Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[freepixie]

Hi guys-

Hope you all are well! I'm so "darn" frustrated! I have been doing so great and thought my shin splints were gone and even got my 2 mile pace down in the low 11's and now my shins are killing me again. I've taken seven days off from any walking or running. I'm so bummed because finally the "want" to run is there for the first time in my life but the body ain't......

I've been good about icing and foam rolling them, new shoes as well. Now with the new shoes my feet kill me, which never happened in the old shoes. Anybody ever have to try multiple pairs of shoes until you get it right? Going to take a few more days off and see what happens.

Also, wanted to get some opinions on this. I have completely flat feet, but have been told after gait analysis that I do not pronate at all. However, I do wear flip flops alot especially the past month. Could this maybe be my problem?

Well enough belly aching from me. In Vegas now with my sis so the only exercise I'm getting is my right arm using the slots......

Best wishes and training to everyone!

Sending hugs! It will get better! I've been thru many shoes in the past to find a right pair, sometimes its hard to find something that works for you! I don't know much about shin splints, I had them a couple years ago when I went overboard doing jumping jacks, and I just kept putting Aspercreme on them til they felt better - I know probably not the best thing to do but that was what worked for me but I do know it took me a couple months to get over it. I still am very careful with jumping jacks!!

Hope things get better and you get back on track with your training! We still have a long time before its February

 

[misskitkat]

I have a question. What exactly do you get when you run in the race? What's in the goody bag? What kind of tshirt do you get? And by any chance is park admission included for the day? If not do you get discounted tickets?

 

[HockeyKat]

Hi guys-

Hope you all are well! I'm so "darn" frustrated! I have been doing so great and thought my shin splints were gone and even got my 2 mile pace down in the low 11's and now my shins are killing me again. I've taken seven days off from any walking or running. I'm so bummed because finally the "want" to run is there for the first time in my life but the body ain't......

I've been good about icing and foam rolling them, new shoes as well. Now with the new shoes my feet kill me, which never happened in the old shoes. Anybody ever have to try multiple pairs of shoes until you get it right? Going to take a few more days off and see what happens.

Also, wanted to get some opinions on this. I have completely flat feet, but have been told after gait analysis that I do not pronate at all. However, I do wear flip flops alot especially the past month. Could this maybe be my problem?

Well enough belly aching from me. In Vegas now with my sis so the only exercise I'm getting is my right arm using the slots......

Best wishes and training to everyone!

Yes, it's common to try out different shoes until one works for you.

What aches most about your shins? Is it an overall ache, or located in one particular spot?

If you have access to a sports medicine doctor, I would highly recommend going for a visit.

I say all this, because I wound up with a stress fracture in my shin last fall, and had spent months before that ignoring the pain. The sports med doc said that my shoes were wrong, and that I ramped up training too fast in conjunction with a very low-calorie diet.

When I switched shoes to the recommended pair, my feet killed me for a while (including blisters which I had never had before), but I got used to them and now my shins don't hurt even with two more halfs under my belt since the end of the recovery period (late Dec).

I would also look into compression sleeves. I bought a pair, brand name Zensah, and I can tell a serious difference after using them. Expensive but worth it.

Good luck!! Injuries totally suck.

I hear ya, in HS I was always the last person in gym class picked for teams, and when the gym teacher made us run laps around the gym, I would always be the last and the class would lap me at least 2 times, then she would make me finish myself and the class giggling at me! And now I've worked myself up to running 5 miles straight on a treadmill!! Part of my motivation is showing myself how far I have come and knowing that this is MY time! I'm able to do this because my body is now ready to do something super cool like this!!

When I get the medal - and I am keeping that confidence that I will get that medal - I wish I could look up all my old gym teachers, send them a pic of me with that medal cause I feel like it would be sticking my middle finger at them for all their torture through those difficult years!

I couldn't be more with you on all counts. I was totally a fat, physically inactive nerd-kid. You can totally do this!!

 

[HockeyKat]

I have a question. What exactly do you get when you run in the race? What's in the goody bag? What kind of tshirt do you get? And by any chance is park admission included for the day? If not do you get discounted tickets?

Based on the last 2 years, you get a technical material womens-cut t-shirt, and sometimes a few free samples/coupons for things, in a mesh bag with the Princess logo on it. You pick all of this up at the Expo the day or two before the race, and will have the opportunity to look at different running vendors as well as buy more official Princess half merchandise, if you want.

And of course when you finish, you get the medal! They have bagels, fruit, etc at the finish line and a $1/min massage tent. Water/powerade and some kinds of race fuel along the course at regular intervals, as well as med tents with biofreeze, vaseline, and any other assistance you might need. Tons of characters and entertainment along the course, too.

You can also get discounted tickets and discounted lodging by calling the number they will give you when you register. I have an annual pass, so I can't give you exact details unfortunately but maybe someone can pipe up.

 

[MHT to MCO]

Stitchfan thank you so much for pointing us towards your blog! I loved it! I loved the pictures and especially loved your video of the Fairy Godmother along with the commentary that you had to hold back the tears when she said GO. I know I'll probably let a couple squeak out! This will be my first half (and as of right now I havn't run ANY races at all) and I would have to say that Disney, WISHers, and videos like you posted are the best motivatiors!

 

[Michele325]

Hi guys-

Hope you all are well! I'm so "darn" frustrated! I have been doing so great and thought my shin splints were gone and even got my 2 mile pace down in the low 11's and now my shins are killing me again. I've taken seven days off from any walking or running. I'm so bummed because finally the "want" to run is there for the first time in my life but the body ain't......

I've been good about icing and foam rolling them, new shoes as well. Now with the new shoes my feet kill me, which never happened in the old shoes. Anybody ever have to try multiple pairs of shoes until you get it right? Going to take a few more days off and see what happens.

Also, wanted to get some opinions on this. I have completely flat feet, but have been told after gait analysis that I do not pronate at all. However, I do wear flip flops alot especially the past month. Could this maybe be my problem?

Well enough belly aching from me. In Vegas now with my sis so the only exercise I'm getting is my right arm using the slots......

Best wishes and training to everyone!

FIrst I know nothing about shoes. But I have a few questions. What pace have you run a 5k? I am wondering if you are running your 2 miles too fast. I have been doing alot of reading on Galloway and what pace to run. My 5k was at a 12 mile pace and I run my 2 miles monday at about a 14 mile pace, wed at 14-14:30 and Friday my long run at 15-16. I tried going faster for all my runs (about 1 min or 30 sec a mile faster pace) But it was too much. Also are you straight running or walk/running? You might want to do more walking atleast for a while.

 

[slp1650]

Hi guys-

Hope you all are well! I'm so "darn" frustrated! I have been doing so great and thought my shin splints were gone and even got my 2 mile pace down in the low 11's and now my shins are killing me again. I've taken seven days off from any walking or running. I'm so bummed because finally the "want" to run is there for the first time in my life but the body ain't......

I've been good about icing and foam rolling them, new shoes as well. Now with the new shoes my feet kill me, which never happened in the old shoes. Anybody ever have to try multiple pairs of shoes until you get it right? Going to take a few more days off and see what happens.

Also, wanted to get some opinions on this. I have completely flat feet, but have been told after gait analysis that I do not pronate at all. However, I do wear flip flops alot especially the past month. Could this maybe be my problem?

Well enough belly aching from me. In Vegas now with my sis so the only exercise I'm getting is my right arm using the slots......

Best wishes and training to everyone!

I definitely tried multiple shoes until i found the ones that I like. I also have inserts because of a high arch. However, if they're new... Are you sure they're broken in? One of my shoes broke in pretty quickly, thank god because I was starting to think I got new shoes too close to the Princess last year. My others still have some breaking in to do and I've had them for almost the same amount of time (I just don't wear them as much).

When I joined my tri team I told my coach about a pre-existing knee problem that some times became an issue during runs... He looked down, saw my sandals and said I was banned from wearing them. Sandals don't offer any support and can cause some issues. I tend to stay away from sandals as much as possible now (I wear them for quick trips to the gas station or store, but nothing like I used to). Try finding some walking/every day shoes and see if that changes anything.

Have you tried rolling your foot? Get a baseball and roll it up and down the bottom of your foot. It's like a foam roller for your foot and usually feels amazing. You can do it almost anywhere too, watching tv or at work under a desk...

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

Have you tried rolling your foot? Get a baseball and roll it up and down the bottom of your foot. It's like a foam roller for your foot and usually feels amazing. You can do it almost anywhere too, watching tv or at work under a desk...

Or you can do what my mom does, drink a 20 oz soda or water, fill it with water and freeze it. Then you can use the frozen bottle to both numb and roll your foot at the same time.

 

[stitchfan18]

Stitchfan thank you so much for pointing us towards your blog! I loved it! I loved the pictures and especially loved your video of the Fairy Godmother along with the commentary that you had to hold back the tears when she said GO. I know I'll probably let a couple squeak out! This will be my first half (and as of right now I havn't run ANY races at all) and I would have to say that Disney, WISHers, and videos like you posted are the best motivatiors!

I'm glad my race report can excite and encourage others. I wrote it so I could remember all the details myself as time went on. The start videos still give me goosebumps when I watch them, It was such an amazing atmosphere to be in!

 

[freepixie]

Or you can do what my mom does, drink a 20 oz soda or water, fill it with water and freeze it. Then you can use the frozen bottle to both numb and roll your foot at the same time.

Ooh! Awesome idea!! I like it!!

 

[tinkeramy]

And terrific incentive it is! Thanks... So here is the question most of us DisMoms have: Do we have enough time to train for the Princess 1/2? Most of us have either just started doing some sort of training or haven't even gotten off the couch yet. Some of us have thought about doing the 5k first and in 2013 do the 1/2, but now that we've seen Stitchfan18's photos and blog, not sure we want to wait.

Absolutely! I didn't start training until around August last year - and that was completely from scratch, no running experience AT ALL! You have plenty of time - join us!!! The great thing about a Disney race is that there are so many natural breaks built in - every time you stop for a pic with a character, you get a breather!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

When I get the medal - and I am keeping that confidence that I will get that medal - I wish I could look up all my old gym teachers, send them a pic of me with that medal cause I feel like it would be sticking my middle finger at them for all their torture through those difficult years!

I am loving this! I totally understand - I got "C"s in PE all the time b/c I didn't even bother to "dress out" half the time!!! I mentioned before that my own mother told me she never thought I would do something like this! The best part is surprising people! It's funny - I'm 40 and my sister is 49, and it's just this past year where I completed a half-marathon and she has completed a 50-mile bike race. So I guess it's never too late to get moving and shock the H#$% out of people!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

Stitchfan thank you so much for pointing us towards your blog! I loved it! I loved the pictures and especially loved your video of the Fairy Godmother along with the commentary that you had to hold back the tears when she said GO. I know I'll probably let a couple squeak out! This will be my first half (and as of right now I havn't run ANY races at all) and I would have to say that Disney, WISHers, and videos like you posted are the best motivatiors!

My "teary" moment was running down Main Street in the MK! It's between miles 5 & 6, so you really have gotten into a groove by then. You come through the entrance, can see the castle in the distance, and have all these people cheering as you are running down the main street of WALT DISNEY WORLD! I TOTALLY choked up and tried not to look like an idiot - hard to do when you have a ridiculous grin on your face and you are crying at the same time!!! I'll also tell you my other huge memorable moment - at the last mile, as you are entering Epcot, they had a gospel choir belting it out when you come around a corner. If I could have just had them on a little truck running next to me for that last mile, that would have rocked!!!

 

[stitchfan18]

My "teary" moment was running down Main Street in the MK! It's between miles 5 & 6, so you really have gotten into a groove by then. You come through the entrance, can see the castle in the distance, and have all these people cheering as you are running down the main street of WALT DISNEY WORLD! I TOTALLY choked up and tried not to look like an idiot - hard to do when you have a ridiculous grin on your face and you are crying at the same time!!! I'll also tell you my other huge memorable moment - at the last mile, as you are entering Epcot, they had a gospel choir belting it out when you come around a corner. If I could have just had them on a little truck running next to me for that last mile, that would have rocked!!!

I got teary there too, I just wish I would have slowed down to enjoy it more. When I go back and watch the video I took running down mainstreet, I passed several people. I'm making a serious mental note to slow down and enjoy the parks more in January. Running through the castle with the trumpets playing got me teary eyed as well, and of course crossing the finish line. I'm surprised I packed kleenex because I knew I'd be emotional!

 

[tinkeramy]

I got teary there too, I just wish I would have slowed down to enjoy it more. When I go back and watch the video I took running down mainstreet, I passed several people. I'm making a serious mental note to slow down and enjoy the parks more in January. Running through the castle with the trumpets playing got me teary eyed as well, and of course crossing the finish line. I'm surprised I packed kleenex because I knew I'd be emotional!

Okay - I just read your blog (amazing time, for all those pics, btw!) and I had to drop my jaw a little about the part with the ladies from the haunted mansion - my picture didn't come out, either!!!! I think it was b/c I had been taking so many pics in the dark up to that point and my battery was running out of juice so it didn't "take". But the coincidence is just kinda freaky!!

 

[tmbacon]

I got teary there too, I just wish I would have slowed down to enjoy it more. When I go back and watch the video I took running down mainstreet, I passed several people. I'm making a serious mental note to slow down and enjoy the parks more in January. Running through the castle with the trumpets playing got me teary eyed as well, and of course crossing the finish line. I'm surprised I packed kleenex because I knew I'd be emotional!

Stitchfan your blog was totally cool to see! Wow if there was ever any type of "commercial" for running the Disney Princess, your blog was it!!

 

[MHT to MCO]

I have some questions about the itinerary. All I can find online are the dates for February 24-26. For those who have done the Princess, what is the itinerary like for that weekend? How much of your time is spent with the Princess related things (expos, race, etc.)? I'm wondering how much time we would be able to have to play at the parks.... Also, how does the transportation to and from the start/end points work? Do busses leave as soon as one fills up? Will it matter where we stay?

 

[AliceSpark]

I just love reading this board - it fills me with such hope and joy. Just a couple of things:
1. Stichfan - I too loved reading your blog and seeing your pictures and to everyone who has run before you all are so inspiring to me.
2. Freepixie - I too feel you gym class pain - to many painful memories.
3. Galloway Method of run/walk - I started with a couch to 10K program and I knew I would never want to run straight - now I am using the run walk - slow approach - I am taking it really slowly the first time through with a 20 second run and a 40 second walk - then I figure I will up the ratios slowly - however reading this board I was wondering if I should up the ratios on the two 30 minute run days and leave them be on the "long" run day? - any input would be helpful

Thanks so much

 

[stitchfan18]

I have some questions about the itinerary. All I can find online are the dates for February 24-26. For those who have done the Princess, what is the itinerary like for that weekend? How much of your time is spent with the Princess related things (expos, race, etc.)? I'm wondering how much time we would be able to have to play at the parks.... Also, how does the transportation to and from the start/end points work? Do busses leave as soon as one fills up? Will it matter where we stay?

The time you spend doing princess related events really depends on you. The expo doesn't have to take a long time if you are organized with your waiver and just grab your packet. The trick is to avoid getting lost in all the booths because that is what can be the most time consuming. If you want to hear any of the speakers, that takes time as well. You could easily spend anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours at the expo. For the race itself, everything happens on sunday morning, so you're not missing out on much park time. We stayed at the boardwalk this past princess weekend, and I was able to get back to the Boardwalk after the race, shower and checkout of the hotel by 10:00. We were in Epcot before the World showcase even opened, so we didn't miss any play time that day. Of course that's another area where it depends on you. If you are in the last corral, that could tack on an extra hour or so. I was lucky enough to be in corral B, so even though my pace wasn't speedy, I was able to finish at a good time.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I have some questions about the itinerary. All I can find online are the dates for February 24-26. For those who have done the Princess, what is the itinerary like for that weekend? How much of your time is spent with the Princess related things (expos, race, etc.)? I'm wondering how much time we would be able to have to play at the parks.... Also, how does the transportation to and from the start/end points work? Do busses leave as soon as one fills up? Will it matter where we stay?

I'm also going to recommend that you don't plan a big park day on Saturday. You should be resting and you'll want to get to bed early -- you have to catch your bus by 4am (or take the monorail, depending on where you're staying), so you should try to get a lot of rest before the big day.

My Saturday plan is to sleep in, explore the resort a little to keep things loose (i.e. take a 20-30 minute walk), and then head to DTD. I'll shop and have lunch, and then head back to the resort and relax by the pool for awhile. Then I'll go to whatever DIS meets are scheduled, and have a light pasta dinner, and be in bed by 9, with any luck YMMV

Maria