Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

Just finished my long run for the week. 6.0 miles in 1:13. I slowed down a bit from last week. Used a 12 min/mile pace instead of the 10min/mile pace I did last week. I'll be honest, though, I didn't feel any less tired or winded slowing down a bit.

I usually find the same to be true. I tend to just settle into a natural pace for that day and go. Sometimes I feel like I am going so slow and I am actually running 9:30 to 10:30 and other times I feel like I am really working for it and I'll be doing 11 or 12, but regardless I seem to be just as tired at the end.

I am literally shaking but I just registered. I can’t believe it 1 year ago I weighed 50 pounds more and couldn’t/wouldn’t have run at all. I still have a long ways to go so I hope I can make it but last weekend I ran 5 miles and maintained a 15 minute pace. I had never heard of walking/run as a strategy but it has really brought me to running as I can enjoy it instead of just huffing and puffing and getting a side ache.

I really enjoy the run/walk strategy. For me it makes the mileage more manageable. If I tried to run the whole thing through I don't think I would enjoy it as much and would probably have quit a long time ago.

I have stayed at moderate hotels in the past.
Port Orleans French Quarter is smaller, but nice.
Caribbeans Beach Resort is much bigger, but I prefer it. I'm staying there with my sisters/niece for the Princess run.
We got our reservations through the runDisney phone number on the Princess web site. The pricing was good.

Good to hear. I haven't stayed at CBR yet, but I am hoping to this time. I just hope they still have rooms once I can get the money together to book and register for the race. Well, I am registering this weekend, before the increase, but I will probably have to wait another week or so to book the room.

I have a question. How many corrals are there? I put a finish time of 3 hours on my registration and hope to finish in that time, but was wondering where that would put me.
Thanks.

Last year there were 6. 3:00 was in E, so the second to the last. Or it might have been both E and F. I'm not sure, but I do know for sure E. I was in D with a 2:56 estimate.

I have a quick question about making my resort ressie. If I book through runDisney what is the deposit? Is it $200 like booking a regular vacation or less? Just trying to figure out how much I need to get together when I call and I know Get Travel only requires $75, which I could do any day now, just waiting on a check that is already in the mail.

 

[tinkeramy]

Have had a good week so far - hit 7 miles on Sunday ( was going for 8 but ran out of time before church) and felt like I *could* have gone further, so that was a great feeling. Since I've been working on my form, things are hurting in different places, but not injury-type hurting - just muscles not used to being pressed into service!

Today I ran for 50 minutes and made it almost 4.5 miles - again, not exhausting, and the pace was one with which I was okay. I have seen some REALLY good results with actually trying to focus on relaxing my leg muscles while running. I know, it sounds crazy, but it really seems to be working well for my shins / calves. I'm also trying to work on striking mid-foot instead of ball of foot. If all goes well, I am on track for a Thksgvg Half.

Less than 5 months, Princesses! So excited. Welcome to all who just posted about registering! I know the training in front of you seems scary, but this really is SUCH a fun event.

 

[Disfan11]

From RunDisney on Facebook:

Run Disney
FACEBOOK FAN TIP: For those of you thinking about running Disney's Princess Half Marathon at the Walt Disney World Resort, February 24-26, 2012, make sure you sign up this weekend before the price increases on Monday, October 3.

Sign up soon!!!
We'd love to see you there!

 

[Michele325]

From RunDisney on Facebook:

Run Disney
FACEBOOK FAN TIP: For those of you thinking about running Disney's Princess Half Marathon at the Walt Disney World Resort, February 24-26, 2012, make sure you sign up this weekend before the price increases on Monday, October 3.

Sign up soon!!!
We'd love to see you there!

Perfect, I should know on sunday if ds has a gymnastic meet or not and then I am making reservations and signing up! If DH can't come, I know he will be upset, but I am going!

I printed out my training plan yesterday. I am doing Galloway's to finish (experienced runners) plan from last year because I don't like how there seem to be extra really long runs in this years plan. Hope that keeps up my motivation!

 

[scrapAM]

I (2 others) am following Galloway's training plan as well. We have been doing interval running for a few months but this week will start following the beginner plan. We are running now at around a 15 min mile but want to improve that. Want to ensure we have time to stop for pics etc.

This week has been a bad week though. Was doing good with the 3 runs per week but have slacked a little this week. Will lace up the running shoes tomorrow evening!! I am glad we will be following a plan up until the Princess, it will help keep us motivated. I think I need to find some new routes as we seem to always go on the same ones. I don't seem to find Disney characters on any of the routes I have been running! LOL!!

 

[flgirl36]

I (2 others) am following Galloway's training plan as well. We have been doing interval running for a few months but this week will start following the beginner plan. We are running now at around a 15 min mile but want to improve that. Want to ensure we have time to stop for pics etc.

This week has been a bad week though. Was doing good with the 3 runs per week but have slacked a little this week. Will lace up the running shoes tomorrow evening!! I am glad we will be following a plan up until the Princess, it will help keep us motivated. I think I need to find some new routes as we seem to always go on the same ones. I don't seem to find Disney characters on any of the routes I have been running! LOL!!

I've been a slacker this past week myself. I will be running the 5k this weekend at Wine and Dine and then I will be following the Galloway plan for beginners to train for Princess. Following a plan will help me stay motivated as well.

Glad to see everyone is doing so well on their long runs. Keep up the good work.

Julie

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I printed out my training plan yesterday. I am doing Galloway's to finish (experienced runners) plan from last year because I don't like how there seem to be extra really long runs in this years plan. Hope that keeps up my motivation!

I am doing the one for time goals from this year and I am thinking some of those crazy long runs are not going to happen. But I am going to try and stick with it as much as I can. I figure if I can make the 19 miles I will be signing up for the marathon in 2013.

I've been a slacker this past week myself. I will be running the 5k this weekend at Wine and Dine and then I will be following the Galloway plan for beginners to train for Princess. Following a plan will help me stay motivated as well.

Glad to see everyone is doing so well on their long runs. Keep up the good work.

Julie

I like to follow a plan as well. I like not having to decide myself how much I am going to do and worry that it is not enough/ too much. It takes some of the stress off of me.

 

[Nishmom]

It's been a terrible week so far! Sunday's run was only 6 miles (after previous Sundays of 9 and 8) and it just plain stunk! Turns out the problem is a major sinus infection, diagnosed at a doctor visit today. I've missed one run already this week and tomorrow's will be shorter than scheduled but then the antibiotics should kick in and I can get back on schedule.

Speaking of schedules and training plans, they can be invaluable for race preparation and take the guesswork out of the weekly mileage demands. But it's also important to remember (and yes, I'm reminding *myself*) that it's a plan, a guideline, and it's okay and necessary to cut ourselves some slack when life happens and we miss or shorten a run. It's the desire to achieve this that motivates us, but along the way we owe it to ourselves to listen to our bodies and if they say "rest," we rest. Of course, it's also okay to grumble and complain if our schedule gets messed up!

My Birnbaum Disney World 2012 Guide arrived in the mail today, so I start planning meals and park visits! Can't wait for February!!

Pattie

 

[tinkeramy]

It's been a terrible week so far! Sunday's run was only 6 miles (after previous Sundays of 9 and 8) and it just plain stunk! Turns out the problem is a major sinus infection, diagnosed at a doctor visit today. I've missed one run already this week and tomorrow's will be shorter than scheduled but then the antibiotics should kick in and I can get back on schedule.

My Birnbaum Disney World 2012 Guide arrived in the mail today, so I start planning meals and park visits! Can't wait for February!!

Pattie

You know, sometimes it's actually recommended to take a step down from mileage in your training. I did Higdon last year and his plan adds on more miles each week, but Galloway has you doing a new distance and then, the following week, tapering back to a lower distance. My PT said that she thinks that's better for your body. So, no guilt! And, yes, rest when you need it is MUCH more important than following "THE PLAN".

I was actually looking at Disney books for the Kindle today, but decided an actual paper book would be easier to flip through and find what I wanted. I'm trying to force myself not to buy one yet!!!

 

[stitchfan18]

It's been a terrible week so far! Sunday's run was only 6 miles (after previous Sundays of 9 and 8) and it just plain stunk! Turns out the problem is a major sinus infection, diagnosed at a doctor visit today. I've missed one run already this week and tomorrow's will be shorter than scheduled but then the antibiotics should kick in and I can get back on schedule.

Speaking of schedules and training plans, they can be invaluable for race preparation and take the guesswork out of the weekly mileage demands. But it's also important to remember (and yes, I'm reminding *myself*) that it's a plan, a guideline, and it's okay and necessary to cut ourselves some slack when life happens and we miss or shorten a run. It's the desire to achieve this that motivates us, but along the way we owe it to ourselves to listen to our bodies and if they say "rest," we rest. Of course, it's also okay to grumble and complain if our schedule gets messed up!

My Birnbaum Disney World 2012 Guide arrived in the mail today, so I start planning meals and park visits! Can't wait for February!!

Pattie

I also taper my long runs back every other weekend. I've been feeling kind of crummy about my long runs lately since I've been too busy and out of town on the weekends and haven't gotten them in. I try not to let it effect my mid week runs though, so at least I haven't kicked my schedule out the door completely.
I would definitely take it easy while your body recovers. I've always found that jumping in too soon after an illness makes me feel worse. A nice easy run makes me feel better though, so definitely take it easy at first!

 

[slp1650]

I've been taking somewhat of a break from long runs since the Disneyland Half and I'm about to get back into getting my mileage back up. You know that phase when your vacation or break is coming to an end and you're resisting the idea of working? Ya, I've hit that... I'm going to get through a visit from my parents (and the first part of Food and Wine Festival) before increasing my mileage again. I can already see some "speed bumps" in the future and my ankles and shins are already starting to be a pain in the *** (literally) so I need to get ready for those...

On a brighter side, with Halloween here I've been thinking about my costume and what I want to get. So far I'm thinking I'm going to make mine or attempt to make it because Disney sells an awesome Ariel skirt, but it's made for little kids and unfortunately I'm not that little anymore.

 

[fashionista311]

I am doing the one for time goals from this year and I am thinking some of those crazy long runs are not going to happen. But I am going to try and stick with it as much as I can. I figure if I can make the 19 miles I will be signing up for the marathon in 2013.

For what it's worth - I've been able to take off over 15 minutes off my half marathon time as a runner (Over an hour if you count the times from when I completely walked a few half marathons) - and I've never done anything longer than 12 miles than training for a half marathon. I've slowly increased the amount of running days (from 3 to 5) and my overall base mileage (from 15 miles/week to 25 miles/week) Right now I'm focused on training for a fall full marathon - but when I go back to half marathon training - the longest run I'll do is *maybe* 14-16 miles max. I don't think I would ever do 19 miles in training for a half marathon. I think your overall weekly mileage is far more important than a single long run...but that's just my two cents.

You know, sometimes it's actually recommended to take a step down from mileage in your training. I did Higdon last year and his plan adds on more miles each week, but Galloway has you doing a new distance and then, the following week, tapering back to a lower distance. My PT said that she thinks that's better for your body. So, no guilt! And, yes, rest when you need it is MUCH more important than following "THE PLAN".

I was actually looking at Disney books for the Kindle today, but decided an actual paper book would be easier to flip through and find what I wanted. I'm trying to force myself not to buy one yet!!!

Yes I agree - it is important to cut back every so often! Most marathon plans will have you train in "cycles" - build for 3 weeks, and cut back every 4th week...and I try to keep that same philosophy when I train for a half marathon as well..because I do think it's important!

 

[Tabetha]

Well, it's official! My husband and I are registered as a co-ed team!

We're super excited to participate this year - we got fitted for new shoes to start our training next week, which was a good idea considering we were both wearing the wrong kind/size of shoes!

Its going to be an interesting training process for us, we will be working on a cruise ship the entire time, so there will be a lot of treadmill time, and we'll have to figure out places to run on the various islands we'll be visiting.

So thrilled! Having this goal at the end of our contract on the ship will be very motivating.

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

On a brighter side, with Halloween here I've been thinking about my costume and what I want to get. So far I'm thinking I'm going to make mine or attempt to make it because Disney sells an awesome Ariel skirt, but it's made for little kids and unfortunately I'm not that little anymore.

I am making my costume as well. I wanted something that was more runner friendly then a lot costumes you can purchases so I am adapting a ice skating costume pattern and going to wear compression capris under it.

For what it's worth - I've been able to take off over 15 minutes off my half marathon time as a runner (Over an hour if you count the times from when I completely walked a few half marathons) - and I've never done anything longer than 12 miles than training for a half marathon. I've slowly increased the amount of running days (from 3 to 5) and my overall base mileage (from 15 miles/week to 25 miles/week) Right now I'm focused on training for a fall full marathon - but when I go back to half marathon training - the longest run I'll do is *maybe* 14-16 miles max. I don't think I would ever do 19 miles in training for a half marathon. I think your overall weekly mileage is far more important than a single long run...but that's just my two cents.

We had decided that after the 15 we will play it by ear. I would like to try the 19, since it would give me more confidence about completely a full marathon, but I also know myself and after I hit 13 or 14 it is going to be hard to stay motivated to push much beyond that.
As of right now adding more days just doesn't fit into my schedule, but hopefully one day when my kids are older it might.

 

[katepass72]

Well, it's official! My husband and I are registered as a co-ed team!

We're super excited to participate this year - we got fitted for new shoes to start our training next week, which was a good idea considering we were both wearing the wrong kind/size of shoes!

Its going to be an interesting training process for us, we will be working on a cruise ship the entire time, so there will be a lot of treadmill time, and we'll have to figure out places to run on the various islands we'll be visiting.

So thrilled! Having this goal at the end of our contract on the ship will be very motivating.

Congrats! I also bit the bullet today and registered. It's my first so I'm excited yet terrified.

Finding places to run on various islands sounds like a wonderful "problem" to have. If you get a chance you should post some of your locales!

 

[HockeyKat]

We had decided that after the 15 we will play it by ear. I would like to try the 19, since it would give me more confidence about completely a full marathon, but I also know myself and after I hit 13 or 14 it is going to be hard to stay motivated to push much beyond that.
As of right now adding more days just doesn't fit into my schedule, but hopefully one day when my kids are older it might.

I went to a seminar given by Jeff Galloway and he mentioned that upping your long run mileage can sometimes also help make you faster overall.

I am with you on the confidence level. Until I get to 20, I am not going to be confident at all in doing a full.

 

[Tabetha]

Congrats! I also bit the bullet today and registered. It's my first so I'm excited yet terrified.

Finding places to run on various islands sounds like a wonderful "problem" to have. If you get a chance you should post some of your locales!

Thanks - what a great idea. I'll do my best to take photos as we adventure along. I'm also hoping that we can find a track in Bermuda (where we'll be sailing to for our first month) so we can figure out our Magic Miles on Galloway's program.

 

[Jeannekay]

I went to a seminar given by Jeff Galloway and he mentioned that upping your long run mileage can sometimes also help make you faster overall.

I am with you on the confidence level. Until I get to 20, I am not going to be confident at all in doing a full.

My friend is working towards her third full marathon.

She just finished 24.32. She uses that synced a run with Nike+ thing.

Congrats on your running! I have never done a full marathon and probably never will. I have achy bones.

I did run 6 miles today though.

Sure wish I could go to the Disney World Wine and Dine this weekend, but.....it is still very hot isn't it?

 

[Jeannekay]

Thanks - what a great idea. I'll do my best to take photos as we adventure along. I'm also hoping that we can find a track in Bermuda (where we'll be sailing to for our first month) so we can figure out our Magic Miles on Galloway's program.

Cruising sounds fun!! What is your job?? I would love to go on a cruise.

 

[poohs4me]

Did anyone see the Retreat thing offered by RunDisney for this Princess? Seems interesting but not sure I want to spend more money. What do you all think?