Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[Worfiedoodles]

Talk about feeling defeated!! I was SO looking forward to talking to my SIL over Christmas since she did the princess and getting to know the ins and outs of everything that goes on until she tells me she finished it in 1:58, WHAT???! R U KIDDING! I'm hoping to finish this thing She was very nice about the whole thing and told me as long as I finish, I'm thinking in my head yeah I'll finish alright another HOUR after you I know everyone is there to race their own race but since talking to her I'm so sad. I guess it is safe to say she is a runner and has been running her whole life, but still?!?! I haven't been on any of my shorter runs this week or my 3 miler with all the craziness of Christmas going on and the kids being off from school I really dont' want to wake early. Oh well lots of healthy eating this week to hopefully lift my spirits into being healthy and I'll start hitting the pavement soon I guess I have a 9.5 miler this Mon I'm gonna have to do so gotta get my shorter runs in there somehow!

I don't know if this will make you feel better, but this is a race that people who run all the time run slower than usual -- there are so many photo ops, so much entertainment -- you will see a ton of people in line at each character. I am one of those in the "closer to 3 than 2 group" -- and it bothers me less at this race than any other. Honestly, I had such a good time just taking it all in and feeling good and strong (or even exhausted, at the end), that my time was so secondary....Enjoy the race, and other than beating the sweepers, do not worry about your time. If this is your first Half, you will have a PR, no matter when you finish!

Maria

 

[tinkeramy]

Talk about feeling defeated!! I was SO looking forward to talking to my SIL over Christmas since she did the princess and getting to know the ins and outs of everything that goes on until she tells me she finished it in 1:58, WHAT???! R U KIDDING! I'm hoping to finish this thing She was very nice about the whole thing and told me as long as I finish, I'm thinking in my head yeah I'll finish alright another HOUR after you I know everyone is there to race their own race but since talking to her I'm so sad.

Oh, my goodness! No defeat! This truly is a "fun run" - not a race, to me. In fact, I'm completely planning on actually taking LONGER this year than I did last year! Last year, I was worried about just finishing, plus the batteries in my camera were starting to die and I wanted to conserve them for the really important shots - like me with my medal afterwards!!!! This year, I will be prepared. I KNOW I can finish, and I will be bringing extra batteries so I can get my picture made with everything that's not nailed down, and probably a few things that are! I'm going to run with my friend who does smaller intervals than I and we are going to have a great time.

Inspiration for ANYONE - I just finished the book "The Long Run" by Matt Long. NYC firefighter who was in a horrific accident (riding a bike and got hit and dragged under a bus) - he was given a 5% chance to survive - came back to finish the NYC Marathon 3 years later. The fall before the accident, he finished NY in 3:15 and qualified for Boston. His 2nd marathon he finished in 7:21, but he finished after being told he would barely walk again, much less run. Makes me worry a little less about my times...

 

[fashionista311]

Talk about feeling defeated!! I was SO looking forward to talking to my SIL over Christmas since she did the princess and getting to know the ins and outs of everything that goes on until she tells me she finished it in 1:58, WHAT???! R U KIDDING! I'm hoping to finish this thing She was very nice about the whole thing and told me as long as I finish, I'm thinking in my head yeah I'll finish alright another HOUR after you I know everyone is there to race their own race but since talking to her I'm so sad. I guess it is safe to say she is a runner and has been running her whole life, but still?!?! I haven't been on any of my shorter runs this week or my 3 miler with all the craziness of Christmas going on and the kids being off from school I really dont' want to wake early. Oh well lots of healthy eating this week to hopefully lift my spirits into being healthy and I'll start hitting the pavement soon I guess I have a 9.5 miler this Mon I'm gonna have to do so gotta get my shorter runs in there somehow!

everyone has to start somewhere! i'm around your SIL's time now (a few minutes slower) but I finished my first half in 3:15! i'm not going to lie and say genetically blessed runners don't exist - we all know have heard stories about that runner who ran a 20 min 5k the first time outta the pen or that marathoner who bqed on his first marathon without "meaning to" - but most runners have gotten to where they are by years of experience and lots of miles under the belt.

also like others say - disney races are super beginner friendly. i think when i ran it 2 years ago, less than 25% broke 2 hrs!

have faith in your training and you will make across the finish line in a time that's personal to YOU....no one else

 

[FlowersCroon]

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas!!

I'm still WAY behind on the Galloway training, but this week I put in 3 45 min training runs and today I'm going to run 8 miles. I have been experimenting with all kinds of intervals and have finally found that running 45 seconds and walking 15 seconds per minute is the key for me. I am watching my pace get better better by NOT over running. Who knew? We'll see how the 8mi run goes today...The annoying part is always checking my watch for my interval timing.

Regarding costumes: Daughter and I ordered from Team Sparkle for the Never Land 5K next month at Disneyland. I bought a purple skirt and she got the teal skirt and wings. We received everything quickly and are pleased with our purchase. Not sure I'll want to wear a costume in Florida where I imagine I am going to be struggling with the humidity. I'm REALLY stressed about that.

I bought iFitness belts - see below - which I totally recommend! So far so good...Although I need to test with my camera.

Hope you all have a great New Year's Eve and that everyone is healthy!!

Highly recommend the Nike GPS watch! It's dead on and so fun! Great website that keeps track of everything when you are done. I had the Garmin 205 before and swear nothing could top it until........ It's worth the cost I promise!

Thanks for the input!

So (now this might seem a little funny) I put my phone inbetween my two layers of sport bras. Yes, I wear two sport bras and put my phone in between the layers. For some reason it works for me. I realize I am going to have to modify this if I have to go to a gym now its winter. I might get looks!! I have tried arm bands but they slide right down my arm.

Nervous about my short run today as I will be getting a better idea about how my knee is recovering after my week off.

LOL - that is funny! I did end up buying an iFitness belt and I love it so far. Hope your knee is back to normal!

Wow - that's a bunch of hours. Any chance you can use a lunch hour to run? My husband has a gym in his building, but if you don't, could you run outside at lunch? I know there's no shower, but you could maybe sponge-bath it in the bathroom!

I only carried my camera during the race. I figured I really wasn't in it for time, so I didn't worry about having my phone & app with me. However, I also didn't need to get in touch with anyone, either. I have a spibelt and use it sporadically. It's okay, but I haven't used it on really long distances.

I was using all my lunch hours to run errands rather than run. The weather here has been so amazing that I need to take more advantage and get those lunch runs in if it's all i can do.

I'm carrying the iPhone and a camera. So far I haven't run with my camera yet - I need to try that!

I use an ifitness during my races and I think my dad got one for when he goes on walks. I've been able to hold my room key, ID, and park pass, along with a camera and phone (although I'm usually holding the phone or camera). I actually forgot it during a 5k last week and kinda missed it, although I didn't need to too bad then.

I use the Nike+ app on my iphone so that way I have everything in one device. I used it at the Disneyland Half in September and it worked well, but was about to die around mile 12.5. Using GPS is going drain your battery, especially if you're tinkering with it during your race. I did text during my race and I turned the app off, and my phone off, as I was finishing so that I had enough battery in case I needed to call my parents to find them at the end (which has so far not been a problem, but I could see it being challenging).

thank you for your input.

I bought two iFitness belts for myself as Christmas gifts! The Ultimate II and the Hydration Belot. I'm using the Hydration belt during my 8 mile run today, the Ultimate II I really liked. I carried my sports jelly beans and iPhone in it comfortably. It didn't bounce and didn't bother me at all.

I use RunKeeper and Map My Run Plus at the same time on my iPhone. The reason is - at some point one of them has mistakenly added a mile to my runs. It's only happened ONCE with each - but running them both at the same time makes me feel like there's a way to be sure the total is correct after the run. Neither seems to drain my battery.

 

[flgirl36]

My training has been sporadic the last few weeks due the holidays. Now that things are winding down, I am planning to get back on track. We are only 60 days away.

 

[ColleenG]

I really need to get back into a running groove and stop eating all the left over Christmas goodies. I'm starting to get a sinus thing going on. Hopefully it won't turn into a sinus infection. Blech! Tomorrow I'm going to try to get in 8 or 9 miles. I've done up to 10 but that was a few weeks ago. I'm getting so excited for the Princess. I just changed our hotel ressie yesterday. We are going to get to WDW on Thursday instead of Friday.

Here's hoping for good weather tomorrow to get a run in.

 

[daisy112878]

Kindof feeling defeated right now. I haven't ran in 2 1/2 weeks and I have lots of excuse from pregnancy exhaustion to sickness to holidays to now sick kid. I just feel like it's not going to happen. I need some motivation big time.

 

[saysay]

I am so happy to see I have not been the only slacker in December. I was so into training last year, this year, ever little twitch of the foot and calves has me scared to death but the thing I know is that I can finish, I just have to keep it slow.

Finally got a 4 miler in yesterday and it was good....though there were 2 times my heel had that shooting pain - 1 time going up hill and not paying attention to my form and another time I was trying to go too fast. I so hope to go into this race with no injuries unlike last year.

This is how I see it... I have less than 2 months, so no more slacking and while I don't want to walk it I want to finish...which could mean some walking. I have a plan.....on all my long runs I will add at least a half mile or mile walk at the end focus on what a 15mm pace is like, this way I will know come race day how fast I need to be walking.

I HAVE to run 3 times a week, who is with me? No more excuses......and you are all so inspiring thanks !

 

[haleofafamily]

I HAVE to run 3 times a week, who is with me? No more excuses......and you are all so inspiring thanks !

I am! As a matter of fact I think I'll hop on the treadmill right now. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[Tabetha]

I HAVE to run 3 times a week, who is with me? No more excuses......and you are all so inspiring thanks !

WORD!! I'm staring down the barrel of a 9.5 miler this weekend - New Year's Eve Day, to be precise. Would you believe I'm kind of excited about it? I get "drunk" off those long runs, so I might not need champagne at midnight!

Also, super stoked to have just booked Le Cellier for dinner after the Princess Half. We've never eaten there before, and if we ever deserved a big calorie ridden meal, this would be the time.

 

[bellerunner]

Hello all you wonderful half marathoners!

I started reading this thread on Christmas Day, and am happy to report that I just finished making my way through the entire thing (all 288 pages of the first thread and all the posts so far in this one!).

So I was bitten by the running bug in the past year, but didn't get serious with it until July or so. I set a New Year's Resolution to run 12 road races in 2011, and completed it (8 5k's, a 10k, a 20k, a 5 miler, and a half marathon).

This will be my first run Disney event. I will be running it with my best friend (her first run Disney event and first half marathon EVER). Even though this is technically my 2nd half marathon, the first one was more of a "I need to finish!" because I was coming off an injury and really couldn't run (or train for the last month). High arches with no orthotics over 20k are not your friend...

I have been a lifelong Disney fan and would be lying if seeing the Disney races weren't part of my inspiration to start running.

I have been using Runner's World Smart Coach for my training plan. For anyone not familiar with it, you put in a time from a recent race, the distance you're training for, the date of the race, and a couple of other details, and it spits out a custom plan for you, including distances, types of workout (speed, tempo, long, easy), and what pace you should be aiming for.

I haven't completely worked out what I'm wearing yet, but I have a running skirt that I got from LL Bean (shorts do not ride up at all and have some pockets), and I am trying to find some sew-on gems to bling out my arm warmers.

Can't wait to run with all of you! Less than 2 months!!!

 

[shellbelle76]

I have been out of the loop for too long!! So great to have a fresh new thread, and I love seeing all of the new names/faces around here! Welcome to the Princess Fun!!

The past few weeks have been insane around our house, so I've been slacking with my workouts. Literally went almost 2 weeks without any cardio! Boooooo! But today I put on hat & mittens & braved the cold in spite of myself. And for anyone looking for some extra accountability, I have loved using DailyMile. The Princesses here got me hooked on it! You post your workouts & your friends can comment - I feel like I have dear friends in my fellow Princesses after a couple months of following along with their workouts! I'm Shelley C. from State College, PA on DailyMile, so feel free to friend me

I started reading this thread on Christmas Day, and am happy to report that I just finished making my way through the entire thing (all 288 pages of the first thread and all the posts so far in this one!).

Welcome! And WOW on reading the entire first thread! So glad to have you here!

I HAVE to run 3 times a week, who is with me? No more excuses......and you are all so inspiring thanks !

I'm with you, Julie!!! Let's do this!

Kindof feeling defeated right now. I haven't ran in 2 1/2 weeks and I have lots of excuse from pregnancy exhaustion to sickness to holidays to now sick kid. I just feel like it's not going to happen. I need some motivation big time.

Hugs, hugs and more hugs. You can do this. We're all cheering for you! Report back & let us know how you are doing!

I really need to get back into a running groove and stop eating all the left over Christmas goodies. I'm starting to get a sinus thing going on. Hopefully it won't turn into a sinus infection. Blech! Tomorrow I'm going to try to get in 8 or 9 miles. I've done up to 10 but that was a few weeks ago. I'm getting so excited for the Princess. I just changed our hotel ressie yesterday. We are going to get to WDW on Thursday instead of Friday.

Here's hoping for good weather tomorrow to get a run in.

Sending you healthy vibes! I end up with a sinus infection with EVERY cold, so I feel your pain. So exciting that you get an extra day in WDW - good for you!!

Regarding costumes: Daughter and I ordered from Team Sparkle for the Never Land 5K next month at Disneyland. I bought a purple skirt and she got the teal skirt and wings. We received everything quickly and are pleased with our purchase. Not sure I'll want to wear a costume in Florida where I imagine I am going to be struggling with the humidity. I'm REALLY stressed about that.

What fun?!? Hope you'll share pictures from the NeverLand 5K! Sounds like you and your daughter are having such fun with this. So sweet

Inspiration for ANYONE - I just finished the book "The Long Run" by Matt Long. NYC firefighter who was in a horrific accident (riding a bike and got hit and dragged under a bus) - he was given a 5% chance to survive - came back to finish the NYC Marathon 3 years later. The fall before the accident, he finished NY in 3:15 and qualified for Boston. His 2nd marathon he finished in 7:21, but he finished after being told he would barely walk again, much less run. Makes me worry a little less about my times...

Thanks for sharing, Amy - can always count on you for a fresh perspective! It is truly a gift to be physically able to train for this race, to have the resources to travel to the race, to have supportive family & friends who encourage us to do so. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[bellerunner]

You all are very encouraging and create such a great community here!

I have a question for those who have stayed at POR before- where does the bus run from? Do they go to all of the bus stops like the normal park buses, or just one central location near the main building?

Thanks!

 

[JCH]

The weather in Texas is actually nice compared to FL! Got at least one run in so far, hopefully can get one more tomorrow. My dad wants me to take his dog for a run...we'll see how well I can keep up intervals with a year old lab tugging at me!

I think it's safe to say I am officially a runner when almost all my presents (except a Keurig ) were for running! A new nano with a sport band, the Nike+ app with the shoe thing, and running clothes. Hopefully I can get the nano calibrated!

 

[DisneyBoyz]

It has been several weeks (months?) since I last posted. Since late October, I've been experiencing pain in my legs while running. My GP misdiagnosed me in November with "salt issues" thinking my legs were retaining water. After a month of being on his water pills (and probably damaged kidneys now), I still experienced pain during my runs. I kept running though! This past Tuesday night I could only manage a mile before it hurt so bad I could cry. A half mile later, LOL, I stopped to defeat. I've been diagnosed with shin splints and am going for an MRI to check for fractures now too.
I meet with my Orthopedic next week and we'll determine whether or not I can walk the Princess or if I have to pass all together. As all reservations are already made, we're still planning on going. Regardless, I do plan on keeping my commitment for being the BLT shuttle bus in the early am.
Hindsight...I'd wished I kept up with the boards and explained my issues. I'm sure I would have had an accurate diagnosis long ago and been up to my planned 9 mile run for this weekend! Sigh!

 

[HockeyKat]

I've been a slacker too.

Ever since my Dec 10th 21-mile run, I have had a lot of pain in my lower left leg. I did manage a 6 mile walk on Dec 17th, but I probably shouldn't have.

I have had a tibia stress fracture so I know what that feels like, and this definitely isn't that. It's a pain that starts just below the knee on the outside of the leg and radiates all the way to the ankle. It seems to get worse after a day of sitting in a chair. I have been icing and compression bandaging but nothing really seems to help.

Any ideas? I will be going to the dr next week if it isn't better by the weekend. I would go now but can't fit an appt in due to my work schedule.

 

[slp1650]

I too am jumping on the slacking bandwagon. Part of it came from twisting my ankle, but the rest has just been laziness.

The good news is, starting tomorrow I start a bit later in the day for work so I'll be able to get a workout in before work, instead of after (where I usually take a nap instead of working out).

I'm going to try and run tomorrow... we'll see if my ankle decides to hold up or not.

 

[mamacate]

I'm in on the pact to get back to 3 days a week of training. I am doing well this week, but that doesn't really count, since I'm on break from work.

I've scheduled all my runs into my calendar between now and the princess. It feels pretty real! I'm NOT a morning person, but I've scheduled a bunch of my runs at the crack of dawn so I can get used to running in the early morning.

Time to get serious, peeps! I'm traveling for work in the end of January, so my 12-mile run is going to be in Washington DC. I remember reading about a scenic running tour near that length last time I was there (when I was still doing c25k!), so I'm going to look that up.

Game on, ladies! Let's do this thing!

Cate

 

[ColleenG]

I too must join the pact to get back to running 3 days a week. It's been a long time since I've done 3 times in one week. So far I did 1 this week. Today really did not go well. I had planned on doing 8 or 9 and could barely make 4 miles. It wall pretty cold here today, about 36 and a little windy. Maybe I need to layer better. I wore my running tights and my legs were a little chilly after I got going. I also wore a long sleeve tech shirt and my fleece jacket. I was sweating a bit so with the wind I was freezing. Any clothing suggestions? Between Christmas and my birthday I have a good amount of $$$ in gift cards for Sports Authority.

I always run straight through, but about 3 or 4 times I stopped to walk. I also have a head cold so I'm sure that didn't help. It's supposed to be in the 50s and sunny this weekend. I'm hoping Sunday to get out and do that 8 or 9 and if I can push it to 10 miles. Hopefully I can ring in the New Year with a bang. It's crunch time!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Also trying to get back on the wagon after holiday traveling. Got back in the groove with 3 mi Wed morning, and just did a 6 mi in the COLD tonight that went pretty well. It is amazingly un-snowy here, so there is no excuse to keep training!

However, we leave this weekend to go to LA and a cruise on the Wonder! I'm hoping to squeeze in one run in LA and then 2-3 on the Wonder... depending on how many times we can go round-and-round the ship. (I'm really missing the stop at Castaway Cay for the 5K!) Any suggestions for cruise-running?