*Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Runners' Thread!*

[RadioFanatic]

Sign me up for the Princess Half in 2013!

I am a complete disaster fitness wise, but I am determined to get healthy for my girls. (Avery is almost 4, and Carsyn is 6 months.) At this point, I can't walk down the street without getting winded, so it's going to be a struggle. However, I am ready, willing, and ABLE to do this.

I am starting out with a modified C25K plan. I'm slowing it down to prevent injury, as I have a bum foot that I have to watch. This first week will be 30 sec:2 min run:walk. I may repeat that depending on how it goes, but I've completed two runs so far with minimal soreness. I'm using runkeeper on my iphone to cue my intervals and track my pace and mileage. I'm hoping to be ready for a local 5K in late March/early April, and I'm seriously considering the Peachtree Road Race (ATL) in July.

You can do it - I was in the EXACT same position as you on May 1, 2011. Never run in my life, XL, couldn't run if you paid me but wanted to get healthy for my then three year old. Good friends convinced me to join them in running the 1/2 this past saturday. signed up, started running couch to 5k on may 1, getting winded in the one minute of running - since then I've lost 70 pounds and ran the whole 1/2 with no stopping and felt like I could have run more - if I could do it -you can too!

 

[RunRookie]

Ok fellow DISers, a question for you.

I am planning to run the full in '13, it will be my first. I have run 7 halfs so far (with one more on the schedule for this fall). My running coach is going with me to Disney, and he is doing the Goofy. He is really trying to get me to go for it too. But I am nervous about being able to do almost 40 miles of running in 2 days! He is an experienced runner and triathlete, and I don't doubt that he feels I can do it. I am just not so sure for myself.

So my question would be, is it crazy to Go Goofy for my first marathon experience? I would most likely opt to take it easy on the half and give the full all I've got. I am not looking to PR the half, and since its my first full, its an automatic PR!

Talk to me folks!

Since you have a lot of experience running the HM distance, I think you should be able to handle the Goofy. You have a year to plan and prepare for running the marathon distance. Add some back-to-back Long Run trainings in your plan just to get comfortable with how that feels and what will work for you regarding recovery.

I ran my first Half last weekend at Disney and I am going to run my first Marathon in October, followed by shooting for the Goofy in 2013. I look forward to running with you in 2013!

We can do it!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Put me in for the full if all goes well! I hope my husband will decide to run it too. We shall see...

 

[lorasmom]

I'm in for Goofy 2013. I've run several half's (Half Fanatic #1501!), and have a few full's on my calendar for this year

 

[jenifred]

Just back from WDW where I finished my first Half! DH and I will be signing up for the ToT 10 miler in September 2012. And after I swore I would never do it, I am looking training programs for the Full in 2013.

Hello my name is Jeni and I am an addict...

 

[DVCMAUREEN]

You can do it - I was in the EXACT same position as you on May 1, 2011. Never run in my life, XL, couldn't run if you paid me but wanted to get healthy for my then three year old. Good friends convinced me to join them in running the 1/2 this past saturday. signed up, started running couch to 5k on may 1, getting winded in the one minute of running - since then I've lost 70 pounds and ran the whole 1/2 with no stopping and felt like I could have run more - if I could do it -you can too!

Awesome story!

 

[JCH]

Hey guys! One year till the 2013 marathon! . Any idea if they will do Chip and Dale again? My SIL is training for the full, and I was hoping to do Chip and Dale with my brother. I guess we'll see!

 

[slp1650]

I'm planning on at least the Full Marathon in 2013, and probably returning to Disneyland for the Disneyland Half as well to get another Coast to Coast. It will be my first full so I'm anxious and a bit scared, but I have a year to train so I'm not too worried. Ask me again in December and I'll probably be nervous.

I think in 2014 I'll do the Goofy... those are my current long term goals at least. Who knows if they'll change before then...

 

[dprice72]

Ok fellow DISers, a question for you.
So my question would be, is it crazy to Go Goofy for my first marathon experience? I would most likely opt to take it easy on the half and give the full all I've got. I am not looking to PR the half, and since its my first full, its an automatic PR!

Talk to me folks!

I would not recommend this... try to find a fall marathon for your first so you can learn. I ran 4 half marathons before making the jump to a full (and ran 5 last year) so our running profiles are fairly similar. There is a MAJOR difference physiologically between a half marathon and a full marathon.

Find a fall full marathon, even if it is a small one... you'll be glad you did.

 

[dprice72]

Count me in for the Goofy '13... I did 5 marathons in 2011 and am ready to make the jump. Big goal for 2012 is to slowly increase my base weekly mileage from the current 40 to something around 60-ish. No races for me until at least the fall (wife's mandate... I must finish my doctorate before any more races).

Anyone know when registration opens?

 

[John VN]

I would not recommend this... try to find a fall marathon for your first so you can learn. I ran 4 half marathons before making the jump to a full (and ran 5 last year) so our running profiles are fairly similar. There is a MAJOR difference physiologically between a half marathon and a full marathon.

Find a fall full marathon, even if it is a small one... you'll be glad you did.

One must know one's self to determine the proper course to take.

I walked the Disney 5K in January 2010. In September I walked the 8.3 mile portion of the W&D. Then in November I walked the Space Coast 1/2 Marathon.

January 2011 during WDW's Marathon Weekend I walked the 5K then the Half M and then the Full M in under 5 hrs. Granted this is no where near as fast as you runners but for a 60yo guy who never walked or ran I knew what my body was capable of and trained for the events.

If you feel up to it and train properly, go for it.

Just did Dopey last weekend with only 2 Half Marathons since last year's Dopey.

 

[lisah0711]

Ok fellow DISers, a question for you.

I have no advice for you, Veronica, just wanted to say "hi!" I'm looking forward to meeting you finally in 2013!

 

[wkrider]

Any idea what the date for the 2013 Princess half might be? Thanks!

 

[VernRDH]

Since you have a lot of experience running the HM distance, I think you should be able to handle the Goofy. You have a year to plan and prepare for running the marathon distance. Add some back-to-back Long Run trainings in your plan just to get comfortable with how that feels and what will work for you regarding recovery.

I ran my first Half last weekend at Disney and I am going to run my first Marathon in October, followed by shooting for the Goofy in 2013. I look forward to running with you in 2013!

We can do it!

Rick-thanks for the encouragement! I know we can do it!!

I would not recommend this... try to find a fall marathon for your first so you can learn. I ran 4 half marathons before making the jump to a full (and ran 5 last year) so our running profiles are fairly similar. There is a MAJOR difference physiologically between a half marathon and a full marathon.

Find a fall full marathon, even if it is a small one... you'll be glad you did.

Talked to my coach about this, he is persistent in his being with me for the first full, and as I am in NY and he in CA, that might not work out so well. I am thinking of walking the half with DH.

One must know one's self to determine the proper course to take.

I walked the Disney 5K in January 2010. In September I walked the 8.3 mile portion of the W&D. Then in November I walked the Space Coast 1/2 Marathon.

January 2011 during WDW's Marathon Weekend I walked the 5K then the Half M and then the Full M in under 5 hrs. Granted this is no where near as fast as you runners but for a 60yo guy who never walked or ran I knew what my body was capable of and trained for the events.

If you feel up to it and train properly, go for it.

Just did Dopey last weekend with only 2 Half Marathons since last year's Dopey.

Nice job John!!! I am definately leaning towards it, like I said, I may walk with DH and then run with my coach. I am starting training in June for my fall half, then in Sept switching to the full training plan. I will be prepared!

I have no advice for you, Veronica, just wanted to say "hi!" I'm looking forward to meeting you finally in 2013!

Miss Lisa, how are you? I have been away from the boards for a while, but am glad to see you here! So you will be there next year for the full or half? Either way, I am definately looking forward to meeting up with you!

Again, thank you all for your advice. I think my problem with making the leap to Goofy has little to do with my physical ability more to do with the mental aspect. I have time to work on that, and I have time to make the final decision, as registration does not open for a while.

 

[IamTrike]

Ok fellow DISers, a question for you.

I am planning to run the full in '13, it will be my first. I have run 7 halfs so far (with one more on the schedule for this fall). My running coach is going with me to Disney, and he is doing the Goofy. He is really trying to get me to go for it too. But I am nervous about being able to do almost 40 miles of running in 2 days! He is an experienced runner and triathlete, and I don't doubt that he feels I can do it. I am just not so sure for myself.

So my question would be, is it crazy to Go Goofy for my first marathon experience? I would most likely opt to take it easy on the half and give the full all I've got. I am not looking to PR the half, and since its my first full, its an automatic PR!

Talk to me folks!

I think it depends a lot on how you approach it and what your expectations are. At Marathon Weekend this year I did my third half Marathon, My first full and my first goofy. My prior halves have been in the Mid 1:50s but I went into this weekend just looking to enjoy the races and not worry about time. I learned a couple of things.

1. No matter how slow you take the half you are still cover 13 miles and that does take a fair amount out of you.
2. It's really hard to apply bio freeze to your knees when you are wearing tights.
3. I liked the full course a lot better than he half it seemed a lot less crowded.
4. If you can swing it try and fly in on Thursday not a 6 am flight. We did the 6 am flight and waking up at or before 3am 3 days in a row compounded the exhaustion from the races.
5. The training plan for a full is long and takes a lot of time. Budgeting 4 or 5 hours for running on a weekend day can start to grate on your SO.

Start out much slower for the full than your typical race pace. I started about 45 secs per mile slower than my typical half pace and I should have started 1 min or 1:30 slower.

 

[fashionista311]

Ok fellow DISers, a question for you.

I am planning to run the full in '13, it will be my first. I have run 7 halfs so far (with one more on the schedule for this fall). My running coach is going with me to Disney, and he is doing the Goofy. He is really trying to get me to go for it too. But I am nervous about being able to do almost 40 miles of running in 2 days! He is an experienced runner and triathlete, and I don't doubt that he feels I can do it. I am just not so sure for myself.

So my question would be, is it crazy to Go Goofy for my first marathon experience? I would most likely opt to take it easy on the half and give the full all I've got. I am not looking to PR the half, and since its my first full, its an automatic PR!

Talk to me folks!

I think it depends on what your goal is for the marathon. Do you want to run the best marathon you are capable of for your first time, or do you simply want to finish and don't care about your time? If time isn't a big deal to you then you will probably be ok for Goofy. But if you are trying to have your best marathon debut, then I wouldn't suggest going Goofy.

I'm a somewhat competitive runner (and by competitive, I mean with myself, since my times ain't winning me no AG awards anytime in the foreseeable future ) I do want to Goofy one day, but every time I think about it, I have a very hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I will go through marathon training and come out with a marathon time that won't be my best effort.

I would also be weary of walking the half and running the full, unless you train like that. walking uses different muscles than running. I'm a strict runner, but my mom is a walker. I met her at the final few miles of her second marathon - I'm like no biggie I run all the time, this should be easy. I would surprised how difficult the faster walking pace for me! My mom even commented that I should stick to running, I'm a terrible walker Also walking = ALOT more time on your feet.

Just some food for thought...I'm sure whatever you end up doing you'll be great at!

 

[DrMomof3]

Count me in for a Mickey medal in 2013!
I just finished my 1st full marathon last weekend. I ran 3 half marathons in 2011 (including Disney in Jan). Going into the full, I was planning to go Goofy in 2013. Now I think I'd like at least one more full marathon under my belt before taking that leap! I finished ok but didn't feel as strong as I think I need to be to finish a half the day before. I may change my mind and go Goofy but I think the smarter course of action is another Mickey.

Amanda

 

[VernRDH]

I think it depends a lot on how you approach it and what your expectations are. At Marathon Weekend this year I did my third half Marathon, My first full and my first goofy. My prior halves have been in the Mid 1:50s but I went into this weekend just looking to enjoy the races and not worry about time. I learned a couple of things.

1. No matter how slow you take the half you are still cover 13 miles and that does take a fair amount out of you.
2. It's really hard to apply bio freeze to your knees when you are wearing tights.
3. I liked the full course a lot better than he half it seemed a lot less crowded.
4. If you can swing it try and fly in on Thursday not a 6 am flight. We did the 6 am flight and waking up at or before 3am 3 days in a row compounded the exhaustion from the races.
5. The training plan for a full is long and takes a lot of time. Budgeting 4 or 5 hours for running on a weekend day can start to grate on your SO.

Start out much slower for the full than your typical race pace. I started about 45 secs per mile slower than my typical half pace and I should have started 1 min or 1:30 slower.

My best half time is 2:16, so I am not a speed demon. All I want to do is finish the full, its an auto PR regardless. And we are flying in on Thursday anyway, as a number of our group are running the 5k on Friday. DH is fully aware of the time necessary to train, I get up at 5am during the summer to run to avoid as much disruption to family life as possible. He will be training too, so he is ok with it.

I think it depends on what your goal is for the marathon. Do you want to run the best marathon you are capable of for your first time, or do you simply want to finish and don't care about your time? If time isn't a big deal to you then you will probably be ok for Goofy. But if you are trying to have your best marathon debut, then I wouldn't suggest going Goofy.

I'm a somewhat competitive runner (and by competitive, I mean with myself, since my times ain't winning me no AG awards anytime in the foreseeable future ) I do want to Goofy one day, but every time I think about it, I have a very hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I will go through marathon training and come out with a marathon time that won't be my best effort.

I would also be weary of walking the half and running the full, unless you train like that. walking uses different muscles than running. I'm a strict runner, but my mom is a walker. I met her at the final few miles of her second marathon - I'm like no biggie I run all the time, this should be easy. I would surprised how difficult the faster walking pace for me! My mom even commented that I should stick to running, I'm a terrible walker Also walking = ALOT more time on your feet.

Just some food for thought...I'm sure whatever you end up doing you'll be great at!

Thanks! I am not looking to BQ at my first full, really just want to finish. I should say that walking with my DH is hard for me because he is so SLOW. Fast enough to keep from being swept, but slllooooowww for me. I am still thinking about it, but am starting to lean towards Goofy. I thank everyone for their input!

 

[stitchfan18]

I think I'll be in for the full next year! As much as I loved doing Dopey this year, I think it was a one and done type race weekend for me.

 

[ARAITHEL]

A big "THANK YOU" to all who have commented on Jeff Galloway's running book. I purchased for my iPad last night. Let me tell you it's really an eye opener and makes a lot of sense. I coached HS and JH runners for years and always prescribed to the RUN RUN RUN method. I guess if I had it to do over again, I'd have let them take some breaks.

I often wondered why I have had many bouts with tendonitis, plantar fasciatis (SP?) and achy knees. Well, it's because I have been training too hard. Thanks, Jeff. I will insert walk breaks HERE.

Looking forward to January 2013!

-Mandy