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

[mbwhitti]

Stalking the rundisney website for waivers and commemorative items.

Yay! Glad I'm not the only one! Literally ever hour or so. Pretty sad, but I can't help it!

 

[WDW Enabler]

Why did I not find this thread sooner? Well this will be my first half marathon. I am very excited. A little sad as my DH will be deployed and not be there to see me finish. Any past marathoners have a suggestion as time to catch the bus I am staying at AKL and will be in one of the last corals. I am aiming to finish.

 

[WDW Enabler]

Anyone else feeling way under trained??

I am feeling very under trained. i go for a long run/walk this weekend and hope that it will not be raining here.

 

[kmg148]

For those in the same boat as me, what's your plan for the remaining weeks?

 

[queen mimi]

Every year about this time, I start to panic about my training. I always feel as if I haven't done enough. Tomorrow, I am going to do 11 miles at about a 17 minute mile. During the week, I will do 2 or 3 days of treadmill with a 13:40 pace for 3 miles. On the off days, I go to the gym to do core strengthening, weights and balance exercises. I don't know if I will do anymore long walk/runs after this weekend. I might just concentrate on speed work. I know I can make the distance because I do other half marathons through the year. It is just the speed I worry about, especially with the growing size of the crowd. My husband says I do this before every race!

Keep training everybody! We can all do this together!

 

[Fruto76]

Why did I not find this thread sooner? Well this will be my first half marathon. I am very excited. A little sad as my DH will be deployed and not be there to see me finish. Any past marathoners have a suggestion as time to catch the bus I am staying at AKL and will be in one of the last corals. I am aiming to finish.

I stayed at AKL last year during WDW marathon weekend. (Same starting times as Princess). I always head To the bus between 3:45-4 and Have enough time to get a coffee, drop my bag at bag check, hit a potty, and walk around for a bit. If you want pics before heading to corrals you will want to leave earlier because those lines build up and they cut them off before they call for everyone to walk to corrals. Have fun!!!

 

[Luv2Run]

DD and I have piles started vs the suitcase out for packing. Anybody else doing this?

OMG, I have so many lists! I have a To Do List for stuff I don't want to forget to take care of in the coming weeks (pick up travel bottles, submit mail hold request, fax room request to POR, etc), and then I have a packing list that I keep adding to for stuff I don't want to forget (I forgot bug spray last year!). I just received all of the stuff I ordered for my Disneybounding outfits, as well as costumes for the races, so those are all set aside and ready to pack. I also have an itinerary done up in MSExcel, so I know what our plans are for each day since we're running both the 5K and the Half this year, with a few ADRs and all of our FP+ are scheduled, too. I also have a cost breakdown of what this trip is costing us compared to what we can possibly do next year, in case there's a bounceback offer we want to take advantage of, versus wait until July/August when the 2016 rates come out. So yeah...I'm a major planner, lol.

For those in the same boat as me, what's your plan for the remaining weeks?

I'm not feeling very undertrained, I'm about on point with the exception of this week: I got new shoes that I'm breaking in (Altra suggests doing every other run in your new shoes in order to get your legs used to them), combined with a stomach bug on Wednesday & Thursday this week. I'm feeling a bit better today, so I did 1.5mi on the treadmill plus leg day in the weight room. Will do 7mi on Sunday, followed by two 5-milers on Tuesday & Thursday next week. After that, it'll be 8 miles on Feb. 1st, 9mi on Feb. 8th, and 10 mi on Feb. 15th, with 5mi every Tuesday/Thursday in between. I might bump it up to 6mi on the 10th and 12th of February, depending on my schedule. Then it's taper week after the 10-miler on the 15th. I typically don't do more than 10mi training runs for a half. I know my body, and if I can do 10, I can do 13.1 just fine. I'm shooting for a sub-2:20 finish.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

I'm starting to think about packing too. I've been home all week with at stomach bug so I spent some time sewing my race costume.

Would anyone like to share what you bring with you on race morning? Are we able to check a bag, and is that a good idea, or is it crazy trying to get them after? I'm thinking I will want to change out of my sneakers asap.

 

[Fruto76]

I'm starting to think about packing too. I've been home all week with at stomach bug so I spent some time sewing my race costume.

Would anyone like to share what you bring with you on race morning? Are we able to check a bag, and is that a good idea, or is it crazy trying to get them after? I'm thinking I will want to change out of my sneakers asap.

Yes, you can check a bag. The clear bag that you get your shirt and official race stuff in at the packet pick up is the ONLY BAG they let you use to do bag check. I always put an extra sling backpack (the plastic bags get some wear and tear after you rummage through them and the last thing you want to deal with is having to carry all your stuff to the hotel because the bag is torn and useless...ask me how I know ) So besides my sling bag, I put my birkenstocks, clean dry socks, a long sleeve top or hoodie, a travel pack of baby wipes, my protein recovery shake powder in my shaker bottle, sometimes if its cold I put an extra long sleeve in there in case I get off the bus at drop off and decide I need it under my top for the run. (I was super glad I did that for the WDW half a couple weeks ago). Maybe a cliff bar but I never need it. The snack boxes and bananas have always been great for me post race. Thats about all I can think of right now.

 

[lovingeire]

Technically, there is a max 16:00/mile limit, but I've never seen it enforced in the 5K. So long as you're moving and uninjured, they've let people continue. I took over an hour last year, around a 21:xx mile avg, walked most and stopped for lots of pics.

Thank you! I ran a 5K in 41 minutes yesterday, around 13.5 mm, so I'm not worried about being swept, but more about how much time I have to stop and take photos. I know there are only so many photo ops on a 5K course, but I was thinking I'd hopefully have a little more time to do them at the 5K and then stop for 2-3 for the 10K as time allows.

 

[Luv2Run]

I'm starting to think about packing too. I've been home all week with at stomach bug so I spent some time sewing my race costume.

Would anyone like to share what you bring with you on race morning? Are we able to check a bag, and is that a good idea, or is it crazy trying to get them after? I'm thinking I will want to change out of my sneakers asap.

Sounds like lots of us are coming down with that nasty stomach bug. I hope you feel better soon!

There is a gEAR bag check located in the Wonder Lot. It's fairly simple to navigate, you just go to the table that has the number range of your bib number and drop your clear gEAR bag off there. Make sure your bib number is securely affixed to the bag, and you'll be just fine. Pick-up is rather easy, too, you cross the finish line, get your medal, go through the chute, pick up water/Powerade (if you want it), take your race pic (if you want it), and then as soon you as you're past the race photo booths, the gEAR bag check tents are on your left. I've never had them take more than a few minutes to locate my bag. Pic for reference:

I usually put the following in my gEar bag: zip-up/hoodie, flip flops, Wet Ones antibacterial wipes, ankle brace (if I feel I'll need it), and something light to eat like crackers or a granola bar. No valuables. I bring my phone with me during the race, I keep it in my SPIbelt.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Yes, you can check a bag. The clear bag that you get your shirt and official race stuff in at the packet pick up is the ONLY BAG they let you use to do bag check. I always put an extra sling backpack (the plastic bags get some wear and tear after you rummage through them and the last thing you want to deal with is having to carry all your stuff to the hotel because the bag is torn and useless...ask me how I know ) So besides my sling bag, I put my birkenstocks, clean dry socks, a long sleeve top or hoodie, a travel pack of baby wipes, my protein recovery shake powder in my shaker bottle, sometimes if its cold I put an extra long sleeve in there in case I get off the bus at drop off and decide I need it under my top for the run. (I was super glad I did that for the WDW half a couple weeks ago). Maybe a cliff bar but I never need it. The snack boxes and bananas have always been great for me post race. Thats about all I can think of right now.

Sounds like lots of us are coming down with that nasty stomach bug. I hope you feel better soon!

There is a gEAR bag check located in the Wonder Lot. It's fairly simple to navigate, you just go to the table that has the number range of your bib number and drop your clear gEAR bag off there. Make sure your bib number is securely affixed to the bag, and you'll be just fine. Pick-up is rather easy, too, you cross the finish line, get your medal, go through the chute, pick up water/Powerade (if you want it), take your race pic (if you want it), and then as soon you as you're past the race photo booths, the gEAR bag check tents are on your left. I've never had them take more than a few minutes to locate my bag. Pic for reference:

I usually put the following in my gEar bag: zip-up/hoodie, flip flops, Wet Ones antibacterial wipes, ankle brace (if I feel I'll need it), and something light to eat like crackers or a granola bar. No valuables. I bring my phone with me during the race, I keep it in my SPIbelt.

Thank you both! This is great info that I had not seen before.

Luv2run. The bug is not fun. I'm on day three of basically no food. I'm so bummed because I want to be training.

Here's my project. The top has pockets with a hole for my headphones.

 

[gabbyb]

This is our first RunDisney race, so what should we be expecting in this final month before the big day?

We received our Magical Express luggage tags. But we haven't gotten our MagicBands yet. Are those coming soon? Do we get our bibs beforehand, or do we pick that kind of stuff up from the Expo. What about our corral placement?

Thanks in advance!

 

[PrincessV]

Would anyone like to share what you bring with you on race morning? Are we able to check a bag, and is that a good idea, or is it crazy trying to get them after? I'm thinking I will want to change out of my sneakers asap.

I strongly encourage folks to check a bag and include something warm - jacket, sweatshirt, blanket, whatever - if it's a cool or cold day. They did not provide mylar blankets after the WDW Half this year and I was awfully glad I had a fleece jacket waiting in my checked bag! Made the walk to my car far more comfortable. I also brought a pair of Crocs, and yes, my feet were very happy for the change of footwear

As far as what I bring for pre-race, I bring throwaway clothes if it's chilly, something to eat, extra tissues in case porta-potties run out, and whatever I need for the race itself (like my handheld water bottle, for instance.)

... I was thinking I'd hopefully have a little more time to do them at the 5K and then stop for 2-3 for the 10K as time allows.

That's exactly how I did it last year and it worked well!

 

[PrincessV]

Do we get our bibs beforehand, or do we pick that kind of stuff up from the Expo. What about our corral placement?

We're waiting on rD to release waivers now - when they come out (and you'll hear about it here when they do), you can get your bib number from your waiver. Then rD will release the corral breakdown by bib numbers and you can see where your bib number falls. The official Race Guide will also come out in digital format and it will contain race rules, instructions, times, maps, transportation info, etc. We pick up our bibs and race shirts at the expo. Hope that helps!

 

[Miss Whimsy]

Here's my project. The top has pockets with a hole for my headphones.

omg this is AWESOME!!

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Here is my plan for the remaining weeks. Today was a long run. Monday and Wednesday are my shorter runs, 30-45 minutes. As it gets closer to the race, I will make speed work the priority with these runs. I'm sure I'll do some hill work, as well. Next week will be a cut back for the long run. My plan says four miles, I may increase that by a mile or two. The following week is the last long run. Again, the plan says 14 miles, but I may just run for an extended period of time. The week before the race will be a lower mileage long run. Maybe four to seven miles, I'm not sure. Once we arrive in Florida, I'd like to get out that Thursday, before the race, for a half hour run. Nobody has mentioned this, a wash cloth. I always bring one to wipe my face on the course. I can't stand a sweaty face. Still waiting on bibs and purses.

What time are you heading to race day transport? I don't want to be too early or run into a situation that makes me late.

 

[AThrillingChase]

Hi I'm new here and running the princess half. I'm feeling untrained because of an injury I got from my last half. Does any have ideas for cross training? Thanks

I've been doing "pure barre" - it is recommended by my runner friends, runners world and other running board articles, and I received good feedback from others on this board too! And the good news is you can see results fairly quickly.

DD and I have piles started vs the suitcase out for packing. Anybody else doing this?

I have had a packing list for I think...10 months. lol. I tend to travel a lot so I save a "master" packing list as a draft in my gmail account and then tweak it per each trip (clothes, etc). That way I don't even have to think about shampoo, qtips, or any of those random little things!

For those in the same boat as me, what's your plan for the remaining weeks?

I originally was going up to 11 miles before tapering off the last 2 weeks. That training plan has been thrown out the window with all my knee issues. So, I am doing two small, 2 mile runs during the week and one long run on the weekend. I am planning on 7, 8, then 9 before my flight leaves on the 14th (unless I start feeling like my issues are coming back during the runs). Then the 5k and then the half!

What time are you heading to race day transport? I don't want to be too early or run into a situation that makes me late.

I am planning on arriving at the bus or monorail right when they start running. That way even if there is a wait, I will have some cushion. I believe it was DVCFan who said that they left at 3:30 on the monorail and it was too rushed. I really like the pre-party area too so I want to spend time there!

I had an amazing run yesterday. Meaning, no pain! SO exciting! And no soreness the next day. I am using an IT and a tendon leg strap and they really helped. And hoping I can keep this up through my long run!

 

[bumbershoot]

We received our Magical Express luggage tags. But we haven't gotten our MagicBands yet. Are those coming soon?

Have you gone into your MyDisneyExperience account and verified your address and customized them? Do they say they are shipping soon? If you've checked it before and it said that and still says that, they might be stuck. I'd recommend calling Disney just to make sure everything is OK with the bands.

 

[keahgirl8]

Have you gone into your MyDisneyExperience account and verified your address and customized them? Do they say they are shipping soon? If you've checked it before and it said that and still says that, they might be stuck. I'd recommend calling Disney just to make sure everything is OK with the bands.

I haven't gotten mine and I didn't get an email saying that shipped. When I logged onto my MDE account, it said they had shipped and there was a tracking number.