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

[BernardandMissBianca]

On another note, I'm a bit envious of those running in the GSC. I soo wanted to try it next year but in February, I will be in my second month of a full-time nursing school program and I think it would be too stressful for me. I've decided the Half will be enough of a challenge with balancing school and training. Please tell me I'm making the right decision here...

I know we talked about this a few months ago but yes I think you are making the right decision. It gives you time to get the training in but doesn't interfere with your schooling. I think you could do it all but I'd hate for you to be so stressed and so tired, that you miss out on the over all experience.
And you will go home Sunday or Monday, proud of what you accomplished and still be able to function at school the next day!!! My brain was in a fog for about a week when I got home. LOL

Thank you. I'm sorry you are going to miss it. I would love to meet you in person. I remember talking to you a lot after I lost Macy. Thank you for that. It meant a lot to me.

I might be there after all!!! DH gave me the go ahead to book it. I still feel a little guilty because it is a lot of money but I don't do much for myself and I really want to do this.

I'm glad I was there for you, I wished I could do more.
Macy was on my mind a lot during the 1/2 this year because there was a team there running with a mom who had lost her 2 kids to a house fire. I kept pacing their group a lot, she had so many people there supporting her, it was pretty awesome.

We need to see if we can wrangle any refupeas into running!! We could have a 2 worlds collide event. LOL

 

[PrincessV]

So upset with myself, I didn't understand that there are a limited number of GSC spots open for early registration so I missed my opportunity. Now I have to decide what to do. Do I just register for the half and the 10K separately now? Or do I wait and take my chances on July 15th and register for the GSC? Any suggestions?

If GSC is what you really want, I'd wait - a very limited number of registrations was available for early registration, so you shouldn't have any problem getting it on the 15th.

Keep in mind that there are much more open spots in general registration for the GSC

Exactly. WDW races hold almost double what DLR do, so there will be many more spots available for GSC.

I don't have any running friends, and no one to travel with, so I'll have to pump myself and cheer myself on.

I promise, you will NOT be on your own, unless you want to be! You'll be surrounded by folks cheering each other on and all you have to do is speak a word or two to a fellow racer to get a conversation started.

I will be trying to register for the first time next week. I am also a long time Disney Visa holder and have not been able to find any info on discounts, etc. even when I called Disney Visa Rewards they say the incentives are provided by Disney, not them. So how do I find out what I maybe entitled to?

In the past few race registrations, the Disney Visa discounts weren't made available until things had already sold out. BUT, what you do is enter the 1 four digits of your card in the coupon code box and see if it takes it. If not, try the last 4 digits. Those are always the codes, so worth a shot!

I really had my heart set on the GSC but I suppose I could do just the two individually...

Defiitely try for GSC on the a5th - you should not have a problem so long as you get right on it!

I figured since I had to send proof of time later anyway, I would just do the whole thing later and get registered now.

That's totally fine! I didn't have PoT to enter at registration for my first PHM, so I did the same thing and emailed the info in when I had it; no problem.

Any one else go solo? Any tips?

Lots and lots of runners will be solo! I rarely bring anyone with me for races because I'm there for the races, not for park time. Frankly, as a full-time single parent, it's rather nice to have some time to myself to relax, eat what/where I want, do nothing more than sit by the pool reading... I find it very therapeutic.

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

Buffy, thank you for your advice. I'm very glad you mentioned the fog you were in following your runs. I definitely can't afford that while in school because I will have some grueling tests and there's no telling when they will be assigned. This is definitely the right decision.

I'm so happy you got the okay from DH! A Refupea group would be fun.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Quick question...when registering, am I able to add another runner with me or will I need to complete two separate registrations (we are paying with two separate credit cards)? My sister-in-law has decided to run with me next year and because she is working Tuesday, I volunteered to register for her.

You will have to register your SIL separately. You can still be logged into Active as you, but you can only register one person at a time; just change the runner name and payment method. I did that for the SW registration. And since you will be there as soon as registration opens you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Buffy, thank you for your advice. I'm very glad you mentioned the fog you were in following your runs. I definitely can't afford that while in school because I will have some grueling tests and there's no telling when they will be assigned. This is definitely the right decision. I'm so happy you got the okay from DH! A Refupea group would be fun.

You know when your adrenaline kicks in when something happens and then you get that crash after, kind of like coming off a sugar high? That's how I felt after the 1/2 and when we got home. I remember being at MGM, I remember coming home, I remember stuff at the kids school the following week, but I don't remember the details. You need to be able to focus on your tests and homework. So far we have 3 refupeas. I've been on the runner/walker thread but so far no one has mentioned any races.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Hi HockeyMom! Congrats on your first runDisney race! I've done the PHM solo twice now, and one good thing about is you're able to weave around the groups easier without worrying about ditching your running buddy.

There are a couple low points to running the race by yourself: hanging out in the corrals alone can be kinda boring/lonely. I busy myself by watching the corrals fill up, complimenting other runners on their outfits, asking where they're from, if this is their first time running this race, giving advice on which port-o-johns to use/skip, talking about photo ops along the course, etc. It's also kind of a bummer running the race and not seeing anyone you know cheeering you on (my bf met me at the finish line last year, but wasn't able to get out to meet me along the course), but there are lots of people out there cheering on people they don't know, so I'll pretend they're there for me.

It really is a great race to run alone, despite those minor complaints I mentioned.

Oh, side note: were you the one posting in the Decorating Magic Bands thread? If so, you're awesome! I can't wait to see what you come up with for the race!

Thanks for the great feedback, positive and negative. I'm not sure at all what to expect. I'm happy on my own, but I don't have a problem with chatting up strangers too.

Yep, that's me on the magic band thread. I'm already excited about designing something for the race!

Congratulations on registering for the 10K! I ran it this past February, and it was awesome It was a really fun distance and the course was great IMO. I had planned it to be a solo trip, but several of my family members ended up joining me (parents, son, sister, nieces). I did run the race solo though, and it was fine. As mentioned before, I found everyone to be considerate and very encouraging. I wouldn't hesitate to run solo again!

Thank you! I'm looking forward to seeing the course.

Solo trips can be fun because it's totally up to you what you want to do and when. The worst part is eating by yourself and not having much conversation. Running solo can be fun too... you can focus on your own pace and you can decide if you want to take photos along the way (don't worry even if there's no photopass person other race participants are always willing to snap photos).

I did my first 5k two years ago at WDW Royal Family 5K and had a blast! Last year I ran the same 5k with my sister. While I loved having her with me pre and post race, during the race it was a tough go. This year I'm doing both the 5K and 10K solo.

Thanks! I have done a bit of park time alone. It's nice to be able to wander without worrying about what others want to do. Especially if I want to browse the shops.

Lots and lots of runners will be solo! I rarely bring anyone with me for races because I'm there for the races, not for park time. Frankly, as a full-time single parent, it's rather nice to have some time to myself to relax, eat what/where I want, do nothing more than sit by the pool reading... I find it very therapeutic.

Sounds good to me! I am going for the race, but some solo park time sounds good to.

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

BwoZoo22, thank you for clarifying the registration for me. I'm excited for Tuesday!

 

[HBGdancermom]

I busy myself by watching the corrals fill up, complimenting other runners on their outfits, asking where they're from, if this is their first time running this race, giving advice on which port-o-johns to use/skip, talking about photo ops along the course, etc.

I definitely would love hearing your advice on all of these things...especially the port-o-potties... Not a fan...

Thanks!

 

[ImaDISchick]

HockeyMom, I may end up running solo too! This is my first RD race, and I'm running with friends, but I'm 5'2" and they're 5'10" (seriously, we are gonna look like Arnold Schwartzenegger and Danny DeVito from that movie Twins. Except there will be 2 Arnolds (them) and 1 Danny (me) LOL). They say they're going to stay with me, but I'm going to feel guilty slowing them down. Maybe we can look for each other on the course for encouragement! Go Solo runners!!

 

[Luv2Run]

I definitely would love hearing your advice on all of these things...especially the port-o-potties... Not a fan...

Thanks!

I can only speak for myself, but I always skip the port-o-potties at the beginning of the race (miles 1-4). There are actual restrooms just inside when you get into MK, and in the back near Pooh's ride, that I much prefer using. I recognize that nervous-I-gotta-pee feeling at the beginning of the race as simply being anxious to get moving, but once I'm out on the course, that feeling subsides, so if I really, really have to go, then I'll use the actual restrooms inside MK. I'm typically fine after that until the end of the race. The port-o-potties near mile 7 are usually the most empty, from what I've seen. After mile 9, they get busier, since folks have been out on the course for over an hour and have to go. And I'll never understand stopping to go between miles 11-13, I'm way too excited to finish, so there's no stopping me at that point!

 

[Octoberbeauty]

Sherry, thank you for your wise words. I really do think I'm making the right choice by sticking with the Half again. In 2016, I will be closer to finishing school so the GSC may be in the cards for me.

Don't stress not having a group. I have a group traveling with me but we will all be running at different paces. I ran with a friend this year and after the first ten minutes, we didn't see each other again. As BernardandMissBianca said, the other runners are so encouraging. You will not feel alone. So many times I wanted to stop and someone would run by and yell something motivating and off I'd go. If your heart is in it, you can absolutely do this. If you check back in my profile you will come across a thread I started last year when I was apprehensive about signing up. This community was so positive! It's a great read.

You're welcome. Your school comes first right now.

I figure by the time it gets here that I'll have plenty of online friends to meet up with. Crossing my fingers that y'all all love me by then!

I might be there after all!!! DH gave me the go ahead to book it. I still feel a little guilty because it is a lot of money but I don't do much for myself and I really want to do this.

I'm glad I was there for you, I wished I could do more.
Macy was on my mind a lot during the 1/2 this year because there was a team there running with a mom who had lost her 2 kids to a house fire. I kept pacing their group a lot, she had so many people there supporting her, it was pretty awesome.

We need to see if we can wrangle any refupeas into running!! We could have a 2 worlds collide event. LOL

Aww, that means a lot to me. I'm glad Macy has made a difference in so many lives. That poor woman. My heart breaks for her, too. I'm glad she has so much support around her.

Ugh, finances are the biggest thing holding me back right now too. Hubby refuses to help pay for Disney. I'm a sahm so going to have to get creative, and I've already planned two trips to take my boys on separate mother/son vacations. Adding a 3rd trip just for me is really going to stress me out financially, but I just have this really strong feeling that I need to find a way to do this. I need to get healthy and prove to myself that I can do this.

I'm so happy you got the okay from DH! A Refupea group would be fun.

I didn't realize we had so many peas here! What were your pea names? Buffy, I think I knew about you at one time, but had forgotten. Are y'all on the new board?

I promise, you will NOT be on your own, unless you want to be! You'll be surrounded by folks cheering each other on and all you have to do is speak a word or two to a fellow racer to get a conversation started.


Lots and lots of runners will be solo! I rarely bring anyone with me for races because I'm there for the races, not for park time. Frankly, as a full-time single parent, it's rather nice to have some time to myself to relax, eat what/where I want, do nothing more than sit by the pool reading... I find it very therapeutic.

I don't mind being solo except for the no one at the finish line to congratulate me part. But hopefully I'll have enough friends here that it won't be an issue.
.......................

Okay, I've found a 10K here. I was counting on doing the Zoo run for my 10k, but it wasn't listed on their site this year. So, I contacted them on FB and they said that they are doing it, and have now updated their site. Now I have to be able to run 6 miles, and in good time, in only 3 months.

 

[cannmom]

I know we talked about this a few months ago but yes I think you are making the right decision. It gives you time to get the training in but doesn't interfere with your schooling. I think you could do it all but I'd hate for you to be so stressed and so tired, that you miss out on the over all experience.
And you will go home Sunday or Monday, proud of what you accomplished and still be able to function at school the next day!!! My brain was in a fog for about a week when I got home. LOL




I might be there after all!!! DH gave me the go ahead to book it. I still feel a little guilty because it is a lot of money but I don't do much for myself and I really want to do this.

I'm glad I was there for you, I wished I could do more.
Macy was on my mind a lot during the 1/2 this year because there was a team there running with a mom who had lost her 2 kids to a house fire. I kept pacing their group a lot, she had so many people there supporting her, it was pretty awesome.

We need to see if we can wrangle any refupeas into running!! We could have a 2 worlds collide event. LOL

I'm a refupea!!!! Literally lol'ed to see my other favorite message board mentioned.

Planning on registering for just the half unless I chicken out and decide to only do the 10K. A friend and I are doing this together and we have promised to be brave and do the half, but I am a very new runner and have been pretty discouraged lately.

 

[zefyr]

I don't mind being solo except for the no one at the finish line to congratulate me part. But hopefully I'll have enough friends here that it won't be an issue.
.......................

Don't worry there are lots of people who will congratulate you at the finish line even if you run solo. All the cast members and voluntEARs are great and super encouraging before, during, and after the races. Plus if you wear your medal in the park you'll have lots more people congratulating you

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I definitely would love hearing your advice on all of these things...especially the port-o-potties... Not a fan...

Thanks!

Use the potties close to the corrals. Bring a travel pack of tissues!!
I jumped the fence right before our corral started to use the ones for the first corrals and they were sans TP, lots of people in the earlier corrals used them already.

Aww, that means a lot to me. I'm glad Macy has made a difference in so many lives. That poor woman. My heart breaks for her, too. I'm glad she has so much support around her.

Ugh, finances are the biggest thing holding me back right now too. Hubby refuses to help pay for Disney. I'm a sahm so going to have to get creative, and I've already planned two trips to take my boys on separate mother/son vacations. Adding a 3rd trip just for me is really going to stress me out financially, but I just have this really strong feeling that I need to find a way to do this. I need to get healthy and prove to myself that I can do this.

I didn't realize we had so many peas here! What were your pea names? Buffy, I think I knew about you at one time, but had forgotten. Are y'all on the new board?

I don't mind being solo except for the no one at the finish line to congratulate me part. But hopefully I'll have enough friends here that it won't be an issue.
.......................

Okay, I've found a 10K here. I was counting on doing the Zoo run for my 10k, but it wasn't listed on their site this year. So, I contacted them on FB and they said that they are doing it, and have now updated their site. Now I have to be able to run 6 miles, and in good time, in only 3 months.

I'm going to do quick service meals only and bring breakfast. I didn't change my breakfast routine at all last year and it made a huge difference. And I'll probably only get a 2 day ticket, no park hoppers.

I am on the new boards, MissBianca over there and I have the same avatar as here.

And even if you are solo we usually meet up at the W Banner before and after the race. There will be someone there.

3 months for 6 miles is good. you will be fine!! And it's not even about a great time, it's more for getting out of the last corral to give you a buffer.
I didn't register for a time last year just gave them the stock choice of finishing in 3:15 and I got corral M out of P. Now I'm not guaranteed that this year so I'm going to try to find a 10K here somewhere but I'm not going to push it.
Official Jeff Galloway training for the 1/2 starts in October. So I'm going to just work on my 30-45 minutes 3 times a week til then.

I'm a refupea!!!! Literally lol'ed to see my other favorite message board mentioned.

Planning on registering for just the half unless I chicken out and decide to only do the 10K. A friend and I are doing this together and we have promised to be brave and do the half, but I am a very new runner and have been pretty discouraged lately.

WOOT WOOT!! Shout out to the POD!!!
You can do this!!! Trust your training! And we will be there to support you! I had discouraging moments last year too. We all do. Heck DS18 is a XC and track star and he still questions it. Trust your training!!! I can't say it enough. You can do this. I am 40 years old, never run in my life until 3 years ago, and I'm 50 pounds overweight. If I can do it, you can do it!!!

 

[Princess Hannah]

I have a question for anyone who's used the Galloway half marathon app! If I start using it now, will I be able to run the Princess Half at a decent pace? I'm pretty much a beginner runner right now. I started at the beginning of summer and my current pace per like is 12 minutes, but only if I really, really push myself.

 

[Princess Hannah]

I have a question for anyone who's used the Galloway half marathon app! If I start using it now, will I be able to run the Princess Half at a decent pace? I'm pretty much a beginner runner right now. I started at the beginning of summer and my current pace per like is 12 minutes, but only if I really, really push myself.

 

[jco_direwolf]

I have a question for anyone who's used the Galloway half marathon app! If I start using it now, will I be able to run the Princess Half at a decent pace? I'm pretty much a beginner runner right now. I started at the beginning of summer and my current pace per like is 12 minutes, but only if I really, really push myself.

You should of you keep it up since the princess is in feb and the program they have (not sure about the app) is like 12 weeks.

As for a decent pace I can't do a 1/2 at 12 minute miles. So can't help you there.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I have a question for anyone who's used the Galloway half marathon app! If I start using it now, will I be able to run the Princess Half at a decent pace? I'm pretty much a beginner runner right now. I started at the beginning of summer and my current pace per like is 12 minutes, but only if I really, really push myself.

Training schedules for the 1/2 are up. For beginners it starts Sept 30
For experienced runners wanting a better time it also starts on Sept 30 and finishing upright starts October 28.
The Galloway app is a 17 week program to race day with 2 weeks after for a post race taper.

I'm not an expert by any means but what worked for me last year and what I'm doing this year is I'm currently running 30-45 minutes 3 days a week. I use this time to work on my pacing and my run/walk ratios and get the kinks out, I've been on a running hiatus since April. Then I line up the training calendar with the app calendar and use my app for my runs.

And my pace is about a 14:30 mm. Not pushing but not strolling either. I wanted to make sure I plenty of gas at the end so I didn't look like hell in the finish photos LOL

 

[keahgirl8]

I have a question for anyone who's used the Galloway half marathon app! If I start using it now, will I be able to run the Princess Half at a decent pace? I'm pretty much a beginner runner right now. I started at the beginning of summer and my current pace per like is 12 minutes, but only if I really, really push myself.

Whatever you do, don't push the pace on a long run. If you do, you won't make it to the end. 12 minutes is fantastic for a beginner. I was between 11:30 and 12 on a good day when I ran the GSC this year. I had a bit of a forced hiatus and now I am between 12 and 13. The thing is, that's me happy and comfortable, not pushing. You have plenty of time and you will be fine! I think I started the app around mid-September last year and had a Christmas vacation that got me a little off schedule. I finished the app right before I left for Florida.

 

[jockey]

All signed up for the glass slipper ....so excited ...DH running with me and the kids are doing the 5k with us