Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[tellemarie]

Describe where your toes point as you run. If the word penguin comes to mind then the orthotics suggestion is not going to help much as you have other structural issues that really need work. If your toes are pointing straight ahead, then you may want to consider orthotics.... But before that, I would get to to a sports med clinic and have them look at your gait and possibly suggest corrective exercises BEFORE heading to the crutch route. More often than not, the root cause of over probation is a structural issue in the hip complex.

My toes definitely point straight ahead. I'm not sure what the pain is - I've tried googling it as well as speaking with a physical therapist (as well as other runners) and no one seems to have heard of it! It basically starts on the outer edges of the bottom of my right foot and then travels inwards. It spreads to my left foot shortly after. I've been trying to look into doctors but they all seem terribly expensive. I'm working without health insurance (at least until August) and I can't seem to find anyone who charges less than $150 for an initial evaluation.

 

[Barbaramomof4]

I'm brand new here and wanted to say hi! I'm planning to register for the Princess half and I'm so excited as this will be my first!

I started the C25K program back in April and I'm currently on week 7. I actually have a 5K coming up this weekend even though I'm still a few weeks from completing the program. I have to say that the C25K has completely changed my outlook on running. I have always despised it! I can remember running a 10K back in college and cursing it every step of the way and never running again, until now.

I'm planning to redeem myself with another 10K this August and then stepping it up for my first half marathon. Of course, it being a Disney run has me motivated more than ever!

I've managed to read this entire thread in nearly one sitting and I'm glad to now be a part of it.

Hi there! I am also new here and am so excited for my first half. I have never been a runner so this is all new to me!

 

[freepixie]

Ran outside this evening - heat wave broke so it was safe - 4.4 mi in about 50 min which felt great! I'm finally starting to feel more natural running and it feels good!!

I love coming on here everyday to see what people are saying and doing - I have to say this is the most positive thread I've ever been in on the Dis!! Its so awesome and I love you all so much!!

 

[KathleensKid]

Have discovered that my dogs are the perfect training partners. I take the slow happy go lucky one out first to warm up. Then I grab the crazy 1 yr old lab/husky mix for faster walking w/occasional running, and then come home to grab the 11 yr old gimpy lab for a cool down walk around the block. I think they are going to love this training more than I am. Plus having the them stare at me expectantly each night after the kids are in bed will help get me out the door. Last night I was tired, and it was still HOT at 7:30 pm but the three of them stood in front of me when I plopped on the couch. Like "Excuse me! What's up? Let's GO!". So I got up and went.

 

[MHT to MCO]

Have discovered that my dogs are the perfect training partners. I take the slow happy go lucky one out first to warm up. Then I grab the crazy 1 yr old lab/husky mix for faster walking w/occasional running, and then come home to grab the 11 yr old gimpy lab for a cool down walk around the block. I think they are going to love this training more than I am. Plus having the them stare at me expectantly each night after the kids are in bed will help get me out the door. Last night I was tired, and it was still HOT at 7:30 pm but the three of them stood in front of me when I plopped on the couch. Like "Excuse me! What's up? Let's GO!". So I got up and went.

I know exactly what you mean! I have a 2 year old German Shorthaired Pointer dogdance:aka 65lbs of bounding, leaping charged-up energy!) who starts spinning in circles as soon as he sees me put on my sneakers. He absolutely loves the run and since we run on trails in the woods he's offleash it's fun to watch him because he looks like a little deer. I'm glad we have them to keep us accountable.

 

[PinkVol]

Im running my first half marathon in November - the Run for the Party in Nasvhille, TN. So the Princess one will my second! I am so pumped for this! Still new to running but loving it!

 

[tinkeramy]

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to join the thread. My mom and I are currently training for the Princess Half now and are extremely excited to participate. Can anyone tell me if there is a limit for people signing up? Do you have to register the morning it opens to get a slot or is it a pretty relaxed sign up process? Neither one of us have ever run a half marathon before and don't really know what to expect. Any help would be fantastic and I just don't have time to read through all of the threads.

Thanks!

There is a limit, but they didn't close registration until just a few weeks prior to the race, in January, so there isn't a need to rush the registration - you should be fine. On the runDisney site, they list how full the race is getting.

You should definitely be excited - last year was my first year and it was a blast! Everyone is so friendly and encouraging, and of course running through the parks and having your picture with all the characters was something else! There are a ton of videos people put on YouTube - just search for "Disney Princess Half Marathon" and you can get a really good idea of what to expect!

 

[KathleensKid]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

 

[slp1650]

I know exactly what you mean! I have a 2 year old German Shorthaired Pointer dogdance:aka 65lbs of bounding, leaping charged-up energy!) who starts spinning in circles as soon as he sees me put on my sneakers. He absolutely loves the run and since we run on trails in the woods he's offleash it's fun to watch him because he looks like a little deer. I'm glad we have them to keep us accountable.

You guys are lucky... I've got a black lab who loves smelling the roses and every other bush, patch of grass, or anything else we pass. I can get him to run for a bit, but then that irresistible smell passes by so we have to stop. On top of it, he has separation anxiety so he's hard to leave when I'm just with him (he's actually my parent's). Luckily, we haven't been alone so I'll usually go for my run and meet back with him and whoever is walking with him and go on their walk as well.

 

[kappyfamily]

Ran outside this evening - heat wave broke so it was safe - 4.4 mi in about 50 min which felt great! I'm finally starting to feel more natural running and it feels good!!

I love coming on here everyday to see what people are saying and doing - I have to say this is the most positive thread I've ever been in on the Dis!! Its so awesome and I love you all so much!!

Couldn't agree more! Nice job with the time!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

We use belts with slots. My dh makes his own concoction of gatorade he prefers for fueling. I can't speak to the backpacks, we've never tried them. I agree, I can't run holding a bottle, either!

Maria

 

[tmbacon]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

I have problems with hand-helds too, I always feel "off balance" and I don't like running with things in my hand. I recently picked up a Nathan Speed 2 hydration belt from my local running store. This thing is great - has 2 bottles, a pouch big enough for cell/keys/gels/other nutrition, and it absolutely does not ride up. And I got it in hot pink - an appropriate color for a Princess, I think!

 

[stitchfan18]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

I have a Nathan belt that I love! I would recommend partially freezing the water or sports drink in your bottle before heading out. If I don't do this then my water gets warm really quickly and is gross to drink.

 

[MHT to MCO]

Sheesh! I feel like a pro with juggling things on my run! Right now, there are 5 things I can never forget:

1.)Left hand: my phone (which is my timer and lifeline in the woods should I need it)
2.)Right hand: pager for the dog
3.)Tucked off the side of my shorts: plastic bags for "poo"
4.)Around my sholders and back: dog leash
5.)Key for the car (tucked in my sports bra - gross I know, but no one else is going to be using it!)

Yesterday I did my 2nd 5mile run and now that the runs are getting longer, I'm starting to think that I'll be needing a belt for water too! I'll probably be able to put a couple things in an empty slot.....

 

[HockeyKat]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

I will third the recommendation for a Nathan's belt. I have the 4 bottle one, but only use the two front bottles for runs under about 6-8 miles.

I had a Fuel Belt and hated it. It rode up, constricted, was overall just not comfortable.

The backpacks, I have read anyhow, can cause problems with your shoulders and running form.

Getting used to a belt takes a little while.

 

[misskitkat]

I just bought a Nathan belt with 2 bottles and a large pocket for my cell phone. I've worn it once and it was all over the place. I didnt have water in the bottle as I was just practicing with it on. But I've never seen one worn before so I could have been wearing it incorrectly. I feel kinda silly asking but do the bottles go in the front or the back? And do I wear it around my hips or my waist? Being new to running is kinda hard. I'm sure the experienced runners I pass might look at me sometimes and laugh.

 

[stitchfan18]

I just bought a Nathan belt with 2 bottles and a large pocket for my cell phone. I've worn it once and it was all over the place. I didnt have water in the bottle as I was just practicing with it on. But I've never seen one worn before so I could have been wearing it incorrectly. I feel kinda silly asking but do the bottles go in the front or the back? And do I wear it around my hips or my waist? Being new to running is kinda hard. I'm sure the experienced runners I pass might look at me sometimes and laugh.

The bottles go in the back, and I wear mine close to my hips. I always try to wear a longer shirt when I'm doing long runs to prevent the belt from rubbing on my skin and that causes it to ride up a little. I usually adjust it a couple times over the 8-10 miles, but it's so easy to take on and off that it only takes a few seconds to adjust.

 

[cewait]

Hey running princesses,
Does anyone have a water storage recommendation for my long training walk/runs? Water backpacks vs belts w/slots for water bottles etc.
Walking in the heat today was brutal, and I was carrying a bottle in my hand which I didn't enjoy.
TIA!
LET'S GO LADIES!!!!!

I am not a princess but in addition to the Nathan systems and Fuel Belt systems, Camelback also makes a couple waist packs. I find that once you understand how the system actually works, it provides a snug, slosh free hydration system. Mine is 11 years old and i will replace this year, maybe. I like mine due to it's 45 oz capacity, wide, ice accepting mouth and room for storing other gear on the run.

If you are working with a multiple bottle belt prepare the bottles the night before by filling about 1/3 to 1/2 with fluid and placing in freezer. Put your remaining fluid in the fridge to cool. Then in the morning simply fill the bottles with the remaining fluid. They will stay cooler longer.

When shopping for a system, head to the store with your running shoes and try them out in the store.

 

[cewait]

.......

The backpacks, I have read anyhow, can cause problems with your shoulders and running form. ....

In general, most are designed for cycling and yes it can create form issues and chafing from the bouncing. However, there are runner specific back packs that work well. Nathan makes a great one.

 

[HockeyKat]

I just bought a Nathan belt with 2 bottles and a large pocket for my cell phone. I've worn it once and it was all over the place. I didnt have water in the bottle as I was just practicing with it on. But I've never seen one worn before so I could have been wearing it incorrectly. I feel kinda silly asking but do the bottles go in the front or the back? And do I wear it around my hips or my waist? Being new to running is kinda hard. I'm sure the experienced runners I pass might look at me sometimes and laugh.

I am, umm, on the large side, so I haven't had a problem with keeping it in place. I wear it right around where my belly button is, and over my shirt. I can see where it might be a problem if you run in a sports bra, but believe me, no-one wants to see me in just a sports bra!

Mine has 2 bottles in the front and 2 in the back. I wear it with the velcro tab in front and there is a pouch that winds up right in my lower back.

I doubt anyone is laughing at you!! I'm glad you found this board - I was new to running for the Princess 2010 and asked tons of questions, so am more than happy to answer any question you have, or cewait is our resident coach who has a lot of good info.