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

[tammyroo]

It seems like one resort has bus issues at every race... but it's not the same resort each time, so no way to guess ahead of time. I can say that I've never waited more than a minute or two staying at BC/YC, AKL/AKV or CBR, but who knows if that'll be the same in the future.

Driving has its pluses and minuses. I drove to the 5K and 10K this year: getting there was FAST, parking was easy, as was departing. But note that the section of the EP lot used for race parking is a hike from the start/finish - eve more of a hike if you have the misfortune of landing at the far end of the row (which I did - twice). Comparatively, the bus stops are right there outside of the bag check retrieval. After 3 days of racing, I knew my legs would not take kindly to another 1/4-1/2 mile walk to my car, and my sleep-deprived brain maybe wasn't up to managing traffic, so I took a bus the last day. I had no line when I walked up, and the bus was mostly empty - it actually waited for me while I finished my celebratory champagne! [/QUOTE]


Maybe it depends on when you finish the race. I'm sure early finishers and really late ones may not have the long lines after they finish their races. I, of course, will be towards the end and might be in the bulk of the traffic trying to leave.

Good point about being sleep deprived and fatigued from running. Leaving the driving to someone else might be the best plan.

Thanks for the input!

 

[PrincessV]

Knew balloon ladies weren't official ...just guys on bikes. Just wondering if the post meant they were no longer going to be there!?

Hmm... it occurs to me now that my initial mental image of guys on bikes waving glow sticks maybe isn't real safe, lol! So yeah - maybe no more bikes, just people at the mile markers with glow sticks? But how effective are glow sticks going to be when the sun's up, which it is by the time the slowest of us go by? The mind boggles!

Thanks for the input!

My pleasure! I don't know what I'll do the next time around. Using my car was sooo fast and convenient, but yeah - race brain was a REAL thing, for sure.

 

[momabaarjo]

Hmm... it occurs to me now that my initial mental image of guys on bikes waving glow sticks maybe isn't real safe, lol! So yeah - maybe no more bikes, just people at the mile markers with glow sticks? But how effective are glow sticks going to be when the sun's up, which it is by the time the slowest of us go by? The mind boggles!

So true...

 

[purplekicks]

Can I join you guys???

I am a new runner. Only been at it for a week. I'm doing the C25K app and I am on Week2 Day 2.

I always admired marathon runners and it is on my bucket list to complete one. I have been stalking this thread and I went back and read the last two year's threads too. I've watched numerous Youtube videos and I have decided I want my first race to be at Disney!

I am not going to go super ambitious and sign up for the half marathon. That's my goal for 2016. In 2015 I hope to complete a 5K and 10K..... For me, that will be HUGE!

 

[acwinsett]

Can I join you guys??? I am a new runner. Only been at it for a week. I'm doing the C25K app and I am on Week2 Day 2. I always admired marathon runners and it is on my bucket list to complete one. I have been stalking this thread and I went back and read the last two year's threads too. I've watched numerous Youtube videos and I have decided I want my first race to be at Disney! I am not going to go super ambitious and sign up for the half marathon. That's my goal for 2016. In 2015 I hope to complete a 5K and 10K..... For me, that will be HUGE!

Welcome, Purple!

 

[organized mommy]

Can I join you guys???

I am a new runner. Only been at it for a week. I'm doing the C25K app and I am on Week2 Day 2.

I always admired marathon runners and it is on my bucket list to complete one. I have been stalking this thread and I went back and read the last two year's threads too. I've watched numerous Youtube videos and I have decided I want my first race to be at Disney!

I am not going to go super ambitious and sign up for the half marathon. That's my goal for 2016. In 2015 I hope to complete a 5K and 10K..... For me, that will be HUGE!

I am with you! I have always wanted to run and have made the decision that I would like to do the 5K and 10K in 2015. I just started Jeff Galloway's 5K training today. Once finished I will move on to the 10K one. Still learning how this whole running thing works. What I need to do and be prepared for. Can't wait to join everyone next year!

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

My DD and sister are both new to running. The half is their goal. My sister is doing C25K. My DD tried that, but has switched to another training plan. We are trying to find a 10k, so we can move up in corral placement.

 

[lovingeire]

Can I join you guys???

I am a new runner. Only been at it for a week. I'm doing the C25K app and I am on Week2 Day 2.

I always admired marathon runners and it is on my bucket list to complete one. I have been stalking this thread and I went back and read the last two year's threads too. I've watched numerous Youtube videos and I have decided I want my first race to be at Disney!

I am not going to go super ambitious and sign up for the half marathon. That's my goal for 2016. In 2015 I hope to complete a 5K and 10K..... For me, that will be HUGE!

I am also a new runner aspiring to run the 5K and 10K in February. I am doing C25K as well and on Week 3 Day 3. I did my first 5am run today since the weather in Florida is horrendous and it went pretty well. I can't believe I am getting up at 5am to run! What has gotten into me! But hopefully I will be a fitter, more active person and a better example for my kids! Plus, I'm getting a few extra trips to Disney out of it!

 

[blabbermouth]

Hi Purplekicks! I'm a pretty new runner too, never really liked it before until I started running with a coworker, then it was much more enjoyable! We did a 10k back in April and now I'm planning on the Half. The good news is that eight months is plenty of time to train no matter what your goal is, and I think that just doing it is the success, who cares about your time?

 

[BwoZoo22]

So proud of all you new runners!

I was a runner in HS, but went on to other things after. I DO NOT have a runners physique. And with only 1 good knee, running can be trying at times. Loved doing local 5ks for fun and swag (where else would one wear their tutu?). But I'm in for my first ever half! Would never of even tried if not for the rD races. Did the Exp Ev on a lark this year and am now HOOKED on rD races. They are awesome! And who doesn't want an excuse to visit D?

 

[brooklyn615]

Finally posting! It took me awhile to get through all of these posts! Planning on running PHM 2015, excited for registration! I have a couple of questions that I'm sure all of you can help with. My biggest concern is budget, I like to have a plan and not having published room or flight rates are driving me crazy! So, my main goal is getting registered and then figuring out my hotel, right? Depending on flight prices, then I can decide how many days I can stay. I would like to fly in Fri. or Sat. and fly home Monday..does this sound ok? Do you get admission into a park on the race day or is any park admission additional? Hopefully there will be myself and two other girls running, is that a team? Do I need to register all three of us or do we register separately and put each other names down? How do I provide proof of pace? I ran my first half this past may and am running another half in September. Is there a spot to put my time or do I need to get a paper or something to mail in? One thing that no one has talked about is costumes. I always see these promotional shots of people in costume but how many people actually dress up? If any of you do this, can you post a few pics? I would love to dress up but lack the creativity w/out inspiration! can anyone tell my what ChEAR squad is, or what the race retreat is?

By the way, my name is Shelly. I am a mom to two wonderful boys and wife to a great guy. I am a licensed veterinary technician from Buffalo, NY

 

[PrincessV]

I am LOVING reading about all of the new runners!!! One of my favorite things about the DIS-rD relationship here is the support and encouragement between veteran and new runners. I'd been a DISer for years, had run on and off most of my life, but had never raced before the Princess 5K in 2012. The information shared here by veteran rD racers has been invaluable to me, and to so many others! So please know that you new folks can ask questions and get lots of support 'round here. It's a good bunch.

So, my main goal is getting registered and then figuring out my hotel, right?

My suggestion is always to do a little research and pick a handful of resorts that would make you happy. Then pick among them for the best deal once rates and specials come out.

I would like to fly in Fri. or Sat. and fly home Monday..does this sound ok?

IMO that's just about ideal! You'll need a day (not the whole day, but a day ahead of the race) for the expo. And race day. And that night for a good recovery sleep. I ran all 3 races this year and came in Thurs afternoon, hit the expo, ran the 5K Fri, 10K Sat., 1/2 Sun., went home Mon. morning. Went into the parks a couple times very briefly, but I was trying to spend as little time on my legs as possible to save them for the races.

Do you get admission into a park on the race day or is any park admission additional?

No park admission included, so budget for tickets if you do want some park time.

I don't know anything about registering as a team, so hopefully someone more knowledgeable about that will be along...

How do I provide proof of pace? I ran my first half this past may and am running another half in September. Is there a spot to put my time or do I need to get a paper or something to mail in?

In registration, if you expect to run faster than a certain finish time (I think it was 3:15:00 this year), you'll be asked to provide proof of time. This will be race results that can be verified online, so you'll need to enter: race name, date, distance, location, finish time and a link to it online. You can enter what you've already run now, then update it later if your Sept. race has a better time. The cutoff will likely be sometime in Dec.

One thing that no one has talked about is costumes. I always see these promotional shots of people in costume but how many people actually dress up? If any of you do this, can you post a few pics? I would love to dress up but lack the creativity w/out inspiration!

I wrote a piece about just that after racing in costume for the first time this year! Princess Half weekend - final thoughts and TIPS to run Disney! You'll see a TON of ppl in costumes at this race, especially, and it really was fun to join in. Check out runDisney's Facebook page's race albums to get inspiration - sooo many neat ideas out there!

can anyone tell my what ChEAR squad is, or what the race retreat is?

I can't speak to ChEAR squad, but did a review on Race Retreat. Let's see... okay, here's an excerpt:

"Ah, Race Retreat. Where I could eat breakfast, lay my weary head upon the table for a 5-minute nap, use a semi-private porta-potty, leave my race bag at the last possible moment, and return later for a full breakfast, more semi-private porta-pottying, and quick retrieval of my race bag.

What is this mystical Race Retreat? In runDisney's words:

Race Retreat is a great way for runners to prepare for their race, get pampered, and reunite with friends and family once the race is over.
Race Retreat Package Features
Pre-Race Amenities
Pre-race bagels, fruit, coffee, water and PowerAde
Temperature-controlled tent with lounges
Private restrooms and bag check
Padded stretching area


Post-Race Amenities
Internet access to check live results
Breakfast with hot and cold beverages
Changing tents
Self-treatment station
10-minute massage for only $10 (subject to availability)
Designated location to meet friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment!*
Other Amenities:
2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon commemorative item
Disney Character greetings
Live video feed from the Finish Line
Information Station

All this could be had for the 2014 price of $120.

GULP!!!

Yeah, it was a lot. But... when I worked a little Fuzzy Disney Math (FDM), it totally made sense to add Race Retreat to my half-marathon day! I'd have bought myself breakfast somewhere, anyway ($12), as well as some hot cocoa ($3), water ($5), Powerade ($3) and a banana ($3). I'd get some kind of "free" Race Retreat gift ($15), too. I'd save gas and mileage on my car ($10). So for around $70, I'd get a place to eat, take shelter from any inclement weather, semi-private facilities and a quick bag check. A relative bargain when it comes to Disney, right?!

So, yeah - I spent some pre-race time trying to wake-up in Race Retreat before the call to corrals came and we headed out."

In general, if it's comfortably within your budget, I think RR is great for first-time racers. For me, it gave me a defined place to be before and after the race, which helped relieve a lot of anxiety about the unknowns.

 

[keahgirl8]

It looks like no race retreat for the 10K next year! I know some might think you don't need it, but I enjoyed it!

 

[pigletcanrun]

Pasta in the park...is it worth it?? I was thinking about going Friday instead of Saturday so I can get in bed early on Saturday night... 3 am wake up is going to be murder

 

[keahgirl8]

Am I the only one who wasn't that bothered by the early wake up?

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Am I the only one who wasn't that bothered by the early wake up?

I wasn't! I'm an early bird and can run on very little sleep when I'm excited. I woke up on my own accord at 1:40 for the PHM and not only was wide awake and excited, but after the half, I toured the park for 13 hours, including EMH and didn't go to sleep until 1am! Nearly 24 hours later! There's no sleeping at Disney, ya know.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Am I the only one who wasn't that bothered by the early wake up?

I was fine with it too. I was up early 3 straight days. No issues. I'm not looking to make a habit of 3 am wake ups, but I often get up at 5-5:30. The extra excitement of the races made it a non issue for me. I toured the parks each day after races, stayed up til after 10 each night. Only day I napped was after the half. I did the half, showered, toured the parks til about 2, then napped for 90 minutes while DH took kids to the pool. Then went to the pool, and them celebratory dinner at CA grill. I was a first timer though. Wondering if I'll have the same level of excitement keeping me going this year....

 

[PrincessV]

Which is why my #1 piece of advice to folks is always Know Thyself! I know inadequate sleep spells disaster for me, I don't sleep well in hotels, and I am NOT a morning person. So 3 days of early racing took a major toll on my body. But for sure, lots of folks do just fine with it!

 

[keahgirl8]

I'm not really a morning person either, but I have become one out of necessity. I like to get running/workouts in before work, and that's the only way! The interesting thing about waking up early for PHM weekend was that I live in CA, so it was actually the middle of the night for me!

 

[pxefig]

Hopefully there will be myself and two other girls running, is that a team? Do I need to register all three of us or do we register separately and put each other names down?

I did a team for the Princess last year and here's what I learned : The team is two people only. You both have to be signed up for the half first, then you go back and register as a team. For $10 you each get a pink Princess half marathon sash and a commemorative (ie can't be used for the race itself) bib that has your team name on it. You are also eligible for team awards, as in one of the first three teams to finish the race.

Like 97% of the people who run these, I'm not in any place to be competitive at these things, so basically the question is is it worth it to pay $5 each for a sash? On the sliding scale of Disney souvenirs I think it's not that expensive. Just know that's what you are paying for