The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[WsPrincess]

Sitting here staring at the rain this afternoon, wishing I was in WDW instead... And sitting here, staring at my walking boot, and wishing I was running instead of "grounded." Anybody have any low impact cross-training tips? - maybe something from the RunFast assessment would apply here?

My broken foot has relegated me to pool workouts and hot yoga only, and even then I can't do any of the balancing on one foot or standing on your tiptoes in yoga I finally see the specialist on Thursday, and here's hoping that they will do the right thing for me. I am trying to trust the process but I feel that in the 2 weeks since my household accident that you all heard about, my pain has actually gotten worse and my mobility has decreased, and I am utterly terrified that the podiatrist will say "let's just wait and see" which could set me back even further.

I hope that if you explain to the doctor you desire to get up and moving quicker they will work with you for a plan to make it happen. All of the stretches and strengthening I was given require you do either be weight bearing on both feet or balanced on one so I don't think what I have would help.

I love your splits comment. After my surgery I had a cast up to my knee and was on crutches. I could move from my 1 classroom at the front of the classroom all the way to my other one in the back in the kids 5 minutes passing time so I don't accept excuses for being late. If I can do it on crutches for 6 weeks, they can do it on 2 healthy legs

 

[mommyof2princesses]

I use the training program called FIRST, outlined in a book called, "Run Less, Run Faster.". You run only three times per week ( very specific runs, mileage) and cross train three days and one day of rest. My cross training is either biking or swimming, non weight bearing to save on the legs. Running an additional half before the Princess would be good, if only to give you better corral placement.
Good luck!

Thanks for the help. Right now I am doing Train Like a Mother. I am doing the 5k Own it which is a more hyped up running program for the 5k. I did 7 miles last Saturday. I like it, but want to look at a few others before I dive in and start training for the half! I like cross training especially in the summer as it is hot running outside!

 

[FigmentMom]

It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally finished reading this thread

You ladies are such an inspiration! You have motivated me to really stick with this running thing! My big running goal was to be able to run the Princess.
But, reading these posts was also making me a little sad, since I didn't think I could afford to run the Princess until 2014. Then yesterday, I opened the mail to discover I had "forgotten" about some savings. (I had signed up for the dependent care account at work and totally forgot about it since it is automatically withdrawn) With that money plus some additional savings, it looks like I can run the Princess in 2013

So count me in!!! One more Amy to run with y'all!!!

I just started running in April, I was using the C25K program, but switched to the JG program based on what I had read here. I got the app for my phone and I love it!!! I am running 4 days a week, 2 miles at 12 mins a mile on 3 of the days and 1 mile once a week with my DS, no time keeping just some bonding. I am happy with my 12 min miles, now if I can only increase from 2 miles to 13.1

I run my first race on my 42nd birthday, a 5k, the Undy5000! (another 40something that decided to run) I am both excited and nervous.

I look forward to "training" with you guys for the next 10 months and hopefully meet some of you on race day!

 

[Mamasmurf227]

I've also been thinking about training plans and would welcome recommendations.

I was looking at the Higdon plan, but it looks a little intense and I don't think I have a good enough base to start training like that without risking injury/burn out.

I'm thinking of giving JG a try--I just don't know how I feel about the starting/stopping. I usually struggle through the first mile and then settle into a good rhythm and just zone out and run. Not sure if I'll like it.

I'm looking for something in between I guess? And, do you cross train on your non-run days?

 

[moparop]

Welcome!It is out of Novi and he was really good about scheduling with me. I can send you a link for more information if you want. And yes, I can totally keeping running, actually he wants me to so we can see if things change as the mileage increases. So my week is looking like: Sunday-Strengthening, Monday-Rest/Cross Train, Tuesday-Run, Wednesday-Strengthening, Thursday-Run, Friday-Rest, Saturday-Long Run

I would love the info. We have a trip planned over a few weekdays at the beginning of June and would love to see if I could get in. I've got a weak ankle from "an old college injury" and am developing plantar fasciitis in that foot. I need some direction before I make it worse!



Is anyone else starting to freak about things like hotel reservations and such? I want to get on planning the trip but need to know which hotels will have transportation and such for the weekend! I am going to be there with my hubby and three kids so our choices are limited anyhow. How long after registration will hotel information go up?

 

[PrincessV]

I also have exercise induced asthma and I have found things are a lot better for me if I use my inhaler before I begin a run. If I try and use it during, it seems to throw everything off. I think a lot of what you are experiencing is weather related though. JG does say to increase your time when running when it is hot and I think that is why you are struggling but that is just from reading since I am new to this. Good luck.

Absolutely, I always pre-puff before runs, not during. Yeah, I'm having a hard time accepting the "run slower in the heat" rule, lol!

And no matter how much I was told or read that it was totally normal and recommended that you slow down during weather like that, it was still deflating to me mentally. All I could think about was how I was back-tracking, etc., when that of course wasn't the case!

Exactly! I think it'll be a little easier next time around, once I've seen first-hand that it really will be easier when it cools off.

Meanwhile... I think I found part, if not all, of my problem: too few calories. I started in on a restricted calorie diet about the same time I started training and lost 11 of the 15 lbs I wanted to lose, but as my runs are getting longer and hotter, I've found I can't keep up the strength and energy I need on so few calories. I bumped them back up this week and what a difference! I haven't really pushed my run intervals longer yet, but I feel like it's possible, so I'm hopeful.

If I can't get motivated to get out at 7 a.m. I usually hit the treadmill since I figure me dying and/or puking outside in front of the neighbors would not go over well !

My plan had been to switch to the treadmill if it was too hot to run, but having tried that, it's actually WORSE than being outside! I keep my AC set at 78*, so even with a fan blowing at me, it's not very cool inside.

Sitting here staring at the rain this afternoon, wishing I was in WDW instead... And sitting here, staring at my walking boot, and wishing I was running instead of "grounded." Anybody have any low impact cross-training tips?

First: I'm so sorry - that must be so frustrating! Second: how about the NYC Ballet workout? I've used it a lot when injured and in need of low or no-impact work. There is a section of floor work that involves tendus, degages, etc., but you can skip that part and get a nice workout from just the reclined parts.

It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally finished reading this thread

You ladies are such an inspiration! You have motivated me to really stick with this running thing!

Aren't these threads awesome?! I read the 2012 thread and found myself so excited and motivated to give the 2013 Princess a try!

I'm thinking of giving JG a try--I just don't know how I feel about the starting/stopping. I usually struggle through the first mile and then settle into a good rhythm and just zone out and run. Not sure if I'll like it.

Take a look at Galloway's race-specific plans - they're straight weekly plans, not anything to do with his run-walk-run methodology. My Galloway TOT plan looks like this on a weekly basis:
M - short run
T - cross train
W - short run
Th - cross train
F - rest
Sa - long run (the distance increases throughout the plan)
Su - cross train

So it's up to you whether you do run/walk intervals or not.

Is anyone else starting to freak about things like hotel reservations and such? I want to get on planning the trip but need to know which hotels will have transportation and such for the weekend!

Yes! Maybe not quite "freak", but I'd sure like to know what the host resorts will be.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Yes! Maybe not quite "freak", but I'd sure like to know what the host resorts will be.

we should get that info when they open registration

 

[Gryhndmom]

mamasmurf,

I started on the galloway plan and decided I probably needed a personal trainer/running coach so I will start with him in a couple of weeks on a plan he will design based on my needs (I.e., bad knees from years of cheerleading will limit running continuously). Hubby will train with me and has said he will do the WDW princess with me since I have supported his military and airline flying career for 20 years! As I start with Rob (personal trainer) and he gives me pointers I will pass them on to my "princess sisters". Rob did tell me not every fits into one plan so finding the one that works for you and your schedule is key.

 

[Mommy to Two Princes]

Well, my bank has actually 'forced' me into saving! My Wells Fargo account has switched to a Way2Save account. I must use my debit card at least 10 times per month (in our house, I use it 10 times per week! ). Each time I use my debit card, $1 is transferred into our savings account. That should add up quickly!

I think other banks have something similar as well, but this will be great in saving money for the Princess!

 

[WsPrincess]

I would love the info. We have a trip planned over a few weekdays at the beginning of June and would love to see if I could get in. I've got a weak ankle from "an old college injury" and am developing plantar fasciitis in that foot. I need some direction before I make it worse!



Is anyone else starting to freak about things like hotel reservations and such? I want to get on planning the trip but need to know which hotels will have transportation and such for the weekend! I am going to be there with my hubby and three kids so our choices are limited anyhow. How long after registration will hotel information go up?

I sent you a message with the Link!

And I totally want to know if the host resorts are changing. I really wish OKW would be a host resort but either way, I hate not knowing! July seems so far away when I am a planner.

we should get that info when they open registration

I am so impatient

mamasmurf,

I started on the galloway plan and decided I probably needed a personal trainer/running coach so I will start with him in a couple of weeks on a plan he will design based on my needs (I.e., bad knees from years of cheerleading will limit running continuously). Hubby will train with me and has said he will do the WDW princess with me since I have supported his military and airline flying career for 20 years! As I start with Rob (personal trainer) and he gives me pointers I will pass them on to my "princess sisters". Rob did tell me not every fits into one plan so finding the one that works for you and your schedule is key.

Good luck and let us know what Rob says

 

[ColleenG]

I've also been thinking about training plans and would welcome recommendations.

I was looking at the Higdon plan, but it looks a little intense and I don't think I have a good enough base to start training like that without risking injury/burn out.

I'm thinking of giving JG a try--I just don't know how I feel about the starting/stopping. I usually struggle through the first mile and then settle into a good rhythm and just zone out and run. Not sure if I'll like it.

I'm looking for something in between I guess? And, do you cross train on your non-run days?

I do a modified JG plan. I basically take his plans from the runDisney site and follow them, but I don't do intervals. I try to do a little cross training MWF, core stuff. I just don't find it easy to walk and run so much. Sometimes I will slow my running to a crawl but it's still a slooooowww run, rather than walk.

Well, my bank has actually 'forced' me into saving! My Wells Fargo account has switched to a Way2Save account. I must use my debit card at least 10 times per month (in our house, I use it 10 times per week! ). Each time I use my debit card, $1 is transferred into our savings account. That should add up quickly!

I think other banks have something similar as well, but this will be great in saving money for the Princess!

I have a Way 2 Save account from when they were Wachovia. I don't pay for things with my debit card too much, but a $1 also gets transfered for online payments. So that adds up too. Last year I had enough in the account to cover a D&B bag at the expo. Hoping to do the same thing again this year .

 

[NC State]

Could someone post the link that show the 1/2 course? I would like the see the start/finish lines.

 

[niclodn]

You ladies are so encouraging and supportive that I think you have convinced me to do this Here's my story...

I just starting running in February -- have never been a runner, but decided it was time to get my butt in shape. To date I have lost about 25 lbs and would like to lose another 40-50. I am the sort of person who needs a finite goal or I end up quitting, so a friend and I decided to do the EEC in May to sort of kick start our training. The fact that it was a Disney race (the 1st for both of us) only made it that much more appealing We did end up walking most of the 5K, but still finished well within the 16mm pace -- and we did pretty darn well on the scavenger hunt portion too!

My friend didn't catch the running bug, but I went ahead and signed up for the ToT 10-miler because it sounds like such an awesome race and again, gives me a goal to shoot for. That one I will be running solo, but my friends will be joining me for the after-) I am already planning to do the Tink Half at DL with my best friend from college -- I turn 40 six days after that race and like so many of you thought that would be a great accomplishment to shoot for before hitting the big 4-0. But now that I've read through this entire thread, I'm thinking that maybe getting my coast-to-coast will be an even better accomplishment to celebrate the 4-0!

So, provided the $$ are there, I'm in!

As for my training, I'm not doing as well as I'd like. I started out doing C25K, but got stuck at week 6 so am switching to JG this week and we'll see how it goes. I am planning to do a couple of 5K's over the summer as well as a 10K at the end of August (gotta get that corral placement time in for the ToT!). First race was last weekend -- the Warrior Dash. Probably not the best to start with from a training/timing aspect, but it was so much fun! Ended up with a 1:19 time -- not too horrible considering we had to wait to complete several of the obstacles (and would probably still be treading water on one of them had it not been for the help from some random dude!). My current time for 5K is right around 42 minutes so definitely room for improvement. My next 5K is the Miles for Marines at the end of June, then the 4H Fair Road Run in my hometown in mid-July, the OrthoCarolina 10K in August, ToT 10-miler in September and the Color Run 5K in late October/early November.

I am very much looking forward to hearing all your training tips and tricks over the next several months. Hope to see you all in February

 

[mahipp]

Could someone post the link that show the 1/2 course? I would like the see the start/finish lines.

This is the one I found.

 

[honeyrun]

I have been using the Runners World SmartCoach program. Liking it a lot. its great how you can enter all your info and it calculates a program just for you.. you can up the miles and intensity if you like on the fly. It also sends you daily email reminders of the workouts. Price is not bad if you consider what your getting and what some books costs for generic one fits all programs.

 

[Mommy to Two Princes]

You ladies are so encouraging and supportive that I think you have convinced me to do this Here's my story...

I turn 40 six days after that race and like so many of you thought that would be a great accomplishment to shoot for before hitting the big 4-0. But now that I've read through this entire thread, I'm thinking that maybe getting my coast-to-coast will be an even better accomplishment to celebrate the 4-0!

I am very much looking forward to hearing all your training tips and tricks over the next several months. Hope to see you all in February

Yay! There's another one of us turning the big 4-0!!!

 

[NC State]

Thank you Mahipp. I want to walk/run and looking at the route I want to be sure to walk through MK and enjoy the sites so this will help me plan.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

HAve a 5K tomorrow. First race in my training for the princess. I don't have anything between tomorrow and a half in october. Need some races to train for to keep my running!

 

[Barefoot Princess]

Oh, stomach flu...how I hate thee. You have kept me from my running yesterday, you have kept me from chaperoning DS's field trip today, and I don't think I'll be running the Color Me Rad race tomorrow the way you've been treating me

So sorry to vent ladies, but I'm stuck in bed (well, or the bathroom) and only have my laptop for a companion. Sigh...

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Oh, stomach flu...how I hate thee. You have kept me from my running yesterday, you have kept me from chaperoning DS's field trip today, and I don't think I'll be running the Color Me Rad race tomorrow the way you've been treating me

So sorry to vent ladies, but I'm stuck in bed (well, or the bathroom) and only have my laptop for a companion. Sigh...

Oh, no! We've had it several times this year, it was horrible.

Sorry about the race tomorrow--wishing you a miraculous recovery.