Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

So since we're parsing the corral placement stuff here, I have a question. Is there any point in submitting a time that would not equate to a 2:45 finish? I put down 3:15 when I first registered in July, and I'm now training at a speed where I think I can finish in 3:00. I'm running a 10K in October and I'm shooting for a time that would equate to that (can't type it because I don't want to jinx it--it's a reach for me). Would it be worth my while to submit the time so that I can move up to the 3:00 corral(s) if I reach my goal, or is it 2:45 or nothing?

Cate

My understanding is that anything over 2:45 will not get you moved up to another corral. In some ways, there is an advantage to having a slower time when you sign up since you don't have a verified time if you are planning to run and therefore have a faster time. You will be able to better separate yourself from the crowds behind you. I don't see how there is a disadvantage with running faster than everyone else in your corral as opposed to running in a corral where everyone is as fast as you are. You have more competition when you are with people who run the same pace. JMHO about all that placement stuff.

 

[stamot]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

 

[ColleenG]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

Good job sticking it out in the rain! How awesome to have a potential Olympic coach offering to help you out! I would love someone to tell me what I can do better. I feel like my form is totally funky. Please share any tips he gives you!

 

[stamot]

Good job sticking it out in the rain! How awesome to have a potential Olympic coach offering to help you out! I would love someone to tell me what I can do better. I feel like my form is totally funky. Please share any tips he gives you!

I will. Im a little nervous. I know I suck at running. But he had see me run. I just hope I dont embarrass myself. I promise that whatever tip he gives me I will pass it on.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

That is pretty awesome!! I am really nervous about running in the rain but I guess it is something that we will all have to do at some point! It was definitely your day to meet a coach too!! It is wonderful for him to give some pointers to you and shows that most coaches are all about helping everyone not just an athlete trying to qualify for the Olympics. It is always good to have help...

 

[mamacate]

I will. Im a little nervous. I know I suck at running. But he had see me run. I just hope I dont embarrass myself. I promise that whatever tip he gives me I will pass it on.

How totally cool! I'm impressed. If he wants to coach another princess, I'm just up the road!

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

My goal is to just finish and try to average under a 13 minute pace, so I guess I'm not really understanding whether a better spot really makes a difference for me? Guess I've got some reading to do

Yes and no. I know some people like the cushion of a better corral. Last year I was in D, with an estimated finish of 2:56. My main reason for wanting an earlier corral was less time waiting around before I got to start the race. As it was it was still about 20 something minutes from when corral A went and my corral. Also the last corral or 2 tend to be more of the walkers, so you would most likely have to do more "bobbing and weaving" until the walkers and runners start to separate. But if those things don't bother you it really isn't that big of a deal.

Hey All,
I just want to double check that if I register without a corral time that I will just be put in with the larger crowd. I won't really have a time - or should I just make a guess of it?
Elissa

I believe you have to put an estimated finish time or it wont let you continue. You can use a time predictor calculator to get a rough estimate. I used my best 10k time in one and it gave me an estimated finish of 2:56 so that is what I submitted and I ended up finishing in 2:57, so in my case it was pretty accurate.

They don't really pay attention to bibs in my experience - at least the four almost five Disney races I have been in now.

That is inertresting because last years princess they were checking bibs, or at least they were in my corral. I actually got held up because a lady in front of me was dropping back a corral and the lady could see her letter or something and they were going back and forth about it.

I've wondered this too-- because I don't know what the benefit of signing up as a team is, otherwise. It's not a relay--you both run the whole race. And the cost is the same.

Anyone signed up as a team or have some insight?

It is my understanding that other then team awards there is little purpose to it.

So since we're parsing the corral placement stuff here, I have a question. Is there any point in submitting a time that would not equate to a 2:45 finish? I put down 3:15 when I first registered in July, and I'm now training at a speed where I think I can finish in 3:00. I'm running a 10K in October and I'm shooting for a time that would equate to that (can't type it because I don't want to jinx it--it's a reach for me). Would it be worth my while to submit the time so that I can move up to the 3:00 corral(s) if I reach my goal, or is it 2:45 or nothing?

Cate

Yes there is. I had a couple friends last year who did not originally submit a proof of time but freaked out when they read that they would be in the last corral without a proof of time (they both had separate reasons why they were going to have to walk it when they had planned on running) so they went ahead and sent one in and they both got moved up to corral B with much better estimated finish times then they had predicted themselves to have.
I have heard that Disney is rather generous in their estimates. With that said when I submitted my proof of time for Tinker Bell they just said they added the proof of time to my registration and did not state the estimated time they gave me.

 

[Bookwood]

Last year there was a bit of a discount for teams ($5-10)- this year not! Only reason to register as a team is a cool team name and the extra bib LOL.

Last year we were "Don't call me Shirley" this year not so fun Meyer Princess a and b (4 of us= 2 teams)

Please only submit a time you realistically think you can do. I never submit a time (I'm usually right around 3 hours) but still have to bob and weave around people that poop out and can't keep the pace they "qualified" at. I understand if it's just a bad day- but alot of people use a better time than they know they can do for the extra time- which can cause injuries for those that have to do the bob and weave! (request over)

 

[HockeyKat]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

That's so awesome!! You go!

It seems like all of my long runs are in the rain lately. 70s and raining is nice, but the 50 and raining one was cold and miserable.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

That is inertresting because last years princess they were checking bibs, or at least they were in my corral. I actually got held up because a lady in front of me was dropping back a corral and the lady could see her letter or something and they were going back and forth about it.

It depends on the corral and volunteer but the Princess is the only race I ever saw anyone interested in what corral you had on your bib before letting you in. Yet, there were plenty of ladies around me from lower corrals so somehow they got there. There is only so much the volunteers can do.

 

[msufan]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

Wow!!!! To all of it...running in the rain and meeting the Olympic coach. I cannot even begin to imagine how helpful someone like that could be to your running. Please keep us all updated on what he says. Maybe we can learn vicariously.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Just finished my long run for the week. 6.0 miles in 1:13. I slowed down a bit from last week. Used a 12 min/mile pace instead of the 10min/mile pace I did last week. I'll be honest, though, I didn't feel any less tired or winded slowing down a bit. I guess I'll go back to my 10 m/m pace next week and see how it goes. The weather was REALLY humid this morning, so it probably wasn't a bad idea I slowed down. I have to find some other routes to run as my miles increase. The same roads are getting a bit dull. I went along the river today for a change of pace and that was a nice distraction, especially since it was at the end of the run.

stamot - Please keep us posted on any running tips! What a great opportunity for you.

 

[svwkirby]

I created a WISH Princess Facebook page if anyone wants to connect over there before the race during training and share pictures after the weekend is over! I know there is a general WISH facebook page, but I didn't recognize a lot of the people on there.
Here's the link for those interested.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/WISH-Princesses/232967376744883

I haven't been around here for a while, but I just liked the FB page. We're starting to play around with hotel and ADR ideas, but won't be able to register for the 1/2 until later, but I'm definitely running the Princess this year.

 

[TeresaZ]

I have to be crazy, Im sure Im going crazy. Today I went to do my usual 31 minutes at the track. It started raining and I was about to stop but I continue. Yeah! I got wet, very wet and finished my 2 miles in 27:42 minutes. I was so proud of myself that I dint quit. But my hair got ruined

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

OMG!! That is awesome!! Is he training Tyson Gay?

 

[TiggerAllie]

In another story I meet a lot of people at the track and since I been going I always see this amazing, fast guy. He is always there with his running coach. His running coach offer to help me with my running because he is always there while I run. Today we were talking and I ask him who was the guy he was training and he told me that guy was training for the Olympics. He is the third fastest sprinter in USA. My heart dropped. This coach that is working with this amazing athlete offered to help this fat chick to do the impossible. I feel happy and amazed of my luck. Of course I know he cant make miracles happen but If the sprinter win a medal in the Olympics I can say I ran with him!!

That is so cool! Can you say what the sprinter's name is? (We are big followers of USA Track and Field and Olympic sports in general!)

 

[AliceSpark]

I am literally shaking but I just registered. I can’t believe it 1 year ago I weighed 50 pounds more and couldn’t/wouldn’t have run at all. I still have a long ways to go so I hope I can make it but last weekend I ran 5 miles and maintained a 15 minute pace. I had never heard of walking/run as a strategy but it has really brought me to running as I can enjoy it instead of just huffing and puffing and getting a side ache.

I do have some resort questions as I am not as up on Disney as some of you. I was thinking of staying at a moderate resort listed – and I think my two daughters in their twenties will be with me – does anyone have a recommendation for which resort or a better plan? I know nothing about renting DVC points or anything like that but I am open to anything.

Finally, I want to say that everyone on this board is so inspiring – I have been reading from the beginning and every time I think I can’t do it, I read this board and then I hear everyone’s voice telling me yes you can. Thanks so much this is really a big deal to me.

 

[Disfan11]

I am literally shaking but I just registered. I can’t believe it 1 year ago I weighed 50 pounds more and couldn’t/wouldn’t have run at all. I still have a long ways to go so I hope I can make it but last weekend I ran 5 miles and maintained a 15 minute pace. I had never heard of walking/run as a strategy but it has really brought me to running as I can enjoy it instead of just huffing and puffing and getting a side ache.

I do have some resort questions as I am not as up on Disney as some of you. I was thinking of staying at a moderate resort listed – and I think my two daughters in their twenties will be with me – does anyone have a recommendation for which resort or a better plan? I know nothing about renting DVC points or anything like that but I am open to anything.

Finally, I want to say that everyone on this board is so inspiring – I have been reading from the beginning and every time I think I can’t do it, I read this board and then I hear everyone’s voice telling me yes you can. Thanks so much this is really a big deal to me.

Congratulations on registering! You are going to have a great time!

I have stayed at moderate hotels in the past.
Port Orleans French Quarter is smaller, but nice.
Caribbeans Beach Resort is much bigger, but I prefer it. I'm staying there with my sisters/niece for the Princess run.
We got our reservations through the runDisney phone number on the Princess web site. The pricing was good.
You can always compare your runDisney quote with going on the web site.

Keep posting your progress on the boards. We can't wait to hear from you.

 

[dopey22]

OMG........ I just registered!!!!! I've had my flight and hotel booked for a while, but hadn't actually registered yet. I can't believe I'm actually doing this!

 

[Cripey]

I am literally shaking but I just registered. I can’t believe it 1 year ago I weighed 50 pounds more and couldn’t/wouldn’t have run at all. I still have a long ways to go so I hope I can make it but last weekend I ran 5 miles and maintained a 15 minute pace. I had never heard of walking/run as a strategy but it has really brought me to running as I can enjoy it instead of just huffing and puffing and getting a side ache.

I do have some resort questions as I am not as up on Disney as some of you. I was thinking of staying at a moderate resort listed – and I think my two daughters in their twenties will be with me – does anyone have a recommendation for which resort or a better plan? I know nothing about renting DVC points or anything like that but I am open to anything.

Finally, I want to say that everyone on this board is so inspiring – I have been reading from the beginning and every time I think I can’t do it, I read this board and then I hear everyone’s voice telling me yes you can. Thanks so much this is really a big deal to me.

Congrats on registering! When I first registered for the 2011 Princess, that was definitely the scariest mouse click I had ever made!

Of the moderates, Caribbean Beach is my favorite for sure.

Good luck with your training!

 

[scrapAM]

I am In! I have registered for this race and am scared to death and sooo excited at the same time. This will be my first Princess and it has inspired me to begin running. I can't believe how addictive it is, but also I have to say that it looked a lot easier than it is! LOL! I have a ways to go but hopefully I will do okay.

I am runiing with 3 great ladies and we have booked to stay at AKL. So excited about that because we have never stayed there before and I have always dreamed of staying deluxe. On all my trips I have stayed value or moderate to have more money for the parks etc. This time with 4 of us sharing, deluxe is a reality!! Yeah!! We are staying there 4 nights and then 3 of us are staying on for 4 more nights at CBR. Hopefully I will still be able to walk and enjoy Disney after the race!! LOL!

I love reading this board daily, and it gets me motivated to get off my butt and run. I love hearing about others experiences running this race in past years. So inspiring and sounds like a wonderful experience. Can't wait till February!!

I have a question. How many corrals are there? I put a finish time of 3 hours on my registration and hope to finish in that time, but was wondering where that would put me.
Thanks.