Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[TeresaZ]

I'm curious to see what it will cost me for 5 nights with just me and a 6 year old. I can book through Disney (without a runner package) but I am hoping for more of a deal through WDW-iRun.

 

[tmbacon]

OK folks, here's another logistics question - I think it was addressed earlier in this thread or on another, but I can't find it.....

So, we are driving down from Charlotte and will have a car. If we opt to stay on-site but NOT at a host hotel, can I just drive to the parking lot of one of the host hotels, and catch the bus to the starting line? We would really, really like to stay at BW or BC (near Epcot), but neither are hosts. I seem to recall in earlier WDW trips that we got a parking pass at check-in which gets you in to any resort parking lot as well as the parks....

THANKS!!!!

 

[fashionista311]

OK folks, here's another logistics question - I think it was addressed earlier in this thread or on another, but I can't find it.....

So, we are driving down from Charlotte and will have a car. If we opt to stay on-site but NOT at a host hotel, can I just drive to the parking lot of one of the host hotels, and catch the bus to the starting line? We would really, really like to stay at BW or BC (near Epcot), but neither are hosts. I seem to recall in earlier WDW trips that we got a parking pass at check-in which gets you in to any resort parking lot as well as the parks....

THANKS!!!!

it's seriously no big deal to drive to the start if you are onsite. My parents are in Miami so they obviously always drive from there, and for every race me or they have run (my dad has more mickey medals than I can count and I've been there for two donalds and then princess two years ago), they have always driven from the hotel. know some are afraid of traffic...but I personally see no reason to take the bus if you have a car...the race starts so early as is!

 

[HockeyKat]

Thank you all so much for the feedback. What you are saying makes sense. I wasn't even thinking about park crowd levels on Thursday/Friday combined with the mental stress of prepping for a race.

So how about this:
Fly in Friday eve. Dinner at resort.
Saturday: Pick up packet. Low key park day. Early dinner/bed.
Sunday: Race. Afternoon in the parks. Maybe stay up late on sheer adrenaline.
Monday park day.
Tuesday park day. Evening flight home.

Better?

Yup! Sounds like a great plan.

 

[cewait]

OK folks, here's another logistics question - I think it was addressed earlier in this thread or on another, but I can't find it.....

So, we are driving down from Charlotte and will have a car. If we opt to stay on-site but NOT at a host hotel, can I just drive to the parking lot of one of the host hotels, and catch the bus to the starting line? We would really, really like to stay at BW or BC (near Epcot), but neither are hosts. I seem to recall in earlier WDW trips that we got a parking pass at check-in which gets you in to any resort parking lot as well as the parks....

THANKS!!!!

Why not just drive to the start? It is simpler and more convenient. If you are in the race crowd, parking is free regardless of where you are staying.

To answer the question, yes you can drive to a host resort and then catch a bus. You will need an ID to get past the guard shack.

 

[tmbacon]

it's seriously no big deal to drive to the start if you are onsite. My parents are in Miami so they obviously always drive from there, and for every race me or they have run (my dad has more mickey medals than I can count and I've been there for two donalds and then princess two years ago), they have always driven from the hotel. know some are afraid of traffic...but I personally see no reason to take the bus if you have a car...the race starts so early as is!

OK that's good to know, I was wondering about just driving direct to the race (vs. using a bus from a host hotel), but the web site makes it sound so terrifying in terms of horrible backup and traffic patterns, etc.!

 

[tmbacon]

Why not just drive to the start? It is simpler and more convenient. If you are in the race crowd, parking is free regardless of where you are staying.

To answer the question, yes you can drive to a host resort and then catch a bus. You will need an ID to get past the guard shack.

Got it - then this is what I'll do - thanks Coach!!

 

[HockeyKat]

OK folks, here's another logistics question - I think it was addressed earlier in this thread or on another, but I can't find it.....

So, we are driving down from Charlotte and will have a car. If we opt to stay on-site but NOT at a host hotel, can I just drive to the parking lot of one of the host hotels, and catch the bus to the starting line? We would really, really like to stay at BW or BC (near Epcot), but neither are hosts. I seem to recall in earlier WDW trips that we got a parking pass at check-in which gets you in to any resort parking lot as well as the parks....

THANKS!!!!

I drive down from Raleigh, and have driven to the race start both in 2010 and 2011. In 2010 I drove from BW and it was no problem at all. I would leave about 20-30 minutes before you think you want to get there - I think we left around 4:15 or so for a 4:45AM bag check, which gives plenty of time to get to the portapotty and corral. That way too, if it's cold, you can always sit in the car and stay warm, eat your breakfast, etc.

 

[tinkeramy]

What would you do....

Sis in law and I will be racing and we both want to do an hour massage and full facial (we will be there for 2 days before race and 5 after).

We will be staying at Bay Lake Tower and are planning on taking the monorail to GF spa. Would you:

-split up treatments and get a facial the night before the race as a "relaxer" and then get the massage after the race or even on Monday.

-Do both treatments the day of the race after we have lunch.

- Do both treatments Monday morning when we will be feeling more sore.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I had a massage right after the race, which I don't rec. I waited too long to make the appt and that was all they had. On paper, it looked like I had plenty of time to get back to the hotel after finishing. However, once I finished, just trying to get through the crowd, through Epcot, and figure out the transport back to the hotel took a LOT longer than I thought it would. I felt rushed and made it back to the hotel with 15 min. before my appt. If you can, I would def. try to get a late afternoon appt. I have heard mixed things about getting a massage prior to a race.

 

[sunshine269]

Hey Jennifer, I signed up for the Tinkerbell 1/2 and that will be my first 1/2 marathon and I have just signed up for this one. I started my running regiment in March and just finished a couple of 5k in May. These days I can run 10k very very slowly once a week and not feel too horrible afterwards, so I think doing 2 1/2 marathon a month apart for me is do-able and I still have just over 5 months to do it, oh well, fingers crossed

I'm keeping my options open. I have some long runs coming up, so I'll see how I feel. I'm doing the Wine and Dine this year so I'm in the middle of training for that, so hoping I can get a better idea of how I'll feel

Jennifer

 

[mommylo]

I'm keeping my options open. I have some long runs coming up, so I'll see how I feel. I'm doing the Wine and Dine this year so I'm in the middle of training for that, so hoping I can get a better idea of how I'll feel

Jennifer

Cool!! I'd love to do the Wine and Dine some day. Have fun and good training!

 

[TMcDwyer]

I'm keeping my options open. I have some long runs coming up, so I'll see how I feel. I'm doing the Wine and Dine this year so I'm in the middle of training for that, so hoping I can get a better idea of how I'll feel

Jennifer

We will be at Wine & Dine too. DH is running it, and I am doing the 5K.

 

[misskitkat]

I'm still trying to decide on whether to stay in a host hotel or not. None of them really excite me but I like the connivance of the buses they offer. If we drive ourselves to the expo or the race do we have to pay for parking? Also, how far is the race parking from the start line? oh the decisions!

 

[saysay]

KathleensKid - I would not come in Thursday and use Friday as a park day. That week is President's Day week and speaking from experience, it is *very* crowded, plus Thurs night will be peak season rates. If you were going to add an extra night, I recommend Monday night.

I would definitely tour the park for a while after the race. As said above, it will loosen up your legs. However, you will bonk and want to go back to the resort/pool by mid-afternoon.

3 would be the best option.

Hey, my friend and I closed MK that night....I swear I don't know how, I am in my 40's! Totally amazing day.

 

[tinkeramy]

Hey, Princesses - minor setback today, but viewing it as a blessing in disguise! For a while now, I have been having SERIOUS tightness in my left calf. Never caused any probs until recently when I got my shin splints. Went to the PT today thinking I would be given a bunch of stretches and be done with it.

Well, she showed me how tight various parts of my leg were compared to my other leg. The fascia - the layer between the skin and muscle - is pressed down & kind of attaching itself to the muscle, making it extra tight. Also, my range of motion is way low - knee is fine, ankle needs some help, but - get this - my BIG TOE is a prob! I guess you are supposed to be able to pull your big toe toward you 85 degrees for proper running. Mine bends 30 degrees! There were several other things, but the bottom line is that EVERYTHING on my left leg is tight and I am lucky I have not popped or torn something. I need to cut out my 6 mile runs for 6-8 weeks, doing only 3 mi at most 2/week and doing that at 5 min. walk / run intervals. Will be seeing her 2/wk. I'm kinda bummed, b/c this will put me at almost beginner level again for the Princess, but glad we're catching this now before it gets ugly!

Thanks for letting me share! My husband is a skeptic of all stuff like this and really doesn't believe that I need to be seeing the PT this often and doing all this stuff, but I say better safe than sorry!

 

[HockeyKat]

I'm still trying to decide on whether to stay in a host hotel or not. None of them really excite me but I like the connivance of the buses they offer. If we drive ourselves to the expo or the race do we have to pay for parking? Also, how far is the race parking from the start line? oh the decisions!

All parking is free, expo and race day. You are almost as close as you would be from the bus - that is, of course, including the 20 min walk from the bag check to the start line!

Hey, my friend and I closed MK that night....I swear I don't know how, I am in my 40's! Totally amazing day.

We closed Jellyrolls at 2AM!

 

[miralys]

I just signed up. OMG, I can't believe I did that. I've been contemplating doing Princess Half for the last two years, and now I am actually going to do it!

 

[hvivona]

I just signed up. OMG, I can't believe I did that. I've been contemplating doing Princess Half for the last two years, and now I am actually going to do it!

this is what i thought last year. The only way you'll do it.. is to do it. You are going to have a blast! This was my first half and now I'm doing it again and going to go for the coast to coast in 2012. Its super addictive

 

[sunshine269]

I just signed up. OMG, I can't believe I did that. I've been contemplating doing Princess Half for the last two years, and now I am actually going to do it!

Will this be your first 1/2? This year's Wine and Dine will be my first. It took me about 20 min to hit submit on the registration..then I had a panic attack

Jennifer

 

[hvivona]

this past weekend I was at a race expo and RunDisney had a booth and in it had all the medals from previous races. I saw the medal for the 2011 Princess Half and it felt so good to see a medal and finally say "OOOOHHHH I have that medal!" Now I want another and that is why I'm registering for not only this but for the one in Disneyland so I can get the coast to coast medal! Game On!!!!!!!!!!!