Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[dcr]

I'll be the old guy in running gear. You can't miss me in a corral of 2,250. Unless I'm the only guy in "F". Then it would be a dead give away!

 

[joan4mickey]

Thanks. Did you have any info or experience with the actual ChEAR Squad package? That's what I am hoping to get feedback on.

She's been an AP holder @ Disneyland since she was 5 and knows her way around that place really well - but this will be her first time @ WDW.

As far as crowds go - she's braved the 4th of July crowds @ Disneyland for her bday year after year as well as New Year's Eve (once). Talk about rude people! 4th of July & NYE brings out the worst in people.

Funny story: Most recently, at the Tink Half 5K the seas parted for her to make her way to the restroom really fast, but when she came back the SAME women NOT would let her come back up through the crowd to be next to me. She called me in a panic, but I told her 'find security'. Sure enough, she hopped back on the sidewalk next to security, pointed right at me and said 'they won't let me back in with my mom', and security told her "Tinker Bell doesn't like grown ups who don't behave!" and helped her get back to me.

No experience with chear squad.
Have you been to WDW? It is much more spread out...miles apart between parks, but has a great bus system and a good bus system for the event. When do you arrive? Will you have time to scope out locations? HOw fast are you walking/running? Maybe another "wisher" has family going to watch and running/walking your speed and she can pal around with them? She sounds able enough to do that. Depending on how fast you are she could see you in a couple of spots. Main Street at MK is a fun spot to see loved ones and it doesn't cost anything to get in early..no ticket, they just let people in and later make them leave...not sure what time. The monorail system is good for this....but you have to change monorails. One from Epcot to the TTC and the from the TTC to MK. Very doable if you are a 10 min. miler or greater. she can still get back to the finish. Wish I could help out more so hard to explain it all...

PS. I grew up in N. CA. So DL is my home park. Ran the DL half in 2010...had never seen CA adventure..used to be a parking lot..WOW

 

[westgre]

I'm hoping to leave the hubby and kids at the hotel while I'm at the Expo. What do I need to do to pick up their ChearSquad packages? Are their waivers needed? Do I need to take my husband's liscence?

 

[ColleenG]

For you with veteran spectators. What and how would be the best time for DH to leave? We are staying at Saratoga Springs and will have a car. I am planning on taking the bus to the start so he can have the car if he needs it. I was thinking he could skip the start and just go to the TTC maybe see me go through there, hop the monorail to MK and get a spot there. Or skip TTC and just go to MK. I am really hoping he can get a shot of me somewhere in MK. Would it be possible to drive to the TTC or will it be blocked off to motor traffic? If he can get in MK, I'm thinking leave the car parked there and take the monorail back to Epcot. I guess really the main question is can he drive to TTC and what time should he get there. Sorry so long winded.

 

[joan4mickey]

For you with veteran spectators. What and how would be the best time for DH to leave? We are staying at Saratoga Springs and will have a car. I am planning on taking the bus to the start so he can have the car if he needs it. I was thinking he could skip the start and just go to the TTC maybe see me go through there, hop the monorail to MK and get a spot there. Or skip TTC and just go to MK. I am really hoping he can get a shot of me somewhere in MK. Would it be possible to drive to the TTC or will it be blocked off to motor traffic? If he can get in MK, I'm thinking leave the car parked there and take the monorail back to Epcot. I guess really the main question is can he drive to TTC and what time should he get there. Sorry so long winded.

PLEASE CHECK ROAD CLOSURES.

Depends on your pace for spectating.

Skip start..there will be some but you are not that close to road. It is a divided 4or6 lane road with middle median and runners/walkers are on far side.

 

[longhorns2]

I really think they made a mistake and placed me in corral B when I should be in C by comparing my 10K time with everyone else. Also, I'm nursing this stupid knee since my 11 mile run in December. So I'm even slower. I don't feel like I earned the B placement. Would you move yourself back to C or would you just start in the back of B and keep to the side?

You earned it- keep it. I wouldn't move back. But moving to C won't hurt you much either, so whatever you are comfortable with!

 

[Calcio]

Walking from POFQ or POR to the start:

Getting to the starting corrals is simple and quick, as I've noted before. It is true that if you do this there is no bag check possible. You leave your room at POR or POFQ and travel light. If you take anything to the corrals that you don't want with you on the course, then you must drop it in the piles of extra clothing and such before you take off. In January races when it was cold I did wear throw-away sweat tops and bottoms, and I threw them just before the start.

Getting back to the resort from the finish area cannot be done by walking, there just isn't a way to make that walk. Happily there are busses available to everyone at the back of the finishing area which will take you back to POR and POFQ. Everyone has access to these busses, runners and spectators alike. When you finish and clear the finish area, go through the picture spots and bag tents, and come to the big open area of the parking lot, the busses are to the southeast. Even if you walked to the starting corrals you can walk over to the busses after the race and they will take you back to the resort. Be aware, however, that the wait time for the busses is total hit or miss. There have been times I've walked right onto a bus and it has taken me back to the resort, and there have been other times, oddly enough on cold January days, when I stood and waited to get the bus back. You watch other people headed to other resorts get away quickly, while you wait.

And wait.

Have fun and good luck everyone.

 

[JCH]

For you with veteran spectators. What and how would be the best time for DH to leave? We are staying at Saratoga Springs and will have a car. I am planning on taking the bus to the start so he can have the car if he needs it. I was thinking he could skip the start and just go to the TTC maybe see me go through there, hop the monorail to MK and get a spot there. Or skip TTC and just go to MK. I am really hoping he can get a shot of me somewhere in MK. Would it be possible to drive to the TTC or will it be blocked off to motor traffic? If he can get in MK, I'm thinking leave the car parked there and take the monorail back to Epcot. I guess really the main question is can he drive to TTC and what time should he get there. Sorry so long winded.

My husband is going to the TTC then walking over to the Polynesian....I had him read some blog that mentioned pastries at the Poly and when I talk to him about plans, he keeps saying "I read something about cinnamon rolls, so that is my plan".

Now how he'll get to the TTC is the new question....I should be passing there around 7....ideas?

 

[saysay]

I really think they made a mistake and placed me in corral B when I should be in C by comparing my 10K time with everyone else. Also, I'm nursing this stupid knee since my 11 mile run in December. So I'm even slower. I don't feel like I earned the B placement. Would you move yourself back to C or would you just start in the back of B and keep to the side?

UM I was right there where you are last year....STAY IN B! Less time standing around at the start and that is where they placed you! Enjoy! Why move back? Just be polite and courteous if you are going to be slow...that is my plan!

 

[ColleenG]

Thanks Joan. Do you know if there is a way to find out what roads will be closed and what time they will be closed?

I was hoping my mom would come to see me finish but my dad decided not to come. My plan was he could stay with the kids and Mom could come over for the finish. I'm so excited for this and no one around here (home) is. That's why I'm on here every second I can be! Any time I mention plans or try to figure out a plan with DH he just tells me what he DOESN'T want to do while we are at Disney. All I want to discuss is race logistics. He's really supportive when I come back from a run and I tell him how far I went. But when I tell him I'm going out I get "(sigh) fine/alright". I feel like Im inconviencing him by going out. He comes and goes from here as he pleases between first aid calls and having to run back to work. but heaven forbid I go out for a run on a weekend afternoon. To me that's not really being supportive. At this point I don't even care if he's at the finish. I'm more excited to share in it with all of you gals here! Sorry for the vent. I know you all would understand.

 

[joan4mickey]

Thanks Joan. Do you know if there is a way to find out what roads will be closed and what time they will be closed?

I was hoping my mom would come to see me finish but my dad decided not to come. My plan was he could stay with the kids and Mom could come over for the finish. I'm so excited for this and no one around here (home) is. That's why I'm on here every second I can be! Any time I mention plans or try to figure out a plan with DH he just tells me what he DOESN'T want to do while we are at Disney. All I want to discuss is race logistics. He's really supportive when I come back from a run and I tell him how far I went. But when I tell him I'm going out I get "(sigh) fine/alright". I feel like Im inconviencing him by going out. He comes and goes from here as he pleases between first aid calls and having to run back to work. but heaven forbid I go out for a run on a weekend afternoon. To me that's not really being supportive. At this point I don't even care if he's at the finish. I'm more excited to share in it with all of you gals here! Sorry for the vent. I know you all would understand.

First keep your head up. I bet once you finish he will be bragging about how his wife finished a half marathon. Next tell him thanks for all the support he has given you in your journey..okay that may be hard but try and think of a way he has supported you and voice it.
There is information about road closures in the event book and last instuctions. Best bet, IMO, is take the last bus from resort...I think around 5am to Epcot and ride monorail to TTC and then get it back to finish line.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Is anyone planning on getting to the expo as soon as it opens?

I am very interested in the Dooney Crossbody bag but I don't land unitl close to 10 am and the group I am with have to meet up and check in so we won't hit the expo til later on Friday. I have heard that the bags sold out in 2 hours at the Tinker Bell. I know this is an off the wall question but if anyone is going first thing I woulld love to buy the Crossbody bag from you

 

[joan4mickey]

Is anyone planning on getting to the expo as soon as it opens?

I am very interested in the Dooney Crossbody bag but I don't land unitl close to 10 am and the group I am with have to meet up and check in so we won't hit the expo til later on Friday. I have heard that the bags sold out in 2 hours at the Tinker Bell. I know this is an off the wall question but if anyone is going first thing I woulld love to buy the Crossbody bag from you

Could you get the ME to your hotel and day check your bag and head over to expo and meet up with your group later...at the hotle or expo?

 

[Spottedprincess]

Is anyone planning on getting to the expo as soon as it opens?

I am very interested in the Dooney Crossbody bag but I don't land unitl close to 10 am and the group I am with have to meet up and check in so we won't hit the expo til later on Friday. I have heard that the bags sold out in 2 hours at the Tinker Bell. I know this is an off the wall question but if anyone is going first thing I woulld love to buy the Crossbody bag from you

PM me. I might be able too.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thanks for the idea Joan but I really want to meet up with my group first.

 

[StarGirl11]

For the veterans here how fast does the course usually play. I didn't get too much of a good idea when I attempted the full last month because I was coming off of an illness that took me out of training for three weeks and was unable to finish but I am coming into this one strong, very strong. Hoping to shatter my old PR strong (which was set over a hilly course). So I am just curious how flat and or fast you guys would say the course is.

 

[mamacate]

Has anyone ever walked from Port Orleans French Quarter to the start corrals?

From looking at a map, it should be possible...and less walking than from the parking lot/staging area.

Ooh, that would be great! I read about someone walking from OKW(I think???). I'd love to meet up and walk together...

Cate

 

[mamacate]

No experience with chear squad.
Have you been to WDW? It is much more spread out...miles apart between parks, but has a great bus system and a good bus system for the event. When do you arrive? Will you have time to scope out locations? HOw fast are you walking/running? Maybe another "wisher" has family going to watch and running/walking your speed and she can pal around with them? She sounds able enough to do that. Depending on how fast you are she could see you in a couple of spots. Main Street at MK is a fun spot to see loved ones and it doesn't cost anything to get in early..no ticket, they just let people in and later make them leave...not sure what time. The monorail system is good for this....but you have to change monorails. One from Epcot to the TTC and the from the TTC to MK. Very doable if you are a 10 min. miler or greater. she can still get back to the finish. Wish I could help out more so hard to explain it all...

FlowersCroon, I'm in a similar situation. I am hiring a sitter for my 9-year-old, but the sitter service isn't allowed to take her off the resort property without another adult being present. If there was another family at POR/POFQ willing to walk/bus over to the finish line, we could have a caravan. Just a thought. My daughter has accepted that she may not be able to go to the finish line to see me. (NB: I'm a slowbee--3:15-3:20 finish time, corral E.)

Cate

 

[kappyfamily]

FYI.... I just updated the Hotel stay list (and it's getting huge!). check it out!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2844506

Michele

 

[kappyfamily]

Here it is! Yowsa this one hurt a bit!