Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[ddrago]

My sister and I are running the princess half this year and we are really excited!! Neither of us have ever run before, so I'm really nervous! I have done most of c25k, but I still can only run about 2-3 miles at a time. Anyone have ideas for what training program I should use after c25k or how I can increase my speed (currently running 13:40/mile for my 2-3 mile runs)?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

My sister and I are running the princess half this year and we are really excited!! Neither of us have ever run before, so I'm really nervous! I have done most of c25k, but I still can only run about 2-3 miles at a time. Anyone have ideas for what training program I should use after c25k or how I can increase my speed (currently running 13:40/mile for my 2-3 mile runs)?

You are doing great as far as your time goes...you just need to increase your distance. Ultimately that will increase your speed and help you finish the race in good shape. I think that there is a follow-up training program for C25K, because I remember others talking about it last year...if not, I would go with Hal Higdon's novice. Don't focus as much on speed for your first race. As long as you are over the 16 minute threshold you are good to go. Instead, I would focus on incline training (hill training) and distance which will work hand in hand with speed and endurance. The first half marathon is always a bit of a shocking experience and you want to be able to enjoy the park afterwards injury free so just get to 10 miles or more on the plan and you will have fun. Go for the Coast to Coast and work on speedwork for that.

I know that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to do a 2 hr. 1/2 marathon based on a lot of stories here...but you have already accomplished so much so enjoy the first one - there is nothing better than the feeling of finishing and getting that medal - and then work on improvement after that. One Disney race isn't enough for most of us here...I have a bit of an addiction problem with the races!

 

[saysay]

So Disneyland Half is now behind me and I can focus on the Princess now! I'm really not trying to take a break between the events because I'm really motivated right now to run and workout, but my foot's been hurting pretty bad these last few days. I'm trying to get through it and try different things right now so I can get back out there as soon as possible!

For now, I guess it's bike training and circuit training until I can get my foot feeling better. Still... I'm looking forward to February!

Congrats on your finish! Good luck with the foot!

I decided on my run today that I needed to refocus. My original goals were to burn calories and finish the miles. The past month or so I've been concentrating on speed and really have been too hard on myself. So today I turned my pace prompt off on Nike+ and just ran a 5:1 interval. I think I prefer the 3:1 better. Plus when I slow down, I burn a higher percentage of fat. I think I'll run one short run a week focused on speed and the long run to finish, and the other short run for fat burning.
I also received a running skirt and tank top that I ordered after my race (in a size smaller ) Plus, I'm hoping my speed will improve as I lose the remaining 35 pounds (I've lost 30 already.)

Way to go on your weight loss....be proud...so hard to loose weight! Its good to see what intervals work best for you also, I think sometimes mixing it up with intervals - trying different ones -gets us to the groove that works the best for the long haul. Sounds like a great plan....

My sister and I are running the princess half this year and we are really excited!! Neither of us have ever run before, so I'm really nervous! I have done most of c25k, but I still can only run about 2-3 miles at a time. Anyone have ideas for what training program I should use after c25k or how I can increase my speed (currently running 13:40/mile for my 2-3 mile runs)?

Try the bridge to 10K if you liked C25K. If you do intervals, you could just jump to a Galloway program which are on the princess sight....I did that last year, just hung out at 3 or 4 miles on weekend until it was time to increase. Many people prefer Hal Higdon, so look at both and see which you think would better suit you. Good luck!

You are doing great as far as your time goes...you just need to increase your distance. Ultimately that will increase your speed and help you finish the race in good shape. I think that there is a follow-up training program for C25K, because I remember others talking about it last year...if not, I would go with Hal Higdon's novice. Don't focus as much on speed for your first race. As long as you are over the 16 minute threshold you are good to go. Instead, I would focus on incline training (hill training) and distance which will work hand in hand with speed and endurance. The first half marathon is always a bit of a shocking experience and you want to be able to enjoy the park afterwards injury free so just get to 10 miles or more on the plan and you will have fun. Go for the Coast to Coast and work on speedwork for that.

I know that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to do a 2 hr. 1/2 marathon based on a lot of stories here...but you have already accomplished so much so enjoy the first one - there is nothing better than the feeling of finishing and getting that medal - and then work on improvement after that. One Disney race isn't enough for most of us here...I have a bit of an addiction problem with the races!

Isn't it the truth no matter what everyone's pace is we all want to be faster. Its the same medal for whenever you finish, so don't worry about your time. Agreed, took me 3:29 last year and the people at the finish were cheering and supporting us as if we were the first people across the line!

 

[westgre]

I would honestly recommend the Hal Higdon Novice plan for someone who is doing their first race. For your second race on, Jeff Galloway's intervals are perfect. Definitely stick with the novice plans initially...then if you feel comfortable, are happy with how you felt after the race, up it a bit. You can always do intervals during Hal Higdon's plans as well but I did much better starting out with Hal Higdon and then moving on to a combination of Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway's plans.

As someone trying to decide which plan to use, why do you recommend Higdon over Galloway for a beginner? I'm just concerned about being able to get 6 days a week training in between 3 kids and a fill time career. Plus, the jump from 10 miles in training to the 13.1 race scares me. That's a whole 5K! Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

As someone trying to decide which plan to use, why do you recommend Higdon over Galloway for a beginner? I'm just concerned about being able to get 6 days a week training in between 3 kids and a fill time career. Plus, the jump from 10 miles in training to the 13.1 race scares me. That's a whole 5K! Thanks for any thoughts.

I really like the new Novice 2 Hal Higdon Training program because ultimately that is what I modified the Novice 1 Program to match. It is technically five days a week, but I modified it to four - and just made sure I added on whatever run I decided to miss on that Saturday with the Cross Training. I also made sure to do my circuit training every other day. I was very scared about the jump from 10 miles to 13.1 but was fine in the end. My only issue was that I got bored and it really tested my will. I remember thinking when people said that we were almost there at mile 10 that they were out of their minds! How is 3.1 more miles almost there?!?

You can always up the amount for that last run if you feel comfortable. Ultimately, listen to your body on that one. His intermediate goes up to 12 and his advanced goes for the time principle that Galloway prescribes. I tend to make my longest run 14 miles instead of 10 because I want that extra buffer. It worked very well for the DL Half last weekend but that was my third Half Marathon - and I had gradually increased my last training run mileage from the runs before. My first race (2010 Princess was 10 miles), second (2010 DL Half was 13 miles) and I have the W&D in a few weeks and plan on going 15 miles for my longest run.

Just find a plan that works for you and work it in. Saturdays are always my longest mileage days because the gym is quiet, I can stay on the treadmill for hours and be distracted by whatever movie I have seen 100 times is on and not worry about another person needing to use the treadmill. You will find something that works and do well I am sure!!

 

[freepixie]

Just a quick question... am I the only one who's not doing one of those "plans"?

If I had to say I'm doing a plan, I guess it would be the Forrest Gump plan, one day I felt like running so I started running lol! And I just run as much as I can, then I stop, I try to increase the distance each time if I can, but I just don't follow any plans!!

Am I the only one? Should I be following a plan? They all sound nice but I don't like feeling restricted to what I "should" be doing in a week...

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Just a quick question... am I the only one who's not doing one of those "plans"?

If I had to say I'm doing a plan, I guess it would be the Forrest Gump plan, one day I felt like running so I started running lol! And I just run as much as I can, then I stop, I try to increase the distance each time if I can, but I just don't follow any plans!!

Am I the only one? Should I be following a plan? They all sound nice but I don't like feeling restricted to what I "should" be doing in a week...

The beauty of a plan is that you gradually work up to your goal, thus reducing your risk of injury...which is so important!! You can loosely follow a plan - as in you don't need to follow each day, but gradually increase your mileage to go along with it. Speeding up too fast, adding too much distance too fast or not fast enough is a recipe for disaster and it is a lot more fun exploring the parks when you aren't sore or injured. It is good to have a plan so that you know where you are in your training, where you need to improve and have a good idea as to how you will feel on that day. JMHO.

 

[slp1650]

Just a quick question... am I the only one who's not doing one of those "plans"?

If I had to say I'm doing a plan, I guess it would be the Forrest Gump plan, one day I felt like running so I started running lol! And I just run as much as I can, then I stop, I try to increase the distance each time if I can, but I just don't follow any plans!!

Am I the only one? Should I be following a plan? They all sound nice but I don't like feeling restricted to what I "should" be doing in a week...

I'm not doing an official plan, but I've had basic ones written for me by my old physical therapist that I follow. I also use past years of experience in competitive sports to make my plan.

I'd just say be careful because while you feel good and can run a lot one day, you could accidentally push yourself too far and hurt yourself. Just make sure you can run that distance before going too far.

 

[kappyfamily]

Hi gang! Just a reminder you can pm me and let me know where you are staying and I can add you to the list on post #1 of this thread.

Hope you all are well!

Michele

 

[Bookwood]

I use John Bingham "Marathoning for Mortals" plan they (John and wife Jenny Hadfield) have several plans in the book and it's worked well for me for many years. I usually keep up my running between "race plans" but will be basically starting from scratch this time as I've been out with my knee injury since March.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Just a quick question... am I the only one who's not doing one of those "plans"?

If I had to say I'm doing a plan, I guess it would be the Forrest Gump plan, one day I felt like running so I started running lol! And I just run as much as I can, then I stop, I try to increase the distance each time if I can, but I just don't follow any plans!!

Am I the only one? Should I be following a plan? They all sound nice but I don't like feeling restricted to what I "should" be doing in a week...

I used Marathoning for Mortals to train for this years princess. And I was following the one from disney for my Nov half unitl my foot/ankle had me benched.

Its been 4 weeks, I think its getting a little better but the pain is still there, doc said no running unitil I am one week with no pain. This just sucks.
My next half is the first week of Nov. Anyone have advise on how I could get the miles back up in just 4-5 weeks? I was at 9 before I was sidelinded.

 

[stitchfan18]

Just a quick question... am I the only one who's not doing one of those "plans"?

If I had to say I'm doing a plan, I guess it would be the Forrest Gump plan, one day I felt like running so I started running lol! And I just run as much as I can, then I stop, I try to increase the distance each time if I can, but I just don't follow any plans!!

Am I the only one? Should I be following a plan? They all sound nice but I don't like feeling restricted to what I "should" be doing in a week...

I don't really have a set in stone plan that I follow. I do run intervals, but don't do the Jeff Galloway plans since I don't understand the super high mileage towards the end of training. I found a plan online that has me running 3 days a week with cross training 1-2 days. I don't usually have much time during the week for more running or exercise than that so it fits me well. I don't always get my runs in on the same days each week, and generally only do 3-4 miles midweek instead of following what the schedule has listed. My main focus with the schedule is to do the long runs that it specifies each week.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I used Marathoning for Mortals to train for this years princess. And I was following the one from disney for my Nov half unitl my foot/ankle had me benched.

Its been 4 weeks, I think its getting a little better but the pain is still there, doc said no running unitil I am one week with no pain. This just sucks.
My next half is the first week of Nov. Anyone have advise on how I could get the miles back up in just 4-5 weeks? I was at 9 before I was sidelinded.

Substitute Spinning or Stationary Bike and Swimming workouts until you get better. Ultimately keeping up on your endurance with low impact exercises will help you continue the recommended plan but you were already so far in mileage that you really only need one long run to do well. Sending healing thoughts!!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

I started running back in May, this was my running plan- run to the stop sign- run to the mail box- run the block, run an 1/2 mile etc. I gradually built up to about 2 miles when I decided to run my first 5k in June, my only goal was to run the whole 5K no walking- and to do it in under 35 minutes. I accomplished both goals with a run time of 32.34, since then I've run a 4 miler and a crosscountry 5k, and have my 3rd 5k next Saturday.I've also signed up for my first 10k in November and of course the Princess will be my first 1/2 marathon.
My long runs are up to 6 miles but I must confess that those that have mentioned adding to much milage to quickly have merit. I started running with a group for my long runs and my first time out with them I found I was too fast for some, too slow for others and was running an unfamilar route alone- my 6 miles turned into 8 do to getting a little off course and lost- I paid for it later in the week as my calves were extra sore for days- but I lived to tell the tale and I now know the route without getting lost!

 

[HockeyKat]

As someone trying to decide which plan to use, why do you recommend Higdon over Galloway for a beginner? I'm just concerned about being able to get 6 days a week training in between 3 kids and a fill time career. Plus, the jump from 10 miles in training to the 13.1 race scares me. That's a whole 5K! Thanks for any thoughts.

I haven't used the Higdon, but I do like the Galloway and it has worked for me.

3 days a week has been just fine - 6 days seems like it opens you up for injury, with very few rest days for healing. As a novice I wouldn't do more than 4 running days at most. I tried last year doing way too much too fast (as I mentioned before), and was doing 2 speedwork runs, 1 long run, and 3 cross training per week. It about burned me out, not to mention winding up injured.

Also, I definitely recommend doing at least 11-12 as a long run, and even 14 if you can manage it, especially considering how much time there is between now and the race to ramp up your mileage. It will boost your confidence a lot.

There are more than 20 weeks until this race, so even the folks at 3 miles right now could do as their weekly long run: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 4, 6, 8, 9, 5, 7, 9, 11, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 10, 14, taper and be fine.

 

[NCrunner]

I have not, my a friend did it a few years ago and said it was a blast!

I would love do it this next year...right now my first tri is going to be an Olympic in the end of June (yes I'm that dumb)...so to fit in a sprint as a trial run, would be great. But not sure how feasible it would be with the expense of traveling to Disney and shipping the bike

But anyways, this talk is all meaningless, because I have done about diddlysquat to work on my swimming so far

I have fairly good swim form but stamina something diff all together! I decided to give 1/4 mile a shot in pool and though I would drown in 3ft of water....running does not help with swim fyi. But I'm on it....Danskin Tri in May if want to join! But Princess 1st!!

 

[fashionista311]

I have fairly good swim form but stamina something diff all together! I decided to give 1/4 mile a shot in pool and though I would drown in 3ft of water....running does not help with swim fyi. But I'm on it....Danskin Tri in May if want to join! But Princess 1st!!

yes, I have learned the hard way that being a marathon basically means the only thing you can do is run for 26.2 miles it does not mean you can swim well, get your road bike up a damn hill, lift heavy weights, etc

I grew up in Miami and spend so much time in the pool and beach as a kid...so I don't have a fear of drowning or anything like that. And I do know how to swim....I am just SO slow. I am training for a fall marathon, so my plan is to get through that first - and then deal with the swimming in the winter. I'm sure I'll splurge for some lessons, because I don't really know what else I'm supposed to do.

But yes...let's get through Princess first...one step at a time! (not that I'm even signed up for/sure I have the finances to make it happen this year...sigh)

 

[westgre]

Hi gang! Just a reminder you can pm me and let me know where you are staying and I can add you to the list on post #1 of this thread.

Hope you all are well!

Michele

I can't seem to send any PM's! But I'm staying off property at Clarion Inn Buena Vista.

Mountaineer, tried to send you a PM. Can you give me more info for the Wounded Warrior 5K? I can't seem to find any info.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I've been in Boston for business and after a few days of rain or mist, I finally got outside yesterday. With the infamous Texas weather, I haven't been able to run outside since early May, but I chose the loop the hotel marked 3.76 miles and did it 2 minutes a mile faster than what I've done on the treadmill It was perfect weather, about 60 degrees, overcast and NO MIST!! I really pushed the speed on my running intervals and I can certainly walk faster off the treadmill. I'd like to keep that speed for my 10K in November.

 

[Disfan11]

I used the Hal Higdon novice plan for running my first 1/2 marathon.
Then I switched to the intermediate for doing the Princess 1/2. I've been using that same plan for the 2 Rock & Rolls (San Diego & Seattle) and the Disneyland 1/2 last week.
I like following a plan. It helps me make sure I"m progressing as needed and working up to the long runs on the weekends. And keeping me injury free.
I also do the long runs on Saturday mornings. That way they are out of the way and I can enjoy the rest of the weekend & do other things (like errands ).
All us princesses will have a great time running/walking this race. Out of all the ones I've done so far, this is my favorite.
It has way more characters than the Disneyland 1/2 and way more running space (not too crowded).
I'm looking forward to doing the Tinkerbell inaugural race in January and then off to DW for the Princess and my 2nd Coast to Coast medal.
As many other posters have said, your speed doesn't matter. It's all about the accomplishments you achieved in getting to the race.
And don't be nervous, the Princess is so much fun!