Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[DisneyBride'03]

Just an FYI....

The "where are you staying for the Princess 1/2" thread was updated today (located under Events/Competition boards like this thread).

You can PM me with your info if you would like to be added to it.

Thanks!

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

My plan is to do a little bit of Epcot on Sun, then a massage and then dinner at O'hana. Last year we did something very similar and I had no issues with soreness.

I have a blister question though. Last year I had no problems with them all through out training but during the 1/2 at about mile 4 I felt a blister coming and by mile 8 it popped. The only thing I could figure out was that I got a pedicure a couple of days before the trip and that messed up my feet. Anyway when I do long runs now I still get the blister in the same spot. I've switched socks and it still happens. What else can I do?

Merci

My DD had a huge, painful wart on her foot and when she had soccer, I put the moleskin on it. You can cut it down and it really sticks. I got the drugstore brand and it was fine.


Anyone getting a massage after the race? I just booked a couples Swedish Massage at AKL for 12:30. Do you think this gives us enough time to maybe catch a bite to eat after the race and then head over to AKL? I figure I'll put the kids in the activity center for that hour. I don't think DH has ever had a massage (not professionally at least ) so I don't know how he'll feel about a 50 minute massage. I might just switch to the 25 minute. Since we're DVC members we get a 20% discount so it comes out to $144 for both massages!! Should I keep the 50 or go with the 25?

 

[kathleendsm]

HI everyone! I've tried to keep up but things are moving fast! I'm getting excited but a bit nervous, my training has not been as consistent as I'd like. I've done pretty well with my longer (8 and 10 mile) runs though, so I'm hoping it will be fine. I keep fighting this side stitch pain on my right side, wondering how I can get that to go away. I've also got some soreness in my left ankle.

Yesterday I suffered through 3 miles in blistering winds and subfreezing temps. They were great when they were at my back, but they slowed me to a walk when in my face. Not my favorite run, although I was able to finally get one sub-11 minute mile done. Then I wanted to cry because before my last half marathon I pounded out sub-11 minute miles for every mile on runs shorter than about 5 miles, but oh well. 15 extra pounds and not as much training will do that, I guess.

So what's the deal for your cheering squad? (or in my case, a very strong 1 person cheering "squad"). Do they hang out with you before the race, or does he get to sleep in? I know I can buy him a ChEAR package, but I'm confused about what that does vs. people who don't buy it (is it a big advantage?).

 

[PrincessRhi]

HI everyone! I've tried to keep up but things are moving fast! I'm getting excited but a bit nervous, my training has not been as consistent as I'd like. I've done pretty well with my longer (8 and 10 mile) runs though, so I'm hoping it will be fine. I keep fighting this side stitch pain on my right side, wondering how I can get that to go away. I've also got some soreness in my left ankle.

Yesterday I suffered through 3 miles in blistering winds and subfreezing temps. They were great when they were at my back, but they slowed me to a walk when in my face. Not my favorite run, although I was able to finally get one sub-11 minute mile done. Then I wanted to cry because before my last half marathon I pounded out sub-11 minute miles for every mile on runs shorter than about 5 miles, but oh well. 15 extra pounds and not as much training will do that, I guess.

So what's the deal for your cheering squad? (or in my case, a very strong 1 person cheering "squad"). Do they hang out with you before the race, or does he get to sleep in? I know I can buy him a ChEAR package, but I'm confused about what that does vs. people who don't buy it (is it a big advantage?).

From what I saw this past weekend, the ChEAR squad had better viewing points along the race and didn't have to stand 3 people deep to try and watch their runners. Especially at earlier points, they could be the only one against the fence in their roped off areas. I'm not sure if it will be the same as for the half and full, but the ChEAR squad had prime real estate right as the runners were coming out of the castle and at the finish line.

People coming with runners can hang out pre-race until it's time to line up and go to the runner-only areas. I don't know about whether they can get in later-- I'm assuming they don't have to line up at 4am with you since there is park transport going on at that time.

If I had someone coming with me to a race, I'd definitely get it.

 

[disneyfreak1]

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

I'm staying at All Star Sports as well. Maybe we can ride the bus together.
Pam

 

[Tinker82]

First, WOW the UK...you are a fan! I hope this will be a nice vacation for you!

When I cross the finish line at Disney races, we have a variety of snacks i.e. bananas, muffins, oranges, bagels. We are also offered bottled water and bottled Powerade. You have the opportunity to take a photo after you get your medal. From there, you can walk around, take in the entertainment, and stand in line for character meet and greets. It is important to note, that once you pass a certain point in the finishline que, you will not be able to go back inside to look for your mom. One time I finished a race before my husband, I waited for him just before the finishline pictures are taken and it turned out to be the best picture! In addition, if you both check a bag, you can go over with your claim tickets and pick those up before your mom crosses the finishline. Just a few things you can do while you wait for your mom.

I am excited for both of you! You will have tons of fun!

Thanks for the info we're really excited too! The Princess Half is my dream run & it took a lot of persuading to get my hubby to plan our family holiday around it! We've 3 kids & they will be running the Royal Mile on the Sat but aren't coming to watch the princess - I don't want to make their jet lag worse lol

Its my 30th birthday in August & me & hubby are escaping on our own for a week to go to San Francisco & LA - so I can run across the Golden Gate Bridge & pick up the Coast to Coast medal!!!

 

[italianlover]

Ok, so is it going to be impossible to see me actually running if my family doesn't purchase the chear squad packages? I have 8-10 people that will be cheering me on and can't afford a package for each but I want them to be able to see me actually running. What's the best thing to do?

 

[LJ2012]

I'm staying at All Star Sports as well. Maybe we can ride the bus together.
Pam

Pam, that would be wonderful!! As I mentioned, this is my first half and first RunDisney race and I'm already nervous. It would be nice to have a friendly face to ride over with
Jenn

 

[disneyfreak1]

Pam, that would be wonderful!! As I mentioned, this is my first half and first RunDisney race and I'm already nervous. It would be nice to have a friendly face to ride over with
Jenn

The Halloween 5k was my first RunDisney race, but this is my first half. Are you on the Princess Facebook page?

 

[DisneyBride'03]

So I have never stayed AKV for a race before, does anyone know if the weekend transport bus stops at both Jambo and Kidani? I am at Kidani...

 

[DisneyBride'03]

The Halloween 5k was my first RunDisney race, but this is my first half. Are you on the Princess Facebook page?

Hi Pam Yes she is!! I am trying to remember who is who from here and FB!

 

[Tabetha]

My DD had a huge, painful wart on her foot and when she had soccer, I put the moleskin on it. You can cut it down and it really sticks. I got the drugstore brand and it was fine.


Anyone getting a massage after the race? I just booked a couples Swedish Massage at AKL for 12:30. Do you think this gives us enough time to maybe catch a bite to eat after the race and then head over to AKL? I figure I'll put the kids in the activity center for that hour. I don't think DH has ever had a massage (not professionally at least ) so I don't know how he'll feel about a 50 minute massage. I might just switch to the 25 minute. Since we're DVC members we get a 20% discount so it comes out to $144 for both massages!! Should I keep the 50 or go with the 25?

Even without having run the half marathon, I can tell you that a 50 minute massage is NEVER a bad thing. Keep it.

 

[Tabetha]

Ok, I just joined runkeeper. We should have a list for street teams if people want to share, don't you think? Or do we already and I'm just a dope?

 

[PrincessRhi]

Ok, so is it going to be impossible to see me actually running if my family doesn't purchase the chear squad packages? I have 8-10 people that will be cheering me on and can't afford a package for each but I want them to be able to see me actually running. What's the best thing to do?

I wouldn't say it was impossible by any means--we easily saw friends who were running on days/legs we weren't (and didn't have ChEAR squad privileges), and the finish line was kind of a zoo if you were a fast runner, but we still were able to catch runners.... just not really interact with them. When I was running and my relay partner was cheering me on from the side of the road, I neither saw nor heard her calling my name despite passing right by her since there were tons of people. I'm assuming there will be fewer people than for marathon weekend which might make it easier.

What I would suggest is some combination of the following:

-sign up for runner tracking (on multiple phone servers if possible-- my Verizon and Sprint friends got more frequent text updates than I did on AT&T, although I still got some). This will help them know when to look for you and with a course map, will be able to figure out where you are when they get the updates.

-study the course and pick places ahead of time. There will be fewer spectators by the hotels and longer stretches of road (if you can get to them) than there will be in the parks. After seeing our runner in the MK, we took the monorail to the Grand Floridian, walked to the road, and were able to see a runner during the half pretty easily. But something to keep in mind is that the longer stretches of road will be near impossible to get to since cars/buses can't go to them. You'll have to walk, and I'm not sure if the DisPolice will let you.

-get there early. We hit the MK 45 min before our runner was slated to get there and the crowd was 2-3 people deep along Main St. We ended up close enough to the course that when we saw her running up, the people in front let us get closer to the rope so we could high five her.

-wear something that distinguishes you. When you start the race it will be around 6am. It's still dark. If people know what you're wearing it's easier to find you-- but even easier if you have something crazy and unique. We also ran into a spectator who carried balloons so her husband would know where she was-- GREAT IDEA.

Just as a few reference points to show you what the crowd in the MK looked like for the Donald Half-- if these photos will go up...

The first one is Main St. right near the Christmas tree. It's a little blurry, but the runners are coming in from the middle of the photo and running along the buildings to the left (toward the castle). There are a ton of people there, and you can only get to the side of the road closest to where the photo was taken from.

The second one is about an hour later, runners coming out of the castle-- this spot is blocked off for ChEAR squad. But as you can see, still quite a few people.

A good place that I wish we thought of to watch our runners from was right at the front gates of Epcot before you actually got into the park and all along the parking lot. This picture was taken along the marathon course as I was running on Sunday morning (so maybe mile 2?)-- but I think it's right around mile 11 of the half marathon. We didn't make it there for the half, so I don't know how busy it was.

I think the big thing is just to be coordinated. If they are getting updates with your pace, unless you're SUPER fast it should be pretty easy for them to see you.

 

[LJ2012]

The Halloween 5k was my first RunDisney race, but this is my first half. Are you on the Princess Facebook page?

Hi Pam Yes she is!! I am trying to remember who is who from here and FB!

haha I can't keep track either! I just replied to a post on the FB page asking if anyone is staying at Sports. I'm guessing it is your post Pam.

Jenn

 

[DisneyBoyz]

This is a special update in case you are not able to run the Princess Half this year, but you are registered!

I just got off the phone with RunDisney. They ARE allowing runners to defer, however, the cut-off is this Saturday, January 15th!!! There is a $35 charge, and any fees that Active.com collected will not be reimbrused as well.

My bone scan this morning came back normal and I do NOT have Osteoporosis, so I WILL be able to begin training once all of my stress fractures heal. I am out for this Princess, as well as a Half planned in NC end of March. We still plan on traveling and keeping our reservations. My DH will not be running for me, so I will keep my promise and transport any Princesses from BLT to EPCOT the morning of. My DH and two DSs will be cheering you ALL along the way! I'm hoping to meet some or most of you on Friday night at the W.I.S.H. MEET!

 

[fashionista311]

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.

I agree with Kat, sounds like it's a sodium thing. Are you fueling? When I first started doing distance I was a fan of the sport beans since I hated the gels. They are fine, but to get the same nutrition as a gel, you need to eat an entire packet. I was maybe eating 1/2 of one at most. When I switched to clif shot bloks, I found it easier to get a full serving since 1 serving = 3 bloks. as my coach once said, long runs are not the time to diet! I would play around and see what works for you.

 

[fashionista311]

My DD had a huge, painful wart on her foot and when she had soccer, I put the moleskin on it. You can cut it down and it really sticks. I got the drugstore brand and it was fine.


Anyone getting a massage after the race? I just booked a couples Swedish Massage at AKL for 12:30. Do you think this gives us enough time to maybe catch a bite to eat after the race and then head over to AKL? I figure I'll put the kids in the activity center for that hour. I don't think DH has ever had a massage (not professionally at least ) so I don't know how he'll feel about a 50 minute massage. I might just switch to the 25 minute. Since we're DVC members we get a 20% discount so it comes out to $144 for both massages!! Should I keep the 50 or go with the 25?

Can you switch the massage until the next day? the general rule of thumb is that you should wait 24-48 hours post-marathon since your muscles are so inflamed. Since the princess is only a half, the shorter end of it will be fine i bet - but I would still wait a day. Even with many halfs under my belt (I think I'm on 15 in three years?) I still get pretty sore after a race effort. Heck, I raced a 10K last weekend and I was still pretty sore the next day Better safe than sorry. If you absolutely can't move the appointment, I would make sure you tell your masseuse to go very light.

 

[LJ2012]

PrincessRhi thanks for the great tips!!

Does anyone know what time our family and friends need to plan to catch the buses? Do they need to be up as early as we participants do? I think my family is planning to watch from MK and head to EPCOT for the finish.

Jenn

 

[PrincessRhi]

No problem!

We arrived at the TTC at the time a friend's starting corral was set to leave Epcot. By the time we were parked, boarded the ferry, got to the MK and found a spot to stand, the updates told us she hit her 5k and was running a 10 minute mile. So we still had a bit of time to wait before she got there, but even at 6-7am there was a lot of foot traffic by spectators and decent waits for the monorail between parks.

While I wouldn't suggest they leave when you do (what spectator wants to sit and wait at 3am?) I would suggest they leave somewhat early just to make sure they don't miss you. I'm nowhere near a pro at Disney running events since last weekend was my first, but the big thing to keep in mind when planning is that even if you're taking Disney buses, all the main roads to the event are closed because people will be running on them. So expect transport to take a little bit longer than usual with the road detours, and trying to get into the park might take a few extra minutes as well since there could possibly be a lot of people going to the same places.