Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[stitchfan18]

Another option that I'm considering for "wings" for the Tinkerbell in Jan. is just getting some form of an iron-on (decal or rhinestone transfer) wings made and just putting those on the back of a shirt. I agree though if you're going for actual wings, I would stick with the child-sized ones. I'm also hoping to find some sort of ponytail holder with wings, but having no luck so far. I'm considering buying a Tinkerbell doll/figure and trying to take the wings off of that and attach them to a ponytail holder myself, although that sounds like it could be a disaster I guess I could try to get the doll on Black Friday so at least I hopefully won't waste too much $$ on it if it doesn't work.

The iron on wings sounds like a cute idea. If I wasn't wearing a WISH shirt, I would probably buy one of the shirts someone posted a link to with the wings printed on the bad, but I'm usually not good with iron ons.

 

[stamot]

Does any of you go to the half marathon alone. I dont have anyone who wants to travel with me to do this. My husband will not be able to go with me. I had never traveled alone. I just want to know if everyone takes this as a family vacation or only girl stuff.

 

[freepixie]

This is kind of a random question, but with halloween costumes in store now I was looking around at different wings to wear during the race. I'm about 90% sure I'll wear a tink theme for princess, since I'm planning it for January and don't want to buy parts for a completely different costume a month later. I'm planning a lime green team sparkle skirt with my WISH shirt and WISH princess band.

I think some wings would be cute and would tie it all together. Has anyone worn wings during a race? What is the best style? Did you have to alter them at all so they wouldn't bounce? I'm thinking the little girl styles would be better than the adult ones since I think smaller would be better. I don't know what I'll do to keep them from bouncing around the whole time though...

I was originally thinking of doing the wings thing too before I started thinking of Jessie from Toy Story - still not 100% sure which I will go with lol! When we were in WDW this past summer I actually picked up some Tink wings that light up - kid sized - but then I was starting to wonder if the battery box would bother my back!! So if your going to do the wings, I'd suggest not the light up kind cause the battery box is a decent size and I'm not sure if it would cause issues!

 

[Disfan11]

Not sure if anyone else has listed the "Disney Princess Half Marathon" as their RACE on RunKeeper, but here is the link: http://runkeeper.com/race/disney-princess-half-marathon-87/16119. Not sure if it will get automatically deleted or not by the blog master. lol

If you do not have a smart phone, you can still have a Run Keeper account and manually enter in all your activities: running, walking, hiking, cycling, snowboarding, rowing, etc.

As of yet, there are only 28 people attending the Half and I am the only Nikki. Friend me and we can motivate each other!

Nikki,
I added myself to the Princess (and Tinkerbell) runs.
Now what do I do?
There's 38 people now.
How do I friend you?

 

[longhorns2]

I think I'm in again!

I did it last year pregnant (it was not a pretty sight!) and really REALLLLYYY need some motivation to get moving and get the post baby weight off. Disney motivates me (we all have our things, right?! lol) so I'm in for the princess again.

Happy running yall!

 

[stitchfan18]

Does any of you go to the half marathon alone. I dont have anyone who wants to travel with me to do this. My husband will not be able to go with me. I had never traveled alone. I just want to know if everyone takes this as a family vacation or only girl stuff.

This year I ran the race solo. I came down with my mom, but she was just there to cheer instead of run. I booked my hotel and signed up for the race next year not knowing whether anyone would come with me or not. It is a great weekend, so even if you are solo and not with family or friends, you'll still have a great time. Since we didn't have any kids or husbands that like to run around the parks the whole time we were there, it was nice to just relax for once!

 

[tinkeramy]

That's amazing! Do you have any idea what her pace is for just a marathon? so many tri folks i know are in the 7-8 min/mile range for distance races....and that's so just incredibly intimating to me. Not that I have any plans on doing an ironman any time soon (um I haven't even done a tri yet) but it's comforting to hear of more "average" runners having enough time to finish, too!

I don't know what her marathon pace is, but I do know she ran a local 10K this summer that was kind of hilly in the 7-ish range. She's an attorney with 2 equally active kids, so the fact that she has time to train for 3 sports is amazing to me. I'm still struggling to fit in one!

 

[tinkeramy]

This is kind of a random question, but with halloween costumes in store now I was looking around at different wings to wear during the race. I'm about 90% sure I'll wear a tink theme for princess, since I'm planning it for January and don't want to buy parts for a completely different costume a month later. I'm planning a lime green team sparkle skirt with my WISH shirt and WISH princess band.

I think some wings would be cute and would tie it all together. Has anyone worn wings during a race? What is the best style? Did you have to alter them at all so they wouldn't bounce? I'm thinking the little girl styles would be better than the adult ones since I think smaller would be better. I don't know what I'll do to keep them from bouncing around the whole time though...

I love it! I am still completely unsure of what I will do for this year. I have my green skirt from last year as my Tinkerbell fall-back, but I am considering Tiana. Even wonder if I can pull off Aurora's pink dress top without sweating my head off. I don't even know why I'm considering this since I really don't care for pink, but Sleeping Beauty was always a fave as a child.

I was Tink once as a Halloween costume. This was when those big long sweatshirt dresses were still fashionable (let's not think too hard about how long ago this was, please!) so I got one of those and cut up the bottom. So the wing straps wouldn't show, I cut little slits in the back and fed the arm loops through there so it looked as if the wings were actually coming out of my back. So you could get a cheap tech shirt and do that. The only problem you would have with running like that is chafing once you start sweating.

On another note - SaySay and I are actively recruiting more princesses! We are close to getting a friend of ours who just had her 4th child (the 1st just went off to Kindergarten) and is quite ready to do something for herself! We're promising to be her support buddy during training and racing. Send us the charm mojo!

 

[cjbear]

I'm going to sign up for the Princess Half today. But I have a few questions:

Transportation: If I don't stay at a resort that has transportation provided, can I still use the transportation if I can get to one that does? Can I stay at Grand Floridian but use the bus that leaves from Polynesian?

Is it easy for spectators to move from the castle to the finish? I saw the monorail directions which sound easy but are there hundreds of people doing this all at the same time? Would it be better for my family to pick one spot to watch and just stay there?

Winter training: For anyone who lives in a snowy/icy climate, how bad is the January/February training? That is what I am dreading the most is the weather here during training time

Other than these nervous thoughts I am very excited! Have done 1 half marathon relay and 3 half marathons in the past but none in the last 2 years.

cjbear

 

[schmass]

I think some wings would be cute and would tie it all together. Has anyone worn wings during a race? What is the best style? Did you have to alter them at all so they wouldn't bounce? I'm thinking the little girl styles would be better than the adult ones since I think smaller would be better. I don't know what I'll do to keep them from bouncing around the whole time though...

My sister wore wings for the Princess this year and surprisingly they didn't bother her at all. I think they were kids wings. They looked really cute!

 

[haleofafamily]

Does any of you go to the half marathon alone. I dont have anyone who wants to travel with me to do this. My husband will not be able to go with me. I had never traveled alone. I just want to know if everyone takes this as a family vacation or only girl stuff.

Last year I went with my mom and sister-in-law. She brought her family but I didn't (and I enjoyed every minute!) My mom was a cheerleader and my SIL and I ran the half. This year she can't go so I am on my own for the half, but my mom will be cheering.

I'm going to sign up for the Princess Half today. But I have a few questions:

Transportation: If I don't stay at a resort that has transportation provided, can I still use the transportation if I can get to one that does? Can I stay at Grand Floridian but use the bus that leaves from Polynesian?

You can use any transportation bus. Last year they ended up adding more buses. We stayed at Beach Club and took the bus from the Yacht Club.

Is it easy for spectators to move from the castle to the finish? I saw the monorail directions which sound easy but are there hundreds of people doing this all at the same time? Would it be better for my family to pick one spot to watch and just stay there?

My mom, brother and his kids took a taxi to MK to watch us run through there. Then monorailed back to Epcot for the finish. They said it wasn't difficult at all.

Winter training: For anyone who lives in a snowy/icy climate, how bad is the January/February training? That is what I am dreading the most is the weather here during training time

We had a brutal winter so a lot of my training was on the treadmill which I hated but it got the job done

Other than these nervous thoughts I am very excited! Have done 1 half marathon relay and 3 half marathons in the past but none in the last 2 years.

I had never run before and this was one of the best experiences of my life!

cjbear

Merci

 

[shellbelle76]

On another note - SaySay and I are actively recruiting more princesses! We are close to getting a friend of ours who just had her 4th child (the 1st just went off to Kindergarten) and is quite ready to do something for herself! We're promising to be her support buddy during training and racing. Send us the charm mojo!

Good luck, Amy! Hope she says yes. It's such a gift to train with friends.

and cjbear - this is my first runDisney event, my first half and my first winter of training, so i'm of no use to you!! just wanted to say congrats on your decision to sign up today.

 

[cjbear]

and cjbear - this is my first runDisney event, my first half and my first winter of training, so i'm of no use to you!! just wanted to say congrats on your decision to sign up today. [/QUOTE]

Thanks! I am nervous and excited too!

Thanks to haleofafamily whose quote I lost. I was more worried about the transportation/getting around part than anything so thanks for taking that stress away!

 

[Bookwood]

I'm going to sign up for the Princess Half today. But I have a few questions:

Transportation: If I don't stay at a resort that has transportation provided, can I still use the transportation if I can get to one that does? Can I stay at Grand Floridian but use the bus that leaves from Polynesian?

Is it easy for spectators to move from the castle to the finish? I saw the monorail directions which sound easy but are there hundreds of people doing this all at the same time? Would it be better for my family to pick one spot to watch and just stay there?

Winter training: For anyone who lives in a snowy/icy climate, how bad is the January/February training? That is what I am dreading the most is the weather here during training time

Other than these nervous thoughts I am very excited! Have done 1 half marathon relay and 3 half marathons in the past but none in the last 2 years.

cjbear

From what I've seen if you're at the resort they will let you on the bus.

I've done the TTC, MK, Epcot hop a couple of times cheering for others and had no problems (I was a single adult without kids though!) Let you cheer squad do what they want - it is totally doable though! (my favorite travel was during a marathon - dd ran it for me since I had knee surgery 8 weeks earlier- from start to TTC- to MK back to Epcot, walked through Epcot- met friends for breakfast at Fresh, then was out to cheer when she hit the bridge entering the boardwalk area, walked to the finish to meet her. (I walked fast and didn't go around the world showcase)

I'm a weather wuss so do most of my winter training on an indoor track so it doesn't bother me.

 

[tinkeramy]

Oh, Princesses - need some encouragement this morning!!!! After going thru 6 weeks of PT for shin splints, the running has come anything but easy again. I am STILL plagued with a tight calf, and now slight tenderness in BOTH shins - but not throbbing pain like last time. I ran 6.5 Sat. and did okay with it - no pain, just some intermittent tightness. Ran a 2.5 miler on Tuesday, again, no real probs. I still feel the shin tenderness, though. Out of the blue yesterday, my knee starts hurting! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!! I am doing my stretches, wearing a compression sleeve, my PT said my shoes are fine....what else do I have to do?!?!?! I'm supposed to run 30 min. again today, but think I am going to skip it to rest my leg a little. I'm just SO frustrated. I ran for an entire year last year, from a complete beginner, without a SINGLE problem. Now, all of a sudden, my lower half is falling apart! I hate the thought of having to give this up when I feel like I just "found" it!

Thanks for letting me vent, and if anyone has any suggestions I will gladly read them!!!

 

[shellbelle76]

Amy - you are the ultimate encourager. i'm certain you will have TONS of princesses sending you virtual hugs and tons of positive energy until we hear that you are feeling 100% again.

I am a beginning runner, so I can't help with advice, but I can say that listening to your body is so important. It's something that - literally - only you can do. No physical therapist, no coach, no trainer can get inside your head and body and truly get what is going on inside. So if your instinct tells you to take another day of rest, then trust that instinct. And if you can cross-train in some capacity (any chance of taking a swim at the local Y?), then that might give you the benefits of the workout, get the endorphins flowing, but without risking further irritation to your tender knee.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but I just can't believe this is the end of your running story. There is so much good to come for you in your running adventures. I just know it.

 

[dawn8179]

Oh, Princesses - need some encouragement this morning!!!! After going thru 6 weeks of PT for shin splints, the running has come anything but easy again. I am STILL plagued with a tight calf, and now slight tenderness in BOTH shins - but not throbbing pain like last time. I ran 6.5 Sat. and did okay with it - no pain, just some intermittent tightness. Ran a 2.5 miler on Tuesday, again, no real probs. I still feel the shin tenderness, though. Out of the blue yesterday, my knee starts hurting! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!! I am doing my stretches, wearing a compression sleeve, my PT said my shoes are fine....what else do I have to do?!?!?! I'm supposed to run 30 min. again today, but think I am going to skip it to rest my leg a little. I'm just SO frustrated. I ran for an entire year last year, from a complete beginner, without a SINGLE problem. Now, all of a sudden, my lower half is falling apart! I hate the thought of having to give this up when I feel like I just "found" it!

Thanks for letting me vent, and if anyone has any suggestions I will gladly read them!!!

Just remember everyone has bad days and if you need a day of rest take it. I have found on days when my calves are too tight and the shin is starting to hurt, that doing my 30 minutes as complete walking helps stretch it out and has me ready for the next time.

 

[Michele325]

Oh, Princesses - need some encouragement this morning!!!! After going thru 6 weeks of PT for shin splints, the running has come anything but easy again. I am STILL plagued with a tight calf, and now slight tenderness in BOTH shins - but not throbbing pain like last time. I ran 6.5 Sat. and did okay with it - no pain, just some intermittent tightness. Ran a 2.5 miler on Tuesday, again, no real probs. I still feel the shin tenderness, though. Out of the blue yesterday, my knee starts hurting! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!! I am doing my stretches, wearing a compression sleeve, my PT said my shoes are fine....what else do I have to do?!?!?! I'm supposed to run 30 min. again today, but think I am going to skip it to rest my leg a little. I'm just SO frustrated. I ran for an entire year last year, from a complete beginner, without a SINGLE problem. Now, all of a sudden, my lower half is falling apart! I hate the thought of having to give this up when I feel like I just "found" it!

Thanks for letting me vent, and if anyone has any suggestions I will gladly read them!!!

Ok, Amy, you asked for advice so as a newer runner who has had some injuries and as an OT, I am wondering a few things. Did you go over your training plan with the PT? 6.5 mile might (depends on how far you were going before, etc) be a lot just getting out of PT. Also, have you thought about doing run/walk or Galloway? Also taking things slower? I know my hip has been bothering me, so after my 10K this weekend (I have only run 6-7 miles 3 times) I am going to back WAY down. Alternating 3 and 4 mile long runs until it is time to start the Galloway princess training plan.

Do I think you can do this, yes I do. So if I was you I would take a few days off. Then do only 30 minutes 3 times next week running very slowly. Then see how it goes. Oh, also, you can probably also call the PT if you need advice from her. Good luck!

 

[tinkeramy]

Amy - you are the ultimate encourager. i'm certain you will have TONS of princesses sending you virtual hugs and tons of positive energy until we hear that you are feeling 100% again.

I am a beginning runner, so I can't help with advice, but I can say that listening to your body is so important. It's something that - literally - only you can do. No physical therapist, no coach, no trainer can get inside your head and body and truly get what is going on inside. So if your instinct tells you to take another day of rest, then trust that instinct. And if you can cross-train in some capacity (any chance of taking a swim at the local Y?), then that might give you the benefits of the workout, get the endorphins flowing, but without risking further irritation to your tender knee.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but I just can't believe this is the end of your running story. There is so much good to come for you in your running adventures. I just know it.

Thanks! Just in a funk about this. A local park just put in outdoor workout equip. and one of the items is an elliptical - might be easier on the legs with no impact.

Just remember everyone has bad days and if you need a day of rest take it. I have found on days when my calves are too tight and the shin is starting to hurt, that doing my 30 minutes as complete walking helps stretch it out and has me ready for the next time.

You know, walking it is a great suggestion for my "off" days. At least I would get that heart rate up and get moving!

Ok, Amy, you asked for advice so as a newer runner who has had some injuries and as an OT, I am wondering a few things. Did you go over your training plan with the PT? 6.5 mile might (depends on how far you were going before, etc) be a lot just getting out of PT. Also, have you thought about doing run/walk or Galloway? Also taking things slower? I know my hip has been bothering me, so after my 10K this weekend (I have only run 6-7 miles 3 times) I am going to back WAY down. Alternating 3 and 4 mile long runs until it is time to start the Galloway princess training plan.

Do I think you can do this, yes I do. So if I was you I would take a few days off. Then do only 30 minutes 3 times next week running very slowly. Then see how it goes. Oh, also, you can probably also call the PT if you need advice from her. Good luck!

I got out of PT in mid-August, and when I asked her if she thought a Thksvg. half was realistic, she seemed pretty enthusiastic about it. I am following Galloway's half training program and doing 4:1 intervals. This is what is frustrating - for last year, I only took a 1 minute walk every mile and was okay. Also, I have been slowing down. Pre-injury I was at a 10 min. / mile pace. Lately, I have been keeping it to 11:30 / 12:30. This is why I am so discouraged! I feel like I am taking precautions and I am following a training plan, slowing down, only to start feeling pain in more places. Even though my PT said my shoes were fine, I think I might make a trip back to my running store and see about a shoe change. I have been wearing Brooks Ravennas for the last year; perhaps, for some reason, it's time for something different.

Thanks, Michele, for the interest and the advice. The runs on this week's schedule are supposed to bring it down after last weekend's 6.5; 2 mid-week runs of 45 minutes (I made Tuesday's run 30 minutes) and only 3 miles this Saturday. I have been thinking of calling the PT, but, honestly, didn't want to hear, "Well, come back in and we'll work on it some more" b/c those sessions are pretty expensive!

Thanks, all, for the encouragement. My knee didn't hurt at all today, even when down on the floor with my preschool class, so I am hoping it was some flukey thing and an extra rest day is what I need!

 

[slp1650]

Amy-

I know it seems like there's always something hurting, especially coming out of PT, but you will get through it! Just keep at it and make sure you don't push yourself more than you can go at that time

I spent a year in and out of PT, usually going in once to twice a month (originally it was a twice a week then once a week). Something was always wrong. Whether it was my knees, my calves, my ankles, or my feet it just always felt like we were working on something. Luckily, my PT showed me some great stretches to do when I moved. I also make sure I don't push myself more than I can go (ok, I pushed myself at Dland 1/2, but that was special occaison).

Yes, things will hurt after runs and out of the blue at different times, but I promise you if you remember to keep stretching, icing, and doing whatever your PT tells you to, you'll be able to do it