Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread - Take 2

[annmarieda]

Great job! Very cool about the animals too!

thanks

 

[DeerIsleDisney]

A host of factors (new job, sinus infection that sidelined me for 3 weeks, family and work responsibilities at Christmas) have kept me from my regular training. I haven't run more than 3 miles/week (and some weeks nothing) for the past 2 months.

I ran my first half in September (Disneyland).... but am a relatively new runner and not sure how to train for Princess at this point. Anyone know of an 8 week plan? Or, could I start at a 6 mile long run this weekend and build up from there?

Hoping to avoid injury... but also ramp up enough to complete the Princess 1/2. I can throw out my time goal (was aiming for 2:15)... but want to be able to run as much as possible.

Anyone have experience with last-minute training?

 

[longhorns2]

No personal experience, but my sister is in the same boat. Had done up to a 3 mile run at this point, and is running Princess. She said she just planned on doing 3 runs a week, with adding one mile to each of the long runs every week. The other 2 will be 2-3 mile runs only.

So her weeks will be 3- 3- 4; then 3--3-5, then 3-3-6, etc... until she hits 10. She won't go over 10 in training. She has finished 2 other halves basically doing the same thing. And she threw her time goal out as well.

I personally wouldn't go out and pull off a 6 miler if you haven't been able to run until now- but that's based on *my* personal fitness level. Yours may be able to support that a little better! I know it would be an injury waiting to happen if I did it.

Start slowly adding miles and days, and try not to increase by more than 10% mileage in any week (but I know that's not going to be realistic here)

Good luck!

 

[the_princess]

Thanks for answering about RR. I'm glad I got it now. But how slow is a slow runner??? I would like to get back before the breakfast is gone. I'm hoping to finish in about 2.30-2.45.

 

[Princess on the Run]

I was told not to run for almost 2 months while in PT for an injury. I finally was cleared to start up again a couple of weeks ago on a gradual basis and am now at 5 miles which is woefully shy of where I was 3 months ago before this started. I am a little freaked out because I feel slow and weak but I am not willing to give up and keep pushing it. The main thing is to be gradual. Don't bust out a 10 mile run one day. Add a mile at a time as you get back to where you were and keep re-assessing how you feel. There are so many of us battling injuries here and it gets depressing if you let it, but just focus on the goal and keep at it. We're all crossing that finish line!!!

 

[AnotherPrincess]

Thanks for answering about RR. I'm glad I got it now. But how slow is a slow runner??? I would like to get back before the breakfast is gone. I'm hoping to finish in about 2.30-2.45.

Here is the thing with that. Race starts at 5:45 I think. There are 8 corrals starting 5 minutes apart. So the last person could start as late as 6:25. If that person takes 3:30 to finish, she will finish around 10. It will take a little time to get through the finish line area, getting the medal, getting finish photo taken, getting snacks, hugging family, etc. So I'm thinking she will get to the tent at 10:15 earliest. Breakfast ends at 10:30 so it'll be down to the wire for that person, who very well could be me. This is a worst case scenario I think, though.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Question for those of you somewhat familiar with the WDW marathon or willing to speculate:

We have an ADR in MK on the morning of the marathon for 8:35. Will we get to see some of the runners? It looks like the beginning is the same as the Princess, so ~mile 6 for the MK. What time would we need to get there to see them?

 

[mamacate]

A host of factors (new job, sinus infection that sidelined me for 3 weeks, family and work responsibilities at Christmas) have kept me from my regular training. I haven't run more than 3 miles/week (and some weeks nothing) for the past 2 months.

I ran my first half in September (Disneyland).... but am a relatively new runner and not sure how to train for Princess at this point. Anyone know of an 8 week plan? Or, could I start at a 6 mile long run this weekend and build up from there?

Hoping to avoid injury... but also ramp up enough to complete the Princess 1/2. I can throw out my time goal (was aiming for 2:15)... but want to be able to run as much as possible.

Anyone have experience with last-minute training?

One option is the runners world smart coach system. You enter a recent race time, your race distance and date, desired training intensity and it will calculate a program for you. There's an app and a website. I'm on my phone so I won't try to link but google should get you there.

 

[Cripey]

Here is the thing with that. Race starts at 5:45 I think. There are 8 corrals starting 5 minutes apart. So the last person could start as late as 6:25. If that person takes 3:30 to finish, she will finish around 10. It will take a little time to get through the finish line area, getting the medal, getting finish photo taken, getting snacks, hugging family, etc. So I'm thinking she will get to the tent at 10:15 earliest. Breakfast ends at 10:30 so it'll be down to the wire for that person, who very well could be me. This is a worst case scenario I think, though.

If you're worried about not being able to take full advantage of the retreat post race, then just try to be sure you are there as early as possible and get your money's worth pre-race! I hear they have a comfy stretching area with mats. I'm not sure that the breakfast that they serve is really the main draw...I've gotten the feeling from what I've read in the past that it's probably not anything you couldn't get quick service at your hotel (exept for the mimosas! )...but I've never actually gone to one of the race retreats, so I don't know for sure.

 

[AnotherPrincess]

If you're worried about not being able to take full advantage of the retreat post race, then just try to be sure you are there as early as possible and get your money's worth pre-race! I hear they have a comfy stretching area with mats. I'm not sure that the breakfast that they serve is really the main draw...I've gotten the feeling from what I've read in the past that it's probably not anything you couldn't get quick service at your hotel (exept for the mimosas! )...but I've never actually gone to one of the race retreats, so I don't know for sure.

I agree. Initially, I thought I'd get it for the after, massages, etc. Now my thinking has shifted to the before. I really don't think I'll be cutting it that close though, even at the end. Training is going well, knock on wood. I am looking forward to a warm place to hang out and relax before. If I find its not worth the money, well, lesson learned. No biggie.

 

[AnotherPrincess]

And knowing how mushy my brain is after a half, I may even forget to go back to the tent at the end. Lol. I don't plan to check a bag.

 

[Barefoot Princess]

Hello Princesses,

has anyone stayed at Shades of Green for past PHM? And if so, did you drive to the race? I'm trying to figure out how much time to allow for traveling before the race - we'll have a rental car and I prefer to drive there, but then I heard the road gets pretty crowded...are we talking like, leave SoG at 3am?4am?

thank you!

 

[DeerIsleDisney]

No personal experience, but my sister is in the same boat. Had done up to a 3 mile run at this point, and is running Princess. She said she just planned on doing 3 runs a week, with adding one mile to each of the long runs every week. The other 2 will be 2-3 mile runs only.

So her weeks will be 3- 3- 4; then 3--3-5, then 3-3-6, etc... until she hits 10. She won't go over 10 in training. She has finished 2 other halves basically doing the same thing. And she threw her time goal out as well.

I personally wouldn't go out and pull off a 6 miler if you haven't been able to run until now- but that's based on *my* personal fitness level. Yours may be able to support that a little better! I know it would be an injury waiting to happen if I did it.

Start slowly adding miles and days, and try not to increase by more than 10% mileage in any week (but I know that's not going to be realistic here)

Good luck!

Thanks! This is a good reminder not to push too hard starting out. And it's encouraging that your sister has been able to do a half with only a 10-mile training run.

I was told not to run for almost 2 months while in PT for an injury. I finally was cleared to start up again a couple of weeks ago on a gradual basis and am now at 5 miles which is woefully shy of where I was 3 months ago before this started. I am a little freaked out because I feel slow and weak but I am not willing to give up and keep pushing it. The main thing is to be gradual. Don't bust out a 10 mile run one day. Add a mile at a time as you get back to where you were and keep re-assessing how you feel. There are so many of us battling injuries here and it gets depressing if you let it, but just focus on the goal and keep at it. We're all crossing that finish line!!!

Thanks for the great motivation and perspective!

One option is the runners world smart coach system. You enter a recent race time, your race distance and date, desired training intensity and it will calculate a program for you. There's an app and a website. I'm on my phone so I won't try to link but google should get you there.

This looks like a great resource. Unfortunately, when I entered my stats it said a half-marathon on Feb. 25 was not adequate time for training! I will use it in the future when I start training earlier.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Hope all my fellow Princess PHM gals had a good Christmas! Managed a respectable 7 mile long run over the weekend and am doing my 3-4 mile maintenance runs during the week. (all at abt a 13:30 pace) Didn't quite reach the time goal set by running coach but am making Dr's appt for the breathing issue...yeah, yeah, yeah I've put it off much thinking it would clear up on it's own but no. Speculation is some kind of asthma (super!).

Glad to see the talk about RR...much like Princess V, my blood has thinned out here in Texas so if it's cold, I'll need to be warm before the race. Also glad to see the post about corral starts and finish times even if I'm slower than molasses (which means for me having a conversation with balloon lady and then being two steps ahead of her at the finish line!) I can still enjoy some post race retreat!

Only 59 more days...yeah....

 

[wdwpluto]

Hello Princesses,

has anyone stayed at Shades of Green for past PHM? And if so, did you drive to the race? I'm trying to figure out how much time to allow for traveling before the race - we'll have a rental car and I prefer to drive there, but then I heard the road gets pretty crowded...are we talking like, leave SoG at 3am?4am?

thank you!

We stayed at SOG for the Princess in 2012. Walked to the Poly and got the bus there. Not sure I'd fight traffic in a car since it's such a short walk to the Poly.

 

[MRS AR]

I'm so excited. I had hoped to run the Blues 1/2 marathon on Jackson,MS but when I started to register it was sold out. Didn't expect that. I called and e- mailed to be included on a possible cancellation list. Today I received the response a place has opened up. Yea! So in 2 weeks I'll be running my 1st 1/2. Kinda a little scared too I must confess. I did 12 miles today so I'm sure I can finish. It won't be a great time compared with the paces I've seen here but I'll get my first medal. I just had to share with everyone who has been such an inspiration

 

[mamacate]

I'm so excited. I had hoped to run the Blues 1/2 marathon on Jackson,MS but when I started to register it was sold out. Didn't expect that. I called and e- mailed to be included on a possible cancellation list. Today I received the response a place has opened up. Yea! So in 2 weeks I'll be running my 1st 1/2. Kinda a little scared too I must confess. I did 12 miles today so I'm sure I can finish. It won't be a great time compared with the paces I've seen here but I'll get my first medal. I just had to share with everyone who has been such an inspiration

Very exciting! Have a great race and give us a full report! It sounds like lots of fun.

This looks like a great resource. Unfortunately, when I entered my stats it said a half-marathon on Feb. 25 was not adequate time for training! I will use it in the future when I start training earlier.

Bummer! FYI, I just tried the app on my phone (back home now) and it let me do it for an 8 week schedule. If you have an iphone, try getting the app and running it there. FYI, it has long runs of 7, 7, 8, 5, 8, 9, 9, race over the next 8 weeks for a half, and tempo runs maxing at 6 miles in the last two weeks for the moderate plan. I've actually signed up with a coach and he has me just doing 7 miles at this point. I'm registered for three half marathons this spring (PHM, Nike on 4/28, and Boston's Run to Remember on memorial day weekend), so PHM isn't the goal race, RtR is. Even so, it's a little odd to be doing such low mileage so close to the race.

 

[MouserQ]

Hi Princesses!

I've been pretty MIA since my Turkey Trot but I caught up with the boards and remembered how much I love reading all your updates. Yay for motivation!

Had a rough go of the last few weeks running wise (illness, exhaustion, blurgh ). But I've been trying to stay out there, even if I'm not getting in quite the miles I want to/need to.

Trying to get back into the ramp up and hit my 10-mile long run this week. I'm on vacation in Miami Beach with my family and the weather here is quite a change from chilly NYC! I thought it would be a welcome shift for my running, but it turns out my body isn't used to running in the heat anymore! So I'm going to try to fit in my last couple of runs here in the early AM and beat the heavy sunshine.

Anyway. Hope those of you who have been feeling injured and sick are feeling better and can't wait to train these last two months (eek! ) with y'all.

 

[Never to old]

Hi Princesses!

I've been pretty MIA since my Turkey Trot but I caught up with the boards and remembered how much I love reading all your updates. Yay for motivation!

Had a rough go of the last few weeks running wise (illness, exhaustion, blurgh ). But I've been trying to stay out there, even if I'm not getting in quite the miles I want to/need to.

Trying to get back into the ramp up and hit my 10-mile long run this week. I'm on vacation in Miami Beach with my family and the weather here is quite a change from chilly NYC! I thought it would be a welcome shift for my running, but it turns out my body isn't used to running in the heat anymore! So I'm going to try to fit in my last couple of runs here in the early AM and beat the heavy sunshine.

Anyway. Hope those of you who have been feeling injured and sick are feeling better and can't wait to train these last two months (eek! ) with y'all.

We are currently in Palm Coast Florida and the temp is only slightly higher than home in PA. It is a warm 37. The only thing missing is the snow. We are traveling to my brothers in West Palm Beach. You give me hope that it will be warmer there. I was looking forward to walking in the warmth. Anyone ever go to Disney's Vero Beach? Is it worth stopping to just look at quickly? Or should I just keep on going?

 

[Cripey]

YAAAY! I got the "shipped" notification today for my tutu that I'm wearing for PHM. I'm so excited to finally get to try it on! My skirt for Tinker Bell should ship early next week.

Speaking of which...if any of you Princesses are also running Tinker Bell and haven't been over to the Tink half thread, we're getting a group together for dinner on Friday, Jan 18, if anyone is interested. Right now it's just 5 of us...probably will be at Naples in DTD. PM me if you'll be there and are interested in joining us!

I finally got back on the wagon after my 3 week battle with the sinus infection from hell. I was able to run a 7 miler last weekend with no problems...other than being slow as molasses. I'm a couple of miles behind on my schedule that was planned for Tink half, but my trainer seems to think I'll be fine. I'm not as confident as she is, so I bought a bib off of someone that needed to sell and my BF is gonna run/walk it with me...I may need him to drag me the last few miles We planned to run PHM together, but never planned for Tink because he's running a full the weekend before...I told him Tink would be a good way to work the residual soreness out from his full