Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[haleofafamily]

I just reserved a late lunch for my 3 other princess friends with the Princesses at Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall. Where are you celebrating?

PS. If you think this is a bad choice let me know - since never been and reviews are mixed....figured WHY NOT, I mean we will be wearing our medals and all...why not celebrate with a few princesses!

I booked Le Ceiller for our celebration meal, but if I had thought about celebrating with the Princesses I would have tried to talk my sister-in-law into that. What a great idea!

 

[HockeyKat]

The race is now 94% full!!

 

[tinkeramy]

I just reserved a late lunch for my 3 other princess friends with the Princesses at Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall. Where are you celebrating?

PS. If you think this is a bad choice let me know - since never been and reviews are mixed....figured WHY NOT, I mean we will be wearing our medals and all...why not celebrate with a few princesses!

Oh, is it really about the food? It's all about the princesses, baby! And the adult beverages. No longer in training!

 

[marathonmommy]

I just reserved a late lunch for my 3 other princess friends with the Princesses at Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall. Where are you celebrating?

PS. If you think this is a bad choice let me know - since never been and reviews are mixed....figured WHY NOT, I mean we will be wearing our medals and all...why not celebrate with a few princesses!

I wouldn't go planning to enjoy the food....but I love the idea of the princesses. I think the food there is yucky, though. Sorry to be honest, but you asked.

 

[chimera]

One thing I really need to watch is water intake prior to race. I want to be hydrated, but I had a full bottle of water less than an hour before I went on my long run Sat. and I had to stop and pee 3 times!!!! Thank goodness I run along a public park! And being 40 and having had 3 kids doesn't help the bladder control! So I'll have to find a good balance that won't keep me in the porta potties!!!

I go at least 3 times before a race start. Just part of the pre-race ritual now. I rarely have to stop during a race.

 

[disneyaway]

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!

Uh, me!! I am worried as well. I am going to focus on just finishing the race and maybe if I am lucky I will have time for a picture or two.

kristinui 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??

I am right there with you. I think I have lost about 8 pounds. And while i am proud of that, it isn't nearly as much as I thought I would have lost.

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!

They are just like jelly beans. I like Gu but I can't have the whole packet of Gu or sport beans in one go. And I am not coordinated enough to save the Gu so I use the sport beans. Although i am going to have to figure something out since they got all sticky from the spi belt during the rain...

HA! Yeah--- I signed up in September and got a surprise positive test in October! So there's gonna be 2 for 1 princesses walking the course on my dime. I switched to walking the race around the 6th week when I was just miserable and couldn't convince myself that running would be an option. My walk isn't much slower than my run anyway- So it's all good.

You are awesome

If I was bringing my 4yr old DD, I would rather risk going to the expo later on friday and having lighter crowds at the parks the rest of the week. I think its ok, but then again, its my first Princess!

I agree. my DD4 is coming and we thought about going to week before, but when I saw the crowds, I figured we would extend our trip for a few days after. I figured I would rather have a sore few days in the parks, and a later expo arrival than to deal with a four year old in the crowds.

I just reserved a late lunch for my 3 other princess friends with the Princesses at Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall. Where are you celebrating?

PS. If you think this is a bad choice let me know - since never been and reviews are mixed....figured WHY NOT, I mean we will be wearing our medals and all...why not celebrate with a few princesses!

We are having an early dinner at 1900 PF. I thought it seemed fitting to have dinner with a princess


So I am a little bummed/nervous. I did a half marathon yesterday so I would have a time to submit for the princess in hopes of getting a higher corral placement. I logged on to find my official results, and I am not there. So I emailed the person and hoping he will be able to figure it out. Although I am not holdiing my breath, because he emailed me back to ask me which event I was in . There was a 10k I was thinking about doing, but they describe it as "challenging with gentle hills". Doesn't make me think it would provide me with the best time. Here's hoping my chip registered or they can find me.

 

[crystalight33]

Click at the Link on my signature and you can check which IHG hotels have good rates. The two I like the best so far...because there are too many properties to choose from are the Holiday Inn Express and Suites East Lake Buena Vista and Holiday Inn Downtown Disney. Perhaps one of those (they are both very close to Epcot) has a good deal for you with my friends and family rate. Good Luck!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! That is exactly what I was looking for! I went ahead and booked the Holiday Inn Express LBV. You don't happen to know what time their shuttles run for Disney and Universal do you? I was going to try to give them a call tomorrow to ask. I would love to rent a car, but the prices are really steep right now, so that probably won't be an option. Again, thank you a bunch!

 

[ingefan]

I, like some of the posters today and nervous about being swept. I hope I am able to find one of you or someone who can keep me moving at the right pace. Someone said it perfectly, if I am with someone I tend to push it instead of going at a more "comfortable" pace. I hope I am able to hook up with one of you interval or walker people.

This will be my first time staying right on the Disney property. I am very excited about that. My parents have a house that is minutes from Disney, so we usually stay there, but this is a girsl weekend and we are treating ourselves to the Old Key West. Hope it's nice! Anyone ever stay there that can comment on the accomodations?

I am coming in on Friday evening and staying till late Monday. Getting back to Michigan at midnight on Monday. Tuesday should be a great day at work.

Thanks for all the encouragement and dialogue. You guys are really helping this first timer get excited! Feel free to make any comments . . .

Kelley

 

[bounceliketigger]

I go at least 3 times before a race start. Just part of the pre-race ritual now. I rarely have to stop during a race.

I'll be the one hopping over the corral fence at the last second...

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! That is exactly what I was looking for! I went ahead and booked the Holiday Inn Express LBV. You don't happen to know what time their shuttles run for Disney and Universal do you? I was going to try to give them a call tomorrow to ask. I would love to rent a car, but the prices are really steep right now, so that probably won't be an option. Again, thank you a bunch!

Did you book the Holiday Inn Express Lake Buena Vista or the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lake Buena Vista East? I stayed at the LBV East and I think it was once an hour? It was pretty often so regardless, you will get there. I am not sure about the HIEX Lake Buena Vista. As far as getting to the race, you will probably have to take a cab. But, the staff is really nice and can probably help you figure out the best options then or maybe someone on this thread is staying there with a car?

 

[corinnak]

I go at least 3 times before a race start. Just part of the pre-race ritual now. I rarely have to stop during a race.

Ha ha! I always go three times before a race start, too, if all goes well. I almost always stop at least once in longer race. Just goes with the territory.

I do find that if I have some salt before the race, I tend to hold onto the hydration better. Yup, just a packet of salt. It's not as bad as it sounds.

They are just like jelly beans. I like Gu but I can't have the whole packet of Gu or sport beans in one go. And I am not coordinated enough to save the Gu so I use the sport beans. Although i am going to have to figure something out since they got all sticky from the spi belt during the rain...

I like the sport beans/luna moons/sharkies better, too. I like that I can have just a couple ever few miles and they don't start out sticky. I keep mine in a zip-loc baggie in my belt and rarely have a moisture problem now. I think the Gu can be a lot for a tummy to deal with at one time and have heard more than one person complain about feeling nauseated after them, so definitely try at home before you have it in a race. I always pass on the gu and stick with my own beans or moons.

I hope they get your time for the half straightened out. If not, and you had no time to submit, anything you can give them will be better than nothing in terms of getting you moved up. Even if it's not the fastest you could do, it will likely get you in a corral further up than if you had no time at all.


You guys have such festive lunches planned! I almost always just go back to my room, shower, crash and head out for a good counter service place when I feel up to it, and then often Rose and Crown for a Welsh Dragon after that - it has curative properties! I am impressed by your planning ahead! Actually, I went to Akerhaus with my kids and DH after the Minnie Marathon and we did have a good time. I like their breakfast food and buffet but have never been to the lunch or dinner.

 

[corinnak]

Woops! Double post. I got an error message and submitted again.

I'll take this opportunity to invite anyone who is interested to the Saturday WISH Meet at 4pm, All Star Sports Food Court (table area). There is also a Princess meet on Friday afternoon. Hopefully everyone can make it to one or the other.

Some of us are also planning on hanging out at the T-Z (which includes W for WISH) Family Reunion tent after the half marathon, weather permitting, until the end. For those who haven't been to a Disney race with the WISH team before, this is one of those things we usually do after a big race. Hope to see you there. I'll be in a Lime Green WISH shirt!

 

[crystalight33]

Did you book the Holiday Inn Express Lake Buena Vista or the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lake Buena Vista East? I stayed at the LBV East and I think it was once an hour? It was pretty often so regardless, you will get there. I am not sure about the HIEX Lake Buena Vista. As far as getting to the race, you will probably have to take a cab. But, the staff is really nice and can probably help you figure out the best options then or maybe someone on this thread is staying there with a car?

I booked the Express Inn and Suites east. I knew I'd probably have to get a cab for the race, but I was hoping I could catch a shuttle to Universal after the race. I'm just really relieved that I have somewhere to stay!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I booked the Express Inn and Suites east. I knew I'd probably have to get a cab for the race, but I was hoping I could catch a shuttle to Universal after the race. I'm just really relieved that I have somewhere to stay!

I am so relieved! We went to see Harry Potter during the WDW Marathon at Universal and it was such a waste of time and money. . So disappointed! But the frozen butterbeer was really good! The hotel is good, but the walls seem to be thin. Don't hesitate to call the front desk on any noisy kids before the race and they have the free breakfast and refrigerators and microwaves so I just got some extra food for the morning of the marathon. Have fun at the race.

 

[ludari]

My friend booked a two bedroom suite at Animal Kingdom so I'm in heaven.

 

[MISSINWDW]

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!

I Run continuously and eat those beans on all my long runs! Ha HA!! You kind of have to have bite them, sqush 'em and then just suck on 'em for a while only problem is they get stuck in your teeth!

 

[TeresaZ]

I DID IT!! I changed my dates. Now I'm all nervous about not making it to the expo in time for some of the cute shirts and stuff to still be there! LOL (I'll get there around 4:30)

But it is better this way. My daughter and I will have a better time in a less crowded park and we will actually get to spend a little more time in the parks.

I even managed to change all but one of my ADRs! WOO HOO!


I am staying with a friend off site, so do you think it would be best for me to get a cab from her house to the start line or try and drive? I think she lives like 15 minutes from the park. Thoughts?

 

[dumbo_buddy]

37 days til race day! can't believe it's so soon! we are leaving for our disney vacation on sunday and the whole time i just know i'll be thinking, "ok, next time i'm on this road, instead of the bus i'll be RUNNING on the road!" talk about butterflies!

ran my 4 mile short run yesterday and still felt pretty bad. it's a combination of the terrible eating habits i've had for the last few weeks (like, eating 4-5 smores at night before bed every night for no reason at all) and the fact that it is FREEZING out! yesterday's run it was 23 degrees and i was frozen. at least i got it in and out of the way.

i sub'd the meet up thread. i would like to meet up with anyone during the weekend sometime. i'm going solo (you may remember my story about my friend who bailed on me) and it would be nice to have some contact with a fellow runner

 

[JDruns]

I think I'll just order the green sparkle skirt, pair it with this black shirt and be done with it!

I've read a lot of mentions of a sparkle skirt. Is everyone buying from the same place? And where/what would that be? Can someone share a link?

Hubby just ran the WDW marathon and we had a devil of a time finding him in the field for pictures. I am determind we are going to stand out when we run the Princess.

Thanks!!

 

[JDruns]

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?

Not necessary, but very nice. My in laws and I got the platinum chEAR Squad passes for Hubby's WDW marathon in January, and we would definitely do it again. We had access to private port-a-potties, seating, computers to checkon our runner, food and drinks, and--best of all--access to roped off photo spots to get the best possible shots of our runner.

Definitely a good idea of older and younger folks.