Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[marathonmommy]

Are you planning one 1/2 a month, or one race in general a month? I did the same thing last year with shorter distances and one 1/2, and it totally worked. I didn't run a race in August or December because of scheduling, and of course those months I totally slacked off. I'm planning to do the same thing this year to keep myself on track for Goofy in January. This year I have a lot more 1/2's on my schedules and a couple full marathons. I need a race for July, November, and December still though.

Yes, I am going to try to find a Half each month - but I may settle for a 10 miler now and then! LOL!

March - National Half: Washington DC
April - Island 2 Island: Ocean City, MD

When I figure out the others I will keep you posted!

 

[stitchfan18]

Yes, I am going to try to find a Half each month - but I may settle for a 10 miler now and then! LOL!

March - National Half: Washington DC
April - Island 2 Island: Ocean City, MD

When I figure out the others I will keep you posted!

I wish we had more 1/2's around here to run. DH isn't a fan of the weekend running trip idea. He already complains about paying to run races instead of running for free on my own

 

[stampingoddess]

I am shooting for one a month. I already have March and April set. If I dont have races planned/goals set, I know I won't get out there like I should. I will make too many excuses. So, I trick myself . . . I'm so slick.

I'm doing a half marathon a month this year. My January and February races were the two Disney halfs and I'm looking forward to the rest of my races this year. My March race is coming up a week from today.

 

[stampingoddess]

For the Disney moms who think they can't do the half...you can! I could barely walk a mile and was 50 pounds overweight in January 2010. With a lot of determination and some 5Ks and 10Ks over the course of the year I lost the weight and finished the Disney Princess last month in 2 hours 38 minutes. Keep the faith...I know you can do it!

Wow, great accomplishment. Hats off to you.

 

[marathonmommy]

I wish we had more 1/2's around here to run. DH isn't a fan of the weekend running trip idea. He already complains about paying to run races instead of running for free on my own

I'm not quite sure if my hubby understands all of the ins and outs of what's involved. Most will require at least a one night stay for early starts. He does know it's something to keep me going and hasn't really complained yet. I lost over 60 pounds, so that's probably part of why . . . I did fine quite a few that were somewhat local (about a 2 hour drive), which is good.

 

[marathonmommy]

I'm doing a half marathon a month this year. My January and February races were the two Disney halfs and I'm looking forward to the rest of my races this year. My March race is coming up a week from today.

Which one in March? Keep us posted!

I've been so inspired by the Princess board, that I've started a blog. I'm almost caught up to the Princess race and should be ready to publish in a few days . . . I'm not the blogging type, but the princesses on here motivated me.

 

[MamaWolf]

Seriously thinking about this... just not sure yet about the funds to do so... and the fact I've never run more than 6 miles and that was more than 15 years ago. hahaha Also the matter of who to do this with... DH or some girlfriends... BUT yes I am more on the doing this side.
Just trying to figure out where to start on training

 

[DisnyMik]

Good luck today Kappy!!! I run my first a week from today, so I feel you on the nerves! You are going to do great!

AFM- I ran my first practice 5k on Friday and while I managed a passable time, on one of my water breaks, I looked at DH and told him I was struggling and (we had only gone 2.5 miles), there was no way I'd be able to complete a half. I know I have lots of time, but after that run, 13.1 seems like it might as well be 131!

Now I'm feeling like poo, stupid head cold, but I'm still going to try to run something today. And where the heck did DST come from

Hey Mama Dis! I just saw that you are from Lebanon! I am from Middletown! Wow, small world!

I am not a runner - in fact, I hate it, but we started training in Sept.'10 for the Princess 1/2. My DD and I did it and my goal was just to finish. My time was 3:21 and I was happy with that! As you know, our winter was a bad one and we had to do most of our training on the treadmill. We also battled illnesses that kept us from walking/running for several weeks.

I agree w/those that say anyone can do it! I do not like running at all, I am not athletic in the least bit, however, I did it! I am thinking about doing it again next year - we'll see. It was fun looking back on it now. At the time I questioned my sanity! Actually, all winter while training I questioned my sanity!

 

[dthogue]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

 

[Cripey]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I trained for the Princess half (my first half marathon) last year using an interval suggested by a trainer that I crosstrain with...it's a pretty simple, distance-based interval. Run one mile, walk 100 steps, run to the next mile mark, walk 100 steps, etc. Of course this requires you to either have some sort of pedometer, garmin-type watch, or run on a distance marked path, but it worked great for me and I plan to continue training this way for my next race. I used this interval all the way through and finished the Princess in 2:32:09.

 

[Danhockey04]

I ran straight through the Princess, had a 2:00:37 time. I just ran 20.43 miles at a 9:48 pace yesterday, my legs are a little sore now, but I ran 20 of those miles. I am training for Goofy and I know for sure I will walk and run in those races, more walking in Donald and going for a good split in Mickey. But next year, I may try to run/walk a little more in Princess to improve my time, giving me more energy at the end. I am looking at running the race, but walk during the water stops and a little before/after. Not much walking time, but enough to store energy and hope to regain some.

 

[rubato]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I do both. I did Goofy this year and I ran flat out in the half (1:48 finish), and the next day I did a run 10 min. /walk 1 rmin. ratio for the full. My 11 year old son and I are training for his first run, a 10k, with a run 4 min./ walk 1 min. ratio. I think it's good to start with the 1/1 and work up, if you are feeling good. It's easy to just add a minute to the run portion each run until you get to the right ratio for you.

 

[disneygirlRN]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I bought a jeff galloway pacer from the expo for $20, and I LOVE it...you set the intervals for what pace you want to go. I have congenital hip dysplasia and Jeff told me to start with running 10sec and walking 45sec, and not go any more than 30/30 for a while. I used it for the Royal Family 5k and again this past weekend for our St. Paddy's Day 5k. It has a light beep, high beep and vibrating mode...or you can have it beep and vibrate. Also, when Jeff did his talk at the expo he explained that your pace depends on your mile/min...(i.e. for a 9min/mile you do 3:1 or whatever..) I believe he said that was in one of his books. I love the pacer and I think it really helps to do the run/walk/run method, so I'm not killing my legs. Hope that helps a little
Jess

 

[MaMa3Princess]

I trained for the Princess half (my first half marathon) last year using an interval suggested by a trainer that I crosstrain with...it's a pretty simple, distance-based interval. Run one mile, walk 100 steps, run to the next mile mark, walk 100 steps, etc. Of course this requires you to either have some sort of pedometer, garmin-type watch, or run on a distance marked path, but it worked great for me and I plan to continue training this way for my next race. I used this interval all the way through and finished the Princess in 2:32:09.

Wow what a great time! Again did you start out running like that or did you progress into that?


I am such a newbie runner but I got my best time doing 3/2, I have tried 2/2, 3/2,4/1 and my best mph is at 3/2. But again I am brand spanking new wet behind the ears to running. I did have a blast at our running store. Boy was I way off in my shoe selection I thought I was a Nike girl but I am in Saucony 1 size bigger and I ran pain free today ! I have set my first goal to do a 5k in April. Moving right along

 

[Cripey]

Wow what a great time! Again did you start out running like that or did you progress into that?


I am such a newbie runner but I got my best time doing 3/2, I have tried 2/2, 3/2,4/1 and my best mph is at 3/2. But again I am brand spanking new wet behind the ears to running. I did have a blast at our running store. Boy was I way off in my shoe selection I thought I was a Nike girl but I am in Saucony 1 size bigger and I ran pain free today ! I have set my first goal to do a 5k in April. Moving right along

I definitely progressed into that...I was never a runner. In Feb of 2010, I started a "beginner" boot camp class just to get in shape...started out once a week and then on a few other days I would go and do a brisk 3 mile walk...as "brisk" as I could manage. A couple months later, I was the only woman standing in my beginner class...so she combined me into her more advanced class and just told me to take it at my own pace, made alot of modifications for me, etc. (Now I can hang with all of them though!!) Luckily, it's a great group of people and they were very encouraging...I went to 2 classes per week and continued my 3 mile brisk walk a few times a week as well. Gradually, my fitness was getting better and during my 3 mile walk, I tried a little jogging...I would jog from one light pole to the next and then walk for 2 or 3 light poles...eventually working up to being able to get all the way around the 3 mile loop jogging one pole, walking one pole, and so on. Then in July I decided I was going to sign up for the Princess the day registration opened up. At that point was when my trainer said to start doing the loop with 1 mile jog/ walk 100 steps, twice a week. Of course, there was no way I could run a mile at that point yet, but she had me throw in short 50 step walk breaks when I needed them and eventually I worked my way up to being able to do all my runs with the 1 mile/100 step pattern. It took a while, and didn't help much that I decided to start running in JULY in TEXAS...what a nightmare! DUH! But I figured if I could get through that, I could get through anything!

 

[slp1650]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

My triathlon coach had me start with straight walking... and then I would run a few steps... and then a bit longer. I got up to the point I was running the 3-2 miles comfortably. Now I stay at about a 4 mile base usually. On my longer runs I do walk on occasion. I also have an ankle injury I'm still working on (almost 8 months now and counting) and I also have to be careful with my knees. Typically, I walk up hills and sometimes down and run most of the flat areas, although that can change. I really just go out and try to be relaxed and have a good run. I try and go out for certain distances or amount of time and if I have to walk then I have to walk.

 

[saysay]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I completed the princess and was training based on my pace when I finished Couch to 5k - 2/1 ratio. 10 years ago I completed 2 half marathons with a galloway group..the first I think i did 1/1 and the second was more like 3/1.

I was getting ready to up my running when I had to deal with an injury. The good news is I was able to finish the race and I think I did my 2/1 intervals for 8 miles then had to start walking more.

I use an app on my ipod touch that tells me when to walk and when to run...its programable so you can set whatever time you need. For the princess, I actually had 3 times programmed 2/1, 1/1 and 30sec/1min....just in case. It makes it SO easy to not have to look at your watch and THINK about it. I had a sports watch 10 years ago when I did the other 1/2 marathons that I could program to beep when it was time to change.

I would not consider myself athletic, never have been. I just followed the program and was able to finish. I love the walk breaks, breaks up the monotony of running.

You can always tweak your intervals to what works for you. My friend runs a 10 minute mile and she was running a mile and walking for a minute....again, whatever works.

Good luck!

 

[Swmr359]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I do 2/2, I have my watch set up to beep every 2 minutes. I choose 2/2 becuse my watch isn't advanced enough to do more than one time; I could do a run 2 walk 1 interval but my watch can't so I don't On bad days I do a double walk about 1/2 way through the run. I probably would have given up running if I hadn't found Jeff Galloway's book; I just can't run straight through!

 

[kappyfamily]

Wow what a great time! Again did you start out running like that or did you progress into that?


I am such a newbie runner but I got my best time doing 3/2, I have tried 2/2, 3/2,4/1 and my best mph is at 3/2. But again I am brand spanking new wet behind the ears to running. I did have a blast at our running store. Boy was I way off in my shoe selection I thought I was a Nike girl but I am in Saucony 1 size bigger and I ran pain free today ! I have set my first goal to do a 5k in April. Moving right along

Living in "nike country" here in Oregon, "Nike headquarters is 2 minutes from house", so I was surprised too that I did not end up buying them. I went for the Brooks and love them! Saucony's are great as well!

 

[chimera]

For those of you who ran the Princess this year, or are in training for a 1/2 marathon in general (or training for the Princess) do you use the run/walk ratio to complete your races? I see many people saying they have trouble with 2-3 miles (like I do), but don't mention whether they are trying to run straight through and run/walk.

I was wondering if you do use the run/walk ratio - what ratio you use? I am starting with Jeff Galloway's plan and he suggests a 1/1, but that seems insane and that I will constantly be checking my watch - I was wondering what works for others and how you decided on the ratio you would run?

I've never 'run' an entire half

My intervals depend on where I am in training. This has been a weird, slow, ill and injured year, so I'm at a R3/W1 these days. My PR came with a R4/W1.

There are a couple ways to ease into the interval training. Many of us here used John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals plan, which starts you at R1/W4, then slowly increases the run intervals. Galloway has lots of options...I agree the R1/W1 is too frenetic for me. I've had some success with the R2/W1 he recommends, but I like the slightly longer running intervals better so I'm not constantly wondering if it's time to stop yet.

At this point, you have plenty of time. You can try a couple different methods and see which one you like best before you settle on a training plan for Princess.