First time running Disney Princess Half

[disneygirl76]

I believe that in the past, you did need to provide your own park ticket as well as the event ticket. But I believe that this year the pasta parties now as Ariel484 said, you can get in the park after a certain hour with the pasta ticket. They have been doing lots of tweaks and changes this year, so you will really need to wait and see what happens once they start to announce details for next year.



Good running stores will often take shoes back for 30 days, no questions asked. (At least the ones near me do) They should also really let you either hop on a treadmill instore, or take the shoes for a spin or two around the block before you buy them. More than likely a shoe that fits ok just walking around the store, will fit differently when you start to run in it. As far as recommendations go, for the most part, I'd take them with a grain of salt. And even though a brand may tend to use the same last across their line (leading to shoes with a large toebox, or a higher instep, etc) a given model may vary from the rest of the line.

Thank you. I am thinking of running down there Saturday a.m. and seeing what they say. Just talking to them and see what is happening.

 

[disneygirl76]

Welcome to the world of running!

I'm a new runner myself with only two events under my belt but I've enjoyed every mile. I don't have too much advice to give that hasn't already been said but you seem to be off to a great start. I can say that cross-training has helped me (yoga specifically) and I have fully come to understand the importance of squats.

This board is also a WEALTH of info and motivation.

I just said that my DH! I need to do squats and lift weights to get more power with my stride and then yoga for stretching b.c my body feels so tight. I am so glad to hear that you do that too. Thanks!

 

[disneygirl76]

Welcome to the wonderful world of running! Like you, I hadn't ever been a "runner" until I signed up for the Disney Marathon in 2011. Yeah, I did it a little backward, signing up for a marathon right away. I don't think I really have anything to add, but I do echo others advice. Try to keep your time in the parks to a minimum before the race or go in with the idea that you will take it easy. I try to arrive two days before my race because I don't want to be traveling the day before since that wears you out and can be dehydrating if you fly. I did go to the parks in those 2 days but we really took it easy just enjoying the shopping and the sights. I have never done the Pasta in the Park as I just found it kind of pricey and try to eat what I know.

Sounds like you are doing great with your training so far! Good job! I also loved the Couch to 5k program. I finished that and then used a marathonrookie.com training program for my first marathon. They also have half training programs as well. I used the Galloway training program for the Goofy Challenge this year. Both worked really well.

Not totally sure about your foot issues, but when you were fitted for shoes, did they say anything about you putting more pressure on the outside of your foot? If you run on the outside of your foot, it is called supinating and if you run on the inside it is called pronating. I overpronate a bit so I wear a Brooks brand stability shoe (GTS Adrenaline). Love them! I also wear Superfeet inserts in my shoes to help with that as well. Did you go to a store that specializes in running? They can really help you as most are runners themselves and have a lot of good advice and information as opposed to a place like Sports Authority or D1cks.

Me again - I am looking at the couch to 5K program but I am seeing loads of sites with links to download and just don't know what to get. Its free right? Is there one site to get it from better then another. I clicked on thing and it said download this doc program so I freaked out and got out of it.

 

[Sumrdog]

I just said that my DH! I need to do squats and lift weights to get more power with my stride and then yoga for stretching b.c my body feels so tight. I am so glad to hear that you do that too. Thanks!

Yippee for Yoga...I love it! Wish I had more time to do it. I feel like I am always squeezing in a ten minute salute to the sun in between changing loads of laundry and cooking dinner...

 

[Kristia]

Me again - I am looking at the couch to 5K program but I am seeing loads of sites with links to download and just don't know what to get. Its free right? Is there one site to get it from better then another. I clicked on thing and it said download this doc program so I freaked out and got out of it.

Here is the link - http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml - if you scroll down to the bottom there is the chart with the workouts. It is free. They also have a facebook page for support if you are on there. The Couch-to-5K Running Plan is the page. Make sure you type it exactly. There was an app page that had a weird download! I know they have apps for smartphones that will actually time you and tell you when to walk and when to run depending on which workout you are doing. I am still in the dark ages with a dumb phone, so I didn't try them and don't know if they are free. Check out the "what did you do" thread and keep us posted on your training!

 

[Kristia]

Thanks! So inspiring! I really appreciate it! Yes, I went to Pacers, in Alexandria VA just outside DC. They have running clubs and are only a running store. They fitted me for these. I think - not sure - but think my issue is that I should only run in these shoes and b/c I am still walking/running, I walk in them. So it effects my foot. I don't know though - wildly speculating.

Just because they are "running" shoes doesn't mean that you shouldn't be walking in them. Tons of runners use the run/walk method and the shoes should be good either way. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error till you find that perfect shoe that works for you. I tried stability shoes from Asics and Saucony before I tried Brooks. The others shoes were ok, but with the Asics I developed shin and knee issues (not positive it was the shoes) and Saucony had a narrower toe box than was comfortable for me. I am on my 3rd pair of Brooks and will stick with them unless they seriously change.

 

[dreamfinder]

Me again - I am looking at the couch to 5K program but I am seeing loads of sites with links to download and just don't know what to get. Its free right? Is there one site to get it from better then another. I clicked on thing and it said download this doc program so I freaked out and got out of it.

Couch to 5k is a general term that many sites use to describe their "getting started in running" plan. Some will charge you for them, but others are completely free. I would look at ones offered from like CoolRunning.com, Active.com, runnersworld.com, etc. Sites that are commonly accepted as being knowledgeable about running. They will all be similar, but slightly different. You may find a different plan may suit your lifestyle better than another. So comparing a few might give you one that fits.

 

[disneygirl76]

Yippee for Yoga...I love it! Wish I had more time to do it. I feel like I am always squeezing in a ten minute salute to the sun in between changing loads of laundry and cooking dinner...

Hilarious! I hear ya! I am a nanny and actually considering getting the kids to do it with me this summer! Is that crazy or genius?

 

[disneygirl76]

Here is the link - http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml - if you scroll down to the bottom there is the chart with the workouts. It is free. They also have a facebook page for support if you are on there. The Couch-to-5K Running Plan is the page. Make sure you type it exactly. There was an app page that had a weird download! I know they have apps for smartphones that will actually time you and tell you when to walk and when to run depending on which workout you are doing. I am still in the dark ages with a dumb phone, so I didn't try them and don't know if they are free. Check out the "what did you do" thread and keep us posted on your training!

Okay, great! Thank you SO much! I will check out that tread too!

 

[disneygirl76]

Just because they are "running" shoes doesn't mean that you shouldn't be walking in them. Tons of runners use the run/walk method and the shoes should be good either way. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error till you find that perfect shoe that works for you. I tried stability shoes from Asics and Saucony before I tried Brooks. The others shoes were ok, but with the Asics I developed shin and knee issues (not positive it was the shoes) and Saucony had a narrower toe box than was comfortable for me. I am on my 3rd pair of Brooks and will stick with them unless they seriously change.

Excellent! Thank you! My friend uses Saucony - but I think in wide. Maybe for the toe reason you mentioned. I am going to check it out Saturday. I am noticing some shine issues as well. But not when I run, just when I walk. I think i'm a funky walker.

 

[Sumrdog]

Hilarious! I hear ya! I am a nanny and actually considering getting the kids to do it with me this summer! Is that crazy or genius?

My kids love yoga! Our gym has a kids yoga class that is really fun.

 

[disneygirl76]

My kids love yoga! Our gym has a kids yoga class that is really fun.

Super! Solves that issue then! I know the older child does it with his mom and she mentioned he likes it. So i'm thinking when the younger is napping, we will have yoga hour!

 

[JillC LI]

I always used to say that I only run if I am being chased. But I really am falling in LOVE with it! Who knew! I feel great! Totally get the runners high that people talk about! Its amazing!!!

Great to see you on the Running subforum, disneygirl! So glad you're already experiencing the highs that running can bring. Good luck to you with your training, and feel free to ask any of us "old timers" any questions you have. The only Disney race I ran was the TOT13K so I can't answer your Half Marathon logistical questions, but I can tell you that if you have trained properly, you should be fine with a RELAXING day in a park before the race - just don't do it commando style!

Hilarious! I hear ya! I am a nanny and actually considering getting the kids to do it with me this summer! Is that crazy or genius?

Love it! It's genius!

 

[disneygirl76]

Great to see you on the Running subforum, disneygirl! So glad you're already experiencing the highs that running can bring. Good luck to you with your training, and feel free to ask any of us "old timers" any questions you have. The only Disney race I ran was the TOT13K so I can't answer your Half Marathon logistical questions, but I can tell you that if you have trained properly, you should be fine with a RELAXING day in a park before the race - just don't do it commando style!



Love it! It's genius!

Thanks! I'm kind of thinking its mad genius! You know - the whole get kids moving thing right????

I just finished making my 9 weeks work out plan using the Coach to 5k method along with things I can do to help core and strength. I think it is a manageable program that works for me and my schedule. I do want to get a little taste of the parks before the race but yeah - no all day and nighters!

 

[disneygirl76]

Officially started the couch to 5 k program today. One thing that I am curious about - does anyone know what speed you should be walking and running at?

 

[Kristia]

Officially started the couch to 5 k program today. One thing that I am curious about - does anyone know what speed you should be walking and running at?

I think the speed really is "what works for you". You can pick doing the program by distance or time. I found it easier to measure time. When I officially ended the program, I hadn't quite made the 5k mark because I couldn't do 5k in 30 min (and still can't ). I then started working on endurance and got a bit quicker in the process. Make it quick enough that you are working but not killing yourself especially in the beginning. Try and keep the walk as brisk as you can. In the beginning, I think it is better to build endurance so you don't have to be super worried about speed. That will come!

 

[disneygirl76]

I think the speed really is "what works for you". You can pick doing the program by distance or time. I found it easier to measure time. When I officially ended the program, I hadn't quite made the 5k mark because I couldn't do 5k in 30 min (and still can't ). I then started working on endurance and got a bit quicker in the process. Make it quick enough that you are working but not killing yourself especially in the beginning. Try and keep the walk as brisk as you can. In the beginning, I think it is better to build endurance so you don't have to be super worried about speed. That will come!

Thanks!!!! I saw in the upcoming weeks he talked about distance and time and I calculated what that speed was and was like - I can't do that! So as a starter, didn't know what to set my speed to. I am pretty slow. Only around the 3.5 walk to 4.2 run speed. I will need to look into endurance building!

 

[Sumrdog]

Officially started the couch to 5 k program today. One thing that I am curious about - does anyone know what speed you should be walking and running at?

I am just curious how the running is going for you? I hope well

 

[disneygirl76]

I am just curious how the running is going for you? I hope well

Hi! Going well! I'm on week 3 I think - just the end of it. I watched Extreme Weight Loss this week and sobbed when I saw the girl run her first marathon! I was like if she can do it - I can do it! So inspiring! Thank you! Its going really well!!! I just have to keep reminding myself that it is slow and steady.

 

[disneygirl76]

Its official! All registered! No turning back now!