The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[moparop]

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!

my plan is to find a race a month (5k/8k/5 mile) until September and really work on dropping my mile time down. After September I am going to work more on distance. I think in October or November I'll look for a 10k so I can get a better corral for the Princess.

 

[LuLuO]

Anyone else breaking the training into manageable bites?

I'm doing a 5k in May, a 5k zombie obstacle course in August and another one in October. I'd like to do a 10k in November.

 

[WsPrincess]

So I know a couple people have mentioned using the Galloway training. I have checked out his website and got his training plans for the 10k and half. They look interesting. Unfortunately there are no training groups near me. So does anyone use it? How did you find your run:walk ratio? That is where I am stuck. I am using the conditioning program right now (week 3) so he lists the ratio but when I get into the race training I am not sure how find the right pace. Or, is it trial and error?

 

[PrincessV]

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.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your post! This 40+ year old is getting frustrated with being "stuck" at a 12:30ish mile pace and I really needed to hear that there's hope for it to come down over time.

my plan is to find a race a month (5k/8k/5 mile) ...

I was hoping to get a couple more local races in, too, but we're heading into the off-season for races in FL; it doesn't look like there'll be much of anything near me between June and Sept. Then again, that's for good reason: who wants to race in 100-degree heat indexes and torrential thunderstorms?!

So I know a couple people have mentioned using the Galloway training. I have checked out his website and got his training plans for the 10k and half. They look interesting. Unfortunately there are no training groups near me. So does anyone use it? How did you find your run:walk ratio? That is where I am stuck. I am using the conditioning program right now (week 3) so he lists the ratio but when I get into the race training I am not sure how find the right pace. Or, is it trial and error?

I'm a Galloway-er! My opinion is that it's totally trial and error, but also using what's right during each run. I can turn in a decent pace doing :30/:30, but hate feeling like I have to slow to a walk just as I'm getting into a running groove, so I don't use that much anymore. :45run/:30walk is a happy place for me and 1:00/1:00 can be a push. BUT, I mess with it while running, depending on how I feel, too. My 5mi run Sat., for instance, I had my intervals set at 45/30 and made myself stick to that for the first 2 miles. At that point, I felt really strong, so I started skipping every other designated walk, effectively making my intervals 2:00/:30 with run portions around a 9-10:00 mile pace. Last night, though, it was hot and my energy was low, so I stuck to 45/30 the whole time and made the run intervals slower than my norm. Play with it and see how different intervals feel and what effect they have on your pace. You may find that one setup is perfect all the time, or that you need to vary your intervals to feel best.

 

[WishingMom]

Gosh, I would so love to try the 1/2 Marathon. I haven't read through this thread but just out of curiousity, what are the registration fees for this race. I didn't see anything on the Rundisney site.

Also wondering if there is an age restriction for runners. I would really like to do with this with my older daughter who will be 14 for the next race.

TIA

 

[moparop]

So I know a couple people have mentioned using the Galloway training. I have checked out his website and got his training plans for the 10k and half. They look interesting. Unfortunately there are no training groups near me. So does anyone use it? How did you find your run:walk ratio? That is where I am stuck. I am using the conditioning program right now (week 3) so he lists the ratio but when I get into the race training I am not sure how find the right pace. Or, is it trial and error?

Thanks for asking this today! I tried the Galloway method on my run today and knocked 20 seconds mor than normal off of my mile time. I did 2 minute runs and 1 minute walks but didn't know if I was doing it wrong. I would love to hear more Galloway experiences if people have them!

 

[TinyDancer]

I am in! This will be my first half-marathon as well...I am starting with some local races this spring and summer - a 5k and 8k, a few 10ks. I am already running 10k on my longer weekend runs and loving it. Still hard to imagine getting to 21k but then a few months ago I couldn't image doing 10k...and there's no where else I'd rather do 21k than Disney World!

Welcome!! I'm also doing a 10k training, and I've never ran a half before either! I remember when I used to think *3* miles was far...

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

Thank you for that info!!

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?

Great job!!

My next race is a 5k, next THursday night. I've never ran a night race so I'm a little nervous. I usually run in the morning, so we'll see...

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!

I also like these short term goals.. and there is a 10k I am running in June.. I'm using the Jeff Galloway Easy 10k app. I'm on week 11.. and last Saturday I PR'd during a four mile race!! My goal time was 40 minutes (it is uphill for 1.5 mile, flat for 1 mile, then back down the hill.. very hard course)
and I ended up running a 38:58!!! I was SO pumped!!
So, for the 5k next week, I am trying to PR again.. My fastest 5k is 33:45. I would LOVE to run a sub 30!

 

[french lady]

Yesterday was the first day of my official training for the Princess. For the next three months I am training for 5k and 10k races. I will be doing at least 8 races this summer and I have a half marathon scheduled on september 23, most likely a Rock and Roll race in Montréal or maybe the Army run in Ottawa.
I am also doing 2 Ladies only race this summer.
I hope that by doing races of 5k and 10k , it will improve my time for the half.
Diane

 

[debbieandroo]

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.

Thanks for that information - I'll check it out. I didn't even know there was such a thing!

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!

I'm 'running' the 5K this Friday, the Expedition Everest Challenge in May, a 4 miler also in May. I have no idea how motivated I'll be to participate in races through the summer - perhaps a couple a night-time ones. There are two walker-friendly half-marathons in October and December that I have my eye on along with a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and a 10K on Veteran's Day. Those will keep me pretty busy, I suspect.

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

That is exciting news about your time. I started out so slowly that I wonder if I'll ever get beyond slow but, then again, it's only been a few months since I started. This reminds me that I need to be patient for a few more months - thank you.

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.

How did you do on your first Princess Training?

 

[tinkeramy]

So I know a couple people have mentioned using the Galloway training. I have checked out his website and got his training plans for the 10k and half. They look interesting. Unfortunately there are no training groups near me. So does anyone use it? How did you find your run:walk ratio? That is where I am stuck. I am using the conditioning program right now (week 3) so he lists the ratio but when I get into the race training I am not sure how find the right pace. Or, is it trial and error?

I fell into via trial / error. I was trying to run w/o walking, but got to 5 miles and just didn't think that was gonna happen for 13! I tried 3 or 4 min run / 1 min walk but didn't like all the stopping / starting, so I ended up running 1 mile and walking 1 minute. When I am pushing my son in the jogging stroller, I tend to cut that down to run 1/2 mile, walk 1 minute. However, it's what totally works for you on that day. I've had days where the absolute last thing I wanted to do was go out and run, so I did 2/1 intervals just to get the miles in that day.

Gosh, I would so love to try the 1/2 Marathon. I haven't read through this thread but just out of curiousity, what are the registration fees for this race. I didn't see anything on the Rundisney site.

Also wondering if there is an age restriction for runners. I would really like to do with this with my older daughter who will be 14 for the next race.

TIA

Last year's fee was $140.00. That was the fee at the time registration opened; it gets higher the longer you wait. There is an age restriction and I *want* to say that 14 is about the cut-off, but not sure.

 

[tinkeramy]

Sorry - on the Galloway thing, I just realized you were asking about pace, not intervals. For pace, he has instructions on his site about how to do a "magic mile" - basically, run at a comfortably hard pace for 1 mile, and then he has a spot on his site where you can input your pace for that and calculate goal paces from there. After that, you will definitely figure out what is comfortable for you and what is pushing it.

 

[princessnpirate]

Sounds like many of the "plans of attack" make sense. I am running my first half marathon in 3 weeks. I did some 5ks last year. Then this past November I did a 5 mile race and that is when I decided to go for it!

I can tell you as you train more, the time/pace will improve. I would focus on distance for a first and worry about pace "next time"

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your post! This 40+ year old is getting frustrated with being "stuck" at a 12:30ish mile pace and I really needed to hear that there's hope for it to come down over time.

I'm a Galloway-er! My opinion is that it's totally trial and error, but also using what's right during each run. I can turn in a decent pace doing :30/:30, but hate feeling like I have to slow to a walk just as I'm getting into a running groove, so I don't use that much anymore. :45run/:30walk is a happy place for me and 1:00/1:00 can be a push. BUT, I mess with it while running, depending on how I feel, too. My 5mi run Sat., for instance, I had my intervals set at 45/30 and made myself stick to that for the first 2 miles. At that point, I felt really strong, so I started skipping every other designated walk, effectively making my intervals 2:00/:30 with run portions around a 9-10:00 mile pace. Last night, though, it was hot and my energy was low, so I stuck to 45/30 the whole time and made the run intervals slower than my norm. Play with it and see how different intervals feel and what effect they have on your pace. You may find that one setup is perfect all the time, or that you need to vary your intervals to feel best.

You are so welcome. I know I was frustrated. My FIL is a 68 or 69 and runs too many races a year to list. He's been a runner for forever...at least for the 25 years, I've known him. He would tell me to run faster, you just have to run faster. Unfortunately, it's true. I was a lazy runner. I'd run and not really feel labored. Now, I run and feel like I am pushing.

My instinct is now that you've been running use the interval when needed. Run as much as you can, then walk a minute or so. Start running after a minute or two.

That is exciting news about your time. I started out so slowly that I wonder if I'll ever get beyond slow but, then again, it's only been a few months since I started. This reminds me that I need to be patient for a few more months - thank you.

I am glad to help others know that they WILL get faster. It took me about a year to shave 2.5 minutes off my mile. Of course weather conditions apply. I live in PA. In the summer after starting, I'd run in 85 deg f (morning/night), and I this winter would run in 20/30 deg weather.

Also, though, as much as I think each run should be easier- IT IS NOT. Those first two miles are torture. Yesterday's 3.75 (I didn't have it in me to get to the usual 4...) was almost as hard as in the beginning. I thought maybe it was the Easter candy, but someone today suggested allergies.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I'm curious what everyone listens to while they run?

 

[freepixie]

I am glad to help others know that they WILL get faster. It took me about a year to shave 2.5 minutes off my mile. Of course weather conditions apply. I live in PA. In the summer after starting, I'd run in 85 deg f (morning/night), and I this winter would run in 20/30 deg weather.

Also, though, as much as I think each run should be easier- IT IS NOT. Those first two miles are torture. Yesterday's 3.75 (I didn't have it in me to get to the usual 4...) was almost as hard as in the beginning. I thought maybe it was the Easter candy, but someone today suggested allergies.

Hello fellow-PA'er!! Where abouts you live in PA? I'm all the way up in Erie

 

[becky11]

I'm planning on doing this race with my friend. It'll be her first 1/2. Her first runDisney race was the 5K this year, which I also did with her. It's a goal race for her and I'm extremely proud of her for wanting to push herself to achieve this goal. I plan to be by her side, pushing her through to the end.

 

[fashionista311]

You are so welcome. I know I was frustrated. My FIL is a 68 or 69 and runs too many races a year to list. He's been a runner for forever...at least for the 25 years, I've known him. He would tell me to run faster, you just have to run faster. Unfortunately, it's true. I was a lazy runner. I'd run and not really feel labored. Now, I run and feel like I am pushing.

I definitely agree you need to to run faster to run faster. However, I would caution against pushing hard every single run. After all, if you train to failure, the only goal you will accomplish is failure. Most running coaches will say lots of easy miles, plus once-a-week speed/tempo runs, are the secret recipe to success. As you build your base and get to be a more experienced runner, it's possible to do more than one hard workout/week. But, it definitely depends on your experience level. But most of us (myself included) will see huge benefits just by adding more weekly miles. Are you running 15-20 miles/week? Then try 20-25. You already there? Try for 25-30, etc. The best runners I know run at least 40-50 miles/week when they are not training for anything, and then their mileage will go way up depending on the cycle. I'm certainly not advocating that running such high mileage is for everyone (I'm not even sure if I'm willing to go that high) but my point is we could all stand to add more miles if we want to improve!

 

[PrincessV]

Also wondering if there is an age restriction for runners. I would really like to do with this with my older daughter who will be 14 for the next race.TIA

I'm almost positive it's a minimum age of 14 for Disney's half and full marathons because a friend of mine mentioned that her daughter will be able to do the 2013 WDW marathon because she'll be 14 by then.

Thanks for asking this today! I tried the Galloway method on my run today and knocked 20 seconds mor than normal off of my mile time. I did 2 minute runs and 1 minute walks but didn't know if I was doing it wrong. I would love to hear more Galloway experiences if people have them!

That's an awesome cut! I'm certainly no expert, but I don't believe there is a "wrong" way to do it; whatever feels good and gets you to the end without injury is ideal in my book.

I remember when I used to think *3* miles was far...

Right?! So true!

My next race is a 5k, next THursday night. I've never ran a night race so I'm a little nervous. I usually run in the morning, so we'll see...

Ooo, will you post a recap here afterward? My first night race will be the Everest Challenge and I've never run at night before, either.

My instinct is now that you've been running use the interval when needed. Run as much as you can, then walk a minute or so. Start running after a minute or two.

That's more or less my approach at this point, but only after I've given myself sufficient time to warm up, get into a groove, and see how my body's doing. On top of age working against me, I've got a looong list of previous injuries that like to come back and bother me, plus exercise- and allergy-induced asthma, PLUS summer temps that suck the life out of me, lol!

I definitely agree you need to to run faster to run faster. However, I would caution against pushing hard every single run.

ITA. I'm new to distance running, but I've been a dancer most of my life, skied, played soccer, and all the cross training that goes along with those... experience tells me that in any sport, pushing too hard leads to injury, injury leads to downtime, and downtime leads to a bigger challenge to get back to where you once were. My approach these days is an easy run on Mondays, cross training Tuesdays, speed training run Wednesdays, cross train Thursdays, rest Fridays, long run Saturdays, recovery walk Sundays. My weekday runs are by time, not distance, and I've seen the distance steadily increase as my strength and endurance picks up. The long runs are steadily increasing in length per Galloway's plans and, though I never set out to do it, nearly always turn in my fastest pace and negative splits. So far, so good... went from an initial 15:40ish mile pace to around a 12:10 when the weather's cool!

What's really hard on the psyche is forcing myself to slow the pace based on air temps. Apparently we should slow it by :30 for each 5 degrees above 65? That puts me back at a 15:00 mile! Uh-uh. I've been aiming for 13:30-13:45 on 90-degree days and I'm not going higher, by golly.

I'm curious what everyone listens to while they run?

I've got a couple playlists going, loaded with everything under the sun. A friend of mine listens to podcasts; I thought that would be hard, not having a steady beat to run to, but I tried it out last week and it was a nice change of pace! Not literally - my running pace was fine.

I'm planning on doing this race with my friend. It'll be her first 1/2. Her first runDisney race was the 5K this year, which I also did with her. It's a goal race for her and I'm extremely proud of her for wanting to push herself to achieve this goal. I plan to be by her side, pushing her through to the end.

You are a very, very good friend!

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

Can I just say that I love this thread and the other WISH running even threads?! So much kindness, support and encouragement in one place is awfully nice.

 

[TinyDancer]

I definitely agree you need to to run faster to run faster. However, I would caution against pushing hard every single run. After all, if you train to failure, the only goal you will accomplish is failure. Most running coaches will say lots of easy miles, plus once-a-week speed/tempo runs, are the secret recipe to success. As you build your base and get to be a more experienced runner, it's possible to do more than one hard workout/week. But, it definitely depends on your experience level. But most of us (myself included) will see huge benefits just by adding more weekly miles. Are you running 15-20 miles/week? Then try 20-25. You already there? Try for 25-30, etc. The best runners I know run at least 40-50 miles/week when they are not training for anything, and then their mileage will go way up depending on the cycle. I'm certainly not advocating that running such high mileage is for everyone (I'm not even sure if I'm willing to go that high) but my point is we could all stand to add more miles if we want to improve!

ITA! I used to run a 5k everytime I went out the door... that was my mileage and I always ran it for time. What was I thinking??? That didn't improve my time for races AT ALL. Ever since I started using the JG app and I've started doing long runs my time has dropped! Plus, it's easier!
I like to average right around 20 miles a week.. That is a good number for me right now.
When I start my runs, I use the 2/1 interval, once I get good & warmed up (at least after the first mile, the first mile is always so hard!), I can change my intervals to 4/1. That's the longest I've done so far on a long run.
My long run this week is 8.3. So, we'll see how that goes lol!

 

[HockeyKat]

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

Can I just say that I love this thread and the other WISH running even threads?! So much kindness, support and encouragement in one place is awfully nice.

I completely agree. This is one of the best places to come for advice without judgement, especially for new and/or slower runners. We are all in this together!