Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[shellbelle76]

Welcome to all who are new to the thread - so glad to have you here

Life is a little stressful for me right now and one of the brightest spots is training for this half-marathon. I think the best aspect is it is not something I can power through and finish in a week or even a month but that I have to just complete my three runs a week, eat healthy and cross train a little. I will see the improvements little by little but it will take time.
Martha

Hugs to you, Martha! Training is a big stress-reliever for me, so I can totally relate. You're doing a great job!

So I just bit the bullet and registered! Can't wait to head out there! We decided to drive (16+ hours in the car YUCK!) 125 days until we head down there! Anyway should probably head out and run because I didn't get my run in yesterday as it was pouring and lightning in Little Rock yesterday and was quite cold! Getting so excited hope everyone else is too!

Congratulations on registering! Have a GREAT run!

 

[ngneer98]

I just registered! this will be my first 1/2 marathon and i'm SOOOO excited for it to be at WDW!!!

 

[italianlover]

I just have to say you ladies are such an inspiration every time I visit this forum! You always put a smile on my face with your "can do" attitude. I haven't ran in 2 weeks and know I need to get my butt movin and all I have to do is visit here THANK YOU to all of you!

 

[italianlover]

I just saw that Princess is 53% full already. Wow!


Julie

I better get on the ball!! Thanks for the update

 

[italianlover]

I always run with music. In fact, my app changes the beat of the music to match my pace. At this point in my training it's the only way I can keep a steady pace and not slow down to a stop when I'm getting tired. I'll be bringing my music along for the princess, not only for the pacing, but to regulate my walk/run ratios. My app also gives me running tips and positive reinforcement when the going gets tough.

I would also like to know what app that is? I SURE could use something like this instead of stopping to change songs!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Initially I was worried about training in the cold/snow, but now I'm realizing training in the dark may be a bigger problem. It's gotten to the point where we are getting ready for work before sun-up and barely getting home by sundown. It's only going to get worse. We don't have a place to train indoors.

Does anyone have any suggestions for running outside in the dark? TIA!

 

[ColleenG]

Over the summer I ran alot after dark. I tried to stay on well lit roads and wear ligbter collided clothes or something reflective. My phone also has a flashlight app that I used if I came to a dark spot or so others could see me.

 

[John VN]

Initially I was worried about training in the cold/snow, but now I'm realizing training in the dark may be a bigger problem. It's gotten to the point where we are getting ready for work before sun-up and barely getting home by sundown. It's only going to get worse. We don't have a place to train indoors.

Does anyone have any suggestions for running outside in the dark? TIA!

I enjoy getting out at 2, 3, 4 or 5AM. So quiet and refreshing. Streets don't have too many lights by us so I bring a little light to use when moonlight is low and also when cars or animals approach. Flashing red light clips on to my shirt.

I checked the routes out in daylight to note road condition. If things are really dark by you a head light might be needed.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I would also like to know what app that is? I SURE could use something like this instead of stopping to change songs!

The app is Jeff Galloways 10k plan. You can input your own music or download 15 songs (for free) that are just a beat with a bit of melody line. I am just about ready to move on from this app because my long runs are getting 7+ miles. I know there are other apps out there that change the beat also. I'll let you know when I find out the names.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I found Beat Burn and Tempo Magic Pro do the same thing. If you Google Jeff Galloway 10K app you can link off that to these other apps. (sorry, don't know how to post a link here) I don't have any personal experience with them, just the JG one.

 

[stitchfan18]

Initially I was worried about training in the cold/snow, but now I'm realizing training in the dark may be a bigger problem. It's gotten to the point where we are getting ready for work before sun-up and barely getting home by sundown. It's only going to get worse. We don't have a place to train indoors.

Does anyone have any suggestions for running outside in the dark? TIA!

I get my long run in on the weekends when I have time to run during the daylight. Shorter week runs are either on the treadmill, or well lit roads around here. I have a little flash light I carry with me and wear reflective gear as well.

 

[westgre]

My local high school track is very well lit. Maybe try a local track?
I did 6 miles today, struggling a bit. After 3.5 miles I was feeling sluggish, so started walking 1 minute after every 1/2 mile. My pace was terrible. Next long run I think I'll start intervals from the beginning and see if that helps. I hope so because I have a 10K next month! I ran the whole 5 miles last long run. Not sure why I had such a struggle today.

 

[msufan]

Ran today for about 3 miles and I seem to actually be running slower than I was before. Didn't hurt to run and didn't feel exhausted or anything, but it took me 38 min to run 3.2 miles. My 5k a couple of weeks ago was 32min. And my long run of 6 miles I actually had a faster min per mile pace than I did today. I also had a very slow run on Monday. Any ideas? Why am I getting slower? I felt like I was improving every run. Now I feel like I have not only plateaued, but I have actually gone downhill a bit. HELP!!!

 

[stamot]

So I just bit the bullet and registered! Can't wait to head out there! We decided to drive (16+ hours in the car YUCK!) 125 days until we head down there! Anyway should probably head out and run because I didn't get my run in yesterday as it was pouring and lightning in Little Rock yesterday and was quite cold! Getting so excited hope everyone else is too!

We drove last year to Disney. It took us 22 hours. We only stop for bathroom and eat! it was fine. The worst was coming back but it was a great adventure.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Initially I was worried about training in the cold/snow, but now I'm realizing training in the dark may be a bigger problem. It's gotten to the point where we are getting ready for work before sun-up and barely getting home by sundown. It's only going to get worse. We don't have a place to train indoors.

Does anyone have any suggestions for running outside in the dark? TIA!

I would suggest reflective-wear, and running on the main streets. Assuming you are in Boston proper, there are some blvds with a wide expanse of sidewalk. My dh trained for the Disney Full almost exclusively outside, and he did quite a bit at night, as that's his window to run. He would map his routes to make sure they were the distance he needed, and then wait until rush hour quieted. He also made sure he had some days where he was just running up and down the same hill for conditioning. I don't think I'm willing to be that hardcore yet, but I think you can make it work -- just try to do the really LRs on the weekend or whenever you have more daylight

Maria

 

[tinkeramy]

Ran today for about 3 miles and I seem to actually be running slower than I was before. Didn't hurt to run and didn't feel exhausted or anything, but it took me 38 min to run 3.2 miles. My 5k a couple of weeks ago was 32min. And my long run of 6 miles I actually had a faster min per mile pace than I did today. I also had a very slow run on Monday. Any ideas? Why am I getting slower? I felt like I was improving every run. Now I feel like I have not only plateaued, but I have actually gone downhill a bit. HELP!!!

Hang in there - there are just blah stretches! Look at how you have been eating and sleeping. Look at what time of day you have run. I know the days that I run in the afternoon are usually slower than if I start fresh in the a.m. I have also noticed my diet contributing / harming my runs as well! Don't let this get in your head - the runs sometimes ebb and flow!

 

[TiggerAllie]

I would suggest reflective-wear, and running on the main streets. Assuming you are in Boston proper, there are some blvds with a wide expanse of sidewalk. ... He also made sure he had some days where he was just running up and down the same hill for conditioning. I don't think I'm willing to be that hardcore yet, but I think you can make it work -- just try to do the really LRs on the weekend or whenever you have more daylight

I have some blinking lights from my bike that maybe I'll have to get out. Usually I avoid the major streets, but that may be how we have to go, as the wooded routes get a bit dark (we're in Brookline). I'm definitely not ready to go up and down the same hill over and over yet-- I still lose motivation when doing loops. We have 2 short runs during the week and the long run on the weekend, so it's just a 30-45 minute route that I'm trying to squeeze in.

Any ideas? Why am I getting slower? I felt like I was improving every run. Now I feel like I have not only plateaued, but I have actually gone downhill a bit. HELP!!!

Do you do any hill training? I found that increased my pace A LOT! You don't have to run that long (maybe start with 2-3 hills over 20 minutes), but it made a big difference, even in the longer runs. My natural pace dropped from~ 12 min miles to 10:30 after 2 wks of having 1 hill workout per week.

 

[freepixie]

Haven't trained at all this week - I too have come down with what my mom's dr. called "the crud!" I was able to breathe enough to go do Zumba tonight, but I don't think I have enough lung power to run at least til the weekend It ticks me off cause last week I was hitting some big miles and now I feel like I'll be starting all over!

I just keep telling myself, I can handle this now, and just pray I don't get any crud while at the Princess! I think I better light another candle in church for that prayer

 

[saysay]

Hey everyone...long time...

FINALLY got a run in today, so now its on. Reading about CHI running so trying to incorporate that in my running form. Not my best run, but hey..... 1. Its gotten colder here though I prefer the cold 2. I am in a juice fast, so probably why I felt so blah - trying to feed my body some good nutrients and flush out the bad stuff. 3. I have not been running.

It did feel good in a way to be back outside in the cool!

I signed up for a 10k on thanksgiving, so gotta prepare for that one.

Happy running!

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Initially I was worried about training in the cold/snow, but now I'm realizing training in the dark may be a bigger problem. It's gotten to the point where we are getting ready for work before sun-up and barely getting home by sundown. It's only going to get worse. We don't have a place to train indoors.

Does anyone have any suggestions for running outside in the dark? TIA!

Allie,
I run exclusively in the dark! Our work schedules and kids require it for me! I run with a reflective velcro belt, a flashing led clipped to my back AND one clipped to my front. I also carry pepper spray that is velcroed to my left hand--ready for use. On occasion, I will carry a good mini flashlight in my other hand when needed. I also use an app called Insta Mapper (all one word, wasnt sure if the blog would block it) that can tell my DH where I am at all the time. He can watch me on the computer at home, or from his iPhone. It's handy too when you're traveling on the highway distances. Family can watch you and see when to expect you!

Welcome back SaySay! Good luck with the Chi running.