Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[johde]

I'm so happy to have found this thread! My cousin and I just decided a couple of weeks ago to do the Princess 1/2 Marathon, so I've started a walk-run routine.

I have a question for anyone following Jeff Galloway's routine for his 1/2 marathon for walkers/runners. On the days he has listed 30min run, I assume you walk/run until you are able to run for the full 30 minutes (regardless of distance). However, on the last day where you are assigned a distance, are you supposed to run that or walk/run the appropriate interval based on what speed you want to do the 1/2 marathon?

I havn't had time to read the whole thread so if the questions have already been answered just direct me to a page.
Thanks in advance!


Goooooo Princesses!

Galloway's plans are designed around run/walk. If you can run for 30min. you can on the short days but that's not a requirement. I'm signed up for the Disneyland Half in September(So please excuse me for lurking over here) as my fourth half and I'm still learning about it myself. In the "Goal Time" training plan for the Disneyland half he recommends the following. On Tuesday - After warm up, do 2-4 miles at goal pace doing an appropriate run/walk interval. But he also suggests trying a variety of intervals to see what you like best. The Long Runs are to be done 2 minutes per mile slower than goal pace at an appropriate run/walk ratio for that pace. Thursdays He recommends doing a warm up, Magic Mile (with or without walk breaks whichever is faster) then finish out the time at an easy pace.

If you aren't planning on using walk breaks during the race, I would strongly recommend you look at a different plan. Either Coach Jenny's Marathoning for Mortals, or Hal Higdon's beginner half marathon plan.

 

[diznmom]

I used Hal Higdon's plan to train for the Princess this year (my first half). I ran the entire race with the exception of one bathroom break in the Magic Kingdom, and walking through the water stations. I loved his program....very doable. I was an overweight, non-runner when I started.

 

[marathonmommy]

Jeff Galloway advocates always doing a walk/run combination. The intervals of walk vs run are up to you depending on your goal pace and your comfort level, but he will always have you doing a walk/run

He does say you can run the 30 minute ones.

 

[HockeyKat]

I went to a 1 hour seminar then a 3 hour clinic this Saturday, both run by Jeff Galloway himself. The seminar had a few hundred people, but the clinic had about 25 and he did a lot of Q&A.

Your 30 min twice a week can be whatever feels comfortable to you, intervals, running straight through, or some combination. You can also do distance, speedwork, or other drills rather than time if you are training for specific goals, but any of that is for people who have done a few races and want to improve their times.

He stressed a lot that the long runs should stick to the interval recommended for your pace, and that you should do NO MORE than the pace and intervals that are recommended. He said that for the long runs, you can never go too slow, only too fast.

If you go to his website and look at the half marathon training pages, there is a calculator for your "magic mile" and what your training pace and therefore interval should be for each type of race (half vs full).

The "magic mile" is something that you should test every 2-4 weeks, and is basically something that you test on a short run day. Warm up a half mile, do a mile that is hard for you but not super hard (intervals, straight through, whatever), and then cool down a half mile.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Finished my second 5k race yesterday! The Earth Day Run and my whole family, hubby, 16 yo son, 9 yo daughter and my 62 yo parents either ran or walked it to support me as well.

It was a beautiful morning, sunny and ran on a sidewalk thru fields and the forest! Gorgeous!

I took a minute and half off my total time since my last timed 5k. Down to a 12:23 pace. So I'm happy with that but want so badly to be in the 11's!

Happy Easter everyone!

Happy Easter to you, Kappy. That pace sounds fantastic! By the time the princess rolls around you could be in a 10 miles per minute pace.
I did my second 5k as well and kept a 13:40 mph pace. So I'm hoping to be
Where you are soon. We have come a long way and I look forward to us keep ongoing!! I hope you had a lovely Easter and congrats on your race!

 

[MamaWolf]

Finished my second 5k race yesterday! The Earth Day Run and my whole family, hubby, 16 yo son, 9 yo daughter and my 62 yo parents either ran or walked it to support me as well.

It was a beautiful morning, sunny and ran on a sidewalk thru fields and the forest! Gorgeous!

I took a minute and half off my total time since my last timed 5k. Down to a 12:23 pace. So I'm happy with that but want so badly to be in the 11's!

Happy Easter everyone!

Great job Kappy!! You are doing great! You'll break into those 11's in no time.

 

[kelly L]

For those that haven't read his book and had questions; IMO, if you really want to start running as a fun all the time hobby, Jeff Galloway’s “Book on Running” is a great start. He talks about how he got started, how to train, the way the muscles & body works with a little Psysiology. Tips on racing, keeping pace, and the “art of racing”. He speaks of the correct form of running, stretching, cross training, how to stay motivated mentally and drills. Injuries, food, shoe shopping, and more!

Along the way he talks about his running experiences, the Olympic training, helping his fellow Olypians with his past and tips on how to improve their times. Forty-plus years of running he has a lot of information to share and there are a couple funny little jokes and feel good stories in there.

I am the last person in the world any of my friends or family would expect to see reading a book, but this is one that I have read and I get something new out of it everytime I pick it up.
I have done the run/walk method (not for any races) and my times have always been the same as if I had run the whole time or if I put 4 walk breaks in there during a 5 mile run. I WAS totally shocked when I looked at my watch.

 

[TeresaZ]

Quick question for anyone who ran the 2011 princess 1/2 - by any chance do any of you remember the host hotels for the weekend?

THANKS!
T

 

[lisah0711]

I still want to participate in the 2012 Princess so I guess I'd better get my butt in gear! I have a long way to go... figuratively and literally!

You can do it! One step at a time, one bite at a time.

Finished my second 5k race yesterday! The Earth Day Run and my whole family, hubby, 16 yo son, 9 yo daughter and my 62 yo parents either ran or walked it to support me as well.

It was a beautiful morning, sunny and ran on a sidewalk thru fields and the forest! Gorgeous!

I took a minute and half off my total time since my last timed 5k. Down to a 12:23 pace. So I'm happy with that but want so badly to be in the 11's!

Happy Easter everyone!

on your 5K!

I went to a 1 hour seminar then a 3 hour clinic this Saturday, both run by Jeff Galloway himself. The seminar had a few hundred people, but the clinic had about 25 and he did a lot of Q&A.

Your 30 min twice a week can be whatever feels comfortable to you, intervals, running straight through, or some combination. You can also do distance, speedwork, or other drills rather than time if you are training for specific goals, but any of that is for people who have done a few races and want to improve their times.

He stressed a lot that the long runs should stick to the interval recommended for your pace, and that you should do NO MORE than the pace and intervals that are recommended. He said that for the long runs, you can never go too slow, only too fast.

If you go to his website and look at the half marathon training pages, there is a calculator for your "magic mile" and what your training pace and therefore interval should be for each type of race (half vs full).

The "magic mile" is something that you should test every 2-4 weeks, and is basically something that you test on a short run day. Warm up a half mile, do a mile that is hard for you but not super hard (intervals, straight through, whatever), and then cool down a half mile.

Thanks for telling us about this! I'm doing a 3 hour clinic in July with Galloway in MT so am interested to hear that you liked it.

Quick question for anyone who ran the 2011 princess 1/2 - by any chance do any of you remember the host hotels for the weekend?

THANKS!
T

All Star Sports
All Star Music
All Star Movies
Caribbean Beach Resort
Port Orleans (French Quarter and Riverside)
Old Key West
Polynesian
Animal Kingdom Lodge

It's on page 28 of the program here:

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/media/ewwos/pdf/Princess11Program.pdf

Hope that helps. Just because it was a resort this year doesn't mean it will be for 2012, though. I think it changes a bit from year to year.

 

[Michele325]

For those who have done the Princess in the past. How important is it to run a 10K for proof of time? I know it depends, but I have read a few different things (different years maybe?). Do you wind up in the last corral if you don't submit a time? I only have one 10K in the fall here locally. I am trying to decide if I really "need" to do it. It is a fast 10K. I will be one of the very last people to finish. I will do a few 5Ks this summer, but knowing if i am training for a 10 in Sept or not is something I feel I need to know mentally. I think it is a great idea for me to do it, but I need to know if I "need" to, lol. My best 5k time right now is 38 minutes (12:30/mile) so I am thinking I will do the half around 14/mile if I am lucky. I would like to build in a little cushion room not to get swept! What kind of 10K time would I need to put to not be in the last corral anyway?

 

[dthogue]

304 Days til the 1/2 Marathon​

Just in case you are counting!!!

A little bummed here to day - I was running a 5k on Saturday and in my mind, I was doing so well - feeling good and maintaining my pace, then low and behold I planted my foot and "pop/crack" on the outside of my right foot. Immediate pain on the side and I had to hobble to the finish line. The pain is a little better today, but it still hurts when I put pressure on it. Going to the ortho dr later this afternoon - not sure if its plantar facsciitis rearing its ugly head, but from what I understand that is more heal pain (I've had it in both feet) and this pain is on the side or maybe a stress fracture. I am so upset and keep thinking that maybe this running thing is just not for me. I'm not ready to give up yet, but this set back is very disappointing

 

[princess.april120]

304 Days til the 1/2 Marathon​

Just in case you are counting!!!

A little bummed here to day - I was running a 5k on Saturday and in my mind, I was doing so well - feeling good and maintaining my pace, then low and behold I planted my foot and "pop/crack" on the outside of my right foot. Immediate pain on the side and I had to hobble to the finish line. The pain is a little better today, but it still hurts when I put pressure on it. Going to the ortho dr later this afternoon - not sure if its plantar facsciitis rearing its ugly head, but from what I understand that is more heal pain (I've had it in both feet) and this pain is on the side or maybe a stress fracture. I am so upset and keep thinking that maybe this running thing is just not for me. I'm not ready to give up yet, but this set back is very disappointing

OH, girl! I am so sorry about your injury!! Please let us know what news you get from the doc...
And btw, you can't quit...you in particular have been so inspiring to me. You have come so far already since you've started your training. I am just beginning but I too am slogging along... But most of all, take care of yourself, be healthy. We will all be keeping our fingers crossed this is just a little "bump in the road". Keep us posted....

 

[TeresaZ]

Thank you!! I know they may not be the same, just wanted to kinda get a feel for what they MIGHT do! We went this past year but stayed with a friend, really want to stay on property this year.

You can do it! One step at a time, one bite at a time.



on your 5K!



Thanks for telling us about this! I'm doing a 3 hour clinic in July with Galloway in MT so am interested to hear that you liked it.



All Star Sports
All Star Music
All Star Movies
Caribbean Beach Resort
Port Orleans (French Quarter and Riverside)
Old Key West
Polynesian
Animal Kingdom Lodge

It's on page 28 of the program here:

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/media/ewwos/pdf/Princess11Program.pdf

Hope that helps. Just because it was a resort this year doesn't mean it will be for 2012, though. I think it changes a bit from year to year.

 

[Cripey]

For those who have done the Princess in the past. How important is it to run a 10K for proof of time? I know it depends, but I have read a few different things (different years maybe?). Do you wind up in the last corral if you don't submit a time? I only have one 10K in the fall here locally. I am trying to decide if I really "need" to do it. It is a fast 10K. I will be one of the very last people to finish. I will do a few 5Ks this summer, but knowing if i am training for a 10 in Sept or not is something I feel I need to know mentally. I think it is a great idea for me to do it, but I need to know if I "need" to, lol. My best 5k time right now is 38 minutes (12:30/mile) so I am thinking I will do the half around 14/mile if I am lucky. I would like to build in a little cushion room not to get swept! What kind of 10K time would I need to put to not be in the last corral anyway?

I think you only "need" to provide proof of time if you plan to put down an expected finish time of 2:45 or less. If your expected finish time is greater than 2:45 they will not require you to prove that with a time from another race. I don't think that automatically puts you in the last corral though, you may be in the next to the last...it's really hard to tell. It will all kind of depend on the total number of runners and their expected times too. I ran a 10K last year for proof in 1:07 and based on that, they gave me a 2:15 expected finish time (which I thought was extrememly generous...not sure what kind of calculators they used!)...I was placed in corral B.

 

[Michele325]

Thanks! That is great info. I thought I read that here, but couldn't find it again. Now I have a choice to do the 10K or not. Not sure having a choice is always a good thing though! I will see where I am in my training by then.

 

[princess.april120]

Can any of you fabulous veterans give us some information about the tracking system for your families/cheerleaders who want to see you along the race? Also, any info about great spots to cheer from?

Thanks!

 

[Cripey]

Can any of you fabulous veterans give us some information about the tracking system for your families/cheerleaders who want to see you along the race? Also, any info about great spots to cheer from?

Thanks!

Closer to race day, they will post a link on the website where you can register cell phone numbers to get text message updates on your progress. There will also be stations set up at the expo to do this, I think. Phone numbers that are registered will receive a few texts at certain points during the race and when you cross the finish line...they will include your time at that particular distance, your current pace, and what your expected finish time will be based on that pace. I have to add that if you have family there at the race waiting to see you, please do not let them rely solely on these texts to know what time they need to be somewhere...in the last few years of cheering my BF on, the service has been spotty. One race I didn't get ANY texts until we were on the elevator going back up to our room AFTER the race! Your cheerleaders should know roughly what your pace will be and you should be able to estimate what time you will cross the start line after you get your corral assignment at the expo. BUT, if the texts work properly, it's a great tool! They will also post a handy spectator tool on the race website that will allow you to enter your expected pace and then it will suggest places for your cheerleaders...complete with instructions on how to get from one place to another, how long it will take THEM to get there, and at what time you should arrive there based on the estimated pace. Main Street is a fun place to watch, the ticket & transportation is a good spot too...and easy to get to. Also, outside of the GF is good....and don't forget the finish line...that's the best! Lots of excitement there!

 

[princess.april120]

Thank you so much! My motivation for this race is having my DS, who will be 4 at the time, have his first "magical experience" at Disney the same time he sees him mommy running & finishing a half-marathon. Being able to see him along the way will certainly keep me motivated while I am out there!

 

[saysay]

Watched a great movie this weekend to inspire training.... Spirit of the Marathon. It follows 6 people training for the Chicago Marathon, 2 elite runners and then just regular people. It was really motivating to me to get me running again. Its on Netflix, enjoy!

I felt my princess 1/2 emotions returning as I watched it.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

I'm another step closer to starting running. I just went today and bought some new running shoes, and I got a running water bottle (I tend to parch easily). I just need to get myself an iPhone armband and I will be all set... I'm planning on starting next Monday.