Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[Worfiedoodles]

Ladies, I am so excited this morning!

I was just looking at flights for Princess and trying to decide if I could possibly find it cheaper, or if I should just grab it now -- when it occurred to be to see how much it would be in my frequent flyer points -- long story short, I got the exact flight I wanted and it cost me $5.00! No reason not to book that! Now there's no reason not to book my room and sign up for the race -- just need to lose 20 lbs and I'll be ready for a new PR!

Maria

 

[MHT to MCO]

I have a Droid and use the free RunKeeper app. You can adjust your announcements to go off every 1,2,3,4 or 5 minutes (or at a certain mileage) and she tells you any combination of what you want to hear: time, distance, average pace, average speed, current pace, and current speed. You never have to look down which is great. It will also save all of your details so you can see progress. As long as you have good GPS reception this app works wonders! Definitely recommended!

 

[hvivona]

I've noticed that a few of you who are staying at Animal Kingdom show which village your are staying at. How do you know? My email confirmation for my room only says ANIMAL KINGDM LDG- LO/IND ???

 

[TMcDwyer]

Ladies, I am so excited this morning!

I was just looking at flights for Princess and trying to decide if I could possibly find it cheaper, or if I should just grab it now -- when it occurred to be to see how much it would be in my frequent flyer points -- long story short, I got the exact flight I wanted and it cost me $5.00! No reason not to book that! Now there's no reason not to book my room and sign up for the race -- just need to lose 20 lbs and I'll be ready for a new PR!

Maria

I booked my flight two days ago using miles! The best part was that for my return trip it was the same number of miles to go First Class or Economy...no brainer on that one!!!

I have a Droid and use the free RunKeeper app. You can adjust your announcements to go off every 1,2,3,4 or 5 minutes (or at a certain mileage) and she tells you any combination of what you want to hear: time, distance, average pace, average speed, current pace, and current speed. You never have to look down which is great. It will also save all of your details so you can see progress. As long as you have good GPS reception this app works wonders! Definitely recommended!

I use Run Keeper on my iPhone and love it!!!

I've noticed that a few of you who are staying at Animal Kingdom show which village your are staying at. How do you know? My email confirmation for my room only says ANIMAL KINGDM LDG- LO/IND ???

I am not sure. A friend used her DVC points for our rooms and she just told us that we were a Kidani Village.

 

[runner_princess]

I


I am not sure. A friend used her DVC points for our rooms and she just told us that we were a Kidani Village.

Kidani and Jambo house are booked seperately for DVC members, so that's why she was able to tell.

 

[tinkeramy]

However, this year I went from casual to semi-serious, so YMMV. I am still slow as heck but am doing 5 half marathons this year and training for a full in February, as well as helping to lead my pace group for the Galloway training program here. I figured it was time for a watch!

Okay, you and StitchFan are inspiring!! The only half I've done so far was last year's Princess, but I am considering the Atlanta Half on Thanksgiving and will most likely do the Publix GA Half in March. I'm iffy on the Tkgvg one since I am coming off the shin splints and feel like I am completely starting over, but if the Princess goes well, I might as well do another half a month later since I'll still be in shape!!!

 

[mountaineer]

I finally went and got fitted for shoes. I can't wait to run in them tomorrow

 

[Nishmom]

Have any of you or do any of you run in lightweight shoes? I don't mean Vibrams, just one of the newer "performance" models. I've been running in Asics Gel Nimbus because my feet are so bad and the shoes are so cushy. But a couple months ago I bought a pair of Saucony Kinvara. However, they are SO comfortable that they get worn every day for general use instead of running! Still wondering how they'd be to run in. Advice or experience?

 

[daisy112878]

Okay, you and StitchFan are inspiring!! The only half I've done so far was last year's Princess, but I am considering the Atlanta Half on Thanksgiving and will most likely do the Publix GA Half in March. I'm iffy on the Tkgvg one since I am coming off the shin splints and feel like I am completely starting over, but if the Princess goes well, I might as well do another half a month later since I'll still be in shape!!!

It's nice to see another GA princess runner! I thought about doing the t-day one too but I'm afraid I won't be ready. I do plan on doing the March one through.

 

[pjpoohbear]

I use a really light Adidas trainer, ARIANNA but just bought my first running shoe by Adidas, Adistar Ride 3 it is suppose to be really light, but feels heavier then the trainer pair.

Pj

 

[NCrunner]

Thanks for the link! I'm trying to figure out how to do my Mary Poppins costume! (and if people will actually get it and know who I'm supposed to be...lol!)

I'm with whoever said they are starting their 10k training! I began mine this week!

Maybe some of you know this. Is there anything you can buy that updates with your current MPH? I mostly run on a treadmill, and it's impossible for me to pace myself correctly when not on it. I can't seem to find anything (except expensive watches) that will just allow me to know what my current speed is. Anyone know if something like that is out there somewhere?

I have android phone and I use free app called RunKeeper. I actually uses GPS and shows mileage and pace while you run. SInce I always run with my phone for safety, I just tuck it in my bra and go....keeps the GPS going just fine! They have a PRo version too but basic version is free and all I need, It also uploads to the web site for free when you save activity after use. It is also good way to keep up with your runs, all right there on your phone! I have found it to be very accurate with mileage and pace.

 

[tinkeramy]

On the "TeamSparkle" FB page today, they added a pirate running costume! Cute stuff! Love the red / white striped socks.

 

[HockeyKat]

Okay, you and StitchFan are inspiring!! The only half I've done so far was last year's Princess, but I am considering the Atlanta Half on Thanksgiving and will most likely do the Publix GA Half in March. I'm iffy on the Tkgvg one since I am coming off the shin splints and feel like I am completely starting over, but if the Princess goes well, I might as well do another half a month later since I'll still be in shape!!!

Yes, but you are fast!! I am slooooow.

Then again, I am just crazy enough that I am likely to do my first full on Feb 12th and the Princess 2 weeks later...

 

[TMcDwyer]

I have android phone and I use free app called RunKeeper. I actually uses GPS and shows mileage and pace while you run. SInce I always run with my phone for safety, I just tuck it in my bra and go....keeps the GPS going just fine! They have a PRo version too but basic version is free and all I need, It also uploads to the web site for free when you save activity after use. It is also good way to keep up with your runs, all right there on your phone! I have found it to be very accurate with mileage and pace.

I use RunKeeper too and really like it.

 

[saysay]

On the "TeamSparkle" FB page today, they added a pirate running costume! Cute stuff! Love the red / white striped socks.

Now that is a cute idea! Pirate Princess would be fun.

I tell ya, those team sparkle skirts are SO lightweight, loved mine last year.

 

[fourmcds]

I used RunKeeper as well for a long time, and then finally broke down and bought a Garmin watch. Any Galloway people, there is an Android app called HIIT that will do your intervals, too.

You can occasionally find some good deals on the older watch models - the 205 and 305 are regularly on Amazon for $100-130. I actually found a very gently used 405 on Craigslist for $120 and am thrilled with it so far.

However, this year I went from casual to semi-serious, so YMMV. I am still slow as heck but am doing 5 half marathons this year and training for a full in February, as well as helping to lead my pace group for the Galloway training program here. I figured it was time for a watch!

I was just going to ask about droid programs, so thanks! already done with my running for the week...feeling good and hitting 11 min miles

Now that is a cute idea! Pirate Princess would be fun.

I tell ya, those team sparkle skirts are SO lightweight, loved mine last year.

I can't find the team sparkle info and the link didn't work....can someone post it again. I am going to be a variation of MS Princess...since I am running this in protest of my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis! Trying to figure out costumes with my neighbor who is running with me.

Also, does anyone know is the route fairly flat or lots of hills? My neighborhood is pretty hilly and it kills me....wondering if this is overkill training or necessary since the route is hilly. Thanks!

 

[fashionista311]

I have a half marathon tomorrow princesses, and I am kinda freaking out.

Started to come down with a cold two weeks ago and ran through the best I could...even got in a long run of 13 miles...but then last week, I was just so sick, running was out of the question. Started antibiotics on Tues, and immediately felt much better after one dose. I still have some lingering congestion, but really fine other than that.

Wanted to try a shakeout run today, so I did what should of been an easy 4 miler pace-wise...but it just felt like a tremendous effort. Not sure if I'm mentally psyching myself out and/or my body is still recovering...but tomorrow should be interesting to say the least. DNS is not really an option since I need to get across the finish line one way or the other since it's a qualifier for two big races I'm planning for next year (time doesn't matter just need to finish). The good news is that there is a 3 hour time limit and my usual half is right around the 2 hour mark, so I do have an extra hour cushion...so worse case is I run as much as I can, and if I have to walk, I'll be fine time-wise. And the course is supposed to be pretty flat and I train on some major hills. I think I'm just in for one slow, long, hot race...and I'm kinda dreading it.

Is it fall yet??

 

[fashionista311]

I was just going to ask about droid programs, so thanks! already done with my running for the week...feeling good and hitting 11 min miles



I can't find the team sparkle info and the link didn't work....can someone post it again. I am going to be a variation of MS Princess...since I am running this in protest of my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis! Trying to figure out costumes with my neighbor who is running with me.

Also, does anyone know is the route fairly flat or lots of hills? My neighborhood is pretty hilly and it kills me....wondering if this is overkill training or necessary since the route is hilly. Thanks!

If you train on any sort of hills, the course will be very flat to you. There are are some minor inclines, but I barely noticed them. And I'm definitely the first one to complain about hills

 

[fourmcds]

I was just going to ask about droid programs, so thanks! already done with my running for the week...feeling good and hitting 11 min miles



I can't find the team sparkle info and the link didn't work....can someone post it again. I am going to be a variation of MS Princess...since I am running this in protest of my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis! Trying to figure out costumes with my neighbor who is running with me.

Also, does anyone know is the route fairly flat or lots of hills? My neighborhood is pretty hilly and it kills me....wondering if this is overkill training or necessary since the route is hilly. Thanks!

ignore the team sparkle part...just found it. thanks!

 

[TMcDwyer]

I have a half marathon tomorrow princesses, and I am kinda freaking out.

Started to come down with a cold two weeks ago and ran through the best I could...even got in a long run of 13 miles...but then last week, I was just so sick, running was out of the question. Started antibiotics on Tues, and immediately felt much better after one dose. I still have some lingering congestion, but really fine other than that.

Wanted to try a shakeout run today, so I did what should of been an easy 4 miler pace-wise...but it just felt like a tremendous effort. Not sure if I'm mentally psyching myself out and/or my body is still recovering...but tomorrow should be interesting to say the least. DNS is not really an option since I need to get across the finish line one way or the other since it's a qualifier for two big races I'm planning for next year (time doesn't matter just need to finish). The good news is that there is a 3 hour time limit and my usual half is right around the 2 hour mark, so I do have an extra hour cushion...so worse case is I run as much as I can, and if I have to walk, I'll be fine time-wise. And the course is supposed to be pretty flat and I train on some major hills. I think I'm just in for one slow, long, hot race...and I'm kinda dreading it.

Is it fall yet??

You can do it! Just take it easy and listen to your body! Good luck and I can't wait to hear all about it.