Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread - Take 2

[tinkeramy]

I actually have some fuzzy socks, but am not sure they will stay up on my arms. Did you just cut off at the heel?

I did. They stayed up just fine, although I usually warm up within the first 1/2 mile and it wasn't hideous cold, so I didn't wear them for longer than 2 miles, I'm sure. Not a bad investment for .99. Although, depending on the weather, instead of tossing them you might want to tuck them in your waistband. When we finished, it was misting rain and after I cooled down, I was sure wishing I had those socks on my arms again!

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

 

[Cripey]

Rumblings I have heard on FB say that they won't be sold at the Expo. Again, that is coming from someone who said they had a connection to the Tink 1/2 and that is what they were told. (along with them being prebagged and no returns) If you hear anything else, I'd like to know. If I could buy at the Expo and use my AP or DV to get a small discount, I would be more likely to get the crossbody I think.

Cripey, did you see the link I posted about the tiaras for you?

Yes! I did see the tiara link, thanks! I'm still trying to decide if I want to buy one or not. Normally I wear a bondi-band type thing on my head (Hippie Runner, for those interested...I like them more than Bondi personally!), but a tiara might be cute. Maybe it'll be nice and cold and I won't sweat as profusely as usual and I won't need the sweat band. I ordered a few more "accessories" for my race day outfit yesterday though...it's coming together. I think I'm finished for now...as it gets closer and there's some sort of a weather forecast, I'll decide if I need to pick up a pair of last-minute socks to make into arm warmers...or if I'll need to bring a long sleeve to layer. Just PRAYING it's not going to be warm like it was in 2011...sorry, warm-weather lovers

I suppose there's pros and cons to them not having them at the expo...on the one hand, it will cut down on the crowd level the first day because non-running collectors and re sellers won't be in line to snatch them up...but on the other, they'll miss out on alot of impulse buyers I would think. I certainly haven't heard anything official from anyone...I just assumed they would sell some at the expo too, but I don't think I'll be too disappointed if they don't.

 

[mickeysgal]

Yes! I did see the tiara link, thanks! I'm still trying to decide if I want to buy one or not. Normally I wear a bondi-band type thing on my head (Hippie Runner, for those interested...I like them more than Bondi personally!), but a tiara might be cute. Maybe it'll be nice and cold and I won't sweat as profusely as usual and I won't need the sweat band. I ordered a few more "accessories" for my race day outfit yesterday though...it's coming together. I think I'm finished for now...as it gets closer and there's some sort of a weather forecast, I'll decide if I need to pick up a pair of last-minute socks to make into arm warmers...or if I'll need to bring a long sleeve to layer. Just PRAYING it's not going to be warm like it was in 2011...sorry, warm-weather lovers

I suppose there's pros and cons to them not having them at the expo...on the one hand, it will cut down on the crowd level the first day because non-running collectors and re sellers won't be in line to snatch them up...but on the other, they'll miss out on alot of impulse buyers I would think. I certainly haven't heard anything official from anyone...I just assumed they would sell some at the expo too, but I don't think I'll be too disappointed if they don't.

I bought a bondi-band that had a tiara on it.

 

[princessallegra]

Yes, first time! Since I've decided to run as Jasmine, I'm not running in a tiara. So, I'm going to wear a tiara to the pasta party.

Awesome! I can't believe how close we are!

 

[Cripey]

I bought a bondi-band that had a tiara on it.

I have one of those too! I wore it for my first PHM I thought about it for this one, but I wanted it in a specific color combo that it doens't look like they make on the website. I have a Belle-inspired outfit, so I was trying to get a yellow band with red tiara. Oh well, if I decide against an actual tiara, I'll probably just get either a solid red or solid yellow band and then wear the red rose pony tail holder that I bought. Although....I could just order a red tiara iron on from the lady I normally order from, and get a solid sweat band and make my own...decisions, decisions

 

[PrincessV]

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

First: You know I feel your pain! It's sooo frustrating.
Second: Several months ago, I'd never have thought a chiropractor could do anything for our running woes, but after many visits with my miracle worker, I'm a believer! I think it's worth trying. I'm so impressed with how dedicated my chiro is to finding the root cause of things and how much she understands the inner workings of how something off-kilter in my glute (the tightest gluteus medius EVER, to be specific - go me?!) is making both my lower knee and outer foot hurt. I just got back from an hour with her and feel much, much better!

to make into arm warmers...or if I'll need to bring a long sleeve to layer. Just PRAYING it's not going to be warm like it was in 2011...sorry, warm-weather lovers

Guilty, as charged! I did my long run Sunday in 43* with a windchill of 36*... it sucked. I had to walk the whole first mile just to get my legs warm enough to run. It was near 75* and sunny New Year's Day, when I did my bridge and beach sand run... it was perfect - only had to warm up for 5 minutes, worked up a good sweat and my muscles never got tight! Apparently I'm a warm-weather runner. It's making me give serious consideration to another attempt at the TOT...

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

 

[PrincessV]

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

That's exactly what brought on my ITBS. I've since made a point of alternating sides of the road, running down the middle in areas with little traffic, and spending lots of quality time on park trails (paved but not so canted). I was also advised to do at least one run a week on the treadmill... but I haven't been very good at following that advise.

 

[Cripey]

Guilty, as charged! I did my long run Sunday in 43* with a windchill of 36*... it sucked. I had to walk the whole first mile just to get my legs warm enough to run. It was near 75* and sunny New Year's Day, when I did my bridge and beach sand run... it was perfect - only had to warm up for 5 minutes, worked up a good sweat and my muscles never got tight! Apparently I'm a warm-weather runner. It's making me give serious consideration to another attempt at the TOT...

hahaha, sorry! I run soooo much better in the cold than I do in the warmer weather...which really stinks since we get so little of it here. My run last weekend was in the lower 30's and I was nearly giddy! It is a BIT on the unpleasant side as I first step out the door, but within the first mile I'm warmed up enough to remind myself to soak it all in because it won't last!

 

[longhorns2]

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

Interesting. My ITB is also on my left! I don't run down roads that often though- so I might just be trying to be one of the cool kids somehow.

 

[princessallegra]

Add me to the cold weather is better list! I thought I might actually die during the ToT race hahaha! Also add me to the Chiro saved my body group! I've been being treate since August and I'm a different person and runner now.

 

[mickeysgal]

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

This is very interesting. I've had some right leg and ankle problems. We always run on the right side of the road in quiet subdivisions. Make me wonder if this could be the cause. We're going to have to mix it up to try to stabilize / even out the stresses on the legs and hips.

 

[mamacate]

I did. They stayed up just fine, although I usually warm up within the first 1/2 mile and it wasn't hideous cold, so I didn't wear them for longer than 2 miles, I'm sure. Not a bad investment for .99. Although, depending on the weather, instead of tossing them you might want to tuck them in your waistband. When we finished, it was misting rain and after I cooled down, I was sure wishing I had those socks on my arms again!

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

Is there any chance your shoes are wearing out? I have to replace mine every 400-500 miles. I start to feel a twinge in my heel/arch and new shoes seems to make it go away.

I hate to be the one to suggest the unthinkable...shoe shopping!

 

[creativeamanda]

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

I have a friend who is an athletic trainer and she said this is the main reason for my ITBS pain. I run two days per week on the treadmill, and of course, I don't hurt on it. The long run is always outside, though. I'm resigned to the fact that I'm going to be running in the middle of the road for the 1/2 marathon. Plus tape the knee. Plus use my foam roller every day twice a day between now and then.

 

[Tracerr00]

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

I ended up with shin spints and a stress fracture in my left leg and this didn't happen until I started running near my house where it's very hilly. My physical therapist and I talked a lot about this. He said hills are good for training but the way I was approaching them was all wrong. He analyzed my gait and my strides were too long and I had to shorten them up and when I was coming down the hills my strides were long and my feet were pounding into the ground. This did a lot of damage. I was out of running for a while and I"m finally getting back up to speed. I did my first 10K this past week and it had some hills that made me nervous but I just took nice short, easy steps and I did fine. I do feel some soreness in my shin but nothing like it used to be (although every little twinge still makes me nervous). Also when I started out again I was so tentative about getting injured again that I was favoring that leg and then other things got thrown out of whack like my knee and calf. It's like I had to learn to run correctly all over again (and I'm still not there!). Why can't it just be easy?

 

[Princess on the Run]

Feeling so frustrated with my shins / calves these days! I know there are plenty of ITBS sufferers, so you will definitely feel me. After my first bout of shin splints, I went through PT which healed the shins, but did nothing to teach me why I got hurt in the first place. As soon as I started running again, I started having tight calves and shin pain again. I tried the Chi Running thing and it really, really worked - no more pain, for over a year. I was JUST getting back up to speed again when we moved to a pretty hilly area with no running paths around. BAM - shin pain, big time. So, am I NEVER supposed to run any races with hills?!?! I'm just frustrated. I also see friends, some of whom are a bit older than me (I'm 42) who are running a half marathon every 2 months or so with NO problems whatsoever. I just don't understand. It can't be the shoes - I've been in the same brand through all these ups and downs. In addition to the shins, I've started to feel my heel and inside arch be tender sometimes and my achilles tighten up - all on my left side, which is also the shin that knocked me out for a while. Could this possibly be a chiropractic thing? Sorry for the long ramble, but I am already down on running outside in the grey January weather when it's cold; worrying about blowing something out with every step does NOT help my attitude!!!! Thanks for listening to the vent!

I can relate! I am finally done with PT for ITBS and am focussing hard on doing all the right things to spare my knees the pain but it seems to be causing pain in other areas and I don't know if it's just a matter of retraining, or muscles engaging differently so they're sore, or if I am just a hot mess and should stop running and take up knitting. It would be nice if we were like cars or computers where they can just plug something into us and figure out what's wrong. Having to come back from an injury, run in the cold and learn new habits gets to be overwhelming.

I hate to be the one to suggest the unthinkable...shoe shopping!

Fantastic advice!!!!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

First: You know I feel your pain! It's sooo frustrating.
Second: Several months ago, I'd never have thought a chiropractor could do anything for our running woes, but after many visits with my miracle worker, I'm a believer! I think it's worth trying. I'm so impressed with how dedicated my chiro is to finding the root cause of things and how much she understands the inner workings of how something off-kilter in my glute (the tightest gluteus medius EVER, to be specific - go me?!) is making both my lower knee and outer foot hurt. I just got back from an hour with her and feel much, much better!

Might be something I will try. Very interesting in all this - I noticed the other day, 2 days in a row, that my left sleeve reaches longer down onto my hand than the right one. I haven't been able to tell with pants, really, or if I'm imagining this, but am wondering if I am lopsided! I need to have a physical done anyway, haven't had one in 2 years, so I might bring that up and have her check my spine. So. Weird.

I've heard a lot of runners have trouble with their left side because when we run on the road facing traffic, our left leg gets wonky because of the slope off the side of the road. Obviously, it's the safe thing to do, so I have no idea how you are supposed to fix that.

That's exactly what brought on my ITBS. I've since made a point of alternating sides of the road, running down the middle in areas with little traffic, and spending lots of quality time on park trails (paved but not so canted). I was also advised to do at least one run a week on the treadmill... but I haven't been very good at following that advise.

For the first bout, I was running on a flat, paved running path near my house, so that wasn't an issue, and I actually run on the right side when I'm in my n'hood, usually.

Is there any chance your shoes are wearing out? I have to replace mine every 400-500 miles. I start to feel a twinge in my heel/arch and new shoes seems to make it go away.

I hate to be the one to suggest the unthinkable...shoe shopping!

That's always a question. I overpronate, but am wondering if the stability shoes are overcorrecting too much? Might try a nonstability shoe just to see if there is a difference.

I ended up with shin spints and a stress fracture in my left leg and this didn't happen until I started running near my house where it's very hilly. My physical therapist and I talked a lot about this. He said hills are good for training but the way I was approaching them was all wrong. He analyzed my gait and my strides were too long and I had to shorten them up and when I was coming down the hills my strides were long and my feet were pounding into the ground. This did a lot of damage. I was out of running for a while and I"m finally getting back up to speed. I did my first 10K this past week and it had some hills that made me nervous but I just took nice short, easy steps and I did fine. I do feel some soreness in my shin but nothing like it used to be (although every little twinge still makes me nervous). Also when I started out again I was so tentative about getting injured again that I was favoring that leg and then other things got thrown out of whack like my knee and calf. It's like I had to learn to run correctly all over again (and I'm still not there!). Why can't it just be easy?

I'm sure this is a factor. Even in the Chi Running book, they advise to take short "baby steps" on hills. Obviously, after running on flat paths so long, I perhaps had forgotten to do that.

I can relate! I am finally done with PT for ITBS and am focussing hard on doing all the right things to spare my knees the pain but it seems to be causing pain in other areas and I don't know if it's just a matter of retraining, or muscles engaging differently so they're sore, or if I am just a hot mess and should stop running and take up knitting. It would be nice if we were like cars or computers where they can just plug something into us and figure out what's wrong. Having to come back from an injury, run in the cold and learn new habits gets to be overwhelming.

Exactly. I keep thinking, "I REALLY don't think I should have to give up racing!" I mean, I still think I should be able to be competitive (with myself) and be able to do speedwork and such w/o always worrying about getting hurt.

Anyway, thanks, y'all, for offering so much kind advice! There is an aquatic center near me and I would like to hit the pool for some cross-training and see if toning up other muscles will help take some of the pressure off the shins / calves. Seems like those of you in PT are taking that away as a lesson - weak areas overwork the strong ones until they, too, become weak. Oh, and you know, I could always go for a new pair of shoes..... if they're pretty.....

 

[Cripey]

Oh, and you know, I could always go for a new pair of shoes..... if they're pretty.....

Remember girls, if Santa "forgot" to bring you a new pair of glass running slippers, Valentine's day is right around the corner...redemption!

 

[VickiHD]

Remember girls, if Santa "forgot" to bring you a new pair of glass running slippers, Valentine's day is right around the corner...redemption!

I already mention to DH to forget the candy and flowers on Valentines Day....I will be happy with Disney Dollars to spend at the expo and the parks on anything I just HAVE to have.

 

[AnotherPrincess]

Jasmine Sparkleskirt shipped today. Turquoise bondiband ordered today. Brand new shiny Garmin arrived today. Who's ready to get her Princess on! THIS GIRL!!!