Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[tinkeramy]

i don't understand the run/walk thing and i'm thinking that i should because perhaps it's what i should be doing. i've been just running (aka slow jogging) the whole thing. i'm nervous about stopping to walk because i don't know if i'd start running again after walking.

You can google Jeff Galloway's website and he explains the method and breaks down the walk / run ratio you should be doing depending on what your regular pace is. I tried it, but it was a bit too much stopping and starting for me - got on my nerves. So I modified it for me and now I walk for one minute at the end of each mile and it works great for me. Look at the training plan but modify it to whatever you think will work for you.

It's great that you've been running the whole way, but I did notice that my pace wasn't hurt at all by my walk breaks - I think it actually helps give you the boost you need on the long runs.

I'm new at this, too - just started in July - and I have mainly been following the Hal Higdon training plan but feel confident enough now to change things around as I "get" my body's signals better.

 

[tetney12]

I am registered and ready to go! I have yet to actually get to the 13.1 miles in my training, but i have done 10 miles and feel great at the end. Working on building my speed.

Running is a mental game and I can't seem to get past it!

I am super excited and can't wait to see all you lovely people at the finish line!

 

[UGAFan0829]

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.

My hubby and I are coming down on Friday and leaving Monday morning. We aren't even visiting any of the parks while we're there which is some what of a bummer, but I'll be happy just to be back on property!

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?

I got mine from Team Sparkle! I love mine and can't wait to wear it! I believe the person that I'm running with got hers from there as well!

 

[JDruns]

RE: SKIRTS Thanks. I ran to Google, and lo and behold.... Should've thought to do that in the first place. :headslap: I like the idea of the sparkle skirts but I'd prefer they had a capri option as well as shorts. SIGH.

Maybe I'll try my hand at a no-sew tutu. Not sure DH would consent to run with me then.

RE: FLIGHTS We found a great airline deal today through Southwest. Not sure if they serve your market....

RE: SALT. I think Hubby will have to down a salt packet or carry salt tabs if he decides to run anything more thna half agaian. In his trainign runs over 16 and in the marathon a few weeks ago he had cramping issues. We're a nearly salt-free home most of the time and he sweats quite a lot, so it appears he needs extra help on long, long runs.

We also picked up a new bar/block thingy (the brand escapes me right now) with 3x sodium. He's going to test that on a long training run soon.

I don't think i can post links....anyhoo...

google sparkleskirts - I think they will be at the expo.

Also google team sparkle - which is where I got my skirt because I wanted yellow. Anxiously awaiting for the postman to deliver my sparkle.

I still need to get my plane ticket which delta has no deals on this week though Airtran does. Oh well......we are getting SO close!

Hey, does anyone else take a salt packet before the race? Just wondering, hubs mentioned this and wondering if he is making stuff up or if people do it before 1/2 marathons...I have heard of Marathoners doing it in a full. TIA

 

[JDruns]

YES!!! I actually tested it over the weekend and it worked perfectly...looks soooo cute! Fortunately, the Nike Dri-Fit fabric was fine with the iron...the iron never touched the fabric directly anyway, you use a thin towel between

Good to know! Thanks!!! (I feel a serious DIY fit coming on. Tutus and rhinestones and tech shirts, oh my!)

 

[saysay]

i realize this is probably silly to ask this but...when you say you walk 1/run 1 does that mean you walk for a minute and run for a minute? or, is does that mean that's the ratio of walking to running. like could it mean that you walk 5 minutes then run 5 minutes? and if someone is doing a run 2/walk 1 does it literally mean they run for 2 min and walk for 1 min? or is that the ratio? like you could run 10 minutes walk 5 min?

i don't understand the run/walk thing and i'm thinking that i should because perhaps it's what i should be doing. i've been just running (aka slow jogging) the whole thing. i'm nervous about stopping to walk because i don't know if i'd start running again after walking.

Not a dumb question.

On the Galloway training page there is info and you can look at his videos. He has suggested ratio's based on your running pace for 1 mile.

I do a 2 minute run and 1 minute walk. My ipod has a program to prompt me when its time to start to run or walk. I love it as it breaks up the monotony a little and when I am tired I know a walk is coming up. Its not so hard to start running I have found if you are concentrating on your form, well for me anyhoo. I really try to keep upright, never hunched over and when I start to run had to fight to urge to lean into it. While the Galloway program has suggested time ratios, he also says to experiment and do waht is right for you. Some people run a distance and then walk a minute or 2 - whatever works. The whole premise is you have recover time and its easier on the joints and body.

Actually I think I could up my ratio but with all the little aches and pains I am fighting as I add on the miles, I am sticking with it until after the princess. I am finding during my runs I am much faster than if I just run straight..then during my walk breaks I concentrate on breathing and making sure I am not lollygagging.

I have been doing the walk breaks since I started training for the princess...its not something at a long distance you can just easily jump into I think... I feel like I have kind of trained myself to get comfortable with the switching from running to walking.

Couch to 5k kind of uses walking to ease people into running also. Worked for me! I really don't think I could just run for 13 miles - too mental to keep going!

 

[saysay]

The team sparkle skirt is JUST a skirt...no shorts. I am wearing over my capris. Sparkle Skirts also offers just a skirt...no attached shorts.

I sweat like a mother...but so far no cramping so thinking I am good with my sodium. I know when looking at sports drinks its good to make sure they have some is what my boot camp instructor told me.

And THANKS...no Southwest for us YET. Though Airtran is def cheaper than delta and can't complain about less than $200...but I guess DH wants me to get the miles. UM whatever!

RE: SKIRTS Thanks. I ran to Google, and lo and behold.... Should've thought to do that in the first place. :headslap: I like the idea of the sparkle skirts but I'd prefer they had a capri option as well as shorts. SIGH.

Maybe I'll try my hand at a no-sew tutu. Not sure DH would consent to run with me then.

RE: FLIGHTS We found a great airline deal today through Southwest. Not sure if they serve your market....

RE: SALT. I think Hubby will have to down a salt packet or carry salt tabs if he decides to run anything more thna half agaian. In his trainign runs over 16 and in the marathon a few weeks ago he had cramping issues. We're a nearly salt-free home most of the time and he sweats quite a lot, so it appears he needs extra help on long, long runs.

We also picked up a new bar/block thingy (the brand escapes me right now) with 3x sodium. He's going to test that on a long training run soon.

 

[Cripey]

Not a dumb question.

I have been doing the walk breaks since I started training for the princess...its not something at a long distance you can just easily jump into I think... I feel like I have kind of trained myself to get comfortable with the switching from running to walking.

I was going to jump in and "second" this part for sure...I do 1 mile run/100 step walk breaks and have been since the beginning of my training...in July...and definitely think it's something you have to train your body to work with. I would imagine that if you have been training without walk breaks up until now, that it might be counter productive to try to switch things up at this point. You really do have to get your body used to the intervals you are comfortable with so your mind just "knows" that it's gonna get a little break, but it's gonna have to start back up again! So, for whoever it was that originally was asking about this (I can't remember now ) I would suggest sticking to the plan for the Princess half and then giving the run/walk method a try for your next race...say maybe the 2011 Wine & Dine???

 

[ban26ana]

I'm behind on my training by a lot. Today I ran 10k. It's the farthest I've ever run in my life. IN MY LIFE! My pace was 15:18...enough to not be swept. I felt so amazing afterward. I was cursing at myself in my head as I was running because I kept wanting to cut my run intervals short. I kept saying to myself "you've never stuck to anything in your life. People who are much bigger than you can do this. You're not tired, you're just lazy." And I fought through the mental block. I was my own Jillian Michaels lol.

I'm not a fast person, I'm not a skinny person. But man, to get over all my insecurities like that. I almost cried. I just wanted to share.

 

[Cripey]

I'm behind on my training by a lot. Today I ran 10k. It's the farthest I've ever run in my life. IN MY LIFE! My pace was 15:18...enough to not be swept. I felt so amazing afterward. I was cursing at myself in my head as I was running because I kept wanting to cut my run intervals short. I kept saying to myself "you've never stuck to anything in your life. People who are much bigger than you can do this. You're not tired, you're just lazy." And I fought through the mental block. I was my own Jillian Michaels lol.

I'm not a fast person, I'm not a skinny person. But man, to get over all my insecurities like that. I almost cried. I just wanted to share.

Congrats, that's awesome! I bet the majority of us here (myself included) have had misty eyed moments during our training...I do every time I go further than before!!! It's such a cool feeling

 

[UGAFan0829]

Not a dumb question.


My ipod has a program to prompt me when its time to start to run or walk. I love it as it breaks up the monotony a little and when I am tired I know a walk is coming up. Its not so hard to start running I have found if you are concentrating on your form, well for me anyhoo. I really try to keep upright, never hunched over and when I start to run had to fight to urge to lean into it. While the Galloway program has suggested time ratios, he also says to experiment and do waht is right for you. Some people run a distance and then walk a minute or 2 - whatever works. The whole premise is you have recover time and its easier on the joints and body.

Is this an app that you use? I'm asking because I plan to use a walk 3/run 2 method and would love to have something tp prompt me when to walk and when to run. Right now, I'm having to just watch my time, and it can be hard to keep up with, especially on long runs when I'm trying to watch TV to keep from focusing on distance.

I'm behind on my training by a lot. Today I ran 10k. It's the farthest I've ever run in my life. IN MY LIFE! My pace was 15:18...enough to not be swept. I felt so amazing afterward. I was cursing at myself in my head as I was running because I kept wanting to cut my run intervals short. I kept saying to myself "you've never stuck to anything in your life. People who are much bigger than you can do this. You're not tired, you're just lazy." And I fought through the mental block. I was my own Jillian Michaels lol.

I'm not a fast person, I'm not a skinny person. But man, to get over all my insecurities like that. I almost cried. I just wanted to share.

Way to go!!! I almost cried when reading your post. Mainly because I'm right there with you and totally understand what you are saying. And just like you told yourself-You CAN do this!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

OK, fellow Princesses, I am in major need of encouragement. Either that or a good dose of reality!
I've been planning on doing this race since I crossed the finish line last year. I was even one of those that signed up on the very first day that registation opened.
I had every intention of being fully trained and ready for this race, and here I am with one week and one month to go and my longest run has been 4 miles so far.
I'm so scared at this point, to say the least, and I know it's no one's fault but my own!
Back in the summer, the DH and I were doing awesome and were working on the C25K program in hopes of having a good solid foundation to build my Princess training on. We were going to the park after work 3x's a week and we were making it happen. I'd even gotten to where I could run AN ENTIRE MILE WITHOUT STOPPING, which was an incredible achievement for me! And then Daylight Savings Time ended, and so did our visits to the park. Since it was dark by the time I was getting home, we didn't get to continue our training. At this point, we had every intention of getting up early in the morning and continuing our training on the treadmill, at the gym. Well, that's when my motivation went downhill. I think we actually made it to the gym, maybe twice, and that was it. Then the holidays hit and we were really doomed at that point. So I was determined at the New Year to get started back, no matter what. And I did, with a couple misses here and there. I started out using the Marathoning for Mortals run/walk plan. And after a week or so, I realized that I was never going to make it this way. So, I've now switched to the walk/run plan and I'm doing fine. But, I've also missed the whole first half of the training. I keep telling myself that if I stick to this last half that I can still do this. But I'm scared out of my mind right now and totally freaking out! Can I really do this, or am I just being a wishful thinker? Right now, all of my training has been done on the treadmill, and my best pace has been 16:16 so far. I know I need to improve on that, and I keep telling myself that I can. But really, can I?

Not only that, but the girl that I'd plan to run with is scared that she is going to hold me back. And at this point, I'm sure that isn't the case. Now, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to run alone, which is a little scary to me. I know that if I comes down to it, I can go it alone, but I really don't want to! I'm really shy in person, so it's hard for me to make friends with others around me because of that!

Anyone have any advice to share? Do I really have a chance at this, or do I need to get my head out of the clouds and face reality?

 

[SeptemberGirl]

I think you can do it. Truly. It's five weeks. You can get faster. You can go longer distances. You can move from 16 to 15, which is perfect. I have done this, before, and I am under trained, too, do to a personal mess this fall/winter. But I am going to do it!

You will have to make the commitment, but it can be done! I believe this!

 

[ban26ana]

See my post above. I am not a runner by any means. When I got the idea to do this race, I was a 4 time C25K failure. I never made it past week one. So I decided to do a half marathon for some reason. The first 2 weeks I stuck to my program. I couldn't even run a minute. Then I started taking more and more days off.

What kept me accountable is I'm doing this with TNT. I signed the recommitment. I NEED to do this race now. So last week I went to the gym for the first time. It had been about 8 weeks since I had run, and those runs weren't impressive at all. I ran 2 miles the first day. Well, mostly walked. The next time I did just over 3 miles. I ran more than the time before, but I was hurting. After I left, I realized "holy crap, I just did a 5k!". So today I went to the gym determined to do a 10k. I've never run that far in my life. Sure, there were times that I walked longer than my normal 2 minute interval. But I realized that my biggest hurdle is my brain. I need to start thinking that I can do this. I've honestly never stuck to anything in my life. I always make excuses. I'm so bad that I fake injuries to get out of working out. Yup, I'm ridiculous. But no more. I finally got that running high today. It came at mile 4. (Which actually made my arm hit my headphone cord, they came unplugged, and my iPhone flew off the treadmill onto my neighboring treadmill person lmao!). I fought like hell to finish that distance. I usually go in with a goal and then cut it short during the workout. I almost did it several times today. But I FOUGHT through those feelings of doubt.

Again, I'm not a runner. But if I can fight my self defeating mind, you can. Don't worry about time. You're not that far off the pace. The odds of you being the very last person to start the race are slim, so you have a buffer. Decide that you want to do it and work at it. There is still time.

 

[saysay]

I'm behind on my training by a lot. Today I ran 10k. It's the farthest I've ever run in my life. IN MY LIFE! My pace was 15:18...enough to not be swept. I felt so amazing afterward. I was cursing at myself in my head as I was running because I kept wanting to cut my run intervals short. I kept saying to myself "you've never stuck to anything in your life. People who are much bigger than you can do this. You're not tired, you're just lazy." And I fought through the mental block. I was my own Jillian Michaels lol.

I'm not a fast person, I'm not a skinny person. But man, to get over all my insecurities like that. I almost cried. I just wanted to share.

WAY TO GO THE DISTANCE! You can do this, just keep at it. be proud of yourself...10K is a long way!

When i am in my run of run/walk, and getting tired, I focus on taking smaller steps and keeping my shoulders upright and body erect. Makes such a difference I have the right form and if my strides are too big, I tend to tire easier. Also I focus on my breathing during the walking.. ANYHOO, that is what helps me.

Great job! Keep up the good work.

 

[saysay]

Is this an app that you use? I'm asking because I plan to use a walk 3/run 2 method and would love to have something tp prompt me when to walk and when to run. Right now, I'm having to just watch my time, and it can be hard to keep up with, especially on long runs when I'm trying to watch TV to keep from focusing on distance.

:

I used the Interval Run app. it ws like 1.99 LOVE IT. I paid for another app first 4.99 and hate it. It has great prompts can control how loud and you can play your music behind it.

And to share with you and ban26...

The long run last weekend was HARD at the end. I kept looking at my garmin like it was going to make the distance go faster...yeah right. I really wanted to quit, but was on a path so had to at least walk back to my car. I decided shortly after mile 9, just not to look at the watch. I literally talked myself in to keep going one "you can do this, don't give up, take it easy, your goal is to just finish..." I kept saying in my mind. When my watch beeped at 10 miles I started to cry....I couldn't believe I made it. It was hard, but i was so proud of myself. I know after this race I will be a mess.

Its very emotional this running...you aren't alone.

 

[KristinU]

Hoo! Another day on the dreadmill here with freezing rain - yuck! But I did a friend's interval program and it kicked my butt, so I guess I'm happy with today's workout (and being back in action after the strep thing!)

SO...you all have gotten to me with the princessy stuff! I ordered a running skirt and an iron on rhinestone crown for my shirt today. Not quite a tu-tu, but I shall be at least a bit princessy! Actually I went surfing looking for some shorts with pockets and checked out raceready.com, whose shorts I've seen before in races (on people around me)...lo and behold, they have a skirt! And an older style of it on clearence to boot! So I decided to jump at it. I'll have to take some treadmill runs in it (or hope for some really moderate days ahead...) and see how I like it. But I LOVE the pockets across the backs of their stuff, and it has a drawstring so I can clip my music pouch on...so fingers crossed that I will like it.

 

[verticalchaos]

I am registered and ready to go! I have yet to actually get to the 13.1 miles in my training, but i have done 10 miles and feel great at the end. Working on building my speed.

I didn't go further than 10 miles in my training for the regular WDW Half and did fine. If you've gone at least 10, you should be good.

 

[Belle&Boys]

I'm behind on my training by a lot. Today I ran 10k. It's the farthest I've ever run in my life. IN MY LIFE! My pace was 15:18...enough to not be swept. I felt so amazing afterward. I was cursing at myself in my head as I was running because I kept wanting to cut my run intervals short. I kept saying to myself "you've never stuck to anything in your life. People who are much bigger than you can do this. You're not tired, you're just lazy." And I fought through the mental block. I was my own Jillian Michaels lol.

I'm not a fast person, I'm not a skinny person. But man, to get over all my insecurities like that. I almost cried. I just wanted to share.

That is AWESOME!!! So happy for you! I will probably be a blubbering idiot at the race... I cry just watching the YouTube videos of the 2010 race.

 

[SKWDW]

Haven't checked in here for awhile, hope everyone is doing as well as possible for training in this weather.

I'm pretty excited, just made my first ADR for the Princess trip, anyone else make any of their ADRs yet???

I picked Cap'n Jacks in DTD for Saturday night before the Half. Planning on fish and pasta for dinner. Yum!