Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[mainstreet1997]

Wow, so glad I went to the PDF file of the race program and printed off that map. I do not like the new maps at all. I didn't think there anything wrong with the old ones

Did you change the view to satelitte? Being the Disney junkie that I am its pretty cool to see exactly what you will passing. The 5k starts a LONG way out from the park!

 

[flgirl36]

I was the Run Disney site today and saw that the half marathon is 59% full. If there is anyone still on the fence, you prbably want to make a decision soon.


Julie

 

[runprincessrun]

I was the Run Disney site today and saw that the half marathon is 59% full. If there is anyone still on the fence, you prbably want to make a decision soon.

Julie

I jumped the fence and registered TODAY!!!!!!! Sooo excited!

 

[plutolovr]

Well, hit a hiccup in my training.

Ran 11 miles last Monday, last 2 miles were my quickest and finished in just under 2 hours. Pretty good. Later in the day my ankle was a bit sore but felt better Tuesday morning. Went to spin class and was fine. Felt great Wednesday morning, went for a run and we in pain almost immediately, so what did I do? I ran 4 miles in pain. Bad move, couldn't walk afterwards and my foot was swollen Thursday morning. Went to the ortho and he confirmed my biggest fear, stress fracture . In a walking cast and no running for 6 to 8 weeks.

I'm able to use the elliptical and cycle and I am going to start water jogging next week in order to keep up my endurance. Dr. says I should be fine to run the Princess.

Funny thing, I was going to register for the 1/2 during the Marathon weekend in January last week, glad I didn't. I guess I still can but wouldn't be able to run the whole thing.

 

[saysay]

Hi Everyone. This will be my first half marathon....and I am so scared!! I have been overweight and out of shape for many years, and have been on weight watchers since March. I have lost 40 pounds so far. I am a huge Disney fan and this half marathon is one of my incentives to continue my journey for better health. I have never been a runner so this is very new to me. I have someone coaching me on a training plan and I am slowly jogging more and more.

I am **VERY** nervous about the race. It seems like almost an impossible dream considering I am not a runner. However, I have come a long way since March, and I am doing and feeling much better than before I lost my weight. I just pray I can do it, and that I haven't taken on too big of a challenge.

I wanted to join the thread to get some insight from other participants. I apologize I haven't had time to read this full thread as it is HUGE. I am hoping that it is possible to walk/jog this and not have to jog/run the entire distance. I am sure it is answered somewhere in here, but if not, can anyone give me advice about walking/jogging?

Good luck to everyone training!

CONGRATS on your success with Weight Watchers!

I have completed 3 1/2 marathons - a surprise each time. I have never been athletic and am not fast, and I have been known to say "oh, I am not a runner".....but truth is if you are preparing for a 1/2 you are..... I do Galloway Run/Walk, so maybe the walk has me feeling less than others.

On the RunDisney Princess site, there are a few videos from Jeff Galloway and he has a few training programs on there as well. Just follow them, try to train for minimum 15 minute miles and you will be great. Get all your runs in, getting the time and distance on you body prepares you. I was shocked when I finished my first 1/2....but I did it with dedication to the program.

 

[Momtomouselover]

Well, hit a hiccup in my training.

Ran 11 miles last Monday, last 2 miles were my quickest and finished in just under 2 hours. Pretty good. Later in the day my ankle was a bit sore but felt better Tuesday morning. Went to spin class and was fine. Felt great Wednesday morning, went for a run and we in pain almost immediately, so what did I do? I ran 4 miles in pain. Bad move, couldn't walk afterwards and my foot was swollen Thursday morning. Went to the ortho and he confirmed my biggest fear, stress fracture . In a walking cast and no running for 6 to 8 weeks.

I'm able to use the elliptical and cycle and I am going to start water jogging next week in order to keep up my endurance. Dr. says I should be fine to run the Princess.

Funny thing, I was going to register for the 1/2 during the Marathon weekend in January last week, glad I didn't. I guess I still can but wouldn't be able to run the whole thing.

Oh geesh!! So sorry about the injury but way to go on still finding a way to train. I'm training for my first Half ever and the potential for injury scares me. I just really want to do this!!

Hope your fracture heals quickly!

 

[Momtomouselover]

Around 12 min. if I am taking it easy, 10 min. if I gun it during the running segments.

Wow!! You must be really moving it. I am running a 1:1 and generally am right on 13 min/mi as Galloway projects for that ratio. I tried 2:1 today and was closer to the 12 min/mi but now I'm more sore too whereas at 1:1 I wasn't. Not sure what I'll try for the 5 miler this weekend.

Thank you all for posting your experiences for it really helps with motivation. Keep running friends!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Well, hit a hiccup in my training.

Ran 11 miles last Monday, last 2 miles were my quickest and finished in just under 2 hours. Pretty good. Later in the day my ankle was a bit sore but felt better Tuesday morning. Went to spin class and was fine. Felt great Wednesday morning, went for a run and we in pain almost immediately, so what did I do? I ran 4 miles in pain. Bad move, couldn't walk afterwards and my foot was swollen Thursday morning. Went to the ortho and he confirmed my biggest fear, stress fracture . In a walking cast and no running for 6 to 8 weeks.

I'm able to use the elliptical and cycle and I am going to start water jogging next week in order to keep up my endurance. Dr. says I should be fine to run the Princess.

Funny thing, I was going to register for the 1/2 during the Marathon weekend in January last week, glad I didn't. I guess I still can but wouldn't be able to run the whole thing.

Your doctor is right...as long as you do endurance training, which I would recommend cycling over the elliptical because the only way the elliptical has any benefit is if you don't use the arms (but that would be a bit impossible with a walking cast). Since you were so far with your training, you will probably be fine to wait on the water running until after the boot is gone. By the way, there is no shame in not running the entire thing. Finishing is the same regardless of if you run the whole thing, run/walk it, or walk it. Whatever works to help prevent you from getting another stress fracture is worth it!

 

[italianlover]

Ok ladies, it's official I'm registered!!!! I am SO nervous I have my 5 miler this weekend so we'll see how good I do on that.

Question: According to Jeff Galloway he wants you to run without your knees coming up, kinda like a puppet he put it with your back as straight as possible and only impacting your feet BUT this puts me at a jogging pace. How am I supposed to increase speed when I can't lift my knees? Kinda crazy huh? I LOVE the fact that my back or knee haven't been sore since I started training (I injured both previously from running) and so far it's been working but I need speed!!!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Your doctor is right...as long as you do endurance training, which I would recommend cycling over the elliptical because the only way the elliptical has any benefit is if you don't use the arms (but that would be a bit impossible with a walking cast). Since you were so far with your training, you will probably be fine to wait on the water running until after the boot is gone. By the way, there is no shame in not running the entire thing. Finishing is the same regardless of if you run the whole thing, run/walk it, or walk it. Whatever works to help prevent you from getting another stress fracture is worth it!

Nothing wrong with walking! They don't give a different medal than runners or people who do a run/walK ratio. Time on your feet is the most importatnt thing

 

[AliceSpark]

Hi Everyone. This will be my first half marathon....and I am so scared!! I have been overweight and out of shape for many years, and have been on weight watchers since March. I have lost 40 pounds so far. I am a huge Disney fan and this half marathon is one of my incentives to continue my journey for better health. I have never been a runner so this is very new to me. I have someone coaching me on a training plan and I am slowly jogging more and more.

I am **VERY** nervous about the race. It seems like almost an impossible dream considering I am not a runner. However, I have come a long way since March, and I am doing and feeling much better than before I lost my weight. I just pray I can do it, and that I haven't taken on too big of a challenge.

I wanted to join the thread to get some insight from other participants. I apologize I haven't had time to read this full thread as it is HUGE. I am hoping that it is possible to walk/jog this and not have to jog/run the entire distance. I am sure it is answered somewhere in here, but if not, can anyone give me advice about walking/jogging?

Good luck to everyone training!

You sound very similar to me - I recently have lost 40 pounds and saw the princess as motivation. I haven't even told anyone that I signed up except for my kids -- I know everyone would just laugh at me.

However, there is something so calming to me about just following the program and trusting in the outcome. I follow the Galloway run/walk program of running 30 seconds and walking 45 seconds. On long runs 4+ miles I run 20 seconds and walk 40 seconds. My first run over 5 miles I didn't think I would make it. However, now every other week has a drop back so you really feel how much you progress.

Sometimes I think that I won't be able to get my pace below 15 min mile but I know if I don't make it this year then I will next year - I just go out and do my best. I have faith that you will be successful.

You will find this site is so inspirational and informational - everytime I doubt what I am doing I read the post - sometimes I go back and reread things just to hear the mantra in my head - I can do this -

Sorry for the long post but this is very emotional for me. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Ok ladies, it's official I'm registered!!!! I am SO nervous I have my 5 miler this weekend so we'll see how good I do on that.

Question: According to Jeff Galloway he wants you to run without your knees coming up, kinda like a puppet he put it with your back as straight as possible and only impacting your feet BUT this puts me at a jogging pace. How am I supposed to increase speed when I can't lift my knees? Kinda crazy huh? I LOVE the fact that my back or knee haven't been sore since I started training (I injured both previously from running) and so far it's been working but I need speed!!!

You will get used to proper form. Essentially he is trying to get you to conserve energy while you run. It definitely makes your shoulders and back feel better. Congratulations on registering!!

 

[AnotherPrincess]

AliceSpark,
I read your post and have a question...When did you start officially training for the Princess? I'm asking because I am currently "pre-training" for the 2012 Wine and Dine and will be beginning my "official" training just after Christmas. I, too, find peace in following a program and trusting the results will be what they are supposed to be. However, I, too, worry about not being able to get my pace where it needs to be. Thanks for any insight you can give.

 

[rebapple]

This may have been asked before, but what time is the race done by? I only ask because we will only be there a few days and we have a reservation at 11 for Chef Mickey's as it is our tradition to go and I wonder if we will make it....

 

[AliceSpark]

I started getting into better physical shape in January 2011 by going to an aerobic dance class 3-4 times a week. I started running in May of 2011 and started running at 15 second run – 45 second walk – using the Jeff Galloway ultimate 5K app on my phone – I had a weird flu in June and stopped running starting again August 15th – at a 20 second run – 40 second walk and then tried to keep progressing. I am now following the training program for first time runners however; I do try to run 36 minutes on the short runs instead of 30 minutes.

I recently ran a 5k race to try to get an accurate pace time and was right at 15 minute mile – however, I cannot go at that pace on the long runs yet so that is why I am a little unsure if my pace will be good enough this year. I won’t say that I am nervous because it either will be or it won’t be. If I am not there by February I will either keep going for 2013 or I will be ready by the Wine and Dine.

The one thing I am certain of is if I keep going I will eventually make it. I have never been a runner and was really reluctant to even try – I have a bad knee that funnily enough I dislocated at Disneyland right by Splash Mountain and had to leave in an ambulance (another long story). Using the run/walk method my knee has never hurt. I hope this information helps you.

 

[Klp]

A belated thank you to Stitchfan18 for answering my taxi question. Now I have another Q, hopefully you all can help me again. Are the park tickets you get through ESPN upgradeable?

You can get a taxi 24/7, just let bell services know the night before and there will be one waiting for you when you want to leave. I know there was a bus for TNT, one of the charity sponsors, that went to the Yacht club and Boardwalk last year. They let other non TNT runners ride the bus, so that was great for the 1/2. We might have a couple TNT runners on here who may be able to tell you what resort they are staying at this year.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Hi ladies! I have a gear-related question. I am looking for a pair of running shorts with pockets that can close. I need to store my energy gel, etc. when I run but the pockets I currently have do not close and I'm paranoid about my stuff falling out. I saw Brooks has a couple styles with Velcro pockets, but have never warn Brooks gear. Do any of you have reviews about Brooks or other brands with pockets that can close, either Velcro or zip?

 

[plutolovr]

Oh geesh!! So sorry about the injury but way to go on still finding a way to train. I'm training for my first Half ever and the potential for injury scares me. I just really want to do this!!

Hope your fracture heals quickly!

Thanks. I'm also hoping to keep my weight down. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not going on 50 not 20 and need to train as such.

Your doctor is right...as long as you do endurance training, which I would recommend cycling over the elliptical because the only way the elliptical has any benefit is if you don't use the arms (but that would be a bit impossible with a walking cast). Since you were so far with your training, you will probably be fine to wait on the water running until after the boot is gone. By the way, there is no shame in not running the entire thing. Finishing is the same regardless of if you run the whole thing, run/walk it, or walk it. Whatever works to help prevent you from getting another stress fracture is worth it!
Yesterday 11:22 PM

Well, Dr. said elliptical is okay and I don't wear the walking cast when I'm at the gym. I have a smaller ankle wrap with support that I can wear with my sneakers. My fracture is on the ankle bone (outside) not unstable, just need to avoid impact. The water running is with a buoyancy belt, so my feet won't touch the bottom of the pool.

 

[kmchisholm]

Hi ladies! I have a gear-related question. I am looking for a pair of running shorts with pockets that can close. I need to store my energy gel, etc. when I run but the pockets I currently have do not close and I'm paranoid about my stuff falling out. I saw Brooks has a couple styles with Velcro pockets, but have never warn Brooks gear. Do any of you have reviews about Brooks or other brands with pockets that can close, either Velcro or zip?

I have a great pair of Nike running pants (to the knee) that have a zipper in the back. Have plenty of room to store my gel, ipod (if I don't feel like clipping it to my pants) etc. Got them at Dick's Sporting Goods last year right before the 10K here in Richmond.

 

[westgre]

Ok ladies, it's official I'm registered!!!! I am SO nervous I have my 5 miler this weekend so we'll see how good I do on that.

Question: According to Jeff Galloway he wants you to run without your knees coming up, kinda like a puppet he put it with your back as straight as possible and only impacting your feet BUT this puts me at a jogging pace. How am I supposed to increase speed when I can't lift my knees? Kinda crazy huh? I LOVE the fact that my back or knee haven't been sore since I started training (I injured both previously from running) and so far it's been working but I need speed!!!

The way to increase speed is by increasing your cadence (the amount of times your foot hits the ground in a given time.) Do a You Tube search for Jeff Galloway cadence drill. I think there's also a link on the run Disney website, too.