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

[HockeyMomNH]

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!!

Haha! I'm 5'3" and my DH is 6'3" no way would I run with him. He's not going with me though, since he will be working.

 

[Eeyore2142]

My husband will also be doing the 10K, but not the half with me. Even if we start together I don't think we will run together. We have such different running styles even though we pace about the same. I have run a few races with friends, but we start together and see each other at the end. I feel no need to run with someone the whole time. I love the solitude of my own mind and the fun of meeting new people. Seeing people at the end and celebrating then is enough for me.

 

[PrincessV]

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

Whatever you do, don't push the pace on a long run. If you do, you won't make it to the end.

Totally agree with this! So many beginners (I was guilty of it, too) are focused on speed and until you've got a couple long runs under your belt, it's hard to understand just how much slowing it down and saving energy for the second half will help. Trust us - learn from our errors! I'm always amazed by how much speed I can seem to pull out of thin air in the final 6 or so miles of a half-marathon when I've taken the first 7 at an easy pace. And finishing strong is just a wonderful experience!

 

[DVCFan1994]

Totally agree with this! So many beginners (I was guilty of it, too) are focused on speed and until you've got a couple long runs under your belt, it's hard to understand just how much slowing it down and saving energy for the second half will help. Trust us - learn from our errors! I'm always amazed by how much speed I can seem to pull out of thin air in the final 6 or so miles of a half-marathon when I've taken the first 7 at an easy pace. And finishing strong is just a wonderful experience!

I third this sentiment. I'm relatively new to running, about two years ago I first started. GSC 2014 and the 10k to get a corral time were my first official running races. I have a lot of fast running friends though and it made me feel the need to go faster than I should. It was a recipe for injury. Once I slowed down the long runs were so much easier, and on PHM day I tried to stay a minute above my normal pace for the first few miles so I wouldn't get swept away in the adrenaline. It really helped me finish strong and feel great at the end. I could enjoy the post race fun, didn't feel like I had to collapse. So great!

 

[Luv2Run]

So, since I'm not one of the lucky ones who got to register early and must wait until Tuesday, plus they haven't updated with the 2015 package rates yet, let's talk running costumes to entertain ourselves.

Are you planning on dressing up? As what?

For the 5K, my bf and I have decided on running as The Incredibles. I'm still undecided on what to dress up as for the PHM. In 2012 I dressed as Belle (white & yellow runnign tank, yellow & gold tutu, yellow arm warmers), in 2013 I was Meg (purple running tank, light purple/dark purple tutu, purple & pink running shoes), and 2014 I was Sleeping Beauty (my pink tank top read "Train like a Beast, Look like a Beauty" and I wore a pink & blue tutu).

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

DD has been all over costumes. No decision has been made, as we are waiting to see how many of us belly up to the bar on Tuesday. If I am lucky enough to get into the GSC, it just dawned on me, recently, that I will need two costumes. One thing I do know, I like a runner friendly costume.

 

[keahgirl8]

I third this sentiment. I'm relatively new to running, about two years ago I first started. GSC 2014 and the 10k to get a corral time were my first official running races. I have a lot of fast running friends though and it made me feel the need to go faster than I should. It was a recipe for injury. Once I slowed down the long runs were so much easier, and on PHM day I tried to stay a minute above my normal pace for the first few miles so I wouldn't get swept away in the adrenaline. It really helped me finish strong and feel great at the end. I could enjoy the post race fun, didn't feel like I had to collapse. So great!

In the beginning of my running, I always got so excited for a race, I took off like a shot! Then by the end, I would start fading. I have to consciously start slowly. It is something I work on a lot. I was successful at it this year, but then I felt like I had to make up for stops so I didn't stick to my training plan. I ran the last half mile straight, even though I had never trained that way. Felt like I was going to pass out at the end!

DD has been all over costumes. No decision has been made, as we are waiting to see how many of us belly up to the bar on Tuesday. If I am lucky enough to get into the GSC, it just dawned on me, recently, that I will need two costumes. One thing I do know, I like a runner friendly costume.

I prefer to just wear a cute running outfit. I get really hot and am very sensitive to things bugging me when I run.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

I'm a very minimalist runner. I don't listen to music, wear calf sleeves or use a fuel belt. I carry my nutrition in my skirt, if there is a pocket, or store it in my chest. I do carry a wash cloth to wipe my face. Sweat on my face would drive me crazy. On a side note here is my MB.

 

[DVCFan1994]

I went ahead and took the plunge and registered for the 5k as well. The chance it might be "Frozen" themed, which might make it sell out quick convinced me to just register now. I am sure my dd and I will run/walk that, so I'm not too worried about it impacting my GSC, because I was up all three days this year too. I'm more worried about what she is going to want for a costume

Turns out my sister is busy on Tuesday so I have to register her for GSC at noon so although I thought I was all done with registration, instead I will be caught up in the craziest frenzy of all. Yikes.

A word about costumes which someone brought up, I chose this past year to wear themed running clothes for the 10K and same for the half with a tutu added. For the 10k I was ariel with a green skirt, purple top and red headband with flower. For the half I wore running shorts (spandex type) under my sleeping beauty tutu and a pink tank top. I made the choice to decided early what characters I wanted my outfits inspired by, then on a every week or two basis I'd check my favorite running clothes suppliers for sale stuff that fit the bill. I got most of my stuff from Athleta, and it all worked great. The top I wore for the half is my favorite still. I didn't want to have to worry about a costume making me hot, having chafing issues, or any other annoyances. While there were many more much more elaborate costumes people looked awesome in (hello lady brave enough to pull off slave Princess Leia) I felt like I struck a nice balance of comfort, running function, and being part of the costume atmosphere. It turned out to be very warm and super humid, so I am glad I was comfortable.

With 3 races this year, I am not sure what I want to do yet. I did see that Athleta tank in a perfect Cinderella blue and picked it up so thats a start Other than that I'd like one costume to be non-princess.

 

[jco_direwolf]

I went ahead and took the plunge and registered for the 5k as well. The chance it might be "Frozen" themed, which might make it sell out quick convinced me to just register now.

IF it is revealed before it's sold out, the I promise you it will sell out with in a few minutes.

A&E are insanely popular/hot right now. the Frozen dessert package at DHS is sold out in the month of Sept other boards are reporting.

 

[DVCFan1994]

IF it is revealed before it's sold out, the I promise you it will sell out with in a few minutes. A&E are insanely popular/hot right now. the Frozen dessert package at DHS is sold out in the month of Sept other boards are reporting.

My daughters constant failed search for A&E stuff makes me all too aware of how they drive a frenzy. Last time I was at WDW in April they had a 5 hour wait for their meet. Thankfully we had FPs. If there's even a chance it's a frozen theme I had to make sure we got in

I've never paid attention to the theme announcements before, any idea when they usually happen? I was kind of thinking they'd wait until after general registration, so they can cause a second registration frenzy with the announcement. But, I didn't want to chance it. Last year I passed on tons of Frozen merchandise before we'd seen the movie and had a clue on the demand. If I'd bought it and resold on EBay like so many I could have supported my RunDisney races for years!

 

[sunnygal041]

I want to share with all the newbies and old friends, alike. I ran my first PHM in 2013 at the age of 51. I had come back from marathon weekend the month after doing the 5K so excited. Then I was dumped by my SO. These boards helped me get through that awful time. Since then, I have developed friendships and have gotten such support from a bunch of "virtual friends" that really had a profound impact upon me. So, if you're running solo, please know you are never alone. I have met some of my best friends, yes, in person, via these boards. Rock on, everyone!!

 

[friskykitten]

We are excited to try and get almost the whole family involved this year. Myself and four of my children are going to do the 5K (if they don't sell out before we get everyone registered) and my oldest son is going to run the half with me. He is sweet to run with me as I am only 4'11" and have impossibly short legs. There is no walking a 16 min/mile pace for me. I must run a good portion of it or I will be devoured by the balloon people.

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

Another curious one...just wondering when the theme is typically revealed? I'm also curious about why they aren't asking us to select a princess during registration. Hmm...

 

[Octoberbeauty]

Are there usually room/package discounts during PHM? I saw that it's an expensive time to go! Costumes: I want to do Elsa, but I know there will be tons of Elsa's! I'm also thinking about doing Sleeping Beauty in her blue dress, but would people recognize it? And I'm also thinking about just dressing up as a princess and going as Princess Sherry. I can be my own princess, right? Lol

 

[oohykitten]

I am curious what do we think it might be Frozen (missed a lot of posts and am trying to NOT sign up!!!) What themes has the 5K/race had in the past?

 

[keahgirl8]

I am curious what do we think it might be Frozen (missed a lot of posts and am trying to NOT sign up!!!) What themes has the 5K/race had in the past?

This year was Cinderella and the one before was Minnie. I think people are speculating that it will be Frozen because it is so popular now. I will run it no matter what the theme is! My favorite character is Cinderella, so I already got my wish this year!

 

[InspiredbyMadi]

This year was Cinderella and the one before was Minnie. I think people are speculating that it will be Frozen because it is so popular now. I will run it no matter what the theme is! My favorite character is Cinderella, so I already got my wish this year!

Ditto! Cinderella is my all-time favorite so I was incredibly excited this year. It was my first PHM and I was too nervous about being swept so I chose to skip the costume. I'll definitely dress up next year...already have a few ideas brewing.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Are there usually room/package discounts during PHM? I saw that it's an expensive time to go! Costumes: I want to do Elsa, but I know there will be tons of Elsa's! I'm also thinking about doing Sleeping Beauty in her blue dress, but would people recognize it? And I'm also thinking about just dressing up as a princess and going as Princess Sherry. I can be my own princess, right? Lol

You can totally be your own princess!!

Not sure about package discounts, I know most people got better deals not getting the run Disney package. How many days of park tickets do you want?

 

[Octoberbeauty]

You can totally be your own princess!!

Not sure about package discounts, I know most people got better deals not getting the run Disney package. How many days of park tickets do you want?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to upgrade to an AP when we go in December, since I have that trip, a May trip, this one if I add it, and then if I enjoy the PHM I want to sign up for the Wine and Dine next year. So, I guess I'd be looking for an AP discount on a room? Never had one before so I'm not sure how that works.