Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[honedew]

I just read they are starting to make plans for new things this year!!

Princesses - New in 2012 we will be offering a Pasta in the Park Party during Princess Half Marathon Weekend! More details and ticket information will be coming soon.

Sounds fun! Hopefully it wont be too costly!

 

[pjpoohbear]

I just read they are starting to make plans for new things this year!!

Princesses - New in 2012 we will be offering a Pasta in the Park Party during Princess Half Marathon Weekend! More details and ticket information will be coming soon.

Sounds fun! Hopefully it wont be too costly!

This is cool! I was really hoping for something like this.

Pj

 

[pjpoohbear]

Ladies, I hit 50 lb. down on Sunday and I have kept it so far this week. I run a little each week, maybe 15% running and 85% fast walking, I never thought I would be a long distance mover at all, thank you for just being there. Having this thread to visit has been a huge motivation, HUGE!

I have a long way to go, a long way but it feels so good to be able to say 50 lb. lost since mid January.

Pj

 

[slp1650]

I'm the same way, except I started running after hardly exercising at all. I know it's kept me from gaining weight, but I can't seem to loose the last 10-15 stubborn pounds.

Ya, those last 10-15 can be a ***** to get rid off. I don't think I'll ever see the weight I was when I first joined the NCAA swim team. Although, part of that was muscle gain. I never was a size 2 or whatever, but I don't really plan on that being my focus.

I actually started tracking my diet TODAY. Like no joke, today I started a new app on my phone to help count calories and track my workouts.

 

[saysay]

Ladies, I hit 50 lb. down on Sunday and I have kept it so far this week. I run a little each week, maybe 15% running and 85% fast walking, I never thought I would be a long distance mover at all, thank you for just being there. Having this thread to visit has been a huge motivation, HUGE!

I have a long way to go, a long way but it feels so good to be able to say 50 lb. lost since mid January.

Pj

Way to go PJ! Huge accomplishment...not easy for sure!

As for the distance run/walking......I think the hardest part is saying you are going to do it and just making the time....you should be so proud of yourself for what you are doing. You are a motivation to all of us!

 

[stitchfan18]

Ya, those last 10-15 can be a ***** to get rid off. I don't think I'll ever see the weight I was when I first joined the NCAA swim team. Although, part of that was muscle gain. I never was a size 2 or whatever, but I don't really plan on that being my focus.

I actually started tracking my diet TODAY. Like no joke, today I started a new app on my phone to help count calories and track my workouts.

I don't track what I eat, so that may be part of the problem. I feel like I generally eat pretty healthy, and when a race is close I cut out the few things in my diet that aren't so healthy (mainly my soda and ice cream habits.) I have noticed a lot more muscle definition than I used to have, especially in my calves, so I know that I'm making progress even when the number on the scale isn't getting smaller.

 

[fashionista311]

Ya, those last 10-15 can be a ***** to get rid off. I don't think I'll ever see the weight I was when I first joined the NCAA swim team. Although, part of that was muscle gain. I never was a size 2 or whatever, but I don't really plan on that being my focus.

I actually started tracking my diet TODAY. Like no joke, today I started a new app on my phone to help count calories and track my workouts.

It's actually fairly difficult to lose weight when training for long distances unless you have a ton of weight to take off. It's a bit of an oxymoron - in order to lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit, but when you are training for these distances your body needs every ounce of energy it can get. But it can be done...Coach Jenny actually just wrote a blog post about this on RW - it's in regards to a full marathon, but it's pretty similar principles to a half, I think

http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.c...ut-losing-energy-while-marathon-training.html

Something to keep in mind too as you start to hit distances that are new to you - you will end up starving (at least I do) - but realize you are only burning 100 calories/mile (maybe even less depending on your weight) So for example - while you might be like yay, I ran 9 miles, wow 900 calories! Well for 9 miles, you probably had to use a gu right? so there's 100 down. Maybe you took in sport drink as well...another 100 calories down. And of course you need to recover from the run within 30 mins...another 100 calories. So now you only burned 600 calories...which is is only 100-200 calories more than your average week day run (if that). And that amounts to what? 10 french fries? Le sigh...it's very depressing.

But if you banish the notion that "I can eat anything I want, I'm training for a half marathon/marathon!" and watch your diet, it's not impossible. And I do think the extra mlies do give you a bit of leeway - I know my caloric needs are def higher when I'm training for big race and my mileage starts to climb.

I also find that my weight goes up a few lbs when my muscles are still recovering from a long run, but as soon as my legs lose that brick-like feeling on my recovery run(s) and I'm back to normal, my weight returns to normal as well. Just something to keep in mind if you weigh yourself daily

 

[fashionista311]

Thanks for your advice!

As it gets cooler, I'll try and run outside more. I wish there was a device out there that could tell you how fast you were running. That's what I need! I also wish Garmins weren't so expensive. I had a hard time paying the $60 for the Ironman watch I got for the interval timing!

I'm really hoping to be able to run a 10k in November. I've only run a 5k so far. Do you think I should be able to do it in a decent time?

If you scour the internet, you can probably find a good deal on a garmin. Also - there's always the good old fashioned way of measuring out your run on mapmyrun.com and then using a stopwatch, too! I got my Garmin very early on and while it was a great thing because it got me off the treadmill and onto the road...it may also be a negative too, because I'm still super dependent on it.

As far as a "decent" 10k? Well first off - there's no such thing as a normal/decent time. What is a PR for me may be a super slow time to one friend of mine..and out-of-the-sky reach for another friend. That's the great thing about this sport - it's just you and the clock, no one one else. And on any given day - your times can vary greatly based on the terrain, weather and overall how you are feeling! But if it's any reassurance - yes I think you will do just fine in Nov!

 

[shellbelle76]

Hi all! I'm new

Registered for the race and recruited a friend to come along with me, but haven't made flight or hotel arrangements. I'm running my first 5K two weeks from this Saturday and have been following the 5K 101 podcases from Running Mate. Training has been so good for me, mentally and physically.

My two children (3 & 5) and my husband support me wholeheartedly on this, but they are not coming along for the adventure! It's just going to be a girly blast! I cannot wait!

Very much looking forward to getting to know you all!

 

[saysay]

Hmm, I might just order me one of these shirts for the race and wear with a sparkle skirt - TEAM Sparkle or homemade.....CUTE! Easy "costume". They have a cute one with Wings printed on the back as well for tink!

http://www.balancingactclothing.com/running-shirts/performance/runner-princess-102

 

[saysay]

http://www.gobblejog.org You can also register at active.com.

I just looked at the route on the website and elevation. I remember the big hill but not as long at it appears it is. It was a fun race, totally worth it if you are considering and you can eat your pie with less guilt that day. ;-)

Thanks for your advice!

As it gets cooler, I'll try and run outside more. I wish there was a device out there that could tell you how fast you were running. That's what I need! I also wish Garmins weren't so expensive. I had a hard time paying the $60 for the Ironman watch I got for the interval timing!

I'm really hoping to be able to run a 10k in November. I've only run a 5k so far. Do you think I should be able to do it in a decent time?

A decent time is you got out of bed and went to the race and started! Last year I wanted to do a 10k Thanksgiving to try to get closer to the front in a corral. I am slow and honestly didn't think I could do this race fast enough to get placed. I went back and forth about whether or not to do it, and decided to just go as even if I didn't do as fast as I wanted it was good to get some exercise on Thanksgiving. Turns out I did better than I thought I would.... I wanted to do it in 1:15 - ended up 1:12. Just sign up as per the Galloway plan last year, Thanksgiving was about when you should be up to 6 miles. If you keep running/walking whatever you do, you have lots of time to get up to 6 by then IMO. Happy training!

 

[stitchfan18]

Hmm, I might just order me one of these shirts for the race and wear with a sparkle skirt - TEAM Sparkle or homemade.....CUTE! Easy "costume". They have a cute one with Wings printed on the back as well for tink!

http://www.balancingactclothing.com/running-shirts/performance/runner-princess-102

Cute! I don't need to be spending more money right now, but that shirt is really tempting me! The wing shirts are cute too! I'm glad I have 3 disney races early next year to plan outfits for because I change my mind all the time about what I want to wear...

 

[Michele325]

Hmm, I might just order me one of these shirts for the race and wear with a sparkle skirt - TEAM Sparkle or homemade.....CUTE! Easy "costume". They have a cute one with Wings printed on the back as well for tink!

http://www.balancingactclothing.com/running-shirts/performance/runner-princess-102

Really cute! I like the runner girl one. I'm thinking of that with a sparkle skirt and my bondi band

A decent time is you got out of bed and went to the race and started! Last year I wanted to do a 10k Thanksgiving to try to get closer to the front in a corral. I am slow and honestly didn't think I could do this race fast enough to get placed. I went back and forth about whether or not to do it, and decided to just go as even if I didn't do as fast as I wanted it was good to get some exercise on Thanksgiving. Turns out I did better than I thought I would.... I wanted to do it in 1:15 - ended up 1:12. Just sign up as per the Galloway plan last year, Thanksgiving was about when you should be up to 6 miles. If you keep running/walking whatever you do, you have lots of time to get up to 6 by then IMO. Happy training!

Thanks for that! I am running a 10K in a month and hoping for 1:15-1:18. That gives me hope! But you are right, just going to the 10k is an accomplishment.

 

[slp1650]

I don't track what I eat, so that may be part of the problem. I feel like I generally eat pretty healthy, and when a race is close I cut out the few things in my diet that aren't so healthy (mainly my soda and ice cream habits.) I have noticed a lot more muscle definition than I used to have, especially in my calves, so I know that I'm making progress even when the number on the scale isn't getting smaller.

It's actually fairly difficult to lose weight when training for long distances unless you have a ton of weight to take off. It's a bit of an oxymoron - in order to lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit, but when you are training for these distances your body needs every ounce of energy it can get. But it can be done...

Something to keep in mind too as you start to hit distances that are new to you - you will end up starving (at least I do) - but realize you are only burning 100 calories/mile (maybe even less depending on your weight) So for example - while you might be like yay, I ran 9 miles, wow 900 calories! Well for 9 miles, you probably had to use a gu right? so there's 100 down. Maybe you took in sport drink as well...another 100 calories down. And of course you need to recover from the run within 30 mins...another 100 calories. So now you only burned 600 calories...which is is only 100-200 calories more than your average week day run (if that). And that amounts to what? 10 french fries? Le sigh...it's very depressing.

I also find that my weight goes up a few lbs when my muscles are still recovering from a long run, but as soon as my legs lose that brick-like feeling on my recovery run(s) and I'm back to normal, my weight returns to normal as well. Just something to keep in mind if you weigh yourself daily

The reason your weight goes up when your muscles feel like bricks is probably due to lactic acid. It builds up in the muscles then eventually wears down and goes away. Rolling and stretching does help break it down quicker.

A lot of it is not only the "I can eat anything" notion, but also, as you lose weight your body just doesn't need as many calories in general. That's one of the reasons you hit road blocks at points.

Now, I swam for 13 years competitively so I'm used to understanding the whole eat whatever while you're in training and then watch what you're eating during a taper (although it's hard to do when you're 15 or 16... or 19 or 20... it's hard to do period). My big thing is portion control. That's where I was letting my food get out of hand and where the counting calories comes in handy for me.

I'm also trying to cut out some unhealthy things not only to save on calories, but to save on money. If I'm not buying them, then I won't be eating them! That's another sense of motivation for me!

Although I do have to admit, I can't wait for the food I'm going to be having around the race. A large part of that is my dad's awesome cooking which I get to go home (and I've been missing).

 

[saysay]

Cute! I don't need to be spending more money right now, but that shirt is really tempting me! The wing shirts are cute too! I'm glad I have 3 disney races early next year to plan outfits for because I change my mind all the time about what I want to wear...

Sorry to be tempting you Heather.....and you always look great at your races! ;-) You do have quite the runner's wardrobe!

 

[ColleenG]

I finally finished C25K tonight! 30 minutes is a breeze. I would have gotten to the end a lot sooner had my knee not flared up. Next week we are in Disney so when we get back I'm going to start Bridge to 10K. Have any of you done it? I loved C25K so hopefully this will go well too. Once I get up to 6 miles I'll have to figure out if I should switch to Galloway. I think how my knee and shin feel will be the big determining factor.

 

[stitchfan18]

Sorry to be tempting you Heather.....and you always look great at your races! ;-) You do have quite the runner's wardrobe!

Well I do have a weakness for workout clothes Especially bright colors and pretty designs!

 

[tinkeramy]

Hi all! I'm new

Registered for the race and recruited a friend to come along with me, but haven't made flight or hotel arrangements. I'm running my first 5K two weeks from this Saturday and have been following the 5K 101 podcases from Running Mate. Training has been so good for me, mentally and physically.

My two children (3 & 5) and my husband support me wholeheartedly on this, but they are not coming along for the adventure! It's just going to be a girly blast! I cannot wait!

Very much looking forward to getting to know you all!

Welcome! I started running last year and this board was a HUGE support and inspiration for me! SaySay and I made it a girl's weekend last year, too - and we DID have a blast! Looking forward to even more fun this year, as we know better what to expect. I tell my friends that the only reason I run is so I can get back to Disney World!

 

[rundisneymom]

I finally finished C25K tonight! 30 minutes is a breeze. I would have gotten to the end a lot sooner had my knee not flared up. Next week we are in Disney so when we get back I'm going to start Bridge to 10K. Have any of you done it? I loved C25K so hopefully this will go well too. Once I get up to 6 miles I'll have to figure out if I should switch to Galloway. I think how my knee and shin feel will be the big determining factor.

Great job on finishing the C25K!! I have my last Bridge to 10K run today (I'm procrastinating on the DIS). It is great. Going back to short intervals was hard at first, but it has made me stronger in the end. Good Luck!

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Ladies, I hit 50 lb. down on Sunday and I have kept it so far this week. I run a little each week, maybe 15% running and 85% fast walking, I never thought I would be a long distance mover at all, thank you for just being there. Having this thread to visit has been a huge motivation, HUGE!

I have a long way to go, a long way but it feels so good to be able to say 50 lb. lost since mid January.

Pj

PJ that is great news! Keep it up, it is a lifetime of maintenance I know. Way to go girl!!

I just read they are starting to make plans for new things this year!!

Princesses - New in 2012 we will be offering a Pasta in the Park Party during Princess Half Marathon Weekend! More details and ticket information will be coming soon.

Sounds fun! Hopefully it wont be too costly!

Dena,
I looked for more info on this as Im at the 184 day mark today for my arrival. I'm anal about planning and in 4 days I can start making some of my ADRs. I would assume it would be held at EPCOT as well. Hmmm....decisions, decisions!
Keep us updated please!

Nikki