The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[Happy Mom2]

I'm in! This will be my first Disney race and my first half marathon. Heck, I just started exercising this week for the first time in years. I have a lot of weight to lose, and the PHM is my motivation. I'm just praying I can shave enough minutes off my time. Only time will tell, but I'm going to give it all I've got. I'm ready and looking forward to the challenge.

My friends may do it with me, but if not, I'll be doing it by myself.

Now, I'm off to read the 1st 10 pages of this thread so I can catch up.

 

[gudrench3]

Count me in!!! I have just started the C25k program and have about 70 pounds to lose as of today. I am very excited and love reading stories from those of you that have already done the race. I will be running by myself but will have my sweet aunt there to cheer me on.

Quick Question: Can you tell me where the race actually starts and ends? I know it is in EPCOT, but where in EPCOT? Does it make sense to stay at one of the EPCOT area hotels (in the boardwalk area) and walk to the start of the race? I keep hearing a lot of folks talking about staying at a monorail hotel.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[amykay9377]

Count me in!!! I have just started the C25k program and have about 70 pounds to lose as of today. I am very excited and love reading stories from those of you that have already done the race. I will be running by myself but will have my sweet aunt there to cheer me on.

Quick Question: Can you tell me where the race actually starts and ends? I know it is in EPCOT, but where in EPCOT? Does it make sense to stay at one of the EPCOT area hotels (in the boardwalk area) and walk to the start of the race? I keep hearing a lot of folks talking about staying at a monorail hotel.

Thanks so much!!!

I expect to be a lone runner too - at first both my mom and my DD14 said they would do it with me, but neither of them are training for it, so I think it's just me! (I'm actually kind of fine with that - I feel like I'm on a personal mission-I've got 55 to lose-and everyone needs to get the heck out of my way, even my loved ones!).

Regarding the mono hotels, I thought I read somewhere that the mono won't be running that early in the a.m. Did I read that wrong? If so, I would think that the Contemporary or Poly would be good choices - TTC to Epcot line, right?

The race starts in the Epcot parking lot area, goes on public roads towards MK, you'll go through the TTC, down and back up that dip/hill the buses go (under the Water Bridge by the Contemporary), then into the MK, through Tomorrowland, around and THROUGH THE CASTLE (looking towards Main St), back through (I think) Liberty Square and Frontierland, out of MK via a back door, around GF and Poly, more public roads towards Epcot, past the sphere, down towards World Showcase and back (not THROUGH WS), then I think you finish pretty much where you started.

Ladies who've done this race before, did I get all this right? I typed it all from memory from ALL the race blogs I've read!

 

[freepixie]

Count me in!!! I have just started the C25k program and have about 70 pounds to lose as of today. I am very excited and love reading stories from those of you that have already done the race. I will be running by myself but will have my sweet aunt there to cheer me on.

Quick Question: Can you tell me where the race actually starts and ends? I know it is in EPCOT, but where in EPCOT? Does it make sense to stay at one of the EPCOT area hotels (in the boardwalk area) and walk to the start of the race? I keep hearing a lot of folks talking about staying at a monorail hotel.

Thanks so much!!!

Start line is actually on a road near Epcot. The staging area is in the Epcot parking lot, that's where they gather everyone and you walk as a herd to the start line. The road is on the other side of a bunch of trees from the parking lot.

Finish line is in the Epcot parking lot. They have you exit Epcot on the side of Spaceship Earth, past the restrooms, you go backstage see the Gospel Choir, mile 13 is near the old kennel club, then out to the parking lot finish line.

The monorail is not running that early - if you stay at a monorail resort you have to take a bus. Even the Epcot resorts you have to take a bus since the park is not open. The only resorts you could walk there is from the Port Orleans or Old Key West; I know some ladies did that but I'd be too nervous personally to do that!

Hope that helps

 

[tinkeramy]

Oh, time to get back on the horse - Spring Break completely wrecked my runs this week! At least, for the first part of the week. My husband has been home since Thursday and I have not taken adv. of his presence to go run since then. We'll get back with a fresh start on Monday! Doing a 5K in early May with the DH to benefit ALS research - his mom passed away from this. This is where I got my 5K PR last year b/c my husband pushed the crap out of me on this one, so I better get out there and get ready!

Hope everyone has a blessed Passover / Easter!

 

[aggielawyer]

Joining the group...I had participated in a couple of other threads, but didn't realize there was a new official thread. My SIL has run a couple of half-marathons and has challenged me to do this one. I have tons of weight to lose, and I slow at 18.5 min/mile ave, but I figure I've got 10.5 months to shave off a few minutes and build up endurance...if not do even better than that.

Looking forward to getting to know some of the ladies on here!

 

[ColleenG]

Welcome to all the newbies! And congratulations on making a commitment to getting fit and healthier! The Princess is such a great goal to work towards. It is so much fun and all the ladies here are so supportive and encouraging.

 

[moparop]

Hi all! Anyone else do the Jelly Bean virtual race this week? On the blog run with Jess, she sponsored an Easter themed virtual 5k, 10k, and half. DH did the 5 and 10k and I did the 5k. My 5k time was 48:30 with a pace of about 15:38. That beat my old 5k time by about 5 minutes! I am so stoked to be under the 16 mm. I have another 5k in a month and I am hoping to get another 30 seconds off of my pace.

Anyone else race this week? How is the training going?

 

[gudrench3]

I'm actually kind of fine with that - I feel like I'm on a personal mission-I've got 55 to lose-and everyone needs to get the heck out of my way, even my loved ones!

Regarding the mono hotels, I thought I read somewhere that the mono won't be running that early in the a.m. Did I read that wrong? If so, I would think that the Contemporary or Poly would be good choices - TTC to Epcot line, right?

The race starts in the Epcot parking lot area, goes on public roads towards MK, you'll go through the TTC, down and back up that dip/hill the buses go (under the Water Bridge by the Contemporary), then into the MK, through Tomorrowland, around and THROUGH THE CASTLE (looking towards Main St), back through (I think) Liberty Square and Frontierland, out of MK via a back door, around GF and Poly, more public roads towards Epcot, past the sphere, down towards World Showcase and back (not THROUGH WS), then I think you finish pretty much where you started.

Ladies who've done this race before, did I get all this right? I typed it all from memory from ALL the race blogs I've read!

Amy - love this: (I'm actually kind of fine with that - I feel like I'm on a personal mission-I've got 55 to lose-and everyone needs to get the heck out of my way, even my loved ones!). You are so right!!! Thanks for the information on the route and the transportation.

Start line is actually on a road near Epcot. The staging area is in the Epcot parking lot, that's where they gather everyone and you walk as a herd to the start line. The road is on the other side of a bunch of trees from the parking lot.

Finish line is in the Epcot parking lot. They have you exit Epcot on the side of Spaceship Earth, past the restrooms, you go backstage see the Gospel Choir, mile 13 is near the old kennel club, then out to the parking lot finish line.

The monorail is not running that early - if you stay at a monorail resort you have to take a bus. Even the Epcot resorts you have to take a bus since the park is not open. The only resorts you could walk there is from the Port Orleans or Old Key West; I know some ladies did that but I'd be too nervous personally to do that!

Hope that helps

FreePixie - It does help, thank you so much!!! I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable hiking through that area at 3 or 4 AM. Haha, I'm sure there are critters in the area.

Oh, time to get back on the horse - Spring Break completely wrecked my runs this week! At least, for the first part of the week. My husband has been home since Thursday and I have not taken adv. of his presence to go run since then. We'll get back with a fresh start on Monday! Doing a 5K in early May with the DH to benefit ALS research - his mom passed away from this. This is where I got my 5K PR last year b/c my husband pushed the crap out of me on this one, so I better get out there and get ready!

Hope everyone has a blessed Passover / Easter!

Tinker - welocme back to the horse...we are glad you are back. I love that yall are doing a 5k that has special meaning to your husband.

Joining the group...I had participated in a couple of other threads, but didn't realize there was a new official thread. My SIL has run a couple of half-marathons and has challenged me to do this one. I have tons of weight to lose, and I slow at 18.5 min/mile ave, but I figure I've got 10.5 months to shave off a few minutes and build up endurance...if not do even better than that.

Looking forward to getting to know some of the ladies on here!

AggieLawyer - welcome to our group. You're right, the ladies here have assurred me that I can do it since we have 10.5 months to train. If I can, so can you. I have about 70 pounds to loose and have just gotten started. Summer could be a bit of a nightmater for us Texas girls, but WE CAN DO THIS!!! Which running program are you planning to use? I've officially started the Couch 2 5k the other day...so we'll see how that goes.

Welcome to all the newbies! And congratulations on making a commitment to getting fit and healthier! The Princess is such a great goal to work towards. It is so much fun and all the ladies here are so supportive and encouraging.

You're so sweet! Thanks for the support!!!

Hi all! Anyone else do the Jelly Bean virtual race this week? On the blog run with Jess, she sponsored an Easter themed virtual 5k, 10k, and half. DH did the 5 and 10k and I did the 5k. My 5k time was 48:30 with a pace of about 15:38. That beat my old 5k time by about 5 minutes! I am so stoked to be under the 16 mm. I have another 5k in a month and I am hoping to get another 30 seconds off of my pace.

Anyone else race this week? How is the training going?

Mop - Congrats on the 5k and the better time...that is great!!! Keep it up!! I have just gotten started, so I don't have any races planned in the next month. I will post when that time comes for me. Again, good job!!!

 

[debbieandroo]

Hi all! Anyone else do the Jelly Bean virtual race this week? On the blog run with Jess, she sponsored an Easter themed virtual 5k, 10k, and half. DH did the 5 and 10k and I did the 5k. My 5k time was 48:30 with a pace of about 15:38. That beat my old 5k time by about 5 minutes! I am so stoked to be under the 16 mm. I have another 5k in a month and I am hoping to get another 30 seconds off of my pace.

Anyone else race this week? How is the training going?

Oooo...that's a neat idea about the virtual racing. What's the blog run? I'm not familiar with that.

I'm thinking of signing up for a 5K this Friday night - my first. Mainly doing this to familiarize myself with all the stuff that goes on at a race since my next race will be the Expedition Everest 5K - less than 4 weeks!

That's great about your time - my 5K 'runs' have all been in the 50-52 min time frame, which I am thrilled about since I only started running in mid-February. I'm still excited about being upright when I finish!

AggieLawyer - welcome to our group. You're right, the ladies here have assurred me that I can do it since we have 10.5 months to train. If I can, so can you. I have about 70 pounds to loose and have just gotten started. Summer could be a bit of a nightmater for us Texas girls, but WE CAN DO THIS!!! Which running program are you planning to use? I've officially started the Couch 2 5k the other day...so we'll see how that goes.

I'm in Memphis and am already nervous about our summer. March was really warm and humid - I stuck it out but it was depressing thinking about that kind of weather being the norm until fall. Thankfully, we've gotten a reprieve this past week - has made being outside so much less sweaty.

Welcome to all of the new folks to the thread - it'll be so wonderful to get to know each other these next 10 months. Funny, the thread was started only last week and I already check it several times a day.

This morning, I got up super early and walked 6.45 miles - and kept up a pace of 16:30 per mile - whew! That was my longest walk yet and my fastest time as well. I was listening to all of this great worshipful music and enjoying our beautiful Easter morning...folks around me must have thought I was a little nuts. Oh well, it's all part of Princess training, right?

 

[WsPrincess]

I'm in Memphis and am already nervous about our summer. March was really warm and humid - I stuck it out but it was depressing thinking about that kind of weather being the norm until fall. Thankfully, we've gotten a reprieve this past week - has made being outside so much less sweaty.

Welcome to all of the new folks to the thread - it'll be so wonderful to get to know each other these next 10 months. Funny, the thread was started only last week and I already check it several times a day.

This morning, I got up super early and walked 6.45 miles - and kept up a pace of 16:30 per mile - whew! That was my longest walk yet and my fastest time as well. I was listening to all of this great worshipful music and enjoying our beautiful Easter morning...folks around me must have thought I was a little nuts. Oh well, it's all part of Princess training, right?

Great job on the walk! Tomorrow I am starting my hard core, official Princess training. I am actually kind of nervous and I am not sure why. I mean I know I am out of shape but I am really only about 5 lbs over my ideal weight and I walk all day for work but the training has me mentally worried for some strange reason.

The weather also has me thinking a little far ahead. In Michigan summers can be hot and humid (the weather was the same here and in Disney last August) and winters can be super cold. How do I train right up to the race when there could be ice and snow the 2 months before? I guess if it comes down to it, the gym can do for me.

 

[PrincessV]

Anyone else race this week?

Yep, I've got a local 5K this coming weekend! I expect to either set a new PR, or set a new record for slowness: running it with my 9yo son means we'll either be on fire or sloth-like, depending on his mood. The race benefits our favorite nature park, where I run often, so I'm really looking forward to it!

Summer could be a bit of a nightmater for us Texas girls, but WE CAN DO THIS!!!

I hear ya - summer here in FL is going to be ROUGH, but I'm determined! I am looking at joining the local rec center, though; my treadmill is old and sad and I think I really need a good alternative for days when our monsoon conditions cancel outdoor runs. I have no issue with running in plain old rain, but I live in the lightning capital of the world... we don't have plain old rain in the summer, lol!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyone else breaking the training into manageable bites? The Princess is too far away for my focus, so I'm doing a 10K program now (not that I have a 10K to race at the end of it, but I like short-term goals), and will start the TOT 10-Miler program after that. A couple weeks after the 10-Miler, I'll start Princess training. Got up to 5 miles this weekend and started hill (read: overpass) training!

 

[fashionista311]

Great job on the walk! Tomorrow I am starting my hard core, official Princess training. I am actually kind of nervous and I am not sure why. I mean I know I am out of shape but I am really only about 5 lbs over my ideal weight and I walk all day for work but the training has me mentally worried for some strange reason.

The weather also has me thinking a little far ahead. In Michigan summers can be hot and humid (the weather was the same here and in Disney last August) and winters can be super cold. How do I train right up to the race when there could be ice and snow the 2 months before? I guess if it comes down to it, the gym can do for me.

I live in the northeast, and it's similar weather patterns - hot and humid and all around miserable in the summer, and then potentially snow/icing in the winter (although this winter was fabulous!) I really hate the the treadmill, so I do my best to avoid it. In the summers, I wake up really early, especially for my long runs (I've been known to start as early as 5:45) so I try to "beat the heat." Not sure how much I actually beat it, but at least the sun isn't as strong. Shaded routes are your friend. I do my best to schelp through it, and I know as soon as it cools down, my "normal" pace will return. I also wear as little clothing as possible, and stick a cooler of cold stuff in my car for as soon as I finish. I actually bought a make-your-own-popiscle set and filled them up with gatorade..perfect way to rehydrate!

In the winter, I do go out in pretty low temperatures. There are great tech clothes on the market now! I even have this tech hooded contraption that baically covers my entire face except for my eyes/nose. But if there is alot o snow/ice on the ground and I feel unsafe for fear of falling...that's when I head indoors. It's not worth risking a sprain and being out for 6+ weeks over "mental toughness"

.

Anyone else race this week? How is the training going?

I have the BAA 5K next weekend. Super excited to be in boston for marathon weekend, even if it's only for the 5k. My "reach" goal is 25 minutes. Not sure how realistic it is though since I've been having some serious allergy issues with this ridic pollen count and really haven't gotten much speedwork in the past few weeks. Either way, I'm very much looking forward to running down boylston street, even if it's not the real thing.

 

[tinkeramy]

Great job on the walk! Tomorrow I am starting my hard core, official Princess training. I am actually kind of nervous and I am not sure why. I mean I know I am out of shape but I am really only about 5 lbs over my ideal weight and I walk all day for work but the training has me mentally worried for some strange reason.

The weather also has me thinking a little far ahead. In Michigan summers can be hot and humid (the weather was the same here and in Disney last August) and winters can be super cold. How do I train right up to the race when there could be ice and snow the 2 months before? I guess if it comes down to it, the gym can do for me.

It is a bit overwhelming at first, but it does help to remember that you have so much time and easy does it. I live in GA so the ice / snow is not really a factor, but it does get butt-numbingly cold and it's not incredibly fun. However, with ice & snow I would definitely plan on some gym-time - it would be horrible to put in all the training only to fall and injure yourself right before the Princess!!!

Yep, I've got a local 5K this coming weekend! I expect to either set a new PR, or set a new record for slowness: running it with my 9yo son means we'll either be on fire or sloth-like, depending on his mood. The race benefits our favorite nature park, where I run often, so I'm really looking forward to it!


I hear ya - summer here in FL is going to be ROUGH, but I'm determined! I am looking at joining the local rec center, though; my treadmill is old and sad and I think I really need a good alternative for days when our monsoon conditions cancel outdoor runs. I have no issue with running in plain old rain, but I live in the lightning capital of the world... we don't have plain old rain in the summer, lol!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyone else breaking the training into manageable bites? The Princess is too far away for my focus, so I'm doing a 10K program now (not that I have a 10K to race at the end of it, but I like short-term goals), and will start the TOT 10-Miler program after that. A couple weeks after the 10-Miler, I'll start Princess training. Got up to 5 miles this weekend and started hill (read: overpass) training!

Your comments about your son make me laugh - I was coaching my then 9y.o. son last year before his first 1 mile fun run about taking it easy, blah blah.... he came in first and thinks he's ready to do a 5K! He never wants to come run with me; just wants to show up on race day and thinks he will "win". Yes, he's my kid.

Summer in GA stinks, too - I encouraged several friends to sign up for a half-marathon run at night right by my house in - gulp - the middle of August. Which means training in July. Must admit - didn't really think anyone would take me up on it, but now one of my friends is making that her first half and I can't back out on her now! Might actually have to get the fanny out of bed before DH goes to work just to get training in during the summer.

And, yes, I totally think breaking training into chunks is the way to go, mentally. I started training for the Princess (brand new runner) in July of 2010. Did my first 5K in October and set my first 10K for that November so that I would continue working toward smaller, manageable goals.

First run in a week this morning - spring break was last week and I knew that taking all 3 out with me - on bikes and in stroller - would be kind of a cluster, so I just blew it off. NOT feelin' it this morning after slacking AND waking up to that lovely Lady Time (and the low-grade migraine that always seems to accompany it) but, as usual, am SO glad it's done and on the books. Just took it easy with the stroller and did half-mile intervals. Glad to get back on the horse and not have that hanging over my head!!!

 

[VickiHD]

Hi Ladies...
You Princesses are really motivating to me with your trainings and 5Ks.

Right now I'm only getting one run in a week for 5 miles. For me it's trying to find the time by myself to get out and do it. At least it's finally getting light enough in the mornings so I can try and get a quick 30 min or so in before DH goes off to work.

May 1st I officially start my Jeff Galloway training program for the Disneyland 1/2 I'm doing the Time Goal this time to get to the finish line faster.

Keep up the good work---it will be so worth it when Princess time rolls around.

If all goes well I should be able to get out and run this afternoon.

 

[HockeyKat]

Hi Ladies...
You Princesses are really motivating to me with your trainings and 5Ks.

Right now I'm only getting one run in a week for 5 miles. For me it's trying to find the time by myself to get out and do it. At least it's finally getting light enough in the mornings so I can try and get a quick 30 min or so in before DH goes off to work.

May 1st I officially start my Jeff Galloway training program for the Disneyland 1/2 I'm doing the Time Goal this time to get to the finish line faster.

Keep up the good work---it will be so worth it when Princess time rolls around.

If all goes well I should be able to get out and run this afternoon.

Vicki, I am starting "official" Galloway training again on May 19th, when my local Galloway training group starts up again for the summer (why we do summer training in NC, I have no idea!!). Let me know if you want to meet up for Saturday or Sunday long runs while I am in CA. I'll probably be at 3-4 miles or so starting on May 26th. I can do any interval that you want, or walk.

 

[VickiHD]

Vicki, I am starting "official" Galloway training again on May 19th, when my local Galloway training group starts up again for the summer (why we do summer training in NC, I have no idea!!). Let me know if you want to meet up for Saturday or Sunday long runs while I am in CA. I'll probably be at 3-4 miles or so starting on May 26th. I can do any interval that you want, or walk.

Kat--How cool to participate in an "official" training group. I think a training group would be so helpful with motivation and encouragement. There were lots of runners/walkers out yesterday around the "Lake" and really all over in Foster City. We finally had some nice weather out here. When you’re in CA we can meet up and go for a run/walk. We can PM each other and figure out the details.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Hello everyone! I just read the thread and you all seem so nice and supportive!

I want to run the Princess half, but I am worried about the dates. I am a high school teacher and with budget cuts, substitutes will not be secured for days we are out. I am trying to figure it out.

The running part will be okay (although I will battle with myself over whether or not to have a faster time or to get cool pictures! Hands down cool pictures will win.) I am running a ten miler in May. I have been running since last May. I started walking/ running and averaging about 12/13 min. Moved to an 11:30 mile running three miles. Last weekend I ran 8.25 with my friend and paced a 10:40 average with a two minute walk at mile 4. I wanted to tell you my times so some of you can see how by just running you do get faster. (I felt like I was never going to get faster- yet I don't train for speed. I just run.) Oh, and I will turn 40 in September.

Debby

 

[VickiHD]

Hello everyone! I just read the thread and you all seem so nice and supportive!

I want to run the Princess half, but I am worried about the dates. I am a high school teacher and with budget cuts, substitutes will not be secured for days we are out. I am trying to figure it out.

The running part will be okay (although I will battle with myself over whether or not to have a faster time or to get cool pictures! Hands down cool pictures will win.) I am running a ten miler in May. I have been running since last May. I started walking/ running and averaging about 12/13 min. Moved to an 11:30 mile running three miles. Last weekend I ran 8.25 with my friend and paced a 10:40 average with a two minute walk at mile 4. I wanted to tell you my times so some of you can see how by just running you do get faster. (I felt like I was never going to get faster- yet I don't train for speed. I just run.) Oh, and I will turn 40 in September.

Debby

Welcome !!!! You are not alone----cool pictures seem to win out in Disney Races.

 

[moparop]

Oooo...that's a neat idea about the virtual racing. What's the blog run? I'm not familiar with that.

I'm thinking of signing up for a 5K this Friday night - my first. Mainly doing this to familiarize myself with all the stuff that goes on at a race since my next race will be the Expedition Everest 5K - less than 4 weeks!

That's great about your time - my 5K 'runs' have all been in the 50-52 min time frame, which I am thrilled about since I only started running in mid-February. I'm still excited about being upright when I finish!



I'm in Memphis and am already nervous about our summer. March was really warm and humid - I stuck it out but it was depressing thinking about that kind of weather being the norm until fall. Thankfully, we've gotten a reprieve this past week - has made being outside so much less sweaty.

Welcome to all of the new folks to the thread - it'll be so wonderful to get to know each other these next 10 months. Funny, the thread was started only last week and I already check it several times a day.

This morning, I got up super early and walked 6.45 miles - and kept up a pace of 16:30 per mile - whew! That was my longest walk yet and my fastest time as well. I was listening to all of this great worshipful music and enjoying our beautiful Easter morning...folks around me must have thought I was a little nuts. Oh well, it's all part of Princess training, right?

The blog is actually called Run with Jess. She does at least a couple of virtual races a year. They give random prizes based on everyone who submits a time. If you google search virtual races you can find all kinds of them.