Tinker Bell ½ Marathon Weekend ~ 2014 Check-in!

[RedRosePrincess]

So, I'm spending my Saturday evening on the couch (I ran this morning so it's okay!), with the TV on in the background and I decided to Google some pictures from last year's race. I came across over 10 blogs from people who did the race last year, and the race reports varied so much, but the one thing that stayed consistent was that everybody had a lot of fun.

I noticed some bloggers talking about doing intervals during the race last year. Quick question: how common is it to run/walk/run an entire half marathon? I suppose it doesn't matter, as long as you're keeping the minimum pace (16 min/mile), right?

Also, I noticed a lot of people said that the lines to take pictures with the characters were REALLY long, and while most people decided to pass for that reason, obviously others decided to wait in those long lines. So, if people are waiting in long lines to take pictures with characters, doesn't that make your time... worse, and perhaps risk not finishing in 3:30? Or maybe the really fast runners are the ones waiting in the lines because they know they can make up for it with speed?

I guess my nerves are just getting to me. I've read a lot of people on here are already running miles within their first few weeks of training, and I'm still stuck on 1.2 miles in 18 minutes, which will probably decrease next week because the training gets harder. I just don't want to lose my motivation. I want to do well, I want to finish. Anybody else having semi-doubtful thoughts?

From what I experienced, there were a handful of ladies who did get swept that seemed to stop at all of the character lines. They were in the last corral so I think that stopping for pictures plus being in the back of the last corral didn't give them enough time to make it past the sweep point. These ladies seemed more than able to finish the race, I think they just got caught up in the excitement of the photo ops.

I think it is also a personal preference if you want to stop for photos. I find that it is thrilling enough to be able to be backstage and in the park when it isn't open so the character photos aren't necessarily a must do thing for me and also since I need every single second I possibly have, stopping isn't worth it for me.

 

[BabieDuckie]

Thanks to everyone for their input! I feel better knowing that I won't be the only one doing intervals for the race. Now, I just need to find a ratio that will work for me. I still plan on pushing myself to finish the C25k program, which will have me running for 20 minutes straight, with no walk breaks by Friday.

To back pedal a little bit, I went to mapmyruns.com and did just that, mapped my run. Apparently my round trip route is just under 2 miles, at 1.93 miles, whereas my pedometer said 1.2 miles. I'm out for about 28 minutes, and that includes my 5-minute warm up and 5-minute cool down, so I guess I'm not doing as bad as I thought.

My goal for Tink has always been to have fun... well, to finish, but to also have fun. I'm not very concerned about my time, but just want to make sure that I'm staying within the safe zone of not getting swept.

As a side note, I also saw pictures of Tink merchandise from last year and have decided that I definitely need to start setting aside a separate fund for the expo! Sparkle skirts and sweaty bands are at the top of my list... but I think I might be ordering these ahead of time to see how comfortable I am in both before deciding to wear them on race day. Since this is my first race ever, I have a feeling I'll want everything that says Tinker Bell Half on it.

 

[kim3339]

I was able to get a running bra from moving comfort that fits really well. They also have a really cool group for women losing weight to be able to "trade in" one pair of pants, shirt and bra as you go down in size and get a 40% discount on the new ones., for each size you go down. And the trade in doesn't have to be something you bought in their store.

That is such a cool idea! Is it a local store or nationwide one?

I've got to say that I am a true believer now of KT Tape! Best stuff ever. I taped up my right knee that I've been having runner's knee pain in and didn't bother me a bit (even with all the hills we had!). I only wished I had taped up both knees.

I love that tape too! Do you use the regular kind or the pro kind? I found the pro kind at a race in Dec and only use that kind now. It's stronger and doesn't peel at the ends as much, and I found it works a little better to.

Also, I noticed a lot of people said that the lines to take pictures with the characters were REALLY long, and while most people decided to pass for that reason, obviously others decided to wait in those long lines. So, if people are waiting in long lines to take pictures with characters, doesn't that make your time... worse, and perhaps risk not finishing in 3:30? Or maybe the really fast runners are the ones waiting in the lines because they know they can make up for it with speed?

Some of the lines were long last year, some weren't. I remember Tangled was craaaazy long. But in the parks she's long so that might have had something to do w/ it. An idea to throw out there if you're worried about time/sweepers and want to take pics, is maybe the 5k on Saturday? I'm not really a big pic person, but every couple of years I do, and I'll use the 5k to do it. They have most of the same characters out and there's less people, so shorter lines. I'm doing that next month b/c we finish in Cars Land and it'll be a good way to see the land w/o a ton of people. You can walk the 5k, a lot of people do that, just enjoy the characters and take in the race w/o the pressure. And the big bonus is that if you're using a camera and not a phone, it's 1 less thing you have to carry for the 1/2.

I find that it is thrilling enough to be able to be backstage and in the park when it isn't open so the character photos aren't necessarily a must do thing for me and also since I need every single second I possibly have, stopping isn't worth it for me.

Me too! I love the backstage part almost better than the rest of the race, b/c how many people can say they've been back there besides CMs and runners.

 

[Leskash75]

Did 9.5 miles today and I'm exhausted lol. Then went to food truck festival lol. I do intervals too. Right now 30/45 Galloway but planning on 1/1 in September.

The 5k to get pictures sounds like a great idea I might do that. I really wanted pictures but could not figure out how that would work.

 

[kindakrazy2]

I run 10/1 intervals when I run a full distance. I think that is probably what I will do for this half as well. Its very, very common for distance runners to use the 10/1 thing. My first half I busted out laughing because at exactly 10 mins into the race the whole course slowed to a walk at exactly the same time. We were all still close enough together that you could watch it happen.

So ya, don't worry - lots and lots and lots of people will be running intervals of some sort.

 

[indygirl99]

That is such a cool idea! Is it a local store or nationwide one?

It is a local store. They just opened their second store in the Portland area called Aries Apparel.

Their tag line is ( we don't have anything against boys, we just don't want to wear their clothes ).

I love this store. As a bigger, shall we say fluffy girl, it is sometimes painful going into regular stores trying to get appropriate exercise/running clothes. Courtney was really great helping me get the right fit and explaining their "winners circle" trade in program.

I took my running bra out for a spin today and quicly realized the difference between 56 degrees and 76 degrees. My walk/run was more of a walk/slow jog. But I still completed 2.33 miles in 35 min so slightly more distance than yesterday in the same time. The only thing I can figure is that my walk today was faster than yesterday even though it felt like I was just sloging through. Maybe the girls not bouncing from my knees to my forehead helped me be faster.

I am glad it will not be 76 degrees when we run the Tink.


So where do I go read or get information on taping knees and other parts?

 

[kim3339]

The moving comfort bra is great! Ever since I found it, I haven't used another. They definitely hold you in well which is huge if your girls are ...

As for the KT tape, they have videos on you tube that show you all the different ways you can use it and how to place the tape. But they also have instructions in the box which helps out a lot. I have slink for shin splints at the office bookmarked, I can forward that to you tomorrow if you'd like.

 

[specialks]

So where do I go read or get information on taping knees and other parts?

http://www.kttape.com/

Click on Instructions for the videos.

We bought the regular because my DH didn't want to spend the extra for the Pro until we saw if it worked or not. I had no problem with my application for full knee support lasting all day, but I could tell it was wearing a little on the edges after my shower. I still wore it when we went back to our local carnival after the run. But by night time I was ready to take it off. It was still fully adhered.

 

[hpfan100]

Hi everyone,

I know I'm a little late to the thread but I am going to be at the Tink weekend and wanted to say hi!!!

I'm planning to run the half and this will be my first half and runDisney event. I'm an on again off again run/jog/walker and think this event will motivate me to be more on and work on getting back into shape.

I'm now just working on doing daily runs or exercise for the next two weeks then it's on to C25K and then after that..???

 

[Leskash75]

I'm now just working on doing daily runs or exercise for the next two weeks then it's on to C25K and then after that..???

Awesome job. Each step counts.

 

[indygirl99]

The moving comfort bra is great! Ever since I found it, I haven't used another. They definitely hold you in well which is huge if your girls are ...

As for the KT tape, they have videos on you tube that show you all the different ways you can use it and how to place the tape. But they also have instructions in the box which helps out a lot. I have slink for shin splints at the office bookmarked, I can forward that to you tomorrow if you'd like.

Kim I would love it if you could forward the info you have.

Specialks Thanks for the link to the KT site. I manytimes forget what is available on the internet. Went to the site and will for sure get some tape and play around to see if I can get some added support in some areas.

Working 3 days straight 12 hr shifts so no chance to run again until thursday. I am going to try some stair climbs at work if I can get away and will work on some squats and lunges to strengthen my leg muscles some.

Is it weekend yet?

 

[kim3339]

Here you go:
Link

This one is the you tube for shin splints, but if you look to the right, it'll have a bunch of different videos for different uses.

 

[indygirl99]

Here you go:
Link

This one is the you tube for shin splints, but if you look to the right, it'll have a bunch of different videos for different uses.

Thanks alot. You ladies are great. I am learning so much and will be able to run my 1st half so much better because of your info.

I signed up for a running form class in 2 weeks at our local running store so I will get expert assessment of my style and be able to make improvements before I make habits of form.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Oh-so-super cute running outfit arrived in the mail today! And guess what color the top is? Tinker Bell green!

 

[Shananana]

Oh-so-super cute running outfit arrived in the mail today! And guess what color the top is? Tinker Bell green!

Pictures?

 

[kim3339]

Good afternoon ladies! I just got an email from Raw Threads a company that makes t-shirts. They usually have a booth at the expos too. They have new running shirts that are not only glow in the dark, but disney themed as well. They are so cute!! And as luck would have it, 1 is Captain Hook. It would be perfect for the race, I'm really tempted to get one. I'm going to look at the DL Expo, but here's the site if you want to check it out:
link

I should also point out they also have a really cute Tink one that was popular last year. It had a saying on the front and a wing design on the back.

 

[Shananana]

So, I see the expo starts on Friday. Is it worth it to take the day off and get on up there?
I'd love the tinkerbell bags... but Hubby doesn't want to go up until Saturday.

Thoughts?

 

[indygirl99]

I got cancelled today at work because of lower needs, YEAH as I was really ready for the weekend so I now have 4 days off. And I got my schedule switched so I have my birthday off too.

So outside to run this afternoon did I go and got my DH to ride the bike along with me. He told our doctor I was dragging him alone in my quest for fitness and the doc said good for me.

I don't know how any of you run in the hot weather. It was 72 degress and I thought I was in a swamp. I ran for 46 mins and according to my fitbit I ran 2.91 miles with a pace of 15:48. Mapmyrun had my run at 3.08 miles but either way I ran/walked 3 miles in less than the 16 min pace.

Now to work on my endurance. I will slowly increase my distance each week. I mapped out routes in my area where I can just go down farther to the next intersection to add about half a mile each time and still be able to cut if I need to because I get to tired. I have 3, 4, and 5 mile loops that I can add on to each other and still be able to stop at my house if I need to make a pit stop.

I'm doing this yippee.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Pictures?

Look here:

http://www.titlenine.com/product/ti...s-sale/110952.do?sortby=ourPicks#.UBnx7Wt5mSM

I bought the shirt and shorts. They are awesome! Would you believe they made me run faster? Rotfl!

 

[Shananana]

Look here:

http://www.titlenine.com/product/ti...s-sale/110952.do?sortby=ourPicks#.UBnx7Wt5mSM

I bought the shirt and shorts. They are awesome! Would you believe they made me run faster? Rotfl!

ooooh! I have a title nine by my work. My girlfriend just told me about it last week!