Official all things Princess Half Weekend 2015 thread! DOoneY and offical mErcH on DisneyParksBLOg

[tammyroo]

Does anyone know how to access the igiftbag? Am I missing something? Thanks!

You have to enter the email you used when you register. http://igiftbag.com/disneysprincesshalfmarathon2015/

 

[WDW Enabler]

Does anyone know where you do wear your bib on your shirt? We make custom shirts and want to add some vinyl mickey head and 13.1 to my running shirt but not sure where to place it on the shirt. Rose ( I share the disboard with my DH and just looked at this post with his info below. Looks a little weird. LOL.

 

[tammyroo]

Runner's knee has hit my daughter hard. She said she couldn't even run 3 miles today. While she is aware she can walk the PHM she is disappointed because she has trained to run (actually run/walk) it. She went to a PT who diagnosed the issue last week but he said there was really nothing that could be done in 3 weeks. Told her her running mechanics are way off...heel striking being the main culprit. She finally bought a brace today with hopes that it will help her get through the PHM. I told her the worst case scenario is we'll finish together since I'm really slow (don't think that was fully appreciated :/). Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[tammyroo]

Does anyone know where you do wear your bib on your shirt? We make custom shirts and want to add some vinyl mickey head and 13.1 to my running shirt but not sure where to place it on the shirt. View attachment 1820

They have to be worn on the front. Some wear them attached to the chest, others the stomach. I will attach mine to my runner's belt that has ties to hold it just below waist level.

 

[WDW Enabler]

They have to be worn on the front. Some wear them attached to the chest, others the stomach. I will attach mine to my runner's belt that has ties to hold it just below waist level.

Thank you. I think I will do a small mickey head with 13.1 on the top.

 

[SarahDisney]

Hey guys, weird question ... do they provide safety pins with the race bib (to pin it to your shirt) or you expected to have your own?

I hope everyone's training is going well ... less than 2 weeks!!

 

[Whirlybird]

Hey guys, weird question ... do they provide safety pins with the race bib (to pin it to your shirt) or you expected to have your own?

I hope everyone's training is going well ... less than 2 weeks!!

Yes! There will be safety pins in your package when you pick up your bib

 

[SarahDisney]

Yes! There will be safety pins in your package when you pick up your bib

Thanks! I don't really have much race experience, so I honestly had no clue.

 

[Whirlybird]

Thanks! I don't really have much race experience, so I honestly had no clue.

No worries! You will be among a family of runners. Everyone is friendly and just happy to be part of the Disney experience Have a great time and bring your camera!

 

[AThrillingChase]

I leave on Saturday (YAY). I know that these things have been discussed over the course of this (large!) thread, but any veterans willing to compile a small course 101 list for us PHM first timers? Things like where along the course can we find medical stands, body glide, gel stands, are the water stops still every 1.5 miles? Where or what mile should we be prepared for overpasses or elevations? And even speculation on the all important what powerade flavor we can expect.

It is probably the excitement getting to me, but I suddenly feel overwhelmed with packing and it is all swirling around like mush in my head so having it in one spot for reference would be great. I know myself and others would very much appreciate it if anyone has time!

Squeezing in a last long run tomorrow of 9 miles and then maybe a 2 miler before I leave to give any soreness or bumps some time to relax. Hard to believe it is so close now!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Runner's knee has hit my daughter hard. She said she couldn't even run 3 miles today. While she is aware she can walk the PHM she is disappointed because she has trained to run (actually run/walk) it. She went to a PT who diagnosed the issue last week but he said there was really nothing that could be done in 3 weeks. Told her her running mechanics are way off...heel striking being the main culprit. She finally bought a brace today with hopes that it will help her get through the PHM. I told her the worst case scenario is we'll finish together since I'm really slow (don't think that was fully appreciated :/). Anyone have any experience with this?

My wife and I trained together for 6 months for the half a few years ago. About 5 weeks before the race, she got hit with major IT band issues. The pain was really, really bad. She stopped training altogether when it became apparent that any distance greater than 1 mile only made the pain return with a fury. There was no chance that doing the race would make the injury worse - she would just experience a lot of pain the day of the race, and for a few days thereafter.

Long story short - we did it together. She had to walk most of the way, and the last 3 miles were brutal for her, but she finished. She was in tears from the pain, but also because of the huge sense of accomplishment. No advice as starting the race and experiencing that kind of pain is bad, but not finishing it because of the pain would have made it 100 times worse. It was a risk that she wanted to take, so we did. The next 2 days were brutal - she could barely walk a step without help. But she is so proud of herself, even today.

 

[Luv2Run]

If you can get in before, I would. If nothing else you can get some specific stretches and exercises to do between now and the race. Do you do anything for your bunions now? I have them and it's been a bit of an ongoing saga to treat..fix one issue, cause another one and so on. Are the new shoes a new model? I know for me between the bunions and orthotics, messing with shoes REALLY messed me up. Foam rolling really helps me a lot in general and while I've not had ITB issues in some time, I still roll out that area all the time just to be safe!

I haven't really done much for my bunion, but am seriously considering having a bunionectomy done once we get back from Disney. I'd like to have it healed up before the summer heat sets in, since I'll be in a cast and on crutches , and don't really relish the idea of having to muck about in the summer heat & humidity like that. I recently bought a ITB strap at the running store, so I'll give that a try on my next run. I also have a foam roller, and looked up some ITB stretches that I can incorporate, too. I've come down with a wicked head cold (started to set in on Saturday night), so I probably won't get another run in until Thursday at the soonest. Hoping to squeeze in one last long run before we leave next week, most likely 9-10 miler this weekend.

I leave on Saturday (YAY). I know that these things have been discussed over the course of this (large!) thread, but any veterans willing to compile a small course 101 list for us PHM first timers? Things like where along the course can we find medical stands, body glide, gel stands, are the water stops still every 1.5 miles? Where or what mile should we be prepared for overpasses or elevations? And even speculation on the all important what powerade flavor we can expect.
It is probably the excitement getting to me, but I suddenly feel overwhelmed with packing and it is all swirling around like mush in my head so having it in one spot for reference would be great. I know myself and others would very much appreciate it if anyone has time!
Squeezing in a last long run tomorrow of 9 miles and then maybe a 2 miler before I leave to give any soreness or bumps some time to relax. Hard to believe it is so close now!

Have you checked out the Course Guide yet? Link: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/princess/2015/2015-princess-race-weekend-program.pdf
I believe the longest stretch between water stops is between miles 7 and 9, since there's a fuel stop in between the two. I prefer to take my fuel with water (if I do take it, most times I don't need it), so it never made sense to me that they'd offer fuel and no water for another mile, but I'm sure there's a method to their madness. I haven't seen Body Glide at the medical tents, just Bio Freeze, but maybe they do offer it and I just never noticed it. As far as overpasses and elevations, I remember miles 10-12 being the most challenging in terms of overpasses, but thankfully there's quite a bit of on-course entertainment to distract you (Mrs. Incredible, Green Army Man, and an announcers booth with jumbotron screen where they'll call out your name and where you're from (if you're lucky to get picked by the announcers)). And for Powerade, all I can remember is yellow, but who knows if they'll change it up this year or not. I do remember one water stop where this kid was at the very end (which meant he got skipped a lot) and he kept saying, "My water is better than their water!".

 

[jdd]

Runner's knee has hit my daughter hard. She said she couldn't even run 3 miles today. While she is aware she can walk the PHM she is disappointed because she has trained to run (actually run/walk) it. She went to a PT who diagnosed the issue last week but he said there was really nothing that could be done in 3 weeks. Told her her running mechanics are way off...heel striking being the main culprit. She finally bought a brace today with hopes that it will help her get through the PHM. I told her the worst case scenario is we'll finish together since I'm really slow (don't think that was fully appreciated :/). Anyone have any experience with this?

I am absolutely NOT an expert on this at all, but I started to get that outer knee pain about 6 weeks ago when I ran my first 9 mile run. I've tried a bunch of stuff and I'm not sure which thing is helping, but I do feel better (not pain free, but definitely manageable).
1) got new shoes - even though they didn't look like I needed them, thought it couldn't hurt
2) bought a foam roller and roll my outer legs (hip to knee) at least twice a day
3) doing stretches that ladies on this thread suggested (thank you ). Best one is you lay on your back and cross your ankle over your other knee (legs in the air)- gently pull back on the straight leg. Your legs kind of make the number 4 - this is a great hip stretch!
4) this one is weird, but I think my compression pants were too tight around my knees - just putting them on would aggravate my pain. So, I only wear yoga pants that bell out at the knees.
5) another dis'er (different thread) told me to rest for a longer time after long runs. So, now I try to have a 3-4 day break after long runs. I still cross train, but no running.

Best of luck to your daughter - I know how frustrated she must be after all the training and anticipation. Hope you both have a great race!!

 

[eandesmom]

Runner's knee has hit my daughter hard. She said she couldn't even run 3 miles today. While she is aware she can walk the PHM she is disappointed because she has trained to run (actually run/walk) it. She went to a PT who diagnosed the issue last week but he said there was really nothing that could be done in 3 weeks. Told her her running mechanics are way off...heel striking being the main culprit. She finally bought a brace today with hopes that it will help her get through the PHM. I told her the worst case scenario is we'll finish together since I'm really slow (don't think that was fully appreciated :/). Anyone have any experience with this?

I completely disagree with that PT! So what is he saying, just wait and treat it later? That is insane and crappy medicine. There are definitely things she can do now and while it certainly won't get her 100%, to just do nothing for 2 weeks is really bad advice in my opinion. There are lots of good stretches out there to strengthen other parts of the body (runners knee is often a symptom of weakness elsewhere). Heel striking in and off itself is NOT a bad thing nor does it cause runners knee. There is a lot of dialog out there around strike patterns and honestly, it has gone around and around where heel striking is the way to go, then forefoot, then midfoot, whatever. I would agree trying to change someones strike pattern (which frankly I don't agree with) in 3 weeks is not going to happen. Things can be modified but a full change in strike/gait...is generally unrealistic I think and can cause other issues.

Heel striking combined with other weakness though and possibly pronation or who knows what, in combination can cause runners knee, as can overuse. At a minimum stretching, rolling, strengthening exercises and ICE ICE ICE can really help. I'd also suggest she get it taped at the expo (they can do wonders!) and perhaps experiment with taping on her own. And frankly, get a 2nd opinion.

I would also second the idea of having shoes looked at and making sure she is fitted properly for her gait, a shoe can do a lot to help mitigate issues. I have a friend that also had her compression pants contribute to the issue so skip those if she wears them, this is the 2nd report I have heard of that being a contributor.

I haven't really done much for my bunion, but am seriously considering having a bunionectomy done once we get back from Disney. I'd like to have it healed up before the summer heat sets in, since I'll be in a cast and on crutches , and don't really relish the idea of having to muck about in the summer heat & humidity like that.

I have had a bunionectomy. Do be aware the recovery period is a LOT longer than just being out of the cast or boot. It will throw your entire body out of whack. And know too, than they can come back even with surgery.

A few things that have helped me with my bunions.

Custom inserts. I started out with molded ones from RoadRunner and eventually moved to custom orthotics. The orthotics were frankly a nightmare to break in and figure out the right shoe for them etc (and not sure I'm fully there) but they really have helped with the bunion issues. The transition caused some other issues but it is getting better.

Toe separators. I had NEVER heard of these but my PT suggested them and wouldn't you know it, they actually do help quite a bit. They are small silicone separators you put between the big toe and the next and run with them in (or sleep, wear with regular shoes etc).

I recently bought a ITB strap at the running store, so I'll give that a try on my next run. I also have a foam roller, and looked up some ITB stretches that I can incorporate, too. I've come down with a wicked head cold (started to set in on Saturday night), so I probably won't get another run in until Thursday at the soonest. Hoping to squeeze in one last long run before we leave next week, most likely 9-10 miler this weekend.

I found foam rolling to really help with ITB as well as stretching. Once I got on top of it I've been able to keep it at bay

 

[AThrillingChase]

Have you checked out the Course Guide yet? Link: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/princess/2015/2015-princess-race-weekend-program.pdf
I believe the longest stretch between water stops is between miles 7 and 9, since there's a fuel stop in between the two. I prefer to take my fuel with water (if I do take it, most times I don't need it), so it never made sense to me that they'd offer fuel and no water for another mile, but I'm sure there's a method to their madness. I haven't seen Body Glide at the medical tents, just Bio Freeze, but maybe they do offer it and I just never noticed it. As far as overpasses and elevations, I remember miles 10-12 being the most challenging in terms of overpasses, but thankfully there's quite a bit of on-course entertainment to distract you (Mrs. Incredible, Green Army Man, and an announcers booth with jumbotron screen where they'll call out your name and where you're from (if you're lucky to get picked by the announcers)). And for Powerade, all I can remember is yellow, but who knows if they'll change it up this year or not. I do remember one water stop where this kid was at the very end (which meant he got skipped a lot) and he kept saying, "My water is better than their water!".

I did, but unfortunately that thing is so blurry when I attempt to zoom in so I can't actually tell what the little dots and mile numbers are - and printing it out was a nightmare. This was perfect though! Now when I compare they make a lot more sense! I also see a little loop which must be that overpass. And a lot more first aid tents than at the TOT (unless I was delirious, totally possible). The TOT also had yellow powerade so that must be the chosen one still. The water kid sounds funny - I actually always see the same guy, no matter what race I'm at, wearing a top hat. I will actually go across every row to get my medal from him because who doesn't want a medal from a guy in a top hat?? RD volunteers are the best! Thanks for helping with the info!

And GL with your run! Looks like we are at about the same place. I am hoping to pull mine off tonight. The inside of my knee/thigh/mcl area is a little sore but it doesn't hurt so I'm hoping to run now to give it a lot of time to rest before race day. I hate to see so many people dealing with issues this close to the race - it is the worst! But I can tell you my ITB was horrendous at TOT, I was wincing, taking walk breaks, biofreeze, but damned if I didn't finish! Like PP have offered, I take the route of finish and deal with pain afterwards. (Unless of course it is something that could really get you in trouble out there). I just keep repeating what @PrincessV told me last time - don't push to get more done before the race and injure yourself!

 

[FrenchSnowWhite]

Costumes are done for me!!!!

 

[SarahDisney]

Not sure if anyone else saw this yet, but ... runDisney just posted the Dooney pics on Facebook. Here's a link:
https://www.facebook.com/RunDisney/photos/gm.774055452678056/1114992408526720/?type=1&theater

And here's the picture...

 

[runningprincess2015]

Dooneys just posted on the RunDisney Facebook page!

 

[AThrillingChase]

Not sure if anyone else saw this yet, but ... runDisney just posted the Dooney pics on Facebook. Here's a link:
https://www.facebook.com/RunDisney/photos/gm.774055452678056/1114992408526720/?type=1&theater

And here's the picture...

ok so I'm not CRAZY about the pattern (why Jasmine no get love? lol). But, anyone have an ideas on prices? Specifically for the top right corner crossbody type bag. I'd really probably prefer a wallet type thing...

 

[Ariel484]

I leave on Saturday (YAY). I know that these things have been discussed over the course of this (large!) thread, but any veterans willing to compile a small course 101 list for us PHM first timers? Things like where along the course can we find medical stands, body glide, gel stands, are the water stops still every 1.5 miles? Where or what mile should we be prepared for overpasses or elevations? And even speculation on the all important what powerade flavor we can expect.

It is probably the excitement getting to me, but I suddenly feel overwhelmed with packing and it is all swirling around like mush in my head so having it in one spot for reference would be great. I know myself and others would very much appreciate it if anyone has time!

Squeezing in a last long run tomorrow of 9 miles and then maybe a 2 miler before I leave to give any soreness or bumps some time to relax. Hard to believe it is so close now!

I'm planning on GSC in 2016 and haven't run Princess since 2011...but I did just run the WDW Half for the second time last month (first time was in 2013) and that course is the same as the Princess course, so let me butt in here and see what I can remember...

Medical stands (giving out Tylenol, Biofreeze, Vaseline, etc.):
- between MM2 (Mile Marker 2) and MM3
- between MM4 and MM5
- right after you leave Magic Kingdom
- right before MM9
- right after MM11

Gel stop: between MM8 and MM9 --> I would highly recommend bringing whatever fuel you have been training with, as this is the only fuel stop of the race and they only have Clif gels

Water stops: there are 9 on the course and Powerade/water is available on both sides of the course, usually. Lately they have been giving out Powerade at the first few tables at each stop. The latter tables at each stop have water. If I recall correctly, Powerade was in blue cups and water was in yellow cups. And the Powerade was mostly yellow.

Real (non-porta potty) bathrooms...
- Transportation & Ticket Center (around mile 4 - normally very long lines)
- Magic Kingdom (between mile marker 5 and mile marker 6):
- Tomorrowland: Near Mickey's Star Traders (normally very long lines) and near Space Mountain (requires going off of the course a bit)
- Fantasyland: Pinnochio's Village Haus (requires going off the course a bit)
- Frontierland: Near Country Bear Jamboree (requires going off the course a bit - but I did this in January and there was no line)
- Epcot (final mile of the race)
- hmm I guess the most convenient ones as you enter the park would be around Innoventions - BUT - the park will be open and operational by now so you'd be cutting through crowds of day guests to get there
- as you are about to leave the park, closing in on Mile Marker 13, there are bathrooms to the left

Elevations: The one significant thing that I remember is right after Mile Marker 10 - you have to climb an overpass. I personally did not think the elevation change here was so bad, but the road is very sloped, so that might be tough for people with knee issues. If you run along the top of the road it is not quite as sloped. For the next 2 miles there are sort of rolling hills until you get to Epcot, but nothing crazy. This is the elevation output from my Garmin for the WDW Half last month (again, same course as Princess):

Other things you didn't ask, but I'll add in anyway: I think the areas where you'll find the biggest potential for course crowding are going to be heading down Main Street, heading through the castle, and right when you leave Magic Kingdom. The new corralling system, however, has helped with this tremendously - Main Street and through the castle were not nearly as crowded this year as I remembered from previous years. The stretch leaving the Magic Kingdom still was, because there is only one lane for runners. And morality-wise, this area of the course was tough for me because going through Magic Kingdom is such a high, so I was bummed to leave.

Hope this helps!