Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[stitchfan18]

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

I'm visiting my parents in DC this week and got 10 miles in on the Mt Vernon trail that runs along the Potomac river. It's probably close to 20 miles long, but I did 5 miles out and back, and it the views were awesome. I did get a little distracted stopping to take pictures on my phone, which made my pace suffer, but it was hard not to stop when you are running and seeing this

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!

I find that I stay warmest when my head, hands, and neck are warm. I can wear a pretty light jacket when it is cold as long as I have gloves, a hat and a neck gator. Those are the first things I usually shed when I warm up and then I can run comfortably.

 

[ColleenG]

Thanks Heather. I think I need to find something wind resistant. I did wear my gloves. On my upper body I could feel the wind going right though making me cold. I kept my jacket zipped up most of the time I was out. I have a light jacket that is nylon (I guess). Maybe that would be better under my fleece. I don't think it would fit over.

I just might have to cave in and join a gym if it gets much colder. I just hate to be locked in for the year when I know I won't use it in the spring, fall and most of the summer unless the humidity is killer. In the summer I don't mind running at night since there are so many people out and around, but in the winter it's too lonely.

 

[stitchfan18]

Thanks Heather. I think I need to find something wind resistant. I did wear my gloves. On my upper body I could feel the wind going right though making me cold. I kept my jacket zipped up most of the time I was out. I have a light jacket that is nylon (I guess). Maybe that would be better under my fleece. I don't think it would fit over.

I just might have to cave in and join a gym if it gets much colder. I just hate to be locked in for the year when I know I won't use it in the spring, fall and most of the summer unless the humidity is killer. In the summer I don't mind running at night since there are so many people out and around, but in the winter it's too lonely.

The wind can really be killer when it is cold. I like having a zip up jacket so I can easily cool off my unzipping a little bit. I got a great fleece zip up style hoodie at old navy that is super warm, and it was in the athletic section, so the fleece is a little more athletic feeling than their normal fleece jackets.

 

[freepixie]

Thanks Heather. I think I need to find something wind resistant. I did wear my gloves. On my upper body I could feel the wind going right though making me cold. I kept my jacket zipped up most of the time I was out. I have a light jacket that is nylon (I guess). Maybe that would be better under my fleece. I don't think it would fit over.

I just might have to cave in and join a gym if it gets much colder. I just hate to be locked in for the year when I know I won't use it in the spring, fall and most of the summer unless the humidity is killer. In the summer I don't mind running at night since there are so many people out and around, but in the winter it's too lonely.

Check around gyms, at my YMCA I pay by the month, and I can quit at any time as long as I let them know by the 15th of the month prior to quitting. I just keep it going cause I love my Y But check around, not every gym locks you into a full year plan!

 

[mamacate]

I'm visiting my parents in DC this week and got 10 miles in on the Mt Vernon trail that runs along the Potomac river. It's probably close to 20 miles long, but I did 5 miles out and back, and it the views were awesome. I did get a little distracted stopping to take pictures on my phone, which made my pace suffer, but it was hard not to stop when you are running and seeing this

Awesome! I figure that should be a good way to make for a fun run! I'm planning to run the mall, then cross the river and run along that trail. Should be fun, but I need to figure out how to download a map to my garmin.

I find that I stay warmest when my head, hands, and neck are warm. I can wear a pretty light jacket when it is cold as long as I have gloves, a hat and a neck gator. Those are the first things I usually shed when I warm up and then I can run comfortably.

For me, the problem is my butt! (I mean, it's a problem in a whole range on ways, not the least of which is getting OFF it, but I mean for cold.) I have a bunch of winter tights/pants, but when the temps are below 30 or it's windy, I wind up coming home with a frozen tuchus. I'm thinking of trying layers next time. Maybe shorts over pants? (Clearly my current smurf-like attire is not sufficiently dorky.)

As for wind, specifically wind-proof stuff is amazing. I have a liner from a Columbia jacket that I use all the time, and it's fabulous. Plus it has pit-zips, which are great for temp regulation as you warm up.

Glad to hear we're in this together. Let's keep each other honest!

Cate

 

[tinkeramy]

Hang in there, ladies! (And lurking gentlemen!) The holidays are always tough for training. With January brings a whole new mindset and determination. My last half, after I had come back from an enforced shin splint break, I had only gotten up to 10 miles in training before I spontaneously registered for a race quicker than I had planned on. It was fine - most plans only call for 10, anyway, counting on your base runs and your adrenaline to get you through the last 3.

The most important thing is to not push too hard to try and make up for what you have missed this week. Just jump in where you were and go from there. Otherwise, you are risking injury. And, as you can see from all the injury postings, that can happen all of it's own accord; you don't need to up the chances this close!

I've been feeling great since my "comeback" b/c I have been following the ChiRunning form. However, in the last 2 weeks or so I've been feeling my shins yapping at me and after my lovely, quick 4 miler this week, I felt my calves tighten the next day - one of my shin splint precursors. Frustrated! I really thought I had been trying to keep the right form, so I'm not sure what else I can do. Just have to keep an eye on it and go back to hitting the ice after runs. Set to do 8 tomorrow!

Good luck, Nikki and Kat! Hoping for the best for you!

 

[tinkeramy]

Oh - and forgot to mention - I have a Nike running hoodie that I LOVE. It's made for weather 40 degree or below, but breathable. Living in GA, I haven't had many runs where I keep the thing on the whole time, but during our unusually freezing January last year, it really was perfect. The DH got me running gloves that worked fine and I just threw in a cheap fleece hat. I really am glad that I don't have access to a gym and that it forces me to just get out there and brave the cold - it makes me feel that much tougher! Of course, I don't have to deal with ice and snow like a lot of you do, so I understand there's always safety to consider!

 

[AliceSpark]

I have been part of the slacker group too - but now I have to get serious or the balloon lady is going to get me. I have been so fortunate not to have any of the injuries so many of you are dealing with. I am just committing to running the 3 days a week. I am going to make my week day runs 45 minutes and my long runs at least 90 minutes or the milage JG recommends. I continue to draw so much information and inspiration from all of you.

 

[Cindyrella22]

Just got my sparkle skirt !! Plane tickets bought and room booked. This is feeling real now!!

I'm also trying to commit to 3 runs per week. It's hard cuz it's cold here in Boston and that TM is sooo boring!

Question about energy gels and hydrating during the half. I don't drink sports drinks, just water.. So I bought some GU octane gels to try out during my long runs. How often do you use them? Before and half way thru? Or just half way thru? 6 miles seems to be where i always want to give up. And should I carry water or just use the stops?

 

[Tabetha]

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?

Speaking of someone who is doing all their training while on a cruise ship, I've been doing all my training on the treadmill in the gym. Not the most exciting in the world, but I just create some playlists and go for it.

I don't know what the running track is like on the Wonder, but I've found from past experience that unless you're up there early in the morning or late in the evening, you're likely to be annoyed by people standing around on the track, taking photos, talking, etc. If you're only doing 2 runs on the ship, it might not annoy you as much as it does me.

I've also found it better to hit the treadmill while we're in a port vs. while at sea - especially if the seas are rough. I don't mind a little bit of unexpected motion while I'm running, but too much and I'm concerned about injury from a bad footfall.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

 

[stitchfan18]

Question about energy gels and hydrating during the half. I don't drink sports drinks, just water.. So I bought some GU octane gels to try out during my long runs. How often do you use them? Before and half way thru? Or just half way thru? 6 miles seems to be where i always want to give up. And should I carry water or just use the stops?

I don't train with sports drink, so I tend to pick up less of that on the course and more water. I use gels and sports beans to fuel and my schedule for a half is a gel at the closest water stop to miles 3 and 9, and about a half pack of sports beans at the closest water stop to mile 6, and a couple beans whenever else I need a little pick me up. Disney hands out clif brand gels at mile 8.3. I never use the gels before like the package says to.

 

[stitchfan18]

I posted this in the marathon weekend thread, but no one seemed to know, so I figured I'd repost here in case someone did the 5k last year with a stroller and knows the answer!

My SIL missed the registration for the kids races for marathon weekend, and my older nephew really wants to "run" during the weekend. He's been telling everyone when we talk about our Disney trip that we are going to Disney to run, so he'll be bummed if he doesn't get to be in a race. I'm just wanting to know what my chances are of being able to switch to the stroller division. If there isn't anything extra that comes with being registered. I'm hoping Disney will take my $5 and I can push my nephew until the finish area then let him get out a run to the finish. Does anyone have experience with the stroller division for the 5k vs the non stroller division? Do you get anything extra with your registration, or do you pay $5 more for the privilege of pushing a stroller for 3.1 miles?

 

[tinkeramy]

Question about energy gels and hydrating during the half. I don't drink sports drinks, just water.. So I bought some GU octane gels to try out during my long runs. How often do you use them? Before and half way thru? Or just half way thru? 6 miles seems to be where i always want to give up. And should I carry water or just use the stops?

I've taken them a few times before a run if I really needed something, but everything I've seen says the rule of thumb is one gel for every 45 minutes of exercise. However, you certainly know your body better and when it might need something.

 

[DisneyBoyz]

I posted this in the marathon weekend thread, but no one seemed to know, so I figured I'd repost here in case someone did the 5k last year with a stroller and knows the answer!

Does anyone have experience with the stroller division for the 5k vs the non stroller division? Do you get anything extra with your registration, or do you pay $5 more for the privilege of pushing a stroller for 3.1 miles?

We did the 5k earlier this year, my DH with a stroller and me without. The only perk is the passenger gets a medal. That should pacify your nephew! Let him run the last few yards!

 

[saysay]

To my fellow December slackers.....I am excited to say, I got in run 2 of 3 scheduled for this week. Sunday I will go for 7......6 miles of my intervals and then 1 mile of walking........

How is everyone else doing this week?

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I've been on vacation for a week and have only been able to do pilates a couples of times. There's nothing like being in the mountains to make you feel out of shape

 

[misskitkat]

I know it’s only a rumor but some people believe the big announcement tomorrow night is that the parks will be open 24 hours on leap day. If that happens to be true, would you change your travel plans for the Princess? As fun as I think it could be to stay in the park 24 hours I think I’d rather avoid the crowds it could bring.

 

[bellerunner]

I know it’s only a rumor but some people believe the big announcement tomorrow night is that the parks will be open 24 hours on leap day. If that happens to be true, would you change your travel plans for the Princess? As fun as I think it could be to stay in the park 24 hours I think I’d rather avoid the crowds it could bring.

It wouldn't change my plans, because I'm flying out on Monday, and then moving from CT to NC on Tuesday. No time to extend, unfortunately =(

 

[v22wifey]

I'm visiting my parents in DC this week and got 10 miles in on the Mt Vernon trail that runs along the Potomac river. It's probably close to 20 miles long, but I did 5 miles out and back, and it the views were awesome. I did get a little distracted stopping to take pictures on my phone, which made my pace suffer, but it was hard not to stop when you are running and seeing this

I find that I stay warmest when my head, hands, and neck are warm. I can wear a pretty light jacket when it is cold as long as I have gloves, a hat and a neck gator. Those are the first things I usually shed when I warm up and then I can run comfortably.

This is really good to know We just moved here and I've been debating that Mt. Vernon trail for awhile!

 

[ColleenG]

Where did you hear the rumor? I would love to stay, but actually just changed our reservation to have us arrive on Thursday and leave Monday, rather than Fri to Tuesday. Airfare is about $700 cheaper that way. After Disney we are going down to the Gulf Coast to visit my parents for few days. I can't wait for this trip. I need some fun in the sun!