Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[mickey's miles]

I am running (run/walking) the Houston Half on January 15th (my 45th Birthday - how cool!!!) - is there enough time to submit that half's time for coral placement in the Princess?

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I am running (run/walking) the Houston Half on January 15th (my 45th Birthday - how cool!!!) - is there enough time to submit that half's time for coral placement in the Princess?

I have a friend who is running the full, if I make it down to watch him maybe I can catch a glimpse of you.

As for the time, I believe you would have to bring the proof to the expo to get your corral changed. I don't know the exact date, but I am pretty sure that is past the cut off to email it in.

 

[LaurieG]

I often have to remind myself not to compare myself to others either. I have been running for just about 2 years now and I tend to get very frustrated when I hear people who just started a few weeks ago are running farther and faster then me, but I just try to remind myself of what my distance and pace use to be and how far I have came, with no real injuries and I get over it.

This is so true, thanks for the reminder!

 

[TiggerAllie]

I saw on runDisney that the email cut-off for time submissions is Dec 1.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I got my email confirmation from runDisney this morning. It said I'm all set for corral placement.

As a side note, anybody see the new Brave trailer? I know they were talking about Merida joining the Princess line. I hope she does and is added as a bib choice for this 1/2. Maybe she could be the theme for 2013?

 

[4happybogles]

Just got my email confirmation this morning, I am all set for corral placement!!

I needed that email this morning, after being sick for 4 weeks with Pnemonia, the 10K last Saturday was a bit tougher then I hoped for, but I made it through, ran the whole thing without stopping, even though I almost fell twice. It was a dangerous course, saw 3 people fall, and several more trip many times. There was a guy who kept pace with me, we both laughed each time one of us tripped, and then told the other one it was their turn, and if one of us fell we would stop and help each other up. Sadly, this was not a trail run, it was in an area just outside Detroit, I was thankful for the race so I could get my time in for the half, but I will not return to that area for run again. Sad when the pot holes are bigger then the houses.

I was reading everyones stories this morning, instead of my morning workout, and the energy from the disboard forced me to get moving and workout Thank you, I feel better now that I did, and I know that tonight when I am feeling the same way, I will hop on here and find the motivation I need to keep going!!

 

[FlowersCroon]

NO NOT AT ALL - don't want to freak anyone out!!!!! Just if you can get in a corral closer to the front, then you will have "more time" to finish. I was in corral B last year based on a 10K I did at 1:12. In January I got a bad case of Plantar Faciitis and basically stopped my training to try to recover for the race. I finished in 3:30ish I think....my avg pace was just at the minimum but because I was up in the 2nd corral I never saw the sweepers. The sweepers start when the last runner crosses the starting line for the race, so if you are in that corral then you HAVE to maintain the race pace....if you are up in any of the other corrals you get a little cushion and more time before you would see the sweepers. I think the Corrals start like 6 or 10 minutes apart, so the closer to the front, the more time you have before you get swept. Hope I am making sense.

Thank you for explaining! I get it now...the faster and better of a runner you are - the more of a head start you get. LMAO What did I get myself into? hahahahaha

Seriously though, the corral talk is just a little intimidating to a first timer. Plus a was REALLY looking forward to having fun and enjoying the course, the park etc. I don't want to be stressed about this. Should I run a 10K just to get a time in? What are your thoughts on that?

Now that we are getting into the higher mileages and colder weather, I just want to throw some encouragement out there! Seems like lots of people are showing concern over corral placement, sweepers, getting the job done, et cetera. I had every single one of those worries this time last year! I was a new runner and couldn't imagine this half-marathon thing. If it helps at all, let me reassure you how much FUN the Princess was!!! There was SO MUCH support from fellow runners, the crowd & cast members. The characters / cast members were fabulous, the atmosphere was fun and the photo stops provided the perfect breaks! I was in Corral B, but from a photo standpoint (because let's not forget that!) a lower corral would be better - my pics prior to getting into the MK were darker than I would have liked! It was really a great experience. Julie (SaySay) and I ran separately last year, but this year I have pledged to stick together because I can only imagine how much MORE fun it will be with a pal! But if you are running solo, don't worry - I only ran into one snotty runner on the course; everyone else was lovely and chatty and silly. The snotty girl made a snide remark to me when I shouted out something about "the money shot" as we were approaching the castle. So I shot past her and got through the castle first The crowd is great, too. Approaching the finish, one runner yelled out, "This is my mom's first half!" Everyone around her and the whole crowd started clapping and cheering even louder - I still get kinda choked up just thinking about it! So, bottom line - keep up the training, take care of yourself, and enjoy the day!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS POST!!!

FlowersCroon, don't stress! As a beginner, I am always having to remind myself not to compare myself to more experienced/younger/thinner/fitter/more athletic runners who are so much faster with less training. It's challenging, but my favorite thing about this board (and Disney races in general and the Princess in particular) is that it seems quite supportive of all kinds of runners. If you're able to run 15mm in training, you'll probably never see the sweepers! (And you'll be in the back of the pack with the fun people...like me!)

I don't NEED that cushion of an earlier corral, it would just be nice to have it. I don't expect to want to wait in line for photos, and I gather only the folks up front don't have to wait in line.

Thanks mamacate! I just really want to have fun, finish on time and get photos. I think that's where the time cushion would help me. Flying all the from CA to FL and not taking any pictures would really really suck. The only person coming with me is my 14 yr old daughter and I don't know that she'll be cheering me on - she may just wait in the room or at the finish line. We have to figure that out still.

I don’t care what anyone else runs – I only compare myself to myself; which is WAY worse, trust me. I am really really hard on myself.

I get nervous about being swept a recently ran my mm at 13.5 which gives me right at 16 minutes estimate but I am just trying to trust in the process that I will improve over the next 3 months of training. Long run this weekend of 6 miles. For me every long run from now on will be the longest distance I have ever run or run/walked. Have a great weekend.
Martha

Ditto! I ran my 5mi run at 14:39. I just need to trust I'll improve. And for me every long run is the LONGEST I've ever run as well.

We're a day or two behind in our training thanks to rocky seas, but we're still going strong. We've got the Galloway Princess training program printed up and taped to our cabin wall, and we're crossing off the days as we go - and we've finished page one yesterday! That felt like a milestone.
Its great to see the progress in a visual way.

Also great is to finish a run and feel strong and happy! I'm really enjoying running, it's a very empowering thing to do, I'm discovering. I get why people do it - those same people I used to think we're 'kooks'. Apparently, I'm a kook, too.

I can't wait to see all of you out there on the course, and cheer for each and every one of you!

YAY!!!! Very inspiring! Keep up the hard work!

 

[AliceSpark]

Just had my best run ever. I am begining to think maybe I can do this.

 

[Tabetha]

Just had my best run ever. I am begining to think maybe I can do this.

YAY!! Congratulations!! You're a rock star!!

 

[LaurieG]

Just had my best run ever. I am begining to think maybe I can do this.

YOU CAN DO IT!!

 

[JCH]

Ditto! I ran my 5mi run at 14:39. I just need to trust I'll improve. And for me every long run is the LONGEST I've ever run as well.

I think you think you are slower than you are...running long runs at 14:39 means your pace will be around 12 mm...giving you about 45 minutes leeway. That's well below pace and not "slow". If anything, if your only goal is to finish, you may be doing the long runs too fast...

 

[Ateam97]

Thank you for explaining! I get it now...the faster and better of a runner you are - the more of a head start you get. LMAO What did I get myself into? hahahahaha

Seriously though, the corral talk is just a little intimidating to a first timer. Plus a was REALLY looking forward to having fun and enjoying the course, the park etc. I don't want to be stressed about this. Should I run a 10K just to get a time in? What are your thoughts on that?

Ditto! I ran my 5mi run at 14:39. I just need to trust I'll improve. And for me every long run is the LONGEST I've ever run as well.

Don't be intimidated!! 14:39mm is a great pace! That leaves you AT LEAST 1:21 per mile for potty breaks & character pictures!! (Probably more!) Some of us just need or like an extra cushion. I have a similar pace, and I'm not worried a bit, and I don't plan on getting any faster. But last year - as a first timer - I was extremely concerned! So I can relate to how you are feeling.

As for whether or not you should run a 10k, that would just be up to you. I don't think it is necessary, though. You would need to be submitting a finish time of 2:45 or better (which I think is 12:30mm or better) for it to matter. I assume your 10k time would need to be close to that pace for it to "count", but I'm not sure because I've never submitted a proof of time before.

Sounds to me like you are doing great and gettiong better!! I had the time of my life at this race earlier this year, I'm sure you will, too!!

 

[saysay]

Thank you for explaining! I get it now...the faster and better of a runner you are - the more of a head start you get. LMAO What did I get myself into? hahahahaha

Seriously though, the corral talk is just a little intimidating to a first timer. Plus a was REALLY looking forward to having fun and enjoying the course, the park etc. I don't want to be stressed about this. Should I run a 10K just to get a time in? What are your thoughts on that?

I think you should do a 10k if for nothing else than to get experience of doing an organized race. It will kind of prepare you for what to expect....though all races are different and Disney with all the characters are so unique. I get the same nerves regardless of if I am doing a 10k or 5k. Also helps me see what I need to do race morning regarding expected pace, food and how body reacts and umm, potty habits.

You will have fun no matter when you start. Just keep on training for that 15min mile and you will do fine.

 

[cewait]

Thank you for explaining! I get it now...the faster and better of a runner you are - the more of a head start you get. LMAO What did I get myself into? hahahahaha

Seriously though, the corral talk is just a little intimidating to a first timer. Plus a was REALLY looking forward to having fun and enjoying the course, the park etc. I don't want to be stressed about this. Should I run a 10K just to get a time in? What are your thoughts on that?

Can I pop in?

I think there is a lot of over thinking corrals and submitting time for Disney races. Can I offer some guidance and support?

First, when you entered, you put a time in, or left the expected time blank. If you indicated anytime between 2:45 and higher (or blank) you do not need to submit a time. Chances are if you submitted a 2:45 you are a corral or two in front of the back do to the folks who indicated a higher time.

Now if you submitted a time at 2:44 or less, you must back that time up with proof from some race 10k or longer. If you fail to submit a proof and you said 2:44 or quicker, then you will be shuttled to the last corral.

OK, I left my form blank or I just rain a really great 10k and will that help? The rough equivalent for a 2:45 half is a 1:14 10k or a 2:04 10 mile. If you are faster than these times, Disney will adjust your corral into a faster corral. If slower, there may be some adjustment, but it is just not necessary. I guess that if slower, I would only submit if I left the entry time slot blink.

So, if you projected a time that was 2:45 or longer, you do not need to submit time.

For a race day strategy...

It really does not matter where your start unless you are 16 minute challenged. Even then, you stand a great chance of staying out on course for the entire race. First order of business, try to move up in your corral. Then once the gun goes off, get on with it and keep moving. Forget photo ops on the trip up to MK, you will pass most of them later on your return when crowds are smaller and the sun is up.

Your mission is to get all the way through the MK parking lot and onto World Drive just after TTC. Once there, you have a little breather time and can get ready for MK. You enter MK around mile 5 and take some opportunity for photos and whatever. If you come up on a character op with a long line - skip it. Same with potty breaks, etc. Lines are your enemy.

Once out of MK, its keep moving time again. The path from the MK exit through the Poly has little photo op value so this is where you make up time. Once back on World and passing the Hess Station, you will see the Epcot balloon and other photo ops again. Use your stops judiciously. You are getting tired, pace is suffering and you still need to get to mile 11.

once at 11, logistically, it is difficult to sweep. Not saying they will not, but it I have seen the last lone runner come over the hill with a police and security escort. Just after crossing the two hills you are on Epcot property and you are generally left to your own devices as long as you are moving.


I hope this allays a few fears and clears up the time submittal issue. Over the year's that has really gotten out of hand due mainly to the way it is written.

Finally, in future races or if you have not yet signed and come upon this and you do not know your expected finish time.... just pu in 2:50 or something like that. No proof needed and you are in front of the very back. - no guarantee of not being in the last corral, but it is within the rules.

 

[AliceSpark]

Thanks Coach Charles. I do have one more question - if I am running a predicted 16mm right now and I train as outlined in the Galloway plan, can I expect any improvement in my time between now and the 1/2 marathon.

Thanks,

 

[nancytoby]

Charles:

Thanks for that post, it's great advice and a useful strategy for those who will be up against the stops. Is there a way to highlight or bookmark posts? That one should go on file for the Back of the Pack runners!

Also be prepared by adjusting your shoes/laces and having all your potty breaks DONE (in the woods alongside the start if necessary - bring a big trashbag if you need more privacy) and all excess clothing removed and cameras/phones set to however you're planning to carry them right before the starting gun.

Have a water stop strategy that keeps you moving - grab a cup from the first person and the last person at the stops and keep your legs moving the whole time, pinch the top of the cup closed to keep from splashing and sip from the point.

If anyone is going to be a spectator for you on the course, warn them that you will not stop for them and may not even see them, because your mission is to keep moving.

The objective is to totally eliminate any unnecessary stopping - that really reduces your average pace amazingly fast. Slow and steady and you can rest after that Princess medal is safely around your neck!!

 

[nancytoby]

Another time-saving strategy: If you know you will need a potty break halfway, try to hold it until you're inside the Magic Kingdom and stop in the restrooms in Tomorrowland on the left just after your first left turn under the PeopleMover; or the one on the left in Frontierland just after the Diamond Horseshoe.

Those are large real restrooms very close to the course and are unlikely to be backed up with lines, unlike the portapotties along the roads.

Just zip in and zip out of those, no waiting, no delays!

(Also plan your fluid intake according to your sweat rate/weather that day so you won't overhydrate and require excess stops!)

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach Charles. I do have one more question - if I am running a predicted 16mm right now and I train as outlined in the Galloway plan, can I expect any improvement in my time between now and the 1/2 marathon.

Thanks,

YES!

If you work on speed. Let me start with long runs should be slow and well within aerobic capabilities. i.e. you should be able to chat and carry on an almost normal conversation. You should sound like you are breathing in the conversation.

For hill/speed work your effort would be one that id very hard and your breathing such that you may be able to say 2-3 worlds per breath.

Hill work - look for a hill that will take you 2-4 minutes to run up. If you live in the flat lands.... see if you have access to a treadmill. warm up of 5-10 minutes then start running up the hill. You intensity should be as described above. Start with 2-4 hills the first week then run for a few moments to warm down. If on a treadmill, I have a whole litany of evil workouts. The easiest to describe is to set warm up and then et the mill on 6-10% incline and run for 3-4 minutes. Bring the mill down to 2% for a minute of two - repeat.

Speed work - run a quarter or half mile interval at an effort described above, then walk the same amount of time it took you to cover than distance -repeat 3x the first week adding one repeat per week. Best place - high school track. One lap is about a quarter mile

 

[daisy112878]

Need a little help from those experienced runners. I haven't ran in 2 weeks b/c I found out I was pg. My doctor okayed me running and doing my galloway training. He said my 10k on tday and the princess were all fine to do. Well I just couldn't run until I saw that little heartbeat today and now I'm ready to go.

My question would you run 3-4 miles today or just play it by ear? I haven't taken this long of a break since starting to run back in february.

Sorry I havent' been on in a while either. Everyone is doing awesome with their training.

 

[nancytoby]

Need a little help from those experienced runners. I haven't ran in 2 weeks b/c I found out I was pg. My doctor okayed me running and doing my galloway training. He said my 10k on tday and the princess were all fine to do. My question would you run 3-4 miles today or just play it by ear? I haven't taken this long of a break since starting to run back in february.

It all depends on what you're accustomed to. Do a comfortable run. If you haven't been using a heart rate meter, now is the time to get one and start monitoring your workout exertion level with it. Your blood volume will change dramatically during pregnancy and your heart rate will as well, and you want to stay informed about when and how that is happening.