Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[SunDial]

Strange question for y'all.

For the GSC my DD who is 29 and I are running together. She wanted to do the challenge this year. I told my daughter I would wear a dress or anything she wanted me to wear for the half. Originally I was going have a full length Maleficent outfit with horns and wings. New security procedures squashed that.

So now on to an Ariel theme with a red head wig, sparkle sleeves and legs, purple top with the seashells bra and green sparkle or sequins skirt.

Now to the questions. Do the sparkle skirts have an elastic band? What size would a 34/36 waist convert to in a ladies size? Friends think I am crazy. Maybe a little but this is going to be a great weekend with my daughter. Going to be whatever she wants to do weekend.

 

[bumbershoot]

Originally I was going have a full length Maleficent outfit with horns and wings. New security procedures squashed that.

Make the dress tea length so you won't trip over it, make the wings small and transparent so they won't hit others in the face and so they can be seen through, and you're fine. There were PLENTY of head-gear things at Star Wars (some guy ran the 10K as Lord Helmet from Spaceballs, with the HUGE helmet and everything). I'm sure that your horns would be just fine.


I believe that sparkle skirts' website has sizing info there.

 

[bumbershoot]

What info do I need before I leave for my trip?? I thought i'd show up with ID and they'd get me everything. 3) Although we have to back my son out of the kid ace now, will he still get his shirt?

ID is pretty much *the* thing you need. They'll have computer and printer stations to print your waivers.

If you go and pick up your son's bib and shirt, he'll get the shirt.

I do wonder, though, why he can't run? I can't figure out what the issue of his race being later in the day is. Is there anything any of us (total strangers) can do to help? Can we talk about the specifics of the timing issues, perhaps brainstorm a bit?

Hoping the weather is nice enough to enjoy the pool after the races!

I go one step further. I want it to be nice enough for my Floridian cousin to enjoy the pool afterwards!

For the Magic Express, they will send luggage tags. Your luggage will be delivered to your room...much later after you arrive. It does NOT go on the bus with you, but is picked up at the airport some "magical way" and makes it way to your room...all based on tags you put on your checked baggage at your departure airport.

Luggage delivery happens if your flight lands between 5am and 10pm. If it lands in the time between 10pm and 5am, please do NOT put those yellow Magical Express tags on (because there's no point). You'll need to get them from the carousel and bring them to the bus.

Just got an email that our MagicBands shipped. We decided to order some for the cute luggage tags.

So you have a package? The MB-matching luggage tags only are sent with packages. (sad for my DVC self) I'm sure YOU know that, but for others reading, the difference between the package luggage tags (proper plastic things) and the DME luggage tags (like airline sticky luggage tags but bright yellow) has always been a difficult one to quickly explain.

I just discovered some chaffing on my back. How on earth am I supposed to put body glide back there???

Not sure where on your back, or what's causing the chafing, but...perhaps some vaseline would be easier to get to wherever you need it? If it's in the middle and upper part of your back where it's hard to get fingertips, perhaps put it on the back of your hand and just sort of smear it around wildly? Vaseline feels soooo gross, but seriously saved my "life" during W&D 2014, when my shorts were riding SO much higher than they ever had before.

 

[preciouspups]

What do you wear when you run in that area? Like, even down to specific fabric.

I'm wearing my VS sports bra and yesterday I wore an Under Armour shirt that is not cotton. I don't know what the fabric is though.

Not sure where on your back, or what's causing the chafing, but...perhaps some vaseline would be easier to get to wherever you need it? If it's in the middle and upper part of your back where it's hard to get fingertips, perhaps put it on the back of your hand and just sort of smear it around wildly? Vaseline feels soooo gross, but seriously saved my "life" during W&D 2014, when my shorts were riding SO much higher than they ever had before.

I think it is from my sports bra. It is causing chaffing in the front too, starting around mile 3. I had a VS bra that I loved so I went and bought two more on their sale. I haven't worn either of them but two times each and they are starting to chafe. From where it is happening, I think it is either my form or they are now too big. I noticed one moving a lot during yoga the other day.

 

[Babe199838]

There will be links from the rundisney page. There will also be links here, as people go to the webpages from before and figure out what it should be this year.

FWIW I printed nothing for last weekend's events, and it was all just fine. Went to the packet pickup area at the expo, went to the computers, and in less than a minute the 3 of us had printed out our waivers and we were off to the bib pickup areas. Then it was off to get our shirts and to experience the expo.



Could very well be. The shoes they sell don't work for all feet. I'm intrigued by the neutral shoe, but it's still WAY more cushioned than my feet like, so it probably won't work for me. (running on pillows freaks out my feet LOL...probably by the time I'm 50 I'll be in huaraches or something similar) We all have individual feet, and our feet have different needs, and sometimes honoring that means we don't get to partake in the cuteness of the shoes.

Thank you all for your help. I has sent 2 email to them and have got no response. I kept me head held high and found a waiver but it was for volunteers. I backed away from the computer.. and they yesterday I started me hunt again.. I found all the information that I need. its seems that it was not 30 before the race is is two weeks before race that they post this information. Thank you all for your time and assistance. Enjoy the day...

 

[Anisum]

I just discovered some chaffing on my back. How on earth am I supposed to put body glide back there???

I have had this issue because of a sports bra clasp area not laying flat. I just contorted my body and hoped I hit the right spot.

 

[srauseo]

Does anyone know of a course map with profile, etc. A map my run kind of map? I'd love to get a sense of the inclines and maybe try and mimic race conditions on my next long run.

 

[joan4mickey]

Does anyone know of a course map with profile, etc. A map my run kind of map? I'd love to get a sense of the inclines and maybe try and mimic race conditions on my next long run.

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/disneyworld-marathon/2016-WDW-Program.pdf

page 43 of the current WDW marathon weekend has a small elevation map at the bottom of the course...should be the same for the Princess Half.
Also there are map my run..runs you can google

Found one
http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/celebration-fl/2014-disney-princess-half-marathon-course-1360852

 

[DVCFan1994]

@srauseo
Here is mine from my Garmin from last year. My personal opinion is it is not very accurate, but if you search the course on Map my Run you will find similar ones.

 

[Ariel484]

Strange question for y'all.

For the GSC my DD who is 29 and I are running together. She wanted to do the challenge this year. I told my daughter I would wear a dress or anything she wanted me to wear for the half. Originally I was going have a full length Maleficent outfit with horns and wings. New security procedures squashed that.

So now on to an Ariel theme with a red head wig, sparkle sleeves and legs, purple top with the seashells bra and green sparkle or sequins skirt.

Now to the questions. Do the sparkle skirts have an elastic band? What size would a 34/36 waist convert to in a ladies size? Friends think I am crazy. Maybe a little but this is going to be a great weekend with my daughter. Going to be whatever she wants to do weekend.

Assuming you mean a skirt from sparkleskirts.com, they have a sizing chart: http://sparkleskirts.com/pages/sizing-and-care
It looks like you could do a L or XL. I'm guessing this one will be pretty popular for that weekend: http://sparkleskirts.com/products/mermaid?variant=923170341

Does anyone know of a course map with profile, etc. A map my run kind of map? I'd love to get a sense of the inclines and maybe try and mimic race conditions on my next long run.

Assuming you're asking about the half, here's my Garmin data from the course...this is actually from the 2015 WDW Half Marathon, but the course is the same. Odd that it looks so different from what @DVCFan1994 posted!

Here are the areas to look out for (in my opinion) as far as inclines, but you can see the overall the elevation change isn't crazy:
- Just before mile marker 5, you run under the water bridge at the Contemporary. So that's a downhill followed by an uphill. It's not super steep or anything like that, but sometimes it's poorly lit.
- Right after mile marker 10 you need to go up an overpass (you can see the loop on the course map). This is a tough spot for a lot of people because it's so late in the race and because the road is sloped, so if you have IT Band issues, this could aggravate that. I highly suggest trying to run up near the top of the loop where the road is not as sloped.
- After the incline as you start the final approach to Epcot, it's a little hilly (which you can see on my elevation chart below) - again, not super steep or anything, just sort of small rolling hills. But like the mile 10 incline, it could be a little tough so late in the race

The other thing you want to keep in mind is where the course will bottleneck...it's very possible you'll be significantly slowed down at the following spots:
- Running down Main Street USA toward the castle (between miles 5 & 6)
- Running back out through the castle to go to Liberty Square (between miles 5 & 6)
- Really just the Magic Kingdom portion in general...in the past, there have been lots of character meet & greets in the park
- Leaving the Magic Kingdom (between miles 6 & 7)...right when you leave the park you're on a road that is only 2 lanes wide (I think, maybe 1?) so it will get crowded

I hope this helps!!

 

[Luv2Run]

Also, keep in mind that the walk from the pre-race area to the corrals is almost a mile, as well. I try to take that slow in order to save my feet & legs, but I've seen some folks sprinting to the corrals. It's like, dude, chill, the race hasn't even started yet, lol.

It's so funny, because I use landmarks to indicate easier or tougher parts of the course. For instance, the marching band is my "OMG the race just started and it's still dark, let's go!" landmark. Jack Sparrow & the Black Pearl is my "Hey cutie, I'll see you on the flip side" landmark (since we pass him again on the return leg). The villains are my "Almost to the MK" landmark. The dip under the overpass at CR with the guy waving his GIANT hands to the music is my "Get pumped for the MK" landmark. Passing through Main Street USA makes me feel like a celebrity even though I literally know not one soul that's cheering me on. Then I get through Tomorrowland and into Fantasyland, and that's my "Ok, I can pee here" stop since those restrooms are right along the course and there's rarely a wait. Wave at Mickey & Minnie as I pass through Cinderella castle, then get my mid-air jump shot for the MarathonFoto guys (smile!). After passing through Frontierland and on my way out of the MK, I always get spooked by the train tooting its horn (I blame the movie "Stand By Me"). After getting out through MK, it's the scenic nature route combined with the bottleneck down to one lane. Stupid cones getting in my way. Then, wave at the DJ! Dance, dance, dance while I run. Wink at the cuties in the tuxes singing songs with the pumpkin carriage. The course widens. OMG it's snack time! Grab a Clif Shot, but save it till the water stop so I have something to wash it down, because those taste so nasty to me but I know I need them (note: I really should remember to bring an extra pack of Sport Beans so I don't have to take a Clif Shot). Phew! Ok, pass the McDonald's that smells so good. Don't slow down now, because here come the on-ramps. Get yelled at by the Green Army Man. Run over the over-pass, then back down. Oy, the sun is in my eyes. Ugh, another on-ramp, but holy crap I can see Epcot. Run, run, run down through the gates into Epcot. My goodness, this race is almost over. Give some of the cast members a high-4 since they're wearing Mickey hands. Wassup, Fairy Godmother, you're looking fly for being here for god-knows-how-long. Alrighty, just doubled-back, which means I'm almost out of the park and look, it's the gospel singers!! Time to kick it into high gear, because there's the finish line!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOO! MICKEY! MINNIE! JUMP ACROSS THE FINISH LINE! Alright, where's my medal? Got it. Gimme some of that pixie dust. Grab a water, snap a photo, gimme dem nanas and my snack box. Now, where's my fiancé?

And that's pretty much what goes through my head during the race, lol. (I'm sure I listed some of those out of order, but that's to the best of my memory, haha).

 

[Keels]

Don't want to be the bearer of (potentially) bad news, but the pirate ship was not out for the Half or Full during marathon weekend ...

 

[DVCFan1994]

Assuming you mean a skirt from sparkleskirts.com, they have a sizing chart: http://sparkleskirts.com/pages/sizing-and-care
It looks like you could do a L or XL. I'm guessing this one will be pretty popular for that weekend: http://sparkleskirts.com/products/mermaid?variant=923170341

Assuming you're asking about the half, here's my Garmin data from the course...this is actually from the 2015 WDW Half Marathon, but the course is the same. Odd that it looks so different from what @DVCFan1994 posted!

Here are the areas to look out for (in my opinion) as far as inclines, but you can see the overall the elevation change isn't crazy:
- Just before mile marker 5, you run under the water bridge at the Contemporary. So that's a downhill followed by an uphill. It's not super steep or anything like that, but sometimes it's poorly lit.
- Right after mile marker 10 you need to go up an overpass (you can see the loop on the course map). This is a tough spot for a lot of people because it's so late in the race and because the road is sloped, so if you have IT Band issues, this could aggravate that. I highly suggest trying to run up near the top of the loop where the road is not as sloped.
- After the incline as you start the final approach to Epcot, it's a little hilly (which you can see on my elevation chart below) - again, not super steep or anything, just sort of small rolling hills. But like the mile 10 incline, it could be a little tough so late in the race

The other thing you want to keep in mind is where the course will bottleneck...it's very possible you'll be significantly slowed down at the following spots:
- Running down Main Street USA toward the castle (between miles 5 & 6)
- Running back out through the castle to go to Liberty Square (between miles 5 & 6)
- Really just the Magic Kingdom portion in general...in the past, there have been lots of character meet & greets in the park
- Leaving the Magic Kingdom (between miles 6 & 7)...right when you leave the park you're on a road that is only 2 lanes wide (I think, maybe 1?) so it will get crowded

I hope this helps!!

I know, the GPS estimates are all over the place. My 2014 and 2015 courses look different, and it looks different on Map My Run and Strava. I read a technical explanation about why they are different once it made sense, but I don't remember well enough to share it. The jist was it can be based on your GPS source and how it calculates elevation (from maps vs. internal altimeter) and how the sites you use for analysis integrate the date. At this race I had a Garmin Foreruner 210.

Here is my Map My Run:



And here is my Strava:


So My Garmin in constant up and down, my map my run looks more downhill in parts, and Strava looks flat. There are all from the same watch upload, but the sites must integrate the data differently. Thats why I say it is so hard to try to mimic the run. Where I live is fairly hilly. I tried to replicate the course before my first try in 2014 by searching on Map My Run for profiles. I don't think it mattered. The main thing in my opinion, prepare for a hill near the end, and a steepish downhill at some point. My ITB issues are more aggravated by downhill than up, so that under the bridge by the contemporary I always walk.

 

[joan4mickey]

And I HATE (yes strongly) the green army guy yelling at me to "pick it up" There has never been year without him.

 

[joan4mickey]

Don't want to be the bearer of (potentially) bad news, but the pirate ship was not out for the Half or Full during marathon weekend ...

Did they replace it with something else?

 

[Keels]

Did they replace it with something else?

Yes, and it was pretty cool. I don't want to spoil the surprise in case that's what they do again, but I just want to prepare anyone that was REALLY hoping for the pirate ship that it might not be there this year.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Yes, and it was pretty cool. I don't want to spoil the surprise in case that's what they do again, but I just want to prepare anyone that was REALLY hoping for the pirate ship that it might not be there this year.

Ok, now I'm dying to know. Can you put it in a spoiler link?

 

[srauseo]

Thanks @DVCFan1994, @Luv2Run, @Ariel484, and @joan4mickey!

 

[sidrich]

Also, keep in mind that the walk from the pre-race area to the corrals is almost a mile, as well. I try to take that slow in order to save my feet & legs, but I've seen some folks sprinting to the corrals. It's like, dude, chill, the race hasn't even started yet, lol.

It's so funny, because I use landmarks to indicate easier or tougher parts of the course. For instance, the marching band is my "OMG the race just started and it's still dark, let's go!" landmark. Jack Sparrow & the Black Pearl is my "Hey cutie, I'll see you on the flip side" landmark (since we pass him again on the return leg). The villains are my "Almost to the MK" landmark. The dip under the overpass at CR with the guy waving his GIANT hands to the music is my "Get pumped for the MK" landmark. Passing through Main Street USA makes me feel like a celebrity even though I literally know not one soul that's cheering me on. Then I get through Tomorrowland and into Fantasyland, and that's my "Ok, I can pee here" stop since those restrooms are right along the course and there's rarely a wait. Wave at Mickey & Minnie as I pass through Cinderella castle, then get my mid-air jump shot for the MarathonFoto guys (smile!). After passing through Frontierland and on my way out of the MK, I always get spooked by the train tooting its horn (I blame the movie "Stand By Me"). After getting out through MK, it's the scenic nature route combined with the bottleneck down to one lane. Stupid cones getting in my way. Then, wave at the DJ! Dance, dance, dance while I run. Wink at the cuties in the tuxes singing songs with the pumpkin carriage. The course widens. OMG it's snack time! Grab a Clif Shot, but save it till the water stop so I have something to wash it down, because those taste so nasty to me but I know I need them (note: I really should remember to bring an extra pack of Sport Beans so I don't have to take a Clif Shot). Phew! Ok, pass the McDonald's that smells so good. Don't slow down now, because here come the on-ramps. Get yelled at by the Green Army Man. Run over the over-pass, then back down. Oy, the sun is in my eyes. Ugh, another on-ramp, but holy crap I can see Epcot. Run, run, run down through the gates into Epcot. My goodness, this race is almost over. Give some of the cast members a high-4 since they're wearing Mickey hands. Wassup, Fairy Godmother, you're looking fly for being here for god-knows-how-long. Alrighty, just doubled-back, which means I'm almost out of the park and look, it's the gospel singers!! Time to kick it into high gear, because there's the finish line!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOO! MICKEY! MINNIE! JUMP ACROSS THE FINISH LINE! Alright, where's my medal? Got it. Gimme some of that pixie dust. Grab a water, snap a photo, gimme dem nanas and my snack box. Now, where's my fiancé?

And that's pretty much what goes through my head during the race, lol. (I'm sure I listed some of those out of order, but that's to the best of my memory, haha).

Wait- where is this MarathonFoto person? Is there a line? Because that sounds like a fun picture and I don't want to miss it!

 

[swanprincess06]

I need motivation to run again! Actually a babysitter would also help, I'm just not motivated to run at 9:30pm after the kids are in bed. Hopefully they post something new before this weekend to keep me moving!