The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[sissy_ib]

I marked Coast to Coast on my registration. I figure no harm done if I can't do a Disneyland one. So if I do one, it will be the Disneyland half. I can fly on miles, which is also what I'm doing for Princess. So hotel will be the main expense. I've never been to Disneyland or even California. I have no idea where to even begin planning for that.

I had to chuckle at this. I checked the Coast to Coast box thinking "what could it hurt?" And I am also using airline miles for the PHM and would be for DL.

DL planning is not as intense as WDW. There are so many fewer choices. If I go I will be using DVC points if I can or staying offsite at a good neighbor hotel I can walk from. There are tons of good local places.

 

[CruisingGoddess]

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

I am planning to do the Disneyland 1/2 in Sept. I go out to LA for work every few months anyway so I might as well. Also, it'll keep me motivated to continue training after the Princess.

You will love Disneyland !!! We just got home last night after several days in the Happiest Place on Earth !!

I run the DL 1/2 with DH each year and it's selling out earlier and earlier each year. So keep that in mind once they open registration. Planning is easy since the "resort area" is so close together. There are a ton of buget hotels surrounding the parks and you can easily walk to DL and DCA from the most hotels on Harbor Blvd. and Katella. So you don't really need to stay at one of the 3 hotels on property with so other options close by. The weather is always warm to hot.

It's always a fun race to run. Hope this helps a little with the planning.

When does registration typically open? Is there a way to sign up to get notified?

 

[MoonFaerie]

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

I'm considering it. I really really really want to, but it would be next to impossible to make work, schedule wise. I think instead, maybe I'll put the Goofy and the Coast to Coast on the list for 2014, after I graduate in Dec 2013.

 

[MoonFaerie]

I feel like I've reached some kind of milestone or something. After the past few months of wondering if I'm crazy and doubting that I could finish, I did a 5 mile run on Fri. My previous longest run was 3 miles. I had a 4 mile run planned, but I felt great and decided to go on around the loop one more time. I'm still on the slower side, but I was still below the pacing requirement with a 15:11 pace. I wasn't sore the next day, and it wasn't the mental struggle it usually is. I was surprised at how much easier it's gotten. Like someone flipped a switch or something. Just 2.5 months ago, I could barely do 1.5 miles without gasping for breath and hating every second of it at an 18 min mile pace.

 

[Orcagirl]

Ran today's James Cunningham 9.5K Seawall Race (Vancouver, BC) in my "plan B" Ariel costume for the Princess Half. It was really rainy/windy all night, and I was prepared for a soggy, miserable run, but this morning the sky cleared and by 10am, the weather was practically perfect for a fall run. About 9 degrees Celsius (48F), which suits me just fine.

Messed up my watch and the official results haven't been posted online yet, but I think I finished in about 57 minutes. Definitely had a negative split, which was great. Usually I start out a bit too fast and end up struggling through the final couple of kilometers, but this time I finished really strong.

Will post a couple of pics soon. Was so happy to have an opportunity to test out the costume and make sure it's comfortable and easy to run in. And most importantly, I heard several kids along the way shout "Mommy, look, it's Ariel" so at least I know the costume is recognizable even without a proper mermaid tail!

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

I feel like I've reached some kind of milestone or something. After the past few months of wondering if I'm crazy and doubting that I could finish, I did a 5 mile run on Fri. My previous longest run was 3 miles. I had a 4 mile run planned, but I felt great and decided to go on around the loop one more time. I'm still on the slower side, but I was still below the pacing requirement with a 15:11 pace. I wasn't sore the next day, and it wasn't the mental struggle it usually is. I was surprised at how much easier it's gotten. Like someone flipped a switch or something. Just 2.5 months ago, I could barely do 1.5 miles without gasping for breath and hating every second of it at an 18 min mile pace.

It's a great feeling to see that progress, isn't it? Great job and just think how much you'll be able to accomplish by the time February rolls around!

 

[VickiHD]

I am planning to do the Disneyland 1/2 in Sept. I go out to LA for work every few months anyway so I might as well. Also, it'll keep me motivated to continue training after the Princess.


When does registration typically open? Is there a way to sign up to get notified?

I think it opened in Jan. last year. We were able to reg. early using our Disney Chase card. No discount but at least it was done.
On the RunDisney site they usually have a place for email sign up to get a reminder about race registration opening up. But I never seem to get those reminders.

 

[mamacate]

I feel like I've reached some kind of milestone or something. After the past few months of wondering if I'm crazy and doubting that I could finish, I did a 5 mile run on Fri. My previous longest run was 3 miles. I had a 4 mile run planned, but I felt great and decided to go on around the loop one more time. I'm still on the slower side, but I was still below the pacing requirement with a 15:11 pace. I wasn't sore the next day, and it wasn't the mental struggle it usually is. I was surprised at how much easier it's gotten. Like someone flipped a switch or something. Just 2.5 months ago, I could barely do 1.5 miles without gasping for breath and hating every second of it at an 18 min mile pace.

Moon Faerie, that's AWESOME! If there's one thing I've learned about this running thing, it's that progress is often non-linear. You feel like you're beating your head against a wall, and then next thing you know, you make a big leap. It's such an awesome feeling. I always try to save a little of that great feeling for the next time I'm stuck in a plateau.

Congrats to you on your great progress!

Cate

 

[mamacate]

Ran today's James Cunningham 9.5K Seawall Race (Vancouver, BC) in my "plan B" Ariel costume for the Princess Half. (...)

Will post a couple of pics soon. Was so happy to have an opportunity to test out the costume and make sure it's comfortable and easy to run in. And most importantly, I heard several kids along the way shout "Mommy, look, it's Ariel" so at least I know the costume is recognizable even without a proper mermaid tail!

Nice race, congrats! What a great idea to run a test race in your costume. Last year I was all ready to run a test run in my fancy race duds (not even a costume, just a sparkly sparkle skirt), but then I realized I WAS GOING TO BE RUNNING AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD IN A SPARKLY SKIRT! Duh. I'm not proud, and I run in our early fall sunsets so I am used to looking loudly dorky, but glitter is kind of a lot for the hometown. A race would have made a lot more sense. I bet you made those kids' day...and a lot of other runners too.

Cate

 

[bskelly07]

I was hoping to do a Cinderella-ish or themed costume. I'm picky about what I run in though so I'm worried about a "real" costume. Was thinking of trying to attach a skirt to my running belt or something along those lines but was looking for some inspiration.




Do you have Bill's email address? I spoke to him on the phone at length the other day and he said he was going to email the changes I made to me but I never got it. Thanks!

Yes! His email is billk @ go world pass . com (I had to space this funny because apparently you need 10 posts before posting an email?? but there are no spaces or anything in the email at all! all one big thing) Sorry this took so long to respond! I have been busy busy busyyy this weekend

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

I'm doing all three now! I definitely recommend the DL half, I did it for the first time this year and I had a blast. I fell right at the start, which sucked. I had a bloody knee and twisted my ankle twice (once at the start and once around mile 7). Everyone was SO supportive though and great. I shocked myself by finishing, and in time. I plan to do it every year from here on out . The best part of the run is going through Angels stadium. The stands are full of people cheering you on and you run around the field. It's the best feeling, ever!

I am planning to do the Disneyland 1/2 in Sept. I go out to LA for work every few months anyway so I might as well. Also, it'll keep me motivated to continue training after the Princess.



When does registration typically open? Is there a way to sign up to get notified?

I remember it being like the second week of January when I signed up this year. I am going to be checking everyday starting Jan 1st though. I don't want to miss it! It sells FAST! I don't think there's any way to get reminders. I wish there was

 

[mamacate]

So.....

Spousal wrangling, airfare shopping, happy progression run, health care savings account reimbursement, vacation days, airline autism accommodations, family togetherness, WHY THE HECK NOT, blahblahblah....

I REGISTERED!

See all you guys at the start line...AND THE FINISH LINE!

Yay!

Cate

PS: Can I tell you how good it felt to type in my time for corral placement? It felt really good.

 

[sissy_ib]

Yes! His email is billk @ go world pass . com (I had to space this funny because apparently you need 10 posts before posting an email?? but there are no spaces or anything in the email at all! all one big thing) Sorry this took so long to respond! I have been busy busy busyyy this weekend

I'm doing all three now! I definitely recommend the DL half, I did it for the first time this year and I had a blast. I fell right at the start, which sucked. I had a bloody knee and twisted my ankle twice (once at the start and once around mile 7). Everyone was SO supportive though and great. I shocked myself by finishing, and in time. I plan to do it every year from here on out . The best part of the run is going through Angels stadium. The stands are full of people cheering you on and you run around the field. It's the best feeling, ever!

I remember it being like the second week of January when I signed up this year. I am going to be checking everyday starting Jan 1st though. I don't want to miss it! It sells FAST! I don't think there's any way to get reminders. I wish there was

I'm sorry you fell and got hurt. But everything else sounds great. Running in the stadium sounds so cool! I'm going to do my best to make DL happen!

 

[AnotherPrincess]

You will love Disneyland !!! We just got home last night after several days in the Happiest Place on Earth !!

I run the DL 1/2 with DH each year and it's selling out earlier and earlier each year. So keep that in mind once they open registration. Planning is easy since the "resort area" is so close together. There are a ton of buget hotels surrounding the parks and you can easily walk to DL and DCA from the most hotels on Harbor Blvd. and Katella. So you don't really need to stay at one of the 3 hotels on property with so other options close by. The weather is always warm to hot.

It's always a fun race to run. Hope this helps a little with the planning.

Yes this helps! What would you recommend for airport transfers if not staying on property? Do they offer ME if you do stay on property?

 

[AnotherPrincess]

I had to chuckle at this. I checked the Coast to Coast box thinking "what could it hurt?" And I am also using airline miles for the PHM and would be for DL.

DL planning is not as intense as WDW. There are so many fewer choices. If I go I will be using DVC points if I can or staying offsite at a good neighbor hotel I can walk from. There are tons of good local places.

Great minds think alike!

 

[AnotherPrincess]

Sorry for 3 posts in a row. I need to get my thoughts together better.

Anyway, I just finished a 10 mile run for the first time since ToT. I was almost a full minute per mile faster. Temps were wonderful but so freakin windy!!! 15 mph winds with 25 mph gusts. I almost lost my hat a few times. Now I'm ready to do nothing for the rest of the night!

 

[Swmr359]

Well I wasn't planning on running this year, but my friend asked and I just happen to have leave...so I'm in for #3!!

I had surgery on my foot this summer and have been slacking on getting back into running and this is just the motivation I needed.

 

[VickiHD]

Yes this helps! What would you recommend for airport transfers if not staying on property? Do they offer ME if you do stay on property?

There are DL buses but not ME. Sorry but I not sure of the $$ and they are not free. (We usually always drive unless it's a quick overnight trip) If you fly into Orange County Airport (SNA) you can take SuperShuttle for around $14.00 ish $$ and it takes about 20 -25 min from the airport to DL Resort.
There are a couple of Best Westerns we usually stay at one on Harbor and the other on Katella. For Tink and DL 1/2 we usually stay at the BW Stovalls on Katella due to where the races start and finish. But honestly a hotel on Harbor is very easy too. Just a little longer walk pre/post race. But a much quicker walk to the theme parks than at Stovalls. (Hope that makes sense)
Try and pull up a map of the area and hotels and you will be able to see how easy and close everything is.

 

[TiggerAllie]

I think this is the notification sign-up link:
http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/ewwos/pdf/rundisney/marathons/signup.html
There is a link to the page on the right side of the runDisney DL 1/2 site.
The one-way DL express to LAX was $25 pp I think.

 

[jlm314]

I'll be turning 50 in February. Yikes that sounds so old!.......but it's been my motivation for running & getting in better shape....the disney part is a birthday present to myself for getting there!

I will be turning 49 in March. We have the same reasons. That and I LOVE Disney.

 

[kindakrazy2]

Ran today's James Cunningham 9.5K Seawall Race (Vancouver, BC) in my "plan B" Ariel costume for the Princess Half. It was really rainy/windy all night, and I was prepared for a soggy, miserable run, but this morning the sky cleared and by 10am, the weather was practically perfect for a fall run. About 9 degrees Celsius (48F), which suits me just fine.

Messed up my watch and the official results haven't been posted online yet, but I think I finished in about 57 minutes. Definitely had a negative split, which was great. Usually I start out a bit too fast and end up struggling through the final couple of kilometers, but this time I finished really strong.

Will post a couple of pics soon. Was so happy to have an opportunity to test out the costume and make sure it's comfortable and easy to run in. And most importantly, I heard several kids along the way shout "Mommy, look, it's Ariel" so at least I know the costume is recognizable even without a proper mermaid tail!

Awesome job! Can't wait to see the pics. I so wanted to run that one but had a child care issue so no go for me.

So.....

Spousal wrangling, airfare shopping, happy progression run, health care savings account reimbursement, vacation days, airline autism accommodations, family togetherness, WHY THE HECK NOT, blahblahblah....

I REGISTERED!

See all you guys at the start line...AND THE FINISH LINE!

Yay!

Cate

PS: Can I tell you how good it felt to type in my time for corral placement? It felt really good.

I am so excited you're going to join us Cate! I looked through your pics and your commentary and you certainly seem like one cool chickie! So glad to have you going us all.