The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[mommyof2princesses]

HEy All! Been so busy I haven't kept up. My first half is in October and I am into my training. I now have a midweek run that used to be my long weekend run! I had to do 6 today and thanks to the nasty weather I had to treadmill it. Furthest I have ever done on the treadmill!

Is anyone doing the pasta in the park? Is it worth it? You get to go in Epcot for a bit too, right?

 

[Mamasmurf227]

I'll be at the Rockfest Half too!!


Holly

Yay!!! Glad you decided to do it!!

Amy (DeerIsle) are you doing it, or did you decide not too since you are doing the DL 1/2? Any other NH/ME/MA area princesses interested in joining us?

 

[VickiHD]

:
O.M.G. Let me share my Saturday long run..

9 miles was the goal - conditions were surprisingly "cool" for west-central FL: low-80s and humidity around 70% at 6:45am. First half was in full shade and not bad at all - I actually felt really good and strong through mile 5. By mile 6, the sun was up and it was hard to find shade, and the temp was around 90. Tunnel vision, chest constricted, nausea, despite taking in 30 ounces of Nuun during my run, on top of 16 ounces pre-run and lots and lots of water the day before. By mile 7 I felt like I was sweating pure salt and it was burning the heck out of my eye, lips and cheeks. Lots more walking than I wanted to do over those last few miles and at mile 8, I stopped at my pool, pulled off socks, sneakers and iPhone and jumped in for a couple minutes. It cooled me down enough to finish the last mile.

I got into an ice bath immediately after a cool-down walk and sucked down Gatorade 3 and water. All told, I lost 5 pounds on that run, battled a pounding headache for another 12 hours, and am only now starting to feel "normal" again.

So here's my lesson learned/ advice for others: SLOW. IT. DOWN. Yeah, yeah, I already knew that; but I didn't do it. Not enough, anyway. On my short, fast runs, I average just over a 12:00/mile pace; that awful 9 miles averaged a 12:56/mile. Looking at the data, I was running around a sub-10:00 pace during a lot of my run intervals. In retrospect, I was overheated, not under hydrated, and probably pushed it close to the edge of being dangerous.

Ladies, don't be me.


I hereby vow to take more frequent and longer walk breaks on my next run and will run slower, focusing only on completing the distance, not going for speed.

Oh my !!!!! I just can't imagine !!!!!! I'm glad your ok now !!

When I hear things like this I just tell myself.....I love California, I love California, I love California !!!!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Yay!!! Glad you decided to do it!!

Amy (DeerIsle) are you doing it, or did you decide not too since you are doing the DL 1/2? Any other NH/ME/MA area princesses interested in joining us?

Ooo that sounds like a nice flat half! Too bad I'll be in WDW that morning sleeping in after having finished the Tower of Terror 10miler the night before!

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Ooo that sounds like a nice flat half! Too bad I'll be in WDW that morning sleeping in after having finished the Tower of Terror 10miler the night before!

Well, OK. I guess that's a good excuse.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

PrincessV,

I too went out way to fast on my trail run and was believe that my electrolyte got wonky and I over heated. When I finished I kept refilling my water bottles with Gatorade and one of the other races told me to try and take S-caps because I had to come out of my shoes because I thought my feet were so swollen.

I too enjoy NUUN tablets!!! This is all a learning experience ladies and I'm glad we can share our victories as well as some of our lessons learned.

 

[Cripey]

For any Princesses on here that are currently dealing with any injuries/pains requiring ice...over the weekend at Target (in the $1 area) I came across some little ice packs...covered in crowns and pink!! I'm dealing with the onset of PF in my right foot for the first time, and they are the perfect size, plus they are cute...that's a win-win in my book! (they also had packages of zip top sandwich bags with crowns...couldn't resist those either!)

 

[MelsBells]

Hi Everyone!

It is exciting seeing so many people getting ready to run or who have run the princess. I recently told DH that I want to run it and he is super supportive. Problem is, I'm not a runner Only in my dreams.

So I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions. I'm getting the feeling that it is ok to walk some of the princess, is that right?
I plan to start training this week, which will give me about 6 months, can anyone recommend good training programs or iphone apps for a total beginner? I would really appreciate any advice.

I want to do this so badly!

 

[LaurieG]

I'll be at the Rockfest Half too!!


Holly

Yay!!

Yay!!! Glad you decided to do it!!

Amy (DeerIsle) are you doing it, or did you decide not too since you are doing the DL 1/2? Any other NH/ME/MA area princesses interested in joining us?

I'm in!!!

Ooo that sounds like a nice flat half! Too bad I'll be in WDW that morning sleeping in after having finished the Tower of Terror 10miler the night before!

Hi There! good luck. glad to see you're doing the princess again this year

 

[KTE]

Hi Everyone!

It is exciting seeing so many people getting ready to run or who have run the princess. I recently told DH that I want to run it and he is super supportive. Problem is, I'm not a runner Only in my dreams.

So I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions. I'm getting the feeling that it is ok to walk some of the princess, is that right?
I plan to start training this week, which will give me about 6 months, can anyone recommend good training programs or iphone apps for a total beginner? I would really appreciate any advice.

I want to do this so badly!

It's okay to walk the entire thing! It seems like it's a pretty even split between people who run, run/walk and walk the race- so long as you keep the pace 16minutes a mile or under you could crawl the race

As for training I think a lot of people use the Galloway training program- I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction on that front! I was not a runner 6 months ago either, so I actually signed up for a training program near my house that was aimed at non-runners (we did a lot of walking in the beginning).

Glad to have you here!

 

[Gryhndmom]

O.M.G. Let me share my Saturday long run..

9 miles was the goal - conditions were surprisingly "cool" for west-central FL: low-80s and humidity around 70% at 6:45am. First half was in full shade and not bad at all - I actually felt really good and strong through mile 5. By mile 6, the sun was up and it was hard to find shade, and the temp was around 90. Tunnel vision, chest constricted, nausea, despite taking in 30 ounces of Nuun during my run, on top of 16 ounces pre-run and lots and lots of water the day before. By mile 7 I felt like I was sweating pure salt and it was burning the heck out of my eye, lips and cheeks. Lots more walking than I wanted to do over those last few miles and at mile 8, I stopped at my pool, pulled off socks, sneakers and iPhone and jumped in for a couple minutes. It cooled me down enough to finish the last mile.

I got into an ice bath immediately after a cool-down walk and sucked down Gatorade 3 and water. All told, I lost 5 pounds on that run, battled a pounding headache for another 12 hours, and am only now starting to feel "normal" again.

So here's my lesson learned/ advice for others: SLOW. IT. DOWN. Yeah, yeah, I already knew that; but I didn't do it. Not enough, anyway. On my short, fast runs, I average just over a 12:00/mile pace; that awful 9 miles averaged a 12:56/mile. Looking at the data, I was running around a sub-10:00 pace during a lot of my run intervals. In retrospect, I was overheated, not under hydrated, and probably pushed it close to the edge of being dangerous.

Ladies, don't be me.

I hereby vow to take more frequent and longer walk breaks on my next run and will run slower, focusing only on completing the distance, not going for speed. [/QUOTE]

PrincessV, I hope you are feeling better! My running coach told me to concentrate on endurance vs speed during the HOT Texas summer so I am proud to be sticking to my 14 min mile while increasing the miles (I have a very low goals of completing the PHM before the balloons so everything else will be icing on my princess cake!) I have always had a tendency to get overheated while outside so I know how you felt!

 

[Gryhndmom]

Hi Everyone!

It is exciting seeing so many people getting ready to run or who have run the princess. I recently told DH that I want to run it and he is super supportive. Problem is, I'm not a runner Only in my dreams.

So I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions. I'm getting the feeling that it is ok to walk some of the princess, is that right?
I plan to start training this week, which will give me about 6 months, can anyone recommend good training programs or iphone apps for a total beginner? I would really appreciate any advice.

I want to do this so badly!

Don't feel bad about walking....I can walk a 14 min mile and see myself doing a lot of that for the PHM! I'm 45 and hubby will be 57 when the race rolls around so we will surely be in the back of the pack as our first goal is to stay ahead of the balloon lady (I.e., not get picked up for being too slow!) We hired a running coach who says he will have us running at least 90% of the race by PHM (what a guy!). As others have said, you have 3:30 to complete at a 16 min mile or better.

 

[MelsBells]

Don't feel bad about walking....I can walk a 14 min mile and see myself doing a lot of that for the PHM! I'm 45 and hubby will be 57 when the race rolls around so we will surely be in the back of the pack as our first goal is to stay ahead of the balloon lady (I.e., not get picked up for being too slow!) We hired a running coach who says he will have us running at least 90% of the race by PHM (what a guy!). As others have said, you have 3:30 to complete at a 16 min mile or better.

It's okay to walk the entire thing! It seems like it's a pretty even split between people who run, run/walk and walk the race- so long as you keep the pace 16minutes a mile or under you could crawl the race

As for training I think a lot of people use the Galloway training program- I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction on that front! I was not a runner 6 months ago either, so I actually signed up for a training program near my house that was aimed at non-runners (we did a lot of walking in the beginning).

Glad to have you here!

Thanks for the encouragement!! At times I feel like it is an impossible goal but I think if I start training now, I should be able to complete it doing a run/walk!! I'm really excited and I'm so glad I can come here for tips and advice!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Hi all

I will be running/walking the PHM this year!!!

I am trying to get back in shape after putting on weight when I quit smoking so I have started the conditioning program and hope to at least run some of the PHM

This year is pretty special, not only is it the 5 year anniversary of the PHM but Feb 11th will be 5 years since I quit smoking to go to Disney!!!

I really appreciate all the tips and help in this thread

One question. Someone wrote something about jelly beans on race day.. what are the jelly beans for?

I will be running as Ariel!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

Whew - just caught up! Got back from our own bit of Disney Monday - sailed on a 4 night Bahamas cruise on the Dream for the first time!

Seeing as though I can get a bit choked up just THINKING about participating in the PHM, I can guarantee that I will be a blubbering fool at many points during the race! When I drove to work on July 10 (Registration Day), "He's A Pirate" from PotC came on my iPod and I started getting teary-eyed. (This is like the main piece of music - when you think of PotC movie music, it's this song)

Oh. My. Gosh. I'm not generally a crier, but you should have seen me during my first Princess when we rounded the corner on to Main Street and started toward the castle with all those people cheering. Here's what totally got me - on the corner there was a cast member yelling, "Welcome, Princesses!" I have no idea why that meant something to me - I'm getting choked up now as I type - but I had that crazy thing going on when you are grinning from ear to ear but still crying at the same time and you look like the craziest person out there!

How are the rest of the southern princess runners fairing with the summer heat & humidity ?

Um, I'm not. I have totally tanked in my training this summer. I did the Castaway Cay 5K during our cruise and sweet mother was it hot! We didn't get started until shortly after 9, we were in the Bahamas, and I hadn't run in ages. There were no mile markers and I had no gadgets, so that really messed with my head. It was also incredibly boring - no ocean views at all! As it was, I did a respectable 33:14 but was mighty glad to meet my family at the beach immediately afterward!

I did a 15k trail race this weekend and let me tell you it take me the same time as it did to finish a 13.1 road race. It was rocky, hilly, roots everywhere but it was exhilarating and refreshingly challenging. I under trained for this race and went out way to face and toward the end I walked uphills for 1/2 a mile however I finished 151 out of 155! Yep, I was not fast but not last. Even if I was last, I would have still been over joyed because that race was super challenging.
Keep on pushing ladies no matter how difficult you it may seem. Even if it means means being the only one left.

How fun! Good for you for accepting a new challenge so openly!

Hi Everyone!

It is exciting seeing so many people getting ready to run or who have run the princess. I recently told DH that I want to run it and he is super supportive. Problem is, I'm not a runner Only in my dreams.

So I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions. I'm getting the feeling that it is ok to walk some of the princess, is that right?
I plan to start training this week, which will give me about 6 months, can anyone recommend good training programs or iphone apps for a total beginner? I would really appreciate any advice.

I want to do this so badly!

Oh, you can absolutely do it. I wasn't a runner at all, either, when I set my sights on the 2011 Princess but 40 was biting me in the butt and I figured it was time to do something big. Since then I have done 4 half marathons total and a bundle of other 5 and 10K's. You can incorporate walking in there anyway you want / need to. I run for a mile and then walk for a minute just to give myself that little rest that I need to keep going. In my signature is my blog address - not too long ago I did a series about various training programs. Good luck and check in with us often!

Hi all

I will be running/walking the PHM this year!!!

I am trying to get back in shape after putting on weight when I quit smoking so I have started the conditioning program and hope to at least run some of the PHM

This year is pretty special, not only is it the 5 year anniversary of the PHM but Feb 11th will be 5 years since I quit smoking to go to Disney!!!

I really appreciate all the tips and help in this thread

One question. Someone wrote something about jelly beans on race day.. what are the jelly beans for?

I will be running as Ariel!!!

Yay! My adored dad died from complications of esophegeal and lung cancers, so I always strongly applaud anyone who has the strength to kick the addiction!

Jelly beans are for your "fuel". People use various things to give them energy during the race - gels, chews, "sport beans" which are jelly bellies, basically and some people just use plain old jelly beans of gummy bears.

 

[ColleenG]

Hi all

I will be running/walking the PHM this year!!!

I am trying to get back in shape after putting on weight when I quit smoking so I have started the conditioning program and hope to at least run some of the PHM

This year is pretty special, not only is it the 5 year anniversary of the PHM but Feb 11th will be 5 years since I quit smoking to go to Disney!!!

I really appreciate all the tips and help in this thread

One question. Someone wrote something about jelly beans on race day.. what are the jelly beans for?

I will be running as Ariel!!!

Congrats on quiting smoking and becoming a healthier you!!

When you get up into the longer runs it's a good idea to use some fuel on the run. There are lots of things out there. Jelly Belly makes sports beans that are jelly beans with some extras as far as energy and electrolytes. Some people like Honey Stingers, Gu, Cliff shots, Cliff Blocks. All do basically the same thing but in a different form. I've used Gu and Cliff shots which are flavored gels. They are about the consistency of cake icing. The thing to do is find what works for you and your stomach. HTH.

 

[Mrs D]

Hi Everyone!

It is exciting seeing so many people getting ready to run or who have run the princess. I recently told DH that I want to run it and he is super supportive. Problem is, I'm not a runner Only in my dreams.

So I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions. I'm getting the feeling that it is ok to walk some of the princess, is that right?
I plan to start training this week, which will give me about 6 months, can anyone recommend good training programs or iphone apps for a total beginner? I would really appreciate any advice.

I want to do this so badly!

You certainly could walk the whole race! I love John "The Penguin" Bingham's training plans. I'm currently using his Walk/Run half marathon plan from his Marathining for Mortals book.

 

[MelsBells]

Oh, you can absolutely do it. I wasn't a runner at all, either, when I set my sights on the 2011 Princess but 40 was biting me in the butt and I figured it was time to do something big. Since then I have done 4 half marathons total and a bundle of other 5 and 10K's. You can incorporate walking in there anyway you want / need to. I run for a mile and then walk for a minute just to give myself that little rest that I need to keep going. In my signature is my blog address - not too long ago I did a series about various training programs. Good luck and check in with us often!

Hi Amy!

Thanks for the tip and encouragement! I have alot to learn and alot of training to do but I think I have the time. I love your blog and I've added it to my reader!

 

[MelsBells]

You certainly could walk the whole race! I love John "The Penguin" Bingham's training plans. I'm currently using his Walk/Run half marathon plan from his Marathining for Mortals book.

Oh good, I'm glad I can do a run/walk or even just walk if need be. That's awesome. That leaves me no excuses, right?

Thanks for the tip on the book, I'll check it out!

 

[amykay9377]

Hi all

I will be running/walking the PHM this year!!!

I am trying to get back in shape after putting on weight when I quit smoking so I have started the conditioning program and hope to at least run some of the PHM

This year is pretty special, not only is it the 5 year anniversary of the PHM but Feb 11th will be 5 years since I quit smoking to go to Disney!!!

I really appreciate all the tips and help in this thread

One question. Someone wrote something about jelly beans on race day.. what are the jelly beans for?

I will be running as Ariel!!!

Congrats on the quitting! Your post made me realize that this February will be my 6th year anniversary of quitting!

I am probably going to be racing as Ursula, so you better watch out for me, hehehehehe