The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[mamacate]

Thanks. I'm not really looking for anything "good" just something I can stand texture wise. I am about to head out to look at my options. I didn't mean to come across as I was looking for a full meal on the course!

Sorry, totally didn't mean that to sound like I was criticizing you! I was trying to say I thought they were kinda gross, not that I thought you were looking for gourmet food! Sorry, came out wrong!

I have to say, if I'm going to be consuming 100 calories of nearly pure sugar, I'd rather it taste reasonably good. I mean, how many hundreds of calories of nearly pure sugar do I try to pass up in a day? Now you want me to eat that and not like it? What?

Anyway, a lot people struggle with finding things that won't make them have GI trouble or that they can swallow during a run, so it's definitely worth trying some things out!

Cate

 

[creativeamanda]

Does someplace like GNC sell individual gels? I want to get a handful of different ones to try to see what's the easiest to get down. I struggle with strong texture aversions on a good day, much less after 10 miles of running.

Dick's Sporting Goods sells individual gels near their cash registers. I got some Clif Shots for the last half marathon I did, but there were several different varieties.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

I have a question I haven't seen answered before for those that have run before. I've read that many bring sweats and jackets to be discarded by the road after you've started warming up running, but does anyone have problems getting chilled after the race before they can get back to their hotel room for a shower? I'm trying to decide if I want to bother checking a jacket for post race. While doing my training, i usually go from hot and sweaty to cold and sweaty in just a few minutes. I'm not indulging in the retreat so I expect the lines to be long to pick up a bag. Thanks for yow haring your experience with us newbies.

I normally check a clean shirt, flip flops, frozen coconut water, frozen chocolate milk and a pullover hoodie if its windy. I definitely tend to have the post race shivers.

 

[jlm314]

Yay!! and I see we're both in Alabama

Indeed. I moved here three years ago and love it. My daughter graduated from Alabama in May of this year. Roll Tide!!! There are three of us going together. We are staying at Shades of Green.

 

[Princess on the Run]

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It happened again. Two fabulous mid-week runs last week - feeling great, thinking this ITBS garbage is on its way out... and then only made it 2 miles before pain struck on Saturday morning's "long" run. I finished my planned 3 miles by walking the last mile, but it's sooooo frustrating. All I can think at this point is that I really need to run late in the day for my IT band to have had time to relax. Kinda puts a wrench in that early morning Princess start, doesn't it?!

Spent the weekend at WDW and all of the walking did not help; sore the entire time. I've got an appt with a chiropractor next Mon, am trying to get a massage this week, and I'll try running later in the day this weekend. I guess I'll try a short run tonight and see how it goes.


Many thanks to the Princess veterans posting here - the longer I'm unable to start really training, the more challenging and sinister this race becomes in my mind. It helps a lot hearing you all bring it back into perspective!

I so feel your pain (literally and figuratively!). It's so frustrating knowing you have the endurance, ability and everything else to do it and one stupid body part won't cooperate and throws the whole operation off.

I did 5 miles tonight which is the longest I have made it since my IT issues started about 5 weeks ago. I am so mad at myself both for not pushing farther and for pushing too far. You feel like you want to get checked out to make sure it isn't something else, but you also fear it may be something else and kind of don't want to know. The roller hurts so much but helps. It's just aggravating and frustrating and tear-inducing and I hope you kick it for good soon!!!

 

[hugabearjo]

Really really wasn't sure I could do this half, my niece got me going and now I am excited, but she now cancelled on me. I still really want to go and run, but being by myself doesn't sound fun, or affordable. Anyone get together and share rooms and experiences?

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I so feel your pain (literally and figuratively!). It's so frustrating knowing you have the endurance, ability and everything else to do it and one stupid body part won't cooperate and throws the whole operation off.

I did 5 miles tonight which is the longest I have made it since my IT issues started about 5 weeks ago. I am so mad at myself both for not pushing farther and for pushing too far. You feel like you want to get checked out to make sure it isn't something else, but you also fear it may be something else and kind of don't want to know. The roller hurts so much but helps. It's just aggravating and frustrating and tear-inducing and I hope you kick it for good soon!!!

I am right there with you. After doing the monster half over a week ago my hip has hurt pretty bad. I am no longer limping but I have not done any workout at all. Last time this happend I had to go to PT. I IT band it "there" but again I am not limping and I can now walk the stairs without pain.
You said it well Tear Inducing Frustration.

 

[Swmr359]

I like the Luna bars. They make mini ones so they are smaller and you can just pop one and get the energy you need.

Luna makes mini bars?! I need to find those! I atcually just eat something as I'm walking to the corrals and then alternate between water and gatorade during the race. The past two race I had fruit loops and hot tea, I think a Luna bar might be better...ha!

 

[sissy_ib]

Really really wasn't sure I could do this half, my niece got me going and now I am excited, but she now cancelled on me. I still really want to go and run, but being by myself doesn't sound fun, or affordable. Anyone get together and share rooms and experiences?

Hi! There are several of us that are going to be at WDW solo. We are going to plan a meet up when it gets closer. For sure we should meet up the day of the Expo and before/after the run.



I decided to cut down/eliminate caffeine. I drink way to much diet soda and not enough water. Well that is going to have to wait until I get back from my cruise. Yesterday I was just cranky and at one point feeling like I was going to cry. I took a nap, woke up with a headache, drank a soda and felt a little better for the rest of the night. Today I woke up feeling hung over and I haven't been drinking. Sigh...I'm still gonna try not to have to much but I have too much to do the next three days to feel like this.

 

[PrincessV]

Dont feel bad I cant start training for another month but just think postive thoughts YOU CAN DO IT

IT bands issues suck I had that 2 years ago And had to do crazy stretches everyday
Best of luck

Thank you! I admit - I'm having a hard time staying positive at this point, which probably isn't helping things; I go into every long run thinking, "Please don't hurt, please don't hurt..." and tense up in anticipation of the pain... that stems from tension.

I don't have IT band issues but I do have shin splints and they are driving me crazy. I'm dying to get out there to train and I just haven't been able to do it. I've googled the topic to death for exercises, stretches, tips, etc but it's so frustrating because I know the rest of my body is up for three miles today but my shin is not. So I do know how you feel - when you want to train but just can't do it. So good luck with your chiropractor and massage - sending some virtual healing vibes your way!

Thanks! And I can attest that the stretches, exercises, etc. for shin splints will help! I can't recall now - have you tried using compression sleeves? I swear by them, both while running and after.

I so feel your pain (literally and figuratively!). It's so frustrating knowing you have the endurance, ability and everything else to do it and one stupid body part won't cooperate and throws the whole operation off.

I did 5 miles tonight which is the longest I have made it since my IT issues started about 5 weeks ago. I am so mad at myself both for not pushing farther and for pushing too far. You feel like you want to get checked out to make sure it isn't something else, but you also fear it may be something else and kind of don't want to know. The roller hurts so much but helps. It's just aggravating and frustrating and tear-inducing and I hope you kick it for good soon!!!

OMG, yes - all of the above, exactly!!! 5 miles is great - it sounds like things are easing up for you? Hope so!

I am right there with you. After doing the monster half over a week ago my hip has hurt pretty bad. I am no longer limping but I have not done any workout at all. Last time this happend I had to go to PT. I IT band it "there" but again I am not limping and I can now walk the stairs without pain.
You said it well Tear Inducing Frustration.

UGH, I'm so sorry you're going through it, too. Hang in there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, I ran last night... and, once again, no pain, no problems! (Excepting the fact that my lungs staged an uprising in response to the combination of dry air and huge amounts of ragweed pollen...) I give: I'll plan my next long run for late in the day and see what happens.

Meanwhile, I've got a sports/deep tissue massage scheduled for tomorrow. Hoping that helps!

 

[niclodn]

I have officially signed up! For the race retreat too My bank account didn't like it much but I think it'll be worth it -- especially since this one will be solo.

I'm kind of scared since my first half will be the Tink in January, but I'm not looking to set any records so I'm sure I'll do fine. Hard to believe that less than a year after I started running, I'll have completed 2 half marathons!!!

 

[VickiHD]

Hi! There are several of us that are going to be at WDW solo. We are going to plan a meet up when it gets closer. For sure we should meet up the day of the Expo and before/after the run.



I decided to cut down/eliminate caffeine. I drink way to much diet soda and not enough water. Well that is going to have to wait until I get back from my cruise. Yesterday I was just cranky and at one point feeling like I was going to cry. I took a nap, woke up with a headache, drank a soda and felt a little better for the rest of the night. Today I woke up feeling hung over and I haven't been drinking. Sigh...I'm still gonna try not to have to much but I have too much to do the next three days to feel like this.

I usually don't drink any soda or caffeine drinks but when I do have or eat chocolate and start getting those "caffeine withdrawal" headaches I just take a Excedrin or something simular with a little caffeine in it and each time I take one I cut back amount. I'm sure you will be feeling better in a couple of days. Hope this helps.

 

[PrincessV]

Questions for Race Retreat veterans:

1. Does the tent by any chance have electric outlets - for plugging in phones? My iPhone battery will be sucked dry by the time I finish the race, but I'll need to communicate with some fellow racers. I can buy a case with back-up battery, but I'd rather save the $75 and plug it in if that's an option!

2. Safe to assume there will be hot water available for making tea or hot cocoa?

Thanks!

 

[VickiHD]

I have officially signed up! For the race retreat too My bank account didn't like it much but I think it'll be worth it -- especially since this one will be solo.

I'm kind of scared since my first half will be the Tink in January, but I'm not looking to set any records so I'm sure I'll do fine. Hard to believe that less than a year after I started running, I'll have completed 2 half marathons!!!

Welcome !!! I'm also doing the race retreat and there are others doing it too. Don't worry about doing it solo...there will be meetups before the race.

Be sure and come visit on the Tinker Bell thread. It's a FUN race and there are a couple of us also doing Tink and then Princess. Yeah Coast to Coast medal.

 

[cindy0519]

Getting more and more excited and reading all your post is really helping me a lot!

I ran 1.52 miles last night at a 17.03 pace! Not yet to the 16m/m pace but I can begin to see that this is doable with another 3 months or training.

Off to buy some new running shoes Have a great day ladies!

 

[Tracerr00]

So for these shin splints I'd taken some time off of running, got compression sleeves, I've been icing and stretching and doing exercises for shin splints, I got fitted for new shoes (they put me in a pair of Brooks for stability rather than the Asics I had) and I got the most different/great sports massage on my legs. so last night I decided to go for a walk at the indoor track and everything felt great!! So great that I decided to run a mile which felt fantastic too. And then last night I noticed that my shin hurt in a spot that was a little higher than usual and I put my hand on it and there is a hard painful lump there! What is this?? Is it a muscle knot? I'm wearing the compression sleeve right now and it makes it feel better. I just can't win - the run felt so great last night with no shin pain at all and now this! Has anyone ever heard of a lump on the shin?

 

[happybaker]

It will be a few days until I can get out there and walk again. My father passed away this morning, this hurricane is making it hard to plan his service. I really need to walk just to clear my head.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Holly

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

It will be a few days until I can get out there and walk again. My father passed away this morning, this hurricane is making it hard to plan his service. I really need to walk just to clear my head.

So sorry for your loss.

 

[bskelly07]

Hi! There are several of us that are going to be at WDW solo. We are going to plan a meet up when it gets closer. For sure we should meet up the day of the Expo and before/after the run.



I decided to cut down/eliminate caffeine. I drink way to much diet soda and not enough water. Well that is going to have to wait until I get back from my cruise. Yesterday I was just cranky and at one point feeling like I was going to cry. I took a nap, woke up with a headache, drank a soda and felt a little better for the rest of the night. Today I woke up feeling hung over and I haven't been drinking. Sigh...I'm still gonna try not to have to much but I have too much to do the next three days to feel like this.

You know, I like what you brought up about caffeine! I didn't really think about that... But when I was running back in March-August of this year I had a serious addiction to iced black tea. I mean, I still love it. But I had several life changing events within the past 2 months that I couldn't bring myself to drink it anymore. Now I just drink water and I feel incredibly energized and happy when I run. Maybe it has something to do with it? Because when I was feeling tired before a run I would just drink a bunch of tea and hope for the best. I would end up just feeling sluggish and crappy afterwards. I feel ~enlightened~ now, haha!

I have officially signed up! For the race retreat too My bank account didn't like it much but I think it'll be worth it -- especially since this one will be solo.

I'm kind of scared since my first half will be the Tink in January, but I'm not looking to set any records so I'm sure I'll do fine. Hard to believe that less than a year after I started running, I'll have completed 2 half marathons!!!

Yay! Congratulations I wanted to do the retreat but my cousin is coming to cheer me on and I wouldn't want him to pay the money to do the retreat with me. Nor would I want to leave him while I went to do it! It'll be a year for me and I'll have completed 3 halves! GO US!!! I signed up for Tink too, and I seriously can't wait. It's going to be so fun! Don't be scared!

 

[sissy_ib]

I usually don't drink any soda or caffeine drinks but when I do have or eat chocolate and start getting those "caffeine withdrawal" headaches I just take a Excedrin or something simular with a little caffeine in it and each time I take one I cut back amount. I'm sure you will be feeling better in a couple of days. Hope this helps.

I will do that when I get back. I had a diet Coke and I feel much better. I'm just not going to go cold turkey right now. lol, way to much going on with school and our cruise.

I have officially signed up! For the race retreat too My bank account didn't like it much but I think it'll be worth it -- especially since this one will be solo.

I'm kind of scared since my first half will be the Tink in January, but I'm not looking to set any records so I'm sure I'll do fine. Hard to believe that less than a year after I started running, I'll have completed 2 half marathons!!!

Hi! I have a local half in January so I am in a similar situation with doing two halfs. I am also going to aim for the DL half if I can swing it. I think we are going to be glad we signed up for the race retreat! It is almost sold out if anyone is on the fence.

So for these shin splints I'd taken some time off of running, got compression sleeves, I've been icing and stretching and doing exercises for shin splints, I got fitted for new shoes (they put me in a pair of Brooks for stability rather than the Asics I had) and I got the most different/great sports massage on my legs. so last night I decided to go for a walk at the indoor track and everything felt great!! So great that I decided to run a mile which felt fantastic too. And then last night I noticed that my shin hurt in a spot that was a little higher than usual and I put my hand on it and there is a hard painful lump there! What is this?? Is it a muscle knot? I'm wearing the compression sleeve right now and it makes it feel better. I just can't win - the run felt so great last night with no shin pain at all and now this! Has anyone ever heard of a lump on the shin?

Oh, no! I have no idea what that could be. I have had shin splints that I have had no choice but to run through and cant remember anything like that.



My DH had surgery about 7 weeks ago and is just getting back in to exercising. He did C25K with me in the spring and he decided to start over. I went out with him today since he is on week one, I figured it would be a nice easy 30 minute workout. Back when we started it, it was so hard and today was such a breeze for me! It was so nice to really see how far I have come. DH is in the military and did not need to do it with me, he was just supporting me and I'm so glad he agreed to help me. I don't know that I would have done it without him.