Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[NCrunner]

I am so frustrated this morning. I did 4 miles (!!!) in under an hour on the treadmill Thursday. I decided today to run outside since it is was only 80 degrees this morning. I hadn't been running outside since South Florida has been so hot. I was using Runkeeper to meaure my speed and tell me when to change intervals. The first half mile was great! 13:46 pace and feeling good. Then...it stopped! I had to stop for a good there minutes to get it running again. Went another 1/4 mile and it stopped again! Argh! At this point I felt like the run was a waste and the temp was already up to 86, so I decided to call it and try again tomorrow morning a little earlier. Has anyone has issues with the running apps, or can anyone recommend one that won't tell me my run has stopped every quarter mile?

I use Runkeeper and love it! U can change when it talks to u and at what intervals. From 1/4 to 1 mile. And also pick time intervals instead of mileage, or both. Just go to settings to change it. I do every mile.....it gives me mile num, total time and avg pace so far. As far as quitting before u reached goal because of fatigue.....what I have learned on this site is.....ur going to have good days n bad days....its all about moving, finish even if u have to walk it, I promise u will feel better at end for going the distance! The exception would be injury of course! Then u stop for sure....

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

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?

I bought that book, too! Right now my long run is about 5-6 miles with 2 shorter runs at 30 min (just under 3 miles). I'm using a 4/1 ratio for the shorter runs and a 3/1 ratio for the longer run. I finished 5.91 miles on Wednesday, but I think I'm really going to have to slow down because I could just about finish at the pace I was going. I'm caught between wanting to run faster and longer and knowing that doing too much too soon can lead to injuries. I'm just not very patient by nature. My goal is to do the Princess at a 3/1 ratio - just not sure what the pace will be.

 

[JCH]

I use Runkeeper and love it! U can change when it talks to u and at what intervals. From 1/4 to 1 mile. And also pick time intervals instead of mileage, or both. Just go to settings to change it. I do every mile.....it gives me mile num, total time and avg pace so far. As far as quitting before u reached goal because of fatigue.....what I have learned on this site is.....ur going to have good days n bad days....its all about moving, finish even if u have to walk it, I promise u will feel better at end for going the distance! The exception would be injury of course! Then u stop for sure....

I didn't really stop because of fatigue, more that I wanted to time a 5k diatance not on a treadmill to see what my time is at. Once the app stopped, I no longer had a time, or my pace, or any of the information I was hoping to get out of the run, and figured it would be better to just try again tomorrow since I do a Tuesday/Thursday and then either Sat or Sun run schedule. If I had kept going, I would have needed to rest tomorrow and time again Monday and throw my schedule off, which I really dont want to do with a 5k in a week.

I had set RunKeeper to do a 2/1 interval until I finished the run, and to give updates of stats every 5 minutes. The times it would randomly stop were justnthat, random. It wasn't after five minutes or one mile or anything that would be logically. I'll just try again tomorrow with a different program and a 10 dollar pedometer that measures distance as a backup.

 

[kmchisholm]

So good and bad news to report - good news is did 8 miles running the whole time this morning in 1:43 - and that included the two water breaks. Bad news is that I now have blisters under on of my toenails on my left foot - I know, I know, get bigger shoes but I tried that and got severe shin splints on my right side. So, probably going back to the running store with both pairs of shoes and seeing what they suggest. But, nothing is going to keep me from being excited about the long run!!

 

[DisneyBoyz]

RunKeeper has issues with GPS for me, but I run on a trail in the woods, but I mapped my trail's distance on the website, then just run my watch for my timing as backup. I do miss the pacing prompts when it goes wacky though.

I am hoping that for my run tomorrow that it will have great GPS tracking, I want to add it to my runs page.

If any Runkeeper users was to join my street team, please do, Penny Jean Degeer I am looking to hook up with others.

Pj

I use Run Keeper to do all my intervals. I LOVE it. However, I also use my Garmin to track my heart rate and distance. As my Droid is stored in my tank pocket, I never pull it out. I do also run music and Insta Mapper so my DH & kids can track me on the internet during my run. I've noticed that Run Keeper will be slightly off distance wise compared to the Garmin, which was a lot more expensive than the free version of Run Keeper, so I go with the Garmin's stats.

PJ - I tried to add you, but it didnt find you. Odd? Anyone wants to add me to either RunKeeper or Daily Mile I am listed as Nikki Putney!

Today I reached a mile stone of 7 miles. I rewarded myself by going to purchase three more pairs of Swift wick socks! I also have to give a shout out to Roctane Gu (Pineapple) for giving me mouth flavor and endurance while I run! Love that it is caffeine free and replenishes my thirst too.

 

[stamot]

YAY!!!! did my first long run today. had to do it on the treadmill because the sky was gray and rain was expected. I ran 5.8 miles in 1:35. I am so exited and really tired. The Galloway training is working great.

So good and bad news to report - good news is did 8 miles running the whole time this morning in 1:43 - and that included the two water breaks. Bad news is that I now have blisters under on of my toenails on my left foot - I know, I know, get bigger shoes but I tried that and got severe shin splints on my right side. So, probably going back to the running store with both pairs of shoes and seeing what they suggest. But, nothing is going to keep me from being excited about the long run!!

Congrats on your time!!! I cant wait to be at your level.

 

[dopey22]

I did my 1st ever 10K today!!! It did not go as well as I hoped but the humidity slowed me down. I finished in 1 hr 4 min. My 7mile run last week was 1 hr 7 min, so that is why I am so disappointed. But, it was a cool 60 degrees last week with no humidity and today it was a very humid(95%) 70ish degrees. lol.

Anyway...that is behind me now and I am going to finally register for the Princess I cannot wait to go and run in February!!

 

[flgirl36]

I am so frustrated this morning. I did 4 miles (!!!) in under an hour on the treadmill Thursday. I decided today to run outside since it is was only 80 degrees this morning. I hadn't been running outside since South Florida has been so hot. I was using Runkeeper to meaure my speed and tell me when to change intervals. The first half mile was great! 13:46 pace and feeling good. Then...it stopped! I had to stop for a good there minutes to get it running again. Went another 1/4 mile and it stopped again! Argh! At this point I felt like the run was a waste and the temp was already up to 86, so I decided to call it and try again tomorrow morning a little earlier. Has anyone has issues with the running apps, or can anyone recommend one that won't tell me my run has stopped every quarter mile?

I am having the same issues with running apps. I have not found one yet that will work properly for me. I think I will end up investing in a Garmin.

 

[pjpoohbear]

Nikki, I found you and sent an invite.

I think my runkeeper name is actually Penny Jean De Geer (not Penny Jean Degeer)

kmC, are you wearing good socks? once I switched to proper wicking (and thin for me) socks, no more blisters even on long runs.

stamot, awesome job, doesn't a 5mile+ run feel awesome!

Dopey, awesome work, and you are smart to take humid into consideration on times. and the reduced timing sounds about right for the levels you had.

Pj

 

[JCH]

I am having the same issues with running apps. I have not found one yet that will work properly for me. I think I will end up investing in a Garmin.

Glad I'm not the only one! I ended up getting a pedometer watch to at least approximate my distance and beep for intervals. I know it won't be 100% accurate, but close enough for my purposes. I still use the treadmill for the Tuesday/Thursday runs, and I'm a teacher so I have access to a track for magic miles. I just need something for long runs.

 

[dopey22]

Nikki, I found you and sent an invite.

I think my runkeeper name is actually Penny Jean De Geer (no Penny Jean Degeer)

kmC, are you wearing good socks? once I switched to proper wicking (and thin for me) socks, no more blisters even on long runs.

stamot, awesome job, doesn't a 5mile+ run feel awesome!

Dopey, awesome work, and you are smart to take humid into consideration on times. and the reduced timing sounds about right for the levels you had.

Pj

Thanks! I know in my heart that it was still a good time, but I really was hoping for better..I am also on runkeeper if you want to add me. I can't figure out how to add people on there. lol
I think I'm Sherip22 on there.

 

[Nishmom]

Dreadmill 1, Pattie 0. Rain yesterday sent me to the gym for a 5-miler, but I quit after 3 miles and tried the indoor track. That was much better and added another mile but I still came up short. Bummer.

On another note, never NEVER underestimate the importance of a scheduled rest day! DH and I both felt like cr*p this morning and today was busy but mentally rather than physically, and what a difference that rest makes. I'm almost looking forward to tomorrow's 6-miler!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Humidity was brutal today-- only made 2.4 miles on the 25-30 min "easy" run. Tomorrow is supposed to be a long run--hoping to go 5 mi, but the humidity will probably be the deciding factor. Yuck.

 

[HockeyKat]

It was humid and low 70s to start today, but starting raining about halfway through and the temp dropped some. I made it 16.4 miles, which is about as long as I have ever done. Slow, but done.

 

[Keke]

Does anyone know what corral is likely for those who say they will finish in 2:45? (the fastest time you can submit without turning in proof) I am having a hard time finding a 10K between now and then, but I REALLY want a earlier corral. Last year we were in the next to last one and it got hard to even run at times in the tight spaces. I'm hoping a better corral might space things out better b/c there will be less walkers. I'm aiming for a 2:15 finish.

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Thanks! I know in my heart that it was still a good time, but I really was hoping for better..I am also on runkeeper if you want to add me. I can't figure out how to add people on there. lol
I think I'm Sherip22 on there.

I looked for you under that name, but came up empty. When you're logged in, click on Street Team and in the left column, click on the the gray oval that says Find Users by Name. There you can enter anyone's name and it will confirm whether or not they are members. My RK name is Nikki Putney. Good luck!

Thanks PJ!

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Does anyone know what corral is likely for those who say they will finish in 2:45? (the fastest time you can submit without turning in proof) I am having a hard time finding a 10K between now and then, but I REALLY want a earlier corral. Last year we were in the next to last one and it got hard to even run at times in the tight spaces. I'm hoping a better corral might space things out better b/c there will be less walkers. I'm aiming for a 2:15 finish.

Im not sure where you're located in NC, but Im traveling to Huntersville (just north of Charlotte) on Oct 29 to run the Fall Harvest 10k while my DH is in Washington DC running his Marine Corps Marathon. The 10k is put on by Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics. You can register at www dot hffa dot com. They also have a 5k and family fun races and a costume contest! My sister is helping me with my DS7 and DS4 during my run and I've signed them up for activities as well. It looks to be a fun time!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Looking for good blister remedies... It's time to retire the shoes I wore to dinner last night, as I now have 2 blisters on 1 foot and 5 (yes--5) on the other foot, all on my toes. 3 of them are broken through.

Supposed to run 5 mi this afternoon if the weather isn't too humid (at least it is a bit cooler today), and I don't want these stupid blisters to get in the way!

 

[DeerIsleDisney]

I am new to this section of the boards. I'm working my way through this thread and all the great information... but hoping I can jump in now with a question while I continue to play catch up.

Thinking of training for the 2012 Princess Half - I'm a novice runner in my early 40s. I currently run 3 miles a few times/week (10 min/mi pace).

The Galloway beginner plan for the Princess Half starts Oct. 4. My biggest question is whether I will be able to continue training in the winter months. We live in Maine, so I can count on cold temperatures and snowy/icy roads November - February. The past two years I've simply quit running for the winter and started back in April.

Does anyone have experience training for the Princess Half in a cold climate? Does it work to train on a treadmill? Is there any safe way to run on recently plowed roads?

 

[JCH]

I am new to this section of the boards. I'm working my way through this thread and all the great information... but hoping I can jump in now with a question while I continue to play catch up.

Thinking of training for the 2012 Princess Half - I'm a novice runner in my early 40s. I currently run 3 miles a few times/week (10 min/mi pace).

The Galloway beginner plan for the Princess Half starts Oct. 4. My biggest question is whether I will be able to continue training in the winter months. We live in Maine, so I can count on cold temperatures and snowy/icy roads November - February. The past two years I've simply quit running for the winter and started back in April.

Does anyone have experience training for the Princess Half in a cold climate? Does it work to train on a treadmill? Is there any safe way to run on recently plowed roads?

I'm a Floridian, so I can't help you with snow, but I did just read Galloway's book about running for women and it had a section on the treadmill. It said the treadmill is fine, but some are a little off in distance calculation, so on long run days you may want to add up to 10% to account for the potential off factor.