The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[mamacate]

Thanks so much for this info. So even though it took you 3:43, you didn't get swept. I looked through all your photos too. When I read there would be character photos along the course, I didn't think I'd have time to take photos with any of them but I guess I just need to stay ahead of the sweepers.

By the way, if you do get swept, do you still get a medal? I assume no. I think I'd cry if I got swept!!

Yup. Now, if I'd been lined up in the back of Corral H, instead of the back of Corral E, I probably would have been swept at that pace. Those three corrals behind me gave me a 20 minute cushion or so. I did what a PP recommended: I didn't decide to take all those photos until I got to the MK (other than MM photos), and I did it based on having a pretty strong start relative to the minimum pace. Looking at where I was timewise, I felt like I had the cushion. It's important to remember that at 13.1 miles, being two minutes ahead of pace (14MM) means you've got 26 minutes of cushion, in addition to any corral advantage! Train for a 15MM and you're starting with a lot of options.

Minnie and Aurora had lines that were really long, and I should have skipped them, but I was a little crazy. All that resting made it easier for me to press on the gas between miles 6 and 10 and allowed me to feel like I had a good cushion ahead of the sweepers.

From what I have read, you do get a medal if you're swept, though I can understand how people would have mixed feelings about that. You don't get an official time, of course. And yeah, I'd cry too. But remember the WISH motto: DLF>DNF>>DNS (Dead Last Finish is greater than Did Not Finish WHICH GREATLY TRUMPS Did Not Start). Race days go wrong for all kinds of reasons, and even top runners can bonk or get injured and DNF.

There's a thread on the front page about people going into Goofy/Dopey relatively untrained, and one of the responses has a great story about finishing the marathon right alongside the sweepers (from a guys who is clearly used to being in the front of the pack). You can probably find some race reports by searching for princess swept. But like others have said, train well, and trust your training.

I ran 3.2 miles yesterday averaging 14:41 per mile. But that's the farthest I've run and I get slower with each mile. I'm planning to run 4 miles this weekend so hopefully, I'll get faster with each run.

A couple things to think about here. First, race paces and training paces differ. This is less true for beginners than for experienced runners, but I was training at a 14:40 pace for most of my training for my half last month, and my race pace was 12:30! Some of that bump comes from adrenaline, some of it comes from doing shorter race-pace/tempo runs that help you practice that pace. On race day, you put it all together.

In my Princess training I really felt like I was getting slower with every mile I added too, and I was. That's okay, and normal--13.1 is a distance you have to respect. I really recommend following a training plan, and using some kind of run/walk interval. The plans Jeff Galloway produces for Disney are excellent, and his Magic Mile is quite accurate as a race predictor. Jenny Hadfield also has great walk, walk/run, etc. plans all the way up to advanced running plans: http://www.jennyhadfield.com/training-plans/half-marathon/ Remember that Galloway's plans have gotten literally thousands of runners to the finish line at Disney.

I think John Bingham said that it's not about the race, it's about all the training leading up to it. The race is just the celebration of all you accomplished in training! Trust your training plan, focus on putting in the work on your way there, and you will be wearing that medal with a great big smile on race day! Can't wait to see your race report!

Cate

 

[sissy_ib]

I'm in San Antonio too ! I did a 5K at Seaworld about three weeks ago called race for the fund but don't remember an USO one...bummer that nobody could help you out. There is a 10K Boerne turkey trot 17 Nov, will you be doing that one ? Think I might just to get a good 10K time.

I did that one too! It was so much fun. I found this on Active.com a few weeks ago. http://www.active.com/running/san-antonio-tx/run-for-the-troops---uso-san-antonio-5k-2012


I did just go run and if Runkeeper is correct I improved my 5K time by over a minute from the Run for the Fund on the 6th.

I think we are going to do a 10K Turkey trot in Fredericksburg on the 22nd. I saw the Boerne one but it is only a week after we get back from the cruise. I am doing it just to get a better time too, since I don't have one to submit yet.

 

[creativeamanda]

Cate is so right about race day. I've done plenty of runs where my training run was 13 min and on race day I'd have my personal bests for the mile. But even if you don't speed up, that 14 min/mile is perfect for the Disney Princess because it will help you run your race, have enough time for 1-2 photo ops and be able to stop by the potty if necessary.

 

[LoveMyMoos]

Cate is so right about race day. I've done plenty of runs where my training run was 13 min and on race day I'd have my personal bests for the mile. But even if you don't speed up, that 14 min/mile is perfect for the Disney Princess because it will help you run your race, have enough time for 1-2 photo ops and be able to stop by the potty if necessary.

I definitely agree with this. At home, when I do short runs, 2 miles or so, I average between 10 and 11 mins. But I get longer, 4 or more, and I usually average 12-13 mins per mile. I had my first 10k today, the longest I've ever run. I hoped and prayed I could keep my pace around 12mm, just to have a somewhat decent time to submit to Disney. And I averaged just under 11mm and finished in about 1:09(the course was poorly mapped and actually over 6.4 miles). I was pretty stoked and it was a real confidence booster, and has really helped with calming my nerves for the phm.

 

[kindakrazy2]

Have you looked at dance costumes at all? They're very movable and meant to be sweat in. Or a Team Sparkle skirt?

I hadn't thought of dance costumes! My girls are dancers and I could potentially have something here already! Thanks for the great idea.

I also see that the "sweeper" panic I remember feeling last year is alive and well here too. I can tell you a few things about the sweepers. I saw them at the end of the magic kingdom after I waited in line for EVERY PHOTO in the park. I was standing in an incredibly long line for Sleeping Beauty and they went by and shouted to us that we would have to catch up to them, and don't hang around too long. Of course we panicked and I wound up with a photo with a bunch of strangers because we wanted to get OUTTA THERE.

So I spent the next few minutes catching up to them, and then the next mile or two trying to leave them behind, though I did stop for more photos, so I'd lose them, stop, then see the balloons coming up, then push it, then another photo...eek balloons!...hustle...etc.

They weren't predatory like people imagine. Quite the opposite, in fact. I have to wonder if they're not licensed social workers based on some of the stuff I have read about people who got swept. What I saw when I passed them was a BIG group of women running with them, encouraging each other, getting encouragement from the balloon ladies. It was like a pace group, but it was a moving support group. I don't know how many of those women wound up crossing the finish line, but what I saw (briefly--I wanted OUTTA THERE and had legs that could do it that day) was a supportive group of people who were getting each other through.

There was a chilling moment just past mile 10. You go up a long cloverleaf type highway on-ramp, which then bridges the highway you just came from. I started that ramp with a huge crowd of runners, and the balloons well behind me. Once I got to the overpass, there was NOBODY on the road beneath me. I think the 10 mile marker is a key point for the sweepers. I saw no indication of sweepers after mile 10, and I did see people bonking at that point. I suppose you could drop out past that point, but everything I've read and my own experience seem both support the conventional wisdom that after that overpass, nobody's taking you off that course unless you sit down or start running backwards.

So that's what I have to say about the sweepers. Happy to answer questions.

Cate

PS/ETA: I should add that my clock time was 4:09 (chip time 3:43, corral E out of H), so I think that 10 mile sweep was for those who truly weren't keeping up a 16MM....AND started in corral H OR were way below 16MM. See my other post regarding corral placement, but I'm guessing if you register early and are truly trained for a 16MM, you won't see those sweepers. Unless you're a dope and stop for every photo like I did. But I knew I could outrun them in a pinch, and so I did!

Thanks for telling us your story Cate. I appreciate you trying to alleviate our fears. I feel much better about those balloon ladies now.

Yup. Now, if I'd been lined up in the back of Corral H, instead of the back of Corral E, I probably would have been swept at that pace. Those three corrals behind me gave me a 20 minute cushion or so. I did what a PP recommended: I didn't decide to take all those photos until I got to the MK (other than MM photos), and I did it based on having a pretty strong start relative to the minimum pace. Looking at where I was timewise, I felt like I had the cushion. It's important to remember that at 13.1 miles, being two minutes ahead of pace (14MM) means you've got 26 minutes of cushion, in addition to any corral advantage! Train for a 15MM and you're starting with a lot of options.

Minnie and Aurora had lines that were really long, and I should have skipped them, but I was a little crazy. All that resting made it easier for me to press on the gas between miles 6 and 10 and allowed me to feel like I had a good cushion ahead of the sweepers.

From what I have read, you do get a medal if you're swept, though I can understand how people would have mixed feelings about that. You don't get an official time, of course. And yeah, I'd cry too. But remember the WISH motto: DLF>DNF>>DNS (Dead Last Finish is greater than Did Not Finish WHICH GREATLY TRUMPS Did Not Start). Race days go wrong for all kinds of reasons, and even top runners can bonk or get injured and DNF.

There's a thread on the front page about people going into Goofy/Dopey relatively untrained, and one of the responses has a great story about finishing the marathon right alongside the sweepers (from a guys who is clearly used to being in the front of the pack). You can probably find some race reports by searching for princess swept. But like others have said, train well, and trust your training.



A couple things to think about here. First, race paces and training paces differ. This is less true for beginners than for experienced runners, but I was training at a 14:40 pace for most of my training for my half last month, and my race pace was 12:30! Some of that bump comes from adrenaline, some of it comes from doing shorter race-pace/tempo runs that help you practice that pace. On race day, you put it all together.

In my Princess training I really felt like I was getting slower with every mile I added too, and I was. That's okay, and normal--13.1 is a distance you have to respect. I really recommend following a training plan, and using some kind of run/walk interval. The plans Jeff Galloway produces for Disney are excellent, and his Magic Mile is quite accurate as a race predictor. Jenny Hadfield also has great walk, walk/run, etc. plans all the way up to advanced running plans: http://www.jennyhadfield.com/training-plans/half-marathon/ Remember that Galloway's plans have gotten literally thousands of runners to the finish line at Disney.

I think John Bingham said that it's not about the race, it's about all the training leading up to it. The race is just the celebration of all you accomplished in training! Trust your training plan, focus on putting in the work on your way there, and you will be wearing that medal with a great big smile on race day! Can't wait to see your race report!

Cate

Thanks for the support and pep talk for us all! You're awesome! I met definitely think you should sign up and come join us this year!

 

[Princess Sleepy]

So excited! I just did my first ever 10-mile race today. I was a little worried because I had the craziest week and didn't get to train at all leading up to the race. The longest race I've completed before is 5 miles. My longest training run in the last month has been 6 miles.

I completed the Monster Dash today, though, and it was so easy! I never even felt tired. The weather was sunny, no wind, and a little chilly (28F at race start). The miles just flew by. There was a half-marathon option, and when I got to the end I felt like I could do 3 more miles no problem. My time won't set any land speed records, but it was faster than I was hoping for (9:53/mile).

Considering that I have 4 more months to train for the Princess, I am feeling more confident than I was before. Just wanted to share with my fellow runners.

[/IMG]

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

I love the dance costume idea. If I can find what I'm looking for I can get some SparkleTech separate shorts to put under it.

Also, I wanted to send good wishes to all the WiSHers up in the Northeast, stay safe, this storm looks scary!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Just ordered my skirt. Here it is:

 

[Princess on the Run]

Just ordered my skirt. Here it is:

Gorgeous!!!!!

 

[fashionista311]

Cate is so right about race day. I've done plenty of runs where my training run was 13 min and on race day I'd have my personal bests for the mile. But even if you don't speed up, that 14 min/mile is perfect for the Disney Princess because it will help you run your race, have enough time for 1-2 photo ops and be able to stop by the potty if necessary.

race day is defined at 100% effort. you can't train at that 100%, full throttle pace, because if you did, that would be much too tough on your body! I'm much more of an endurance girl than a speed girl (I'm horrible at the 10K distance and shorter), but to give an example - I race between a 8-9 min/mile for half marathons and shorter distances (obv the shorter the race, the faster I am). Most of my training is done around a little under a 10 min/mile which is a very comfortable pace for me. I'll get in my "quality" miles during the two tougher workouts/week I'll do (if you are new to running and/or speed training...def stick to one quality day/week) With a proper taper, all the puzzle pieces fit together...and that's how you end up going faster and better on race day!

 

[kindakrazy2]

Just ordered my skirt. Here it is:

Love it!

 

[creativeamanda]

Gorgeous!!!!!

Love it!

Thanks! It's officially for Christmas from my husband. He said it's the only thing I keep harping on wanting for Christmas this year.

 

[sumlee]

So excited! I just did my first ever 10-mile race today. I was a little worried because I had the craziest week and didn't get to train at all leading up to the race. The longest race I've completed before is 5 miles. My longest training run in the last month has been 6 miles.

I completed the Monster Dash today, though, and it was so easy! I never even felt tired. The weather was sunny, no wind, and a little chilly (28F at race start). The miles just flew by. There was a half-marathon option, and when I got to the end I felt like I could do 3 more miles no problem. My time won't set any land speed records, but it was faster than I was hoping for (9:53/mile).

Considering that I have 4 more months to train for the Princess, I am feeling more confident than I was before. Just wanted to share with my fellow runners.

Congrats! Great time and super cute costume!

 

[sumlee]

Just checking in with a very soggy 8.5 miles today. the rainy season has definitely started! This was my first long run since ToT and it felt pretty good!

 

[sissy_ib]

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

 

[princessallegra]

Just ordered my skirt. Here it is:

WOW! Gorgeous! Did they custom make it for you?

 

[creativeamanda]

WOW! Gorgeous! Did they custom make it for you?

I ordered it from Etsy, so it is a custom one.

 

[AnotherPrincess]

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

I marked Coast to Coast on my registration. I figure no harm done if I can't do a Disneyland one. So if I do one, it will be the Disneyland half. I can fly on miles, which is also what I'm doing for Princess. So hotel will be the main expense. I've never been to Disneyland or even California. I have no idea where to even begin planning for that.

 

[VickiHD]

I know several people have mentioned doing the Coast to Coast with the Tink half, is anyone planing on the Disneyland half in 2013? I am seriously considering it. I have a friend who lives about a hour away from DL who I think I could get to join me and another who live about two hours away who may as well. I have plenty of time to think about it but if I can work it out I would love to get that! Plus I have been itching to get back to Disneyland!

I am !! Next year will be busy with Tink, Princess and then the DL 1/2.

 

[VickiHD]

I marked Coast to Coast on my registration. I figure no harm done if I can't do a Disneyland one. So if I do one, it will be the Disneyland half. I can fly on miles, which is also what I'm doing for Princess. So hotel will be the main expense. I've never been to Disneyland or even California. I have no idea where to even begin planning for that.

You will love Disneyland !!! We just got home last night after several days in the Happiest Place on Earth !!

I run the DL 1/2 with DH each year and it's selling out earlier and earlier each year. So keep that in mind once they open registration. Planning is easy since the "resort area" is so close together. There are a ton of buget hotels surrounding the parks and you can easily walk to DL and DCA from the most hotels on Harbor Blvd. and Katella. So you don't really need to stay at one of the 3 hotels on property with so other options close by. The weather is always warm to hot.

It's always a fun race to run. Hope this helps a little with the planning.