Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[Jeannekay]

It was such an amazing experience...agree VERY empowering. I learned so much about myself though this whole experience and the race. The support from the volunteers and disney employees was amazing! The spectators were also great for the most part, though at one point on Main street I felt like how an animal feels in a zoo.

Photos...well
I think I am just buying them all since I want 3, its cheaper to do the package and get all the downloads. I don't NEED the videos and they aren't great, but I do love seeing myself jog to minnie and high five her, daisy and donald before the finish. Just stamp SUCKER on my head....the pic of me at the castle is everything I wanted and LOVE the huge smile on my face at the finish!

I like everything but a couple of pics. I only see small packages with like 4 5x7's. Is there a package for everything plus the videos? I don't see it.

Pretty cool reading about everyone's experiences at the race. I didn't see anyone drop, but did see one woman at the medic tent with shin pain or something. I used birth control pills to manipulate the arrival of my monthly gift just for this event.

I was so exhausted at the finish, my husband took two quick photos and not even in front of the white screen thing. I was so disappointed, but too tired to care. I really didn't want to wait in line for anything. I didn't see the engraver at all. How horrible to have them screw it up. I did check my medal for damage before I left, because I once accepted a medal with damage on it and didn't even notice it until I got home.

 

[Jeannekay]

So glad most people had a great race.

Me this was my WORST RACE EVER I was sick as a dog after the 5K on Saturday. Went to bed with a fever and woke up at 3am Sunday with a fever. Decided I HAD to just go and finish the race. I was so unhappy and not into this race at all and prior to that I was soooo excited. It was such a disappointing day I actually cried as I ran. I ran 13.1 miles with a fever, a headache and going in and out of chills and hot flashes. I had to stop at every port-a-potty I saw and I had to stop at every water station and drink atleast 2 cups to get me hydrated. I couldn't breath, I was sooo miserable, I have never felt so bad WHY oh WHY did I have to get sick that weekend? I am so disappointed in my time, I have always been a sub 2 half marathon and my time on this race was HORRIBLE. I am reading everyone's fabulous experience and its honestly such a blur to me and I have no good memories......I did really enjoy running the 5K with my daughter, great memories there. I guess I need to get over my disappointment and try to run it again next year

I can't even imagine how hard that must have been!!! I always wondered if it was possible to do something like that. You must be so proud of yourself to have even tried it! YOU FINISHED?? OMG! That is AMAZING!
You are one tough athlete! I think you are an inspiration.

I hope you are on the road to recovery and not suffering anymore.

 

[Twingle]

AWESOME job everyone! You should be so proud of yourselves

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Anyone else have the post race blues? I keep looking at my pictures, and watching videos over and over again. We're going back for marathon weekend in January, but that seems like forever from now.

me! i feel so...blah. and fat. i've been eating nonstop since i got home and haven't exercised yet. i need another race to do, stat! we will be there for marathon weekend too but it's soooo far. there's a bronx half marathon in august that i'm thinking of doing. at least it'll be a cheaper commute!

i need to get back on plan right away!

 

[Vickibean]

me! i feel so...blah. and fat. i've been eating nonstop since i got home and haven't exercised yet. i need another race to do, stat! we will be there for marathon weekend too but it's soooo far. there's a bronx half marathon in august that i'm thinking of doing. at least it'll be a cheaper commute!

i need to get back on plan right away!

I hear ya!!! I gained 4 pounds last weekend. We are also going Marathon weekend, and I'm considering a few local half marathons and the wine&dine. The local ones just seem so BORING!

I also haven't run since I got back. I've felt great all along. I rode test track immediately after the run (well...after applying deodorant in the EPCOT parking lot and changing into flip flops). I'm thinking of going goofy next year, and when I woke up on Monday I took a long assessment of how I felt. I think sticking to my training really paid off.

 

[Keke]

Was anyone else stuck in the Epcot parking lot for an hour? We were trapped in the lot for an hour. We didn't leave our parking space for at least half of that. It was horrible. I never saw an accident or anything. I am not sure if it was something like that or bad parking attendants. Surely Disney would not put someone who didn't know what they were doing on a big event?

It was frustrating b/c I was hungry, hot, tired and REALLY had to use the restroom. Not to mention it really cut into my park touring time.

 

[jeanigor]

Was anyone else stuck in the Epcot parking lot for an hour? We were trapped in the lot for an hour. We didn't leave our parking space for at least half of that. It was horrible. I never saw an accident or anything. I am not sure if it was something like that or bad parking attendants. Surely Disney would not put someone who didn't know what they were doing on a big event?

It was frustrating b/c I was hungry, hot, tired and REALLY had to use the restroom. Not to mention it really cut into my park touring time.

I didn't see anyone directing traffic when I was leaving, it was kind of a free for all.

 

[Cripey]

HI everyone...just got back in town last night and am back at work today....YUCK. I just can't get into it

I hope everyone had a good race! I came in ahead of what I expected to be at with a finish time of 2:32:09....was soooo pleased with that. And on top of that, I finished with alot more energy than I expected. I was so pumped! I had a short nap after the race...more of just down time than a nap though because I really couldn't get to sleep...then went out for a delicious burger and then hit MK with my family for the rest of the day. We didn't even come back until after 10p. But I took a nose dive energy-wise on the bus back to the hotel...that's when it all hit me! By the time I crawled in bed, I was completely delirious. My BF was rubbing my aching feet and I was laying there cracking up, for absolutely no reason. He was almost in tears from laughing at me! Very strange! It definitely didn't take long for me to drift away after that though. I'm definitely signing up for this years Wine and Dine half...and maybe even the DL half...but they are only a month apart so that might be hard...OH WELL...I'm totally hooked!

 

[KarenAylwood]

me! i feel so...blah. and fat. i've been eating nonstop since i got home and haven't exercised yet. i need another race to do, stat! we will be there for marathon weekend too but it's soooo far. there's a bronx half marathon in august that i'm thinking of doing. at least it'll be a cheaper commute!

i need to get back on plan right away!

Um yeah. 6 lb weight gain please? Thanks.

Although I dropped 3 lbs in a day of being back to work- eating less calories and drinking a ton of water. Also did the elliptical at the gym yesterday which made my muscles feel SOO much better. I was incredibly sore after the race- I think because I sprinted the last stretch as soon as I could see the finish line.

I totally have the post-race blues No more long races in my future but I need to get back on track weight-wise. I had such an awesome time though I'd love to do it again but don't think another trip is in the cards soon

 

[Keke]

I didn't see anyone directing traffic when I was leaving, it was kind of a free for all.

Interesting. They were definitely there when we finally got out. I wonder if they grabbed some at the last minute to try and fix the problem. It was strange b/c there was NO movement whatsoever.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Just wanted to share my trip. These are part one and part two. I'll add part three in the next day or two and link up to that as well.

Part One

Part Two

 

[ironz]

HI everyone...just got back in town last night and am back at work today....YUCK. I just can't get into it

I hope everyone had a good race! I came in ahead of what I expected to be at with a finish time of 2:32:09....was soooo pleased with that. And on top of that, I finished with alot more energy than I expected. I was so pumped! I had a short nap after the race...more of just down time than a nap though because I really couldn't get to sleep...then went out for a delicious burger and then hit MK with my family for the rest of the day. We didn't even come back until after 10p. But I took a nose dive energy-wise on the bus back to the hotel...that's when it all hit me! By the time I crawled in bed, I was completely delirious. My BF was rubbing my aching feet and I was laying there cracking up, for absolutely no reason. He was almost in tears from laughing at me! Very strange! It definitely didn't take long for me to drift away after that though. I'm definitely signing up for this years Wine and Dine half...and maybe even the DL half...but they are only a month apart so that might be hard...OH WELL...I'm totally hooked!

Summer...nice to meet you! You're in one of my race pics in the background, since we were going back and forth much of the race. I finished only about 15 seconds in front of you. Good job!
Definitely go to DL for the 1/2 so you can get your coast to coast medal!

 

[ironz]

Just wanted to share my trip. These are part one and part two. I'll add part three in the next day or two and link up to that as well.

Part One

Part Two

Lauren...I was a little behind you, finish-wise, but I remember the DJ with the Fresh Prince comment! haha!

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

I can't even imagine how hard that must have been!!! I always wondered if it was possible to do something like that. You must be so proud of yourself to have even tried it! YOU FINISHED?? OMG! That is AMAZING!
You are one tough athlete! I think you are an inspiration.

I hope you are on the road to recovery and not suffering anymore.

Thanks Jeannekay. I don't think I would have done it if it wasn't for my daughter and wanting to set an example for her. I won't lie I cried as I was on the course and wanted to give up every mile. I still have little voice and a horrible cough and sore throat. I am sure I made myself worse by actually doing the race instead of resting in bed but oh well I just have to keep thinking positive that I will run it again next year and will be completely healthy !

 

[Cripey]

Summer...nice to meet you! You're in one of my race pics in the background, since we were going back and forth much of the race. I finished only about 15 seconds in front of you. Good job!
Definitely go to DL for the 1/2 so you can get your coast to coast medal!

Great to meet you too...and I did see you in my picture too. Most of mine came out pretty good, surprisingly!

 

[saysay]

Was anyone else stuck in the Epcot parking lot for an hour? We were trapped in the lot for an hour. We didn't leave our parking space for at least half of that. It was horrible. I never saw an accident or anything. I am not sure if it was something like that or bad parking attendants. Surely Disney would not put someone who didn't know what they were doing on a big event?

It was frustrating b/c I was hungry, hot, tired and REALLY had to use the restroom. Not to mention it really cut into my park touring time.

YES what a cluster! When we finally got to the driveway that led out there were like 6 parking lot attendants there...the first two on either side of the 2 lanes letting people leave, the others just standing around chewing gum. That was horrible.

I was not happy about the bathroom situation at the end either...I had to walk quite the distance...but hey, I had finished, so its all good.

I think the end in general was confusing. I was by myself and not sure where to go. I never saw princesses at the end for photos...then again I was hobbling with sore feet so focused on finding my friend!

 

[ufwendyo]

So glad most people had a great race.

Me this was my WORST RACE EVER I was sick as a dog after the 5K on Saturday. Went to bed with a fever and woke up at 3am Sunday with a fever. Decided I HAD to just go and finish the race. I was so unhappy and not into this race at all and prior to that I was soooo excited. It was such a disappointing day I actually cried as I ran. I ran 13.1 miles with a fever, a headache and going in and out of chills and hot flashes. I had to stop at every port-a-potty I saw and I had to stop at every water station and drink atleast 2 cups to get me hydrated. I couldn't breath, I was sooo miserable, I have never felt so bad WHY oh WHY did I have to get sick that weekend? I am so disappointed in my time, I have always been a sub 2 half marathon and my time on this race was HORRIBLE. I am reading everyone's fabulous experience and its honestly such a blur to me and I have no good memories......I did really enjoy running the 5K with my daughter, great memories there. I guess I need to get over my disappointment and try to run it again next year

I am so sorry you were sick for the 1/2. You had worked so very hard, but at least the whole weekend wasn't ruined and you were able to run with your daughter. You deserve to be disappointed but even so, you still completed and that is amazing given the obstacles you faced.

 

[ufwendyo]

I love the analogies to childbirth because about mile 9 that was what I was comparing the 1/2 to! The first 7 miles I had a pretty good time, but around mile 8 my husband saw me at the Poly and said he could tell it was not fun anymore. I finished in 3:00:14. I wanted a better time, but had some unexpected toe problems. I broke the golden rule and wore new thicker socks for the race thinking they would help, but I think they actually made the problem worse.

So who all is in for the Food & Wine? I need a new goal to motivate me. Today I went to a running store to get new shoes where they told me I was running in shoes that were too small. I lifted weights yesterday, but I haven't run again. Now that I know I can finish a 1/2 its time to start working to do it quicker.

Wendy

 

[disneyaway]

It's so nice to hear everyone had a good time for the most part. I woke up Thursday (the day before we were leaving) with a sore throat and high fever. Started antibiotics and whatever over the counter medication I could find. While the fever broke before race day, I was still feeling awful. COuldn't breathe, had terrible coughing and wheezing. It was, for me, a terrible racing experience except for my running partner who was the epitome of encouragement.
But I feel so frustrated and discouraged. I didn't enjoy the race; actually, I don't even remember much of the race. And my time was so much worse than any of my training runs. We got back yesterday, and I still feel horrible. I am still having shortness of breath with any little bit of exertion-- it made park touring a little difficult. But I saw my doctor today and he gave me some inhalers to try to see if that would help.
If nothing else, I feel encouraged to try another half to see if I can do better. But I am not sure if I want to do a Disney half. And coming from me, that's almost blasphemous

 

[Korileigh]

Anyone on here that was towards the back of the pack and notice they had some of us slow ones come into Magic Kingdom differently - over by the exit to Buzz Lightyear and not down main street? I wonder why they did that - could it be for rope drop purposes? I was bummed to not run down main street but it was still fun. I just want to have more training next time so I am faster and can take pics and enjoy it all more rather than constantly be worrying about where the balloon lady is!