Tinker Bell ½ Marathon Weekend ~ 2014 Check-in!

[kirstie101]

Ahhh!! This is what I am worried about... I don't know what to do. My roommate (who is also running the half) is a light sleeper as well - she automatically sleeps with earplugs if she stays in a hotel. I was going to bring my white noise machine. Truthfully, neither one of us is rich, so it is hard to justify going somewhere more expensive just because of the possibility of noise.

Now, if someone could guarantee me that there is a GN hotel with soundproof walls, that would change things a bit!

I always bring ear plugs when I travel!! Never leave home without them!
I was lucky enough to get the Hojo's ENT rate for 2 of our 3 nights so thats definitely where we'll be staying.

For my training I'm currently doing 2 30 minute runs during the week and then my "long" run on teh weekend. This past Saturday I did 55 minutes. Just increasing it by 5 minutes every week until I do my 10K in September. I'm excited to do a full hour this coming weekend! For my long runs I'm following Jeff Galloways method and doing 2:1 (mainly) intervals for the most part. AFter my 10K I'm not sure if I'll start actually folowing his Tink training plan then or if I'll just keep adding sometime onto my long runs each week.

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

I'm staying at BW Stovall's. It's where I've stayed for the past few Halfs. I've never had any complaints and I like how close it is to the Start/Finish line. Also like that they open the free breakfast room early on race day.

 

[jessicaerv]

Jessica, I am in the exact same boat, except I'm starting c25k on Monday! Neat to see that someone else is going to be in the same situation as me.. I think it's the perfect amount of time to stay motivated, but not so close where I'm freaking out.

Started this morning. Walked my 30 minutes and went 1.79 miles, so about an 18 minute/mile pace. Not bad for my first time out, but I sure know I have a long way to go. The whole time I was thinking to myself "At this pace I'll be picked up by the sweepers!"
How'd you do, Runnintink?

I had a discussion with my DH about whether to make this a family trip or not. He told me he wants to be there to support me and cheer me on, and I said "At 5 in the morning in January with a 3 year old?" He pretty quickly conceded to making it a solo trip after that.

So the agenda for today is to make my plane and hotel reservations, but I keep going back and forth between BWPPI and Stovalls. BWPPI has the better reviews, but Stovalls is closer to the starting line so I don't have to walk too far pre-race. Anyone want to weigh in on this?

Speaking of weighing, I got on the scale this morning to check my starting weight. I'd like to lose 70 pounds to get into a healthy range, and hopefully 20 of it by Tink. Is anyone else in the same boat?

 

[BayAreaMom]

The thing I am debating now is staying at PP sat and sun night.
I have ressies at Hojo's with the retro rate so 4 days for what one day at PP would cost. BUT do I want to walk to Hojo after running/walking 13.2 miles?
Decisions decisions.

Last year I stayed at HoJo for the tinkerbell half and will be staying there again this year. YES, the walk is long. In the morning I was really nervous because it was so flippin early and dark. But literally from the moment I stepped into the lobby there were tons of racers all around. I felt very safe walking over in the dark. The walk back was tough, but i will say its a good cool down for your legs. That said, another alternative would be for any friends/family to meet you at the finish and drive over to DTD from HoJo so they can drive you back. I may ask this of DH this year...we'll see....

 

[longhorns2]

So the agenda for today is to make my plane and hotel reservations, but I keep going back and forth between BWPPI and Stovalls. BWPPI has the better reviews, but Stovalls is closer to the starting line so I don't have to walk too far pre-race. Anyone want to weigh in on this?

Speaking of weighing, I got on the scale this morning to check my starting weight. I'd like to lose 70 pounds to get into a healthy range, and hopefully 20 of it by Tink. Is anyone else in the same boat?

I'll "weigh" in with you... lol Same boat- almost same numbers needed to lose as well. I am hoping for 20lbs before race day, honestly, I would like 25, but I am not going to go too crazy with expectations! Lets go for 20 together and see what happens!

Stovalls is where I picked- for the free breakfast AND the proximity to start and finish. The rest looked ok to me, I can deal with ear plugs if I need them. And walking to and from the parks doesn't concern me as much as making sure I wasn't miles away from the finish in particular. After my 13.1, I want to get back and stretch, hot tub, eat, relax, etc.... and if I can save walking 15-20 min to do so, a happier person I will be!

If I was going to the parks with family, I would pick the other option to be closer. But since it's just me, I can swing getting back and forth to the parks without issue as needed.

 

[BayAreaMom]

It was really cold in the am last year but perfect weather once you started running. I can never decide on a costume. Every Disney race I'm like, I am going to dress up for this one and I never do. Silly me. Great ideas BTW!

The concern I have with costumes is that they make it harder/more uncomfortable to run. I can't believe what I saw last year- besides the wings and wands, one runner carried a stuffed animal! Its crazy.

Last year it actually WARMED up quite a bit. I wore:
capris (the Athleta workitout knicker)
t-shirt (the LuLuLemon Run Swiftly v-neck)
I wore a garbage bag over me at the start to keep me warm, but this year I will bring an older long-sleeve fleece top and throw it to the side of the road when I get warm.

This is what I may add for my costume- let me know your thoughts- it is what I think I can wear and still be comfortable in...

Headband from Etsy:

Skirt from Team Sparkle- I like this because I can wear it OVER my capris:

I wish I wanted to wear green, but I just can't do green. Maybe hot pink, but gunmetal is neutral enough so I can wear a more exciting top, an wear it for other races.


Run Legs (leg warmers) from Team Sparkle- I bought these last year at the Expo but chickened out from wearing them- this year I figure I'll do it.

 

[longhorns2]

Super cute! I like it! I agree with running in costume and not being comfortable, but I am going to give it a go this year. The top will be very runner friendly, with a tutu I can ditch if I need to (that's my plan) I'll do compression shorts or capris depending on weather with calf warmers under the tutu. And I'll run in the darn thing a few times around my neighborhood at night to see if I can do it without being annoyed!

 

[jessicaerv]

Lets go for 20 together and see what happens!

You're on!! We can TOTALLY lose 20 in 6 months! That's less than a pound a week, very doable!

Stovalls is where I picked- for the free breakfast AND the proximity to start and finish. The rest looked ok to me, I can deal with ear plugs if I need them. And walking to and from the parks doesn't concern me as much as making sure I wasn't miles away from the finish in particular. After my 13.1, I want to get back and stretch, hot tub, eat, relax, etc.... and if I can save walking 15-20 min to do so, a happier person I will be!

If I was going to the parks with family, I would pick the other option to be closer. But since it's just me, I can swing getting back and forth to the parks without issue as needed!

I'm leaning that way too. I wish I had the time to hit the hot tub after the race, but its looking like I'll be catching a flight home that afternoon; this is one of the concessions I made to DH for a solo trip. I could go by myself as long as I didn't stay until Monday. I'm a little sad about losing that day and hope that I'm not insane to fly home so soon after burning every last energy reserve I have, but if that's the price I have to pay so that I can go to the Expo and to the parks on Saturday without a 3 year old demanding my every moment's attention then so be it!

Is the OP keeping a list of runners and where they're staying in the first post? That would be a great resource for us all...

 

[specialks]

I'm staying at BW Stovall's. It's where I've stayed for the past few Halfs. I've never had any complaints and I like how close it is to the Start/Finish line. Also like that they open the free breakfast room early on race day.

This was a HUGE plus and a pleasant surprise to find out when we checked in. Having that food ready to eat was so nice on the way to the race. And being able to walk just across the street after running was also such a bonus! It is a great choice for the weekend. We also had a great dinner experience the night before at Cocos next door. Light food that was just what we wanted for dinner before the race day. We are staying in a HoJo kids suite since my mom and DH + 2 DDs will be with me this year. I'm thinking we'll transfer over to the PPH after the race so we can take advantage of the closer walk after the race for park days. I'd consider staying there the entire week so we can be close for the race, but I'd like to save the money for a few nights. I figure lots of people walked from HoJos to the race last year, so surely I can do it too!

I'm getting so excited for the Tink but before that I'm running the W&D! It's like I'm blocking that out. It's easier for me to get excited about what I know is good & fun as opposed to the unknown.

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

This was a HUGE plus and a pleasant surprise to find out when we checked in. Having that food ready to eat was so nice on the way to the race. And being able to walk just across the street after running was also such a bonus! It is a great choice for the weekend. We also had a great dinner experience the night before at Cocos next door. Light food that was just what we wanted for dinner before the race day. We are staying in a HoJo kids suite since my mom and DH + 2 DDs will be with me this year. I'm thinking we'll transfer over to the PPH after the race so we can take advantage of the closer walk after the race for park days. I'd consider staying there the entire week so we can be close for the race, but I'd like to save the money for a few nights. I figure lots of people walked from HoJos to the race last year, so surely I can do it too!

I'm getting so excited for the Tink but before that I'm running the W&D! It's like I'm blocking that out. It's easier for me to get excited about what I know is good & fun as opposed to the unknown.

We ate at Marri's Pizza which is west of the hotel on Katella. Very good food and huge portions. I plan to make it my pre race dinner from now on.

 

[Leskash75]

I'm up for this weight loss too. I am aiming for more though closer to 40ish I'm up got challenge though

 

[jessicaerv]

I'm up for this weight loss too. I am aiming for more though closer to 40ish I'm up got challenge though

Woot woot! Welcome onboard the weight loss bandwagon. Are you aiming for 40 total, or 40 before Tink?

Made my reservations for Stovall's, and bought my air with points; total for the two = $215.60. I had budgeted $650. So what am I gonna do with all the money I've "saved"? I'm going to go buy an iPod Nano for a training aid!!

Don't tell DH, but I'll probably buy a 2 day parkhopper, too.
Who has the best price?

 

[Leskash75]

Ideally I would like to lose a pound a week

 

[runnintink]

Woot woot! Welcome onboard the weight loss bandwagon. Are you aiming for 40 total, or 40 before Tink?

Made my reservations for Stovall's, and bought my air with points; total for the two = $215.60. I had budgeted $650. So what am I gonna do with all the money I've "saved"? I'm going to go buy an iPod Nano for a training aid!!

Don't tell DH, but I'll probably buy a 2 day parkhopper, too.
Who has the best price?

I haven't been out today for my Day 1 - it's pouring here. It should clear up by tonight... otherwise I'll go to the gym, but I really want to try to do the majority of my training outdoors.

Weight loss warrior right here as well! I need to lose about 100 pounds total - yep - I'm hoping to get 50 off before Tink! We will see...

Speaking of HOTELS...
I found a deal for Hilton Anaheim for $350 for the whole trip.. it's a bit farther down, but $100 cheaper than Stovalls.. Anyone stayed there before?

I'm thinking park hoppers too. Still haven't bought airfare or tickets.

PS - Jessica, maybe buy some compression socks that you can run in and/or wear on the plane back home since you're doing it in the same day?

 

[kirstie101]

The concern I have with costumes is that they make it harder/more uncomfortable to run. I can't believe what I saw last year- besides the wings and wands, one runner carried a stuffed animal! Its crazy.

Last year it actually WARMED up quite a bit. I wore:
capris (the Athleta workitout knicker)
t-shirt (the LuLuLemon Run Swiftly v-neck)
I wore a garbage bag over me at the start to keep me warm, but this year I will bring an older long-sleeve fleece top and throw it to the side of the road when I get warm.

This is what I may add for my costume- let me know your thoughts- it is what I think I can wear and still be comfortable in...

Headband from Etsy:

Skirt from Team Sparkle- I like this because I can wear it OVER my capris:

I wish I wanted to wear green, but I just can't do green. Maybe hot pink, but gunmetal is neutral enough so I can wear a more exciting top, an wear it for other races.


Run Legs (leg warmers) from Team Sparkle- I bought these last year at the Expo but chickened out from wearing them- this year I figure I'll do it.

The leg warmers are adorable! Do they sell those online? Love the headband too. Wish the small ones would stay on my head but they dont. Think I'm gonna find a large green one and just wear that. I think people have recommended bondibands or something like that.

Can anyone recommend a good running belt that htey like. I currently have a water bottle holder that I carry in my hand but I know I'm not going to want to do that for 13.1 miles. I just need something I can stick a couple GU's in, a water bottle and possibly my cell phone. I want to bring my little camera too but I guess I'll just hold that in my hand so I dont have to stop to take it out? Any thoughts??

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

The leg warmers are adorable! Do they sell those online? Love the headband too. Wish the small ones would stay on my head but they dont. Think I'm gonna find a large green one and just wear that. I think people have recommended bondibands or something like that.

Can anyone recommend a good running belt that htey like. I currently have a water bottle holder that I carry in my hand but I know I'm not going to want to do that for 13.1 miles. I just need something I can stick a couple GU's in, a water bottle and possibly my cell phone. I want to bring my little camera too but I guess I'll just hold that in my hand so I dont have to stop to take it out? Any thoughts??

I have a SPI belt that works great. It hold my Chapstick and iPhone 4s with an Otter box defender case on it. It doesn't bounce around either.

http://www.spibelt.com/

 

[kim3339]

The concern I have with costumes is that they make it harder/more uncomfortable to run. This is what I may add for my costume- let me know your thoughts- it is what I think I can wear and still be comfortable in...

I'm the same way you are. If I have added bulk, I know I'd be ripping it off 1/2 way through. I like your add-ons, it's easy and you don't have to fuss w/ anything. That's what I do, for the DL 1/2, I'm Cinderella theming it w/ a decal and rhinestone stickers to my blue running shirt.

I wish I had the time to hit the hot tub after the race, but its looking like I'll be catching a flight home that afternoon; this is one of the concessions I made to DH for a solo trip.

Is the OP keeping a list of runners and where they're staying in the first post? That would be a great resource for us all...

Tip about hot tubs after a race, don't. Even though it sounds good, it's actually not good. You best bet would be to do an ice bath, b/c in the beginning of January, doesn't that sound nice? Or a hop in the pool.

As for the list... I'm go back through the thread over the next couple of days and add everyone and their hotels. We usually also do a bib# thread when the bib #'s come out about a month before the race so you can see if people will be in your corral.

Can anyone recommend a good running belt that htey like. I currently have a water bottle holder that I carry in my hand but I know I'm not going to want to do that for 13.1 miles. I just need something I can stick a couple GU's in, a water bottle and possibly my cell phone. I want to bring my little camera too but I guess I'll just hold that in my hand so I dont have to stop to take it out? Any thoughts??

I have a Nathan belt that I love. It has 4 bottles and 2 pouches, a tiny zipper in the back for key/id and pouch in the front for gu and stuff like that. They have a couple different kinds ~ some w/ 4 bottle and some w/2. I like it better than the Fuel Belt, b/c the bottle holders are silicon and they slide really easily in and out which is a plus when you're running. They also sell replacement bottle that have a squirt top instead of the one that's like a water bottle.

 

[longhorns2]

Actually, the hot tub is ok. There were numerous reports just last year saying heat OR ice were equally helpful after a race. I choose heat.

I did ice baths the first year I did the princess and didn't get a lot of benefit from it. I was in mega pain Last year we left the race and went straight to hot tub for 20 min.

Not sure if it helped, but it felt great and didn't hurt! I could actually walk last year without limping vs the year before. Heat wins in my legs.

But yes, most old school runners say ice is the way to go. Do what works for you I say.

 

[kirstie101]

Thanks for the running belt recs! Checking them out on Amazon now.

 

[BayAreaMom]

The leg warmers are adorable! Do they sell those online? Love the headband too. Wish the small ones would stay on my head but they dont. Think I'm gonna find a large green one and just wear that. I think people have recommended bondibands or something like that.

Can anyone recommend a good running belt that htey like. I currently have a water bottle holder that I carry in my hand but I know I'm not going to want to do that for 13.1 miles. I just need something I can stick a couple GU's in, a water bottle and possibly my cell phone. I want to bring my little camera too but I guess I'll just hold that in my hand so I dont have to stop to take it out? Any thoughts??

Yes- the legwarmers are a great deal and are online here:
http://www.team-sparkle.com/shop/category/race-legs/
$12 shipped- great price!

I have used the Nathan Speed 2 Hydration Belt- this is great because it will hold 20 oz of water and my iphone/gu/key. I looked at lots of belts at RoadRunnerSports and most wouldn't fit my iphone securely. Amazon should have the best price on this. Personally, i MUCH prefer carrying water to picking it up from the water tables. I hate stopping and walking and then chugging it from the cup.