Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[Cripey]

OK, hello I'm Kelly!! First "real post". I joined because I plan on running the 2012 half princess. It's impossible to get any sort of info from Disney or the ESPN people.
I see some people have already done the half, I have so many questions I don't know where to start. I am running my 10k at the end of next month for proof of time.
Resort reservations? When can they be made and do the runners get a discount? I have looked through this year's info at the website and everything is so vague. Thursday-Monday or Friday-Sunday? On the day of the ESPN get together, is there time to do anything else? Will my husband need a ticket to meet me at Epcot? I have 2 of my friends ready to run and I can't do anything!! Any help and info would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks

Hi, welcome! First, there's plenty of time to get all this planned out so don't worry! This is a great place for info I'm assuming that by the time registration opens on July 5 (?) all the race info should be updated to the 2012 race. I believe there is a discount for runners and when they post 2012 travel info with host resorts listed on the race website, there should be a number of where you can call to make reservations at the runners discount. If your husband is going to meet you at the finish line area, it's actually outside of EPCOT in the parking lot, so he won't need a park ticket. And, I'm not quite sure what the ESPN get together is that you are asking about? Do you mean the race expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex?

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

I read Marathoning for Mortals over the last week and really enjoyed it. I liked the timeline given for the training, but thinking about the relaxing time given before the Events....

If one were to plan a few days in WDW/IOA around the event (since, you know, I'll be there and all), I'm assuming it would be best to plan the park days for before the event, right? Should I plan on going for any type of short run/jog on those days? And are there suggested lengths of time to stay after the race before hopping on a plane?

 

[princess.april120]

Thanks to everyone who posted about the sweepers. And it's true, it's not the end of the world if it happens...just getting out there is an accomplishment in itself!

But I am encouraged that if I can train and keep at a 15min/mile pace, that should keep me in good shape! Ah, now to make it happen...

Hope everyone gets a work out in today and can enjoy a bit of sunshine!

 

[kelly L]

2012 Princess 1/2 Marathon Participants that Registered ​

Registration List - once registration opens, I would like to volunteer to keep the list of participants up-to-date.

I would also like to list "solo" runners, so we know who we are and get to know each other as time goes by!

Stay tuned for the "official" list once registration opens!

I'm definitely in!!
By the way, I'm Kelly, so far I have another definitely and I'm trying to talk my other runner friend into going too. Yay! I already am part of a team and raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation any donations greatly appreciated!

 

[kelly L]

Hi, welcome! First, there's plenty of time to get all this planned out so don't worry! This is a great place for info I'm assuming that by the time registration opens on July 5 (?) all the race info should be updated to the 2012 race. I believe there is a discount for runners and when they post 2012 travel info with host resorts listed on the race website, there should be a number of where you can call to make reservations at the runners discount. If your husband is going to meet you at the finish line area, it's actually outside of EPCOT in the parking lot, so he won't need a park ticket. And, I'm not quite sure what the ESPN get together is that you are asking about? Do you mean the race expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex?

Thank you! And yes the Expo. I have already been pricing the 2011 host resorts and of course the half marathon weekend is a "peak" weekend (can you tell I am SO excited). It is July 5th, I do know that.

 

[Cripey]

Thank you! And yes the Expo. I have already been pricing the 2011 host resorts and of course the half marathon weekend is a "peak" weekend (can you tell I am SO excited). It is July 5th, I do know that.

You're welcome As far as the expo goes, you'd have time to do other things that day if you want. You have to go there to at least pick up your race packet, but after that, it's up to you. I like expos! (though I think this one is in too small of a building...very crowded on saturday!) Other than packet pick up, it's a big convention hall full of booths and vendors...fitness related items, clothing, supplements, shoes, etc. I think it's fun to look around and shop...also the official race merchandise store will be here...you can't miss that! All in all, I didn't stay too long. Maybe a little over an hour. It was getting really crowded and frustrating, so we left, but I was able to check out the booths that I wanted to, so didn't miss much. Plus, my plan was to do the expo and be off of my feet the rest of the day, early dinner, and early bedtime.

 

[emacek]

OK all you Garmin users....

I would like to get the 305 since I can get a good price on it. I know it's bulkier than the 4xx series but I can't find anything that tells me what size wrist it will fit. And of course, all the brick and mortar stores nearby only have the latest models. I'm small-boned and my wrist are just over 5-1/2 inches diameter. Can anyone confirm or deny for me that this will stay on my wrist!

emacek

 

[HockeyKat]

OK all you Garmin users....

I would like to get the 305 since I can get a good price on it. I know it's bulkier than the 4xx series but I can't find anything that tells me what size wrist it will fit. And of course, all the brick and mortar stores nearby only have the latest models. I'm small-boned and my wrist are just over 5-1/2 inches diameter. Can anyone confirm or deny for me that this will stay on my wrist!

emacek

The 305 is quite large. I am large boned and, umm, fluffy (5'8", wear XL gloves, and a good 60 lbs overweight), and although I don't own one, I have more than a few friends that do. I would consider it to be large on my wrist.

You might want to consider the 110 or 210. A friend of mine has the 110 and it's normal sportwatch-sized, which would still be large for you but not as bad.

 

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

OK all you Garmin users....

I would like to get the 305 since I can get a good price on it. I know it's bulkier than the 4xx series but I can't find anything that tells me what size wrist it will fit. And of course, all the brick and mortar stores nearby only have the latest models. I'm small-boned and my wrist are just over 5-1/2 inches diameter. Can anyone confirm or deny for me that this will stay on my wrist!

emacek

For staying on your wrist....My wrist is 5 3/4 inches and I have the 205. It is the same size as the 305. I have no issues wearing it. I actually have one left over notch in the band, so I think you should be fine.

Another option is to put on a wristband and strap the Garmin right over it. This works great if you are not using the intervals since the wrist band somewhat muffles the sound of the beeps.

I love my 205 - I don't need the heart rate part, so I didn't pay for it. MY sister has the 305 since she needs the heart rate. That is how I know they are the same size

It does look huge, but I think your question was more will it stay put??

 

[tmbacon]

The Garmin 110 does look pretty cool. I looked at the 305 and wow, it's really big (I am petite-sized and have small writsts). Maybe for my birthday I'll ask for the Garmin - it definitely comes with a fairly hefty price tag, compared to the $23 Timex Ironman watch I currently own!

 

[HockeyKat]

The difference in price between the 110 and 305 is about $70 on Amazon.com - the 305 is going for $128 and the 110 (without the heart rate monitor) is $199.

For $218 you could step up to the 405CX which does the heart rate and comes with the monitor.

 

[fashionista311]

OK all you Garmin users....

I would like to get the 305 since I can get a good price on it. I know it's bulkier than the 4xx series but I can't find anything that tells me what size wrist it will fit. And of course, all the brick and mortar stores nearby only have the latest models. I'm small-boned and my wrist are just over 5-1/2 inches diameter. Can anyone confirm or deny for me that this will stay on my wrist!

emacek

I have wrists about the same size of yours. I have the 405, and to be honest, it's pushing it in size for me, but it works. I really have no idea how the 305 would fit.

The prices on the 410 will probably drop - since they just announced the 610, which is touchscreen. I have no idea how the 410 is because I'm still using the 405, but I must say the bezel is a bit of a pain. I've defended in the past, especially since I have no choice really since the 305 wouldn't fit me, but now that there is a better option - I can't WAIT to get the 610.

Also a note on the 110 - it's not compatible with the footpod. Most people don't use it anyways (it does cost extra $$), but I live in the area where the GPS gets blocked due to highly wooded areas and bridges - and then when I race in NYC - forget it, the GPS is a nightmare between the buildings and then the trees in Central Park. The footpod has been a godsend. I find it much more accurate. It's also useful if you train on an indoor track, and you can supposedly use it on a treadmill (I personally don't really see a point in it because the treadmill gives you all the stats anyways)

Anyways, good luck! No matter what you choose it's a big investment (but totally worthwhile).

 

[HockeyKat]

Also a note on the 110 - it's not compatible with the footpod. Most people don't use it anyways (it does cost extra $$), but I live in the area where the GPS gets blocked due to highly wooded areas and bridges - and then when I race in NYC - forget it, the GPS is a nightmare between the buildings and then the trees in Central Park. The footpod has been a godsend. I find it much more accurate. It's also useful if you train on an indoor track, and you can supposedly use it on a treadmill (I personally don't really see a point in it because the treadmill gives you all the stats anyways)

Anyways, good luck! No matter what you choose it's a big investment (but totally worthwhile).

Wow, I didn't know that about the 110 - footpod!! That's a good thing to know.

I have the FR60W which doesn't have the GPS but it came with the footpod and HRM. I got the bundle for just under $100 on ebay, with the hope of upgrading to a GPS unit someday.

I like it a lot, actually, and since I usually run in a group or with a friend when I run outside and someone almost always has a GPS unit, I have that as backup.

It's usually pretty accurate, though, within a few tenths of a mile even over longer distances (8 miles+)

 

[kelly L]

I read Marathoning for Mortals over the last week and really enjoyed it. I liked the timeline given for the training, but thinking about the relaxing time given before the Events....

If one were to plan a few days in WDW/IOA around the event (since, you know, I'll be there and all), I'm assuming it would be best to plan the park days for before the event, right? Should I plan on going for any type of short run/jog on those days? And are there suggested lengths of time to stay after the race before hopping on a plane?

This is the little stuff I would like to know too, even though real planning and reservations can't be made for a couple months. Friday-Sunday or Thursday-Tuesday? Dining plan?
This is going to be our "honeymoon" since we got married down there and the kids spent the whole week with us

 

[HockeyKat]

This is the little stuff I would like to know too, even though real planning and reservations can't be made for a couple months. Friday-Sunday or Thursday-Tuesday? Dining plan?
This is going to be our "honeymoon" since we got married down there and the kids spent the whole week with us

Based on the 2011 dates and crowd levels, I would *definitely* recommend adding extra days after the race and not before. The week before is President's Day week and it was extremely busy.

Not just that, you will be nervous leading up the race and relieved after, and you get the added bonus of wearing your medal in the parks.

I have also found the airline rates tend to be better when you leave Tues-Thurs, if that helps.

You have to get to Disney in time to pick up your race packet at the Expo by 6PM. I have done the Expo Saturday afternoon (2/3-close) in 2011 and 2010 and found the crowds to be manageable, but the race merchandise may be limited.

 

[Cripey]

This is the little stuff I would like to know too, even though real planning and reservations can't be made for a couple months. Friday-Sunday or Thursday-Tuesday? Dining plan?
This is going to be our "honeymoon" since we got married down there and the kids spent the whole week with us

I was definitely glad I decided to go down Friday night, did the expo saturday, race sunday, and then toured parks through Wednesday. I know if I would have been down there a few days before the race, I would have done too much and wouldn't have been as rested as I needed to be for race day. Plus, since the race was behind me, I was able to enjoy the rest of the vacation stress-free...and eat whatever I wanted!!!

 

[tmbacon]

I also just saw that ESPN The Weekend will be March 2-4 next year, the weekend AFTER the Princess Half. If I do the Princess, I think we'd drive down Sat February 25 (we're an 8-hr drive from Orlando), go to the expo on Saturday, do the Half on Sunday, and then hopefully stay the whole week so we can catch the first part of ESPN weekend and then drive back up Saturday March 3. My DS#1 is a HUGE sports fanatic and I think he'd really get a kick out of the whole ESPN theme.

 

[emacek]

Will it stay on my wrist is indeed my question--I know it will look like I'm wearing a small mainframe<g>. I will be relying on intervals. My concern with the 405 is that so many people seem to have problems with the bezel but, OTOH, since I have nothing to compare it to, perhaps it doesn't matter<g>. Ah well...since I've promised myself no toys until I actually run a 5K (i'm scheduled for June 5) I"ll wait. Maybe I can find someone local who will let me try theirs on<g>

emacek

For staying on your wrist....My wrist is 5 3/4 inches and I have the 205. It is the same size as the 305. I have no issues wearing it. I actually have one left over notch in the band, so I think you should be fine.

Another option is to put on a wristband and strap the Garmin right over it. This works great if you are not using the intervals since the wrist band somewhat muffles the sound of the beeps.

I love my 205 - I don't need the heart rate part, so I didn't pay for it. MY sister has the 305 since she needs the heart rate. That is how I know they are the same size

It does look huge, but I think your question was more will it stay put??

 

[Michele325]

Hi all, I am still back on page 27 trying to catch up. I was away on a Disney Cruise Ran the Castaway Cay 5K in 38 minutes which was really fast for me PR in a race is 39min last May and I was still last! Some really fast runners on that ship.

Just wanted to comment that everytime I come here I wind up spending money. Right now I am looking up Sweaty bands, lol. And I really need to go and get new shoes. Happy running everyone.

 

[kappyfamily]

I'll chime in again and give props to the Garmin 205. I'm 5'3 and small boned and I was worried at first the 205 would be a monster but honestly after only one run I was totally used to it. I ADORE this thing. I like to say it's my BFF.

Just my 2 cents worth....