Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[tinkeramy]

A week from today, we will be in Orlando for a week! I am buying an annual pass because between this trip and one in the summer it will save me like $40 AND then as I told DH, won't have to buy park tickets for the princess.

How is that for motivation.

Good run today 3.5 miles, first time outside in a long long time. Slow but so happy to be running again.

Work it, girl! Mother's Day in Disney - that is fabulous. Yes - we wouldn't want quibbling with the hubs over the 3 or 4 day ticket!!!
Just stroll down Main Street and think, "Yeah, I ran this!"

 

[monte]

I'm so bummed..my treadmill broke down Friday. I have access to the gym, but I love walking on my own tm because it is my "quiet time" in the house. I'm going to call Proform tomorrow and see if they can send out a new control panel. Wish me luck!

 

[dthogue]

First off, I wanted to thank all of you amazing people for your words! I never knew a group of people could be so awesome!

And of course the second piece is some advice needed. I'm trying to decide between what plans to start with. I'm saving Jeff Galloway's plan for closer to the actual marathon so I already know when I'm starting that. What I'm curious about is whether I should just start with the C25k or something else? I realize that running is probably the most individualized sport when it comes to training but I also saw John Bingham's plan and it seems like a good one. Also I'm kind of worried about the 90 seconds of jogging - something I'm not too sure I can accomplish just yet! Any advice on this?

Also, when breaking in shoes, is it customary for your feet to hurt? I've never had this problem before but I just got a pair of Adidas running shoes and the sides of my feet were hurting. Hopefully this is normal for the breaking in period!

The C25K program is great - take it one week at a time, don't look too hard at the following weeks, just start with week one and repeat any week that is hard for you, then move one - you will be amazed at what you can accomplish - you just need to stick with the program.

Did you get your shoes from a running store? If not, then return them and find a good running store so they can measure your feet and tell you what you need - if you did, then take them back, they shouldn't hurt.

 

[ludari]

This morning I ran my first 8K using the 2 min run-2 min walk plan. I had set a time goal of 1hr 15min (15 min mile pace) and was surprised that I came in under my goal time. The 2/2 worked really well. Mile 3 felt like it would never end, but by mile 4 I was pretty excited that I still felt strong. I did drink/chew ? a GU pack at the half way mark and felt my strength recover some. My overall pace ended up at a 13 min mile. That gives me time to take photos and get a bathroom break in for the princess.

I stayed to the back of the pack so I wouldnt feel rushed or slow compared to the other runners. This was the longest distance I have done in one workout to date.

I signed up for a 10K on July 30. These local races keep me training and help me practice my pace. REALLY surprised that I am at this point in my training and feeling good.

So very proud of you and your accomplishments CME. I'm concerned that when the DL half rolls around I will not be able to keep up with you.

 

[Hockeychic]

My DD who did the MInnie with me in 2007 and thinks I am completely nuts to pay money to do races when you can just go out and run for free informs me when we where on the TM's at the gym yesterday that she would like to go to disney and do Princess in 2012. Just have to hope it works out with her reading week at school but looks like we might be in as well.

I did the inaugural back in 2009 and wasn't too impressed with the course support, of course nothing like marathon weekend but I am sure it has gotten better and then again it is disney so how can it not be good.

Kim

 

[emacek]

Love my AP...got one when we were there for Valentine's Day (we had a dinner reservation at Victoria & Alberts and I wanted the TIW card for a discount). I'll be celebrating my 50th in September with my mom at the Poly and then Ken and I are going the week after Thanksgiving for our first stay at our home resort (Wilderness Lodge).

Unfortunately the pass will be expired by the Princess but I suspect that if the bug has really hit I might want to come back for Food & wine so I see another AP in my future!

emacek

A week from today, we will be in Orlando for a week! I am buying an annual pass because between this trip and one in the summer it will save me like $40 AND then as I told DH, won't have to buy park tickets for the princess.

How is that for motivation.

Good run today 3.5 miles, first time outside in a long long time. Slow but so happy to be running again.

 

[Bookwood]

I've done 2 halfs with just a week between twice! I take the week off between (except for one very slow run just to make sure all the parts are unsore from first race). It's really not a bad way to do it.

 

[disneygirlRN]

All you need to do is maintain a 16minute mile average from when the last runner crosses the start....with training, its doable!

I am an interval runner. I ended up with a nasty case of Plantar faciitis after my 10 mile training run 5 weeks before the princess...BUT I did it, I finished and alot slower than I had trained for. Lots of people doing various intervals, esp since Jeff Galloway is the RunDisney expert. Oh and since I was going really slow I can attest, lots of walkers! Just follow nice race etiquette and you are great. No matter your speed or time, lots of support at the race and it was so much fun!

ok julie....and everyone else...i know i posted this question before, but i looked again, and i'm still confused. i was looking at the results from this past princess and the last person's chip time and clock time the same, or only seconds or minutes off. so if this is the case, wouldn't that mean these people finished in 4:15 or so from the time they crossed the starting line? this is why i'm freaking. i doubt i can do this, i'm having more and more doubts as i train. it's not the miles that is the problem, it's the speed. i know that there are plenty of you ladies who walk and finish, but i just don't know if i'll be quick enough. i'm not your average princess. congenital hip dysplasia and 4 surgeries to boot. i quit training for the princess last year when i was told by the ortho to stop running. i did the 5k instead, but i want so SO badly to cross that princess finish line. my trainer thinks that training and walking/joggling (as i call it) is really getting to me mentally. i'm starting to hate it. i come in from outside crying because i was too slow. i understand you get better with time, but i don't know if that is the case with myself and my bum hip. i want to love training, or at least be celebrating the small victories, but it's just not happening. the thought of quitting AGAIN makes me angry and sad. i watched you princesses finish this last feb. and it was amazing....to not do it would kill me! i just don't want training for it to kill me either though. UGH...sorry for the extra long post and the complaining, i just need some support and answers.
jess

 

[princess.april120]

ok julie....and everyone else...i know i posted this question before, but i looked again, and i'm still confused. i was looking at the results from this past princess and the last person's chip time and clock time the same, or only seconds or minutes off. so if this is the case, wouldn't that mean these people finished in 4:15 or so from the time they crossed the starting line? this is why i'm freaking. i doubt i can do this, i'm having more and more doubts as i train. it's not the miles that is the problem, it's the speed. i know that there are plenty of you ladies who walk and finish, but i just don't know if i'll be quick enough. i'm not your average princess. congenital hip dysplasia and 4 surgeries to boot. i quit training for the princess last year when i was told by the ortho to stop running. i did the 5k instead, but i want so SO badly to cross that princess finish line. my trainer thinks that training and walking/joggling (as i call it) is really getting to me mentally. i'm starting to hate it. i come in from outside crying because i was too slow. i understand you get better with time, but i don't know if that is the case with myself and my bum hip. i want to love training, or at least be celebrating the small victories, but it's just not happening. the thought of quitting AGAIN makes me angry and sad. i watched you princesses finish this last feb. and it was amazing....to not do it would kill me! i just don't want training for it to kill me either though. UGH...sorry for the extra long post and the complaining, i just need some support and answers.
jess

Hey there! I am no expert, and I am training for my first princess, so perhaps I am not the best to answer, but I so feel your pain & your fear. So if that is anything, here goes...

You need to maintain the 16min/mile pace--period. You do get some cushioning if you can start in an early corral. The official "pace time" does not start until the last person in the last corral crosses the start. That is why some of the princesses finished with a more than 16 min/mile pace--they started before the last person who crossed the start. However, from reading all the posts from the veterans, the folks who got swept say that they should have trained for a 16 min/mile and didn't or underestimated.

Like you, my issue is not the distance, it is speed. I don't have a physical limitation except my own obesity. The laws of physics & gravity are not my friends... Right now, my personal best for a mile is 18:52. I know I can't sustain even that for more than a mile right now. BUT we have 10 months to train!!! I am going to do my best. Celebrate what I can, register, and work hard every day to get my training in, and then let the chips fall. What I have come to peace about is that it is the training that is important, not the race itself. For the first time in my life, there is something that is motivating me to take care of myself and live a better life.

So, with all that, I am so sorry your hip is such a struggle. That totally sucks, and to be honest, I am not sure how I would deal, but likely not as well as you. I think if you can find any joy in the journey to the Princess then do it, but if it's just getting the tiara, then it's not worth it. I think a race is a lot like life in general...it's the journey, not the destination, that really matters.

Good luck to you. We will be here rooting for you no matter what!

 

[fashionista311]

Princessses...I need your help on brainstorming a solution for me!

I live in a very hill area. My runs around the neighborhood are rough - I count 3 major hills in less than a mile. In general I think this makes me a stronger runner, but it's not really suitable for speedwork. It's also difficult too because I hit a few traffic lights. I don't usually mind having to stop for them in training runs, but it's tough to get into a rhythm when you are trying to hit paces that are above your average. The only tracks that are by me are in the high schools, and I can't have access to them. So the best compromise I've found for my speedwork is to go on the dreadmill. I also think it's useful for speedwork because you can control the pace more, and it helps to teach your body to move faster and keep you honest.

So, the treadmill I use is in my gym in the apt complex. Our apt building is considering "luxury" and I defiantly don't pay cheap rent. Unfortunately it's central air, and they lock the thermostat so runners can't control the temperatures (you know, that I've ever was guilty of making it cool in there or anything )

Today, it was so warm in there (almost 75 degrees) and it severely impacted my workout to the point where I couldn't get through it and had to cut it short. I know 75 degrees probably sounds like a refrigerator for you southerners, but you have to remember we are used to running in 50 degrees or cooler. Plus outside you have ventilation...but in an indoor gym, forget it. Even with the windows open, it's not enough to do anything. Also there is much research out there to support that ideal running conditions begin at 55 degrees, and every 5 degrees your body has to work harder to keep your core temps (but you won't notice it much until 65). So 75 is a significant difference. Others in the gym were complaining about the room being warm as well.

So do you guys have any ideas on how to (nicely) bargain with the leasing office? (or maybe just other suggestions in general) The best idea I could come up with them is to nicely explain the situation without sounding like a crazy runner, and see if I can get them to agree to let me leave a stand fan in there and see if they can lower the temps to at least 70 (if not 65?) I obviously don't expect them to keep it freezing at 55 degrees, but I feel like if I'm working out on on a dreadmill indoors at a gym in a place where I pay significant rent for...I should be able to keep the room cool enough so I can get through my workouts at the paces I would like to hit. Am i totally off base here? Thanks so much!

 

[elderfam]

Princessses...I need your help on brainstorming a solution for me!

Today, it was so warm in there (almost 75 degrees) and it severely impacted my workout to the point where I couldn't get through it and had to cut it short. I know 75 degrees probably sounds like a refrigerator for you southerners, but you have to remember we are used to running in 50 degrees or cooler. Plus outside you have ventilation...but in an indoor gym, forget it. Even with the windows open, it's not enough to do anything. Also there is much research out there to support that ideal running conditions begin at 55 degrees, and every 5 degrees your body has to work harder to keep your core temps (but you won't notice it much until 65). So 75 is a significant difference. Others in the gym were complaining about the room being warm as well.

So do you guys have any ideas on how to (nicely) bargain with the leasing office? (or maybe just other suggestions in general) The best idea I could come up with them is to nicely explain the situation without sounding like a crazy runner, and see if I can get them to agree to let me leave a stand fan in there and see if they can lower the temps to at least 70 (if not 65?) I obviously don't expect them to keep it freezing at 55 degrees, but I feel like if I'm working out on on a dreadmill indoors at a gym in a place where I pay significant rent for...I should be able to keep the room cool enough so I can get through my workouts at the paces I would like to hit. Am i totally off base here? Thanks so much!

I have been worried about running in the heat so I've done a little searching on the internet for anything that might help. I found something that so far works pretty well. It this thing that fits inside your baseball cap. Its suppose to stay 20degrees cooler for hours. Its called "cool medics" http://www.coolmedics.com/
They also have wraps for your wrist and neck. I might be trying them as well. Maybe this would work for you as well.
Cynthia

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

Well, the day happened. I finally went on my first run on the C25k app for iPhone. And I survived . One down, 26 to go! Haha

 

[stitchfan18]

Well, the day happened. I finally went on my first run on the C25k app for iPhone. And I survived . One down, 26 to go! Haha

Great job! I remember my first run on C25K still. In a month you'll look back and be amazed at how far you've come. In a year you won't believe your improvements!

 

[princess.april120]

I have been worried about running in the heat so I've done a little searching on the internet for anything that might help. I found something that so far works pretty well. It this thing that fits inside your baseball cap. Its suppose to stay 20degrees cooler for hours. Its called "cool medics" http://www.coolmedics.com/
They also have wraps for your wrist and neck. I might be trying them as well. Maybe this would work for you as well.
Cynthia

OMG!! This stuff looks incredible! Thank you for sharing. I am definitely getting the cooler for under the hat, and thinking about the unisex vest. Finally something to combat the horrible, humid summers we have here in Cincinnati! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

[MamaWolf]

ok julie....and everyone else...i know i posted this question before, but i looked again, and i'm still confused. i was looking at the results from this past princess and the last person's chip time and clock time the same, or only seconds or minutes off. so if this is the case, wouldn't that mean these people finished in 4:15 or so from the time they crossed the starting line? this is why i'm freaking. i doubt i can do this, i'm having more and more doubts as i train. it's not the miles that is the problem, it's the speed. i know that there are plenty of you ladies who walk and finish, but i just don't know if i'll be quick enough. i'm not your average princess. congenital hip dysplasia and 4 surgeries to boot. i quit training for the princess last year when i was told by the ortho to stop running. i did the 5k instead, but i want so SO badly to cross that princess finish line. my trainer thinks that training and walking/joggling (as i call it) is really getting to me mentally. i'm starting to hate it. i come in from outside crying because i was too slow. i understand you get better with time, but i don't know if that is the case with myself and my bum hip. i want to love training, or at least be celebrating the small victories, but it's just not happening. the thought of quitting AGAIN makes me angry and sad. i watched you princesses finish this last feb. and it was amazing....to not do it would kill me! i just don't want training for it to kill me either though. UGH...sorry for the extra long post and the complaining, i just need some support and answers. jess

Jess I just want to hug you. I don't really know what more to add than what I've said on DailyMile... but maybe I do have a few things... but I think I'll send you a message instead hang in there
~~Julianna

 

[DVCBELLE]

Can anyone tell me when the Princess half normally fills up?

 

[disneygirlRN]

Hey there! I am no expert, and I am training for my first princess, so perhaps I am not the best to answer, but I so feel your pain & your fear. So if that is anything, here goes...

You need to maintain the 16min/mile pace--period. You do get some cushioning if you can start in an early corral. The official "pace time" does not start until the last person in the last corral crosses the start. That is why some of the princesses finished with a more than 16 min/mile pace--they started before the last person who crossed the start. However, from reading all the posts from the veterans, the folks who got swept say that they should have trained for a 16 min/mile and didn't or underestimated.

Like you, my issue is not the distance, it is speed. I don't have a physical limitation except my own obesity. The laws of physics & gravity are not my friends... Right now, my personal best for a mile is 18:52. I know I can't sustain even that for more than a mile right now. BUT we have 10 months to train!!! I am going to do my best. Celebrate what I can, register, and work hard every day to get my training in, and then let the chips fall. What I have come to peace about is that it is the training that is important, not the race itself. For the first time in my life, there is something that is motivating me to take care of myself and live a better life.

So, with all that, I am so sorry your hip is such a struggle. That totally sucks, and to be honest, I am not sure how I would deal, but likely not as well as you. I think if you can find any joy in the journey to the Princess then do it, but if it's just getting the tiara, then it's not worth it. I think a race is a lot like life in general...it's the journey, not the destination, that really matters.

Good luck to you. We will be here rooting for you no matter what!

thank you april...AND julianna (i wrote you back on DM) i decided after this 5 mile race coming up saturday i'm going to take some time off from training to just focus on weight loss and fitness....on finding the joy in all this and WANTING to do this. i will loose weight, make this easier for myself, and find out if i want this as much as i say i do. the outcome is what i can't wait for, but if the journey is killing me, then what the heck am i doing?! i can't thank you all enough for your support and encouragement...it means way more than you know. i just have to find out if this is what i love to do, or am i doing this cause i said i would. i need to throw the negativity out the window and start believing in myself as much as others do. the only way i fail is if i don't try. i need to believe that i do have the courage to start, and start i will...when i'm ready
jess

 

[stitchfan18]

Can anyone tell me when the Princess half normally fills up?

This year it didn't fill up until a few weeks before the race. It varies from year to year though. I wouldn't expect it to fill earlier than the first of the year though.

 

[DVCBELLE]

This year it didn't fill up until a few weeks before the race. It varies from year to year though. I wouldn't expect it to fill earlier than the first of the year though.

Thank you!! I want to do it but DH is unemployed and I can't commit until he has a job so that is great news that I have time!

 

[elderfam]

I've had some issues with my knees in the past and when I run on the treadmill no problems..When I hit the road OUCH. It’s not all the time ?? But when it’s bad, I can’t run. I call them "crunchy" knees. They feel like i've got little stone behind my knee cap and they make a horrible gravel crunch sound.
I go to physical therapy for my back and they gave me the number for a sports medicine doc. Fantastic! My normal doctor had told me "it is what it is" Nothing to be done.
OH yes there is! Sports doc, said knees lined up pretty well and the arthritis is what she expects to see in a 30 yr old knee. Just my cartilage is dry. Yesterday I got my first shot of Orthovisc. You get 3 shots one week apart in one knee and then they do the other. Think of it as greasing the joints. Runners are suppose to love this stuff..Today I noticed my left knee isnt crunchy.
.I will keep you posted.