Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[tinkeramy]

This is a hard time of year to get your midweek runs in. Even if you slack some this week and next, there is still plenty of time to get back on track. Most training plans I know only call for getting up to 10 miles before a half, so if that's all you get to, you can still do this.

My shins are back to whining at me again, but no calf tightness this time around, which is odd to me. Ah, well - I'll just keep on keepin' on and try to be good to myself as much as I am able!

In this week of stress, I do want to encourage all of you to get some kind of long run in. I posted on Michele's dailymile page about a run I distinctly remember last year on Christmas Eve. It was one of my longer runs, and while it was a sunny day, it was pretty cold & crisp. I had Christmas music on the ipod and it was one of my best runs, ever. Totally helped to destress and clear my head before dealing with my children's Christmas Eve spasms!!!!

 

[stamot]

If you pack me in your suitcase, I promise to coach you and make sure you stay on track

Honestly, I think your best bet is to set your alarm earlier than everyone else in your fam and nail out your workouts first thing in the am before anyone gets up. Yes you'll be doing alot of walking in the parks, but it's still not the same as getting in your workout. Plus, think about how much better you'll feel enjoying yummy Disney treats knowing you got your workout in the day before. Others can chime in on some of the best routes...I've never been to Disney as a runner for a non-race weekend, so I don't really know. Worse comes to worse, there's always the stupid treadmill.

I will love to take you but I take so much clothes that you will not fit in my suitcase.

I ran 13.1 miles today training run! I did it in 2 hrs 17 minutes! avg a 10 min mile! My fartherst distance to date!

WOW!! And it takes me 2 hours to do 8 miles. Your time is super fast.

For training while at Disney: I made sure I got my long run in right before or after I got back and counted all the walking we did as my shorter runs. I wasn't this close to a big long race like the princess though. But when we figured out how much walking we did while in the parks, we were pretty shocked at how much it was. Have fun!

that is a great advice!! thanks

 

[princessallegra]

I'm almost afraid to post because it makes it all too real! I have been off training for 8 weeks doing physical therapy for my knee (patellar maltracking). I am almost cleared for running again thank goodness! I've been doing the elliptical like a madwoman to keep my cardio up. Basically I am going to have about 6-8 weeks tops to train now! I know I can do it, I really do. It's still slightly scary though. You ladies are all doing amazingly well! It's so great to read your training stories and gain motivation through your experiences.

 

[TiggerAllie]

End of the semester means its hard to get time to check in here!

Got 11 mi in this weekend in 2:10--cold air made it a bit slow and rough on my training buddy, but we hung in there. I felt much better than last week's 10 mi. No time for a long run over Christmas due to travel, but I should get in the 4 mi short runs. I'd be ready for the WDW half! (except we'll be at DL not WDW that wknd...)

No treadmill available, so we'll still be training outside through the cold and any future snow.

 

[kathleendsm]

I actually had a GREAT run yesterday. Only 3 miles, but I figured that was better than nothing. I was feeling stressed and tense, but it was my fastest by about 30 seconds in months, and I was holding less than a 10 minute mile for a while. That's like warp speed for me. I'm hoping I can get in another 3-4 miler tomorrow, and then do my 10 miles on Friday. It feels really early for that, last time I didn't get up to 10 miles until a few weeks before my half, but maybe that means I'll be stronger this time.

I just noticed in the training plan he has 4 miles for the long run 2 weeks in a row in January...that seems odd. I might switch it up a bit and stick closer to 10-12 miles for my longest runs, I don't want to risk injury, and my shins (particularly my left) are still groaning at me. Advil is my friend.

 

[fashionista311]

heads up for anyone want to try new fuel now that the long runs are getting longer for all...i'm doing a clif shot blok giveaway on my blog! http://nyc-runner.blogspot.com/2011/12/giveaway-clif-shot-bloks.html

 

[AliceSpark]

I want to second what Amy said about taking a run to release the stress. Yesterday, I almost skipped my run - I am tired, I feel a cold coming on, I am too busy... But I decided to go out anyway - it was relatively warm here so I went out at dusk just as my neighbors Christmas lights were coming on - how beautiful to see them as I was running or walking by instead of whizzing by in a car. I felt so much better when I got home. I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday. Finding your inspiration and this challengeing run has been a hilight of this year and I can't wait to fulfillit in the next year.

Martha

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

I'm here!!! Work has been crazy for hubby and myself so it's been hard to go for runs. I've noticed that at 3:30 AM I become a bit of an insomniac. Instead of just lying in bed, I get up and go to the gym. It's working!!!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Stomach flu ick setting us a back a few runs. Blech.

I'll be staying at a hotel over Christmas, and I'm not usually a treadmill runner, but they have a few in the fitness center at the hotel that I may use for convenience. Any advice for treadmill settings, tips, etc?

 

[Dagny]

I'm here!!! Work has been crazy for hubby and myself so it's been hard to go for runs. I've noticed that at 3:30 AM I become a bit of an insomniac. Instead of just lying in bed, I get up and go to the gym. It's working!!!

You are my hero! I have also become an insomniac of late as well. I wish I had your drive to get up and go the gym to run. Kudos to you!

I actually had a GREAT run yesterday. Only 3 miles, but I figured that was better than nothing. I was feeling stressed and tense, but it was my fastest by about 30 seconds in months, and I was holding less than a 10 minute mile for a while. That's like warp speed for me. I'm hoping I can get in another 3-4 miler tomorrow, and then do my 10 miles on Friday. It feels really early for that, last time I didn't get up to 10 miles until a few weeks before my half, but maybe that means I'll be stronger this time.

I just noticed in the training plan he has 4 miles for the long run 2 weeks in a row in January...that seems odd. I might switch it up a bit and stick closer to 10-12 miles for my longest runs, I don't want to risk injury, and my shins (particularly my left) are still groaning at me. Advil is my friend.

Wow! I have been "walking/running" for about 6 months and I am not even close to a 10 minute mile. That time is absolutely wonderful and you should be very very proud!

 

[queen mimi]

DD and I just signed up! We are "perfect Princesses", having done all of them so far. This year, we are doing the inaugural Tinkerbell at DL. Our first time out there. What a way to go for the Coast to Coast! Training has fallen a little behind with holidays, etc. I'll be doing a 9 mile walk/run in the next few days. That puts me pretty much back on track. Been working on our running outfits. At least those are progressing!

For those of you who are new to this race, it is a fantastic event for women. It is such a feeling of empowerment. That, along with a shot of adrenalin, should get us all to the finish line. Now, if we can only get there ahead of the sweepers!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I'm almost afraid to post because it makes it all too real! I have been off training for 8 weeks doing physical therapy for my knee (patellar maltracking). I am almost cleared for running again thank goodness! I've been doing the elliptical like a madwoman to keep my cardio up. Basically I am going to have about 6-8 weeks tops to train now! I know I can do it, I really do. It's still slightly scary though. You ladies are all doing amazingly well! It's so great to read your training stories and gain motivation through your experiences.

I am also just coming back for an injury and also in PT, I have hit 8 miles so far, I know I will finish the Princess, but not just as fast as I would like.

 

[v22wifey]

Hi everyone!!! I haven't checked this board since the end of this past year's Princess 1/2, so I'm a bit late I'm signed up for this year (back in July) but then things got crazy and we had an impromptu move, due to the fun life in the military, and then the whole family got sick off and on, new schools, and the change. SO, now it's December and the last time I "ran" a race was Halloween for the MCM 10k. I did 5 mi last week and am trying to get back on track. The holidays are just throwing me out of whack completely.
SO, hopefully, next week I'll be refocused and ready to go! I just hope I am ready enough to do what's required the end of Feb. *sigh*

 

[babyball]

I am also just coming back for an injury and also in PT, I have hit 8 miles so far, I know I will finish the Princess, but not just as fast as I would like.

I guess we all have to remember that taking the advice of our PTs is paramount right now. I had an excellent orthopedic specialist PT come by the house and give me an eval. She made some great recommendations and I am following her rehab plan. I am optomistic that I will be ready to get back on the road after the holiday. I maxed at 7 miles. When I start training again I am hoping to hit 5 for my long runs and progress from there. I, too, am afraid my speed will be affected but I am definately going to finish! Even if I have to crawl a 16mm!! Headed out for a nice walk with my baby! If I can't run in our unusually warm weather here in PA, I'm going to enjoy it with MY princess!

 

[fashionista311]

I'm almost afraid to post because it makes it all too real! I have been off training for 8 weeks doing physical therapy for my knee (patellar maltracking). I am almost cleared for running again thank goodness! I've been doing the elliptical like a madwoman to keep my cardio up. Basically I am going to have about 6-8 weeks tops to train now! I know I can do it, I really do. It's still slightly scary though. You ladies are all doing amazingly well! It's so great to read your training stories and gain motivation through your experiences.

I've been coming back from patellar tendonitis, so while not quite the same, i totally understand how much it sucks to not have your knee work for you.

i'm cleared to run as long as my knee doesn't blow up, and i swear, every day is like playing russian roulette. i had some runs last week where i was feeling amazing, and some runs not-so-great.

My injury happened during the last few miles of my marathon - so I was pretty well trained, and running well over 40 miles/week 6 days/week for quite some time - so the good news is i have enough fitness in the bank where my PT was ok with me starting back with 5 miles/day 5 times week and building from there.

He actually wants me to try for 10 miles for my long run this weekend. I did 8 last week so it's not a huge jump or anything, but I'm still pretty nervous. I'm so sick of worrying about whether my knee will work or not, I just want to be able to run normally!

 

[LJ2012]

I finally signed up for the Princess Half last week! I have been training for the race since October but I just kept putting off registration. This is my first half marathon, and my first race at Disney. I'm so excited and nervous! I just started running seriously in April and ran my first 5K in September. I'm planning to do some combination of running/walking for the Princess Half, especially because it will be my first half marathon. Is that unusual or do many people do the same thing for this race?

 

[tinkeramy]

I finally signed up for the Princess Half last week! I have been training for the race since October but I just kept putting off registration. This is my first half marathon, and my first race at Disney. I'm so excited and nervous! I just started running seriously in April and ran my first 5K in September. I'm planning to do some combination of running/walking for the Princess Half, especially because it will be my first half marathon. Is that unusual or do many people do the same thing for this race?

Congrats on signing up! I think it's safe to say that the majority of people on this board are doing some form of interval running and I saw it consistently at last year's race. Not to start another etiquette lecture thread, but the commonly accepted "race etiquette" when you are about to start walking is to raise your hand, say loudly, "Walking!" and to start moving over to the side.

The Princess is SO much fun and everyone is really friendly and supportive. If I thought I wasn't going for a time last year, I'm REALLY not going for one this year. I am going to get as many awesome pictures as I possibly can!

Hey - has anyone bought park tickets using the RunDisney discount yet? I'm looking at getting a 3-day hopper. Can anyone tell me the price if you have already gotten this? Thanks!

 

[megny]

Hello everyone,

I'm jumping in here for the first time.. my husband and I will be participating in the Princess Half... SO excited! Right now, I'm in the midst of crunch-time training to do the WDW Marathon Relay in Jan... holidays are SO not the time to be doing this sort of thing, though, and my training is suffering. Hoping to just finish that race, and maybe improve my time for the Princess.

I'm a walker only, so a special hello to my fellow walkers on this thread

tinkeramy, I looked up the 3-day PH ticket price for you and its $175.73. LOVE these race weekend discounts!

Happy holidays to all, and happy training!

 

[babyball]

Hello everyone,

I'm jumping in here for the first time.. my husband and I will be participating in the Princess Half... SO excited! Right now, I'm in the midst of crunch-time training to do the WDW Marathon Relay in Jan... holidays are SO not the time to be doing this sort of thing, though, and my training is suffering. Hoping to just finish that race, and maybe improve my time for the Princess.

I'm a walker only, so a special hello to my fellow walkers on this thread

tinkeramy, I looked up the 3-day PH ticket price for you and its $175.73. LOVE these race weekend discounts!

Happy holidays to all, and happy training!

Thanks to Tinkeramy for safety info on walking. As a new runner this is what I need to hear before the 1/2.

To Megny: How was the Wine and Dine??? As I said, I am new to running and am just hopeful to complete the Princess. However, I am really enjoying the community feel of these Disney runners and am already planning on 2012 Wine and Dine. Looks great online. I am a person who is really in it for the fun and not time/PRs etc. (never new what PR meant until a few weeks ago!) I am even trying to get some friends who live in Florida to meet me to do W&D. I think it would be great with friends. Right now I am training alone and plan on doing Princess alone. I am not sure if W&D would be good alone. Partly I doubt doing it alone because its at night. What do you think?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I've been coming back from patellar tendonitis, so while not quite the same, i totally understand how much it sucks to not have your knee work for you.

i'm cleared to run as long as my knee doesn't blow up, and i swear, every day is like playing russian roulette. i had some runs last week where i was feeling amazing, and some runs not-so-great.

My injury happened during the last few miles of my marathon - so I was pretty well trained, and running well over 40 miles/week 6 days/week for quite some time - so the good news is i have enough fitness in the bank where my PT was ok with me starting back with 5 miles/day 5 times week and building from there.

He actually wants me to try for 10 miles for my long run this weekend. I did 8 last week so it's not a huge jump or anything, but I'm still pretty nervous. I'm so sick of worrying about whether my knee will work or not, I just want to be able to run normally!

I am going for 10 this weekend too. and I am very nervous.