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

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Reposting this. I know that there is a DVC discount, but I was wondering what other discounts there are.

When you register, they ask if you are a DVC member, AP, or Castmember, so I would imagine that they wouldn't ask if there wasn't a discount. What it is, I am not sure, but the money is going to the Make A Wish Foundation, so I think any amount is worth paying for that.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Disney Shipping is so fast! I ordered the running skirt, long sleeve shirt and short sleeved shirt on Wednesday, and just got them. I have never worn any Champion gear before so I hope it is comfortable. It is cute and that has to count for something.

My sister also chickened out of the race, so I just had wanted to switch from being a team to a single runner. I knew that I would lose the money I paid for her, but it didn't matter. I was contacted by Disney yesterday and they are actually going to refund the extra cost. I didn't even ask! So, I got some practice again with registering as it was easier to just register again and have them cancel the previous reservation. Disney is always so awesome and service has always been exceptional! I can't wait until March!!

 

[mla1977]

Shelby,

I wasn't sure by the skirt description, but does it have shorts or briefs underneath?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Shelby,

I wasn't sure by the skirt description, but does it have shorts or briefs underneath?

They are shorts. They are just like Boy shorts. The skirt is pretty short but fits well. The fabric for all the items is very soft, silky like and not thick at all. Different from the Nike Moisture Wicking fabric.

 

[mla1977]

It sounds like the same material as Running Skirts. Let me know what you think abou the performance.

 

[mickeymom629]

My friend and I are wondering if anyone has any advice on eating the day before/day of the race, "pit stops" and how early you get up before the race (do you eat breakfast, drink coffee?)? Will there be a map of porta potties?

Thanks!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

My friend and I are wondering if anyone has any advice on eating the day before/day of the race, "pit stops" and how early you get up before the race (do you eat breakfast, drink coffee?)? Will there be a map of porta potties?

Thanks!

I can't speak for this race, as I wasn't there last year but a lot of runners tend to pile on the carbs for dinner the night before. It seems to be a tradition because people believe that your performance will be better. I can't find any evidence that it really does help you because by the next day, you have digested things and carbs in reality burn pretty fast. So, unless you are a Spaghetti eater for breakfast, I don't see the benefit. I think it is wise to just eat something that will not cause stomach upset when you run or when you are anxious. You can test different foods out during your training but eat what you are used to, don't suddenly change when you get closer to the race. As far as breakfast, same things go. So, if you are a cereal eater every morning, Oatmeal, Pop Tart and Coffee person...stick with it.

My understanding regarding Pit Stops are that you really want to eat/drink everything for breakfast an hour before the race so that you clean out your system so to speak before the race begins. Chances are, you may need to take one pit stop during the race at least from the amount of fluid you are drinking, and I have heard that there are plenty of opportunities to do that - but to keep in mind that the time it takes you to complete the pit stop is counted as your 16 minute or less threshold. So, make it quick!

I didn't hear about a Map last year, but I would imagine that everything is on your way, so if you need to go, and see a bathroom, use it then. I hear that there are more bathroom concerns with the Marathon than with the Half. But, the last thing you want to do is run with an upset stomach, so stick to a routine with your eating habits and you will be fine. I have learned a ton from the runners here and the running group I am in, so I am sure others will add great advice.

 

[stenogoddess]

As far as the night before, last year we all got together and had the pasta buffett at PO Riverside for dinner and did some pictures. Our hotel, one of the official race ones, was selling a runners breakfast the night before that had a bananna and bagel and some other things I can't remember in it.

As far as pit stops, there are plenty but this is my public service annoucement to NOT do what I did, which was drink WWWAAAYYYY too much at the hotel. I was so worried that I wouldn't have enough caffine and wind up with a caffine headache halfway though the race that I drank enough Diet Pepsi for three people before we even left for the race. I went to the potty again and again and again and again. And then after the race started we had to hit the first potties we came to, which apparently everyone else in the race had had too much Diet Pepsi too because the line for the first potty stop cost us ten minutes, and I don't think we ever got that time back. If we hadn't lost that we could have caught up with Stacy and her mom I think.

My new plan is to have my one normal Diet Pepsi with breakfast and then take one with me to have during the first part of the race. That's two before 10:00 in the morning and that's plenty. I don't know what I was thinking before. My whole goal on this is to not hit that first potty stop with everybody else in the race.

There are potties everywhere along the race and usually around water stops. Also we ran into the "real" potties in Tomorrowland!

I hope that helps in your planning.

 

[lolafrances]

Hi, everyone. I wanted to add my name to the official list of runners for the Disney Princess Half in 2010.

We happened to be at WDW for the Princess Half in 2009 and it took a while for me to figure out why there were so many runners in pink walking around the Magic Kingdom in the late morning. Once I did, I was so excited at the thought of running the race in 2010. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and I was missing running desperately! I have three very small boys (ages 3 months, 2.5, and 4) so finding time to run is very hard to do, but I've decided to make reserving a little time for myself a priority this year. I turned 36 on Friday and want to start this year off with a fresh start!

This will be my first half. For me it is more about finishing and devoting time to run every week than anything else. Oh, yes, and to have fun!

I already have my Fort Wilderness campsite reservation for the race weekend booked. We just bought a pop-up camper and have become Fort Wilderness junkies. We just returned from Labor Day weekend there and will be back for Christmastime later this year.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say that I'm happy to be a part of this forum and I'm looking forward to counting down with everyone else here!

 

[lolafrances]

By the way, is anyone having trouble accessing the Running Ahead website? I have never visited the site before but saw a few others mention it on this thread so I thought I would check it out. Whenever I try to open the page, either by clicking on the link in google or trying the address directly, I get a message saying their server is taking too long to respond.

Maybe the site isn't even working anymore? I don't know. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mickeymom629]

Thanks stenogoddess and Rupert B Puppenstein!

Anyone else?

What time do you wake to have breakfast? What time do you leave for the race? We will probably be driving our own vehicle from POFQ - any advice for when we should leave?

BTW, we are walking the race.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Thanks stenogoddess and Rupert B Puppenstein!

Anyone else?

What time do you wake to have breakfast? What time do you leave for the race? We will probably be driving our own vehicle from POFQ - any advice for when we should leave?

BTW, we are walking the race.

Keep in mind with your walking that you have a 16 min. per mile threshold. Even some the fastest walkers can't do that so you are going to have to run too. They don't go by averages - they go by each mile. So, if you fall under 16 minutes, they will pick you up and take you to the finish line and you will not finish.

 

[swim-mom]

For the folks discussing the pace bands and worrying about getting them wet, etc., there are two other possible options:

Pacetats - it's a temporary tattoo that you place on the inside your arm to help keep you on track. I used one during my first half marathon, it was pretty helpful! They are a few bucks each and you can use them for either the full or the half (just cut it). Here's the website: http://www.pacetat.com/

Or the low-tech version - I made a friend at the starting line who simply wrote the pace times on her arm with a pen

I too am from NJ, and my sil is also doing it too

Nice to see another jersey girl

 

[swim-mom]

Hi, everyone. I wanted to add my name to the official list of runners for the Disney Princess Half in 2010.

We happened to be at WDW for the Princess Half in 2009 and it took a while for me to figure out why there were so many runners in pink walking around the Magic Kingdom in the late morning. Once I did, I was so excited at the thought of running the race in 2010. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and I was missing running desperately! I have three very small boys (ages 3 months, 2.5, and 4) so finding time to run is very hard to do, but I've decided to make reserving a little time for myself a priority this year. I turned 36 on Friday and want to start this year off with a fresh start!

This will be my first half. For me it is more about finishing and devoting time to run every week than anything else. Oh, yes, and to have fun!

I already have my Fort Wilderness campsite reservation for the race weekend booked. We just bought a pop-up camper and have become Fort Wilderness junkies. We just returned from Labor Day weekend there and will be back for Christmastime later this year.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say that I'm happy to be a part of this forum and I'm looking forward to counting down with everyone else here!

I too am a mom of 4, although my oldest is 12-10-twins 6, so I understand how hard things can be. I have been running off an on for 3 years, and I love it. I had spinal surgery the end of July so my training right now is on hold, until I get clearance --- hopefully soon!!

I will be 35 in Nov,and like you doing a 1/2 was my bucket list and also a goal either when 35 or before. My next goal is a full either before 40 or at 40 hopefully the disney 1/2s will be a yearly thing for me!!!

Needless to say, if you need to vent or scream or share your goal let me know god only knows I will have those moments as I have not run since January due to massive neck pain!!

 

[mickeymom629]

Rupert B Puppenstein - Keep in mind with your walking that you have a 16 min. per mile threshold. Even some the fastest walkers can't do that so you are going to have to run too. They don't go by averages - they go by each mile. So, if you fall under 16 minutes, they will pick you up and take you to the finish line and you will not finish.

Thanks, I know. My friend and I are concerned. We are both walking with our DH's who could probably run the entire thing. I have walked 5 miles a few times in 1 hour and 15 minutes with no bathroom breaks. I think I can keep that pace up as long as I don't have blisters and other pains. My friend has walked up to 8 miles several times during training, but it is taking her 2 hours and 20 minutes and that won't cut it.

If I have to jog to catch up, I am not doing that until the end because jogging messes up my back, knees and hips. I have been walking 3 miles a day for 30 years, so I am hoping that the excitement and the company of those around me will keep me going!

Luckily, we still have many more months of training.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Thanks, I know. My friend and I are concerned. We are both walking with our DH's who could probably run the entire thing. I have walked 5 miles a few times in 1 hour and 15 minutes with no bathroom breaks. I think I can keep that pace up as long as I don't have blisters and other pains. My friend has walked up to 8 miles several times during training, but it is taking her 2 hours and 20 minutes and that won't cut it.

If I have to jog to catch up, I am not doing that until the end because jogging messes up my back, knees and hips. I have been walking 3 miles a day for 30 years, so I am hoping that the excitement and the company of those around me will keep me going!

Luckily, we still have many more months of training.

As far as blisters, etc. Get some great quality shoes that are a 1/2 size larger. You get blisters often because you get shoes that aren't right for your feet or that are too small. Feet expand as you run/walk so having an extra bit of room will help. If you can go to a Speciality Running store, they can give you advice and evaluate your style to ensure you get a shoe that benefits you. As far as running/walking, try running for 5 minutes, then walking for 5 minutes after you get fitted for a good combo shoe. Gradually work your way up and your joints, ligaments, etc. will learn to work with you. If you can work your way up to a 30/30 combo, it may end up improving your time. Good Luck!

 

[lolafrances]

Thanks, swim-mom! Good luck with your recovery. I hope you are able to get back out there soon!

 

[noogagirl]

DO NOT ignore all the characters!!! this is what a disney race is all about - (for me anyway), i could care less about beating out any time --- as that is not what i am there for -- it's about having fun, and the characters were everywhere - I will admit, i didn't stop for most of them, but i did stop after we ran thru the castle, and i did stop one other time.

To answer your camera question -- what they do is take pics and then you search them out online after using your race bib number. They are not "photopass" photographers.. However, lots of people carried their own camera - and this year they are giving us a disposable Kodak camera..

This year, i am stopping at LOTS of them!!

I would just hate for you to regret not stopping and enjoying the disney magic while you race.. Its such a huge part of the whole thing.. Unless you have a chance to come in first place -- and unless you know you aren't bringing up the rear, why not stop?!

How are people carrying their own cameras? This will be my first big race so I don't want to overwhelm myself.

 

[queen mimi]

Last year, DD and I bought some of the pictures that the sports photographers took. We also used a small disposable camera that she carried in her pocket. I have used a spibelt to carry ipod, car keys, etc. They come with one or two pockets. I know that they had them on sale at the exposition. I bought mine at our running shoe store. They are pretty comfortable. It is helpful if you have more things than your pockets can hold.

Meg

 

[raangoli]

I too am from NJ, and my sil is also doing it too

Nice to see another jersey girl

Hey Swim-Mom! Yay, another Jersey gal on here!

I am trying to talk my sis-in-law into doing the race, too! She isn't too sure about it, but my brother may do it! Should be a great time