Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[Mickey'sfriend]

Hi, all... I haven't been here in quite a while. Unfortunately, my Disney Princess plans have been derailed, as tomorrow I'm having a double mastectomy. I had breast cancer 6 years ago, with a lumpectomy and radiation, and had no problems since then until December. Lumpectomy was an option again, as it's in the other breast, but radiation would definitely keep me from running. Looking over my shoulder for that Big C monster the rest of my life did not seem like an acceptable option, so tomorrow it's bye bye, tatas. I will be back to running ASAP - my doctor says as soon as a couple of weeks - but I'm too far behind on my training and there is probably a 10 percent chance of my being able to participate and not get swept. I haven't totally given up yet, and hubby is running it, so there will be bling in this house... just not mine.

It's been so much fun reading about you all and your training milestones, and I will continue to check in and keep up with the news. Best of luck to you ALL!!

Pattie

Sending you prayers for healing and prayers for the doctors and nurses that will be caring for you today.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Now that we are getting down to logistics time, I'm thinking of questions I had or things I was nervous about last year. Here are just a few things I thought might be helpful to first-time princesses:

1) You will not specifically find out your corral until you pick up your bib at the expo, but in early Feb. they will send out waivers by e-mail with your bib # on it. Lots of speculation will occur on this board regarding who is in what corral based on bib #. The lower the #, the faster the corral. Many people were posting what their bib #'s were and what their pace is, so we could kind of piece together a guesstimate of who was in which corral. Then, solos can start finding running buddies!

2) You prob. won't get a lot of sleep the night before. YOu'll be excited, maybe strung out from travelling, noisy hotel, et cetera. I slept horrible, got up at 3, ran, closed down the MK that night and was fine. I mean, once we got back I fell asleep with all the lights on while Julie was talking to me, but it didn't affect my run!

3) Lay out all your stuff the night before. 3am is no time to decide what you are taking with you! Make sure your timing chip is secure. If it's the shoe thing again this year, follow the directions closely. Saw a couple of those on the ground early in the race last year. Tragic!

4) Prep your camera! I have a camera that takes AA batteries. Between the flash use in the early hour and the telephoto lens, my batteries were draining, pronto. I had to miss some shots I wanted due to conservation! Julie's issues were more severe - she has a camera with a rechargeable battery cartridge. Left this in the room. Again - tragic!

5) Potty stops - I thought there were plenty of opps for this, and I should know since I drank WAY too much water and had to pee every 5 minutes. If you are fussy about portas, you will go right by real restrooms in Tomorrowland. I saw some princesses head to the royal forest <ahem> last year, but my pride was larger than my relief needs to be doing that.

6) The drive to Epcot was relatively quick and there is NO WAY you can get lost. The only people out driving at that moment are all going to the same place! Julie said that leaving the parking lot afterwards, however, was a nightmare. Might want to plan to hang out!

7) I ran solo last year, which was fine and there were plenty of people and things to keep your spirits up, but there was a definite letdown at the finish. You cross the finish line, get your medal and then...... you are ushered out to the big parking lot area. There are places to get your pic made, and the usual post-race snacks, but it is a bit of a lonely feeling. I would highly rec. solo runners to find a buddy from this board and stick together!

8) After the race. The LAST thing you want to do (unless you are injured) is sit on your tuckus! Hit the parks, swim, walk somewhere, but keep moving or you will be so stiff! J & I toured the parks most of the afternoon and evening and we felt really good the next day.

9) Characters I missed - I know there were 2 I blew by. The first one you might want to look for is right before you enter the castle; Cinderella was there last year. I saw her, but the line was pretty long. Oh, and speaking of the castle, after you come out, you will see a line to the left forming. This is to get your pic in front of the castle. These are the prof. photogs and they are trying to get people in and out ASAP; they most likely will not take a pic with your camera. All other photo stops have a CM there to help out. The castle shot IS cool b/c they make it look like you are the only person there. I didn't buy mine, thoug, b/c the way I had my legs made me look like I had to pee again The other shot that I just completely missed was Mickey & Minnie in royal clothes RIGHT before the finish line. I had no idea they were there!

Okay - I think that's about all I can think of right now. Any other veteran princesses have anything to add?

Thank you so much for all the tips! I am getting so excited about my first half! Getting tips from you veteran princesses helps to lessen the " fear of the unknown". Thanks again!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I bought a pair of Zensah Compression Socks from Schwaggle for my DD. She wore them this past weekend for the WDW Marathon Relay and swears they were a life saver for her! In addition, I wore a pair of Zensah Compression Sleeves because I had been experiencing pain in my shins during training. I wore the sleeves for the first time during my half of the WDW Marathon Relay... No shin pain at all!!!

Soooo, my DD and I would say the compression socks/sleeves are highly recommended. I am purchasing a couple more with this Schwaggle Deal!

I LOVE my Zensah sleeves. I bought a pair in the fall when I started having calf issues and they helped so much. Even now when I've been lifting weights on the calf machines, I'll still wear the sleeves, and they've become permanent fixture for my running. I wanted to go all out and get some crazy color, but I chickened out at the store and got basic black. Well, they go with anything I might want to wear.

 

[Lake_Mary]

Hello everyone!! I'm excited and kinda scared to announce that I'll be signing up to run the princess half this year. I started running 5/11 after my second child turned 1 to get back in shape, I hadn't run a mile since high school and my only goal was to run a mile or two without stopping. That turned into 5 miles pretty quickly. I'm slow, but determined.

So one of my best friends from my hometown Chicago told me 2 weeks ago she was flying down to run the princess and I should train for it. I told her she was crazy. but in looking at her beginners training plan from runners world I decided if I could do the first week without issue, then I'm in.

Since I'm local, a lot of my friends have done rundisney events before so I know it'll be a great time. I'm just super nervous and looking forward to learning from you all!!

 

[mickeysgal]

Joining this thread...hi everyone!

To Patti - best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

To all... I just ran the Disney Half this past weekend. I had been nursing a couple of injuries during the past month and one flared up during the half - my left knee. I was able to finish - it wasn't pretty, but I did finish. Don't know what's wrong with it. It feels better every day though so I'm hoping it won't keep my sidetracked too long.

I'm considering running the Princess. My DD wants to run it and my husband too! That's my question...do guys run this race? Everything that I've read point to a ladies only race.

 

[LJ2012]

Jenn...are you on the FB Princess Group?

Yes! I just joined last week.

 

[LJ2012]

Hi, all... I haven't been here in quite a while. Unfortunately, my Disney Princess plans have been derailed, as tomorrow I'm having a double mastectomy. I had breast cancer 6 years ago, with a lumpectomy and radiation, and had no problems since then until December. Lumpectomy was an option again, as it's in the other breast, but radiation would definitely keep me from running. Looking over my shoulder for that Big C monster the rest of my life did not seem like an acceptable option, so tomorrow it's bye bye, tatas. I will be back to running ASAP - my doctor says as soon as a couple of weeks - but I'm too far behind on my training and there is probably a 10 percent chance of my being able to participate and not get swept. I haven't totally given up yet, and hubby is running it, so there will be bling in this house... just not mine.

It's been so much fun reading about you all and your training milestones, and I will continue to check in and keep up with the news. Best of luck to you ALL!!

Pattie

Sending hugs and prayers!

 

[HockeyKat]

When I run, I constantly have to shake my hands out because I feel like my hands are swelling up. Does anyone here get that? If so, what do you think I"m doing wrong?

As much as I like the idea of compression socks, knee-high socks never fit properly on me since I'm so short (4'9"). I also buy boy's running shoes because they fit much better than women's. They're a little wider and not so long. Works for me!

The schwaggle deal actually had an XS size, which might work for you?

I buy men's running shoes because my feet are so friggin big! I would need a wider width in women's, but the men's fit great.

Swelling. I have this problem too. It could be sodium/electrolyte intake. I would look into Succeed or Endurolyte tablets, and take at least one per 30-45minute of a long run. Once I started adding electrolytes into my habits, the swelling got much better. It will also help with cramping, for anyone who might have issues there.

Also, I find if I hold something (a sweat rag, for example) and transfer it from hand to hand, it helps remind to run with my hands up.

 

[longhorns2]

Joining this thread...hi everyone!

To Patti - best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

To all... I just ran the Disney Half this past weekend. I had been nursing a couple of injuries during the past month and one flared up during the half - my left knee. I was able to finish - it wasn't pretty, but I did finish. Don't know what's wrong with it. It feels better every day though so I'm hoping it won't keep my sidetracked too long.

I'm considering running the Princess. My DD wants to run it and my husband too! That's my question...do guys run this race? Everything that I've read point to a ladies only race.

Congrats! Way to get to the finish.

Yes, guys run it, not a ton, but they do. They tend to do it in support of a princess, but I know there were some single men in the corral with me just out for the run!

 

[haleofafamily]

Also, I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but a good place to meet before and after the race is the "W" tent. If you are running solo, chances are there will be Wishers there before and afterwards. We met up with a bunch of people last year including a really nice girl--can't remember her name--who was running solo. She did the trip by herself and her fiance was deployed. Anyhow, we really enjoyed chatting with her and I think she enjoyed the company. I am sure I will be there stretching before and icing afterwards!

I think this would be a good place for the solo runners or anyone else to meet up.

I'm trying to remember from last year but it seems like the buses will drop us off somewhere in the Epcot parking lot and there is a short walk to the tents. Behind the tents is a huge holding area where we waited until they opened the walkway to the corrals.

I will skip the tents because my mom will bring the stuff I need to the finish line. What if we met behind the 'W' tent in the big holding area? (There are tons of porta potties there.) Then we could make the long walk together. Right before we get to the corrals there are more porta potties. Then we could split up into corrals and hopefully we would have all found someone to wait in our corrals with until the race starts.

Merci

 

[queen mimi]

Hi, all... I haven't been here in quite a while. Unfortunately, my Disney Princess plans have been derailed, as tomorrow I'm having a double mastectomy. I had breast cancer 6 years ago, with a lumpectomy and radiation, and had no problems since then until December. Lumpectomy was an option again, as it's in the other breast, but radiation would definitely keep me from running. Looking over my shoulder for that Big C monster the rest of my life did not seem like an acceptable option, so tomorrow it's bye bye, tatas. I will be back to running ASAP - my doctor says as soon as a couple of weeks - but I'm too far behind on my training and there is probably a 10 percent chance of my being able to participate and not get swept. I haven't totally given up yet, and hubby is running it, so there will be bling in this house... just not mine.

It's been so much fun reading about you all and your training milestones, and I will continue to check in and keep up with the news. Best of luck to you ALL!!

Pattie

My daughter in law has been going through this process in 2011. She is doing great and I know that you will too. If you have already registered, maybe you can still do it as a walker. Go as far as you can. Remember, you are a survivor and can survive the sweepers!!

 

[TMcDwyer]

Wow! You miss one day on the boards and there are 4 pages of new posts to read.

Patti - I am thinking of you today. I lost my Nana to Breast Cancer in 1998 and I still miss her everyday. Please let us know how you are doing and if there is anything we can do for you.

So...I think I may be crazy. I just signed up for a local 1/2 marathon on Feb. 12. I looked at my training schedule and I am scheduled to do a 14 mile run that weekend anyway, so I figured why not?!?!

 

[rebapple]

When I run, I constantly have to shake my hands out because I feel like my hands are swelling up. Does anyone here get that? If so, what do you think I"m doing wrong?

As much as I like the idea of compression socks, knee-high socks never fit properly on me since I'm so short (4'9"). I also buy boy's running shoes because they fit much better than women's. They're a little wider and not so long. Works for me!

My hands swell too! I wish I knew what to do about it! Part of me thinks it's not being hydrated enough but no amount of pre-physical activity water seems to help!

On another subject I'm getting ready to do my 11 miler this weekend and does anyone have any sort or formula or idea of how many energy supplements (ie gu) one should have?

 

[tinkeramy]

On another subject I'm getting ready to do my 11 miler this weekend and does anyone have any sort or formula or idea of how many energy supplements (ie gu) one should have?

Usually it will say on the package. I think the rule of thumb on the GU pkg says 1 per 45 minutes of exercise. Sport beans, shot blocks, et cetera will tell you how many to take per a certain amount of time.

 

[PrincessRhi]

My hands swell too! I wish I knew what to do about it! Part of me thinks it's not being hydrated enough but no amount of pre-physical activity water seems to help!

On another subject I'm getting ready to do my 11 miler this weekend and does anyone have any sort or formula or idea of how many energy supplements (ie gu) one should have?

When training for my first marathon, that was my long run experiment. The best way to figure out what your body needs is to try it.

When my runs started getting into the double digits, I started trying to eat Gu every 20 minutes. After a few runs, I realized it was too much rolling around in my stomach, so I tried every half hour. That sat a bit better, but by accident (dropping my Gu in the urinal of a porta potty during a race) I spaced out to 45 minutes and found that to be a really good time for me.

I think the hardest thing was actually picking the flavor I liked-- and seriously, take the time to do it. There are still things I can't eat because of my Gu experiments gone bad. Like cake frosting.

After years of trial and error, I now use Clif Shot Bloks (with caffeine) just about every 3 miles with lots of water.

 

[LJ2012]

I think this would be a good place for the solo runners or anyone else to meet up.

I'm trying to remember from last year but it seems like the buses will drop us off somewhere in the Epcot parking lot and there is a short walk to the tents. Behind the tents is a huge holding area where we waited until they opened the walkway to the corrals.

I will skip the tents because my mom will bring the stuff I need to the finish line. What if we met behind the 'W' tent in the big holding area? (There are tons of porta potties there.) Then we could make the long walk together. Right before we get to the corrals there are more porta potties. Then we could split up into corrals and hopefully we would have all found someone to wait in our corrals with until the race starts.

Merci

I'm thinking of getting the Race Retreat but I would really like to meet up with everyone. The W tent sounds like a good idea to me, of course this will be my frist Princess Half so I have no concept of where anything is located.

I finally booked my hotel for the weekend! I'll be staying at All Star Sports, not my first choice but it works better with my budget than the BC

 

[Tabetha]

When training for my first marathon, that was my long run experiment. The best way to figure out what your body needs is to try it.

When my runs started getting into the double digits, I started trying to eat Gu every 20 minutes. After a few runs, I realized it was too much rolling around in my stomach, so I tried every half hour. That sat a bit better, but by accident (dropping my Gu in the urinal of a porta potty during a race) I spaced out to 45 minutes and found that to be a really good time for me.

I think the hardest thing was actually picking the flavor I liked-- and seriously, take the time to do it. There are still things I can't eat because of my Gu experiments gone bad. Like cake frosting.

After years of trial and error, I now use Clif Shot Bloks (with caffeine) just about every 3 miles with lots of water.

We've also been using Accelerade (lemonade flavour) for our long runs @ about 45 minutes in, as well as for recovery. So far, so good. But I got hungry during my 9.5 miler, so I know I'm going to need something other than that.

We just bought a sample pack of Gu stuff from Running Warehouse (thanks WISH team 15% off discount!) so we can see if we like any of them before the big day.

 

[PrincessRhi]

We've also been using Accelerade (lemonade flavour) for our long runs @ about 45 minutes in, as well as for recovery. So far, so good. But I got hungry during my 9.5 miler, so I know I'm going to need something other than that.

We just bought a sample pack of Gu stuff from Running Warehouse (thanks WISH team 15% off discount!) so we can see if we like any of them before the big day.

I love Accelerade! I've started to also use Cytomax post-run since it seems to help with lactic acid buildup. It could just be placebo, but if I think it works, it's worth it.

You know, one of my friends' training buddies SWORE by turkey sandwiches. She'd pin those things in little snack baggies to her running belt the way you'd pin Gu or what have you and go off running. I laughed at that idea until I really started to get into the long training runs and wouldn't you know-- I got sick of Gu and only wanted a turkey sandwich. I have yet to run with one, but I definitely put one in my gear check bag for post-race.

 

[flatlandcycle]

My hands swell too! I wish I knew what to do about it! Part of me thinks it's not being hydrated enough but no amount of pre-physical activity water seems to help!

This usually means not enough salt. Sports drink or a pinch of salt in your 20 oz. water bottle plus a little Apple Cider Vinegar.

On another subject I'm getting ready to do my 11 miler this weekend and does anyone have any sort or formula or idea of how many energy supplements (ie gu) one should have?

Start with about 60 gm of carbs per hour, include what's in your sports drink. Try experimenting to see if your GI tract can tolerate more up to 105 gm/hr. Some people cannot tolerate High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) at all.

Try this article from running times:
http://www.runningtimes.com/Print.aspx?articleID=14753

 

[disneyfreak1]

Prayers and Hugs to you, Pattie.