Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[babyball]

Whoa. When I posted the question about the medal I never thought I would get such a negative reaction. I, too, am doing the races to stay in shape and be a healthy example for my kids. I love running but I am not going to include my time on my resume or anything. My 5 yo really can't wait to try it on (she saw it on a you tube video). Thats why I ask. Didn't mean to turn this conversation into a moral dilemma. The medal is a material symbol of an accomplishment. To me it could be mustering up the courage to try to run a half or finishing in 1/2 in sub two. Or, a fun little souvenir from Disney for a 5 yo.

 

[Namsupak]

Great costumes ladies!

 

[dcr]

I think you misunderstood what it is they plan on doing. They are walking straight to the corrals from the resort. They are not walking to the staging area and then going to corrals.

Why would you take that long of a hike directly to the corrals, right before a race? Because one time, somebody almost missed a start time, because of one trip, by one bus driver?

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I could not accept a medal for something I did not earn. However, Disney can and does do what they want with regards to handing out the medals.

My daughter had to go to the medical tent after stumbling across the finish line last year and I made sure she received her medal, especially since it was her first half and she ran it in 2:28. Unfortunately, the heat and we aren't sure what else caused her to be very sick.




QUOTE=longhorns2;44006586]I remembering reading a blog from someone who was swept last princess- and they all got medals as well. I think Disney tries to make it as gentle as possible when they do sweep people, and for some people, just getting out there and making the effort is medal worthy![/QUOTE]

 

[StarGirl11]

Regarding lost bus drivers:

Look for the thread in this WISH>events/Competition where people listed their marathon bus experiences. Some people boarded buses at 3:15am from POR and didn't get to the race start till 4:30am then still had to walk to the corrals.

I am at POR and I will absolutely walk to the corrals. Please if anyone wants to do the same let me know!

I would consider joining you but I got the race retreat package and am just planning to get over there and chill for an hour or so before making my way over to the start.

I'll post a pic of me in costume once my bra comes in so you guys can keep a look out for me. My parents bought it from a store they were in back in Bahrain (Dad's working on a project in Saudi Arabia, this is going to be my first solo vacation excited and nervous) so the likelihood of another person on course having the exact same dress I think is fairly small.

 

[appledown]

Why would you take that long of a hike directly to the corrals, right before a race? Because one time, somebody almost missed a start time, because of one trip, by one bus driver?

Because its a LONG hike from the staging areas to the corrals. I clocked it at 1.25 miles last year. POFQ to the corrals is approx .5 to .75 to walk. It's not really about the buses, it's about the shorter walk.

 

[dcr]

Because its a LONG hike from the staging areas to the corrals. I clocked it at 1.25 miles last year. POFQ to the corrals is approx .5 to .75 to walk. It's not really about the buses, it's about the shorter walk.

So from POR, it's at least as long of a hike, and you don't get bag check, you are on your own on the roads at night, and you can't avail yourself of the wider assortment of porta potties... My vote is for the bus.

 

[freepixie]

I LOVE the skirt! Did you add the fabric on yourself?

First of all, thank you! Yes I did add the material, just found the material last weekend! First I made a tutu and that was a disaster then I remembered I had bought a white running skirt last summer so I trimmed the material and layered it on and actually sewed it on by hand cause I wasn't sure how to run it thru the sewing machine

 

[tinkeramy]

Whoa. When I posted the question about the medal I never thought I would get such a negative reaction. I, too, am doing the races to stay in shape and be a healthy example for my kids. I love running but I am not going to include my time on my resume or anything. My 5 yo really can't wait to try it on (she saw it on a you tube video). Thats why I ask. Didn't mean to turn this conversation into a moral dilemma. The medal is a material symbol of an accomplishment. To me it could be mustering up the courage to try to run a half or finishing in 1/2 in sub two. Or, a fun little souvenir from Disney for a 5 yo.

I don't know that you got a negative reaction. Nobody said that Disney shouldn't do that and nobody expressed anger over the practice. We just offered personal opinions that, if it were us, we wouldn't want to accept a medal if we didn't finish. I don't think any of us are planning to wear the medal around in our daily lives or place this accomplishment on a resume. I couldn't care less if Disney hands out medals to anyone who gets a toe across the starting line. But for me, personally, I would rather earn it or leave it for next year and use it as motivation to try again.

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Whoa. When I posted the question about the medal I never thought I would get such a negative reaction. I, too, am doing the races to stay in shape and be a healthy example for my kids. I love running but I am not going to include my time on my resume or anything. My 5 yo really can't wait to try it on (she saw it on a you tube video). Thats why I ask. Didn't mean to turn this conversation into a moral dilemma. The medal is a material symbol of an accomplishment. To me it could be mustering up the courage to try to run a half or finishing in 1/2 in sub two. Or, a fun little souvenir from Disney for a 5 yo.

As a new runner myself, I agree. I can't imagine paying $115 fee, travel expenses for myself and my family, taking vacation time for work for myself and my DH, taking my DS out of 1st grade for a few days, etc. to not return with a medal. I was fortunate enough to defer a few days before the deadline. Other people who have trained for months now, might not have that same option. Especially the newbies who ran themselves hard, without knowing the consequences, like myself. So Amy, all those months of training you've done, kudos to you. You deserve a medal!

There are a lot of women on here who've faced hurdles. Weight, bereavement therapy, unsupportive families, etc. If there's one reason you run, it is for yourself. Only you can be the judge of whether or not you earn a medal: either a symbol or a souvenir.

For those of you without support or a cheer team, I will be there. Your Saturday morning sacrifices were for a purpose; to run, have a good time and do your best. Who planned on having an injury? I didn't!

Best of luck to you all.

 

[StarGirl11]

Just got off Skype with my Dad. I am going to move up to an earlier flight so instead of arriving in Orlando at almost 10:00 and maybe having to lug my bags down to the ME, I'll arrive at 3:30. My Dad thought I had a morning class that's why he booked me on the last nonstop flight out. Here's the thing my morning class is on Wednesday not sure where he got the bad info but anyway. I pointed out that no matter what flight I took I was going to miss my Thursday class anyway (its at 6:00 in the evening and even if I took the last flight out I would be mid air by then) and I had no classes in the morning.

 

[babyball]

As a new runner myself, I agree. I can't imagine paying $115 fee, travel expenses for myself and my family, taking vacation time for work for myself and my DH, taking my DS out of 1st grade for a few days, etc. to not return with a medal. I was fortunate enough to defer a few days before the deadline. Other people who have trained for months now, might not have that same option. Especially the newbies who ran themselves hard, without knowing the consequences, like myself. So Amy, all those months of training you've done, kudos to you. You deserve a medal!

There are a lot of women on here who've faced hurdles. Weight, bereavement therapy, unsupportive families, etc. If there's one reason you run, it is for yourself. Only you can be the judge of whether or not you earn a medal: either a symbol or a souvenir.

For those of you without support or a cheer team, I will be there. Your Saturday morning sacrifices were for a purpose; to run, have a good time and do your best. Who planned on having an injury? I didn't!

Best of luck to you all.

Thank you! I needed to hear that. Its funny that you posted such a nice reply that better summarized my feelings at this stage of the game. Just like I used to think about the others in trainng while I was out on the road (running MYSELF too hard ), I now think about you, sidelined by injury and having to defer as I too sit home on those Saturdays. At this stage of my injury I am still hoping I can walk at least to Magic Kingdom. It was my pre-injury goal to run straight to MK, potty break, then start to walk/run and take pics.

SO....thannk you for the kind words and optomistic (and often funny) posts as you work through you injury. Only about 4 people know I am even trying the 1/2 so your cheering is appreciated. I took a special note of your countdown for next year's princess this AM. I am going to start mine for the ToT and W&D. I have learned soooo much from my running related injuries. And, from all you other princesses. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Re: walking to corrals. I am at POR. Not sure if I will brave the buses or brave the walk over with you all. I am considering both. I have never been to the EPCOT resorts so I have no opinion on this one. I will keep checking the posts and let you know.

 

[StarGirl11]

Thank you! I needed to hear that. Its funny that you posted such a nice reply that better summarized my feelings at this stage of the game. Just like I used to think about the others in trainng while I was out on the road (running MYSELF too hard ), I now think about you, sidelined by injury and having to defer as I too sit home on those Saturdays. At this stage of my injury I am still hoping I can walk at least to Magic Kingdom. It was my pre-injury goal to run straight to MK, potty break, then start to walk/run and take pics.

SO....thannk you for the kind words and optomistic (and often funny) posts as you work through you injury. Only about 4 people know I am even trying the 1/2 so your cheering is appreciated. I took a special note of your countdown for next year's princess this AM. I am going to start mine for the ToT and W&D. I have learned soooo much from my running related injuries. And, from all you other princesses. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Re: walking to corrals. I am at POR. Not sure if I will brave the buses or brave the walk over with you all. I am considering both. I have never been to the EPCOT resorts so I have no opinion on this one. I will keep checking the posts and let you know.

Babyball, I am staying over at POR and will probably head over around 3:30 for the start area (early I know but I have race retreat and want to take advantage of it again). If you decide to take the bus we could maybe hang out a little before leaving on the bus. Also just curious what kind of injury did you sustain again and whats your plan for running it now?

 

[stitchfan18]

Thank you! I needed to hear that. Its funny that you posted such a nice reply that better summarized my feelings at this stage of the game. Just like I used to think about the others in trainng while I was out on the road (running MYSELF too hard ), I now think about you, sidelined by injury and having to defer as I too sit home on those Saturdays. At this stage of my injury I am still hoping I can walk at least to Magic Kingdom. It was my pre-injury goal to run straight to MK, potty break, then start to walk/run and take pics.

SO....thannk you for the kind words and optomistic (and often funny) posts as you work through you injury. Only about 4 people know I am even trying the 1/2 so your cheering is appreciated. I took a special note of your countdown for next year's princess this AM. I am going to start mine for the ToT and W&D. I have learned soooo much from my running related injuries. And, from all you other princesses. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Re: walking to corrals. I am at POR. Not sure if I will brave the buses or brave the walk over with you all. I am considering both. I have never been to the EPCOT resorts so I have no opinion on this one. I will keep checking the posts and let you know.

I haven't been around as much on this thread lately, so I'm not sure what your injury is, but there are lots of things you can do to help ease pain and get you further (or to the finish line) depending on your injury. Adrenaline will take you a long way! Also, all the medical stops have bio freeze and Tylenol, so you can numb or get rid of pains along the way. Make sure you use the restroom before you start, then try to avoid wasting time in lines for porta poties, stop either at those without a line (which can be few and far between at this race, there are thousands of women running after all ) or use the real restrooms in MK. The best IMO are the restrooms between fronteirland and adventureland, they are huge! As tempting as it may be to stop for pictures, only stop if you can take a quick snap and keep moving. If you can make it to Epcot, stop and take pictures there where you are free of the sweeper threat. Most importantly, try to have fun. If you can't make it all the way, at least you started something most people don't ever attempt!

I can understand why some people might feel funny about accepting a medal for a race they didn't run, and in the past I would have felt the same way. Last year I ran in a super small 1/2 marathon and placed in my age group (there were only 3 people in my age group to begin with .) I emailed the race director about my award, and she said she would mail it to me. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. I get a package and it's from the race that I placed in. The race director said they couldn't find the awards for the people that placed, so she mailed me a medal from a previous years race that I didn't run instead. I felt funny at first because I didn't actually run the race the medal was for, but then I realized that when I saw that medal I would think about the time I placed in my age group in a 1/2. I wouldn't think about the race I didn't run. A medal is really just a memento to remember a race experience, so you remember your experience and everyone else can remember theirs.
Good Luck!

 

[joan4mickey]

Finished my last long run on the TM...uugh...I do speed work on the TM, but not LR's. I did 11 miles and was only going for 10 so that's good. When I got to 10 I cranked up the incline to 4 as on the course you come to the swooping onramp at that point so I did a quarter mile at a 10mm pace and then decided to just finish out to 11. I have two more speed workouts this week and I'll do a couple short runs next week. Then I'm done for a while. I ran the full in January and it has been hard, for me, recovering physically and mentally and then throw in a cold the last couple of weeks.

I took a couple of pixs of my "outfit", but will not post...I look really old and scary (my daughter said scary and I said old). I think the last six months of training has taken a bit out of me. So...my other DD (not the one who said I looked scary) and I will be in matching shirts...We are team Cool Runnings and have red, green and yellow large strip tanktops and red, green and yellow headbands, and black shorts/running skirt...we are going for the rasta look.

 

[slp1650]

I got in a nice 5 mile run this morning. I've been fighting a cold, but I think yesterday was the worst of it and I'm feeling a lot better today. I really wanted to get out and run because I got some new Nike Dry-Fit running capris and shorts and I wanted to try them out. I wore the Capris today and absolutely loved them! I think I might wear them at the race!

 

[HockeyKat]

Finished my last long run on the TM...uugh...I do speed work on the TM, but not LR's. I did 11 miles and was only going for 10 so that's good. When I got to 10 I cranked up the incline to 4 as on the course you come to the swooping onramp at that point so I did a quarter mile at a 10mm pace and then decided to just finish out to 11. I have two more speed workouts this week and I'll do a couple short runs next week. Then I'm done for a while. I ran the full in January and it has been hard, for me, recovering physically and mentally and then throw in a cold the last couple of weeks.

I took a couple of pixs of my "outfit", but will not post...I look really old and scary (my daughter said scary and I said old). I think the last six months of training has taken a bit out of me. So...my other DD (not the one who said I looked scary) and I will be in matching shirts...We are team Cool Runnings and have red, green and yellow large strip tanktops and red, green and yellow headbands, and black shorts/running skirt...we are going for the rasta look.

That's awesome!! Good job on the TM run - it's pretty brutal out right now, for us ayhow. With 11 on the TM and the full distance base from last month, you are more than ready.

I'd take the next week to completely rest, if I were you, maybe a few 2-3 mile easy runs, and lots of sleep.

 

[Calcio]

There are many reasons why someone staying at OKW, POFQ, and POR would prefer to take the bus to the staging area instead of walking straight to the corrals, and they are all good reasons. Lots of port-a-potties, bag check, seeing and meeting with friends before the race, to list a few.

But it's not correct to say the bus, staging area, walk to corral sequence is simpler and easier on the legs than walking straight from the resorts to the corrals. Walking, resort straight to corrals, gets you into your corral in about 10 minutes, allowing you to rest longer in your room. Plus you can stretch in the warmth of the resort lobby and use warm resort lobby bathrooms before leaving for the corrals. I have done this several times, and there were always fellow runners in the POFQ lobby and we went out together.

The walk from the staging area to the corrals is far longer than the walk from the resorts to the corrals. I've also done this several times when I've been staying at other resorts. It's along way. You wouldn't think there is that much road from the staging area to the corrals, but there is.

I know everyone will make their own choice, based on their personal preferences. Both work fine.

 

[joan4mickey]

There are many reasons why someone staying at OKW, POFQ, and POR would prefer to take the bus to the staging area instead of walking straight to the corrals, and they are all good reasons. Lots of port-a-potties, bag check, seeing and meeting with friends before the race, to list a few.

But it's not correct to say the bus, staging area, walk to corral sequence is simpler and easier on the legs than walking straight from the resorts to the corrals. Walking, resort straight to corrals, gets you into your corral in about 10 minutes, allowing you to rest longer in your room. Plus you can stretch in the warmth of the resort lobby and use warm resort lobby bathrooms before leaving for the corrals. I have done this several times, and there were always fellow runners in the POFQ lobby and we went out together.

The walk from the staging area to the corrals is far longer than the walk from the resorts to the corrals. I've also done this several times when I've been staying at other resorts. It's along way. You wouldn't think there is that much road from the staging area to the corrals, but there is.

I know everyone will make their own choice, based on their personal preferences. Both work fine.

So do you think having a meet time in the lobby of the hotel would be a good idea for those that want to walk over and if so, what time would you leave the resort (I'm staying at POFQ) to walk over to corrals? I will only do this if we have a leader that has walked in the past.

 

[joan4mickey]

Hockeykat Are you flying this year? DD is flying out of RDU Friday morning on Delta. She lives in Burlington and will be doing her final LR after work today.