Official thread for the 2010 Princess 1/2 Marathon & 5k- REGSITRATION IS OPEN!

[Tink827]

Hi!!

I just found this thread i dont know why i never saw it before. I'm so excited for this race it will be my first race ever i will be in the 5K this year i dont have gutes to enter the half marathon but i will definatly try for next year!! I'v wanted to enter a race many time i live in NY so theres always some kind of race or marathon or triathlon going on, but i figured that a princess 5k was right up my alley so i finally entered after thinking about it for months and i'm so excited. I cant wait to do plus i get to have a mini Vacation at Disney would!!!

Does any one what park the 5K willl be in? or maybe someone has a map of the course?

 

[leeshiebean]

To all you gals out there just starting to train or maybe need a little help increasing mileage, I strongly suggest checking out Jeff Galloway's walk/run program. I had been training since August to just run the half, until October when I got sciatica and had to stop. I thought I was going to have to call it quits when my doctor said to try walk breaks during the run.
Taking walk breaks has helped tremendously and mentally, it's kind of nice because you have a bunch of "mini-goals" along the way. You can take your walk breaks whenever and however long you choose, but what I've done was checked out the course map and logged approximately when the water/food breaks will be, and walk for about a minute-90 seconds at that point.
Walk breaks are great for anyone, but especially those of us who are attempting a half for the first time. Your recovery time after a run is much faster, and giving yourself breaks every mile/mile and a half or so is mentally encouraging.
I also figure, aside from water and food breaks, I'll be stopping to take pictures with the princesses along the way, so those are more added breaks! For me this race isn't about time, it's about having fun and finishing!

 

[leeshiebean]

I'm starting to get a little nervous about race day morning. I'm worried about making sure I have enough food to eat for breakfast so I don't feel weak during the run, but not having too much to eat so that I get a stomach ache!

I feel like it's hard to plan on eating for such an early race because it's not too often you get the chance to wake up at 3am to "practice" eating and then running, unless you have a treadmill in your home. What did some of you do about food the morning of the race? I feel like a bagel would be a good choice for me, but I'm not sure it'll be enough. I've read in Runner's World and in my half marathon book that some people drink coffee prior to a race because the caffeine gives them an energy boost. After taking an excedrin for a headache one day before I ran, I can say it definitely helps - but I don't drink coffee, so that's out. (I do like mochas from S-Bux but that doesn't help either since we won't have a car)

And then I start to worry about the things I can't control - whether or not I'll get sick a few days before the race and can't run? What if my sciatica acts up 2 miles in and I can't walk, let alone run? It's an endless cycle of what ifs!

Did anyone else feel this anxious before last years race?

 

[corinnak]

I feel like it's hard to plan on eating for such an early race because it's not too often you get the chance to wake up at 3am to "practice" eating and then running, unless you have a treadmill in your home. What did some of you do about food the morning of the race?

I've done a few of these early morning Disney races now and the thing that works for me is some or all of a plain bagel with peanut butter and some milk. If you eat right when you wake up, it has plenty of time to settle before the start, in my experience. I also bring some tums to the start, and usually eat one or two before I check my bag. In a lot of ways I am happier with this arrangement than with what I do on a regular basis at home because I get to get some food in there and there's plenty of time for it to settle and digest before the start.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't help you there, but I would tread carefully because coffee can have a slight laxative effect on some people.

I do definitely get anxious as big races approach, especially a destination race that involves so much expense and expectation. The anxiety can be beneficial if it helps you be better prepared for the race or race conditions - I spent a lot of time stressing about what to pack for Marathon weekend, and was fully vindicated in that anxiety and zealous packing. But worrying about whether you'll get sick or injured or there will be a storm that day or your hotel will have a power outage the morning of the race, etc. etc. are things that are largely outside your control. Focus on the things you can control, take good care of yourself and turn the rest over to whatever seems appropriate to you: higher power, chance, fate etc. There is a theory that what we focus on is what we attract to our experience. Whether you believe it or not, it's definitely more pleasant to focus on how the race is going to go beautifully for us!

 

[mla1977]

Leeshiebean -

Last year's Princess was my first half ever. I ate a bagel with peanut butter and a banana. I just did the half this month with TnT and so I was used to 8 am workouts. For training I would usually have a Luna bar on my way and a Clif shot gel (mocha) a few minutes before we would start. I would also have two Tylenol as soon as I woke up (it helped with my shins warming up).

On race day since I was up so friggin' early, I started with the bagel and peanut butter before leaving my room and then had the Luna bar when heading to the corral and the shot while in the corral. I felt great at the beginning of the race and the only problems I had were making some fueling mistakes during the race.

If you can get up early on the weekends for your long runs (not necessarily 3 am), then you should be able to practice with what you will be eating on race day. Good luck!

 

[syko]

Hi!!

I just found this thread i dont know why i never saw it before. I'm so excited for this race it will be my first race ever i will be in the 5K this year i dont have gutes to enter the half marathon but i will definatly try for next year!! I'v wanted to enter a race many time i live in NY so theres always some kind of race or marathon or triathlon going on, but i figured that a princess 5k was right up my alley so i finally entered after thinking about it for months and i'm so excited. I cant wait to do plus i get to have a mini Vacation at Disney would!!!

Does any one what park the 5K willl be in? or maybe someone has a map of the course?

Tink. The 5K starts in the Epcot parking lot and runs backstage and around World Showcase. You finish the race back in the parking lot.

 

[HockeyKat]

I would love to hear any tips people have about over/under hydrating, and fuel timing and choices?

I am a total newbie to distance exercise like this.

Thanks!!

 

[sailors_wfe]

Bottom line if you think you can do it YOU CAN

and I am PROOF of that! Read my above post, I am 35 and only going to be 7 months post op from major cervial surgery. I am doing it - to regain my life to prove that life does not stop with a bump in the road. I have 4 children and they know I wont be first to finish or last, but I will finish it!!

Have a goal of just completing it, and then in Oct (at the food & wine 1/2) or next years Princess you can prove how fast you are! But this year just concentrate on finishing the race

Trust me the training wont be easy, and their will be days you question why you are even doing it --- but remember you are not a quiter! and your not only getting healthy but also doing something that so many other people make excuses not to do WHICH IS TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!

Bottom line - I have 5 of the biggest "cheerleaders" - An amazing husband and 4 children who are proud of me for just doing it! They know I am crazy, but I am also setting an example that anything is possible with a little bit of work!!

Get on the crazy train, with ALL OF US!! So you have a couple of extra days in Disney that is a huge plus - if you want do the 5K too! But no excuses for the 1/2 - one step at a time and you will be fine.

PM me if you need to be reminded

Wow.. thanks for the encouragement I think I've made up my mind to try this. I somehow managed to get a stomach bug or something last night, so I'm going to try tonight and see if I can handle 2 miles with no problem tonight... if I can, I'm signing up when I get back from my run You're very lucky to have such a great family that's cheering you along.. and bouncing back from surgery to do this is great!

I can hear you about the hubby! Mine nicely said he does not think I can do it because I started to late.... well yes I did BUT I want to do this and I am going to do this! Ever time I start I get a set back with shin splints yuck but I keep trying! I am 260lbs at 5'4 and I know all the odds are against me but dang it I want it to change my life!!!! Keep up the good work and be positive!

When I told mine yesterday that I had pretty much decided to do the 1/2 he told me point blank "no" You can't do it and you'll just waste the money. He's always been my biggest pessimest (sp?) and has been telling me for years (since I announced I wanted to do a half in Disney) that I'd never be able to do it. It's my money, I'll sign up if I want to If he's not there to cheer me along, so be it

I'm on the crazy train too. Age 34, 5'8 and 210 and I have never run before. I've done 3 5Ks but recreationally, more walking than running, and didn't train for either.

I am not planning on running the whole thing... my goal is to finish without being swept.

I started training on Jan 4th. MWF is interval training. I started the first week with a walk 5 at 3.8, run 1 at 4.5 interval. This week it was walk 4, run 1, and try to up my pace to as much as I could stand (final was walk 4.2, run 4.8). Next week I will up my intervals. I am also doing a long walk/run on Saturdays... last week was 6 miles, this week will be 8, and then cross-training on 2 days with ice hockey, and 1 rest day.

The first week I thought no way in HECK am I going to do this, but this week I feel more positive. Having the plan in place definitely helps!

Oh, and as a bonus, I have also lost 8 lbs!

Wow.. I envy all you speed walkers out there.. I WISH I could make myself walk fast... my fastest walk on the TM is 3.4... but I've been trying to take jog breaks instead of walk breaks. Right now I'd been doing walk 3/run 3 repeat for 20 mins. I think this week I'm going to focus on my mileage and doing jog 2/ run 2 intervals. Sounds like you're doing great on the training.
We share a common goal... to finish and not get swept.. I'd like to set a time goal, but I'll be happy just making it across that finish line.

I love Bondi Bands. They stay put and look fantastic!

wow.. these look really cool... I think I'm going to order them. I have another supply question.. I've never ever seen gels or any other type of fuel products in the stores... where do you guys find these? I want to start using them once I get up in the 5-6 mile range to get used to having something.

Sailors Wfe (and everyone!!),

I think, if you've got it in your heart that you can do it, then by all means DO IT!!! You don't have to be the fastest...just get it done! And do not let those DH's (as much as we love them!!) tell you that you can't do it! Prove them wrong!! About 6 years ago I pleaded with my DH for us to buy a treadmill so I could work out while my kiddos napped. He held out for a while saying that I would never use it...it would be a waste of money! Well, 2 full-marathons later and 40 pounds lighter I ofter remind him that it was the best purchase of our life! He even runs several times a week now!! You ladies are all awesome. You remind me of how amazing it is to take control of our lives and be elated with every milestone that brings us closer to our goals! Lately I have sort of taken running for granted and hearing your stories of success is really inspiring! Keep it up!!!

Thanks for that!!! I have a tendency to have a week willpower sometimes and let him talk me outta things. I'm going to stick to this.. i KNOW i can do it!!


Thanks again everyone!! I'm feeling so much more encouraged about it all now!! We CAN do this!!

 

[HockeyKat]

When I told mine yesterday that I had pretty much decided to do the 1/2 he told me point blank "no" You can't do it and you'll just waste the money. He's always been my biggest pessimest (sp?) and has been telling me for years (since I announced I wanted to do a half in Disney) that I'd never be able to do it. It's my money, I'll sign up if I want to If he's not there to cheer me along, so be it

Wow.. I envy all you speed walkers out there.. I WISH I could make myself walk fast... my fastest walk on the TM is 3.4... but I've been trying to take jog breaks instead of walk breaks. Right now I'd been doing walk 3/run 3 repeat for 20 mins. I think this week I'm going to focus on my mileage and doing jog 2/ run 2 intervals. Sounds like you're doing great on the training.
We share a common goal... to finish and not get swept.. I'd like to set a time goal, but I'll be happy just making it across that finish line.

I was a couch potato as of December, although I was playing ice hockey once a week but that doesn't count at all for the run/walk thing.

I started 2 weeks ago barely able to do 3.6.-3.8, and thought, I am so screwed!! I have been working my way up to 4.0-4.2 with the run breaks, and it still isn't comfortable but I keep pushing.

So sorry about your stomach bug!

There is a group of 7 of us from the Goddesses WISH thread all doing this, and 4 of us are newbies. Feel free to come over and join in to our thread too!

My husband isn't outright discouraging me, but I get the eye roll sometimes.


I am off to attempt 8 miles. At least it is sunny, 50, and I have a fairly fit friend to do it with!

We can do this!!

 

[Swmr359]

I have another supply question.. I've never ever seen gels or any other type of fuel products in the stores... where do you guys find these? I want to start using them once I get up in the 5-6 mile range to get used to having something.

I use jellybean Sport Beans before my long runs. I get them from a running store; I know biking stores also carry the gels. Definalty practice taking them though; I found out that a full packet of jellybeans was really a bad idea for me, I'm glad I found out before the race!

 

[adsrtw]

Good luck with 8 miles Kat. Well I guess I need to start posting here. To all those with naysayers in your life, ignore them and do what you feel is right for you. It's your challenge. I might try and fail, but at least the attempt was there.

 

[treehugnmama]

I am also intrested in hearing about fueling. I am walking so I didn't think I needed to worry about it but I think I do.

I did my 7 mile today...I am slightly over 16 minute mile but I think it is all the street lights...I waited over 1 min for one light.

All i was bringing was one bottle of water(cold weather) but I run out of energy at the end of mile 6. I was thinking a fibre one bar or something

good idea or bad what do you think (sorry no question marks key not working)

to everyone that has to deal with the negativity I am sorry.....but you can do it.

 

[dislvr74]

I registered for the 5K today! It's official now! The stroller division is full, but there's still spots left for the regular division. 42 days ... I've got to get moving!

What a great idea! I know that Wilton makes a lot of different tiaras for around $10 - $30. At least that way if you lose it, it won't be too bad. They did have one headband style one, as well as many other traditional and hair pick ones. I know when I wore one at my wedding, they put about a million bobby pins in it and that thing wouldn't budge.

I had no idea that Wilton made such things. I thought they were only in the cake business! Thanks!

 

[maroo]

I think fueling differs by person, I suppose.

As for hydrating...I have heard horror stories of BOTH underhydrating and overhydrating. And I think that part is all about training. How much water you find that you need as you do your training runs. Of course, the weather may be different in Orlando - but I would not let it change your water intake too much...unless your body tells you that you need it.

For me...I have to carry water with me. I tend to "nurse" it and start feeling sick if I drink too fast. Just a cup of water all at once each mile isn't going to work for me...so I am planning to carry a bottle with me. I found a good one that has mesh around it and several different ways to hold on to it. And I train with it - always carrying it with me.

My plan is to not fill it all the way up...just as much as I need for the first mile or so...and then just keep adding to it each time I go by the water stations...so I don't plan to carry around a heavy full bottle of water the whole time.

Fuel - I found that I tolerate the "Gu" products well. I like the vanilla Gu. But I can't take it all at once, either. So I keep it in my pocket and take a little bit each mile or so. I have now started using the Gu blocks so that I can just eat one of those (they are orange) and not have to deal with the messy Gu.

That is what is working for me.

But the main thing, I think, is to train with whatever you plan on using. Don't change the day of the race. Even if you get stuff at the Expo...go with the fuel that you know will work for your stomach and body.

 

[Just love Eeyore]

Hi
Just wanted to say hello.
My name is Christina and I'm participating in the 5K run.

I was diagnosed with PCOS 7 years ago while struggeling to get pregnant. After 3 years of trying I finally got pregnant and now I have a son who is almost 4.

For the last 2½ years we have been trying to get pregnant again, but with no luck . So this year I have decided to do something that will make me feel good about myself after all of the disappointments.

So I have decided to run a ½ marathon this juni, and have started training 2 weeks ago. I was very pleased to find out that I can run 5 km without stopping. Tomorrow I'm planning on running 8 km.

We are going to WDW March 3 th. and last week I found out about ½ marathon weekend and signed up for the 5K. After the run, my family and I will go on a Disney cruise.

We're staying at All star Music. I'm going alone, so I hope to see some of you. And I hope that I don't scare you of by telling that my first langauge is not english, since I'm from a very small country in Europe.

Does any of you know what the official logo for the 5K is? I want to make a t-shirt for the run, but keep seeing different logos.

Thanks
Christina

 

[barney4liz]

We are going to WDW March 3 th. and last week I found out about ½ marathon weekend and signed up for the 5K. After the run, my family and I will go on a Disney cruise.

So sorry for your sad news, but good for you for doing something wonderful for yourself!

You will love the cruise -- and if you are interested, you can also do a 5K "fun run" at Disney's island, Castaway Cay, during your cruise. I did it last August. It was HOT! March should be nice, though.

I stopped running for various reasons after that, and then DH started running, and I started back again. Today I entered us in the Royal Family 5K. Looking forward to seeing Epcot in a different way. We are staying the night before the race at All-Star Movies, visiting a park with DD after the race, and then driving home (we are 2 hours from WDW).

Happy running everyone!

 

[KAA1972]

I would love to hear any tips people have about over/under hydrating, and fuel timing and choices?

I am a total newbie to distance exercise like this.

Thanks!!

I over-hydrated and took too many gels during my first marathon in NYC. I was nervous that I would not take in enough water or food and went to the other end of the spectrum and took tooooo much of both. I'm not sure which did me in (water or gels or both) but without getting too specific I can tell you that it made me very sick. I can now tell you where the cleanest bathroom are in the 5 boroughs of NYC -- they are in the Bronx. :0 Just practice what you are going to drink and eat. Time how often you need to drink and eat and then don't change anything on race day. Also, be mindful of Gu's with caffeine. They can give you a boost but too many can wreak havoc on your digestive track.

 

[KAA1972]

Can anyone give more specific details on their experiences with the ChEAR squard last year? I'm running with a friend and both of our hubby's will be cheering for us with our 2 year old's in tow. Would you recommend ChEAR? I don't think the girls will sit still in the bleachers but thought it might be worth it to have an area where the girls are corraled away from the rest of the crowds while they wait for us to finish. Any experiences from last year or information would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

 

[HockeyKat]

I am also intrested in hearing about fueling. I am walking so I didn't think I needed to worry about it but I think I do.

I did my 7 mile today...I am slightly over 16 minute mile but I think it is all the street lights...I waited over 1 min for one light.

All i was bringing was one bottle of water(cold weather) but I run out of energy at the end of mile 6. I was thinking a fibre one bar or something

I did my 8 mile today, in 2 hours 10 min. Not the best pace either, but like you I did have to wait at a few stoplights. Right now I am walking the whole thing but have been working on my running intervals MWF so am hoping to add a few running intervals to my long walk/run next week.

I drank 32 oz about 30 min before, and 32 oz after, and ate a protein-heavy 300 cal lunch about an hour before. I didn't run out of energy or feel bad at all.

I don't usually drink water during workouts, or even ice hockey games... it makes me feel sloshy and sick.

Thanks for all the tips! I may try some fuel next week since I am adding in some running...

 

[iheartdolewhips]

I had no idea that Wilton made such things. I thought they were only in the cake business! Thanks!

No problem! I know you can find them at Michaels and usually at any other place that sells cake decorating things.

We are going to WDW March 3 th. and last week I found out about ½ marathon weekend and signed up for the 5K. After the run, my family and I will go on a Disney cruise.

We're staying at All star Music. I'm going alone, so I hope to see some of you. And I hope that I don't scare you of by telling that my first langauge is not english, since I'm from a very small country in Europe.

My husband and I are doing the 5K too! If you don't mind me asking, what is your first language? Your English seems very good.