Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread - Take 2

[jlm314]

So, I had a minor moment when the thread showed as closed. I have become slightly addicted. I am so glad it is back.

Please add me to the list too.

 

[princessallegra]

Okay fellow cold weather runners: I'm terrified of training through the winter. Ice and snow (basically 3 months of slippery roads) are my biggest concerns. How do you get in all your runs? I'm in WI.

My plan now is to move my long runs around and try my best to do them outside. I can do short runs on the treadmill.

I'm pretty sure anymore than 3-5 miles on the treadmill will kill me.

Hi! I trained in 20-40 degree weather here in ny. I actually love it. Gear is the most important thing with cold weather running. Cotton socks, cotton anything can be dangerous in cold. Always look for wicking, athletic fabrics, and layer for warmth and protection.

I worked for lululemon athletica for years and stocked up on amazing cold weather run gear. I basically wear long, wicking, compression tights as my bottom. For my top I layer a wicking bra-tank (Power Y style, I am small busted so it works for me) and tuck it into the tights. Then my long sleeve is called a Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve. It's an anti bacterial, vented, wicking shirt. If it is 30-40 i really only need just that because I really heat up right away. If it's particularly cold or windy I add a wicking hooded pullover that has cuffins for my hands and a hole for my garmin, clutch ;-) The run tights have 5 pockets, 3 in the waistband and 2 vents that can be vents or pockets on the leg. They rock. This year the tights have 7 pockets or more! I also use a wicking ear warmer. I have to bring bounty paper towels because my nose POURS snot! Sorry for grossness! I put that in my waistband or in the pocket of the hoodie.

 

[princessallegra]

I run outside all winter in New England. Admittedly, I've only been running over one very mild winter, but I've been out in snow, ice, and weather down to 5F. It's the same as everything else: no bad weather, only bad clothes/gear. I have gore-tex sneakers (nike), flocked running tights, a windproof jacket with pit zips (lurve the pit zips), wool socks, and for ice, yaktrax (basically studded snow tires that you pull on over your shoes). A good hat with a ponytail hole and some gloves and I'm good to go. Actually, I usually run after work so add on the knuckle lights and reflective vest. I look COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS but I'm comfortable and safe so it's all good. I was inspired by a coworker who is a super-fast triathlete who told me she runs outside year round. It can be done if you stock up on the right gear. Sierra Trading Post has gotten a lot of my money.

Cate

You got that shiz down!!!! I lurve this!!! And pit zips!!!!

 

[mamacate]

For a first time to see if you like it, I would probably go Warrior Dash or Dirty Girl. Those are fun and not overly competitive where you are going to be plowed down by some die-hard elite team and will give you enough of a taste to see if you like it.

These are all ones that run as a series in different locations so you can find them near you. There may also be ones that are exclusive to your area.

Mud runs are totally my thing and I am happy to answer any questions or if you think of a race and want an opinion, I know a lot of people who run these even if it's one I haven't done yet.

Thanks so much! This is very helpful. I think Dirty Girl is going to be a great fit. My friend is coming back from chronic illness and very low fitness, and she doesn't feel ready to do even Warrior Dash, since the one near us involves going up a mountain. I bet she could do it, but she's working with a trainer so I'm going to defer to the trainer's advice. Dirty Girl looks perfect and there's one near us! I'm going to send it to her. (She'll like the name too, LOL.)

Like I said, this wasn't on my bucket list, but now I'm kind of intrigued. Thanks so much for the willingness to advise. I will PM you if she has any questions!

Cate

ETA:

You got that shiz down!!!! I lurve this!!! And pit zips!!!!

LOL, thanks! Yay for pit zips! I agree about the need for nose management materials. Big problem for me too. And yes, they say dress for 20 degrees warmer than it actually is. There's even an app (runner's ally) that will check where you are, get the local forecast, and tell you what to wear, LOL.

 

[annmarieda]

Hey, quick question... what time are you all planning dinner the night before the race? Is 6:30 too early?

 

[Princess on the Run]

Thanks so much! This is very helpful. I think Dirty Girl is going to be a great fit. My friend is coming back from chronic illness and very low fitness, and she doesn't feel ready to do even Warrior Dash, since the one near us involves going up a mountain. I bet she could do it, but she's working with a trainer so I'm going to defer to the trainer's advice. Dirty Girl looks perfect and there's one near us! I'm going to send it to her. (She'll like the name too, LOL.)

You guys will have fun! There were women of all different types, sizes and abilities there. It isn't timed so there is no need to knock yourself out during the running portions. And almost all of the obstacles have alternatives (or you can bypass it). And like any race, you get caught up in the excitement and feel the awesome all around you! You're going to love it and I bet you get addicted too.

 

[princessmeghan]

I run outside all winter in New England. Admittedly, I've only been running over one very mild winter, but I've been out in snow, ice, and weather down to 5F. It's the same as everything else: no bad weather, only bad clothes/gear. I have gore-tex sneakers (nike), flocked running tights, a windproof jacket with pit zips (lurve the pit zips), wool socks, and for ice, yaktrax (basically studded snow tires that you pull on over your shoes). A good hat with a ponytail hole and some gloves and I'm good to go. Actually, I usually run after work so add on the knuckle lights and reflective vest. I look COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS but I'm comfortable and safe so it's all good. I was inspired by a coworker who is a super-fast triathlete who told me she runs outside year round. It can be done if you stock up on the right gear. Sierra Trading Post has gotten a lot of my money.

Cate

Thanks for all the responses. I cant figure out how to quote multiple people (on my ipad). I'm not too concerned about cold. I wear tshirts and capris running when it's 35 still. Maybe a LNG sleeve shirt if ts super windy. I have super awesome tights ready though from UA. I just don't want to slip and die.

Do the yaktrax affect your running at all? I might try those. I'm worried they would screw with my form or something?

 

[AnotherPrincess]

Hey, quick question... what time are you all planning dinner the night before the race? Is 6:30 too early?

I don't think that's too early at all. I was actually thinking of eating earlier. I plan to be in bed as early as possible.

 

[annmarieda]

I don't think that's too early at all. I was actually thinking of eating earlier. I plan to be in bed as early as possible.

Thanks!

 

[annmarieda]

Thought I would share... went to register my dd for the kids races. I knew that it wasn't near full so I figured there was time. However, if it is important to any of you that your childs name is on their bib.. .the deadline is 12/1.

 

[princessallegra]

Hey, quick question... what time are you all planning dinner the night before the race? Is 6:30 too early?

No def not. We ate last year at 5:30, flying fish. We have the same ressie this year!

 

[poohbear8]

Please add me to the list.

I'm still not cleared to run, but I did a mile on the treadmill yesterday and there was no heel pain or bunion pain! I decided not to push it and ended after I got the mile in since my chest felt like I was getting sick. I did up the ratio to run 2/walk 1, which was challenging. I have a long way to go in the next 90 days!

 

[Princess on the Run]

I don't think that's too early at all. I was actually thinking of eating earlier. I plan to be in bed as early as possible.

Thanks!

No def not. We ate last year at 5:30, flying fish. We have the same ressie this year!

I made 4:45 reservations! I want to be in bed by 8 or 9pm if I need to be up and out the door by like 3am. The only GOOD news is that we fly in on the very first flight Friday morning so we need to be at the airport at 5am CST Friday. We'll be tired (hopefully) that night and get to bed early because we need to be at Epcot for the 5K at 6am (or sooner maybe?) Saturday. So I am hoping we'll be tired enough to get to bed early again Saturday to be up for Sunday and then work back to a regular schedule for the rest of the week.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Hey, quick question... what time are you all planning dinner the night before the race? Is 6:30 too early?

I hope to be done with dinner by then and off to my hotel for pre race routine and relaxation.

 

[mamacate]

Thanks for all the responses. I cant figure out how to quote multiple people (on my ipad). I'm not too concerned about cold. I wear tshirts and capris running when it's 35 still. Maybe a LNG sleeve shirt if ts super windy. I have super awesome tights ready though from UA. I just don't want to slip and die.

Do the yaktrax affect your running at all? I might try those. I'm worried they would screw with my form or something?

I wouldn't say they make a big difference in my form, but they're not my favorite thing in the world. I'd say my form is affected more when running in icy conditions because I'm more tentative. And even worse on the treadmill, where I'm always about to fly off the back. *shudder* Yaktrax are pretty cheap, so it's worth a try. You can also hack some old shoes: http://www.gobroncobilly.com/?p=40 I haven't tried that, but it looks like a cool option.

 

[TiggerAllie]

I ran outside all winter last year, and plan to do so again this year (Boston, MA). I don't have access to a treadmill or gym.

The right clothes are definitely a necessity! I second the lululemon gear! I haven't needed to worry about icy sidewalks yet-- fingers crossed that they won't be a problem this year! What I have now is good down to about 15-20 oF (based on my experiments) so we'll see how this season goes. Weeknight runs have to be in the evening, but I try to do my long weekend runs during the warmest part of either Sat or Sun.

 

[annmarieda]

No def not. We ate last year at 5:30, flying fish. We have the same ressie this year!

I made 4:45 reservations! I want to be in bed by 8 or 9pm if I need to be up and out the door by like 3am. The only GOOD news is that we fly in on the very first flight Friday morning so we need to be at the airport at 5am CST Friday. We'll be tired (hopefully) that night and get to bed early because we need to be at Epcot for the 5K at 6am (or sooner maybe?) Saturday. So I am hoping we'll be tired enough to get to bed early again Saturday to be up for Sunday and then work back to a regular schedule for the rest of the week.

I hope to be done with dinner by then and off to my hotel for pre race routine and relaxation.

now I wonder if it isn't too late rather than too early. I had not considered what time I want to be to bed. (will I be able to sleep?) I was just worried about eating close enough, but not too far from race time (even though, yes I will eat a light breakfast in the am)

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

It's for my lazy butt. I went to a PT because I assumed it was IT band problems. My knee was where I really felt the pain but it seemed likely to be IT band related. He did a screening and sent me to an ortho for a script. The ortho did X-rays and an exam and everything and they both agree that I have an imbalance in my kinetic chain as a result of over-developed quads and calves which are allowing my glutes to slack off. I have a medically diagnosed lazy bottom!!!!

PT 2-3 times a week, a vdeo gait analysis after a month to see if it's helping and then we go from there. I think it's helping but I feel frumpy because I'm not allowed to run. I still go to my pole class once a week but running was my major exercise. He said I can swim or ride a bike but I don't do either of those.

Wow I never knew that could be an issue. I better get my butt moving. I am glad you have an answer to your pain.

Here is a video of some great exercises to help strengthen the glutes. I definitely overcompensate for my lazy glutes with my abductors as well, and these exercises have helped me a lot.

http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&video_id=8190

Thank you for the video

 

[AnotherPrincess]

now I wonder if it isn't too late rather than too early. I had not considered what time I want to be to bed. (will I be able to sleep?) I was just worried about eating close enough, but not too far from race time (even though, yes I will eat a light breakfast in the am)

My running coach says last big meal should be 12 hours before the race if it's a morning race. Of course, still eat your regular pre morning run breakfast.

 

[princessallegra]

now I wonder if it isn't too late rather than too early. I had not considered what time I want to be to bed. (will I be able to sleep?) I was just worried about eating close enough, but not too far from race time (even though, yes I will eat a light breakfast in the am)

My goal was to be in bed by 8-8:30 pm, which I was. Being my first race ever I could barely sleep. I did manage to get some rest. I was in corral G so I wasn't in a massive rush to get to the start too early. I was on a bus from POR by 4 am as recommended. It was perfect timing. The shuffle to corrals took legit 35 mins, maybe more.