Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[pigletcanrun]

Anyone heading to Toronto for the Nike Women's 15K in June?? Or has anyone ran any of the races in the Nike series??? My name came up in the lottery yesterday and I am having a hard time making up my mind. Race fee is only $96 US but the cost to fly to Canada and lodging with only 10 weeks notice is not easy on my wallet! Although, the fact that you receive a Tiffany's necklace as your finisher medal is pretty enticing! Never thought my name would be picked, I just don't have that kind of luck.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

I think if you look at it as training to finish all three instead of racing all three, it is doable. My first half was part of the GSC in 2014. I was not a runner before training to run those. I took the 10k slower than if I were doing a 10k by itself. The half I gave my all.

This year I did all three. I mostly walked the 5k with my mom and daughter (6), then ran the 10k comfortably, and gave the half the most effort. I was still able to tour the parks all three days. It was lots of fun and I'm looking forward to doing it again in 2016.

The three races mean 3 early mornings. I'm an early riser, so that part is fine for me, but some people are drained at the end. If you can deal with the early mornings, then I think all three are realistic if you start training now so you can go slow and steady at building up your mileage. Too much too soon is a recipe for hurting yourself. Then, just know you need to focus on finishing feeling good at the end of the first two races so you still have energy for the third. Trying to go all out for all three would be a lot for a first back to back to back series.

Thank you guys!!! I'm going to do it!! Why not make the most of the trip, right!?! Triple Crown for me please!! ;-)

 

[pigletliz]

Anyone heading to Toronto for the Nike Women's 15K in June?? Or has anyone ran any of the races in the Nike series??? My name came up in the lottery yesterday and I am having a hard time making up my mind. Race fee is only $96 US but the cost to fly to Canada and lodging with only 10 weeks notice is not easy on my wallet! Although, the fact that you receive a Tiffany's necklace as your finisher medal is pretty enticing! Never thought my name would be picked, I just don't have that kind of luck.

Congratulations on getting into Nike Toronto! I didn't enter this lottery because it was a 15k and for all of the reasons you mentioned. I was lucky enough to get into the Nike SF half (First time was courtesy of Kim3339 and her Nike plus miles!) and Nike DC half. I have really enjoyed them even though they tend to be super crowded. Team in Training uses the Nike Women's races as big fundraiser events. DC was my favorite. Loved the course and it didn't require a shuttle back to the starting line. It looks like Toronto has a ferry.

I love all of my necklaces. The official merchandise, available at NikeTown is usually very nice. Tiffany blue Nikes! The Expotique was more of showcase for Nike and official sponsor products. They had a few Olympians speak, but nothing like a Disney expo where you sit and get race tips. Finisher's merchandise was available only at the finish line area, so there was usually a line. There was usually some special event at the local Macy's, like a fashion show, healthy cooking demo, manicures and even massages. The Nike women's races are extremely difficult to get in, so if I was selected, I would probably find a way to go.

 

[Eeyore2142]

Well, I'm out. I ended up having knee surgery after GSC2014 (not completely due to the race, I was injured before). The type of surgery I had (microfracture) means I may never do distance running again. I'm sad, but I did it once so I will just remember that

 

[jennynyholm]

Well, I'm out. I ended up having knee surgery after GSC2014 (not completely due to the race, I was injured before). The type of surgery I had (microfracture) means I may never do distance running again. I'm sad, but I did it once so I will just remember that

I'm sorry about your surgery and sidelining your plans. You seem to have a great perspective on it though! There are so many other ways to stay active, besides running. And there's definitely LOTS of ways to enjoy the magic of Disney without doing run disney race! Best of luck to you!

 

[jennynyholm]

I have a question about an off site stay for PHM weekend. It's not my first choice, but my running partner may want to go that route. I would rent a car. Has anyone on here stayed off site for race weekend? Anything I should be aware of when making this decision? My family will be joining me after the races and then we will have a week on site. So, I'm not so worried about "missing the magic" since I know I will still get it. However, if there are convenience issues or anything else, we will want to look at that. Thanks!!

 

[margitmouse]

Well, I'm out. I ended up having knee surgery after GSC2014 (not completely due to the race, I was injured before). The type of surgery I had (microfracture) means I may never do distance running again. I'm sad, but I did it once so I will just remember that

So sorry to hear this! Hoping for you that that is not the final word.......

Thank you guys!!! I'm going to do it!! Why not make the most of the trip, right!?! Triple Crown for me please!! ;-)

I'm gearing up for this too.... so grateful to get everyones expertise here!

Can anyone tell me how to find out who the host hotels are? Is Old Key West does anyone know. I think that when we were there a few years ago i remember the expo bus... but not positive.
It was all the great women we met that year that got my daughter and I to come run our first in 2014! Looking forward to meeting more of you this year too

 

[keahgirl8]

I've never rented a car for it, but it is definitely more convenient to stay on site, in my opinion.

 

[keahgirl8]

So sorry to hear this! Hoping for you that that is not the final word.......



I'm gearing up for this too.... so grateful to get everyones expertise here!

Can anyone tell me how to find out who the host hotels are? Is Old Key West does anyone know. I think that when we were there a few years ago i remember the expo bus... but not positive.
It was all the great women we met that year that got my daughter and I to come run our first in 2014! Looking forward to meeting more of you this year too

All hotels are host resorts for PHM.

 

[margitmouse]

All hotels are host resorts for PHM.

Yeah!! Thanks! I knew I was in the right place for info. Now, about that training.....
Keep at it, and keep posting : )

Can"t wait to tackle the GSC!

 

[margitmouse]

If I remember correctly the presale sold out faster that yesterday (Wine and Dine not the Princess, I'm guessing we can expect about the same for Princess). But they only have a limited amount available. I would be ready 5 to 10 minutes before and keep refreshing. I did that yesterday and was able to register me for the half and then me and my DD for the 5K all by 12:03. I did the half first and I was registered at 11:57 per my confirmation. I'm surprised I did it so quickly and correctly my hands were shaking so bad. It was my first time registering ever and I had no idea what to expect.

Oh and the link Keels posted was a life saver! She said she would try to get it for us for the Princess Half....fingers crossed. haha

I have a question about this. I missed out on registering for the jungle jingle when I registered for wine and dine. I found the process, um not intuitive or user friendly.. or was it just me?? Where did I miss signing up for the second race? Or do you only get to sign up for one at a time?
I could have sworn when we registered for PHM, all the races were listed on one page. signed, confused!

 

[Keels]

I have a question about this. I missed out on registering for the jungle jingle when I registered for wine and dine. I found the process, um not intuitive or user friendly.. or was it just me?? Where did I miss signing up for the second race? Or do you only get to sign up for one at a time?
I could have sworn when we registered for PHM, all the races were listed on one page. signed, confused!

Yeah, it sucks - but you can only sign up for one race at a time. So, based on how previous races have gone you will need to prioritize which race is MOST important to you and see how those have typically been selling.

All the races will be listed, but the radio button ONLY allows you to pick one race.

I've been pretty lucky with finding the "backdoor link" which by-passes the need to go on RunDisney or Active - it takes you straight to the Waiver page to start the registration process, and it usually opens up about 5-7 minutes before Noon ET. If/When I find it, I will post it here.

We found during W&D and Avengers that this link helped you avoid the "queue" that people were put in when they went via RunDisney and Active.

As of right now, I think it's becoming pretty clear that the 10K distance is almost as popular - if not more! - than the Challenges. Those two options will go first. The 5K will sell out next and the Half itself will probably last the "longest" - and longest could be just 35 minutes.

So, my tips are: bookmark the backdoor link AND save a draft in either notepad or email with your credit card info so you can just copy and paste instead of having to type it in. Be ready to go 10 minutes before the time registration opens. Register for your most important race first.

I'm pretty sure Princess is going to be on a level like W&D, given how fast races are going these days - especially if you're going for GSC or all three.

 

[jennynyholm]

Yeah, it sucks - but you can only sign up for one race at a time. So, based on how previous races have gone you will need to prioritize which race is MOST important to you and see how those have typically been selling.

All the races will be listed, but the radio button ONLY allows you to pick one race.

I've been pretty lucky with finding the "backdoor link" which by-passes the need to go on RunDisney or Active - it takes you straight to the Waiver page to start the registration process, and it usually opens up about 5-7 minutes before Noon ET. If/When I find it, I will post it here.

We found during W&D and Avengers that this link helped you avoid the "queue" that people were put in when they went via RunDisney and Active.

As of right now, I think it's becoming pretty clear that the 10K distance is almost as popular - if not more! - than the Challenges. Those two options will go first. The 5K will sell out next and the Half itself will probably last the "longest" - and longest could be just 35 minutes.

So, my tips are: bookmark the backdoor link AND save a draft in either notepad or email with your credit card info so you can just copy and paste instead of having to type it in. Be ready to go 10 minutes before the time registration opens. Register for your most important race first.

I'm pretty sure Princess is going to be on a level like W&D, given how fast races are going these days - especially if you're going for GSC or all three.

Wow that links sounds like it will be helpful! Thanks. Gah! This registration business is seriously stressing me out!!

 

[jennynyholm]

I've never rented a car for it, but it is definitely more convenient to stay on site, in my opinion.

Yeah I agree it is more convienient to stay on site, especially thinking of those early mornings getting to the 10K and half-- I'm not sure I will be fully awake to drive!

I would love to get any others' perspectives that have stayed off site for PHM though!

 

[keahgirl8]

Yeah, it sucks - but you can only sign up for one race at a time. So, based on how previous races have gone you will need to prioritize which race is MOST important to you and see how those have typically been selling.

All the races will be listed, but the radio button ONLY allows you to pick one race.

I've been pretty lucky with finding the "backdoor link" which by-passes the need to go on RunDisney or Active - it takes you straight to the Waiver page to start the registration process, and it usually opens up about 5-7 minutes before Noon ET. If/When I find it, I will post it here.

We found during W&D and Avengers that this link helped you avoid the "queue" that people were put in when they went via RunDisney and Active.

As of right now, I think it's becoming pretty clear that the 10K distance is almost as popular - if not more! - than the Challenges. Those two options will go first. The 5K will sell out next and the Half itself will probably last the "longest" - and longest could be just 35 minutes.

So, my tips are: bookmark the backdoor link AND save a draft in either notepad or email with your credit card info so you can just copy and paste instead of having to type it in. Be ready to go 10 minutes before the time registration opens. Register for your most important race first.

I'm pretty sure Princess is going to be on a level like W&D, given how fast races are going these days - especially if you're going for GSC or all three.

You're a genius! I will be keeping a close eye on this thread!

 

[Luv2Run]

Yeah I agree it is more convienient to stay on site, especially thinking of those early mornings getting to the 10K and half-- I'm not sure I will be fully awake to drive!

I would love to get any others' perspectives that have stayed off site for PHM though!

I stayed off-site for my first PHM since I only lived about 2 .5 hours from WDW at the time, and with proper planning, it's not so bad. Granted, that was before GSC and there were fewer runers, so the weekend wasn't quite as busy. I haven't stayed off-site since the introduction of GSC. It's just way easier to stay on-site for me now that I'm flying in from out-of-state. The year I stayed at BLT at the Contemporary was awesome because using the monorail made it infinitely easier pre- and post-race.

 

[princessluna14]

I've wanted to do this race so bad since I start running two years ago and it's finally happening! My husband gave me the go-ahead to start planning a trip for Princess next year!

Any news on whether the Castaway Cay Challenge will be going on for that weekend? I'm hoping to check "go on a cruise" off my bucket list that week too. I have my heart set on that challenge medal, but if they don't do the challenge, we'll probably cruise with another line to save some money.

 

[margitmouse]

Yeah, it sucks - but you can only sign up for one race at a time. So, based on how previous races have gone you will need to prioritize which race is MOST important to you and see how those have typically been selling.

All the races will be listed, but the radio button ONLY allows you to pick one race.

I'm pretty sure Princess is going to be on a level like W&D, given how fast races are going these days - especially if you're going for GSC or all three.

Keels! Thanks for this info! I thought I remembered differently from the PHM I registered for before.... but that race did not sell out in 38 min like W&D did!

Do you have to go all the way out and restart anew? or, do they ask if you want to register for another race before you leave the active page? I can't remember.... I was at work on my lunch break and was already late getting back when I finished registering for the half...... plus I was traumatized by not being able to sign up for the half and the 5k at the same time!!
LOL!

 

[Keels]

Keels! Thanks for this info! I thought I remembered differently from the PHM I registered for before.... but that race did not sell out in 38 min like W&D did!

Do you have to go all the way out and restart anew? or, do they ask if you want to register for another race before you leave the active page? I can't remember.... I was at work on my lunch break and was already late getting back when I finished registering for the half...... plus I was traumatized by not being able to sign up for the half and the 5k at the same time!!
LOL!

Yeah - you have to finish one registration and start another one. It stinks, but that's why it's important to prioritize which races are most important to you!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

It was probably the bottle of wine we had last night that made us decide on this - but my husband & I are both doing the Glass Slipper Challenge next year. We're booked at AKV in a Studio as its the least amount of DVC points.