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

[minniegirl19]

Another question... Do they keep track of our pace by our bibs?

 

[joan4mickey]

Another question... Do they keep track of our pace by our bibs?

yes. there is a chip embedded in your bib and rubber mats that you pass over that pick up your chip. Also there are mile marker signs with timers…just remember that the time on markers is gun time and you can adjust to get an idea how you are doing. I suppose most carry some kind of technology and know how current time at any given moment.

 

[minniegirl19]

So we have to keep a 16 minute pace and that's how they keep track it's doesn't mean though you could run one mile in 10 minutes and the other in 22 correct since that would 2 miles would be completed in 32 minutes which is 16 and 16 if that made any sense at all

 

[keahgirl8]

It's an average. The balloon ladies start after the last runner crosses the line and you have to stay ahead of them to avoid being swept. I'm sure if you googled "balloon ladies," you could find out all about them if you don't know already.

 

[eandesmom]

So we have to keep a 16 minute pace and that's how they keep track it's doesn't mean though you could run one mile in 10 minutes and the other in 22 correct since that would 2 miles would be completed in 32 minutes which is 16 and 16 if that made any sense at all

You chip will be tracked every time you cross a mat. 4x. Start, 5k, 10k, 15k and finish. The tracking has absolutely nothing to do with whether you get swept. It is your official time record and also shows that you hit all the checkpoints and didn't cut the course short.

Keeping in front of the ballon ladies, who are followed by the sweepers determines whether you get swept. They start as mentioned, after the last runner crosses the mat.

You could, conceivably, be quite a bit slower than a 16m mile average and be fine IF you started in an earlier corral. The farther up you are, the greater the buffer. If you are in the last corral basically there isn't any buffer and so that 16m average pace must be maintained. That pace includes whatever time you take for photos, using the porta pottie, etc.

How you maintain the average, a steady 16 or 20 and 22 in your example is up to you.

 

[keahgirl8]

You chip will be tracked every time you cross a mat. 4x. Start, 5k, 10k, 15k and finish. The tracking has absolutely nothing to do with whether you get swept. It is your official time record and also shows that you hit all the checkpoints and didn't cut the course short. Keeping in front of the ballon ladies, who are followed by the sweepers determines whether you get swept. They start as mentioned, after the last runner crosses the mat. You could, conceivably, be quite a bit slower than a 16m mile average and be fine IF you started in an earlier corral. The farther up you are, the greater the buffer. If you are in the last corral basically there isn't any buffer and so that 16m average pace must be maintained. That pace includes whatever time you take for photos, using the porta pottie, etc. How you maintain the average, a steady 16 or 20 and 22 in your example is up to you.

You explained that so much better than me. lol

 

[PJ in FL]

... I was thinking I'd drive for the 5k and 10k, but for the half I assume driving is a bad option. Am I right? My plan is to bus there and maybe walk back? ...

We've run WDW, PHM and WAD (aka Splash and Dash) and always drove ourselves to EPCOT as we stayed off-site at our time-share. Parking is very easy and closer than walking from the buses which drop off at the far side of the EPCOT entrance beyond the monorail.

Get there early (really, who's going to get lots of beauty sleep before the race?) and enjoy the party. Lots of music, DJ leading the dances, photographers all over the place taking pre-race pics, photo ops and lots of porta-potties

The only time we've used Disney transportation was running the Dumbo Challenge races at Disneyland, and parking there is non-existent. The choice for off-site runners is to walk (which we did from the Marriott behind the Convention Center) or use the local buses that drop off at the far side of Disneyland from the starting line.

Good luck and have a magic time!

--------------------------------
PJ in (cool) FL

 

[PrincessV]

Little tip for people. The Princess looking tent, which I think just said champagne, had a huge line. My husband noticed the ESPN booth had the same champagne, and the mimosa option as well, with no line.

THANK you so much for sharing this - I'm not doing RR this time, so this is critical info for me!

I was on the monorail last year, and it worked fabulously. This year I'm BWV for 5k & 10k, but changing to BCV after the 10k so that'll be my hotel for the half. I was thinking I'd drive for the 5k and 10k, but for the half I assume driving is a bad option. Am I right? My plan is to bus there and maybe walk back? With picture stops I don't think I'll finish till 8:30, so by the time I inevitably hit the self massage/ice area, get all my medals and the pics to go with them, meet the family and enjoy some bubbly I think the park will be open.

I honestly believe a lot of walking after the race last year really helped me stay loose. I tend to tighten up quickly otherwise.

Driving isn't a bad option, even for the half - I just did it for the WDW Half and it was 100% painless. But yes, if you're certain you want to walk back after, take the bus to the race.

So I finally finished all 110 pages! Wish I would have found this 6 months ago!

That's a marathon, right there!

My thought was that our moms could walk through Epcot to the finish. But I'm realizing it might not be realistic since Epcot doesn't open until 9. But we will be in one of the last corrals since we didn't submit a time, so I'm guessing we will finish near the end. Is it unrealistic that they will be able to walk through Epcot at 9 and get to the finish around when we finish? [/QUOTE]
I'm giving this a solid Maybe... it really depends on where you're corralled and how fast you plan to run it. Say you do start from the last corral - let's assume a start time of 6:20am and an avg pace of 16:00/mile - that would have you finishing around 10am. But if you run at a 12:00/mile pace, you'd cross the finish right at 9am. You can keep playing with numbers, but that's the idea of it - it will totally depend on what time you'll finish, relative to that 9am opening. Assume at least 15-20 mins for them to get all the way through EP and out to the parking lot. You'll have a better idea of things once corral info comes out.

First thing I wanted to know was what time would you get in line for a bus? I am staying at pop!

For first-timers at rD events, especially, I strongly recommend being out there for the bus as soon as they start running - 3am. Every year at least one bus gets lost and traffic jams always happen - you don't need that extra stress! Get going early and avoid it.

Second (this may be silly) what time do people go to sleep before the race?

I neeeeed my sleep, so I aim for dinner at 5, bed by 6:30, asleep by 7pm. After those early wake-ups, it's pretty easy!

My training plan only has me going up to 10 miles, and then tapering. What are your thoughts on that?

I've gone up as high as 12 for halfs, and I've topped out at 9: I didn't feel much difference either way. I think some plans go up higher for the mental benefit of knowing what the extra distance feels like. For my first couple halfs, that was important to me. Now, I'm happier not remembering how those last few feel until race day, lol!

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Another long run completed today. My legs/hips are a little sore/stiff. I even used a foam roller after. Here is a link to a blog that shows silver medals for PHM. http://healthydisneyfamily.com/2015/01/14/giveaway-roundup-princess/ My question is, why would Disney post official photos that show the medals are gold in color?

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

So we have to keep a 16 minute pace and that's how they keep track it's doesn't mean though you could run one mile in 10 minutes and the other in 22 correct since that would 2 miles would be completed in 32 minutes which is 16 and 16 if that made any sense at all

Keep in mind that the 16 minute pace requirement doesn't start until the last person crosses the start line. So if you are in corral K and it goes to P, you still have all those people behind you before they even start the pace requirement.
The balloon ladies walk or run, not sure which, at a 16 minute mile pace. They are your buffer between you and the real sweepers.

Theoretically you can run a mile in 22 minutes but if you are in that last corral when that happens and the balloon ladies pass you, then you risk getting pulled. I think they tell you that you have X amount of minutes to get to the next mile.

I was in corral M out of P last year and I kept about a 14:30 pace and only saw the ballon ladies at a distance once when I was on an overpass and they were about headed towards the overpass onramp.

 

[eandesmom]

You explained that so much better than me. lol

LOL. I'm just glad pace really isn't tracked by the bib, at least not in that kind of live sense. I mean mats are one thing and I am glad there are the checkpoints but if it was a constant tracking device...gah, the thought kind of creeps me out. Too big brother ish. Although really, they've got you with the magic band.

Not to mention how depressing my non negative splits would be if shown in a live feed.



All that said I do wonder if at some point those checkpoints will get moved as to mess with course cutters. As much as I like seeing my times at those break points, that would be a pretty easy way to catch folks who are truly cheating the course. There has been so much press about stuff like that, that I wonder.

 

[eandesmom]

I can't believe we're six weeks out from the race! It seems so far away still, but I'm sure it will fly by.

Right now, I'm just trying to keep up with my 2x per week maintenance runs (usually 2-4 miles) and long run (right now on 9 miles). My training plan only has me going up to 10 miles, and then tapering. What are your thoughts on that?

Can't wait!!

Lots of plans only go up to 10. It really depends on your comfort level with finishing a half (not sure if it is your first). There are a bazillion plans and theories on what is best but ultimately it's all about what fits YOU best. If you can do 10, adrenaline will get you through the rest. More than 10 isn't needed physically but for some it can be good mentally. PHM will be my 2nd half (unless I do one next weekend lol, haven't decided yet). For my first, my plan went to 14 but I took it to 13.1 and not beyond as I didn't feel I needed to. I did want to hit that number just so that mentally, I knew I could. I looked at minutes (45 ish) more than miles for my 2 maintenance runs but they were a bit longer, generally 4-5 miles. As long as you are doing at least 30 min on those maintenance runs I think it's ok.

This time I'm doing a very different and shorter plan that is still only 3 runs a week but one is speedwork, one is tempo and one is a long run. There are more long runs in the time period but the longest is only 12 and that is only once. It does however have several 10 milers and several 8's both as tempo's and as long. I don't feel I need to go past 12 but I do feel like overall, doing 10 several times and 8's at tempo pace will make a far bigger difference for me than just one longer run to go to 13.1 or past.

My thought was that our moms could walk through Epcot to the finish. But I'm realizing it might not be realistic since Epcot doesn't open until 9. But we will be in one of the last corrals since we didn't submit a time, so I'm guessing we will finish near the end. Is it unrealistic that they will be able to walk through Epcot at 9 and get to the finish around when we finish?

I'm giving this a solid Maybe... it really depends on where you're corralled and how fast you plan to run it. Say you do start from the last corral - let's assume a start time of 6:20am and an avg pace of 16:00/mile - that would have you finishing around 10am. But if you run at a 12:00/mile pace, you'd cross the finish right at 9am. You can keep playing with numbers, but that's the idea of it - it will totally depend on what time you'll finish, relative to that 9am opening. Assume at least 15-20 mins for them to get all the way through EP and out to the parking lot. You'll have a better idea of things once corral info comes out.

I completely agree with this. We just had this conversation but in reverse as there are several of us running but will be in different corrals at different paces. We too will know more once that comes out. At first I was really bummed that Epcot didn't open until 9 but then I realized, by the time all of us are done, it will likely be 9 and we can walk back to BWV.

It will have to be a power walk though, some of us have a 10:30 ADR!

 

[Luv2Run]

Another long run completed today. My legs/hips are a little sore/stiff. I even used a foam roller after. Here is a link to a blog that shows silver medals for PHM. http://healthydisneyfamily.com/2015/01/14/giveaway-roundup-princess/ My question is, why would Disney post official photos that show the medals are gold in color?

Thanks for posting the link to the pics, it's great motivation to keep training! I'm thinking they changed the medals from gold to silver since silver is more Frozen-looking than gold. Maybe? I kinda like how it looks with the silver. Especially since the purple ribbon looks more purply than the first photo rD sent out (it looked more maroon in that pic). And now I'm definitely, definitely tempted to go for the GSC next year...love that bling.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Another long run completed today. My legs/hips are a little sore/stiff. I even used a foam roller after. Here is a link to a blog that shows silver medals for PHM. http://healthydisneyfamily.com/2015/01/14/giveaway-roundup-princess/ My question is, why would Disney post official photos that show the medals are gold in color?

I don't think that the medals were ever gold, it's just the lighting of the picture. Look at the difference in the pink of the ribbon. It's a lot more yellow in the picture that looks gold than the one you have linked to above. Someone just needs a photoshop lesson.

 

[swanprincess06]

My thought was that our moms could walk through Epcot to the finish. But I'm realizing it might not be realistic since Epcot doesn't open until 9. But we will be in one of the last corrals since we didn't submit a time, so I'm guessing we will finish near the end. Is it unrealistic that they will be able to walk through Epcot at 9 and get to the finish around when we finish?

I'm giving this a solid Maybe... it really depends on where you're corralled and how fast you plan to run it. Say you do start from the last corral - let's assume a start time of 6:20am and an avg pace of 16:00/mile - that would have you finishing around 10am. But if you run at a 12:00/mile pace, you'd cross the finish right at 9am. You can keep playing with numbers, but that's the idea of it - it will totally depend on what time you'll finish, relative to that 9am opening. Assume at least 15-20 mins for them to get all the way through EP and out to the parking lot. You'll have a better idea of things once corral info comes out.

Thank you PrincessV! This is pretty much what I was thinking too. I wasn't sure how long it would take to get to the parking lot. With security/bag check and everything I'm thinking it'll be 9:30 before they get to the finish line, assuming they are near the front of the line to get into Epcot. And they don't get lost (or distracted) in the park! At the same time, we probably don't want them to be there too early with 4 little ones to entertain. This might be a day before decision! Did I read that we get corral info about 3 weeks before, or is that at bib pick-up?

Does an 11:55pm lunch reservation seem like a good time for a post race meal? Let's assume we finish between 9:30-10am. How long does it take after you cross the finish line? Assuming we don't get massages, but definitely enjoy a glass of champagne!

 

[swanprincess06]

Lots of plans only go up to 10. It really depends on your comfort level with finishing a half (not sure if it is your first). There are a bazillion plans and theories on what is best but ultimately it's all about what fits YOU best. If you can do 10, adrenaline will get you through the rest. More than 10 isn't needed physically but for some it can be good mentally. PHM will be my 2nd half (unless I do one next weekend lol, haven't decided yet). For my first, my plan went to 14 but I took it to 13.1 and not beyond as I didn't feel I needed to. I did want to hit that number just so that mentally, I knew I could. I looked at minutes (45 ish) more than miles for my 2 maintenance runs but they were a bit longer, generally 4-5 miles. As long as you are doing at least 30 min on those maintenance runs I think it's ok. This time I'm doing a very different and shorter plan that is still only 3 runs a week but one is speedwork, one is tempo and one is a long run. There are more long runs in the time period but the longest is only 12 and that is only once. It does however have several 10 milers and several 8's both as tempo's and as long. I don't feel I need to go past 12 but I do feel like overall, doing 10 several times and 8's at tempo pace will make a far bigger difference for me than just one longer run to go to 13.1 or past. I completely agree with this. We just had this conversation but in reverse as there are several of us running but will be in different corrals at different paces. We too will know more once that comes out. At first I was really bummed that Epcot didn't open until 9 but then I realized, by the time all of us are done, it will likely be 9 and we can walk back to BWV. It will have to be a power walk though, some of us have a 10:30 ADR!

Thanks eandesmom! This was all great info! My training slowed (stopped) over the holidays with travel and sickness so I'm trying to decide how hard to push it and how far I need my longest long run to be before the race. I know (assume/hope) I could slow down and walk it if needed but my running partner is hoping to run the whole thing. I'm up to 6 miles running right now. But I walk 6-10 a day at work. I think mentally getting close to 13 would be great but realistically if I get 10 I'll be ok. And hopefully less likely to get an injury right before the race.

Can you tell I'm stressing about the race every single day?!? In a good way of course! I doubt I'll be getting much sleep the night before!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks eandesmom! This was all great info! My training slowed (stopped) over the holidays with travel and sickness so I'm trying to decide how hard to push it and how far I need my longest long run to be before the race. I know (assume/hope) I could slow down and walk it if needed but my running partner is hoping to run the whole thing. I'm up to 6 miles running right now. But I walk 6-10 a day at work. I think mentally getting close to 13 would be great but realistically if I get 10 I'll be ok. And hopefully less likely to get an injury right before the race.

Can you tell I'm stressing about the race every single day?!? In a good way of course! I doubt I'll be getting much sleep the night before!

I hear you. I basically didn't even start training until December and spent much of that mostly sidelined with an injury.

You have enough time. Do you do intervals or straight run? You could consider falling back on intervals if you don't do them now.

You've got 5 weekends / long runs really before taper week. If you can get an 8 and a 10 in there I think you will be ok. Just make sure to alternate so you aren't pushing too much, maybe do something like 8/6/10/6/4. I'd also make sure those 2 weekly runs are at least 30 minutes but don't worry so much about how far you go.

I would however caution you on trying to run the whole thing if you aren't ready for that simply as your running partner wants to. Having different race agendas with pace or timing or strategy can case major drama between friends. Have a plan in place for what to do if that doesn't happen. You don't "have" to stay together unless both truly are flexible enough to adjust to each others needs in the moment. Pushing yourself too far to meet someone else's agenda is a recipe for injury. I will have a number of friends at this race, we are likely to be spread throughout all corrals. Some of us may drop back to hang with others pre-race but come actual race time we generally expect to be on our own or to know that is is ok to be on our own. Some of us may use each other to pace but again, we have the ability to peel off or drop back, as needed. Whether we run together or not we will be celebrating together before and after, at the end of the day it is YOUR race.

 

[swanprincess06]

I hear you. I basically didn't even start training until December and spent much of that mostly sidelined with an injury. You have enough time. Do you do intervals or straight run? You could consider falling back on intervals if you don't do them now. You've got 5 weekends / long runs really before taper week. If you can get an 8 and a 10 in there I think you will be ok. Just make sure to alternate so you aren't pushing too much, maybe do something like 8/6/10/6/4. I'd also make sure those 2 weekly runs are at least 30 minutes but don't worry so much about how far you go. I would however caution you on trying to run the whole thing if you aren't ready for that simply as your running partner wants to. Having different race agendas with pace or timing or strategy can case major drama between friends. Have a plan in place for what to do if that doesn't happen. You don't "have" to stay together unless both truly are flexible enough to adjust to each others needs in the moment. Pushing yourself too far to meet someone else's agenda is a recipe for injury. I will have a number of friends at this race, we are likely to be spread throughout all corrals. Some of us may drop back to hang with others pre-race but come actual race time we generally expect to be on our own or to know that is is ok to be on our own. Some of us may use each other to pace but again, we have the ability to peel off or drop back, as needed. Whether we run together or not we will be celebrating together before and after, at the end of the day it is YOUR race.

I should have mentioned that we are hoping to run most of it so we can take walking breaks for pictures with the characters! We are planning worst case that we are in the last corral and won't have much extra time for breaks. And I don't have a problem walking some. We both want to be able to go to the parks that afternoon and the next day. On the plus side, no matter when we finish it'll be a PR!

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Mickey mail came today!

 

[keahgirl8]

Mickey mail came today!

Mine came yesterday! We're getting so close!