Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[koolgirl]

I drove last year and will likely do so again. I like having the vehicle and being more in control of my own timeline. I left BWV around 4 for a 6AM start, and it took 20 min or so with traffic. I wouldn't leave any later that that, as it does back up.

We took coffee and breakfast and stayed in the warm car.

It takes about 30 min from the parking lot to the corral, maybe a bit longer with port-a-potty stops. Add 10 min for gear check.

I'd have to agree here...we drove both years and even though you are sitting in traffic, it really isn't too long a wait. We left the Swan at 4:15 and were parked by 4:45. In 2009 the weather wasn't too cold but last year it was awesome to sit in the car eating our peanut butter and staying warm! We also didn't check anything, just left stuff in the car - BUT we did have someone meet us both years and packed a small bag with them that had long sleeved shirts for us. I won't have a car so will take a cab from the hotel this year. I'm hoping it won't be too cold.

So...I have no advice on Disney transport vs your own but would definitely take a car if that was an option!

BTW, speaking of weather...am I the only one that checks the 10 day forecast at disney every morning now? Yes, you can laugh at me. I just love seeing that it is sticking in the low 70's mostly. I live in New England so you don't need to warn me that it could be 75 one day and 55 the next---guess i'm just trying to feel the magic from so far away !!

No running today in the 20 inches of snow and looks like my 11 tomorrow will have to be on the treadmill ...UGH, did I really just type that?!? Hope you all are getting some cardio in somehow.

Stay warm


~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Good Morning! I just registered for the Princess last night. I ran my first half, the DW Half, last week in 1:58 and am super excited for the Princess race. I will be running with my sister and brother....yes...BROTHER! He has decided to run as Jasmine. Should be interesting. I wasn't thrilled about jumping right back into training so I think I will continue to take it easy this week.

 

[koolgirl]

despite the snow i dropped my son at a friend's and ran 4 miles. it was by far the toughest run yet.

we leave the following sunday for DISNEY! woot! .

Great job getting out there in the cold!!

ENJOY getting ready for Disney in the midst of all this training!


~~~Jennifer~~~

 

[Danhockey04]

Thankfully, I live here down in Orlando, so I can run outside nearly year round without it being terribly cold. Though I am taking the week off cause I just did the marathon weekend.

To the one who asked about the starting corral, I put 2:30 as my finishing time for the marathon weekend, which was my first half, and had no previous time of proof. I was put in the last corral, corral H. I passed most of E-G corrals while running. Was not as good cause I had to weave in and out of walkers, as I was doing a jog/run pace, I completed with 10:26 pace. The worst part of being in corral H was that we had to stand there for an additional 45 minutes or so before we started and my legs were a little sore before I even started the race. Just standing there, trying to keep your muscles warm and being in the cold did not help at all, but after your first, things I assume would be better as you are more likely to get into a proper corral with proof of pace.

I hope all of you good luck in your training and better weather to run, I dislike anything below 45 to run. I am going to continue my training, starting this weekend, with a 4-5 mile run. Though wearing a costume/dress is going to be different feeling than the usual running attire I wear. I did decide to wear the costume myself cause it is part of the spirit of the race, it was not my girlfriend's idea, she was actually against it for some time till I convinced her. I have two different outfits that I will be wearing, both pink and I'm not sure which to wear, I might just go with what feels better and lighter material.

I'm looking forward to running with all of you at the end of February and hope we can all finish and have a great time running the race. Keep up the training and hard work.

 

[saysay]

Dumbo buddy you rock mama! I ran last Sunday and it was super cold, the hardest 4.25 miles of my life. You inspire me with your determination to get your training in.

It is an ice rink down here, I want to get some runs in but its not getting above freezing until tomorrow afternoon and I don't want to risk falling and hurting myself so close to the race. I did some Wii Fit yesterday...um talk about easy. I have to do 10 this weekend after the big thaw, guess I will just take it very easy and maybe walk the first mile to warm up.

oh and thanks everyone about the driving to the race tips. Looks like my roomie will have a car so we can enjoy it before the race.

I am getting so pumped after seeing the race reports and videos from the WDW 1/2. Now to convince the hubs I need that coast to coast....I mentioned it last night and he was not opposed!

 

[Kensgirl519]

Sorry i have been off for awhile. Super busy time at work and once I got the OK from the doctor to start training again, I was hit with strep! I can't believe how horrible I have been doing. I'm still not past 4 miles in one run so i'm SUPER scared of the princess! I just hope I can do it. I ran last night only for 2 miles and started feeling that sore feeling that I felt when I had my stress fracture. I can't tell what is me worrying too much and what is real anymore!

We are all set and paid for. Tickets, hotel, flights and dinner reservations and my SPARKLESKIRT! so I'm going no matter what.

Any tips? Is there any hope for a newbie who has never been a runner to actually finish this thing if I have only done 4 miles so far???

I just don't want the slow bus to get me!

 

[KristinU]

Good Morning! I just registered for the Princess last night. I ran my first half, the DW Half, last week in 1:58 and am super excited for the Princess race. I will be running with my sister and brother....yes...BROTHER! He has decided to run as Jasmine. Should be interesting. I wasn't thrilled about jumping right back into training so I think I will continue to take it easy this week.

Sweet time! Congrats!!!

Any tips? Is there any hope for a newbie who has never been a runner to actually finish this thing if I have only done 4 miles so far???

I just don't want the slow bus to get me!

Well, given your stress fracture I would say listen to your body and be cautious, but try to figure out what is just in your head vs. what is real (way easier said than done!)

I used Hal Higdon's program for the novice level for my first half last year, which has 10 miles as your longest run before the race. I liked the program because the mileage seemed acheivable and it was a decent program for me for my first.

I just looked at the program online and we're at the end of week 6, which has you at 3 or 4 mile mid week runs then ramping up next week. There are a couple of 5 and 6 milers on the previous Saturdays, but you could go for 5 or 6 this week to catch up since his program has you running a 5K this weekend. Here's the link in case you want to take a look and see if you want to follow it: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

So, yeah, I think it is do-able for sure as long as you're feeling good!

 

[Jeannekay]

I'd have to agree here...we drove both years and even though you are sitting in traffic, it really isn't too long a wait. We left the Swan at 4:15 and were parked by 4:45. In 2009 the weather wasn't too cold but last year it was awesome to sit in the car eating our peanut butter and staying warm! We also didn't check anything, just left stuff in the car - BUT we did have someone meet us both years and packed a small bag with them that had long sleeved shirts for us. I won't have a car so will take a cab from the hotel this year. I'm hoping it won't be too cold.

So...I have no advice on Disney transport vs your own but would definitely take a car if that was an option!

BTW, speaking of weather...am I the only one that checks the 10 day forecast at disney every morning now? Yes, you can laugh at me. I just love seeing that it is sticking in the low 70's mostly. I live in New England so you don't need to warn me that it could be 75 one day and 55 the next---guess i'm just trying to feel the magic from so far away !!

No running today in the 20 inches of snow and looks like my 11 tomorrow will have to be on the treadmill ...UGH, did I really just type that?!? Hope you all are getting some cardio in somehow.

Stay warm


~~~Jennifer~~~

Thank you for letting me know about the new thread. I was the last to know.

 

[SeptemberGirl]

I drove last year and will likely do so again. I like having the vehicle and being more in control of my own timeline. I left BWV around 4 for a 6AM start, and it took 20 min or so with traffic. I wouldn't leave any later that that, as it does back up.

We took coffee and breakfast and stayed in the warm car.

It takes about 30 min from the parking lot to the corral, maybe a bit longer with port-a-potty stops. Add 10 min for gear check.

That was the best decision the whole trip!

 

[s_atl]

To the one who asked about the starting corral, I put 2:30 as my finishing time for the marathon weekend, which was my first half, and had no previous time of proof. I was put in the last corral, corral H. I passed most of E-G corrals while running. Was not as good cause I had to weave in and out of walkers, as I was doing a jog/run pace, I completed with 10:26 pace. The worst part of being in corral H was that we had to stand there for an additional 45 minutes or so before we started and my legs were a little sore before I even started the race. Just standing there, trying to keep your muscles warm and being in the cold did not help at all, but after your first, things I assume would be better as you are more likely to get into a proper corral with proof of pace.

Thanks!
I did submit proof of pace from my previous Half Marathon. I finished that race in 2:35, so I'm estimating 2:30 or less for the Disney Princess(my proof race was very hilly). I had to actually email them about the proof of time and I got confirmation that they noted the change.
I hope I am in one of the earlier corrals. I don't mind weaving around people but I hate it when 4 people all walk/run in a single row making it almost impossible to pass through without bumping against someone.

 

[s_atl]

Good Morning! I just registered for the Princess last night. I ran my first half, the DW Half, last week in 1:58 and am super excited for the Princess race. I will be running with my sister and brother....yes...BROTHER! He has decided to run as Jasmine. Should be interesting. I wasn't thrilled about jumping right back into training so I think I will continue to take it easy this week.

I'm running as Jasmine too and am totally stumped for ideas for costume !!

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Thank you for letting me know about the new thread. I was the last to know.

I only knew because I saw your post!

 

[jillybell]

Hi Everyone,
I initially posted on the other board. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction! I thought it seemed awfully quiet! haha

Anyway,
I am a 38, mom of two (DS 7, DD 4), and we are heading to Disney for our first Disney family vacation and my first half marathon! So excited!

I love this board, and everyone's input and support! You all rock, and everyone should feel great about what they have accomplished already!

We are flying and will not have a car. Can anyone tell me how the expo transportation usually works? Obviously, we have to go to the expo and I do want to see all the goodies, but I hate to take any time away from the parks. We are planning on going to DHS on Friday and Epcot on Saturday.

Thank you so much!
Jill

 

[jdhnmerrell]

This is my first half marathon ever and im so excited about doing it at disney world!!! i have a question though....does anyone know about the ChEAR squad thing? My husband, 2 young daughters and mother-in-law will be there to watch my sister-in-law and I. So I was just wondering if they needed to get the chear squad passes. Are they really necessary?

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I'm just subbing
I was posting on the old thread but I fell off somewhere around Sept or Oct.
Hopefully I'm back.

 

[v22wifey]

We're doing Hal Higdon right now too. We've been training with the couch 2 10k since Oct and then had to take a break with kids, holidays, sickness, weather, etc. SO we're starting with HH. I think it's totally doable! We did 4 4 mi today (though it was supposed to be 2, but we were pumped after not doing anything all week due to snow/ice) and tomorrow it's a 4mi day with a day of rest shortly after that. 6 miles next week! Hang in there! You can do it!

 

[jennwdw]

Hi, just jumping in here because I'm trying to gather info for the princess 1/2. It's my first 1/2 marathon and I'm excited and nervous! I feel confident I'll finish it even if not the fastest time ever. I'm more worried about logistical stuff at the moment. I'm flying in and worried about getting around (I see others are as well.) I'm hoping to rent a car if I can get a decent rate but that's looking good.

I'm staying over at the boardwalk and it's just me and a friend. Families are staying home.

Anyway hi and thanks for all the good info so far. Keep it coming!!

 

[joan4mickey]

jennwdw From the airport you can take the Magical Express and get a taxi to the race. Other at the Boardwalk may want to share a taxi and split cost. after race regular buses will be running.

About sharing a ride or finding some on with a car..just pm others on this board and find out. To get to the expo maybe harder. I think they discontinued bus service from Hollywood studios, but if you are cleaver there is a way to get around, but I haven't looked at the recently. If you are at a park, take a bus to a host hotel and get a bus to the expo, that is one example.

 

[jennwdw]

jennwdw From the airport you can take the Magical Express and get a taxi to the race. Other at the Boardwalk may want to share a taxi and split cost. after race regular buses will be running.

About sharing a ride or finding some on with a car..just pm others on this board and find out. To get to the expo maybe harder. I think they discontinued bus service from Hollywood studios, but if you are cleaver there is a way to get around, but I haven't looked at the recently. If you are at a park, take a bus to a host hotel and get a bus to the expo, that is one example.

So only host hotels have buses that go to the expo? I thought that affected getting to the race. Eek! I may just have to suck up the cost of renting a car. I'll probably be happier. I could always go to a park and take a bus to a host hotel. Hmmmm.

 

[tinkeramy]

You guys are definitely keeping me motivated! Dumbobuddy, I am in awe!!! I was whining about going out to get the mail yesterday! Things are supposed to thaw out tomorrow afternoon; like Saysay I am totally paranoid about going out and busting my knee open right before the race!! But tomorrow will be the 5th day of no school and Mon. is the MLK holiday, so I might just be forced to get over it and get OUT before I harm my children! Set to do 10 this weekend! Hey, Julie - if I order the sparkle skirt AND the Tinkerbell wings, will you go with me on my test run?!?!?!