Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[Lovemy3rs]

I did it!!!! Averaged a 14 minute pace consistently and it was a wonderful, once in lifetime experience!! I cried going through the castle, entering epcot and then the last .1 I was a mess! Pulled myself together for about one minute until they put the medal around my neck and then I cried again.
An amazing, empowering, we rock as women event!
Can't wait to wear my I DID IT shirt tomorrow to work

 

[Lovemy3rs]

Oh and I did get the DB princess wristlet! I could resist when it was 25% off. I wanted to wait until after I had done it so it would be my reward so I bought it at the big Disney store at downtown Disney and they gave me another 10% off with my passholder discount. Yay!!

 

[johde]

Congratulation everyone on your Half Marathons.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Congratulations everyone on the race! Here's a blog with the results.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/02/27/record-field-survives-disneys-princess-half-marathon/

 

[v22wifey]

had a great time today... unfortunately I had to have too many bathroom stops on the way and then we had all the photo ops, lol. UGH!!! Stupid traveling! BUT we got to the end and I have some great pics!!! Jack Sparrow exclaimed "I've been flanked on both sides Mates!" lol

 

[John VN]

Congratulations to all from DW and myself!!

 

[LKMang]

Congratulations princesses (& princes)! We are so proud of you all!

 

[Korileigh]

What an amazing day! This was my very first race of any kind and it was probably the hardest thing I have EVER done! I got a bad case of plantar fascititis back in November and it seriously impaired my training - did not get to do nearly as much as I hoped so I was pretty nervous going into today. Just waiting in the corrals was a blast - fun music, fun conversation, and fun costumes! The first 2 miles were really hard for me - usually are - I had shin splints - but they went away after that and I felt pretty good until mile 10. I walked most of the race and was pretty slow - managed to stay ahead of the balloon lady who was keeping the 16 min mile pace and the sweepers until between mile 10 and 11. Then she passed me and I had nothing left - thought I would seriously pass out - so dizzy, hands swelling, ugh. I heard from some they stop sweeping at mile 10 but others said the last spot was mile 11 so I thought I was through. I just kept going and there were some wonderful ladies that encouraged those of us back there - helped us get the swelling in our hands down and told us we could keep going - if they are on here and reading this - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I made it to mile 12 and started to cry because I thought I was actually going to finish! I met a new friend who I walked with the last mile and that helped, too - we were in Epcot now so i felt pretty certain they wouldn't sweep us. And I made it to the finish - my end overall pace was about 16:40 - finished in 3:38:56 and got my beautiful medal. It was such an incredible feeling - can't describe it - and still almost can't believe I did it. Anyone out there who is thinking about doing this - GO FOR IT! You can do it - you have plenty of time to train - start slow and start now! I can't imagine a more fun race! I wish I had had the time to stop for pictures but I knew I was slow and just had to keep going. Maybe one day I will come back with more training and get those pics and relax and enjoy it even more!

 

[ban26ana]

Great job! It was also my first race. Was kind of bummed that I worked so many months, while my friend just decided to do this a few weeks ago with no trainig, and she still finished faster than me. I know it's a very personal thing, but it still kind of stung.

But I do have to say, this was the best experience of my life. And I think I'll stick with Team in Training. The coaches from all over the country really kept me going. They were all there to help me. I didn't realize how important that emotional support would be to me!

 

[kappyfamily]

Would love to see an up close pic of the medal! Thank you!

 

[Yogamama]

What an amazing day! This was my very first race of any kind and it was probably the hardest thing I have EVER done! I got a bad case of plantar fascititis back in November and it seriously impaired my training - did not get to do nearly as much as I hoped so I was pretty nervous going into today. Just waiting in the corrals was a blast - fun music, fun conversation, and fun costumes! The first 2 miles were really hard for me - usually are - I had shin splints - but they went away after that and I felt pretty good until mile 10. I walked most of the race and was pretty slow - managed to stay ahead of the balloon lady who was keeping the 16 min mile pace and the sweepers until between mile 10 and 11. Then she passed me and I had nothing left - thought I would seriously pass out - so dizzy, hands swelling, ugh. I heard from some they stop sweeping at mile 10 but others said the last spot was mile 11 so I thought I was through. I just kept going and there were some wonderful ladies that encouraged those of us back there - helped us get the swelling in our hands down and told us we could keep going - if they are on here and reading this - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I made it to mile 12 and started to cry because I thought I was actually going to finish! I met a new friend who I walked with the last mile and that helped, too - we were in Epcot now so i felt pretty certain they wouldn't sweep us. And I made it to the finish - my end overall pace was about 16:40 - finished in 3:38:56 and got my beautiful medal. It was such an incredible feeling - can't describe it - and still almost can't believe I did it. Anyone out there who is thinking about doing this - GO FOR IT! You can do it - you have plenty of time to train - start slow and start now! I can't imagine a more fun race! I wish I had had the time to stop for pictures but I knew I was slow and just had to keep going. Maybe one day I will come back with more training and get those pics and relax and enjoy it even more!

I was hovering near the balloon lady during the last half of the race, too. I have to say, the encouragement and sisterhood felt by those of us struggling was very emotional. I was able to get some pictures and hope to do it again next year.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i finished too! my feet are FULL of blisters but it is totally worth it

i am planning on doing a nice little write-up when i get a chance. but right now i'm just sitting on the couch with my little boy who i really missed this weekend!

i'm disappointed that i didn't stop to take pictures. i should have but since this was my first race i was extremely anxious about finishing. plus, the lines for the characters were crazy!! this will just give me a reason to do it next year: to take pics!!

i wound up finishing in 2:22:14.

oh and i met alot of DISers and was just thrilled at how incredibly sweet everyone was!

 

[longhorns2]

Holy hard day! I started fine but ended up blistering pretty early and limped a lot of the way. Dud you see the pregnant lady peeing in the bushes every mile? Yep. That was me. At least I was hydrated. Ha. Finished in 4 hrs and got the medal
Luckily started in b corral or I'd have been swept!

Wont do another long race pregnant due to bladder concerns. Lol. It was ridiculous

 

[FrogPrincess]

This was also my first race. I finished in 3:06, but finish I did. I just wanted to thank all of you ladies who ran with me. I couldn't have finished without everyone's support along the way. See you there next year!

 

[fashionista311]

Great job! It was also my first race. Was kind of bummed that I worked so many months, while my friend just decided to do this a few weeks ago with no trainig, and she still finished faster than me. I know it's a very personal thing, but it still kind of stung.

But I do have to say, this was the best experience of my life. And I think I'll stick with Team in Training. The coaches from all over the country really kept me going. They were all there to help me. I didn't realize how important that emotional support would be to me!

if it makes you feel any better - i have a friend who signs up and does these races without running for months at a time - whereas i run about 20-25 miles/week. last year we did a race together and came in at the same time - and while this year i was able to shave 15 minutes off of that time and her times have stagnated - i totally understand the frustration. i try to let it roll off my back, and think of all the positives all my weekly miles have done for me. plus, isn't the finish line so much sweeter when you have actually worked for it? congrats!

 

[faith-hope-joy]

Had a great day! I woke up not feeling 100%. Achy back, bloated tummy, but sucked it up. I started out with a friend in Corral F. The first few miles went by quickly. I was running a lot faster than normal without the intervals that I usually do. I was too worried about someone running over me since it was so crowded. By mile 5 I was getting tired. I kept trying to slow myself down. My music helped me focus and get me through. For intervals I would run through whatever song I was listening to and then shut the iPod off for one minute to walk. I paused music and kept running whenever we had entertainment. Didn't want to miss out on the fun. I didn't stop for any pics because I didn't want to stand in line. I snapped pics as I went by so I have plenty to rememer it all. I ran with a water bottle in one hand and my Canon Elph in the other. By mile 7 I was really anxious to see my family and friends. When I spotted my teenage daughter I ran straight to her and put my head on her shoulder. The tears just flowed. I wasn't hurting (well, the balls of my feet hurt & I envisioned blisters) and it wasn't terribly tough, but I guess I just needed to see someone there for me. Miles 9 and 10 were tough. The sun was hot and I have always avoided running in these kinds of temps. Serves me right for being lazy. I got to mile 11 and was happy that I had now run further than I had ever gone before. Can I just say that I didn't like all the overpasses? Once we were in Epcot and in mile 13 I was tired. It was tough to keep myself running through an entire song. I wanted to walk, but I wanted to be running when I came around the corner towards the finish line. Once I saw my family/friends and the start line in front of me I kicked it up a notch, dodged some runners and ran hard over the finish line. Overall, it was a great day. I ran much faster throughout the entire race than I thought I would. It was hot and tough, but that just makes the finish so much sweeter. I'm hobbling today, but am looking forward to working towards the next race, the Savannah R&R HM.

Finish time 3:24:01. Avg Pace: 15:17.

 

[Duanerice]

Wow! Great reports. These are so inspiring. To go into a race like this not knowing if you can finish is amazing. I mean you really think you can finish but just not sure as you haven't done it before. Some of you really had a gut check and had to push through. And YOU DID IT!

This is what makes the Disney races so cool. Congrats to all

Duane

 

[dthogue]

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the Princess 1/2 Marathon - please keep posting your reports - you are my INSPIRATION - I will be there next year.

I can't wait to read more and see more pictures! I love all the costumes that I am seeing - can't wait to plan mine (need to lose some weight though, before I even consider a tutu).

Tammy

 

[tink2007]

Wow, I can't believe I did a half marathon yesterday and now I'm back at home. The whole weekend was so amazing! Here is my story.

Saturday 3:00am- My dad and I left Macon, Georgia and arrived at the Wide World of Sports just before 10:00. Got in line to get my bib and goody bag. It didn't lake long. We were in and out in just a few minutes. Being from Atlanta, of course, we are huge Braves fans. The Braves were having batting practice at Champion Statium, so we watched for about 2 hours. My dad was thrilled. We left and went to Downtown Disney to wait for my brother and his family who were driving from St. Augustine. I love the World of Disney. I had to get tshirts, picture frames and stickers for my class. About 3:00, we left to go to the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom. I know I shouldn't have, but I ordered a Lava Cake. That thing was pure heaven. The whole time I was eating it, my brother kept saying, "should you be eating that before your race?". I did share with my 2 neices. Got checked into our room around 5:00. At this point the butterflies are setting in and anxiety were taking over. I went to bed early thinking I was just tired. I saw every hour of the clock till midnight. I was laying there thinking "great, now I only have 3 hours of sleep".

Sunday - 3:00am Woke up and my dad drove me to the staging area. Wow, that walk to the starting line was a bit much. I really enjoyed the people watching. The costumes were crazy funny. What creativity!
I thought the first 3 or 4 miles went really fast. My dad was at most of the viewing areas to take my picture. The bathroom situation was crazy! The lines for the porta pottys were insane. I finally had to join the people in the bushes for relief. Sorry to all those who had to see that. At least I went in the bushes. I saw some pop a squat on the side of the road. Anyway, I did my 3 minute run, 2 minute walk till about mile 8. Then I just crashed! I think the lack of sleep caught up to me plus my foot was really hurting. My dad met me around mile 9 with my extra running shoes. I thought it would help if I changed shoes. It didn't. I've had off and on foot -toe issues for a while. My doctor says the joints in my toes are inflamed. By this time I was doing more walking than running and I felt like I was really falling behind. By mile 10, I was really doubting myself but I did finish. Not as fast as I wanted but I was just glad to see that finish line. My time was 3:10. I did stop to have a few pictures taken and I did have to stop for a potty break towards the end. I had to wait about 5 minutes. I figure I can take about 15 minutes off for all the stops and waits. When I did finish, my foot was hurting so bad I sat down and cried. I'm not a cry baby but the flood gates opened up and I couldn't stop. Between the pain and the emotions of just finishing, I was a wreak. My dad was at the finish line and met me with some ice at the staging area. I got it together and we went back to our room. Took a shower and left for home.

I had a great time and I have memories that I will treasure forever and yes, I will do it agin next year. I will just make sure I get plenty of sleep.

 

[WVUFan]

Congratulations everyone! I had so much fun. I took pictures with every character and still was only 15 minutes slower than my PR. I was running a lot faster than I thought I would. I loved all of the costumes. I'm still down here all week for DDs 6th birthday.