Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[princessluna14]

Sounds like the half is the way to go for you!

Yay! More money to spend on food!

 

[Ariel484]

Yay! More money to spend on food!

Too true!! I have a "to eat" list at WDW...not sure if I'll ever get through it!

 

[Dis5150]

Can someone who registered last year tell me about how much the fees thru active are for registration? DD25 is trying to scrape up all the needed money before Tuesday for early registration, lol! She has the $175.

 

[Ariel484]

Can someone who registered last year tell me about how much the fees thru active are for registration? DD25 is trying to scrape up all the needed money before Tuesday for early registration, lol! She has the $175.

If I remember correctly, it's an extra 6.5-7%...so I guess the total would be $187ish. Assuming I'm remembering that correctly.

 

[pigletcanrun]

How is everyone here dressing? "Princessy" (is that a word?!) or just in regular running clothes? I'd like to be fun, but practical at the same time.

I have decided to go against the grain a little bit! I am going to dress as Jake (the neverland pirate) as a tribute to DD4 and DS2. Not at all "princessy", just fun! Unless you are in-tune to disney jr. You would have no clue if you saw me!

 

[disbride713]

I'm going to attempt and register for my very first half and cross off another on my bucket list! Couple of questions, since registration opens early, will there be any spots left when it opens on July 14? Also, I read that if you pre-order a shirt but it's not the right fit, you can exchange it at the Expo..but I am under the impression that everything sells out - do they hold some back for this purpose?

 

[Dis5150]

If I remember correctly, it's an extra 6.5-7%...so I guess the total would be $187ish. Assuming I'm remembering that correctly.

Thanks!

 

[drlaurafsu]

I'm going to attempt and register for my very first half and cross off another on my bucket list! Couple of questions, since registration opens early, will there be any spots left when it opens on July 14? Also, I read that if you pre-order a shirt but it's not the right fit, you can exchange it at the Expo..but I am under the impression that everything sells out - do they hold some back for this purpose?

Early registration is very limited and sells out fairly quickly. There are plenty of spots (maybe 90+%) left for regular registration. The shirts they give you aren't for sale. They make extras for exchange. plus they get some back in the exchanges

 

[DisneyBee]

I think that's the bad thing about rD introducing these challenge - people feel like they HAVE to do them. Choose what you WANT to do, not what you feel like you HAVE to do. If you don't do it this year, the Glass Slipper Challenge (or some other challenge) will still be there. They are incredibly popular, clearly they aren't going anywhere.

That's a good way to look at it. I think it'll just be the 5K and 10K for me, and perhaps next year, the GSC.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm going to attempt and register for my very first half and cross off another on my bucket list! Couple of questions, since registration opens early, will there be any spots left when it opens on July 14? Also, I read that if you pre-order a shirt but it's not the right fit, you can exchange it at the Expo..but I am under the impression that everything sells out - do they hold some back for this purpose?

As @drlaurafsu said, pre-registration accounts for 5-10% of all registrations slots (sometime to keep in mind when we see how quickly things sell out on June 30), so there will be lots left over for the rest of us!

I think you're getting your shirts confused. When you're talking about "pre-ordering" a shirt and then exchanging it at the expo, I believe you are referring to the participant shirt that is included with your race registration (short-sleeved unisex cotton fit for the 5K, short-sleved tech women's or men's cut for the 10K, half marathon and GSC). This is the exchange they have historically had the expo.

The stuff that you mentioned selling out is different - that is the additional race merchandise that will be for sale at the expo. And yes, it'll sell out quickly. There will be some pre-order items (a jacket, tumbler, pins, a necklace, etc....hopefully they'll get their act together and have a Dooney pre-order this time) but most of it will be first come, first served.

 

[Ariel484]

That's a good way to look at it. I think it'll just be the 5K and 10K for me, and perhaps next year, the GSC.

Yeah, I just hate the fact that these challenges have started to make people think that doing a single race (best way I can phrase it) or combination of races is "not enough" somehow if they aren't doing whatever the longest challenge is that is offered during the race weekend. If that is what you truly want to do, it IS enough. Big pet peeve of mine with runDisney.

 

[girliea]

Ok, I have a question or two for all of my awesome new running friends. I am planning to do either the PHM or the GSC in 2016. We will be at WDW 3 or 4 days before the races and I'm worried that I will eat really bad before the race(s) b/c of all the goodies available. Any pointers on how to "be good" with my eating for those days before the race.

Also, since we'll be at WDW a few days before the race, how do ya'll handle training when at WDW....do you just do a few short runs, walk extra, ???

 

[FFigawi]

Ok, I have a question or two for all of my awesome new running friends. I am planning to do either the PHM or the GSC in 2016. We will be at WDW 3 or 4 days before the races and I'm worried that I will eat really bad before the race(s) b/c of all the goodies available. Any pointers on how to "be good" with my eating for those days before the race.

1. Don't use your Magic Band. Having to actually pull out your wallet and pay cash gives you that little extra time to really think about what you're about to eat.
2. Take a trip to a local grocery store and buy some of your own food. Having breakfast food and snacks available helps keep you from buying not-so-healthy things in the parks.
3. Plan your breakfasts and dinners in advance. Nearly all Disney restaurants have healthy options, and if you plan to eat there, you won't be as likely to grab a cotton candy after getting off the Tower of Terror.
4. Don't stress about it. Do the best you can to eat healthy, but it's not the end of the world if you have some pretzels or hot dogs while you're there. Have a good pancake breakfast the day before the race and a light healthy dinner the night before the race. Those are your most important meals to get you fully prepared for the race.
5. Drink lots of water. It'll get you hydrated for the race, and it's something that people tend to overlook while busy in the parks.

Also, since we'll be at WDW a few days before the race, how do ya'll handle training when at WDW....do you just do a few short runs, walk extra, ???

A short run or two and some walking in the parks.

 

[Ariel484]

Ok, I have a question or two for all of my awesome new running friends. I am planning to do either the PHM or the GSC in 2016. We will be at WDW 3 or 4 days before the races and I'm worried that I will eat really bad before the race(s) b/c of all the goodies available. Any pointers on how to "be good" with my eating for those days before the race.

For me, keeping the race(s) in mind is motivation enough. Like...if I spend all of the days before the race(s) eating junk, how will I feel on race day? Probably sluggish with some GI issues . After months of training, I wouldn't want to put myself through that (seriously, GI distress during a long run is the WORST).

So for me personally, I try to make good choices. Only drink water before the races (I'll be flying in, and flying alone is dehydrating - no alcohol or pop) with the exception of coffee...because I NEED my coffee. Trying to eat somewhat healthy, but don't drive myself nuts over it. The night before races, eat dinner at a place I have been to before (so I know my stomach won't react). As @FFigawi said, I bring my breakfast from home for the race morning and eat the same thing I eat before my long training runs (bagel with peanut butter). I think as you do your long runs during training you'll figure out what does or does not work for your body (how does your body react to eating fried foods the night before a run? What happens if you don't drink enough water the day before? etc.) and that's something you'll want to keep in mind in the days leading up to PHM/GSC.

Also, since we'll be at WDW a few days before the race, how do ya'll handle training when at WDW....do you just do a few short runs, walk extra, ???

I'm never able to get there early enough for the races (normally it's the day before the expo opens), so I don't do training runs at WDW. If I did, I'd do them early in the morning before park time...because if I put them off to later in the day there's a good chance they won't get done.

 

[girliea]

1. Don't use your Magic Band. Having to actually pull out your wallet and pay cash gives you that little extra time to really think about what you're about to eat.
2. Take a trip to a local grocery store and buy some of your own food. Having breakfast food and snacks available helps keep you from buying not-so-healthy things in the parks.
3. Plan your breakfasts and dinners in advance. Nearly all Disney restaurants have healthy options, and if you plan to eat there, you won't be as likely to grab a cotton candy after getting off the Tower of Terror.
4. Don't stress about it. Do the best you can to eat healthy, but it's not the end of the world if you have some pretzels or hot dogs while you're there. Have a good pancake breakfast the day before the race and a light healthy dinner the night before the race. Those are your most important meals to get you fully prepared for the race.
5. Drink lots of water. It'll get you hydrated for the race, and it's something that people tend to overlook while busy in the parks.



A short run or two and some walking in the parks.

Great pointers John!
1. You are so right about the magic bands-I will definitely avoid using it for meals, and snacks.
2. A trip to a local grocery store is now on my list. We don't usually do this so that is helpful info also.
3. This one will be easy for me since I'm kind of a fanatical planner-planning meals won't be too hard.
4. And you're right about not stressing it when I fall off of the wagon-b/c after all I will be at WDW and some bad eating will occur!
5. I do drink a lot of water so I will continue this habit....I'll just learn where all of the bathrooms are in each park since what goes in must come out.

Short run or two should be fun at DW, can't ask for better scenery can u?
Curious, John....how long have u been a runner?

For me, keeping the race(s) in mind is motivation enough. Like...if I spend all of the days before the race(s) eating junk, how will I feel on race day? Probably sluggish with some GI issues . After months of training, I wouldn't want to put myself through that (seriously, GI distress during a long run is the WORST).

So for me personally, I try to make good choices. Only drink water before the races (I'll be flying in, and flying alone is dehydrating - no alcohol or pop) with the exception of coffee...because I NEED my coffee. Trying to eat somewhat healthy, but don't drive myself nuts over it. The night before races, eat dinner at a place I have been to before (so I know my stomach won't react). As @FFigawi said, I bring my breakfast from home for the race morning and eat the same thing I eat before my long training runs (bagel with peanut butter). I think as you do your long runs during training you'll figure out what does or does not work for your body (how does your body react to eating fried foods the night before a run? What happens if you don't drink enough water the day before? etc.) and that's something you'll want to keep in mind in the days leading up to PHM/GSC.

I'm never able to get there early enough for the races (normally it's the day before the expo opens), so I don't do training runs at WDW. If I did, I'd do them early in the morning before park time...because if I put them off to later in the day there's a good chance they won't get done.

I love your TRs! They have been most inspiring, so thank you for taking the time to do them.
I have a feeling you are so right about the eating junk before a race day....I will do my first big race in October so I don't have personal experience yet. But thanks to all my disboard friends, I can learn from ya'll! Water and no pop (this cracks me up....the pop thing, being from the south we say coke-I've had this conversation with many friends from the north, but it still makes me laugh), I will do that.

And I definitely don't want any unexpected GI issues in addition to the nerves I'm sure I will have-so good advice there!

Very true about runny early in the morning. If I don't do it then, it will not get done for sure. I'm kind of becoming a morning exerciser anyway, mostly b/c as Keels puts it, it's like running on the surface of the sun down here. I mean it's not even noon and we are almost to 90, and heaven only knows what the humidity is right now, but its up there (I can tell b/c my curly hair looks rather brillo padish right now).

Thanks John and Shannon-you two are just a wealth of info!

 

[Ariel484]

@girliea Thank you!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Ok, I have a question or two for all of my awesome new running friends. I am planning to do either the PHM or the GSC in 2016. We will be at WDW 3 or 4 days before the races and I'm worried that I will eat really bad before the race(s) b/c of all the goodies available. Any pointers on how to "be good" with my eating for those days before the race.

Also, since we'll be at WDW a few days before the race, how do ya'll handle training when at WDW....do you just do a few short runs, walk extra, ???

What I've done for both Rebel & Princess was to plan what I would most likely eat.

With Rebel, the night before the 10K, my husband & I had Italian for dinner. For dinner the night before the half - we ate at a Steakhouse for protein and carbs
With GSC, my coworker and I had Ohana the night before the 10K. For dinner the night before the half, we had Italian.

Don't eat anything that is too unusual from what you have had at home before training runs.

I also made sure I had more than enough water during the day and ordering at dinner. There was a cocktail or two each day but I had so much water that it was flushed out well.

 

[FFigawi]

Curious, John....how long have u been a runner?

A little over 10 years now. I started because I needed to get in better shape to run my dogs in agility. I kept going because my girlfriend (now wife) was running her second marathon (she ran her first when we'd been dating only a few months) and I didn't want to be the water boy going all over the course with a backpack full of supplies she never needed again. I started coaching when I moved to Houston a few years later and joined a running group there.

Thanks John and Shannon-you two are just a wealth of info!

You're most welcome! Happy to help.

 

[girliea]

What I've done for both Rebel & Princess was to plan what I would most likely eat.

With Rebel, the night before the 10K, my husband & I had Italian for dinner. For dinner the night before the half - we ate at a Steakhouse for protein and carbs
With GSC, my coworker and I had Ohana the night before the 10K. For dinner the night before the half, we had Italian.

Don't eat anything that is too unusual from what you have had at home before training runs.

I also made sure I had more than enough water during the day and ordering at dinner. There was a cocktail or two each day but I had so much water that it was flushed out well.

Thanks Dis_Yoda! Good things to remember...it would be just like me to try something weird and end up regretting it the next day. And I'll also be sure to do some test runs with training runs and make note of anything that turns my stomach.

Water, water, water....I'm starting to see a trend here. I have a feeling I will be trying a cocktail but maybe I'll do that on a nite that is not pre-race.

A little over 10 years now. I started because I needed to get in better shape to run my dogs in agility. I kept going because my girlfriend (now wife) was running her second marathon (she ran her first when we'd been dating only a few months) and I didn't want to be the water boy going all over the course with a backpack full of supplies she never needed again. I started coaching when I moved to Houston a few years later and joined a running group there.


I always like hearing people's running roots. I have done the water boy thing for hubs and son when they ran a ToughMudder race-I can't see myself doing one of those though so hubs and I have agreed that I will continue to do that for them and he will be my cheerleader when I run.
The coach thing makes sense, you are great at that! Thanks again!

 

[girliea]

A little over 10 years now. I started because I needed to get in better shape to run my dogs in agility. I kept going because my girlfriend (now wife) was running her second marathon (she ran her first when we'd been dating only a few months) and I didn't want to be the water boy going all over the course with a backpack full of supplies she never needed again. I started coaching when I moved to Houston a few years later and joined a running group there.


I always like hearing people's running roots. I have done the water boy thing for hubs and son when they ran a ToughMudder race-I can't see myself doing one of those though so hubs and I have agreed that I will continue to do that for them and he will be my cheerleader when I run.
The coach thing makes sense, you are great at that! Thanks again!

(tried to fix this from above but alas, I am too technically challenged!)