad to be swept but really if it happened it wouldn't be the end of the world and I would just come back and try again next year.