The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[Princess on the Run]

Release the guilt! If you want to take your daughter, I wouldn't worry about the school. She's 5 years old and you are her parent... it won't be the end of the world if she misses a few days of class. And what a great experience for her to watch her mom accomplish a half marathon!

On the other hand, if you want to go alone, she'll be fine for a few days without you. And you'll be a healthier, more confident, happy mom when you return.

Yes, yes and yes!!!

Before having school-aged kids, I felt very strongly that kids should never be taken out of school for vacation when there are plenty of months when they're not in school to go. Unfortunately, between my work stuff, DH's work stuff, family stuff, other stuff, misc stuff and stuff stuff, it isn't always possible to take an awesome family vacation in July and Disney is a lot ore affordable in February. So we took them out for a week this year and we're doing it again next year and the following. My oldest is in 2nd grade now and I think probably in a few years I will have to re-assess. But honestly, what they are learning now...they can make it up. And the experiences are totally worth it! My kids grew up so much in that week and my oldest did all of his homework on the plane and read every night there.

OTOH, if you want to go alone, enjoy it!!! Mommy needs a break too!!!!!

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Just wanted to clarify something about time/placement:

I'm running a half at the end of the month, and I'm not sure if I'm going to break 2:45. Let's say I come it at 2:50, is it still worth submitting my proof of time in the hopes that I would be placed ahead of those not submitting times at all?

 

[jodipaige2004]

Liked your page, I live in Brampton!!!

Thanks Tinkermom76! "It's a small world after all"!

Are you doing any races in Toronto before the Princess? Last month we had a little princess meet-up at the Toronto Women's 10K (check out my race report on our blog for pics...one of the ladies even brought tiaras for everyone!) and it was so much fun to meet others who are training for this event. We will be doing another meet-up at the Toronto Zoo Run on Sept 22! I am also registered for the TO Women's Half-Marathon on May 25 - this will be a half I run for time, whereas the Princess is my first and I want to be able to stop for characters and photos and just enjoy it!

Jodi

www.2princessesontherun.wordpress.com

 

[longhorns2]

Just wanted to clarify something about time/placement:

I'm running a half at the end of the month, and I'm not sure if I'm going to break 2:45. Let's say I come it at 2:50, is it still worth submitting my proof of time in the hopes that I would be placed ahead of those not submitting times at all?

I'd bring it to the expo. I don't think I'd submit it ahead of time just in case they use it to move you back, KWIM?

After you get your bib, you will know. If you get in a corral you are comfortable with, then don't worry about it. If you happen to get stuck in the back for some reason then take it to the runners relations and see if they will move you up. I do think in general, proof of time helps.

They may take into consideration the fact that Disney is pretty flat and fast compared to other halves... so there may be a bump factored in, KWIM? I'm just thinking I'd be a heck of a lot slower in the SF half (holy hills!) than doing WDW.

I don't know that it would help for sure, but I'd bring it to the expo and see what your corral ends up being. I doubt they would move you back, but they might bump you up.

 

[tinkeramy]

Whew - have been away for a week or two while moving into our new house. Finally just caught up!

Two cents about the t-shirts / goody bag thing: Yes - I agree that they are seeming to "cheap out" for the money we pay. But once I gave it further thought, I realize that there is no way any of us can truly know the magnitude of how much it costs to put on an event like this. From staff handling registrations (and all of us calling about our corrals!) to the expo, to actual race day, the amount of staffing is outrageous. Throw in all the characters & handlers, tech people to take care of sound, lights and mile markers, the cost of opening the park early, the insurance, the amount of EMT workers they need on hand (b/c, let's face it, people just want to do a Disney race wether they are prepared or not and many of them end up needing medical care), the police that need to be on standby.... the list goes on and on. Personally, I don't care about the tech shirts - I would actually rather get the "I Did It" shirt included in my reg fee. But there's no way that's gonna happen, because lots of people are willing to pay $25 for that shirt but a lot less would pay that kind of money for the tech tee that they have been including.

As far as guilt for going without your family: some of these posts are running together, but I think the orig. poster mentioned that they had just taken the kids in Feb? Then NO GUILT at all, I say! This is a girl's weekend for me and my kids have been surprisingly ok with it. The first year, I didn't tell them I was going to Disney - I just told them I was going to Orlando. One of my jr. detectives snooped on my desk and saw my race stuff, but there was no drama. Last year, no drama b/c we had already planned a Dis cruise for this past summer. At this point, I think my kids just realize that this is something Mom and Ms. Julie do. I really can't imagine dealing with all the logistics and early rising for the race while trying to cater to my kids as well. I also think it's okay for kids to know that they don't have to be included in everything. It's more than acceptable for kids to understand that sometimes they will be going on trips like this, and sometimes they will not. And I bring back cool gifts, so that helps!

 

[TinyDancer]

I was JUST thinking about my kids not going and then I read your reply lol. Mine don't really know yet that I'm going, they have heard me talking about it but haven't mentioned it yet.
I have been a SAHM and catered to everyone's needs for 8 years now. It is high time that I do something for myself. If that means that my kids stay at home with DH for a weekend and I go run my little heart out, so be it. I honestly couldn't deal with my 4 DC and have fun at this race.. Not for the first time anyway! Maybe later when they are older, but right now at ages 7, almost 5, just turned 2, and almost 1... No This Mama needs a break

 

[VickiHD]

Hi Princesses
We just got home from a LONG weekend at Disneyland for the DL 1/2 Marathon and two things I wanted to share:

I confirmed with RunDisney that there will be a special medal for the 5th Princess 1/2 but no hint at all what it may look like. I guess we will have to wait and see.

The second is just to encourage everyone to be consistent in their training. I ended up running the DL 1/2 sick. As soon as we hit Anaheim, I got a nasty head/chest cold. Feeling miserable but no fever. I ended up running and finishing but was miserable for the entire time. But I really believe that it was my consistent training is what helped me finish. DH and I do this race every year and I was SO looking forward to it and I never thought I would get sick so I guess it's something we all have to think about and try and avoid. I would encourage everyone just to keep up their training since you never know what might happen on race day. And the better prepared you are before race day the easier race day will be sick or not sick.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I also think it's okay for kids to know that they don't have to be included in everything. It's more than acceptable for kids to understand that sometimes they will be going on trips like this, and sometimes they will not. And I bring back cool gifts, so that helps!

This is what my parents called character building

 

[Cripey]

Hi Princesses
We just got home from a LONG weekend at Disneyland for the DL 1/2 Marathon and two things I wanted to share:

I confirmed with RunDisney that there will be a special medal for the 5th Princess 1/2 but no hint at all what it may look like. I guess we will have to wait and see.

The second is just to encourage everyone to be consistent in their training. I ended up running the DL 1/2 sick. As soon as we hit Anaheim, I got a nasty head/chest cold. Feeling miserable but no fever. I ended up running and finishing but was miserable for the entire time. But I really believe that it was my consistent training is what helped me finish. DH and I do this race every year and I was SO looking forward to it and I never thought I would get sick so I guess it's something we all have to think about and try and avoid. I would encourage everyone just to keep up their training since you never know what might happen on race day. And the better prepared you are before race day the easier race day will be sick or not sick.

Congrats on the finish!! Sorry you were sick though As tough as that was physically on your body, I can't even imagine how hard that was to do mentally! My BF and I were kind of sad all weekend that we weren't there...reading about it here and on FB. I ran 8 miles that same morning and he rode his bike along with me since he got his long run in the day before, and kept saying "oh, we'd be starting the DL race right about now!" or "you'd probably be getting close to Angel stadium if we were there!" I love the old-school looking design on the medal's lanyard and on the bib this year too. We're sorry we had to miss it this time around

 

[Mamasmurf227]

Maybe later when they are older, but right now at ages 7, almost 5, just turned 2, and almost 1... No This Mama needs a break

I think you have absolutely earned a break!

 

[VickiHD]

Congrats on the finish!! Sorry you were sick though As tough as that was physically on your body, I can't even imagine how hard that was to do mentally! My BF and I were kind of sad all weekend that we weren't there...reading about it here and on FB. I ran 8 miles that same morning and he rode his bike along with me since he got his long run in the day before, and kept saying "oh, we'd be starting the DL race right about now!" or "you'd probably be getting close to Angel stadium if we were there!" I love the old-school looking design on the medal's lanyard and on the bib this year too. We're sorry we had to miss it this time around

Thanks !!
This year (before the dirt trail) on the way to the Honda Center & Angels Stadium, they had miles of custom cars, all different kinds and the owners were sitting out with them playing music and cheering us on. I'm not a car buff but it was really cool to see and also made the long miles through the tile and kitchen counter top companies go by much faster.
I agree with you on the design --it's great and the selection of merchandise was much better than the past years. One complaint---no "I'm in training for 2013 shirt". I always get one and they were not available this year.

 

[Cripey]

Thanks !!
This year (befor the dirt trail) on the way to the Honda Center & Angels Stadium, they had miles of custom cars, all different kinds and the owners were sitting out with them playing music and cheering us on. I'm not a car buff but it was really cool to see and also made the long miles through the tile and kitchen counter top companies go by much faster.
I agree with you on the design --it's great and the selection of merchandise was much better than the past years. One complaint---no "I'm in training for 2013 shirt". I always get one and they were not available this year.

oh wow, I bet that was really neat to see...that is such a loooooong boring stretch there too!

 

[scrapAM]

Just wanted to clarify something about time/placement:

I'm running a half at the end of the month, and I'm not sure if I'm going to break 2:45. Let's say I come it at 2:50, is it still worth submitting my proof of time in the hopes that I would be placed ahead of those not submitting times at all?

Yes, it is worth submitting a time, even if it is not a great time. Last year a friend of mine submitted a time close to mine (we are not speedy runners) and she had proof of time and I did not. She ended up in coral C and I was in E, so it did help her. I am thinking they may consider that if you have proof you are fairly serious and will have a decent time in the end. Just my theory!
As I type this though, 2:50 would be great!!!

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

I know I've got six months...but I get scared sometimes when I go for a run. I'm only on my third week of training, I'm so new and I'm still mucho overweight. I am still determined to go and run, but the fear of being picked up in the van of shame haunts me.

 

[mickeysgal]

I know I've got six months...but I get scared sometimes when I go for a run. I'm only on my third week of training, I'm so new and I'm still mucho overweight. I am still determined to go and run, but the fear of being picked up in the van of shame haunts me.

Don't fear the sweepers!

You can do this. You have 6 months - that's a LOT of time to improve and build your confidence.

Believe me when I say that there are ladies and gentlemen of all shapes, sizes, and ages that run these races. Not everyone is a corral A runner. Hey, if I can do it, anyone can. I started running at the age of 48 and I have some arthritis in my hip. I just completed my second half marathon. I had major sweeper fear my first race. You will do fine!

 

[JCH]

Is anyone here crafty with ribbon? Just saw these and wondering if anyone knows how to make them! http://www.etsy.com/listing/106436982/the-whole-colection-ribbon-sculpture?

 

[ColleenG]

I was JUST thinking about my kids not going and then I read your reply lol. Mine don't really know yet that I'm going, they have heard me talking about it but haven't mentioned it yet.
I have been a SAHM and catered to everyone's needs for 8 years now. It is high time that I do something for myself. If that means that my kids stay at home with DH for a weekend and I go run my little heart out, so be it. I honestly couldn't deal with my 4 DC and have fun at this race.. Not for the first time anyway! Maybe later when they are older, but right now at ages 7, almost 5, just turned 2, and almost 1... No This Mama needs a break

As a fellow mom of 4, YOU do deserve a break!! I am going without DH and the kids and I am so excited! Last year they were all cranky and whiny. DH was the only one that got up early. My mom came up and stayed with the kids and met me at the finish and I got to see them on the course. This year it is a girls weekend!

 

[ColleenG]

Is anyone here crafty with ribbon? Just saw these and wondering if anyone knows how to make them! http://www.etsy.com/listing/106436982/the-whole-colection-ribbon-sculpture?

Those are too stinkin' cute!! I am not at all crafty like that.

 

[JCH]

Those are too stinkin' cute!! I am not at all crafty like that.

Me neither. I may have to get one of these to go with whatever costume I pick. A purple sports bra, green sparkle skirt, and Ariel ribbon headband will be awesome. Now to convince my husband that even though I'm doing ToT, the Marathon, and flying to Dallas to do Rock and Roll with my brother, I still need to run the princess! I wish they release the medal. A few hours of "but look how pretty!" and he'll cave.

 

[hmdavid]

Is anyone here crafty with ribbon? Just saw these and wondering if anyone knows how to make them! http://www.etsy.com/listing/106436982/the-whole-colection-ribbon-sculpture?

I can't guarantee there is a tutorial, but I have been subscribed to this thread for a long time and I know I have seen pics of the princess ones in there!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2048367

ETA: I found this blogger through pinterest. I love pinterest!
http://entirelysmitten.typepad.com/entirelysmitten/2011/07/ribbon-princess-hair-clips.html