Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[sabnrob06]

I just wanted to say congrats and good job to all of you strong women who get out there and run in the really cold weather!! I am a native Floridian and these cold snaps that we seem to get every week , well by Florida's standards, are killing me!!! getting up and running on the beach in 40 degree weather sucks. I know I shouldn't complain but I am! . It's less than a month away!! Super excited and nervous at the dame time

Question- does anyone have their waiver sheet signed? I have been checking the site and can't seem to find it? I thought they said it would be out one month before the race?? Am in overlooking it??

 

[Swmr359]

Ugh... I haven't run since Sunday...The snow is to deep to run in and I don't feel safe running in the road( no where to go if someone does try and hit me). I was supposed to do 12.5 miles this Sunday but I think I'll push that back to next week and either take this weekend off or run laps in the parking lot...

 

[Kensgirl519]

Was thinking about some things to make sure that new "princesses" know. 1. Have a good sports bra. If you are well-endowed like moi, you will need to spend some money to get the best you can.

OMG - THIS IS SOOOOO TRUE!!!! Believe me, it makes a WORLD of difference to have a correctly fitted good quality sports bra. I kept feeling like I had the weight of the world on my chest and found myself often out of air when I would "run/walk" and then I went to a running store and was correctly fitted only to find out that I was wearing the totally wrong bra for me. Now that I have a GREAT running bra, I don't feel the weight on my chest at all!! It is amazing!!! The best investments are: YOUR SHOES and YOUR BRA!!!

 

[Jeannekay]

First, I have no idea of how long you have been running, what your pace is, and how many halves you have done so what I say may be useless...

I like Hal Higdon, but per doctors advice I only run 3 times a week (and that has been great the last year and a half...no injuries) and Hal has more runs, but I still look at his training plans for tempo and speed owrk.

Next, I have never done more than a 10 mile LR for a half. I do peak at about 25 miles in a week with my 3 runs combined. So my question would be...are you doing more than just a long run each week? I find miles per week important. That said, I am going to do 8-10 LR this weekend, 8 miles next weekend and 10-12 miles Feb 13. After that nothing longer than 7 and I will do some speed and tempo during the week. I will not run Fri and Sat before race and only 3-5 miles that 2/24.

Hope that helps.

Thanks so much! I have been running seriously, for only a year.

My last race, I followed Hal Higdon's amatuer schedule to the letter. I felt sore after the 13. I had been practicing on the pavement all summer, so I couldn't imagine why I felt so sore and tired after the Detroit Half marathon.

I see that you are running the 10 two weeks before the 13. Hal had me run the 10 one week before the 13.

10 on Sunday 13th
7 Sunday 20th
13.1 Race day I think your schedule would be better for me.

I had an idea that if I worked up to 14, I wouldn't think the Princess would be so bad.

14 Sunday 13th
7 Sunday 20th
13.1 Race day

I do run Tues, Wed. & Thurs. 5-3-4.5, then the long run. Seeing that you just run 3 times a week, I won't feel guilty for missing a day. The discipline is tiring.

I got tired of going to the gym, but have started back twice a week. I am doing the speed and hills on the fancy treadmills there. The elliptical too.
I am also doing some the machines for upper body. I skipped a month and boy was I sore!

At home, I have been doing 50 sit ups in the morning and 50 at night. 10-15 pushups twice a day also.

I learned some new leg and hip stretches doing joga on tv with Pricilla Patrick. I just happened upon it at 6:30 a.m. on some pbs channel.

 

[Jeannekay]

Thanks! I just got some Asics Kayano 16s!!! Love them! Have you ever taken glucosamine for your knees? I'm thinking about getting some and wondering if it really helps.

Yes, I did try the glucosamine for about two years and didn't notice anything. If I didn't take them, would I feel worse??? I don't know.

My YOUNG gyno doctor says that it helps SOME people and not others.

My 45 yr. old affluent sports medicine doctor told me, "There is no way, those pills can reach your knees."

He went on and on detailing all these points about the anatomy of the knee.
He sounded much more convincing, that those pills are a gimmick.

We agree that's it's crucial to eat properly (no junk) and get plenty of water and exercise to keep the body in top condition.

I do take a vitamin a few times a week, in case I fall off the wagon. There are so many temptations.

That was my experience.

 

[Jeannekay]

OMG - THIS IS SOOOOO TRUE!!!! Believe me, it makes a WORLD of difference to have a correctly fitted good quality sports bra. I kept feeling like I had the weight of the world on my chest and found myself often out of air when I would "run/walk" and then I went to a running store and was correctly fitted only to find out that I was wearing the totally wrong bra for me. Now that I have a GREAT running bra, I don't feel the weight on my chest at all!! It is amazing!!! The best investments are: YOUR SHOES and YOUR BRA!!!

I agree. I bought cheap ones. What a waste of money. I did find a nicely padded sports bra from Champion at Target in 34C.

I went for a fitting at Victoria's Secret and they measured above my breasts for the sizing. They gave me a 36.
But, if I measure just under my breasts, I get 33"

I don't feel their professional measuring is any good because I have an athletic body with muscles. The measurer's were 20 yr. old's with no upper body muscles at all. Lol

Having two children who wanted to be picked up and carried, definitely built up muscle as well as going to the gym.

 

[Belle&Boys]

Hi Princesses! Can’t believe we are now under a month to RACE DAY! What is even better is that I am only 27 days from going on my Princess ½ Marathon Mommy Vacation!!!!! I am sooooo ready for a vacation. I’m leaving DH and kids at home with work and school and I’m taking my parents. Looking forward to some quality time with them. They missed my big cross country finals running moment when I was in high school. There was always a bit of sadness that accompanied that memory, but honestly it is going to mean so much more to me to have them at the Princess ½. Running was so easy in high school. Now I’m 37, about 35 lbs heavier, and I’m a wife and working mom to 2 great boys. Finishing the Princess ½ is going to be a much bigger accomplishment!

Quick question on the Expo… I saw that there is an admission cost to enter the Wide World of Sports Complex - $13.50/adult. For those who have participated before, are we really going to have to pay that to go to the Expo? I just want to make sure I bring enough money because I don’t want to make my parents pay to go with me to the Expo.

Have a 12.5 scheduled for tomorrow. Eek! Based on my route, I will actually go 12.9. This will be my longest run so far. I hope my body will hold up. I did 11.2 two weeks ago and felt pretty good in terms of cardio, but my legs were JELLY! My long runs before the race are:
Feb 6th - 4
Feb 13th - 12.9
Feb 20th - 4

My route is very hilly, so I’m hoping that endurance-wise I will be more than ready for 13.1. It is just another .2 miles, so that shouldn’t be a problem – right??

 

[joan4mickey]

I see that you are running the 10 two weeks before the 13. Hal had me run the 10 one week before the 13.

10 on Sunday 13th
7 Sunday 20th
13.1 Race day I think your schedule would be better for me.

I had an idea that if I worked up to 14, I wouldn't think the Princess would be so bad.

14 Sunday 13th
7 Sunday 20th
13.1 Race day

I do run Tues, Wed. & Thurs. 5-3-4.5, then the long run. Seeing that you just run 3 times a week, I won't feel guilty for missing a day. The discipline is tiring.

I got tired of going to the gym, but have started back twice a week. I am doing the speed and hills on the fancy treadmills there. The elliptical too.
I am also doing some the machines for upper body. I skipped a month and boy was I sore!

At home, I have been doing 50 sit ups in the morning and 50 at night. 10-15 pushups twice a day also.

I learned some new leg and hip stretches doing joga on tv with Pricilla Patrick. I just happened upon it at 6:30 a.m. on some pbs channel.

Sounds like you have a lot going on..
My only problem with a Long LR is my fear of injury. That's why I have 10-12 and 8-10 runs. If I feel something (i.e. IT band) tweeking then I'm going to cut it on the short side and ice and take Aleve. The race is my goal.

I see from another post you have been to a sports dr. so perhaps you have something that "tweeks" too. I'm not young or old (ok, I'll be 50 in a few months) and have only been running 3 years.

I'm sure you will do great

 

[joan4mickey]

Hi Princesses!

Quick question on the Expo… I saw that there is an admission cost to enter the Wide World of Sports Complex - $13.50/adult. For those who have participated before, are we really going to have to pay that to go to the Expo? I just want to make sure I bring enough money because I don’t want to make my parents pay to go with me to the Expo.

Feb 6th - 4
Feb 13th - 12.9
Feb 20th - 4

My route is very hilly, so I’m hoping that endurance-wise I will be more than ready for 13.1. It is just another .2 miles, so that shouldn’t be a problem – right??

NO CHARGE to get to the expo

You will be fine with your milage..don't overdo. Take those LR at a nice slow pace. Disney is flat expect for the long banked ramp just after mile ten and a short hill just before the MK around mile 5.

 

[Belle&Boys]

NO CHARGE to get to the expo

You will be fine with your milage..don't overdo. Take those LR at a nice slow pace. Disney is flat expect for the long banked ramp just after mile ten and a short hill just before the MK around mile 5.

Thanks!

 

[ufwendyo]

2. Make sure that you have friction lubricant and use it in any place (and I mean any place!) that might rub. I saw one girl after a race and her inner thighs were bleeding from rubbing together.

That was the one thing when I started training that surprised me the most and I was not prepared for. So if you don't have some get some! That kind of pain is horrible! I don't have some many problems with my legs anymore, but if I wear the wrong tank.... OUCH!

 

[verticalchaos]

Compression/running shorts practically eliminate thigh chaffing.

 

[ufwendyo]

I'm so upset. I was suppose to run a 10K tomorrow, but I am sick. I went to the doctor earlier this week and got a shot and thought I'd be able to do it but last night and today I feel so much worse. I was actually in tears last night because my husband said he didn't think I needed to run this weekend. I really wanted a time to take for corral placement. Someone please tell me it will be okay!

 

[verticalchaos]

I'm so upset. I was suppose to run a 10K tomorrow, but I am sick. I went to the doctor earlier this week and got a shot and thought I'd be able to do it but last night and today I feel so much worse. I was actually in tears last night because my husband said he didn't think I needed to run this weekend. I really wanted a time to take for corral placement. Someone please tell me it will be okay!

It will be fine. Better to take the day off than risk getting sicker or injured (because of weakened system and pushing too hard while sick) and missing the Princess. Right?

 

[joan4mickey]

I'm so upset. I was suppose to run a 10K tomorrow, but I am sick. I went to the doctor earlier this week and got a shot and thought I'd be able to do it but last night and today I feel so much worse. I was actually in tears last night because my husband said he didn't think I needed to run this weekend. I really wanted a time to take for corral placement. Someone please tell me it will be okay!

I ditto verticalchaos
But don't you hate it when your DH is right (JK)

 

[tinkeramy]

Hi, ladies! I just started a new thread - "What's your favorite running music on your ipod?" - on this board. Please post responses there - I am in dire need of fresh music to get me through the next month!!!

 

[JDruns]

I am sooo nervous about tomorrow's long run. I want to do at least 11 (did 10.3 last week), might eek out 12 if the run goes well, but I've had knee issues all week. Even skipped yesterday's 3-miler hoping the extra rest will help tomorrow.

Going to stretch today and a mile into tomorrow's run and really stick to training pace tomorrow (I always push the pace). Slooooow and steady is the game plan tomorrow.

If my knee throws a fit tomorrow, I don't know what I'll do. Doctor, I guess. ARRRGH.

After seeing all the tutu talk on the board, I talked my girlfirends into getting together for a "Tutu Fabulous" party tomorrow afternoon. Some of us will make tutus for ourselves but most gals are making tutus for daughters/friend's daughters.

If my run goes badly, I might be making a very tear-stained tutu.... Here's hoping it's a victory tutu instead!

 

[verticalchaos]

I am sooo nervous about tomorrow's long run. I want to do at least 11 (did 10.3 last week), might eek out 12 if the run goes well, but I've had knee issues all week. Even skipped yesterday's 3-miler hoping the extra rest will help tomorrow.

Going to stretch today and a mile into tomorrow's run and really stick to training pace tomorrow (I always push the pace). Slooooow and steady is the game plan tomorrow.

If my knee throws a fit tomorrow, I don't know what I'll do. Doctor, I guess. ARRRGH.

After seeing all the tutu talk on the board, I talked my girlfirends into getting together for a "Tutu Fabulous" party tomorrow afternoon. Some of us will make tutus for ourselves but most gals are making tutus for daughters/friend's daughters.

If my run goes badly, I might be making a very tear-stained tutu.... Here's hoping it's a victory tutu instead!

That's an awful lot of pressure to put on one run (and on yourself).

I completed the January half on a long run of 10 miles period. Not a problem. I know you want to run, but... I did my entire training generally uninjured because I followed the rule in Marathoning for Mortals (from whence came my training plan) that if something hurt, I took three days off. Maybe did some stretching on days two and three, but NOTHING like running for three solid days. That was enough to let whatever inflammation die down, but had it been more serious, the three days off would help decrease the inflammation to the point where it could be easier to pinpoint what was wrong. Running through a possible injury is one pretty good way to ensure that if it truly IS an injury you'll just make it worse.

Just some food for thought...

 

[slp1650]

After a week and a half of having a pretty bad chest cold then another half week of many hikes and spending some time with friends form out of town, I finally got back into running. Ran 4 miles a few days ago (in my brand new shoes ). Then today I woke up, rolled out of bed, decided to start out with a 7 mile run, but ended up doing 9!

I'm hoping to do a 10/11 run in the next few weeks, but coming from distance swimming and triathlons I'm not worried about the extra miles I'm not practicing.

It just felt good to get out there and have a long run again! My ankle even decided to be manageable today. It still hurt, but not as bad as before.

Can't wait for the race!!!! If only it could be here sooner (and I could skip all the midterms and other assignments I have due before that).

 

[saysay]

I am sooo nervous about tomorrow's long run. I want to do at least 11 (did 10.3 last week), might eek out 12 if the run goes well, but I've had knee issues all week. Even skipped yesterday's 3-miler hoping the extra rest will help tomorrow.

Going to stretch today and a mile into tomorrow's run and really stick to training pace tomorrow (I always push the pace). Slooooow and steady is the game plan tomorrow.

If my knee throws a fit tomorrow, I don't know what I'll do. Doctor, I guess. ARRRGH.

After seeing all the tutu talk on the board, I talked my girlfirends into getting together for a "Tutu Fabulous" party tomorrow afternoon. Some of us will make tutus for ourselves but most gals are making tutus for daughters/friend's daughters.

If my run goes badly, I might be making a very tear-stained tutu.... Here's hoping it's a victory tutu instead!

I feel your pain...well not your knee pain, but the tear stained tutu remark. I had hoped in my training plan to be doing 11.5 or 12 miles this weekend, but with my Plantar Faciitis, I am scared to be honest. I am in the care of a sports doctor and PT and was given the OK tor train and do the race but am so afraid I will not be able to do the minimum 10 miles. I know if I start to feel pain anywhere I need to walk and if it continues to stop. My last long run was 10.5 and when I had the issues come about with the foot.

I have had 2 PT sessions this week with some stretching on a slant board, the PT suggested every runner get one and use 5 minutes a day. My foot and heel were a little swollen and SO tight...she did both Ultrasound and iontopheresis - electrodes and meds to stimulate the blood moving bring down the swelling. I have to say, both the ultrasound and ionto thingy really did make the foot feel better. Its less pain and def swelling went down, so resting til Sunday. But still can feel the heel, doesn't help I work on my feet at preschool either.

And it is pressure, but I have trained so hard this year and was doing well until the PF kicked in. It doesn't help I am 46 so according to PT, things don't bounce back like they used to - well not as quickly. I have to just go out and do my best and know I don't want to screw up being able to run for a year...or forever....its just a little pressure and now gotten totally mental in that I am as slow as I was when I started and questioning IF I can get through the training and the race. BUT all I can do is train do my best and listen to my body. I cut back my run times in my intervals in half, and am willing to walk if need be, though I tend to drag in my walking!

Um, thanks for letting me get that off my chest...that needs a good sports bra BTW...

So just go out there, listen to your body - if you can't do it the whole way....you can't do it, be prepared to stop and call a doc on Monday. Let us know how it goes.

I am with you but remember, lets stay positive, all we can do is our best, we do this for fun and health AND we need to avoid permanent damage. Its easy to go down the mental road about failure and not being able to finish...we don't know until we try.

BTW those slant boards are crazy expensive, so going to have the hubs make me one this weekend. I found with my prostretch I was overstretching...again, live and learn!