The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[VickiHD]

I've been away from the boards for a few weeks. I turned 40 a week ago, and have been in quite a funk about it. I'm finally feeling better though and need to start pushing myself hard.

I had an initial assessment w/ a trainer at the gym on Tuesday. My cardio & flexibility are currently poor & my strength is fair. The trainer (Amber) def. had doubt in her voice when I told her I have set a goal to do the 1/2 in February. I'm sure she looks at this woman who is 120 lbs. overweight and is thinking "Ya, right she's going to do a 1/2 marathon."

Aside from Amber's doubt I liked her and if anything I'm now in an I'm going to prove you wrong kind of mood. I think she's going to push me and I start working w/ her in 2 weeks!!!

I hope everyone's training is going well. And I'm happy to be back on here!!!

Happy belated Birthday--I just saw on "E" Entertainment News the other night that 40 is the NEW 20 !!!!

Glad to hear that you are in a "prove her wrong" kind of mood. Sorry to hear she was not more supportive of your goal. But you have a lot of other "Princesses" here that are supportive in your goal. Keep us posted on your training.

 

[fashionista311]

I've been away from the boards for a few weeks. I turned 40 a week ago, and have been in quite a funk about it. I'm finally feeling better though and need to start pushing myself hard.

I had an initial assessment w/ a trainer at the gym on Tuesday. My cardio & flexibility are currently poor & my strength is fair. The trainer (Amber) def. had doubt in her voice when I told her I have set a goal to do the 1/2 in February. I'm sure she looks at this woman who is 120 lbs. overweight and is thinking "Ya, right she's going to do a 1/2 marathon."

Aside from Amber's doubt I liked her and if anything I'm now in an I'm going to prove you wrong kind of mood. I think she's going to push me and I start working w/ her in 2 weeks!!!

I hope everyone's training is going well. And I'm happy to be back on here!!!

Don't let the trainer stress you out. I mean yes, if your strength/flexibility is low, then getting it back up to normal standards will absolutely help your fitness level overall and might help your running somewhat. But, if you want to a better runner, you have to run. period. I remember reading somewhere that Haile Gebreslassie - one of the world's best marathoners - can't do 10 pushups.

I also think distance runners are such a niched group that most gym trainers don't really know much about the subject. I've done a few trainer sessions with a few different trainers at a couple of gyms (I'm currently a member of two gyms...lol) and when it came to the subject of running, they just didn't seem very knowledgeable.

Now - I'm not saying you ignore strength training/stretching. It is important for overall fitness. And it will certainly help you lose weight, which will definitely help your running. But, in terms of just running, I think it's fair more important to hit the road then to hit the gym.

 

[WsPrincess]

I've been away from the boards for a few weeks. I turned 40 a week ago, and have been in quite a funk about it. I'm finally feeling better though and need to start pushing myself hard.

I had an initial assessment w/ a trainer at the gym on Tuesday. My cardio & flexibility are currently poor & my strength is fair. The trainer (Amber) def. had doubt in her voice when I told her I have set a goal to do the 1/2 in February. I'm sure she looks at this woman who is 120 lbs. overweight and is thinking "Ya, right she's going to do a 1/2 marathon."

Aside from Amber's doubt I liked her and if anything I'm now in an I'm going to prove you wrong kind of mood. I think she's going to push me and I start working w/ her in 2 weeks!!!

I hope everyone's training is going well. And I'm happy to be back on here!!!

I am glad you still like her. And I agree with fashionista, most trainers don't do distance running. I know the Lifetime Fitness by my house actually has special trainers and groups just for distance runners for this reason. I think looking at it as a challenge is good and we are here to support you! Enjoy the training!

 

[MaMa3Princess]

I am glad you still like her. And I agree with fashionista, most trainers don't do distance running. I know the Lifetime Fitness by my house actually has special trainers and groups just for distance runners for this reason. I think looking at it as a challenge is good and we are here to support you! Enjoy the training!

Lifetime is my gym to and I agree that most personal trainers that approach me are always surprised that I can run long distance. Most focus a lot on getting the weight off and interval and strenghth training. Maybe a local running store can put you in contact with a local running group.
I feel you every time I get off the treadmill alot of trainers are surprised that I can run for long amounts of time because well I am not a size 2 by far!

 

[freepixie]

I feel you every time I get off the treadmill alot of trainers are surprised that I can run for long amounts of time because well I am not a size 2 by far!

Ditto!! My Zumba instructor, who is super-supportive of everything I do, was shocked when I told him that I was running a half-marathon, but after seeing what I was able to pull on the treadmill he started asking me for advice on long-distance running

 

[mahipp]

My DD13 and I walked 5.12 miles tonight. That's from Epcot almost to MK according to this map.

 

[longhorns2]

Yep! Right onto Main Street with that distance!

 

[freepixie]

Mile marker 5 is right by the Contemporary, so yes 5.12 will be getting you at least backstage in the MK about to turn up Main Street!!!

 

[VickiHD]

Can someone tell me what Mile marker is the closest to the Ticket & Transportation Center ??


I think I will also start tracking my miles by placement on the map. It will make it a little more fun. Yesterday I made it to the MK...not my best running day but I still put in the miles.

 

[freepixie]

Can someone tell me what Mile marker is the closest to the Ticket & Transportation Center ??


I think I will also start tracking my miles by placement on the map. It will make it a little more fun. Yesterday I made it to the MK...not my best running day but I still put in the miles.

Just past mile 4 You hit mile 4 in the MK parking lot, go a bit further, then under the road, and you are at TTC!!

It was cool this past year my family got to see me at the TTC and snap a quick pic of me as I flew past! Then I remember annihalating the port-o-pottie just after that Sorry, TMI!!

 

[annabanna]

I just called my sister and asked if she wanted to do the Princess Half with me. She said yes - probably just because she heard "Princess" and "Disney"! Then she sent me a text a few minutes later and asked if I realized that was 13.1 miles?!?

I haven't ever been much of a runner, I was always a swimmer. But, I think it's probably the best for me to get in shape. I have some baby weight to loose, so I started the Couch25K program. I have my first 5K mid-June and then my first half at the end of September. I hope that it will be enough to keep me motivated.

The only thing that really scares me is finding the time train. I just got a big promotion at work which is going to take up a lot of time for a while, plus with two young kids at home and a horse to ride, I am busy. But, I really need to do this for myself - I am excited!!!

Can someone tell me if it's hard to go from training at night to running a race in the morning? I just can't run in the morning. I already get up at 5 am to get everyone out of the house and to work by 7am. I just do better if I run at night. Is that going to be a problem?

 

[fashionista311]

I just called my sister and asked if she wanted to do the Princess Half with me. She said yes - probably just because she heard "Princess" and "Disney"! Then she sent me a text a few minutes later and asked if I realized that was 13.1 miles?!?

I haven't ever been much of a runner, I was always a swimmer. But, I think it's probably the best for me to get in shape. I have some baby weight to loose, so I started the Couch25K program. I have my first 5K mid-June and then my first half at the end of September. I hope that it will be enough to keep me motivated.

The only thing that really scares me is finding the time train. I just got a big promotion at work which is going to take up a lot of time for a while, plus with two young kids at home and a horse to ride, I am busy. But, I really need to do this for myself - I am excited!!!

Can someone tell me if it's hard to go from training at night to running a race in the morning? I just can't run in the morning. I already get up at 5 am to get everyone out of the house and to work by 7am. I just do better if I run at night. Is that going to be a problem?

I'm jealous you are a swimmer! I have been learning to swim this year because I am doing an Olympic tri this summer (I mean, I knew how to get across the pool before I started lessons...but really, that's about it!) and I find it quite challenging.

And I'm even more jealous you have a horse to ride!! I used to ride about 10 years ago, but I don't own a horse and between running 25-30 miles/week, swimming three times a week, and spinning/biking twice a week...there's just no time. I would love to get back into it though.

Re: running at night/morning - I don't find it a big deal. I primarily run in the morning just because I like to get it out of the way and start my day off right, but will run at night when my schedule forces me to. Can you do some of your weekend long runs in the am just so you know what it feels like?

 

[tinkeramy]

Okay gang - first non half-marathon race in a while! DH and I are doing a 5K tomorrow to benefit ALS research -my MIL passed away from complications of this about 5 years ago. I'm actually kinda nervous! I've run 4 half marathons and I expect a decent time of those, but I like the distance. For some reason, I feel like since it's "only" a 5K, I should be super speedy. Uh, really not! I will say, though, that when we did this last year I got a PR b/c the DH does not do intervals, runs faster than me and I was trying not to be a drag on him. I still do not know how in the hell I got the time I did - 28:23. I think I was def. faster then. Who knows - maybe now that I have a time to beat, I will kick it in with race adrenaline to push me along! I did, however, feel like I was going to slightly die at the end of that one and I admit to a tiny bit of hate in my heart towards my husband, so maybe I shouldn't push it too hard.

Oh. My. Goodness. Here's a lesson for any new runners. Just because you CAN go out fast does not mean you SHOULD. Let my husband pace and went out WAAAAAAY too fast. Crapped out at the end. Instead of beating last year's PR, missed it by a full minute. Bummed, but it was hot and we still finished sub-30, but I'm kinda disappointed knowing what I could have done if I had paced it better. Ah, well - even runners that have their feet wet have lessons to learn!

 

[WsPrincess]

Can someone tell me if it's hard to go from training at night to running a race in the morning? I just can't run in the morning. I already get up at 5 am to get everyone out of the house and to work by 7am. I just do better if I run at night. Is that going to be a problem?

I am interested in this too. I have been running at night during the week and then in the AM for my long run on the weekends. I have a hard time eating something and drinking enough as soon as I get up. I just don't know how to make it work for me but I have to since the Princess start is not going to change

And Amy, good job on the sub-30 even if it was not a PR. They can't all be and you learned something so it seems like a win. I can't wait to do my first one! I love competition even if I am just competing to not be last

 

[mahipp]

Popped into Team Mickey at DTD today - the kids and I went to Hollywood Studios for a few hours. Bought these car magnets for myself and my friends who are coming down to do the Princess with me.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Popped into Team Mickey at DTD today - the kids and I went to Hollywood Studios for a few hours. Bought these car magnets for myself and my friends who are coming down to do the Princess with me.

Love the magnet. Disney does a great job with merchandise!

 

[annabanna]

I'm jealous you are a swimmer! I have been learning to swim this year because I am doing an Olympic tri this summer (I mean, I knew how to get across the pool before I started lessons...but really, that's about it!) and I find it quite challenging.

And I'm even more jealous you have a horse to ride!! I used to ride about 10 years ago, but I don't own a horse and between running 25-30 miles/week, swimming three times a week, and spinning/biking twice a week...there's just no time. I would love to get back into it though.

Re: running at night/morning - I don't find it a big deal. I primarily run in the morning just because I like to get it out of the way and start my day off right, but will run at night when my schedule forces me to. Can you do some of your weekend long runs in the am just so you know what it feels like?

I swam competively all through high school and then joined a local team while I was in college. We did some dry land training, but not much of it was running, so I didn't really get into it. I know how to swim and get in shape, but I just don't have the time. Running just seemed like the best alternative, something that I can do after the kids are in bed and the chores are done.

I have had horses since I can remember. I used to do 3-day eventing, but after having kids, being out of shape really affected that. And my horse is getting older and I just don't have the time it takes to bring another one along far enough to compete. So, I compete in some local shows, give riding lessons and have a couple youngsters that I just put miles on for their owners.

I can run in the mornings on weekends. Actually, that works better for me anyway. I think that's a good idea!
I am excited about this new adventure. It will be good for me to have a goal and something to look forward to. Disney and a half-marathon all in one week. Who could ask for more?!

I think that's great that you are doing a tri, I don't think I could ever do something like that. Of course, I also never thought I could run 1 mile without dying, so I guess we can surprise ourselves! Good luck!!

 

[VickiHD]

Popped into Team Mickey at DTD today - the kids and I went to Hollywood Studios for a few hours. Bought these car magnets for myself and my friends who are coming down to do the Princess with me.

I love these magnets--I've got the one above on our refrigerator. On my car I have the one from last years DL 1/2 and a cute one from the Tinker Bell this year.

 

[TinyDancer]

How did our Expedition Everest runners do??

 

[TinyDancer]

Popped into Team Mickey at DTD today - the kids and I went to Hollywood Studios for a few hours. Bought these car magnets for myself and my friends who are coming down to do the Princess with me.

Love this!! I'm excited to get some RunDisney gear during my October trip