The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[TheSpooph]

I need a little advice about running a 10k prior to the PHM. It will be Sept 16 and my first race EVER! I have loosely been following the Jeff Galloway program to get a jump start since I just started running. With all the talk of injuries and overdoing it, I'm a little nervous that I will 'peak' prior to the PHM. Or, am I just a worry wart who needs to calm down?

 

[JenNel85]

Just wanted to give my little unprofessional but bit of experience.
If you are a fairly decent, injury free runner training to 10 will work but if you are on the more cautious or newer side at least 11 to 12 at minimal. There is a huge difference between 10 and 13.1. Especially when the only major incline in the race is at 11. By 10, I was over it and just wanted to finish. By 12 body parts were numb. It was my first and I started out way too fast did a lot of new running mistakes. But like Amy, I wanted to see what I could do. I did not enjoy the course as I should. But this time I will stop and smell the roses and soak it all in. I trained to 12 last year and had a step down week of 6. Then I tapered. Just factor in that if you train to 10 you are not taking into account the walk to your corral. Afterwards if you are waiting for the bus or even going to your car. I caught a cramp in my lower back because I say down and ate my post run snack.
I wish I had a better story to tell but I just made a lot of new runner mistakes, so long story short, if you are new and you still want a life after the race, it may be beneficial to train past 10.

Thank you for this! I have been stressing about the fact that the training plans I'm finding never actually have you run past 10, and I can't help but worry about how to prepare to make it through those last 3...I know how tough a 5K can be when I haven't trained properly, so I can only imagine! I'd definitely like to work my way up to 11 or 12, as you said!

 

[danielleyoung0]

you ladies are such an inspiration and so on top of it! Between the weight loss (which is fantastic!) and the costume ideas (which are amazing!), i feel behind! of course, my mom has big ideas for me -- she wants me to dress up as princess daisy complete with the extra fluffy duck bottom from the 3rd grade... When i explained that i didn't think it would work well while running, she calmly told me to just wear suspenders and it would be fine!

awesome!!!!!

 

[WsPrincess]

I need a little advice about running a 10k prior to the PHM. It will be Sept 16 and my first race EVER! I have loosely been following the Jeff Galloway program to get a jump start since I just started running. With all the talk of injuries and overdoing it, I'm a little nervous that I will 'peak' prior to the PHM. Or, am I just a worry wart who needs to calm down?

I think you are just worrying. What I am going to do is complete my 10K mid September, then I am going to drop back to about 4 miles on long runs until October 1st when the official Princess Galloway training kicks off. Then I am just going to follow that plan up until the Princess. No chance of peeking early and I can focus on myself during that time!

 

[ellajeansmom]

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted but I have been keeping up - wow is this a busy thread some days

Congratulations to all of you that have made progress with your weight loss goals - I may have mentioned this before, my DH has lost almost 40 pounds in the past 18 months and it takes a lot of determination, habit changes and will-power.

Anyways, I am officially registered but have not made travel arrangements yet as we are still finalizing who all is coming...my SIL is running with me for sure, a friend of hers may come, a friend of mine may come and my parents are most likely coming to cheer us on.

Right now I'm training for a 10k on Aug. 26. That's going pretty well - today was a good run (7.5 miles) much helped from a break in the humidity we've had in southern Ontario for most of the summer (I don't know how you ladies down in the southern U.S. do it ).

On the costume debate, I was also thinking of Merida but not sure since there will probably be a lot of her. My other idea was Belle in her blue dress, as someone else also mentioned. Or if there are 4 of us running together we may coordinate something...oh the choices

To the Toronto princesses, I live just north of Guelph and would love to meet up with you but I think the day you are meeting is the same day as my race in Owen Sound. Maybe there will be another opportunity in the fall.

Finally, to those who have blogs I've enjoyed reading them, keep up the good work!

Whew that was long winded, I should post more often to keep it shorter!

Happy running

 

[fashionista311]

Just wanted to give my little unprofessional but bit of experience.
If you are a fairly decent, injury free runner training to 10 will work but if you are on the more cautious or newer side at least 11 to 12 at minimal. There is a huge difference between 10 and 13.1. Especially when the only major incline in the race is at 11. By 10, I was over it and just wanted to finish. By 12 body parts were numb. It was my first and I started out way too fast did a lot of new running mistakes. But like Amy, I wanted to see what I could do. I did not enjoy the course as I should. But this time I will stop and smell the roses and soak it all in. I trained to 12 last year and had a step down week of 6. Then I tapered. Just factor in that if you train to 10 you are not taking into account the walk to your corral. Afterwards if you are waiting for the bus or even going to your car. I caught a cramp in my lower back because I say down and ate my post run snack.
I wish I had a better story to tell but I just made a lot of new runner mistakes, so long story short, if you are new and you still want a life after the race, it may be beneficial to train past 10.

I'm still a newish runner (I've only been running for about 3.5 years) but I have over 20 half marathons under my belt (jeez..time flies when you are having fun!). Nowadays, I peak at about 45 miles per week/16 miles long run, for a half, but that is because I am trying to meet aggressive time goals. If anything, I need more miles. BUT, it wasn't until I had a few half marathons under my belt, and was starting to get concerned about time goals, until I started doing 10+ mile long training runs. Long runs should never be more than 50% of your weekly mileage. So if you are running 25-30 miles per week, then yes, going to 12-14 would be just fine. But, I don't think most first time half marathoners have that kind of weekly mileage. I know I was running three times week/15-20 miles week, my first few races. At that point, the last 5K will be difficult, no matter what you do for just one long run (although if you do go to 12-14, it does give you confidence, and don't under-estimate the power of the mind!)

Anyways, I guess my point is, it's important to balance out the risks (going longer, time on feet, and possibly getting injured before race day vrs rewards (increased fitness, mental confidence) and come out up with a game plan that works for YOU, rather than merely printing off a training plan you found online and following it blindly because so and so expert says it works.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Hi All! I just found this thread! The 2012 Princess was my first half marathon, and first Disney race. DP and I are doing the Disneyland 1/2 (in just a month) to get the C2C medal! Then after that, we signed up for the TOT 10mi so we could race again with our friend who ran the Princess-- she couldn't get enough time off to go to the west coast.

I haven't signed up for the 2013 Princess yet, but we will by Sept 25 (waiting to see what they have at the DL 1/2 expo). I already booked my DVC studio at BCV-- can't get off work on Fri or Mon (except for maybe a few hours), so the plan is to fly in Fri evening and back on the first flight Mon morning. Last year I was spoiled and got to stay until Tues evening.

Training in the heat has been painful this summer, but I was able to complete a local 10K in 58:30, so I'll be using that as my "proof of time" submission for at least the next few races (got me corral B at the DL 1/2). I'll probably try to run another 10K this Nov (last Nov's 10K got me a "proof of time" of 1:04 = corral B in the Princess).

Over the summer, I let my weekly mileage drop to 2 ~4mi and 1 ~7mi long run, but now I'm pushing it back up for the DL 1/2: 9mi last weekend, and hopefully 10-11 tomorrow. I'll be on a DCL cruise to Alaska in the middle of the month, so my goal is to get ~ 12-13 in right before and right after the cruise, then taper back down for the last 10 days. For the Princess, I made it up to 14 mi about 2 weeks before and then tapered up to the race. Last winter was great for training-- we'll see how this year's goes, but I'll probably do the same kind of thing.

Did I mention Disney races are addictive?

 

[TinyDancer]

If you want your name added to the front page, please PM me. I'm so far behind on this thread!!

 

[WsPrincess]

Hi All! I just found this thread! The 2012 Princess was my first half marathon, and first Disney race. DP and I are doing the Disneyland 1/2 (in just a month) to get the C2C medal! Then after than, we signed up for the TOT 10mi so we could race again with our friend who ran the Princess-- she couldn't get enough time off to go to the west coast.

I haven't signed up for the 2013 Princess yet, but we will by Sept 25 (waiting to see what they have at the DL 1/2 expo). I already booked my DVC studio at BCV-- can't get off work on Fri or Mon (except for maybe a few hours), so the plan is to fly in Fri evening and back on the first flight Mon morning. Last year I was spoiled and got to stay until Tues evening.

Training in the heat has been painful this summer, but I was able to complete a local 10K in 58:30, so I'll be using that as my "proof of time" submission for at least the next few races (got me corral B at the DL 1/2). I'll probably try to run another 10K this Nov (last Nov's 10K got me a "proof of time" of 1:04 = corral B in the Princess).

Over the summer, I let my weekly mileage drop to 2 ~4mi and 1 ~7mi long run, but now I'm pushing it back up for the DL 1/2: 9mi last weekend, and hopefully 10-11 tomorrow. I'll be on a DCL cruise to Alaska in the middle of the month, so my goal is to get ~ 12-13 in right before and right after the cruise, then taper back down for the last 10 days. For the Princess, I made it up to 14 mi about 2 weeks before and then tapered up to the race. Last winter was great for training-- we'll see how this year's goes, but I'll probably do the same kind of thing.

Did I mention Disney races are addictive?

Well, you confirmed my fear of these races being addictive. I am already excited and I have not even done my first! Just wish we were closer and it was not as expensive!

We are also staying at BCV!!!

 

[TheSpooph]

I think you are just worrying. What I am going to do is complete my 10K mid September, then I am going to drop back to about 4 miles on long runs until October 1st when the official Princess Galloway training kicks off. Then I am just going to follow that plan up until the Princess. No chance of peeking early and I can focus on myself during that time!

Thanks! Sometimes I just need a little voice of reason!

 

[VickiHD]

Princesses...I wanted to share with you a wonderful and inspirational documentary I just watched on Hulu......It's called Spirit of the Marathon.

This documentary followed several different runners, from beginners to elite runners, train for the Chicago Marathon.

It was so moving and inspirational to watch. Hope you have a chance to check it out. Enjoy !!!

 

[Sojas3]

Anyone have really small feet and have luck with finding shoes at a running store? I'm a size 5 and have a really hard time finding shoes in stores that fit my feet(that don't have Dora on them and light up!). I would love to head to a running store and have my stride looked at, but what are the chances they have a ton of size 5's hanging around?
The shoes I have for running at the gym, suuuuuck when I hit the HS track, and when I hit the pavement, OUCH! I need something better and quick.

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

Princesses...I wanted to share with you a wonderful and inspirational documentary I just watched on Hulu......It's called Spirit of the Marathon.

This documentary followed several different runners, from beginners to elite runners, train for the Chicago Marathon.

It was so moving and inspirational to watch. Hope you have a chance to check it out. Enjoy !!!

I just started watching it on Netflix, looks great.

My Runmeter app messed up for the first time in 6 months today. I had Disney songs playing on Pandora which I think must have been the culprit. So, I think I went 3.5 miles in 41 min at a 2/2 interval. I wore my new calf compression sleeves and they worked pretty well. My tender spot on my shin seems a little better.

30 more weeks!

 

[VickiHD]

I just started watching it on Netflix, looks great.

30 more weeks!

Let me know what you think---hope you enjoy it

 

[JCH]

Princesses...I wanted to share with you a wonderful and inspirational documentary I just watched on Hulu......It's called Spirit of the Marathon.

This documentary followed several different runners, from beginners to elite runners, train for the Chicago Marathon.

It was so moving and inspirational to watch. Hope you have a chance to check it out. Enjoy !!!

I watched it and cried, lol. But I also cried at least 4 times during the Princess...the start, running out of the castle, the gospel choir got me when one of them pointed directly at me, and of course the finish!

 

[fashionista311]

Anyone have really small feet and have luck with finding shoes at a running store? I'm a size 5 and have a really hard time finding shoes in stores that fit my feet(that don't have Dora on them and light up!). I would love to head to a running store and have my stride looked at, but what are the chances they have a ton of size 5's hanging around?
The shoes I have for running at the gym, suuuuuck when I hit the HS track, and when I hit the pavement, OUCH! I need something better and quick.

are you a size 5 in normal shoes? you are probably a size 6 then in running shoes since you usually go up a size. I wear a size 5.5-6 normal shoe, and I wear size 7 running shoes. But yes, a good local running store will be able to measure your feet, look at your stride, and find something that works for you.

 

[acourtwdw]

I did 4 miles in 1:16 this morning. That is the longest that I have gone so far. It was 4 minutes longer than my goal but 4 minutes better than I thought I would do. So I'm happy with that. However, where is the "runner's high" I've heard so much about?

 

[quinniebear]

Hello all,

I am really enjoying this thread and all the wonderful support you give one another. I am signed up for the Princess and will be running alone. I wonder if I could get some advice about recovering from an injury? This is my story:

I am 54 years old (yikes!) and new to running. In February we happened to vacation at WDW during the PHM. I love running on the treadmill, so I got the crazy idea I would like to run in the race. I could do 10 miles on the treadmill inclined at 4 with no ill effects, so I got fitted for some good running shoes and headed outside for the first time ever. And...sprained my ankle within the first three weeks. I don't even know how I did it; it seemed to just slowly get worse.

That was 5 weeks ago. I've been fighting my way back since. I'm back to the treadmill working out 3X a week. Today I did 35 minutes. But, my ankle was sore afterwards. I am alternating between being terrified I'll do to much and it will put me out of commission for too long to prepare for the Princess, and being terrified that I am doing too little and I won't get in shape in time. Oh, and for a little more pressure...back when I was optimistically starting out on this journey, I signed up for a 10K on 9/15.

So, how do I tell when I am doing too much/too little? How much pain is normal when recovering? I was still able to put weight on my ankle and give the dog a 3 mile walk after working out.

 

[VickiHD]

I watched it and cried, lol. But I also cried at least 4 times during the Princess...the start, running out of the castle, the gospel choir got me when one of them pointed directly at me, and of course the finish!

I cried too !!!! I also cry at the start of any Disney race , during and at the end. I'm just really sensitive I guess and I'm just so happy to participate in a Disney race.

I KNOW I will be crying during the Princess....NOT because of the miles...just because I think it will be so special.

 

[Lauraldawn]

I cried too !!!! I also cry at the start of any Disney race , during and at the end. I'm just really sensitive I guess and I'm just so happy to participate in a Disney race.

I KNOW I will be crying during the Princess....NOT because of the miles...just because I think it will be so special.

I've been a little worried about my emotions at this race, so I feel better that I won't be the only one crying. A couple weeks ago I did my first 10 k, and went it was over I went back, hugged the pace bunny, and burst into tears!