Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[MamaWolf]

All this shoe talk... I need new shoes but I'm now terrified to go in search of some. But hey one good thing is my DH works at REI and they have an excellent return policy. (not to mention the spouse discount )

 

[ufwendyo]

OMG I was swearing that a runner couldn't have had anything to do with putting that thing that far into the race. Then I found out Galloway was a consultant on the race route. No wonder I refuse to pay for joining one of his groups! I can do the same thing out of Marathoning for Mortals for FREE!

Still, I did want to give the Green Army Man a not-so-Disney-like gesture as he was telling us to "take that hill". GRR!!!

Yes, my husband said I was not being very Disneyesque while describing the last three miles. I kindof thought the Gospel choir needed to be out there. That might have kept the voices in my head a little more...um polite.

I received my shadowbox today from Lasting Commeratives "First Half Marathon". I even put my time on it which surprised my husband, 3:00:16. That way I can see how far I have come with experience!

 

[ufwendyo]

Kappy, I could have written your post. I went to running store and was told
That because I had flat feet and I am a heavy runner(overweight) that I need motion stability shoe so I was recommended the Saucony Grid or a New Balance, I chose the Saucony and I hate them. I plan to go to another. Popular running store and they suppose to have a computer analysis and see what they recommend. I personally have been brand loyal to Nike but what do
I know and that's the problem.

I had always been told to avoid Nike running shoes. So I was surprised when the folks at my running store suggested them. I learned that my mistake along with almost every other non experienced runner is thinking I could buy my Nike running shoes from a normal department store. They showed me what to look for in a good Nike running shoe, a label on the inside (?). They also told me that because I probably don't have the best runners form and "pound the pavement" that Brooks were probably not the best for me. Great running shoe, but more for a "lighter runner" meaning more on their toes.

I still couldn't buy the Nikes and instead went with the Asics. For motion control I have read good things about the 2150's (I think) I am a neutral runner so I bought the Nimbus and so far so good.

Wendy

 

[ZehnJahren]

I have been seriously considering the 1/2 as well - I loved to run (and never thought I would!) until I kept getting pain in my side and lower right abdomen when I ran. I kept going, but after about 8 months, it escalated and I was forced to stop running at the end of December 2010 (I was only doing a 5k on the treadmill at the time, 3 times a week, but loved it). And I had just bought some wonderful new running shoes that only have about 65 miles on them!

Pain got worse and worse, then I couldn't sleep, and then I couldn't eat either - and I'm the type of person to put off a trip to the doctor's until things are unbearable. I'd had a CAT scan when the pain first became intense, in case there was a hernia or something, but it showed nothing. They finally were unbearable, so after a few weeks of medications and multiple tests (I am terrified of needles and do weekly therapy to try and fix that - tests were ultrasound, blood, and a HIDA scan), I found out what was wrong - my gallbladder was messed up. They took it out last Thursday, and though I can't walk well now and can't really wear pants, I'm already looking forward to getting back in the swing of things - been on the treadmill twice this week, but my old times are long gone. Took me 9 minutes to walk 1/10th of a mile on one day, and 15 minutes to walk a 1/2 mile on another. But baby steps, right?

I have to start over completely; it's been about 12 weeks since I ran at all, and I've got about 4 weeks before I can jog and longer before I can run. Oh, and a strict no-weight-lifting policy for probably 8 weeks, unless I heal much faster. That puts me into May before I can really get serious - but I really, really want to. Do you think I have a chance?

I'd be going it alone, but I have support. I've already mentioned it to some others, but am apprehensive because I don't know what the future holds. I'd love to hear some more positive!

 

[KellBellC]

Does anyone here use dailymile to track their training?

 

[Danhockey04]

I use mapmyrun, I have the app on my phone and it keeps track of all my training runs I record or post online. Keeps track of all my mile splits and all the stats so I can see my improvements.

 

[saysay]

I have been seriously considering the 1/2 as well - I loved to run (and never thought I would!) until I kept getting pain in my side and lower right abdomen when I ran. I kept going, but after about 8 months, it escalated and I was forced to stop running at the end of December 2010 (I was only doing a 5k on the treadmill at the time, 3 times a week, but loved it). And I had just bought some wonderful new running shoes that only have about 65 miles on them!

Pain got worse and worse, then I couldn't sleep, and then I couldn't eat either - and I'm the type of person to put off a trip to the doctor's until things are unbearable. I'd had a CAT scan when the pain first became intense, in case there was a hernia or something, but it showed nothing. They finally were unbearable, so after a few weeks of medications and multiple tests (I am terrified of needles and do weekly therapy to try and fix that - tests were ultrasound, blood, and a HIDA scan), I found out what was wrong - my gallbladder was messed up. They took it out last Thursday, and though I can't walk well now and can't really wear pants, I'm already looking forward to getting back in the swing of things - been on the treadmill twice this week, but my old times are long gone. Took me 9 minutes to walk 1/10th of a mile on one day, and 15 minutes to walk a 1/2 mile on another. But baby steps, right?

I have to start over completely; it's been about 12 weeks since I ran at all, and I've got about 4 weeks before I can jog and longer before I can run. Oh, and a strict no-weight-lifting policy for probably 8 weeks, unless I heal much faster. That puts me into May before I can really get serious - but I really, really want to. Do you think I have a chance?

I'd be going it alone, but I have support. I've already mentioned it to some others, but am apprehensive because I don't know what the future holds. I'd love to hear some more positive!

Sorry for your problems...but at least you found a solution!

I started couch to 5k in July which is a 9 week program then went on to train for the Princess this year. You have the time. just ease back into getting active. There is a training schedule on the princess site from Jeff Galloway this year, and it has the date you should start your training. I don't remember the start date but around Thanksgiving we were up to 6 miles.

Good luck.

 

[saysay]

Does anyone here use dailymile to track their training?

I do, its very basic, but I like it. I also use my Garmin, but dailymile to me is like a social network for support. There is software on it to map a distance if you are running on roads. When I was trainig for this year's princess, I would include my dailymile workouts to my facebook page which apparently even my slow butt motivated some people to start running. Very easy to use.

 

[MamaWolf]

I have been seriously considering the 1/2 as well - I loved to run (and never thought I would!) until I kept getting pain in my side and lower right abdomen when I ran. I kept going, but after about 8 months, it escalated and I was forced to stop running at the end of December 2010 (I was only doing a 5k on the treadmill at the time, 3 times a week, but loved it). And I had just bought some wonderful new running shoes that only have about 65 miles on them!

Pain got worse and worse, then I couldn't sleep, and then I couldn't eat either - and I'm the type of person to put off a trip to the doctor's until things are unbearable. I'd had a CAT scan when the pain first became intense, in case there was a hernia or something, but it showed nothing. They finally were unbearable, so after a few weeks of medications and multiple tests (I am terrified of needles and do weekly therapy to try and fix that - tests were ultrasound, blood, and a HIDA scan), I found out what was wrong - my gallbladder was messed up. They took it out last Thursday, and though I can't walk well now and can't really wear pants, I'm already looking forward to getting back in the swing of things - been on the treadmill twice this week, but my old times are long gone. Took me 9 minutes to walk 1/10th of a mile on one day, and 15 minutes to walk a 1/2 mile on another. But baby steps, right?

I have to start over completely; it's been about 12 weeks since I ran at all, and I've got about 4 weeks before I can jog and longer before I can run. Oh, and a strict no-weight-lifting policy for probably 8 weeks, unless I heal much faster. That puts me into May before I can really get serious - but I really, really want to. Do you think I have a chance?

I'd be going it alone, but I have support. I've already mentioned it to some others, but am apprehensive because I don't know what the future holds. I'd love to hear some more positive!

I would like to second the fact that I feel you have the time. Just ease into it, don't push it and listen to your body.

 

[KellBellC]

I use my polar watch with my footpod to track my runs and upload them to dailymile. I thought it might me nice to set up a Princess Half Marathon challange where we could share our workouts if anyone is interested.

 

[ufwendyo]

I have been seriously considering the 1/2 as well - I loved to run (and never thought I would!) until I kept getting pain in my side and lower right abdomen when I ran. I kept going, but after about 8 months, it escalated and I was forced to stop running at the end of December 2010 (I was only doing a 5k on the treadmill at the time, 3 times a week, but loved it). And I had just bought some wonderful new running shoes that only have about 65 miles on them!

Pain got worse and worse, then I couldn't sleep, and then I couldn't eat either - and I'm the type of person to put off a trip to the doctor's until things are unbearable. I'd had a CAT scan when the pain first became intense, in case there was a hernia or something, but it showed nothing. They finally were unbearable, so after a few weeks of medications and multiple tests (I am terrified of needles and do weekly therapy to try and fix that - tests were ultrasound, blood, and a HIDA scan), I found out what was wrong - my gallbladder was messed up. They took it out last Thursday, and though I can't walk well now and can't really wear pants, I'm already looking forward to getting back in the swing of things - been on the treadmill twice this week, but my old times are long gone. Took me 9 minutes to walk 1/10th of a mile on one day, and 15 minutes to walk a 1/2 mile on another. But baby steps, right?

I have to start over completely; it's been about 12 weeks since I ran at all, and I've got about 4 weeks before I can jog and longer before I can run. Oh, and a strict no-weight-lifting policy for probably 8 weeks, unless I heal much faster. That puts me into May before I can really get serious - but I really, really want to. Do you think I have a chance?

I'd be going it alone, but I have support. I've already mentioned it to some others, but am apprehensive because I don't know what the future holds. I'd love to hear some more positive!

You absolutely can do this. I did not start training last year until September and while I use to run 5K pretty regularly I had not run in a while and could barely run .5! My goal was to finish and then to finish under three. I finished in 3:00:16 and am going back for more. There are so many people at all levels of fitness that complete the 1/2 and that in itself is an inspiration.

I also train and run alone, that's me time and while leaving for my long runs is hard after the first few miles I usually find myself enjoying it. Once you get the all clear, start slow and go from there, but you have PLENTY of time!

Wendy

 

[MamaWolf]

Odd ball question because I'm like that

What colors on the running bib coordinate with which Princess? (i.e. Belle is yellow, Cinderella is baby blue ect.)

 

[cewait]

Did the course designer have an evil streak when they said let's have the runners do hills at mile 10? For years I've heard about the overpasses where they are, but never gave it any though. Now I've been bitten by the running bug and realized, uh-oh! That's going to be me

Should have run the course in its first version (speaking about the 2006 half in January). We started on the same side of Epcot Drive as the return side.... The course circled the cloverleaf at mile 1 and 10.

 

[cewait]

Please jump in! So glad you have joined us! Question for you if you don't mind. I've got shin splints! Have always heard about them and yep I've got them now. I have really flat feet and am currently running in a pair of Brooks defyance 4's. What is my best course of action? Should I get inserts? New shoes? I've been icing a lot which feels better until i run again. Do compression socks work?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you thank you! Michele

Thinking from you flat foot description that you may be in the wrong ride. The Defyance is a neutral shoe and a really flat footed person may not be getting the needed support. I am not a fan of inserts in a shoe for support. They wear out quickly or slide around or you locate them improperly. Motion control support needs to come from the inner side of the bottom sole of the shoe.
Before panicking, if they have more than 300 miles on them they may be getting old. If really new, talk to your shoe store. Also, I want to be clear….my long distance analysis cannot be better than what the person fitting you in the running store saw, if they saw something contraindicated to the flat feet. As an example, I used to over pronate and with my body mass one would assume I do..but I tend to be a neutral runner to an under pronator.

You really need to stretch after each run. Grab a foam roller at target and roll the muscles of the lower leg. That will help even more than a great stretch. Also, a couple exercises will help. Grabbing a pencil with you toes is one. Rising up to tip toes and holding for a second is another – or better, standing on a step with only your toes on the step, rise up, then gently lower to a dip and return. 3 sets of 15 will make your calves scream. Finally, a set of squats will help.

Ok me .....again. Does anyone have any thoughts on chi-running? I'm in Oregon where running is a way of life out here and chi-running is getting pretty big. Just curious if anyone uses that method?

Thanks....again.

I think chi running is a fad but it has great thought and neutralized technique. The cheapest way to look it up is through You Tube. Its all about mid foot striking and pulling through the stride. A simple alternative is hill running.

Non-runner back again with a question about the hills on the course:

I know we all have a different definition of hill, so let me try asking this way: I have a hill by my house that I consider steep (actually, I live at the tippy top, so I go uphill on the way home no matter which direction I leave in). I have a manual transmission car, and the hill is steep enough that I have to downshift going up it. Does this sound much steeper than the hills at Disney, and if I learn to walk up it without collapsing, will I be in decent shape for the hills on the course? Thanks!

Edited to add: I have never, in 10 years of living here, seen anyone run down my road on that hill (and very few bikers) -- you'd think they would all the time because you then go past a beautiful lake.

What a dream house! You plan on using this hill in your training, right? The answer is YES, I hope. You really need to spend a day each week running up the hill. It will balance out the leg muscle keeping your legs halthy. Simply walk or jog to the bottom then run up at an effort that leaves you unable to say more than a word or two per breath.

Oh, to answer your question… Disney is flat, and I live on a coastal plain where a hill is a a driveway approach. The Disney hills are freeway overpasses where the slope is less than 2% or if your car had cruise control, the foot feet would barely move at all.

 

[cewait]

OMG I was swearing that a runner couldn't have had anything to do with putting that thing that far into the race. Then I found out Galloway was a consultant on the race route. No wonder I refuse to pay for joining one of his groups! I can do the same thing out of Marathoning for Mortals for FREE!

Still, I did want to give the Green Army Man a not-so-Disney-like gesture as he was telling us to "take that hill". GRR!!!

Actually Jeff had nothing to do with the course. You can thank John and the fine folks at EMMI for the course.

While you hate it the first time you run it, if you think about it, it add character to the course. It makes the course MORE of a runner's course.

I went back in today to the running store and they stand by the shoes I have. They did an analysis on my feet/how I strike and they said I do not pronate. They also said just because you are flat footed doesnt always mean you will pronate or need stability shoes. They think my shin splints are more from just not stretching well and the combination of using muscles that have never been used or at least not in a very long time. I got some compression sleeves for my legs (boy are they tight and comfy!). Going to just do long walks this next week and lay off the running for just a touch. Hope this helps!

Good. See my PP for additional thoughts. (It's obvious that I only get through one page at a time... sorry about that but you ladies post a bunch - I hate to see the volume as the race apporaches)

 

[kappyfamily]

Do you think I have a chance?

I'd be going it alone, but I have support. I've already mentioned it to some others, but am apprehensive because I don't know what the future holds. I'd love to hear some more positive!

You bet you can! Just follow your docs orders though. Positive attitude will get you everywhere! You can do it, I'll be rootin' for ya!

 

[cewait]

All this shoe talk... I need new shoes but I'm now terrified to go in search of some. But hey one good thing is my DH works at REI and they have an excellent return policy. (not to mention the spouse discount )

Not wanting to slam REI, but I would go at least once to a true running store for an analysis. Then, as a member I say thank you for you purchase.

Kappy, I could have written your post. I went to running store and was told
That because I had flat feet and I am a heavy runner(overweight) that I need motion stability shoe so I was recommended the Saucony Grid or a New Balance, I chose the Saucony and I hate them. I plan to go to another. Popular running store and they suppose to have a computer analysis and see what they recommend. I personally have been brand loyal to Nike but what do
I know and that's the problem.

I had always been told to avoid Nike running shoes. So I was surprised when the folks at my running store suggested them. I learned that my mistake along with almost every other non experienced runner is thinking I could buy my Nike running shoes from a normal department store. They showed me what to look for in a good Nike running shoe, a label on the inside (?). They also told me that because I probably don't have the best runners form and "pound the pavement" that Brooks were probably not the best for me. Great running shoe, but more for a "lighter runner" meaning more on their toes.

I still couldn't buy the Nikes and instead went with the Asics. For motion control I have read good things about the 2150's (I think) I am a neutral runner so I bought the Nimbus and so far so good.

Wendy

One reason that your first store may not have suggested Nike is that they may not have carried them, or the model you needed. The other reason may have been you said something about distance. The toe box in Nike’s tends to be a little on the tight side so many runners have issues. Before the Nike contention pipe up, not all have issues but a lot of runners seem to have issues in Nikes if they are running marathons (or races with marathon in the name).

As I said in another post, brands and models that work for one may not work for the other. Therefore, I would work with your running store on getting the best shoe for you. I have come out of the local store with 3 different brands that I wanted to try. The store has a very liberal return policy so 5-10 miles on a treadmill will still keep them in good enough condition for a return.

Note that the big box stores are not the best solution. The local running store has a vested interest in a happy customer. A purchase of one pair would be customary for the work to fit you. I usually order my back up pairs on line but have traded locally more in the last couple year. Note again about the big box stores. They may have what appears to be the same shoe you get and had great luck with from the running store…but maybe not. We have a store here in Houston that has a great selection and you will find shoes that look like the running store shoes – but they are seconds or knock offs. Rarely will you find the running shoe store shoe in this chain, unless it is a model or two out of date.

Hope this helps and I was not too confusing

 

[kappyfamily]

Thanks for the advice! I went and got a foam roller and yowsa do my legs scream when I do it! Must be getting at something that needs it then. So glad you are here to "pipe in"!

Thanks again
Michele

 

[slp1650]

I went and got a foam roller and yowsa do my legs scream when I do it! Must be getting at something that needs it then. So glad you are here to "pipe in"!

Thanks again
Michele

Foam rollers really are the best! We used them on my college swim team and while yes they hurt in some places (IT band mainly) it always made us feel better in the end.

I also use one of the rolling sticks. They're a bit more durable and portable (although my friend lost hers at an airport because they wouldn't let her fly back into the US with it while going out of the US with it was fine).

 

[MamaWolf]

Not wanting to slam REI, but I would go at least once to a true running store for an analysis. Then, as a member I say thank you for you purchase.

I should have mentioned that he also works with a woman that runs marathons and trains people for them. She's the one who helps people at the store. She knows her stuff and she's worked with running stores before (she just likes REI better and it is a great company to work for). She's been a real asset for them --- not something all the REI stores have and she will tell you if they don't have the shoe that would be best for you. So she can help. Also since my husband is an employee we can get shoes from anywhere as long as REI sells them.

But I do thank-you for your advice.