Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[Cripey]

Hi gang- I will be running the princess with my sis in law and just found out she will not be in until Saturday evening before the race. Does anyone know if I will be able to pick up her race kit and bib? Do I need a letter from her etc?

I'm booking my airfare sometime this week and its over $500 to get from Oregon to mco! I'm worried it's only going to go higher. Holy cow!

On a lighter note only did two miles today but paced out at 11:27! Hello 11's it's nice to meet you!!

Hope you all are well,
Michele

YES! Nearer to race day they will post an authorization form for that. You just download it, print it, and have her sign it. Then bring it with you along with a copy of her signed race waiver and a copy of her photo i.d. and you'll be able to get the stuff for her.

UGH, I hear ya on the airfare! I'm looking at having to book a flight to DL in September, WDW in October and then DL in January and they are all super high right now...I'm holding out at the moment!

 

[freepixie]

BIG QUESTION Just cause I don't know!

OK they want you to keep a pace of 1 mi in 16 min. which I can do easy! But what about if you stop to take pics with characters, go potty, get distracted, etc. that would mess around with that pace, so would I need to compensate for that? I'm not going for a record by any means, I will just be happy to compete in it, I'm not caring about times at all, but will they not give me a medal if I show up too late at the finish line? Cause I really want that medal!!

Thanks

 

[tinkeramy]

BIG QUESTION Just cause I don't know!

OK they want you to keep a pace of 1 mi in 16 min. which I can do easy! But what about if you stop to take pics with characters, go potty, get distracted, etc. that would mess around with that pace, so would I need to compensate for that? I'm not going for a record by any means, I will just be happy to compete in it, I'm not caring about times at all, but will they not give me a medal if I show up too late at the finish line? Cause I really want that medal!!

Thanks

I believe you would need to compensate for any stops you make. The bottom line is that you need to keep ahead of "the sweeper" - the staff person in the back that goes at the absolute minimum pace. If he / she gets ahead of you, you could get picked up at any time. As far as the medal, there is no "too late". If you don't keep the pace required, you get picked up by a van / bus and get transported to the finish line. No medal. So, you're best bet would be to try your hardest on an upcoming 10K to submit a proof of time that will keep you out of the last corral- that at least buys you a little bit of time. And then train for at least a 15 mm pace so you have that little bit of cushion.

 

[tinkeramy]

SO excited & had to share - I was bummed b/c it seemed like everyone I knew got picked for the lottery entries into the Peachtree Road Race (local 10K on the 4th of July; one of the biggest in the country) and my husband and I didn't. Today he gets notification that he won 2 free entries to the race from the local newspaper!!!! Although I think I will pass on submitting this one for my proof of time - very hilly, and July in Atlanta isn't conducive to PRs!! You do this one more for the tradition of it, and I have grown up here and never run it. (Now let's hope that whatever is wrong with my leg will be fine by then!!!)

Thanks for letting me share!

 

[fashionista311]

I am registered for my first 5k on May 28th. Ive been following Couch to 5K and love it ... prior I was a failed runnger ... jogger ... poor mover! Now I feel like I have a better understanding of how to do it all ... and I am motivated! I've been training on a treadmill ... am going to start on the road with a runners watch for pacing tomorrow (getting the watch tonight ... that was my reasoning for the treadmill ... gaining a better understanding of my pace).

How different is treadmill vs. road running? Am I in for a huge frightening surprise? Live in Houston TX soo flatttttt roads!

Cant wait for the Princess Half ... doing some 5ks in the summer and joining a running club to prepare!! May not be the best ... just wanting to be the best I can be (and a princess for 13.1 miles!!!)!!!!

Good for you! Technically the treadmill is easier with the moving belt and no wind - but I find I still go faster on the roads, hills and all. For example - Today I was dying on 6.3 (9:30 mile) but two weeks ago I averaged a 8:49 pace in hilly central park

Let's face it - if any of us were actually the best we would be elite runners and not have to worry about day jobs! I totally here you on trying to be the best runners we can be in our own context

 

[MamaWolf]

SO excited & had to share - I was bummed b/c it seemed like everyone I knew got picked for the lottery entries into the Peachtree Road Race (local 10K on the 4th of July; one of the biggest in the country) and my husband and I didn't. Today he gets notification that he won 2 free entries to the race from the local newspaper!!!! Although I think I will pass on submitting this one for my proof of time - very hilly, and July in Atlanta isn't conducive to PRs!! You do this one more for the tradition of it, and I have grown up here and never run it. (Now let's hope that whatever is wrong with my leg will be fine by then!!!)

Thanks for letting me share!

Congrats, Amy, that's awesome. Yes just go out and enjoy yourself!

 

[MamaWolf]

Hi gang- I will be running the princess with my sis in law and just found out she will not be in until Saturday evening before the race. Does anyone know if I will be able to pick up her race kit and bib? Do I need a letter from her etc?

I'm booking my airfare sometime this week and its over $500 to get from Oregon to mco! I'm worried it's only going to go higher. Holy cow!

On a lighter note only did two miles today but paced out at 11:27! Hello 11's it's nice to meet you!!

Hope you all are well,
Michele

So happy to see those 11's! Great job Michele!

Ohh ohh those plane tickets Those stupid plane tickets are probably what's going to force hubby and I to drive. It'll be a long drive but it's better than spending $600+ on plane tickets at the moment. If for some reason they get better you'll get them but right now we are planning on driving.

 

[freepixie]

I believe you would need to compensate for any stops you make. The bottom line is that you need to keep ahead of "the sweeper" - the staff person in the back that goes at the absolute minimum pace. If he / she gets ahead of you, you could get picked up at any time. As far as the medal, there is no "too late". If you don't keep the pace required, you get picked up by a van / bus and get transported to the finish line. No medal. So, you're best bet would be to try your hardest on an upcoming 10K to submit a proof of time that will keep you out of the last corral- that at least buys you a little bit of time. And then train for at least a 15 mm pace so you have that little bit of cushion.

Thank you thank you thank you!!! That is what i figured, and I will train hard so I can keep up a great pace so I can enjoy a few of the characters and still get that medal!!

Thanks so much for your help

 

[elderfam]

Subbing to this thread - haven't had a chance to read it all, but I plan to! I am really hoping to do this! At first I was thinking of doing the Tinkerbell in DL but we've never been to DL so I started looking into this one more and I like it!! I'm starting to train hard - I'm up to 4.0 mi. in under an hour so I think my timing will be OK if I can keep up that pace - I'm really more of a power-walker, I might try a little bit of a jog but I really cannot do a true run, but I'm working to keep up that pace. I am happy for this thread to keep checking in and asking my millions of questions and find out what is going on!

Just have to get it together physically and financially - I so want to do this! And I will do this!!!!

Welcome! Keep up the great training! Fantastic that your coming from Japan! I lived there for a year and LOVED it! Do you have friends coming to run with you?

Run 2 down! Still on the 28.5 minute runs (8 of which were the actual running), but I ran 2.2 miles. That's just weird for me to say. I'm not a runner. Yet.

Say it with Pride! You ARE a runner!

I am so excited to find this thread! I have decided that I AM going to do this race in 2012. It will more than likely just be me and my daughter going down so I'm going to have to figure out childcare (maybe Kids Nite Out or something similar) but I'm so excited! Looking forward to getting to know many of you leading up to the big event!!!

Welcome!

Weird (possible ) injury question: Even since slightly before the 2011 Princess, I have had a nagging feeling in my left leg. My left calf is consistently tight and when I am not running, I sometimes feel a soreness to the right of my shin, about halfway down my leg. The odd thing is, it doesn't really hurt while running. It's hurts afterward, and sometimes when my 2 y.o. bounces down on my lap with that leg tucked under me, it hurts. I have a 5K this weekend (fundraiser for ALS in memory of my MIL) but after this I think I'm going to a doc. I figure, it it's something that's going to put me out of comission for several weeks, do it now while it's getting hot and way before I need to really train for the Princess. But I just wanted to put it out there to see if anyone else more experienced had any idea what this could be!!!

Thanks!

I have had something like that going on and was advised to go to a good running store and have them fit me for the right shoes, it could be you just need an insert. Good Luck

Which GU pack did you use? I am new to running and would like to try something to give me a boost.

GU energy gel Vanilla bean w/ caffeine. Its a little thick, so try to get it down before a water station. I need to swish water in my mouth shortly after. I also really like the energy beans. Cherry with caffeine yum
I will be trying others and will let you know what I think of them.,

Here's what I've discovered on week 7.
First--I am almost 50 and there is a family history of osteoarthritis. My major problems are right foot, left knee, left hip with some in my hands as well. I also have some cervical issues (bone spurs and herniated disks). The arthritis problems started for me in my late 30s.

I havve a similar plan of attack--hold off on any major purchases until I can run a 5K (early June) and listen carefully to my body. I'm on week 7 and at this point my "long run" is 5 miles. What I have discovered is that for me--recovery days are critical. I am using Gallaway run-walk method--even for a 5K and that is important for me. I ice my knee as soon as I come back and also use an anti-inflammatory gel. If the knee is still stiff that evening--I do ice, heat and end with ice. The heat helps with arthritis type pain.

And I wait 48 hours between runs. The good news--there is evidently some muscle re-training going on. I forgot to ice last Saturday since I was running late and by Saturday night was good to go. And this week there has been no knee difficulty after my 30 minute runs.

Good luck!!!

Have you tried any of the compression clothes. I wear them when I run and I have NEVER have sore legs....not once! Might help.

I am registered for my first 5k on May 28th. Ive been following Couch to 5K and love it ... prior I was a failed runnger ... jogger ... poor mover! Now I feel like I have a better understanding of how to do it all ... and I am motivated! I've been training on a treadmill ... am going to start on the road with a runners watch for pacing tomorrow (getting the watch tonight ... that was my reasoning for the treadmill ... gaining a better understanding of my pace).

How different is treadmill vs. road running? Am I in for a huge frightening surprise? Live in Houston TX soo flatttttt roads!

Cant wait for the Princess Half ... doing some 5ks in the summer and joining a running club to prepare!! May not be the best ... just wanting to be the best I can be (and a princess for 13.1 miles!!!)!!!!

I do a lot of my running on the treadmill (back doc wants to keep me off the road as much as possible.) I have found that If I keep it on an elevation of nothing less that 2 it will make the road feel easier.


Cheers for all the Mommys getting out there showing our daughters how to get it done! Happy Mother Day!

 

[svwkirby]

We're in Tampa now and mostly settled other than a few boxes (including the one with my running shoes). I'm getting frustrated though with figuring out times and where to run as well as wanting to sign up for something but not sure how scheduling will work out. I had just reached the point of being comfortable leaving the boys (11 and 8) alone while I went for my short runs in Tallahassee, but not sure about it in this large of a city. Then there's the whole DH and I like to run, especially races, together but there's no one here to leave the boys with for us to run a 5K at this point. I did find several here that I'd like to do, just have to work out the logistics.

Can't wait for July 5 to register for the Princess 1/2, unless we decide to run through Team in Training, then I guess we register through them at some point. I'm seriously considering running the Wine & Dine 1/2 through them this year although that messes up the Princess being my first 1/2.

 

[freepixie]

Welcome! Keep up the great training! Fantastic that your coming from Japan! I lived there for a year and LOVED it! Do you have friends coming to run with you?

Um, I'm not living in Japan, I probably should change my location thingy, a lot of people on here have assumed I'm in Japan but I'm not, I live in PA - I hope to get to Japan someday, that is my biggest dream and I will get there someday! That's why I wrote on there that mentally, I'm in Japan

 

[mof]

Hi everyone,

Well, I booked the hotel and now I just have to register but I am not sure if I want to do the Goofey or the Full Marathon. I trained last year to do a full and ended up with a knee injury (my stupid mistake of not using the proper shoes!) so I was never able to do one.
How realistic would it be for me to train for a half marathon in September and then attempt the Goofey?

Also, everyone is talking about tents, times, etc... and this is all new to me. Considering there will be over 20,000 people, is it fairly well organized for someone like me who doesn't have a running partner and who has never experienced any of this?

I also read someone mentionning doing a 10k for proof of time so that we could possibly move up closer to the start line... What should I aim for at a 10k as proof of time to get "bumped" up at Disney?

I'll probably be asking lots more questions people so be patient with me!

 

[elderfam]

Um, I'm not living in Japan, I probably should change my location thingy, a lot of people on here have assumed I'm in Japan but I'm not, I live in PA - I hope to get to Japan someday, that is my biggest dream and I will get there someday! That's why I wrote on there that mentally, I'm in Japan

Thats awesome! LOL How cool would it be if they have a marathon at Tokyo Disney? Instead of the Coast to Coast, they could have an "around the world" medal!

Hi everyone,

Well, I booked the hotel and now I just have to register but I am not sure if I want to do the Goofey or the Full Marathon. I trained last year to do a full and ended up with a knee injury (my stupid mistake of not using the proper shoes!) so I was never able to do one.
How realistic would it be for me to train for a half marathon in September and then attempt the Goofey?

Also, everyone is talking about tents, times, etc... and this is all new to me. Considering there will be over 20,000 people, is it fairly well organized for someone like me who doesn't have a running partner and who has never experienced any of this?

I also read someone mentionning doing a 10k for proof of time so that we could possibly move up closer to the start line... What should I aim for at a 10k as proof of time to get "bumped" up at Disney?

I'll probably be asking lots more questions people so be patient with me!

I think doing the half in September and then doing the Goofy would really depend on where you are in your training. I think the Goofy is pretty hard core. Half Marathon one day and a Full Marathon the next.
I'm running a 10K on 7/30 just to have a time to submit. I think they require time proof if you run an 11 min mile or less. (someone else may want to jump in here if I'm wrong.)
I was at disney to support a friend for the princess this year, and was so surprised at the spirit of sisterhood! Thats when my marathon switch was flipped on. There a few good videos on YouTube.com of the race. I think I would be comfortable going down on my own. Go For IT!

 

[elderfam]

On the fence about how great my idea is or how AWFUL it will turn out to be.

So I'm looking in the mirror (dreaded swimsuit review) and my legs and rear end look really good...as in I see some muscle! But my core....not so good. Still will be wearing my swimdress again this year.

So my crazy "cross training idea" was to download Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. This is how I started my day. OMG I THOUGHT I was is reasonably good shape..HA HA HA HA..ya..not. My little leggies and armies shook for 20 min when I was done. Abs, yup this program will get them for you. While I am ever so much more sore that from running, I will continue with the program. What I really learned was that I could be much stronger than I am.

If it really works I will let you know in a month!

 

[stitchfan18]

Anyone else who has started into longer distances notice that their ability to race shorter distances (5k's) is gone? I've noticed that the first couple miles are hard every time I go run, and then around mile two something clicks and I feel like I could run for days... I set my 5k pr last October of 27:45, and the last 5k I ran (I've only run one since I started running 1/2's) was about 45 seconds slower, and I felt completely out of gas at the end. On the other hand, my first 1/2 in November was run in 2:20, and I've managed to take 10 minutes off of that time since then. I'm just curious if this has happened to others, gain endurance to run a 1/2, but lose endurance to run fast for shorter distances...

 

[freepixie]

OK another question for you experts! On race day, do you wear sunscreen? I have been looking at pics and see that at least this year it was a very sunny morning. But I'm also thinking if I wear sunscreen, I think I will sweat it all off running! What do you guys do??

 

[slp1650]

Anyone else who has started into longer distances notice that their ability to race shorter distances (5k's) is gone? I've noticed that the first couple miles are hard every time I go run, and then around mile two something clicks and I feel like I could run for days... I set my 5k pr last October of 27:45, and the last 5k I ran (I've only run one since I started running 1/2's) was about 45 seconds slower, and I felt completely out of gas at the end. On the other hand, my first 1/2 in November was run in 2:20, and I've managed to take 10 minutes off of that time since then. I'm just curious if this has happened to others, gain endurance to run a 1/2, but lose endurance to run fast for shorter distances...

Coming from the point of view of a distance swimmer... that is definitely what happens, at least in my eyes. I could swim FOREVER, and now I can run for a while (not as long as swimming, but still an endurance length). However, sprinting seems to be pretty much impossible for me. I have to be in a good distance set in order to pace myself into any sprint times typically. Now with running I've never been the best, but I've been able to do it. Shorter runs have never been my thing and I don't plan on ever really training for it. I'll do as I did in swimming, get a time for a shorter event in a longer race.

OK another question for you experts! On race day, do you wear sunscreen? I have been looking at pics and see that at least this year it was a very sunny morning. But I'm also thinking if I wear sunscreen, I think I will sweat it all off running! What do you guys do??

I haven't been wearing sunscreen, but I do need to. What I would do is put on the sunscreen as soon as you wake up and are getting ready. This will let the sunscreen absorb into your skin better and won't wash off as easily or quickly as if you put it on and started running and sweating it off. Considering the race is pretty long and you will probably be sweating a lot, you probably will still get a little red, but nothing too terrible.

 

[ban26ana]

Hey everyone! I haven't been on this thread since I said pages and pages ago that I was in for another Princess! My dh was in a car accident at work a few weeks ago and got pretty hurt. He just had knee surgery on Wednesday, so he's really sore still. And of course immobile. He has an appointment with the neurosurgeon soon to talk about possible back surgery. I feel so bad that he's in so much pain. So he's obviously going to be off work for a while. We've been talking the past few days, and we think we're going to try for a family WDW vacation as soon as he heals a little! He'll probably have to be in a scooter, but I'm so excited to take my girls!!

In other big news, I'm doing the Disneyland Half I can't believe less than a year ago I couldn't run to the end of my driveway. Now I'm signing up for races left and right. And because of our family trip, the DL Half, and the Princess, I'm just going to buy a Premier Passport. It makes sense financially. But with that, I'm now rationalizing entering more Disney races. Because, you know, I've already paid for admission to the park.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms!!

 

[HockeyKat]

OK another question for you experts! On race day, do you wear sunscreen? I have been looking at pics and see that at least this year it was a very sunny morning. But I'm also thinking if I wear sunscreen, I think I will sweat it all off running! What do you guys do??

Try Bull Frog brand Quick Gel. It will burn a bit on your face but won't sweat off.

I am extremely fair skinned so sunscreen is NOT optional for me, not even on training runs.

 

[slp1650]

In other big news, I'm doing the Disneyland Half I can't believe less than a year ago I couldn't run to the end of my driveway. Now I'm signing up for races left and right. And because of our family trip, the DL Half, and the Princess, I'm just going to buy a Premier Passport. It makes sense financially. But with that, I'm now rationalizing entering more Disney races. Because, you know, I've already paid for admission to the park.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms!!

I'm signed up for the Disneyland Half as well and just got permission from my internship to come back for it!

My parents and I live close to Disneyland and I will be working at Disney World in about a month's time, so there will be even more traveling between the parks. We have the premium pass and have found that it has been one of the best investments we've made- Disney related. Well that and the DVC's