The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[sau418]

Question: how do I avoid over training? I am upping my mileage by 1/2 mile each week and am up to 8 miles for my long runs. When I started training six weeks ago I was at a 15 min mile, I am up to 13 min mile, and will continue to work on pace. I guess my question is what else should I be concerned with, I am afraid to back off on long runs, but know that I will be at 13 by Thanksgiving with way too much time before the half. Given the uncertain weather for January and February, here in the Northeast, outdoor runs may become an issue. OR, am I stressing over nothing?

 

[KristinU]

Question: how do I avoid over training? I am upping my mileage by 1/2 mile each week and am up to 8 miles for my long runs. When I started training six weeks ago I was at a 15 min mile, I am up to 13 min mile, and will continue to work on pace. I guess my question is what else should I be concerned with, I am afraid to back off on long runs, but know that I will be at 13 by Thanksgiving with way too much time before the half. Given the uncertain weather for January and February, here in the Northeast, outdoor runs may become an issue. OR, am I stressing over nothing?

Yeah, I think you're ramping it up too early...but WTG on the 8 milers! For me, I'd stick around 6-7-8 milers on the weekends for the next couple of months. Just to stay in that longer run mentality, but not over do it. For the last few years I've been running 2 or 3 halves a year and when I have some time between races I throttle back and try to do a 6-8 mile longer run on the weekends just to mentally have something longer than a 5 under my belt. In my head an 8 is nearly 10, which is nearly a half...so it isn't too hard to ramp back up when a half is on the horizon, but it isn't so taxing that you burn out.


And as for the weather...there's really no such thing as bad weather, just improper dressing. I actually prefer cold weather running...my favorite days are ahead! Layering is key, with wicking fabrics, especially for your base layer. I'll go out in the 20's and even high teens and quite honestly I've never come back from a run and said that I was too cold. I just heat up like a sweat ball...the biggest thing is to control chilling afterward or have an extra layer and/or a plan for shelter or a ride if you have to stop. Gloves and ear protection are the big things for me. I have Raynaud's Phenomon which affects the blood flow in my hands, so while I feel like my hands are not cold I have to keep them covered and toasty anyway. Good running gloves are nice (and most have a little terry cloth thumb section for runny noses...eww! but so nice and useful! - I have a few pair so I was them with the rest of my stuff after every run), but even dollar store gloves are good - or even socks! Some of my hard core runner friends still just use an extra pair of socks or lightweight cotton work gloves. Experiment with hats and headbands - for me I wear a hat only in the coldest of temps, otherwise I overheat. A nice long pair of tights and multiple layers on top and you're good to go. I do have some gripper spikes that go over my shoes that I used a couple of years ago training for the Princess, it was a wicked snowy winter and I loathe the treadmill. Last year I didn't pull them out at all during the winter since it was way less snowy and icy. We'll see what this winter has in store!

ETA: I almost forgot the most important part of outdoor winter running - visibility! Days are shorter, so if you go out at dawn or dusk, please please please at the very least go and buy a $5 safety reflective vest at Home Depot or Lowes. And be sure to run against traffic so you can be seen and you can see and react if need be. Also know that red reads as black in low light, so that red hooded sweatshirt doesn't help oncoming motorists see you any better than a navy or black one would. And if you run mid day and it is snowy out, don't wear white, light gray, light blue, silver, etc. Bright contrasting colors that stand out from the icky snowbanks and light blue sky are best. Remember that there are no leaves on the trees to shade the sun, so motorists can be blinded easily.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

I had to jump in, as I did the EEC with my son last year, too... I'm Floridian and I thought it was HOT, too! Not as hot as it's been all summer, but hanging out on that asphalt for a couple hours was rough.

That makes me feel better. I always feel like I'm such a wimp. But I can run outside in below zero weather with no problem. You just have to learn to ignore when your eyelashes freeze together. (I also hate treadmills!)

I did do the follow-up survey. It will be interesting to see how they change things (if at all).

 

[tinkeramy]

I'm wearing this and wings to be Tink:

It has built-in shorts. I need to figure out shoes. I normally wear pink/orange Vibram Bikilas but might try to find something green. Not sure how bright pink and orange would detract from the look. But I also hate to stray from the shoes I love.

Love it! Very cute. Last year I used some green felt, cut out a hole for my foot and safety-pinned them to my shoes after I sewed on big white pom-poms. Sounds tacky, but it looked okay and stayed on the whole way! If I had any idea how to post pics here, I would. Otherwise, pic is here...http://longingforthesea.blogspot.com/2012/03/princess-trip-report-day-2-hollywood.html at the very bottom of the page. The next post about race day might show them while I am in them.

We really enjoyed our kid-free trip. We sat by the pool, got massages, hung out at DTD. Even the parks were a different experience. We could use the bathroom in about 30 seconds!

You will have a great time!

I am dying to take my DS4, but there is absolutely nothing like going to the World sans kids. Girls weekend was AWESOME!

Here is a link from Team Sparkle that I used on my running buddy Amy last year. It worked, she felt nothing and no chaffing. Tinkeramy said no issues and she never felt the wings.

Thanks Team Sparkle for all the great ideas!

http://www.according-to-kelly.com/2012/01/how-to-wear-wings-while-running/

OH and if anyone is looking for a generic costume starter, Target has these "Tutu Dresses" for $20. Basically its a spaghetti strap top that is a stretchy poly fabric, so seems like it would be great for exercise, with a tulle tutu on the skirt. Available in Pink, Purple, Green and Light/Med Blue. One size fits most.

Julie- saw these at Target tonight and the blue one TOTALLY lends itself to "provincial" Belle. However, I am just not sure how I would satisfy my pocket needs. You know how I am. Still considering it, though!

I REALLY REALLY REALLY need this trip. And super excited that the new Fantasyland will be open, giving us a fresh experience.

 

[saysay]

Love it! Very cute. Last year I used some green felt, cut out a hole for my foot and safety-pinned them to my shoes after I sewed on big white pom-poms. Sounds tacky, but it looked okay and stayed on the whole way! If I had any idea how to post pics here, I would. Otherwise, pic is here...http://longingforthesea.blogspot.com/2012/03/princess-trip-report-day-2-hollywood.html at the very bottom of the page. The next post about race day might show them while I am in them.

Julie- saw these at Target tonight and the blue one TOTALLY lends itself to "provincial" Belle. However, I am just not sure how I would satisfy my pocket needs. You know how I am. Still considering it, though!

I REALLY REALLY REALLY need this trip. And super excited that the new Fantasyland will be open, giving us a fresh experience.

What Amy did NOT tell you, she wore her pom pom felt tink running shoes in the parks Sunday AFTER the race, the kids LOVED them!

AMY, GET THE BLUE NOW!!!!!!! Before its gone. You can always return. As for pockets.....you can take care of that in your shorts! I do have a spibelt too, though i know you don't like those.

 

[Princess on the Run]

Love it! Very cute. Last year I used some green felt, cut out a hole for my foot and safety-pinned them to my shoes after I sewed on big white pom-poms. Sounds tacky, but it looked okay and stayed on the whole way! If I had any idea how to post pics here, I would. Otherwise, pic is here...http://longingforthesea.blogspot.com/2012/03/princess-trip-report-day-2-hollywood.html at the very bottom of the page. The next post about race day might show them while I am in them.

They look great!!! I have a few questions. 1) How did you put them on once they were already pinned? 2) Do you think that would work on my 5Finger shoes since there's not much material to them and no socks to cushion the pin from digging in to my foot at mile 9? 3) Could you feel them hitting against your foot or was it pretty unnoticeable?

I love that idea because then I can wear the shoes I like but make them thematic -- best of both worlds!

 

[Princess on the Run]

What Amy did NOT tell you, she wore her pom pom felt tink running shoes in the parks Sunday AFTER the race, the kids LOVED them!

I love it!!!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

They look great!!! I have a few questions. 1) How did you put them on once they were already pinned? 2) Do you think that would work on my 5Finger shoes since there's not much material to them and no socks to cushion the pin from digging in to my foot at mile 9? 3) Could you feel them hitting against your foot or was it pretty unnoticeable?

I love that idea because then I can wear the shoes I like but make them thematic -- best of both worlds!

Thanks! Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute. I brought the felt and pom-poms with me and was cutting and stitching the night before the race. I got my foot in okay b/c the felt had a certain amount of "give" to it and I could slide my foot in. I didn't feel the pins, but I would be concerned about the 5 fingers - not sure how that would work out, unless instead of pins you used some kind of liquid stitching to just connect them on the outside, provided you could get it off easily later. You could also experiment with fabrics other than felt. I just used it so it would be durable.

I love it!!!!!

What JULIE didn't tell you was that I couldn't get the $%&* pins out of the shoe, so, yes, I wore the Tinkershoes to the parks later. They remained on my shoes at home and I finally forced myself to sit and work them out before my next long run!

 

[saysay]

Now here this, Le Cellier is not taking reservations for Sunday of race. Unable to book before today. SO excited, steak lunch here we come.

 

[sau418]

Yay! Finally got Le Cellier for Monday!!! Took them long enough to enter into the system!

 

[Orcagirl]

Thanks! I'm hopeful!
Now I need to put together an Ariel outfit. I will *hopefully* be about 30-40 lbs lighter than I am right now (I'm on WW and obviously training for this race). I have no idea what size I'll be and though I'd love to run in a sports bra -- I'll need more of a tank top situation as I'm not sure if how I see myself will catch up with how I actually look by then. I'm thinking purple sports bra over a flesh colored tank-- but where to get a flesh colored tank? I feel like I've reached the end of Google! Any help out there?

I'm going as Ariel as well! Just finished my tutu last night; I'm going to try running in it during an upcoming 10k to make sure it holds up.

Try American Apparel for a flesh-toned tank.

Erin

 

[christinascreative]

Try American Apparel for a flesh-toned tank.

Erin

You're awesome. Exactly what I needed!
I don't know if I could run in a tutu. I have a thing about tulle. I might get myself one of those sparkle skirts or just wear turquoise or green capris or shorts and call it a day. I *will* be fashioning some sort of headband with a starfish though

 

[ColleenG]

Here is a link from Team Sparkle that I used on my running buddy Amy last year. It worked, she felt nothing and no chaffing. Tinkeramy said no issues and she never felt the wings.

Thanks Team Sparkle for all the great ideas!

http://www.according-to-kelly.com/2012/01/how-to-wear-wings-while-running/

OH and if anyone is looking for a generic costume starter, Target has these "Tutu Dresses" for $20. Basically its a spaghetti strap top that is a stretchy poly fabric, so seems like it would be great for exercise, with a tulle tutu on the skirt. Available in Pink, Purple, Green and Light/Med Blue. One size fits most.

Thanks for the tip! I picked up the purple to see if I can do something with it for Rapunzel. Gotta love Target!

 

[ccsmith312]

I am subscribing to this thread. I haven't signed up yet for the princess, but I really want to! I'm nervous that I won't finish or I won't be fast enough and will get "swept away". . I am not a runner, but I think I could learn. I ran/walked yesterday for about three miles and thought I was going to DIE! Lol! I don't know if I can do this! I want to train for a couple of weeks and then time my pace before I decide to sign up. Am I a chicken or what? ;-)

 

[Princess on the Run]

I am subscribing to this thread. I haven't signed up yet for the princess, but I really want to! I'm nervous that I won't finish or I won't be fast enough and will get "swept away". . I am not a runner, but I think I could learn. I ran/walked yesterday for about three miles and thought I was going to DIE! Lol! I don't know if I can do this! I want to train for a couple of weeks and then time my pace before I decide to sign up. Am I a chicken or what? ;-)

You can do it!!!! Start training now and you'll be ready when February gets here!!! if you're already run/walking 3 miles, you're doing better than a lot of people and miles ahead of everybody sitting on their couch wishing they could do it! What better motivation is there than running through Cinderella's Castle to keep you going?

Every runner has a first mile and every mile has a first step. You're already 3 miles in and you still have so much time to train.

Come on, tell us we'll see you there!!!!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

I am subscribing to this thread. I haven't signed up yet for the princess, but I really want to! I'm nervous that I won't finish or I won't be fast enough and will get "swept away". . I am not a runner, but I think I could learn. I ran/walked yesterday for about three miles and thought I was going to DIE! Lol! I don't know if I can do this! I want to train for a couple of weeks and then time my pace before I decide to sign up. Am I a chicken or what? ;-)

Uh - you did 3 miles your first time out? Good gracious, I'm pretty sure you can do this!!!! It took me a while to work up to 3 miles. I used Hal Higdon's beginning runner training plan. You can TOTALLY do this. I checked out your site (it's great!) and you would definitely love doing the Princess Half! I wasn't a runner at all but jumped in and registered to make sure that I DID do it. So much fun!

 

[VickiHD]

I am subscribing to this thread. I haven't signed up yet for the princess, but I really want to! I'm nervous that I won't finish or I won't be fast enough and will get "swept away". . I am not a runner, but I think I could learn. I ran/walked yesterday for about three miles and thought I was going to DIE! Lol! I don't know if I can do this! I want to train for a couple of weeks and then time my pace before I decide to sign up. Am I a chicken or what? ;-)

Welcome !!!! You can do it and there is time to start officially training for it.

Check out the RunDisney site and Jeff Galloway's Training Program. He has a run/walk program for beginners and those who want to improve their time.
Personally, I love his programs and like to follow them.

Where else can you wear a tiara and run with a bunch of other Princesses ? It will be SO much fun.

 

[julieamedeiros]

Hi,

I have been lurking around for a few weeks here reading up on everyone's training and progress and decided to bite the bullet!

It will be me and my mom (who is 64 just beat breast cancer last year and this year fell while walking and fractured her pelvis in three spots) walk/running for our first time! I am about 50 lbs heavier than I should be so we started with the Jeff Galloway pre-conditioning training. We decided if we could do the 8 week program then we would sign up and move on to the 22 week program. We both feel better than we have in a long time....mentally and physically.

Well, tonight we did the last training session and had a 14.01 per mile time

So I hope there will be some improvement in that time by race day

I have a lot of reading to catch up on here. I love reading all of your tips and ideas. Can't wait to do this....just nervous about those sweepers

Julie

 

[VickiHD]

Hi,

I have been lurking around for a few weeks here reading up on everyone's training and progress and decided to bite the bullet!

It will be me and my mom (who is 64 just beat breast cancer last year and this year fell while walking and fractured her pelvis in three spots) walk/running for our first time! I am about 50 lbs heavier than I should be so we started with the Jeff Galloway pre-conditioning training. We decided if we could do the 8 week program then we would sign up and move on to the 22 week program. We both feel better than we have in a long time....mentally and physically.

Well, tonight we did the last training session and had a 14.01 per mile time

So I hope there will be some improvement in that time by race day

I have a lot of reading to catch up on here. I love reading all of your tips and ideas. Can't wait to do this....just nervous about those sweepers

Julie

Welcome !!!

Congrats on finishing your 8 week session. It sounds like you are definitely ready to move on the the 22 week program !! You are off to a good start!!!

 

[ColleenG]

I am subscribing to this thread. I haven't signed up yet for the princess, but I really want to! I'm nervous that I won't finish or I won't be fast enough and will get "swept away". . I am not a runner, but I think I could learn. I ran/walked yesterday for about three miles and thought I was going to DIE! Lol! I don't know if I can do this! I want to train for a couple of weeks and then time my pace before I decide to sign up. Am I a chicken or what? ;-)

You can definitely do this!! What is your pace like now? There is still plenty of time to train and gain some speed. Just think of the sparkly, shiny medal you will get at the end of the race! That's what got me to do the Princess for the first time this year and to get off the couch and start running. Hi, I'm Colleen and I am addicted to bling, especially Disney bling!