Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[saysay]

Princesses...I have yet to book a room for me and my partners in crime. Awaiting to get a family rate for Swan/Dolphin - not guaranteed or for an AP discount.......

NOW I have been looking at renting some points, but the cheapest option I have seen is $13. Let me know if you have a cheaper contact....you can PM me. I would LOVE to do an Epcot resort since we had the boat last year and I loved it.

Seems like the race discount is a rip-off.....correct me if I am wrong.....is it Per person? I mean I will do a value nothing wrong with it, but $98 Per person, ummmm sorry that is a little steep!

Thanks!

Oh and Daisy, thanks for the offer, let me look at those races!

 

[HockeyKat]

Kat,
I really appreciate your run reports because I am a true Gallowayer to just started running with a group a month ago and I am learning how to slow it down and run those true 13-14 min runs especially now that we are hitting the 8+ mile long runs. I have my first 10miler and I am

Anytime!! I am definitely not your traditional "runner" - at over 35, 40-50 lbs overweight and only about 18 months into this.

Running (or run/walk/running) has made such a difference in the way I feel. I am at WDW right now and was just noticing today as I was getting in and out of a few rides, like Space Mountain, how much easier it is. 3-4 hours touring MK and my feet don't hurt at all.

I credit DIS and the friends I have made here, then Galloway and my training group for a lot of that, so I guess it's hard to keep my mouth shut about it!

 

[kmg148]

Thanks everyone for your experiences with pacing! I'm going to try to run 5.5 tonight with 2/1 intervals.

 

[daisy112878]

Princesses...I have yet to book a room for me and my partners in crime. Awaiting to get a family rate for Swan/Dolphin - not guaranteed or for an AP discount.......

NOW I have been looking at renting some points, but the cheapest option I have seen is $13. Let me know if you have a cheaper contact....you can PM me. I would LOVE to do an Epcot resort since we had the boat last year and I loved it.

Seems like the race discount is a rip-off.....correct me if I am wrong.....is it Per person? I mean I will do a value nothing wrong with it, but $98 Per person, ummmm sorry that is a little steep!

Thanks!

Oh and Daisy, thanks for the offer, let me look at those races!

Sent you a facebook message. We paid $12/point.

 

[lifeasiseeit]

I walk at a 4.0 and run anywhere from 6.6-7.0; although lately it's been pretty consistent at a 6.6 run.

For whatever reason, Galloway just isn't for me. I usually revert to Galloway when I'm 'taking it easy' and use a 4:1 interval. And even then, that will only last a couple times before I revert back to my 'walk when you need to' method.

Buuuut...I've recently discovered that I *can* run at an 8.0. Now, I'm not at the level of running at a 8.0 for an extended period of time, but I can hold it for a minute. I typically run at an 8.0 for 'warm-up' and it's at a 1:1 (8.0:4.0) interval, so I guess I follow Galloway for a warm-up.

 

[shellbelle76]

Hi Princesses! First 5K on Saturday, and it's looking to be a drippy event. I am so looking forward to it though!!

Love all of the Galloway talk - very interested in training with run/walk intervals once I get through this weekend. And so encouraging to read your experiences with recent runs - both the good and the bad!

Here's where I need help... I still haven't made any travel or hotel arrangements for February. Need to get on that... Reason for my procrastination? I haven't been there in so long I feel clueless. I've tried gathering info, and I just get totally overwhelmed. I truly don't know where I should stay - do I go for a value resort or a moderate? <sigh> This shouldn't be so stressful...

If you have any suggestions or recommendations with regards to the Disney hotels, I welcome your expertise!!

 

[Nishmom]

"Slow miles is better than no miles..." You ladies are probably all younger than I am and I am impressed by a lot of your times. I'd dearly love to break 30 minutes for a 5K but don't think that'll ever happen. Oh well, at least I'm doing it. And today.... wow.... temps in the low 60's and gentle rain (DH and I ran between storms) made for the best 3 miles I've run since March. It really is the weather that makes such a mess of things - I just don't do well in heat and humidity. Today's run reminds me of why I keep doing this. It was awesome, truly fun, inspiring, runners' high, and all that really good stuff!

As for Body Glide, it's one of the few things I will NEVER run out of! It's a year-round necessity and I've paid the price on days I've been in too much of a hurry to apply it. Well worth an extra minute and a few dollars!

Pattie

 

[stitchfan18]

Here's where I need help... I still haven't made any travel or hotel arrangements for February. Need to get on that... Reason for my procrastination? I haven't been there in so long I feel clueless. I've tried gathering info, and I just get totally overwhelmed. I truly don't know where I should stay - do I go for a value resort or a moderate? <sigh> This shouldn't be so stressful...

If you have any suggestions or recommendations with regards to the Disney hotels, I welcome your expertise!!

I would recommend any of the host resorts if you haven't been in awhile. It'll make the weekend a little more stress free knowing that you can catch a bus at your resort to any of the events. As far as choosing between values and moderate, it really just depends on whether you are making it a quick weekend trip or spending some time in the parks later in the week. If you are spending time in the parks and want to save some money, the values are great. We usually stay there if we simply need a bed and a shower. The pools are fun to swim in, and we've always have nice clean rooms, but there isn't much else at the values to do. If you are only there for a few days and want to spend more time relaxing at the hotel instead of playing in the parks, then I would go with the moderate. The mods have a sit down restaurant at every resort (except french quarter) so you can enjoy a leisurely post race meal without going far. There is also a boat from the Port Orleans resorts to Downtown Disney if you like to shop. Also, I think the beds are more comfortable at the moderate resorts, but usually I'm fine sleeping wherever. DH is usually the one who complains about the beds at different resorts.

 

[kmg148]

Successfully completed what I said earlier: 2/1 intervals at 5.5/4.0. I felt great after! Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm going to stick with this pace for a while!

 

[JCH]

"Slow miles is better than no miles..." You ladies are probably all younger than I am and I am impressed by a lot of your times. I'd dearly love to break 30 minutes for a 5K but don't think that'll ever happen. Oh well, at least I'm doing it.

I feel that way and I'm only 27! I am hoping to do the Halloween 5k in under 40 to leave time for some pictures, and always feel pretty discouraged when people mention their "super slow 31 minute 5ks". I just started running 6 weeks go, so I am feeling pretty good about my current 3.1 mi in 43 minutes until I read those posts and then wonder what I am thinking aiming for a half marathon! I guess I just have to trust in the Galloway plan which is so far so good and got me to here from not even being able to do a full mile. Maybe when it cools down, I'll speed up?

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

OK girls, I need some help! I've finished the Couch to 5k, what would you all say should be my next training step towards a 10k? The Bridge to 10k programs all seem to rely on running times rather than distances, but I do better the other day around.

Should I just do figure out my best intervals and increase my distance weekly? Or run certain distances and just keep going as long as possible? I feel so lost.. even the Galloway plans focus more on timed runs rather than distances :/ Just a bit puzzled as to how I should proceed.

 

[ColleenG]

I also just finished C25K and am planning on continuing with Bridge to 10K. I also use the app RunKeeper. It will tell you your time and distance. I like to know how far I go too. I did this too with C25K. If the time ran out and I was feeling good I would go a little farther. I haven't been able to do 3.1 miles in 30 minutes. But with the runkeeper I could push the distance.

 

[kmg148]

OK girls, I need some help! I've finished the Couch to 5k, what would you all say should be my next training step towards a 10k? The Bridge to 10k programs all seem to rely on running times rather than distances, but I do better the other day around.

Should I just do figure out my best intervals and increase my distance weekly? Or run certain distances and just keep going as long as possible? I feel so lost.. even the Galloway plans focus more on timed runs rather than distances :/ Just a bit puzzled as to how I should proceed.

A couple weeks ago I checked out the January half marathon training schedule that is posted on the RunDisney site. The first week was last week and it starts off with the longest run being 3 miles. I checked out the bridge to 10k but felt more comfortable trying the Galloway training program, since you only run 30 minutes twice a week and then the long run. When the Princess schedule starts up, I plan on switching over to that.

 

[stitchfan18]

OK girls, I need some help! I've finished the Couch to 5k, what would you all say should be my next training step towards a 10k? The Bridge to 10k programs all seem to rely on running times rather than distances, but I do better the other day around.

Should I just do figure out my best intervals and increase my distance weekly? Or run certain distances and just keep going as long as possible? I feel so lost.. even the Galloway plans focus more on timed runs rather than distances :/ Just a bit puzzled as to how I should proceed.

I never did bridge to 10k. After I finished the C2 5k program I hadn't yet started thinking about running a 10k or a 1/2 marathon. Once I decided to shoot for longer distances, I got a 1/2 training schedule and went from there. If you aren't ready to start 1/2 training yet, you can repeat the first few weeks until you feel ready to start the longer distances.

 

[stitchfan18]

I feel that way and I'm only 27! I am hoping to do the Halloween 5k in under 40 to leave time for some pictures, and always feel pretty discouraged when people mention their "super slow 31 minute 5ks". I just started running 6 weeks go, so I am feeling pretty good about my current 3.1 mi in 43 minutes until I read those posts and then wonder what I am thinking aiming for a half marathon! I guess I just have to trust in the Galloway plan which is so far so good and got me to here from not even being able to do a full mile. Maybe when it cools down, I'll speed up?

I try really hard not to say stuff about my slower runs and the time it took. I know some people who always complain about how slow their runs are when they are running in the 8 min/mile range, and it bugs me. I apologize if I've slipped and made a comment about my 'slow' times! Just think about all the people on the couch who don't have the courage to do a 5k or a 1/2, you're totally smoking their times!

 

[HockeyKat]

I feel that way and I'm only 27! I am hoping to do the Halloween 5k in under 40 to leave time for some pictures, and always feel pretty discouraged when people mention their "super slow 31 minute 5ks". I just started running 6 weeks go, so I am feeling pretty good about my current 3.1 mi in 43 minutes until I read those posts and then wonder what I am thinking aiming for a half marathon! I guess I just have to trust in the Galloway plan which is so far so good and got me to here from not even being able to do a full mile. Maybe when it cools down, I'll speed up?

You can totally do this!! The Princess has a lot of women in all age groups, speeds, and sizes. You will not be alone, and if you continue to be consistent in your training, you will finish and have a great time! Remember, whether you finish in 1:30 or 3:30, it's the same medal!

If makes you feel any better at all, you can definitely count me in the slow and steady group!

I am definitely not fast by anyone's definition. My training long runs, we would be doing 3 in about 45-48 minutes, so I am with you, and even race-day my 5K might be in the 36-38 range if I had a good day. I have never run a whole mile straight through and have always done intervals.

However, I have finished 6 half marathons from the Princess 2010 through the end of Aug 2011 with times of 3:11, 3:00, 3:33, 3:06, 2:59 (in that order), and have done all but one of them (the faster one not in the list) in varying weights from 200-228 lbs.

No offense to anyone that is in this camp, and I hope any of you who qualify for this statement don't take this the wrong way, but I say - Let the skinny/young fasties carry the extra weight and years on their backs, and see where they wind up!

 

[tinkeramy]

I feel that way and I'm only 27! I am hoping to do the Halloween 5k in under 40 to leave time for some pictures, and always feel pretty discouraged when people mention their "super slow 31 minute 5ks". I just started running 6 weeks go, so I am feeling pretty good about my current 3.1 mi in 43 minutes until I read those posts and then wonder what I am thinking aiming for a half marathon! I guess I just have to trust in the Galloway plan which is so far so good and got me to here from not even being able to do a full mile. Maybe when it cools down, I'll speed up?

If this is a duplicate, sorry - internet being wonky!

You know, I have been guilty of the complaining, too, but I think the beauty of running is that unless you are an elite (which, to my knowledge, does not include anyone on this board), you are really just competing against yourself. And at 6 weeks out, you especially don't need to worry about keeping up with anyone else. 3.1 in 43 minutes is GREAT for a newbie!

I was prev. avging 10 min / miles, sometimes 9:45 on a good day. Since the shin splints this summer, I feel like I have to "baby" it and hold back - to about a 12 min/mile. Yes, I know that is what some people are still striving for, but for me it is frustrating to put a year into this just to have to go slower. So, it's all pretty individual. Some of my BEST encouragement when I was getting up off the couch and starting was from 2 high school friends who have done the Iron Man. While they were posting crazy endurance workouts, they were cheering my paltry "I ran 5 minutes without stopping!" posts and it really meant a lot. I didn't even consider comparing myself to their pace b/c I knew we were in completely diff. stages.

Oh - and the half is about endurance, not speed. Those that start out at 5K pace ususally tend to bonk and , if the finish, are completely exhausted. And look bad in their pictures. A friend was laughing at me when she looked at my pics from last year. She said, " I just noticed - your hair is down and you wore makeup, didn't you?" I replied, "Of course! I was a princess and getting my picture made every 10 minutes! Please!"

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Count me in the slow group too! I have improved every race though so that is what counts to me. I don't overdo it, but have come close. But, I think it is great that some of us are super speedy and some of us aren't. Either way, we shouldn't feel bad because the thing that really counts is that we finished the race. I would love to be super speedy! So, I guess I need to do at least 50 races before I join the elite crowd if my improvement statistics continue as they are.

 

[fashionista311]

I still think I'm "slow" but I guess my race times are probably more in the middle-of-the-pack...usually my grade performance is a bit above 50%

But I get easily frustrated with my times....I want so badly for an 8 min mile to feel "easy" for me (so I have a shot of BQing one day) but in reality an 8 min mile would be a pretty big stretch on a good day for a 5k for me. I have seen improvement (first half marathon that I ran was 2:18, now down to 2:03) but it's not nearly as quick as I would like it to be!

I think as long as you are out there giving it your all....that's what really counts. I have more respect for someone training their @ss off for a 40 min 5k then I do for someone who didn't really train and whoops, ran a 1:45 min half marathon without really training. Race day is supposed to be celebrating all the hardwork you put in leading up to it....so without the blood, sweat, and tears, the medal and race times don't really mean much, imo.

 

[daisy112878]

OK girls, I need some help! I've finished the Couch to 5k, what would you all say should be my next training step towards a 10k? The Bridge to 10k programs all seem to rely on running times rather than distances, but I do better the other day around.

Should I just do figure out my best intervals and increase my distance weekly? Or run certain distances and just keep going as long as possible? I feel so lost.. even the Galloway plans focus more on timed runs rather than distances :/ Just a bit puzzled as to how I should proceed.

After C25K, I followed galloway's 10K training. this is the link to the one I did, http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html There is a 5K and 10K listed for training. Tuesday/Thursday is yoru timed and just run. I still do my intervals on these days and usually run 3 miles in about 35 minutes. I try on these runs to do at lesat 3 miles but some days it's 2.5miles. Just depends on how I feel. Your long run days is when you concentrate on mileage and every two weeks you go up a little bit in mileage.

I was hestate at first about this but I am a believer now after my 10K on monday. Even the short runs helped me go the distance and be ready for my race.