Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[wlake]

I've been quietly reading along these past couple of days -- thank you to everyone who posts or answers questions. There are questions I didn't even know I had!

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.

That does sound flat -- thank you! As for running up my hill without collapsing, I'd settle for being able to walk up it without stopping for a couple of breaks. Not only is it steep, it's LONG!

 

[cewait]

Oops

 

[saysay]

Hello all--
Elyn M from Atlanta--it's been some 25 years since I've run anything and after seeing the excitement on a friend's blog from last year I've set a goal for myself of celebrating my 50th birthday by run/walking the Princess 2012. I have arthritis in one foot so it's definitely a see what happens kind of thing. I started C25K last week and, with the exception of shoes, have promised myself (and DH) that I will not buy any new "toys" until I actually finish 9 weeks.

Since my schedule is a little awkward I can't join a running group in Atlanta to train but am trying it on my own. I've always found the Dis to be a great community when planning our trips, when buying in to DVC, etc. so I'm excited that this thread has started.

I am on DailyMile (Elyn M from Atlanta) and I *think* I sent out some friend requests but can't be sure....please come find me. I'm looking forward to an online community to prepare.

Pax
Elyn

Hey its Julie! I will find you on dailymile.

Congrats on getting week 1 of c25k down. Just listen to your body and you will do great! All I had when I started was the shoes...you are set!

This group is so supportive, really helped me with this year's race. Can't wait for next year's race.... and weekend!

Julie

 

[bearlyanne]

Hi Everyone! I guess I am your first official chEARer to check in


My best friend will be joining you all in her first half marathon! I will be her paparazzi and chearer! I wish I could join you guys, but I've been in two pretty bad accidents and my back is totally messed up. My goals for 2012 are not to be using a scooter on the trip....but who knows what will happen in 2013. maybe then I will be able to join you!

Congrats to you all, and I hope that you don't mind me checking in once in a while. I will try to get my friend to join too.

 

[yankeesmom21]

Alright girls! Just joined daily mile...I need to track my progress and from everything I've heard this is an easy way to do it.

 

[dthogue]

Hi Everyone! I guess I am your first official chEARer to check in


My best friend will be joining you all in her first half marathon! I will be her paparazzi and chearer! I wish I could join you guys, but I've been in two pretty bad accidents and my back is totally messed up. My goals for 2012 are not to be using a scooter on the trip....but who knows what will happen in 2013. maybe then I will be able to join you!

Congrats to you all, and I hope that you don't mind me checking in once in a while. I will try to get my friend to join too.

I'm sure we all agree that we can use as many cheerleaders as we can get - welcome and please keep checking in!

 

[dthogue]

I did it - C25K Graduate!!!​

Well I did it, yesterday was Week 9, Day 3 of the C25K program - I am an official graduate

Today my DD and I ran a 5k run - although my time was not impressive, I completed the run with only a few short walk breaks. I am so proud of myself and to think that 9 weeks ago I couldn't run a minute.

Next step - 1/2 marathon training here I come!!!!

 

[wlake]

I did it - C25K Graduate!!!​

Well I did it, yesterday was Week 9, Day 3 of the C25K program - I am an official graduate

Today my DD and I ran a 5k run - although my time was not impressive, I completed the run with only a few short walk breaks. I am so proud of myself and to think that 9 weeks ago I couldn't run a minute.

Next step - 1/2 marathon training here I come!!!!

Congratulations! That's great!

 

[stitchfan18]

I did it - C25K Graduate!!!​

Well I did it, yesterday was Week 9, Day 3 of the C25K program - I am an official graduate

Today my DD and I ran a 5k run - although my time was not impressive, I completed the run with only a few short walk breaks. I am so proud of myself and to think that 9 weeks ago I couldn't run a minute.

Next step - 1/2 marathon training here I come!!!!

Congrats! I remember how awesome it was to finish my first 5k. Even though it wasn't my best time, I had so much fun during that race!

 

[KellBellC]

Alright girls! Just joined daily mile...I need to track my progress and from everything I've heard this is an easy way to do it.

I'm on dailymile... Kelly C from Dahlonega, GA send me a friend request and I'll be happy to cheer you on!!



Today was my long run. I pulled off 7 miles in 1:29. I wasn't looking for a great time only to go the distance. I'll have to say I'm pretty pleased with myself tonight!

 

[saysay]

I did it - C25K Graduate!!!​

Well I did it, yesterday was Week 9, Day 3 of the C25K program - I am an official graduate

Today my DD and I ran a 5k run - although my time was not impressive, I completed the run with only a few short walk breaks. I am so proud of myself and to think that 9 weeks ago I couldn't run a minute.

Next step - 1/2 marathon training here I come!!!!

CONGRATS! Huge accomplishment to finish. You will notice as you train even without trying, you will get faster...not that that is what it is all about!

 

[Happy Mom2]

This afternoon I entered my entire training schedule, including cross training, in my calendar. I always say if it's not in my calendar, it doesn't happen. Now I have no excuse - every training session is scheduled.

Does anyone know how soon you can make room reservations for February? I want to put that on my calendar also!!

 

[stitchfan18]

This afternoon I entered my entire training schedule, including cross training, in my calendar. I always say if it's not in my calendar, it doesn't happen. Now I have no excuse - every training session is scheduled.

Does anyone know how soon you can make room reservations for February? I want to put that on my calendar also!!

You can call and make a room reservation over the phone now, but rates and packages for 2012 aren't officially released until late summer (August I think.)

 

[Larrabe]

Hey, Princesses!

Okay, I had to give myself a major butt-kicking today because I've yet to truly commit to my training program.

I have been sporatically hopping on the treadmill, but I first told myself, "Oh, I'll get serious after finishing a work project." Then it became, "I'll start once I get through my conference presentation." And then last Monday it was, "Maybe I should concentrate on finishing another project, seeing how I'm starting a new one on April 1st."

Hmm . . . anyone notice a pattern here?

I seriously DO NOT want to repeat my usual habit of making all these grand plans only to fall short in the end. Instead, I need to get real and stop using work as an excuse because next February will be here before I know it!

So I bought Marathoning for Mortals, (love it so far,) read through all the pages on this thread, signed up with Dailymile, (I'm Laura B from Maryland ,) and I've set my alarm early for tomorrrow!

Thanks for letting me vent/share/publically declare my butt-kicking!

 

[andie70124]

Hi everyone!
Does anyone know the course for the race? Also, does anyone know how much it cost?

 

[HockeyKat]

So I bought Marathoning for Mortals, (love it so far,) read through all the pages on this thread, signed up with Dailymile, (I'm Laura B from Maryland ,) and I've set my alarm early for tomorrrow!

Thanks for letting me vent/share/publically declare my butt-kicking!

I just friended you and accidentally sent a message, I think! I haven't figured dailymile out completely yet.

This is the place to vent/share, and get your butt kicked (if you need it)!

 

[Larrabe]

I just friended you and accidentally sent a message, I think! I haven't figured dailymile out completely yet.

This is the place to vent/share, and get your butt kicked (if you need it)!

Thanks, Kat, any and all butt-kickings will be greatly appreciated! And I've yet to figure out how to friend request people on dailymile.

 

[devonsmommy]

Find a 5k near you that coincides with the end of your c25k and register for it. Even if it's a little earlier than when you'll be finished. You'll be a lot more likely to finish c25k if you've paid money and registered for a race.

Try to enlist a friend to do c25k with you. There will be days that you have no desire to get out there, but if you know a friend is waiting for you, you'll put your shoes on just for them. Has any of your friend expressed an interest? Maybe find someone that's willing to commit to the Princess next year. That's how I got started. My friend eventually stopped running, but I wouldn't have had the guts to keep going if it hadn't been for her and our original commitment to run the Princess.

Get a subscription to Runner's World. Lots of great articles for beginners. I would imagine that over the years it all feels recycled to experienced runners, but for a newbie I've enjoyed every issue that arrives. It's not expensive either. Check their site and I think you can get it for $12 or $15 per year.

Shoes - take the time to visit a running store. One that has a good return policy. Wear them only for running.

Clothes - do you live near an outlet shopping center? I buy my Under Armor shirts at an outlet in Orlando. They're half the price that I would pay locally at Sports Authority or Dick's.

Yes! That is my plan! I would like to do a couple of 5Ks, especially in the fall. But planning one NOW for near the end of my training will surely keep me motivated. I will also look into Runners World!

I ditto the Runner's World subscription.

I joined a local running club, one that is tailored to who I am. It's sponsored by Jeff Galloway and is a run/walk group that has all paces (7min mile to 15min miles) and does a long run together every Saturday morning.

Your area may have another group that is more for you. Check with your local running stores, or just google your general area + running and you may find one. Be sure that the group is okay with your pace, though, whatever it is, or you can find yourself either held back and frustrated, or discouraged that you can't keep up.


Clothes - I find Target or Walmart has decent non-cotten wicking wear, or you can try a store like TJ Maxx, Kohl's, Marshalls, or Ross. Biggest advice I can give is NO COTTON, especially in the summer months. Look for polyester blends that say moisture wicking. If you are larger like me, you may want to check out the men's section.

Socks - don't neglect socks. Dri-wick is also important here. Dual layer is best. I would try out what works for you, though. I *have* to go with the cushioning socks or I get blisters, but some don't like them. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshals are also excellent sources here because you can try out different brands and kinds without breaking the bank.

Sports bra - also important. Local running store, Dick's, or if you have a Champion store/outlet nearby are the best bets for that. I am, umm, on the larger side, so I need the super-compression kind with underwire. Champion and Moving Comfort both have good ones for almost any type, though.


Also, once you get past 8 miles and/or over 1-1.5 hours out on long runs, it's time to start thinking about water belts or handheld water, and fuel. Some like Gu, or Sports Beans, or Chomps for fuel, others do fine with regular jelly beans, and I have even seen some go for string cheese.


We are here to help!! Any questions, just ask. Best thing to do is take all of the advice and opinions and find what works best for you.

Thanks for your tips about the bra! I can never find one that fits me correctly. I'll check into these specific brands.

I am really excited and have my schedule planned out for this week.

I definitely want to hit the running store and get a new pair of sneaks.

What watch do you all use? I googled runners watch and a million popped up.

 

[faith-hope-joy]

Watch - Garmin 305. There's a thread here where there was a lot of discussion about it.

 

[Mama_Dis]

Hi all!! My 5k was this Sunday!! It was rainy and cold, but we got out there and did it! I didn't realize how many hills there were, but I still managed to keep an 11:20 pace and shave :30 sec off my previous 5k! I know I pushed it, but I felt good afterward. It was for the heart association and my son is a survivor, so we were all very excited to be there! My son ran the kids 2k and got interviewed because he was one of the few child survivors running.

Unfortunately, I caught the stomach bug my youngest two were passing around later that evening and ended up kneeling at the porcelain temple all night, so I didn't get to celebrate much (it was my birthday too!!)

For those who were talking about Chi running, check Borders. I picked up Running for Mortals and a book on Chirunning for 50% off!