Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[PRmamiDEdos]

I might have to defer so I need info on that please. I am seeing an orthopedist this Friday. My PP has said I have discreet hip pain, whatever that means and I got X-rays taken today. I don't want to defer and I have been fighting with DH who is threatening to call Run Disney to tell them I can't run. I figure with a few visits to the chiropractor and maybe some PT I'll be as good as new.

The pain hasn't lessened but comes and goes depending on how I'm standing or sitting. Please say a prayer, I really want to run this race. Let's hope the ortho gives me good news.

 

[kathleendsm]

I might have to defer so I need info on that please. I am seeing an orthopedist this Friday. My PP has said I have discreet hip pain, whatever that means and I got X-rays taken today. I don't want to defer and I have been fighting with DH who is threatening to call Run Disney to tell them I can't run. I figure with a few visits to the chiropractor and maybe some PT I'll be as good as new.

The pain hasn't lessened but comes and goes depending on how I'm standing or sitting. Please say a prayer, I really want to run this race. Let's hope the ortho gives me good news.

I don't have any real info on how to defer, but I think you can just contact RunDisney (contact info on the website?). I am so sorry, I pray that you'll be able to run the race!

I got out today for a really nice run! Here I am in the frigid Des Moines, Iowa winter and it is (if you can believe it), 65 degrees! I was out in a tee shirt and capris (probably could have been wearing shorts, but I thought it would be in the 50's). The sun was shining and it felt like spring, with the exception of the snow piles on the sides of the road. It was so warm that technically according to Jeff Galloway I should have started slowing down, but I pushed it a bit and was able to do close to 11 minute miles for most of the 3.5.

This may be semi-ill advised, but I'm going to do some Slim Fast for the last few weeks before the race. I'll be sure to fuel up, but I'm hoping to hold it to 1200 net calories a day (even if that means I bump it up by however many calories I burn when I run). If I can lose even 10 pounds by the race I figure I'll be a little bit faster if nothing else!

 

[saysay]

Hi everyone...I am a newbie and have been reading this awesome thread to get advice. This is my first half marathon. It has been a HUGE goal of mine since I started weight watchers last March. I have lost 40 pounds, and I am happy with my training. I ran/walked 12 miles yesterday. No, I am not speedy, but I am maintaining an avg 15 min pace, so I am happy.

Here is my question...I see where some of you are recommending taking a camera. Does anyone race with a small fanny pack for a camera and maybe a protein bar?

I have a spibelt, love it. I got it at the expo last year. It stretches so pleanty of room for that! iFitness will also be at the expo, they have a nice belt as well. No bouncing....NICE. Oh and congrats on your weight loss and WELCOME! We all get the same medal, so no worries on speed!

@Rose, I need to get the sock. I have the boot I wear when My heel flares up, but I can't travel with it, so thinking I will get one this week since its easy to travel with. Thanks for the DUH about rubbing alcohol. I LOVE Penetrex and Blue Emu cremes, but even if I use them the day before, I think there is a little film so even my generic athletic tape will come off. Problem is when I run, my feet sweat and I notice after a while the tape comes off. If there a link on how you tape your feet and ankle. Since I have both PF, though its actually practically gone and my tendonitis is there wondering how to tape up arch AND heel. The taping of my arch def helps though! Thinking maybe its also time for more superfeet since I have had mine over a year.

EVERYONE ELSE.....
I am so inspired by how so many of you get your runs in on treadmills...and I mean the long ones or in the cold. Those with injuries....sending my thoughts and prayers. If you have been dealing with an injury, take it easy on your training and the race. Now is the time to keep it slow and easy. AND last year, I just wanted to get to the castle...I thought everything else would be gravy and it was and I finished. Its all about listening to your body and just taking care.

How can we be at 27 days? So excited.

 

[joan4mickey]

Hi everyone...I am a newbie and have been reading this awesome thread to get advice. This is my first half marathon. It has been a HUGE goal of mine since I started weight watchers last March. I have lost 40 pounds, and I am happy with my training. I ran/walked 12 miles yesterday. No, I am not speedy, but I am maintaining an avg 15 min pace, so I am happy.

Here is my question...I see where some of you are recommending taking a camera. Does anyone race with a small fanny pack for a camera and maybe a protein bar?

Good for your dedication and accomplishments.

Yes, you will see "fanny packs". There are more sports type ones that don't bob up and down. I personally like the SPIbelt. You do need to try it before the race on a practice run/walk. Just to make sure it works for you.

Around mile 8 they will have gu or some type of nutrition. I don't do it but if you plan to make sure what they serve works for you...again make sure you try before race day.

Keep asking questions so you feel good about going into race day.

 

[JCH]

Okay, need advice! I got my two short runs in last week, but then had to go to the Rolex 24 in Daytona with my husband. I had thought I could maybe do the long run when I got back Sunday, but after 24 hours of racing and walking at least four times around the 2.5 mile track on Sat and 3 times Sunday, my legs were not up for it!

So...do I skip this weeks long run, so 3 mi this weekend, and just do 12-13 mi on the 11th, or do I try to do a long run this weekend and do two in a row? Thoughts?

 

[kathleendsm]

Okay, need advice! I got my two short runs in last week, but then had to go to the Rolex 24 in Daytona with my husband. I had thought I could maybe do the long run when I got back Sunday, but after 24 hours of racing and walking at least four times around the 2.5 mile track on Sat and 3 times Sunday, my legs were not up for it!

So...do I skip this weeks long run, so 3 mi this weekend, and just do 12-13 mi on the 11th, or do I try to do a long run this weekend and do two in a row? Thoughts?

Personally, I'd go for your longest run this weekend, so those 12 or so miles. Then a moderately long run the next weekend, maybe 7-8, and a short 4-5 miles the weekend before the race. That way you get a good long taper!

I don't blame you, and besides, four times around the 2.5 mile track added up to serious mileage!

 

[TMcDwyer]

Yes, you will see "fanny packs". There are more sports type ones that don't bob up and down. I personally like the SPIbelt. You do need to try it before the race on a practice run/walk. Just to make sure it works for you.

Keep asking questions so you feel good about going into race day.

I second the SPIbelt. I LOVE mine!

 

[pjpoohbear]

... Will go for 10 this weekend....My 9 miler went well 2 weeks ago, so I have faith! I wish I could use KT tape, my feet are sweaty or something as I can't get it to stay on.

Now the all important working on of the outfit.....its gonna be good I think, putting it together this week.

If you have a pic of your, go ahead and post it. Its great running on the course and recognizing a DISer!

Julie, old wives tale but it worked wonders for me, brew up a big batch of tea, then divide into two pans (that fit your fee) and cool 'til luke warm, then soak your feet for 20-30 minutes, this has relieved my very sweaty feet for up to three weeks. I do it several times a summer.

Has anyone seen the necklace from the Tinkerbell Half?? Is there a picture?? I'm really curious about the one for the Princess!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=669396592144&set=o.226762297341247&type=3&theater (hopefully that will let you go visit the page to see what their necklace was like.) I am thinking a different chain or adding it to a charm bracelet.

Pj

 

[TiggerAllie]

Around mile 8 they will have gu or some type of nutrition. I don't do it but if you plan to make sure what they serve works for you...again make sure you try before race day.

Anyone know what they serve? (Is there a way to get a free sample to try, maybe at the Expo?)

 

[babyball]

I might have to defer so I need info on that please. I am seeing an orthopedist this Friday. My PP has said I have discreet hip pain, whatever that means and I got X-rays taken today. I don't want to defer and I have been fighting with DH who is threatening to call Run Disney to tell them I can't run. I figure with a few visits to the chiropractor and maybe some PT I'll be as good as new.

The pain hasn't lessened but comes and goes depending on how I'm standing or sitting. Please say a prayer, I really want to run this race. Let's hope the ortho gives me good news.

I would see a PT no matter what your ortho says. They have a completely differnt way of looking at injuries than other disciplines. If you can find a sports PT specialist that would just be even better. That way they will understand not only your current injury but also your goals in running. You may or may not need a script from your ortho, just ask for one.

I saw a PT back in Dec for my knee (runners knee) and she was excellent. Determined everything was coming from my hip, gave me exercises and stretches and it worked wonders! Only thing it didn't fix was all the other stuff that is coming along with being a new runner at an older age!!!

I haven't run since Wednesday bc DD is sick. I am trying not to let this discourage me and chocking it up to much needed rest for my muscles to recover and grow. I would love to get out Wed as we are suppose to have nice weather but it is probably not going to happen. I am going to have to "cram" for this race as my longest has only been 8....

 

[kappyfamily]

Here's my belt. I LOVE it. Doesnt budge a bit and it's soft and squishy and holds my Iphone, bag of sports beans AND my pepper spray (I know I'm paranoid). There's little mesh pockets on the sides that I keep chapstick in one and a hankie to blow my nose rolled up in the other. Anyway love this belt.

Here's the link.
http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/-electronics/airflow-endurance

Michele

 

[rocio]

I have a Nathan belt ( http://m.dickssportinggoods.com/?p=...1Y3RJZD0xMTYyMDU1MyZjcD00NDA2NjQ2LjQ0MjU0MjA=)

It is big enough for my droid phone and a pack of sports beans.

 

[Bookwood]

Anyone have an idea on why ONE calf muscle would freak out when I ran, but not when I walked? I was well hydrated and electrolyted and felt good everywhere else. My magical Zenzah calf sleeves couldn't stop the freak out either. Sniff. I was so sad. I even tried to run through the finish line and COULDN'T! That sucked.

Sorry I have no answer for you but alot of sympathy because I have the same thing. I wonder if it's because I push harder off that leg running. I also get cramps in a muscle on the outside of my calf which pulls my foot out at an unnatural angle (at least that one walks out easily). I hope someone has an idea though.

I'm thinking of throwing my training plan out this week. The temps are supposed to be great today for an outdoor run so I may try to go long after school today (I was going to do some biking for my Y tri) but mid to upper 50's in Indiana in Jan/feb seems too good to miss. I think maybe the Gods are smiling on the Super Bowl this weekend and I'm just taking advantage of the excess great weather.

 

[longhorns2]

Thanks for commiserating, fellow calf issue runners! Just hoping it doesn't happen again at the Princess.

For those with real injuries- I am so sorry! I had yall in the back of my mind when debating on pushing the running or not. This was a "training race" for me, so I didn't want to hinder my Princess prospects! I really hope yall can get fixed up and work it out!

Further race report- I only peed 5 times total, down from 15+ last year. LMAAAAAAO PROGRESS! I'll take it where I can find it. It helped that we had great weather, and awesome water/gatorade stations. I didn't wear a hydration belt so I didn't feel like I needed to keep drinking like last year. That may change though if the warm weather holds up in Orlando. Gah!

I also do a spi belt- wear the pack on my back and it works great for me. holds loads of stuff in that sucker!

Question- or comment- or whatever you want to call it. Someone on another board said they look at their races as a 10 mile run, with a 3.1 mile race at the end. In other words, they don't race from start to finish. The race happens for them at the end. I liked that idea because mentally it might keep me at a better pace in the beginning so I have something more for the end. Does anyone here think their races through like that? Or how do you mentally run your race?

 

[joan4mickey]

Question- or comment- or whatever you want to call it. Someone on another board said they look at their races as a 10 mile run, with a 3.1 mile race at the end. In other words, they don't race from start to finish. The race happens for them at the end. I liked that idea because mentally it might keep me at a better pace in the beginning so I have something more for the end. Does anyone here think their races through like that? Or how do you mentally run your race?

I look at the Princess in three parts....the first 5 (well 5 and a half) to the castle. A few photos ops and some of those you can get on the "back" (as in out and back). There are mile markers and some photo ops at the MK parking lot. If you are in first few corrals this part can also be dark (before sunrise not creepy dark). Next 5... the castle with lots of photo ops and backstage with photo ops followed by the long road back. They do have princesses along the way but it's the middle of the race. Then the final 5k, starting with the swooping uphill on-ramp and back to Epcot with the finally mile at Epcot and more photo ops.

For me the first part is run, make some time so when I get to the castle I can get photos and enjoy myself. I think this is a good idea for those that may have trouble keeping pace. The next five is a pick and choose for me. If it is a princess I am fond of or has a special meaning for me I will stop, but I don't stop for all. The last 5k is run until I hit Epcot and take photos if I want them and I also take a moment at the Gospel choir, they are at mile 13 and one of my favorite.

 

[longhorns2]

The Gospel choir is pure awesomeness! ITA!

I like the way you broke that down. I think I may try that- 5 run, 6-9ish take pictures as needed and slow down a bit so I can try to RUN again the last 3. I really hope I can have the gas and the legs to run the last three.

 

[WDWDeb]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. This is such a fabulous site!

I ordered a spibelt so I can get it ahead of time and get use to it before the race.

One other question...I have read several comments about the cwx performx tights. Do they really make a difference? Would tights be too hot once the sun comes up?

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Question- or comment- or whatever you want to call it. Someone on another board said they look at their races as a 10 mile run, with a 3.1 mile race at the end. In other words, they don't race from start to finish. The race happens for them at the end. I liked that idea because mentally it might keep me at a better pace in the beginning so I have something more for the end. Does anyone here think their races through like that? Or how do you mentally run your race?

The first mile I'm "finding my feet", getting into a rhythm, and then 2-5 (for some reason I never see the mile marker for 4, I know, weird), I'm enjoying myself, just happy to be running, but trying to keep a pace. I just relax through the MK, determine if I'll be making a pit stop, and enjoy the crowd. Miles 7-10 I'm focused on just keeping myself running, and trying to ignore the fact that the good part of the race is over ('cause for me, it is ). Getting myself up that overpass is always a challenge, but I know it's coming. Mile 11-13, I just try to keep running, or at least moving forward with some purpose. Even though Epcot is in sight, when I have to make the turn and go up the overpass (the second one, after Mile 11), it is mentally really tough for me. The people near the entrance are a huge boost, most will cheer even if you are not their runner, and then the cast members as you go through Epcot are great, so that keeps me going. I don't like the long turn around in Epcot, especially since by the time I get there they are holding guests back for runners, but it's a small price to pay. Then I try to put on a little speed after the Gospel Choir, because I know I have made it!

I guess I look at it in four sections -- The Good (pre-MK), The Great (MK), The Gotta Keep Going (miles 7-10), and the Get Me Through!

Maria

 

[bellerunner]

Oh my word, I take not even 2 days off from this forum and so much catching up to do!

The race "food" is energy gels, by CLIF. They are the gel packets, not the shot bloks. There are assorted flavors. I've heard that they've had mocha and green apple in the past, along with others, but no guarantee what flavors will be there this year. I've tested CLIF Shots in training with good results, and will still carry my own for 2 reasons. 1) I typically take my first one around mile 5 or 6 and they are not at Disney until mile 9 and 2) I've heard reports that a new flavor has sometimes caused problems for people's stomachs and I know the flavor that I like.

Longhorns2, is the calf pain in your dominant side? I'm right handed, and there is a noticable difference in strength and flexibility between my right and left side. It could be that your one side is just feeling "neglected." I know that my left side is much more prone to being stiff and pain (both shin and calf).

I've been trying to get over being sick (first it was an overall achy with slight fever, now it seems to be settling into a head/chest cold), so my running plans have been all sorts of derailed. I've been getting in what I can without pushing myself too hard. I only did 6.5 instead of 11 on Sunday for my long run. I've missed a few days, but I've had a good training base until now, so as long as I get a couple more long runs in and keep some weekday running/shorter runs, I'm sure that I'll be fine. The hardest part has been listening to my body when it needs me to stop. =p

The way that I visualized the 20k that I ran (which is only 0.7 miles shorter than a half-marathon) was as 4 5k races, because I knew that I could complete that distance. My friend and I would call out to each other when we had completed the first 5k, 2nd 5k, etc. I think that I'll break it down for Disney Princess is the first leg is to the castle, the 2nd leg is to 10 miles (boring, I know... but isn't the Toy Story Army man at about that point?), and then just a "simple" 5k (not putting down the 5k distance, but after 10 miles, by comparison...) to the finish.

 

[NitroStitch]

Feel better soon, Bellerunner! And everyone else fighting injuries and illness!

For the WDW Half Marathon, they had lots of CLIF Razz Raspberry and only a small number of CLIF Mocha gels. I much preferred the Mocha. I was very glad I'd carried my own gels too, since the WDW nutrition station was much later in the race than I start taking gels. It was also very odd, but they had the CLIF gel station completely apart from a water stop. If I hadn't had my own bottles, I'd have been taking gel with no water.

It was a good thing they had a nutrition stop, since one of my gels exploded on me and the belt it was in before the race. Talk about a sticky mess...