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

[AThrillingChase]

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!

Oh wow, this is awesome, thanks so much!! I really hadn't even thought of things like which bathroom stop is the best option, so I will DEF be taking this advice! I'm pretty sure every single time I step into a porto I have a near meltdown from fear of seeing my sweet little iphone swimming around down there...and now I can plan to do any walk breaks during the congestion areas you listed!

 

[swanprincess06]

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!

Very helpful, thank you!

Does anyone have a list of characters that are usually on the course for the half? And are there characters after the race in the finish area?

 

[Mil leech]

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...

Thank you so much for posting! I really like them and I am sad there is no preorder... I fear getting there Friday afternoon and there will be none left... Sad that there won't be any for people running the actual race.

 

[PrincessV]

I cancelled my deferral to the Glass Slipper challenge! I had a hysterectomy on December 18th and per MD orders, I had to defer the Star Wars & Princess run. Since, I was feeling pretty good, I confessed to my doctor on my follow-up visit that I walked the Hot Chocolate 5K on my third week post-op. It was then she gave her blessing to start running again, SLOWLY on post-op week four. Well, I'm now officially in post-op week 7 and feeling great and ready to run a little faster this week and excited to run the Glass Slipper Challenge, one mile at a time. I contribute my quick recovery from running... It has been a blessing.

Wonderful news! And I had no idea deferrals can be canceled - thank you for sharing, as that opens some possibilities for planning down the road!

Does anyone know what the last sweep point is-- is it the 11 mile mark, or is there another beyond that?

Theoretically, they can sweep at any point. But historically, the last non-medical sweep as been right before entering EP - I don't have the course map open, but I feel like that may be between 11 and 12?

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?

Well first, is it Runner's Knee or IT Band Syndrome? I ask because the two are often used to describe the same thing, but they're two very different things. If it is Runner's Knee, or Patellofemoral pain syndrome, rest is best, but there are lots of things that can be done to build strength while not running on it. I highly suggest Googling it up - Runner's World always has good articles on injury recovery. When I had it, and had a race scheduled 3 weeks out, my doc prescribed a full week off from running and walking, but doing some basic strengthening exercises. She also advised trying a patella brace to get me through the race - it worked beautifully.

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.

Yep, yep, yep - totally agree.

The TOT also had yellow powerade so that must be the chosen one still.

They've had yellow at every rD race I've done... until last month when they (happily) surprised me with blue for the WDW half!

I just keep repeating what @PrincessV told me last time - don't push to get more done before the race and injure yourself!

Costumes are done for me!!!!

They look terrific!

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

I'm going to ditto this and add that they can run out - I heard they did last month. So always have the fuel you need with you, just in case!

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.

Yep, I'll echo this one, too. The biggest complaint I hear from non-Floridians at WDW races is about the steep angles of our roadways. They're constructed to help torrential rain flow down, off the sides of roadways. And it can be murder on your ankles, knees and hips if you're not used to it. The angle is steepest on those cloverleaf ramps and yes, the top of the curve is your best bet to get some relief.

 

[PrincessV]

Raced a 10K hard Sat. for a new proof of time for future races, then did an easy 10 miles yesterday. Happy to be DONE with this round of training! It's basically been one long training plan since late summer for TOT, W&D, a Dec. half, marathon weekend and Princess. I'm ready for a break... bring on the taper!

 

[SarahDisney]

Thank you so much for posting! I really like them and I am sad there is no preorder... I fear getting there Friday afternoon and there will be none left... Sad that there won't be any for people running the actual race.

I totally know how you feel. I wish they would stagger the release - release a limited amount every day (possibly even do 2 releases a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon). It's so hard for people who can't be there the second the expo opens.

(Of course, I'm sure the bags are totally outside my budget this year, so it's not relevant for me)

 

[Ariel484]

I forgot another incline! When you approach the Contemporary you will go down a small hill, under the water bridge, and up another. That's the only real "hill" on the course, in my opinion.

Oh wow, this is awesome, thanks so much!! I really hadn't even thought of things like which bathroom stop is the best option, so I will DEF be taking this advice! I'm pretty sure every single time I step into a porto I have a near meltdown from fear of seeing my sweet little iphone swimming around down there...and now I can plan to do any walk breaks during the congestion areas you listed!

I have the same porta nervousness.

The congestion MIGHT not be that bad, those are just the areas I remember.

Very helpful, thank you!
Does anyone have a list of characters that are usually on the course for the half? And are there characters after the race in the finish area?

Here's what I remember...the main areas, anyway.

- As you are coming up World Drive approaching the Magic Kingdom (so before Mile Marker 4 at the TTC), there will possibly be a pirates photo-op (can't miss it, there will be a big pirate ship) and a heroes (princes, etc.) photo-op on the left. If the lines are too long early in the race, you can catch that one coming back - lines will be shorter.
- the bulk of the characters will be in the Magic Kingdom. Someone in front of the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland (has been Buzz or Stitch in the past), someone in front of the Mad Tea Party (Alice in Wonderland characters - Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, the White Rabbit, Alice or the Queen of Hearts), someone in Fantasyland as you're approaching the castle, possibly someone meeting AT the backside of the castle, possibly someone as you're entering Liberty Square, possibly someone in Frontierland, and possibly someone backstage as you're leaving MK. So if you're really into meeting the characters, the Magic Kingdom mile has the potential to be really long.
- Possible photo-op by the golf course (between MM7 and MM8)
- Second change at the heroes/pirates photo-ops after MM9 (coming back down World Drive to go to Epcot) - again, should be shorter lines this time
- In 2011 I met Princess Atta under the "It's Tough to be a Bug" billboard on World Drive, so that would be on the right if anyone is out
- Sarge going up the overpass after MM10
- Characters will be out randomly along the next couple of miles...probably no one really rare, but whoever is it will likely have shorter lines because I think people just want to be done by then.

Again, just what I remember from this course in the past - no guarantees it'll be the same. Have fun!!

 

[runningprincess2015]

Oh training, why must you torture me so? Long story short, I was sick all of December with a cold that turned into bronchitis so when I started to feel a little "off" in the way of a sore throat two weeks ago, I decided to take the week off from training in fear that I would be sick right before race day (and our vacation I might add!). Then, last Monday morning I was getting into our Jeep and slipped on some ice, slamming the outside of my right knee on the step-up ledge. Ugh.... I had 12 miles on my training plan for this past weekend but was only able to make it to mile 3 before I had some terrible pain around the knee cap of my right knee. I decided to forgo my long run and am now contemplating what to do. My last long run was 1/24 and was 11 miles. I felt really confident with that run. I had planned on doing an easy 4 miler this weekend but now think I should bump that up to maybe a 7 or 8 miler (depending on knee pain). My question is, should I try to fit in one more long run before race day or, as Elsa would say, let it go?

 

[AThrillingChase]

Oh training, why must you torture me so? Long story short, I was sick all of December with a cold that turned into bronchitis so when I started to feel a little "off" in the way of a sore throat two weeks ago, I decided to take the week off from training in fear that I would be sick right before race day (and our vacation I might add!). Then, last Monday morning I was getting into our Jeep and slipped on some ice, slamming the outside of my right knee on the step-up ledge. Ugh.... I had 12 miles on my training plan for this past weekend but was only able to make it to mile 3 before I had some terrible pain around the knee cap of my right knee. I decided to forgo my long run and am now contemplating what to do. My last long run was 1/24 and was 11 miles. I felt really confident with that run. I had planned on doing an easy 4 miler this weekend but now think I should bump that up to maybe a 7 or 8 miler (depending on knee pain). My question is, should I try to fit in one more long run before race day or, as Elsa would say, let it go?

Once again going back to @PrincessV, you will be very mad at yourself if you hurt yourself that close to the race. You did 11 about 2 weeks ago so you should be fine to finish assuming not in pain. If you only made it to 3 miles before you had to stop, I would really want to rest it. You could try doing a short run and see if it is still hurting, if it is you may even consider seeing a dr since the race is so close. If it feels ok, I would try something longer like 7 but if it starts hurting at all I would stop. I am overly sensitive to injuries the week before a race, because again I limped all 10 miles at TOT after hurting myself doing 8 miles the weekend before, since my training was pushed back due to being sick. Not fun. I would rather be struggling with the distance, than struggling with pain from the starting gate.

 

[PrincessV]

Oh training, why must you torture me so? Long story short, I was sick all of December with a cold that turned into bronchitis so when I started to feel a little "off" in the way of a sore throat two weeks ago, I decided to take the week off from training in fear that I would be sick right before race day (and our vacation I might add!). Then, last Monday morning I was getting into our Jeep and slipped on some ice, slamming the outside of my right knee on the step-up ledge. Ugh.... I had 12 miles on my training plan for this past weekend but was only able to make it to mile 3 before I had some terrible pain around the knee cap of my right knee. I decided to forgo my long run and am now contemplating what to do. My last long run was 1/24 and was 11 miles. I felt really confident with that run. I had planned on doing an easy 4 miler this weekend but now think I should bump that up to maybe a 7 or 8 miler (depending on knee pain). My question is, should I try to fit in one more long run before race day or, as Elsa would say, let it go?

Once again going back to @PrincessV, you will be very mad at yourself if you hurt yourself that close to the race. You did 11 about 2 weeks ago so you should be fine to finish assuming not in pain. If you only made it to 3 miles before you had to stop, I would really want to rest it. You could try doing a short run and see if it is still hurting, if it is you may even consider seeing a dr since the race is so close. If it feels ok, I would try something longer like 7 but if it starts hurting at all I would stop. I am overly sensitive to injuries the week before a race, because again I limped all 10 miles at TOT after hurting myself doing 8 miles the weekend before, since my training was pushed back due to being sick. Not fun. I would rather be struggling with the distance, than struggling with pain from the starting gate.

Please don't be us, runningprincess2015! I can ditto AThrillingChase - did the same darned thing, pushed through an injury to get that training in for TOT 2012 and totally regretted it. 11 miles is plenty and the most important thing now is to be healthy for race weekend!

 

[tammyroo]

Well first, is it Runner's Knee or IT Band Syndrome? I ask because the two are often used to describe the same thing, but they're two very different things. If it is Runner's Knee, or Patellofemoral pain syndrome, rest is best, but there are lots of things that can be done to build strength while not running on it. I highly suggest Googling it up - Runner's World always has good articles on injury recovery. When I had it, and had a race scheduled 3 weeks out, my doc prescribed a full week off from running and walking, but doing some basic strengthening exercises. She also advised trying a patella brace to get me through the race - it worked beautifully.

It is definitely PFS. Googled it first before suggesting she talk to someone and she totally agreed with the internet stuff and the PT confirmed it, saying her knee wasn't tracking correctly. Looking back she had symptoms prior to running....often needing to straighten her leg out for one. She bought the knee brace to help her get through the race and will not be running until then. Glad to hear that it worked for you. I'm hopeful she'll have some relief. PT did recommend strengthening exercises on glutes and quads which she has been working on. He basically just said to manage her expectations and when she gets back she can pursue PT if she wants to continue running.

 

[tammyroo]

Oh training, why must you torture me so? Long story short, I was sick all of December with a cold that turned into bronchitis so when I started to feel a little "off" in the way of a sore throat two weeks ago, I decided to take the week off from training in fear that I would be sick right before race day (and our vacation I might add!). Then, last Monday morning I was getting into our Jeep and slipped on some ice, slamming the outside of my right knee on the step-up ledge. Ugh.... I had 12 miles on my training plan for this past weekend but was only able to make it to mile 3 before I had some terrible pain around the knee cap of my right knee. I decided to forgo my long run and am now contemplating what to do. My last long run was 1/24 and was 11 miles. I felt really confident with that run. I had planned on doing an easy 4 miler this weekend but now think I should bump that up to maybe a 7 or 8 miler (depending on knee pain). My question is, should I try to fit in one more long run before race day or, as Elsa would say, let it go?

runningprincess2...I'm feeling your pain. I had been feeling great until I started adding double digits this year to my mileage. One thing or another. Now I think it's IT band syndrome. I was planning to try for 10 this past weekend which was pushed back until today because I caught a nasty cold. I got to 6 before I decided the knee/IT band was just not having it. Rather than risk further injury I figure its better to err on the side of caution. I won't be doing any more long runs. The IT band doesn't bother me until about mile 4/5 so I may end up walking most of the race. Whatever it takes. I just want to finish, have fun and enjoy the experience as much as possible. I did by an IT band. Figure it might help. Tried a compression sleeve and it did nothing. Bummer.

 

[DVCFan1994]

runningprincess2...I'm feeling your pain. I had been feeling great until I started adding double digits this year to my mileage. One thing or another. Now I think it's IT band syndrome. I was planning to try for 10 this past weekend which was pushed back until today because I caught a nasty cold. I got to 6 before I decided the knee/IT band was just not having it. Rather than risk further injury I figure its better to err on the side of caution. I won't be doing any more long runs. The IT band doesn't bother me until about mile 4/5 so I may end up walking most of the race. Whatever it takes. I just want to finish, have fun and enjoy the experience as much as possible. I did by an IT band. Figure it might help. Tried a compression sleeve and it did nothing. Bummer.

I feel for all of you with IT Band issues. Just want you to know you can still have a great time!

My IT band started right before last years races. Made it through the 10k ok, but right at mile 4.5 for the half the pain was horrible. My knee was buckling under me. Considered giving up because that's close to Bay Lake Tower, where I was staying. But I decided to just walk whenever I had to and finished. I still loved the whole race. Took lots of pictures, enjoyed the atmosphere. Listen to your body. Don't force these last long runs, rest and let inflammation subside as much as possible. Better to give yourself that advantage than aggravate things further.

 

[runningprincess2015]

I would rather be struggling with the distance, than struggling with pain from the starting gate.

Totally agree. Thanks ladies! It's reassuring that even though we're running individually, we're all in it together! I'm very much looking forward to next weekend. Injuries be damned!

 

[PrincessV]

It is definitely PFS. Googled it first before suggesting she talk to someone and she totally agreed with the internet stuff and the PT confirmed it, saying her knee wasn't tracking correctly. Looking back she had symptoms prior to running....often needing to straighten her leg out for one. She bought the knee brace to help her get through the race and will not be running until then. Glad to hear that it worked for you. I'm hopeful she'll have some relief. PT did recommend strengthening exercises on glutes and quads which she has been working on. He basically just said to manage her expectations and when she gets back she can pursue PT if she wants to continue running.

Oh good! In my experience, PFS was an easy one to rehab, so I think she'll be feeling great soon Honestly, with the time off, exercises and strap, I was good in a few weeks and have never had the problem since.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I did by an IT band. Figure it might help. Tried a compression sleeve and it did nothing. Bummer.

Actually, compression is probably the opposite of what you want. If the IT is rubbing against your knee and causing pain, that would probably just put more stress on the area. How I understand it is, the IT strap is targeted compression above that area, and it just sort of takes some pressure off the lower portion that is rubbing. Thus, alleviating some of that stress and pain. My first run using the strap I was still sore, but able to run it. My next run and every run after that I have not had any pain. I can't say enough how much it was my little miracle. But of course, I also picked up my foam rolling and strengthening at the same time, so hopefully one day I can run without it again! (That day will definitely not be on the list of things to try in the next two weeks though, way too terrified lol)

Totally agree. Thanks ladies! It's reassuring that even though we're running individually, we're all in it together! I'm very much looking forward to next weekend. Injuries be damned!

That is why I love this group and Disney runners - the disney high carries over

 

[PrincessVT]

Very helpful, thank you!

Does anyone have a list of characters that are usually on the course for the half? And are there characters after the race in the finish area?

a blogger posted this on Facebook about where the characters were last year. That was my first PHM and i think she is pretty dead on with them. hope this helps.

 

[tammyroo]

Oh good! In my experience, PFS was an easy one to rehab, so I think she'll be feeling great soon Honestly, with the time off, exercises and strap, I was good in a few weeks and have never had the problem since

That's great to hear. Thanks.

feel for all of you with IT Band issues. Just want you to know you can still have a great time!

My IT band started right before last years races. Made it through the 10k ok, but right at mile 4.5 for the half the pain was horrible. My knee was buckling under me. Considered giving up because that's close to Bay Lake Tower, where I was staying. But I decided to just walk whenever I had to and finished. I still loved the whole race. Took lots of pictures, enjoyed the atmosphere. Listen to your body. Don't force these last long runs, rest and let inflammation subside as much as possible. Better to give yourself that advantage than aggravate things further.

It's great to hear some encouragement. It is somewhat discouraging to train the long and feel like you can't follow the original plan. And, on top of that I use Galloways's run/walk/run AND I'm slow so was hoping that would be enough to avoid the injuries. Oh well.
LOVE the support on this thread...you ladies are awesome for those of us who are rookies

Actually, compression is probably the opposite of what you want. If the IT is rubbing against your knee and causing pain, that would probably just put more stress on the area. How I understand it is, the IT strap is targeted compression above that area, and it just sort of takes some pressure off the lower portion that is rubbing. Thus, alleviating some of that stress and pain. My first run using the strap I was still sore, but able to run it. My next run and every run after that I have not had any pain. I can't say enough how much it was my little miracle. But of course, I also picked up my foam rolling and strengthening at the same time, so hopefully one day I can run without it again! (That day will definitely not be on the list of things to try in the next two weeks though, way too terrified lol)

This has been a process of trial and error for sure. I got the compression because the whole area around the knee, lateral and medial, hurt on my last really long run but that hasn't done a thing for this IT thing. I ordered a strap to see if that helps. I foam roll almost daily (and have been for over a year) so thought I was safe. NOT. I'm thinking it is a lack of strengthening the glutes and, more specifically, the adductors. Went to a PT once about a month ago and he said that was the only thing that seemed weak as far as muscle groups go. I haven't been doing the exercises regularly though

 

[eandesmom]

Raced a 10K hard Sat. for a new proof of time for future races, then did an easy 10 miles yesterday. Happy to be DONE with this round of training! It's basically been one long training plan since late summer for TOT, W&D, a Dec. half, marathon weekend and Princess. I'm ready for a break... bring on the taper!

I hope the new POT worked out and the race went well! I need to do one of those in the next few months as my best time will "expire" in Oct.

Heck I am ready for a break and I only did a 10 week training plan for this one!

Then again that meant an 8 mile tempo on Sat and a 12 mile long run yesterday. LOL!

Oh training, why must you torture me so? Long story short, I was sick all of December with a cold that turned into bronchitis so when I started to feel a little "off" in the way of a sore throat two weeks ago, I decided to take the week off from training in fear that I would be sick right before race day (and our vacation I might add!). Then, last Monday morning I was getting into our Jeep and slipped on some ice, slamming the outside of my right knee on the step-up ledge. Ugh.... I had 12 miles on my training plan for this past weekend but was only able to make it to mile 3 before I had some terrible pain around the knee cap of my right knee. I decided to forgo my long run and am now contemplating what to do. My last long run was 1/24 and was 11 miles. I felt really confident with that run. I had planned on doing an easy 4 miler this weekend but now think I should bump that up to maybe a 7 or 8 miler (depending on knee pain). My question is, should I try to fit in one more long run before race day or, as Elsa would say, let it go?

LET IT GO!!!!! And ICE ICE ICE in the meantime.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Not really digging the Dooney handbags. What are other opinions? Thanks for the character photo ops. Any heads up helps. French Snow White, I'm doing Rapunzel, too.