The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[PrincessV]

Last week I posted about going for a RunFast assessment. Well, I decided that since I was worried about my achilles, I needed to go just to make myself feel better. It was not covered by insurance and was $125! So far I am beyond happy with what has happened and I have only had my 1st appointment.

Your experience sounds nothing less than fantastic! I have some similar issues - had a partial tear in my left Achilles ages ago and it didn't heal well, so that's always an issue, and my left leg dips lower than my right due to scoliosis - and I've struggled through a lot of sports with constant injuries and chronic pain. This it totally something I'd like to try!

I've never run a day in my life. I was a dancer from basicaaly birth through college. Then I put on quite a bit of wieght during graduate school and with children. My goal is to lose 20 pounds through the elipical machine and rowing -- then begin running (I don't know if my knee can take all the extra weight). So far, I've lost 7 of the 20 -- so I am on my way!

Congrats on the loss - that's fantastic! I think we've got quite a few former dancers here at this point (I'm one, too). I'm beginning to think that dancer's drive and determination lends itself nicely to distance running! I had about 15 to lose and I'm down 10 now; I have to say that it's helped my knees and ankles a LOT, just having some weight off.

Wow, y'all should come around my hometown - last summer I ran in a 5K in which I took 31st place -- and there were 33 people in the race I'm signing up for a 10K this summer that I've not done yet, and from past results, it looks as if about 50 people sign up for it!

Oh my gosh, I can't even imagine! Two of my four 5Ks were runDisney events, so they were in the 5,000 range. The other two were local, but well publicized and big fundraisers for much-loved parks; one had around 300 participants and the other I think had 150. So not too big, but very narrow paths, which led to some crowding.

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Hi, everyone! I've been reading this thread for a while now, and was hesitant to jump in because I'm not sure if 2013 is a reality for me yet.

I just started running in March and completed my first 5K on May 5th!

Trying to figure out whether we can afford the trip to Disney in February-- the race is a couple of days before my daughters 6th birthday, so we'd want to make it into a vacation as well. (We just spent a week in Disney for her 5th birthday. It seems to be turning into an annual event!)

Can anyone tell me about the discount on host resorts and park tickets? Is the resort info available at the same time registration opens? (Is it strange that I'm more concerned/stressed about resorts and ADR's than actually having to run 13.1 miles?! )

 

[Cripey]

(Is it strange that I'm more concerned/stressed about resorts and ADR's than actually having to run 13.1 miles?! )

NOT strange! Princess 2011 was my first half and I purposely focused (ok, obsessed!) on the trip planning and race day outfit planning to keep from freaking out about the distance...and it totally worked! I hope you are able to join us in 2013...just take it one mile at a time!!!

 

[WsPrincess]

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking here for a few weeks. I am planning on doing the Princess for my 40th. We will also be doing the Family 5K.

I've never run a day in my life. I was a dancer from basicaaly birth through college. Then I put on quite a bit of wieght during graduate school and with children. My goal is to lose 20 pounds through the elipical machine and rowing -- then begin running (I don't know if my knee can take all the extra weight). So far, I've lost 7 of the 20 -- so I am on my way!

I can't wait to meet everyone in February!

It does seem we have a lot of dancers. I think competition is in us!

Your experience sounds nothing less than fantastic! I have some similar issues - had a partial tear in my left Achilles ages ago and it didn't heal well, so that's always an issue, and my left leg dips lower than my right due to scoliosis - and I've struggled through a lot of sports with constant injuries and chronic pain. This it totally something I'd like to try!

I couldn't imagine a partial tear. I feel "lucky" since it was a complete rupture. No pain once the nerves are severed. I am so impressed you are still running and going strong. It is a horrible injury. You should just come visit Michigan!

NOT strange! Princess 2011 was my first half and I purposely focused (ok, obsessed!) on the trip planning and race day outfit planning to keep from freaking out about the distance...and it totally worked! I hope you are able to join us in 2013...just take it one mile at a time!!!

I am so glad I am not alone in the planning. I even already ordered the skirt I think I want to wear (until DD pointed out Cinderella is blonde and I am not)

 

[fashionista311]

I second and tips/tricks to make this trip more affordable. I still really want to run it this year, but the budget/vacay days will be much tighter than this year because..drumroll please...I got engaged last week!

It's tough because I don't really want to fly down, just do the race, and come home. If I don't get some park time, it's really not worth it to fly all the way down to Fla just to run. So, we'll see how I can make it work. But I'm tired of sitting out on this race, I've missed it two years in a row!

 

[WsPrincess]

I second and tips/tricks to make this trip more affordable. I still really want to run it this year, but the budget/vacay days will be much tighter than this year because..drumroll please...I got engaged last week!

It's tough because I don't really want to fly down, just do the race, and come home. If I don't get some park time, it's really not worth it to fly all the way down to Fla just to run. So, we'll see how I can make it work. But I'm tired of sitting out on this race, I've missed it two years in a row!

CONGRATS! That is awesome news! And I hope you can make this trip work for you but getting engaged is a wonderful reason to miss it

 

[ColleenG]

I second and tips/tricks to make this trip more affordable. I still really want to run it this year, but the budget/vacay days will be much tighter than this year because..drumroll please...I got engaged last week!

It's tough because I don't really want to fly down, just do the race, and come home. If I don't get some park time, it's really not worth it to fly all the way down to Fla just to run. So, we'll see how I can make it work. But I'm tired of sitting out on this race, I've missed it two years in a row!

Congratulations! How did he propose?

 

[debbieandroo]

I sent you a request!

I did, too. Thank you for doing that.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I second and tips/tricks to make this trip more affordable. I still really want to run it this year, but the budget/vacay days will be much tighter than this year because..drumroll please...I got engaged last week!

It's tough because I don't really want to fly down, just do the race, and come home. If I don't get some park time, it's really not worth it to fly all the way down to Fla just to run. So, we'll see how I can make it work. But I'm tired of sitting out on this race, I've missed it two years in a row!

Congrats!!

 

[ellajeansmom]

Congrats Ellajeansmom!

Thanks!

Congrats to you to. That is a great finish time

Thank you - I was confident I could do it in under 38 minutes but I didn't think I would be under 35...turns out I move much faster in a race!

That is an awesome time!! Great job! Lots of my friends that have been running for years run that time consistently at a 5k!!

Thanks, that's good to know!

Way to go!!!!

I didn't race this weekend, but I have a race for this coming weekend (May 19) that my DD14 is going to do with me

That's awesome your DD is running with you. My DD7 comes out with me sometimes but those are always "easy" runs as she needs lots of breaks and I usually end up running ahead then circling back. Last week she rode her bike and that worked much better for us
Good luck on Saturday

That's fantastic - congrats! Nope, no races here for a long while, but I put in 4 miles Sat. for my first week of TOT 10-Miler training

Thanks, the TOT 10-Miler sounds fun!

Yay, congratulations ! I remember my first 5K...a friend of mine ran it with me, and around mile 2, I was miserable and kept thinking "I'm never doing this again, this is awful!" My friend kept encouraging me and told me I was doing great, to which I thought "huh?" But then we turned the last corner and I saw the finish line, and I understood. It was the most exhilarating feeling ever to see that finish line, with total strangers cheering me on, and finally crossing that line. Now I know why people do this!
My current goal is 10K in early June. I'm a bit behind with my long run so I better catch up
Congratulations!

Thank you, there wasn't a huge crowd at this race but even so there were people along the last little stretch cheering and it was cool when the announcer called out my name and everyone was clapping...I can totally see how racing could be addictive Good luck on your 10K training

 

[ColleenG]

I got my new othotics today, but he said I should break them in for a week before I do any running and then start out light, like only a mile. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it! Might have to compromise with using the elliptical for a bit. I've been so lazy lately. I feel like a blob.

 

[ellajeansmom]

Last week I posted about going for a RunFast assessment. Well, I decided that since I was worried about my achilles, I needed to go just to make myself feel better. It was not covered by insurance and was $125! So far I am beyond happy with what has happened and I have only had my 1st appointment.

Wow, that sounds fantastic I would say an extremely reasonable price for the amount of personalization you will be getting.

 

[ellajeansmom]

Hi everyone!

I have been lurking here for a few weeks. I am planning on doing the Princess for my 40th. We will also be doing the Family 5K.

I've never run a day in my life. I was a dancer from basicaaly birth through college. Then I put on quite a bit of wieght during graduate school and with children. My goal is to lose 20 pounds through the elipical machine and rowing -- then begin running (I don't know if my knee can take all the extra weight). So far, I've lost 7 of the 20 -- so I am on my way!

I can't wait to meet everyone in February!

Congratulations on the weight loss so far, that's great! My DH lost about 35 pounds last winter and he was amazed at how much easier it was to run last summer and play hockey this winter.

My mom will be coming to cheer me on and I'm trying to talk her into doing the Family 5K - if I can convince her then I will being doing that as well.

 

[PrincessV]

I feel "lucky" since it was a complete rupture. No pain once the nerves are severed. I am so impressed you are still running and going strong. It is a horrible injury. You should just come visit Michigan!

LOL, that's pretty much what the doc said, too - that it really would have been better to tear it completely or break my ankle altogether! And then he said to stay OFF of it for months... which I promptly ignored and continued dancing on it. In pointe shoes. Until I literally couldn't anymore. I was a teenage idiot. It's not so bad these days, luckily, just gets stiff very easily so I have to take plenty of time to warm up and stretch. And Michigan is sounding pretty good to this FL girl - it's full-on summer down here!

I second and tips/tricks to make this trip more affordable. I still really want to run it this year, but the budget/vacay days will be much tighter than this year because..drumroll please...I got engaged last week!

Congratulations!!!

My DD7 comes out with me sometimes but those are always "easy" runs as she needs lots of breaks and I usually end up running ahead then circling back.

I'm laughing because I'm very, very familiar with this method!

I got my new othotics today, but he said I should break them in for a week before I do any running and then start out light, like only a mile.

GAH! Hang in there!

 

[CourtneykidOT]

Count me in! I have been lurking for a while and have leaned a lot from you ladies!
I used to run pre-kids and have completed a few 5k's. When I was pregnant with my second child I developed a rare heart condition called PPCM (peri-partum cardiomyopathy) which basically means that for no other reason other than I was pregnant, my heart started to enlarge and not pump enough blood. I was on bed rest for 2 months with LOTS of doctors visits and hospital stays. My baby girl was born perfectly healthy in Novermber of 2009 but it took me 18 months for my heart to go back pre-baby. Then it has taken me another year to emotionally get to where I am not scared out of my mind to exercise. I have been to the cardiologist to inquire about doing this 1/2 marathon and we did another echo and a stress test and all was well! I still have odd symptoms sometimes, but he feels confident that they are benign in nature.
SO! Here I am I have been "trying" to get back in shape by running and have been nervous but very thrilled to take back control of my body. I am writing this to tell my long story in a short nut shell but also to educate women because some physicians are unaware of this condition and it puts women at risk of even death if not treated properly. Maybe I will dress as the "Queen of Hearts" from Alice in Wonerland. So excited to be "officially" making this my goal!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Count me in! I have been lurking for a while and have leaned a lot from you ladies!
I used to run pre-kids and have completed a few 5k's. When I was pregnant with my second child I developed a rare heart condition called PPCM (peri-partum cardiomyopathy) which basically means that for no other reason other than I was pregnant, my heart started to enlarge and not pump enough blood. I was on bed rest for 2 months with LOTS of doctors visits and hospital stays. My baby girl was born perfectly healthy in Novermber of 2009 but it took me 18 months for my heart to go back pre-baby. Then it has taken me another year to emotionally get to where I am not scared out of my mind to exercise. I have been to the cardiologist to inquire about doing this 1/2 marathon and we did another echo and a stress test and all was well! I still have odd symptoms sometimes, but he feels confident that they are benign in nature.
SO! Here I am I have been "trying" to get back in shape by running and have been nervous but very thrilled to take back control of my body. I am writing this to tell my long story in a short nut shell but also to educate women because some physicians are unaware of this condition and it puts women at risk of even death if not treated properly. Maybe I will dress as the "Queen of Hearts" from Alice in Wonerland. So excited to be "officially" making this my goal!

Glad to hear you are on the mend and getting back to running. That must have been scary

 

[tinkeramy]

Kinda funny that we've had some posts about budget concerns - I just posted to the blog today as to the status of my "Princess Fund"! I had a previous post about expenses and I posted today that I have already saved about $350 in the last 3 months - I was really surprised! My goal is $800 total, so I'm confident that I will hit that by Princess time. Perhaps the race retreat is in my future next year?!?!

Oldest had some kind of eye funk and was home today. I got my run in with him on the bike, but it wasn't easy. I just don't know how I'm going to stick to my plan this summer with 3 kids, one of them almost 4. We don't have a treadmill and I loathe the thought of getting up before DH leaves for work, but it might have to be done. Also considering hitting the local middle school track - the olders can bring bikes or scooter while the younger can play in the middle with trucks and such. But it sounds so boring!!! Do what ya gotta do, I guess!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Kinda funny that we've had some posts about budget concerns - I just posted to the blog today as to the status of my "Princess Fund"! I had a previous post about expenses and I posted today that I have already saved about $350 in the last 3 months - I was really surprised! My goal is $800 total, so I'm confident that I will hit that by Princess time. Perhaps the race retreat is in my future next year?!?!

Oldest had some kind of eye funk and was home today. I got my run in with him on the bike, but it wasn't easy. I just don't know how I'm going to stick to my plan this summer with 3 kids, one of them almost 4. We don't have a treadmill and I loathe the thought of getting up before DH leaves for work, but it might have to be done. Also considering hitting the local middle school track - the olders can bring bikes or scooter while the younger can play in the middle with trucks and such. But it sounds so boring!!! Do what ya gotta do, I guess!

I get up before work to get my runs in or they will not happen

 

[WsPrincess]

Kinda funny that we've had some posts about budget concerns - I just posted to the blog today as to the status of my "Princess Fund"! I had a previous post about expenses and I posted today that I have already saved about $350 in the last 3 months - I was really surprised! My goal is $800 total, so I'm confident that I will hit that by Princess time. Perhaps the race retreat is in my future next year?!?!

Oldest had some kind of eye funk and was home today. I got my run in with him on the bike, but it wasn't easy. I just don't know how I'm going to stick to my plan this summer with 3 kids, one of them almost 4. We don't have a treadmill and I loathe the thought of getting up before DH leaves for work, but it might have to be done. Also considering hitting the local middle school track - the olders can bring bikes or scooter while the younger can play in the middle with trucks and such. But it sounds so boring!!! Do what ya gotta do, I guess!

I added up what the costs are going to look like for us and I started crying. DH could not get why I was so upset. He told me to stop the stressing about the cost and to just do the training part. I think part of my stress is that DH is coming with me so I have his airfare, his food and the CheerTeam/Squad thing since my mom is giving me the Race Retreat for Christmas.

And I also HATE track running. I have considered switching gyms for the summer so I can use the childcare there but the extra cost is HUGE!

 

[WsPrincess]

Maybe I will dress as the "Queen of Hearts" from Alice in Wonerland. So excited to be "officially" making this my goal!

This is so scary but I am so glad you are setting this as your goal! It will be a wonderful finish for you and I love the costume idea.