Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[TooncesTDC]

I can't wait to meet everyone at the race. The last race I ran was so cold (the Jan 2010 WDW Half) that race morning wasn't so fun. I have my frog costume together, so if you see me, please say hi!



And while most people are excited about the weather, I'm worried that I will be quite warm in my outfit (arm warmers, gloves, etc). So, hopefully, I can handle it. I'll do a test run in my get-up tomorrow.

Hi all. Need some encouragement here. I am sick!!! I have a bad cough and sore throat. I am so worried I won't be better for Sunday! Just hoping and praying I feel better.

Tricia, don't worry too much. As long as you have no symptoms below your neck, it's quite safe to run in, and it makes me feel better when I have a cold. But I'm sure it will be fine by race day!

 

[marathonmommy]

Hi all. Need some encouragement here. I am sick!!! I have a bad cough and sore throat. I am so worried I won't be better for Sunday! Just hoping and praying I feel better.

I'll make you feel better about your situation....I've been in bed with a fever for almost a week now. Diagnosed with strep. On new meds because zpack either didn't work or I have something viral on top of it. I haven't run in over a week, I can't get out of bed (but HAVE to go to work today with my upcoming days off), and going up the stairs has me exhausted. I'm trying not to worry or freak out, but better said than done. If I have to, I will walk the darn thing. I do think we should get our lungs checked out for piece of mind. If they say that's okay, I'm running!

 

[sabnrob06]

You live in paradise. You have no say.

ok.. I'll stop complaining now..

 

[v22wifey]

I can't wait to meet everyone at the race. The last race I ran was so cold (the Jan 2010 WDW Half) that race morning wasn't so fun. I have my frog costume together, so if you see me, please say hi!



And while most people are excited about the weather, I'm worried that I will be quite warm in my outfit (arm warmers, gloves, etc). So, hopefully, I can handle it. I'll do a test run in my get-up tomorrow.



Tricia, don't worry too much. As long as you have no symptoms below your neck, it's quite safe to run in, and it makes me feel better when I have a cold. But I'm sure it will be fine by race day!

LOVE IT!!! I say, worst case, if you get too warm, ditch the gloves. That alone will cool you down a lot!

 

[liznboys]

I'm pretty sure I am going to be the minority but I was hoping for cooler weather!! I'm from South Florida and was hoping for some cooler temps!! Better not forget that sunblock!

I'm in the minority with you!! Warmer weather is a pace slower, for me anyway. Yesterday it was in the upper 60's and bright sun for my 7 mile run. My average pace was slower than it was for my 11 miler a week ago...when it was much cooler. I'm not looking forward to it being around 60 at the start of the race and going up from there. At least it'll be early so the sun won't be high.

 

[gator_mama]

We arrived at Orlando just past midnight this morning , flight delayed thanks to snow in Toronto so didn't get to bed until 3am this morning and we were up early to do some Outlet shopping and DTD....OMG the weather is HOT! I didn't pack shorts, just long pants and capri (minus my running wear) so if the weather stays the same, keep the throw away clothes at home.
BTW the Disney Outlet here has alot of clothes from the Marathon Weekend, incase anyone is interested!

If you don't mind me asking, where is the Disney outlet? TIA

 

[stitchfan18]

I just thought of a problem this morning. We were planning on taking a taxi to the start of the races, and then hopping on a bus back to the BWV from the front of Epcot. I just remembered that there isn't a bus from Epcot to the BW area. The morning of the 5k, I guess we'll just take the monorail to MK and bus back from there, but what should we do on Sunday? Won't the roads between MK and that area be shut down for the race? I was already worried about making it back to the hotel room in time to shower and check out by 11, so now I'm really panicked!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i'm also hoping it won't be too hot! i've been training outside all winter - not ONE run even on a treadmill! so i'm used to getting really bundled for the weather. i ran outside all last summer too when it was HOT but that was back when if i completed a 2 miler that was huge!

i just hope it doesn't warm up too much too early. i didn't even think about how you're slower in the heat too. i can't afford to be too much slower.

i've started with the anxiety dreams too. they aren't run related, just the same ones i have about how i'm back in high school and i won't be graduating because i never went to gym class. i have that one all the time when i'm anxious about something.

i'm used to running in long sleeves. still trying to figure out what's appropriate to wear for the extra heat!

 

[natale1980]

I've done all of my training on a treadmill in a hot (stinky) gym. Running outside in the 60's with a breeze sounds AWESOME!!! Can't wait.
Last run on the treadmill today before I leave.

Only three more sleeps until I leave!!

-nat

 

[JDruns]

I have my frog costume together, so if you see me, please say hi!



And while most people are excited about the weather, I'm worried that I will be quite warm in my outfit (arm warmers, gloves, etc).

Awesome costume! Love that you're getting into the spirit. Be sure to update us after the race as to how mnay kisses you get!

I agree with the other poster who said lose the gloves. You're still perfectly froggy without them and you'll be cooler.

Have a great race!

 

[HockeyKat]

I just thought of a problem this morning. We were planning on taking a taxi to the start of the races, and then hopping on a bus back to the BWV from the front of Epcot. I just remembered that there isn't a bus from Epcot to the BW area. The morning of the 5k, I guess we'll just take the monorail to MK and bus back from there, but what should we do on Sunday? Won't the roads between MK and that area be shut down for the race? I was already worried about making it back to the hotel room in time to shower and check out by 11, so now I'm really panicked!

If you have park admission, then you can walk through Epcot to BWV.

I just read through the online program. The entrance to Epcot is closed until 7:30AM. You may be able to taxi out when you finish. Epcot opens at normal hours (9AM) and all normal park transportation options are available as well as host resort transportation, although with some delays.

If you don't have park admission, you have options:
1) Host resort bus to Caribbean Beach, then taxi to BWV (it's not far)
2) Monorail to TTC, take bus to DHS, boat to BWV
3) Monorail to MK, bus to BWV
4) Bus to DTD, Bus to BWV

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Potty question--Are there port-a-potties next to the corrals? I can't imagine being in the corral by 5 and not being able to use the bathroom before the race.

I know this has been discussed before (I've been following along but not commenting much), but I can't remember. This is my first half, so I am trying to work it all out in my head. Thanks!

 

[faith-hope-joy]

I wish I would have found this board a year ago!! Last February I started running with a friend. Our goal was the January HM. She stopped running, but I found another friend who was training for the Princess Half. So we've been trudging along for a year together. It's been an up and down ride for sure. I got injured at Thanksgiving and took amost 2 months off. That set me back terribly. I wasn't fast to begin with, but at least I wasn't having to worry abuot the 16 min pace. Now I do have to worry. Thanks to my new found love, my massage therapist, I've been able to run pain free since January. My longest run has been 10.5 (including walk breaks). When I finally got the money to reserve a hotel room, I missed out on any of the Disney hotels w/ transportation. That's what I get for being a Florida procrastinator. Now I have to deal with the mental hassle of driving myself to the start. Then last week I cracked a wisdom tooth. I thought for sure I was out of the race. My dentist checked it and says I'm fine. The oral surgeon can't see me until Monday after the race and they say I'm fine. Just take ibuprofen to manage any discomfort and run the race. Now the warmer temps. ugh. Like someone else mentioned, the cooler temps are best for me. I love running in 40-50 degrees. 60's and sunny are gonna be brutal. The race is here, I just wish my head were in the game.

 

[Kensgirl519]

We arrived at Orlando just past midnight this morning , flight delayed thanks to snow in Toronto so didn't get to bed until 3am this morning and we were up early to do some Outlet shopping and DTD....OMG the weather is HOT! I didn't pack shorts, just long pants and capri (minus my running wear) so if the weather stays the same, keep the throw away clothes at home.
BTW the Disney Outlet here has alot of clothes from the Marathon Weekend, incase anyone is interested!

yeah! glad you made it safe!!!

 

[natale1980]

I always find it amazing how much I hate running but yet how good it feels to finish a 3mile run.
I think I'm all set for Sunday!!! Can't get any better at this point.

-nat

 

[hvivona]

I just thought of a problem this morning. We were planning on taking a taxi to the start of the races, and then hopping on a bus back to the BWV from the front of Epcot. I just remembered that there isn't a bus from Epcot to the BW area. The morning of the 5k, I guess we'll just take the monorail to MK and bus back from there, but what should we do on Sunday? Won't the roads between MK and that area be shut down for the race? I was already worried about making it back to the hotel room in time to shower and check out by 11, so now I'm really panicked!

I've found that many hotels are very accomedating when it comes to travlers who are racing. Just request a later check out. Explain that you're running the half and would like to have time to come back for a shower after your run. I'm sure they'll say its not a problem.

 

[joan4mickey]

Potty question--Are there port-a-potties next to the corrals? I can't imagine being in the corral by 5 and not being able to use the bathroom before the race.

I know this has been discussed before (I've been following along but not commenting much), but I can't remember. This is my first half, so I am trying to work it all out in my head. Thanks!

There were lots of potties last year next to corrals

 

[stitchfan18]

I've found that many hotels are very accomedating when it comes to travlers who are racing. Just request a later check out. Explain that you're running the half and would like to have time to come back for a shower after your run. I'm sure they'll say its not a problem.

I'll probably ask, but since I'm staying DVC they are usually a little more strict about the checkout time. Although I doubt they are going to barge in right at 11 if we haven't left yet...

 

[3DisneyKids]

If you have park admission, then you can walk through Epcot to BWV.

I just read through the online program. The entrance to Epcot is closed until 7:30AM. You may be able to taxi out when you finish. Epcot opens at normal hours (9AM) and all normal park transportation options are available as well as host resort transportation, although with some delays.

If you don't have park admission, you have options:
1) Host resort bus to Caribbean Beach, then taxi to BWV (it's not far)
2) Monorail to TTC, take bus to DHS, boat to BWV
3) Monorail to MK, bus to BWV
4) Bus to DTD, Bus to BWV

Kat gave you really good options here. But be careful with the Friendships boats right now. I know that the boat from Yacht & Beach is not running. I am pretty sure that the boat to BW IS though. And I know that the boat to Swan/Dolphin is.

I would monorail to MK and then Bust to BWV.

I've found that many hotels are very accomedating when it comes to travlers who are racing. Just request a later check out. Explain that you're running the half and would like to have time to come back for a shower after your run. I'm sure they'll say its not a problem.

The bolding is mine because I wanted to say that I respectfully disagree with this. No way you can say it will definitely be ok. HOPEFULLY they will accommodate you. But especially at BWV right now they are getting people OUT by 11. I was just there and we requested a late checkout (and we are DVC members) and we were very nicely told that it wasn't possible. They are having major changes with the Mousekeeping right now and they definitely were not allowing anyone to make any changes to policy.

And really, you can't blame them. First, Sunday is the busiest check-IN day of the week for the DVC resorts. They can't hold rooms. But on top of that, it is a good sized resort and they won't keep track of who can check out early and who can't and all of that. You will want a back-up plan.

What time do you plan to cross the finish? I think you will have plenty of time to get back before 11. Assuming you cross at 9--that would give you more than enough time.

As for a back-up plan, you can always do all of your packing the night before, and basically check-out when you leave for the race. Have Bell Services store your luggage (THAT they will definitely do.) Leave a small bag out with clean clothes and toiletries and just shower in the locker rooms. Not ideal, but it takes the time pressure off if that is really stressing you.

If it was me, I would assume that you will have no trouble getting back well before 11.

Good luck! And don't worry, this race is gonna be a blast!

 

[hvivona]

The bolding is mine because I wanted to say that I respectfully disagree with this. No way you can say it will definitely be ok. HOPEFULLY they will accommodate you.

Just to make things clear, I did not say it would definitely be ok. I said "I'm sure they'll say its not a problem". Meaning I hoped that it wouldn't be a problem and given my past experiences it never has been. Every hotel/resort is different.