Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[msufan]

Isn't it amazing how far you have come in such a short time? Great job on doing the 5/1 intervals. I can't keep that pace yet doing anything longer than about 2 or 3 miles. I need to drop back and do a 3/1, but it feels amazing to just to run without feeling like an elephant is sitting on my chest. Keep up the great work!! Are you going to be doing the Galloway 1/2 marathon training plan?

Thanks! As for my training plan, I started with C25K, but I hit a wall. I couldn't run 20 minutes without stopping, so switched to the Galloway interval plan. I purchased his new "Half Marathon, You Can Do It," book and have been usuing that as a reference. The interval training seems to really suit me since I have some old knee issues. I feel like it doesn't cause me as much post run aches as the straight running program does.

And yep, it is nice to run without an elephant on your chest. I've never heard that expression, but that would just about be the perfect description. How far are you running now?

 

[msufan]

Hi Princesses!

I need a new training plan! I used Couch to 5K to get up to the 3 mi distance, at about 11-12 min miles. It's time to start working towards longer runs, but I'm not sure what the best (free) plan is to do that-- they either seem really intense (running 5 days a week, at least 3-4 miles) or too light (3 days a week, with 2 light/short runs and 1 long run). Any suggestions?? I've been looking at Cool Running plans and the beginner half marathon plan on Active Trainer....

Hoping for some suggestions!

I started with C25K, also. I switched over to the Jeff Galloway interval program, which has helped me increase my distance. That being said, my distance is only up to 4 miles. This weekend I should be running 4.5 or 5 and I am hoping that the intervals continue to work. I will say that at the end of an interval run I still feel like I can run further. I know someone suggested Hal Higdon, I had a friend that used his program and enjoyed it. It seems to me that everybody responds differently to different programs. Check out your local library and you might be able to find some books on different programs. I looked at a few before settling on the one I used. It might be that you find one that hasn't been named that works even better for you.
Good luck and Way to Go on running 3 miles!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Crossing my fingers I can get outside Saturday morning. I normally run early since the gym opens at 8 and I like to get my run in first thing, but if it's cool enough I'll probably get outside earlier. I found a good 4-mile route and I haven't run outside in Dallas since April. At least it looks like summer's waning.

 

[dawn8179]

I finally registered my husband and I for the half marathon. I don't know why I hadn't, seeing as I already booked the room, tickets, and dining plan. Now it seems a little more official that we are definately doing this, so no turning back.

 

[shellbelle76]

Ok, ladies. Last night I bit the bullet and registered for the princess. I never ran before this year. I started the C25K on Memorial Day weekend and I have been pretty consistant with running 3-4x/week. I am NOT a runner at all. I use the Galloway walk/run program. Finished my first official 5K this weekend at 33:55. I was hoping for 32:00, but the last mile was uphill.It kicked my butt to say the least.

You ladies are so inspiring. I've been following you all summer. Congrats on everyone's efforts toward being a healthier you! Can't wait to join you all in February!

CONGRATULATIONS on your 5K!!!

You guys are getting my pumped up. I still haven't run my first 5k, that's about 3 weeks away, but I am running at least 3 miles 3 times week. I started six weeks ago and couldn't run from stop sign to stop sign. I now have whittled it down to about 10- 10:30mm and a long run of 4 miles doing the Galloway intervals. I run 5 min and then walk 1 min. I love reading what everyone writes. You all just get me excited about not only running, but running well for myself. I know I could never be an Olympian, but I can be pretty darn good compared to where I started. Thanks to all of you for sharing your little victories, and bad days, makes me feel not only normal, but part of a community....I would say sisterhood, but I know there are few guys out there too. Keep up the hard work my friends!!

You are doing a GREAT job. Keep it up! Looking forward to your race report after the 5K

I finally registered my husband and I for the half marathon. I don't know why I hadn't, seeing as I already booked the room, tickets, and dining plan. Now it seems a little more official that we are definately doing this, so no turning back.

Glad you're officially registered! I'm the exact opposite... I haven't done anything with making arrangements for room, flights, park tickets or dining arrangements!! I have no problem getting my workouts squeezed into my day, but I just feel so overwhelmed with the decisions involved with the travel for the half. Why it's so difficult for me, I have no idea?!? But hooray for you having everything lined up!!!

 

[shellbelle76]

Last night I did 4 miles on the treadmill, and I now understand why some refer to it as the dreadmill. I wasn't even a mile in and I was bored out of my mind. Tried watching a show, but didn't enjoy that in the least. Listened to a podcast, but was so BORED just looking at the numbers on the screen and the random people walking around the gym... I needed something to look at it, but the silly television show was not doing it for me!!

For the past few months I've been running outside, and I just love how gorgeous it is here in Pennsylvania. Running outside is so much more fun! And entertaining! And freeing! And I can focus on the beauty around me as I run towards something, anything - even if it's just the next mailbox! On the treadmill, I felt as though I was trapped in place. My heart was pumping, my muscles felt great, but I had a real mental problem going on... Totally felt negative about the act of running, just counting down to when it would be over...

Crazy thing is that I've used a treadmill at the gym many times before and it never bothered me until I fell in love with running outside. I once was blind, but now I see...

So Princesses - what is your trick for loving your treadmill runs? It will be icy and snowy here all too soon, and I need to figure out how to change my mind about this treadmill thing. Help!!

 

[J-2]

Last night I did 4 miles on the treadmill, and I now understand why some refer to it as the dreadmill. I wasn't even a mile in and I was bored out of my mind. Tried watching a show, but didn't enjoy that in the least. Listened to a podcast, but was so BORED just looking at the numbers on the screen and the random people walking around the gym... I needed something to look at it, but the silly television show was not doing it for me!!

For the past few months I've been running outside, and I just love how gorgeous it is here in Pennsylvania. Running outside is so much more fun! And entertaining! And freeing! And I can focus on the beauty around me as I run towards something, anything - even if it's just the next mailbox! On the treadmill, I felt as though I was trapped in place. My heart was pumping, my muscles felt great, but I had a real mental problem going on... Totally felt negative about the act of running, just counting down to when it would be over...

Crazy thing is that I've used a treadmill at the gym many times before and it never bothered me until I fell in love with running outside. I once was blind, but now I see...

So Princesses - what is your trick for loving your treadmill runs? It will be icy and snowy here all too soon, and I need to figure out how to change my mind about this treadmill thing. Help!!

I hear ya! I've had to do my share of treadmill runs over the summer during the dreadful heat here in Texas. I get through it by turning on my music really loud and just use it as a time to think. Think about anything other than running on that treadmill. Although, I do sometimes think what it will be like running the Princess.

 

[ColleenG]

I know what you mean about the dreadmill. I Mich prefer running outside. I only use the TM when its the only way I can get my run in. So I try to make it a shorter run. The TV doesn't do it for me either. I need music on. At the gym they have tba lined up on front of the tm and I find myself looking at them just for a change of scenery, but I could care less what is being said. I'm not looking forward to the really cold temps.

 

[Disfan11]

So Princesses - what is your trick for loving your treadmill runs? It will be icy and snowy here all too soon, and I need to figure out how to change my mind about this treadmill thing. Help!!


I have an IPad and I load it up with tv shows and movies. That's the only thing that keeps me sane on long treadmill (dreadmill) run.
I look for a tv series that I haven't seen before and download a whole season (after I've watched an episode or two just to make sure I like it).
I currently am watching Warehouse 13, which is a campy Sci-Fi series. It's fun.
You can even download some of the premier episodes of the new fall season shows for free after they've already aired on tv.

I need to watch something to keep me entertained. The music alone does not do it for me.

Good luck!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

My trick is to do all my long runs on a weekend - not only are fewer people at the gym, but they have the movie marathons and I just watch a couple movies. Otherwise, I get a playlist going that I made specifically for my treadmill time. They are higher paced songs so that it adds just a bit more motivation. It was really boring in the beginning but I think it didn't take too much time to get used to it and just zone everything else out. There is no way I would use the treadmill without my headphones. Not only is it nice to have the distraction but some of the people at the gym are terribly annoying (there is a lady that kicks the treadmill with each step!) and you can only handle so much of that, so my music or TV is a must for the days she is there.

 

[stitchfan18]

I don't mind the treadmill for a quick run because I push myself to run faster so I can get off the treadmill sooner
For longer runs I definitely make sure I have good music or something to watch on TV. I have on occasion split a longer run into 2 separate runs on the same day. I don't know how that effects being ready for a race, but at that point I just wanted to get the miles in on my feet and wasn't so concerned about whether I ran them all at the same time.

 

[olliffm1]

So after 2 years of stalking the boards and wondering IF I could run a half marathon I decided just to go for it and I am in for both. It will be a solo trip so hoping to meet up with some others from the DIS while down there. I do feel like I am late in the game. My current best 5k times are right around 40 minutes but with 5 months to really prepare I can only hope for the best. Thanks for all the inspiration.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

So Princesses - what is your trick for loving your treadmill runs? It will be icy and snowy here all too soon, and I need to figure out how to change my mind about this treadmill thing. Help!!


I have an IPad and I load it up with tv shows and movies. That's the only thing that keeps me sane on long treadmill (dreadmill) run.
I look for a tv series that I haven't seen before and download a whole season (after I've watched an episode or two just to make sure I like it).
I currently am watching Warehouse 13, which is a campy Sci-Fi series. It's fun.
You can even download some of the premier episodes of the new fall season shows for free after they've already aired on tv.

I need to watch something to keep me entertained. The music alone does not do it for me.

Good luck!

I don't have a trick, One time I even tried to watch Sex in the City Movie while on the dreadmill and it did not work, if its not a blizzard I am outside.

 

[stitchfan18]

So after 2 years of stalking the boards and wondering IF I could run a half marathon I decided just to go for it and I am in for both. It will be a solo trip so hoping to meet up with some others from the DIS while down there. I do feel like I am late in the game. My current best 5k times are right around 40 minutes but with 5 months to really prepare I can only hope for the best. Thanks for all the inspiration.

If you are running a 5k in that time, you're already off to a great start!

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

Treadmill running: Mad Men on streaming Netflix to my iPhone. In fact, I just subscribed this week for that specific purpose, and it's been working for me thus far!

 

[westgre]

Made it back out today after GI bug. Decided to take it slow and run my long run, which for me is 4 miles. Felt great to be back out there and to finish my long run with no walking breaks -outside! I really needed the mental health time, too.

 

[freepixie]

Last night I did 4 miles on the treadmill, and I now understand why some refer to it as the dreadmill. I wasn't even a mile in and I was bored out of my mind. Tried watching a show, but didn't enjoy that in the least. Listened to a podcast, but was so BORED just looking at the numbers on the screen and the random people walking around the gym... I needed something to look at it, but the silly television show was not doing it for me!!

For the past few months I've been running outside, and I just love how gorgeous it is here in Pennsylvania. Running outside is so much more fun! And entertaining! And freeing! And I can focus on the beauty around me as I run towards something, anything - even if it's just the next mailbox! On the treadmill, I felt as though I was trapped in place. My heart was pumping, my muscles felt great, but I had a real mental problem going on... Totally felt negative about the act of running, just counting down to when it would be over...

Crazy thing is that I've used a treadmill at the gym many times before and it never bothered me until I fell in love with running outside. I once was blind, but now I see...

So Princesses - what is your trick for loving your treadmill runs? It will be icy and snowy here all too soon, and I need to figure out how to change my mind about this treadmill thing. Help!!

Where in PA are you?? I live in Erie, up on the lake

Don't know how to help you with the "dreadmill" situation, mine's actually opposite - I really really really enjoy the treadmill more than my outside runs! I actually only run outside any more for the 5K or 10K I sign myself up for! I get incredibly bored running outside unless I'm running in a race and the adrenaline of being in something bigger than myself takes over!

 

[stamot]

Hi girls!
Im so excited!! Today at the track I did two miles in 29 minutes. I know it doesnt seem enough but I started a 18 minutes a mile and now Im getting better. Im working with the Galloway program, right now Im only in 15 seconds running and 45 walking.

Here is what I am fallowing: Monday and Wednesday at the treadmill doing 40 minutes (running for 1 minute and walking for three) and doing 30 minutes of back and abdominal. On Tuesdays and Thursday I go to the track and do 30 minutes. And on Saturday I do my long run.

Im so excited that I can feel a difference with my running!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

So after 2 years of stalking the boards and wondering IF I could run a half marathon I decided just to go for it and I am in for both. It will be a solo trip so hoping to meet up with some others from the DIS while down there. I do feel like I am late in the game. My current best 5k times are right around 40 minutes but with 5 months to really prepare I can only hope for the best. Thanks for all the inspiration.

You definitely aren't late in the game!! We all started at different points, train differently, and have different reasons for choosing these races. Your 5K is still pretty good...and with five months you will only improve!! Welcome!!

 

[Dagny]

So after 2 years of stalking the boards and wondering IF I could run a half marathon I decided just to go for it and I am in for both. It will be a solo trip so hoping to meet up with some others from the DIS while down there. I do feel like I am late in the game. My current best 5k times are right around 40 minutes but with 5 months to really prepare I can only hope for the best. Thanks for all the inspiration.

Hey there and WELCOME!!!

First, if your 5K time is 40 minutes you are doing GREAT!!!! I have been running (or should I say jogging/walking) since May and I have yet to break 40 minutes for a 5K.

I will also be traveling solo that weekend and am sure that there are many others as well. I am sure that as we get closer there will be some DIS meets planned for everyone to get together