Princess 1/2 walkers?

[AliceSpark]

Dreamer - I am so excited you are back. I would have never had the fortitude to keep training after my dream had died.

I completed my 11 miles on Saturday - although not in 16mm - I was at an 18mm with two 3 to 4 minute stops but I am going to keep training and hope I improve over the next 6 weeks. PrincessRhi thanks for the information about sweeping it makes me feel more secure. Although, I will be happy with making it through the Magic Kingdom and training - The training makes me feel mentally and physically tough and the dream was to run in Disney and to me the MK is Disney.

 

[PrincessRhi]

If there are 2 racers with different corrals, the slower racer CAN NOT move up to the faster racer's corral.

If one wishes to arrive at the staging area earlier than others, getting to the front of your assigned corral is by all means allowable and there is no reason not to do so. Once over the starting mat simply move to the side of the road and maintain the desired pace.

Sure you are allowed to get to the front of the corral and if you like it, go there, but my main point was that it really doesn't matter time-wise if you're in the front or the back. Disney spaces the wave starts approximately four minutes apart, and it maybe takes two to three for the corral to clear. Can you really argue that 2-3 minutes will make a difference overall? If the mental edge of being up front works to keep someone motivated, then that's reason enough. The perk I can see to starting up front is that there are fewer racers ahead of me (until they zoom past me).

My comment on corral placement was more that most people don't always estimate their finishing time correctly when they sign up 6-8 months in advance/before they've trained at distance so they're in a faster (or slower) corral to begin with-- or they know they'll finish in 3:00 but will sign up as 2:30 to give themselves a head start to avoid the sag wagon or to line up with a friend. I've had mornings where I'm in my corral feeling either off or on, so it's not always anticipated to be faster or slower... sometimes it just happens even when you have the numbers right. The key is knowing etiquette-- as you said, cross the start and move over.

 

[TinksApprentice]

Don't forget AliceSpark, you'll have adreneline running and all the excitement of the day, and your fellow walkers with you to encourage you and keep you going. I'm counting on all that to keep me moving toward the finish line. I'm in Southern Ontario Canada and the temperatures have suddenly become very winter like (cold). Until a week or so ago I could walk outdoors. Now it's too cold and snowy/icy to risk getting hurt or sick. I'm training completely on our elliptical now and it's really hard to get past the boredom.

I am walking a 16mm when I do an actual walk but that's really pushing it. I can only hope to maintain that pace for 13.1 miles since I haven't been able to get out for longer walks because of the weather. So you won't be alone at the back of the pack if that's where you are

 

[TinksApprentice]

My understanding is the bikes leave 16 minutes behind the very last person to cross the start line. I can't remember where I read that, but it was somewhere in the race material.

Also, the race material says a 16m/m minimum but if you look at the finish times for previous races, they are a lot slower than 16m/m paces. I was really worried about timing and getting swept off the course. But I've worked hard to get to the minimum speed requirement and after some encouraging posts here, I'm going to just go with the flow of the day, do my best, and enjoy the event. If it's not good enough, then I'll just have to try again another time.

The thing that really keeps me going is that Disney promotes this event as a Beginner to Veteran event. In their words "This race experience is fit for a princess earning her glass running slippers or a woman who runs her kingdom already."

We can do this ladies (and you few brave gentlemen)! We have what it takes: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.

 

[Dreamer2012]

Thanks AliceSpark! I am so very excited to be going again!! Like everyone else I too am afraid of not making it - or being swept up, but have decided to trust my training as I have been told earlier in this thread! This weekend we are scheduled for our 12 mile walk - that should be a pretty goon indicator of what our times will be and more importantly our stamina.... we will be on a treadmill this Sat am. - Crazy as it may sound I LIKE THE TREADMILL... I can watch tv or a movie on my cell phone and the machine keeps me walking at the right pace so to me it is perfect! I am worrying that with out the machine I will not keep the pace even though I can. Anyone else have this problem/worry? My other question for a veteran possibly is - after this sat long walk should we start to taper? How does that work? What would you suggest? I also want say how inspiring Tinksapprentice and PrincessRhi have been to read. Thanks ladies for perservereing and always having something interesting to say! Also I am having a difficult time finding a running skirt with capri length leggings - any suggestions where I might find one that is not sooo expensive? Thanks!

 

[PrincessRhi]

I don't know if there's a 'not so expensive' place to get skirts, but I've been buying my running skirts since 2006 from skirtsports.com. They held up very well and I wouldn't have needed to buy more skirts if I hadn't gone on the rollercoaster of weight loss/gain since all the first ones I bought still are in near perfect condition. They were also really good with customer service, where I wasn't sure what size I needed so they sent multiple sizes (while only charging me for one) and I was to return the others. Granted this was a few years ago, but it really stuck in my mind and keeps me wanting to do business with them.

Athleta might have some as well, but I think it depends on season. I've also heard Target has some.

I haven't ever tapered my training for the half distance, so I don't really have any recommendations.

 

[suzysharp]

Suzy, good luck on your event! I'm sure you'll finish without being swept. My other Princess buddy wants to do the DL 1/2 in Sept. I'm not sure I can commit to another long distance event... but when it's a Disney event it might be hard to say no to! Please let us know how the event goes and how you make out! Cheering for you from here in snowy Southern Ontario!

Penny

Thanks Penny! I did ok with my 10 miles on Saturday so I think I will be ok! I do agree that it does get so boring on a treadmill or eliptical... I got to the point on Saturday that I was walking laps around the gym to take a break from the treadmill for something different.... my husband was laughing at me but said he did understand!

As someone else said, I know I can do 13.1 and I know I can do 3:30 I just don't know about 13.1 in 3:30. Right now I seem to be trending towards 3:35~3:40 so hopefully that works! I will let you know how it goes! I just can believe its less then 2 weeks away!!

 

[TinksApprentice]

Thanks AliceSpark! I am so very excited to be going again!! Like everyone else I too am afraid of not making it - or being swept up, but have decided to trust my training as I have been told earlier in this thread! This weekend we are scheduled for our 12 mile walk - that should be a pretty goon indicator of what our times will be and more importantly our stamina.... we will be on a treadmill this Sat am. - Crazy as it may sound I LIKE THE TREADMILL... I can watch tv or a movie on my cell phone and the machine keeps me walking at the right pace so to me it is perfect! I am worrying that with out the machine I will not keep the pace even though I can. Anyone else have this problem/worry? My other question for a veteran possibly is - after this sat long walk should we start to taper? How does that work? What would you suggest? I also want say how inspiring Tinksapprentice and PrincessRhi have been to read. Thanks ladies for perservereing and always having something interesting to say! Also I am having a difficult time finding a running skirt with capri length leggings - any suggestions where I might find one that is not sooo expensive? Thanks!

I like my elliptical. I just find it hard to not get distracted. It's such a mental game!

As for skirts, I have a GREAT one that I ordered from SparkleSkirts. The shorts are truly amazing! They don't move! No riding up, no curling, no folding! They have little pockets on the thighs and the skirt is super cute! I'm pretty sure they are vendors at the expo. Their website says they are on the way to the Tink so there may be some delays with orders.

I ordered mine on New Year's day and got it super fast which surprised me because stuff coming to Canada across the border often takes forever. They are really nice people to deal with. I highly recommend them!

I'm so glad you are inspired by my posts. I have relied on this thread for inspiration too!

 

[megny]

Hi Megny! Welcome! I doing daily walks on my elliptical trainer Mon to Friday, and doing an outdoor walk on Saturday. I started training a little late so my initial goal was just to start and finish under my own power.

I am now comfortably walking at at 16min/mile pace so I recently changed my training so that I am "running" Mon to Thurs on the elliptical. I take Friday off and then do a long brisk walk outdoors on Saturday. I'm aiming for a 7 mile walk this weekend coming up (provided the weather holds because I'm in Ontario Canada)

I'd like to finish quicker than my estimated time of 3:30 but I plan to enjoy as much of the event as I can.

Oh wow, a 5 day plan... you are AWESOME! I'm just trying to stay on track with three days a week... two shorter ones during the week, and then the long one. We're also in a cold climate, so I'm tending to do my long walks on the treadmill which I DREAD! I lucked out with my final long walk for the Chip N Dale race, it ended up being 50 degrees here on Jan 10, perfect for my 10 miler. I don't think I'm going to be so lucky with this princess training.

 

[megny]

Being a first timer, I'm SO glad Disney will give us every possibility to finish! I'm working so hard to meet the requirements and plan to do the very best I can. It takes a lot of pressure off knowing that it's not a hard and fast minimum!

I will be there with my daughter, in a sparkly black skirt and pink blingy crown. I'm making my daughter (16) a blue and white tutu (my little Country Belle) and attaching a big blue bow to her hat.

We're SO excited!

Tinks,

Do you have the Black Diamond sparkle skirt? I do too and I LOVE it!!

 

[megny]

I think its awesome that you have your own thread for walkers for the Princess half! I'm doing the Tinkerbell 1/2 in 2 weeks and am nervous/excited for it. I hope I will be able to complete it b4 being swept as I do a run/walk combo! I am doing my last long training tomorrow with a minimum of a 10 mile goal. It sounds like you have quite the team of awesome walkers, you make me wish I was doing the princess with you!!

Good luck to you on the race... that Tinkerbell medal looks SOOO amazing, just keep your eye on that prize and don't let those sweepers get anywhere near you. Be sure to come back here and post a race report, I'm seriously considering doing the Tinkerbell next year and going for the Coast to Coast medal.

 

[megny]

I went a week ago to have a small crack in my tooth fixed. The small crack has turned into a full blown abscess and now a bone infection. Of course all training has been put on hold which makes me feel soooo guilty.
No amount of antibiotics or pain killers seem to be working. My face is so swollen and painfull. Going back tomorrow to dentist to find out what method of treatment is next. What ever it is, it has got to hurry up and work. I have 13.1 to train for.
Thanks for letting me whine

How's the tooth feeling? Seriously, tell your dentist to figure it OUT! Like you said, you've got big things ahead of you...

 

[megny]

Can you really argue that 2-3 minutes will make a difference overall?

PrincessRhi, I totally understand what you are saying, and agree that if someone truly can not keep up the 16mm pace, then no... moving to the start of the corral would make no difference. However, if you are like a lot of us... and your pace is right on the 16mm or just a bit faster, those 2-3 minutes will mean alot... they mean the difference between a bathroom break, or none at all, maybe a stop or two for a quick pic. If you are going to be hanging in the back of the pack the whole way, then a few minutes really does make a big difference in the race experience.

 

[megny]

Dreamer - I am so excited you are back. I would have never had the fortitude to keep training after my dream had died.

I completed my 11 miles on Saturday - although not in 16mm - I was at an 18mm with two 3 to 4 minute stops but I am going to keep training and hope I improve over the next 6 weeks. PrincessRhi thanks for the information about sweeping it makes me feel more secure. Although, I will be happy with making it through the Magic Kingdom and training - The training makes me feel mentally and physically tough and the dream was to run in Disney and to me the MK is Disney.

Great job on the 11, AliceSpark! Keep working on that pace and you'll get there! Try walking your shorter walks at a faster pace... the best way to gather speed is through shorter, faster steps... try to increase the number of steps you take per minute. You could also try a bit of speedwork... try walking as fast as you can for a minute or so, then slow down for a minute, then repeat... you'll be surprised how quickly you'll build up some extra speed. And truly, race day adrenaline does help a ton!

 

[megny]

Also I am having a difficult time finding a running skirt with capri length leggings - any suggestions where I might find one that is not sooo expensive? Thanks!

I my SparkleTech skirt from sparkleskirts.com, but that may be considered expensive? They also aren't made with capri length bottoms (though I wouldn't write it off until you emailed her and asked if she can lengthen them for you). She also makes a SparkleLight skirt, which really is just the decorative coverup... and is a lower price. you would wear your own capris or shorts underneath it.

 

[Dreamer2012]

Thanks - I will call Sparkleskirts today and see if it would be possible to get longer legs. It would never have occurred to me to ask so I appreciate knowing that may be a possibility. I think having the length over my knees gives me just a bit more stability for my knees (may just be a head thing - not a knee thing....) but we all know what makes us more comfortable! Anyone wearing wings, or tiara's or anything else special/different? I can not believe that the time is nearing so quickly!! Before we know it we will all be there!!

 

[TinksApprentice]

Tinks,

Do you have the Black Diamond sparkle skirt? I do too and I LOVE it!!

Yes Meg! That's the one! I LOVE it too!

 

[TinksApprentice]

Dreamer, throughout my training I have discovered that almost ALL the challenges are in my head! The first 5 to 10 minutes of my walk are filled with telling my self to ignore the messages being sent. The top of my foot gets itchy, my nose gets itchy, my hat feels too tight (I hate hats but I'm wearing one race day so I'm training with it so it's not a shock), then my legs feel heavy. It's like a spoiled child trying everything and anything to make me stop! Once I get past the 15 minute mark I'm cruising and it's all fine, but those first few minutes .... UGH! So I totally understand your need to have your knees covered. Call Sparkleskirts and see what they tell you. I can tell you that the legs of the sparkletech skirt are generously long but stop above the knee. I'm so glad that it is a flattering outfit! We bigger princesses worry about that

Also, I am wearing the crown that's in my picture. I am stitching it to my running cap.

 

[Dreamer2012]

TinksApprentice - when you say generously long....??? I am tall and have rather large thighs so most shorts usually hit mid way between my knee and upper thigh - which is soooo not flattering....and what I am trying to avoid. I do plan to call Sparkle though and see what she suggests. I love the crown in your pic! It looks quite large though - will you be comfortable on race day wearing it?

 

[TinksApprentice]

TinksApprentice - when you say generously long....??? I am tall and have rather large thighs so most shorts usually hit mid way between my knee and upper thigh - which is soooo not flattering....and what I am trying to avoid. I do plan to call Sparkle though and see what she suggests. I love the crown in your pic! It looks quite large though - will you be comfortable on race day wearing it?

I am short with large thighs It hits me a bit longer than mid-thigh but still above the knee. I'm sure the people at SparkleSkirts will be helpful. I was pleasantly surprised when the skirt arrived because it's flattering and cute. I was worried that sparkle on my wide load would be.... well... not very nice. But even my DH said it was cute!

The crown is made from foam. It's not heavy at all. It might pose a problem if it's windy...but it's lighter and sturdier than the plastic tiaras