First time running Disney Princess Half

[disneygirl76]

Hi all,

I am a brand new runner - just starting to learn how to run now. I mean, with out passing out or having a stroke.

I am excited to be signing up for Disney Princess Half Marathon and have started planning the trip there in February.

I have some logistical questions since I am a first timer. It says Thursday is the start of the marathon weekend with the weekend finishing up on Sunday, Race Day.

For those who have raced before - do you go to the parks before you run the race - I mean, if you get there Friday do you go Saturday or do you save your energy and body for the race. I am guessing you wait?

Do you typically get there Thursday before hand? Or is arriving Friday okay?

The Pasta Party on Friday - do you need park admission to get in or do you just pay the fee to attend the dinner?

And finally, when does Disney release the info for the 2014 race, beyond just the race dates?

Thanks!!

 

[imagination30]

pasta party is a extra ticket event.. -- it should sayu on the website ,
i would definalty save the parsk till later.. , bc you dont want to do all that walking and wear your self out.
depemding on the situation , but i would giuve your self a little leay way on timing ... bc you dont want to rush or have your fly delyed and your not able to pick up your packet ..
and i would check during , Marathon weekend this year or after the princess this year .. ( some one correct me if im wrong.. ) ** shannon **

 

[Ariel484]

Welcome to the world of running!!

First, totally unsolicited advice for just starting out: get yourself fit for running shoes at a running store. And check out the Couch to 5K training plan - the goal of the plan is to slowly get you to work your way up to running 30 minutes tight hour stopping in 9-10 weeks. It's great for beginners.

Not sure when the first day of the expo actually is. They haven't updated the schedule yet with 2014 dates and they are adding a new 10K race in 2014. My guess (in looking at the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend schedule) is that the expo will open Friday with the 5K and 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. I think it's a good idea to save your park days for after the race if you can - nice way to work out the soreness by walking around a bit and you aren't tempted to be on your feet too much in the days before the race. This never works for me due to my husband's work schedule, but that's what I would do if I could. You should be fine arriving on Friday - the only thing you need to do before race day is pick up your race bib and t-shirt. You WILL NOT be able to do this the morning of the race.

As Todd said, pasta party is an extra cost. I've never done it...I did a pasta party for a local marathon and thought it was a waste of time and money, but I like I've said, I've never done the one at Disney so it might be better. I would suggest thinking about making a dinner ADR the night before at a place you have been to before - food you have eaten and you know your stomach can tolerate. That's just me though...I'm weirdly paranoid about that stuff.

No idea when they'll update stuff. Registration opens on June 11 though...I wouldn't expect it to cost more than $160. As time goes on they'll increase the registration price, so if you know you definitely want to do the race sign up earlier so that it's cheaper.

More unsolicited advice...don't book a runDisney package. You'd probably do better waiting for a room discount.

Also, sign up for a few races before the half. It'll be a good way for you to practice your race day routine and get used to what happens at races (though your local races will probably be incredibly tiny size-wise compared to the Princess Half). In particular, try to sign up for a 10K race and send your time to Disney for corral placement. They send runners off in groups ("corrals") and if you don't submit a time it's fine, but it means you will have to wait longer to start the race.

Feel free to ask any other questions! happy running!

 

[Sumrdog]

So excited for you! I think many of us started out as non-runners and then bam, we are entering marathons!

I also am going to stress that you get fit for good running shoes, it will make a huge difference.

I think in a perfect world, I would arrive Friday and then stay for four or five days after the race to enjoy the parks, but since I couldn't get the time off work that didn't happen. So I just went with it and I was on my feet a lot before the race. I am hoping to do it differently for the marathon in January.

I didn't do the pasta party either. I wanted to make sure I was eating foods I was familiar with, nothing too heavy, spicey or weird. So I didn't want to go to a buffet.

Another thing you should do lots of test runs with are the various gu's, gels, chomps and beans that are made to give people exercising energy. I have found that a majority of them don't sit we'll with me at all. Lately I have been using plain old gummy fruit snacks that are marketed towards kids. They seem to maintain the most peace with my stomach on a long run and they are full of sugar.

The more you run the more you will figure out what clothes, music, weather, foods and time of day work best for you, because we are all different. But you have plenty of time and you can absolutely do this!

You are going to have so much fun!

 

[LindsayLoves]

For those who have raced before - do you go to the parks before you run the race - I mean, if you get there Friday do you go Saturday or do you save your energy and body for the race. I am guessing you wait?

Do you typically get there Thursday before hand? Or is arriving Friday okay?

Welcome to the wonderful world of running!

Do not overdo it in the parks before the race - I totally speak from experience on this one. For the marathon this past year I got there on Tuesday night and spent all of Wednesday-Saturday in the parks and by Saturday afternoon my body was tired and my feet were swelling. I would try to hang out for a few days after the race as opposed to getting their early like I did (though crowds were a lot lighter before the race than they were after the race as I think a lot of people tend to stick around after the race).

 

[disneygirl76]

Welcome to the world of running!!

First, totally unsolicited advice for just starting out: get yourself fit for running shoes at a running store. And check out the Couch to 5K training plan - the goal of the plan is to slowly get you to work your way up to running 30 minutes tight hour stopping in 9-10 weeks. It's great for beginners.

Not sure when the first day of the expo actually is. They haven't updated the schedule yet with 2014 dates and they are adding a new 10K race in 2014. My guess (in looking at the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend schedule) is that the expo will open Friday with the 5K and 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. I think it's a good idea to save your park days for after the race if you can - nice way to work out the soreness by walking around a bit and you aren't tempted to be on your feet too much in the days before the race. This never works for me due to my husband's work schedule, but that's what I would do if I could. You should be fine arriving on Friday - the only thing you need to do before race day is pick up your race bib and t-shirt. You WILL NOT be able to do this the morning of the race.

As Todd said, pasta party is an extra cost. I've never done it...I did a pasta party for a local marathon and thought it was a waste of time and money, but I like I've said, I've never done the one at Disney so it might be better. I would suggest thinking about making a dinner ADR the night before at a place you have been to before - food you have eaten and you know your stomach can tolerate. That's just me though...I'm weirdly paranoid about that stuff.

No idea when they'll update stuff. Registration opens on June 11 though...I wouldn't expect it to cost more than $160. As time goes on they'll increase the registration price, so if you know you definitely want to do the race sign up earlier so that it's cheaper.

More unsolicited advice...don't book a runDisney package. You'd probably do better waiting for a room discount.

Also, sign up for a few races before the half. It'll be a good way for you to practice your race day routine and get used to what happens at races (though your local races will probably be incredibly tiny size-wise compared to the Princess Half). In particular, try to sign up for a 10K race and send your time to Disney for corral placement. They send runners off in groups ("corrals") and if you don't submit a time it's fine, but it means you will have to wait longer to start the race.

Feel free to ask any other questions! happy running!

Thank you SO much! This advice and info is amazing!

First question - what is a running 30 minutes tight hour stopping in 9-10 weeks? I don't know what that means. I wanted to see how far I could walk/run this a.m. and I ran over a 5 K in an hour with no issues. So that made me feel good. I am planning on doing a color run here in DC in the fall and another one as well - haven't picked the next one yet.

I think we will do the Pasta party just to see what it is and how it is. I know it is a extra fee but do you know if you need to pay the price of the event and a park ticket?

Love the advice of picking a place ive been to before. That is the plan already A tradition (bit of good luck superstition there) and a place I love. We are planning arriving on Friday and will pick up tshirt and bib then. And I do plan on signing up on the first day I can. I am so super motivated.

Thank you so much!

 

[disneygirl76]

So excited for you! I think many of us started out as non-runners and then bam, we are entering marathons!

I also am going to stress that you get fit for good running shoes, it will make a huge difference.

I think in a perfect world, I would arrive Friday and then stay for four or five days after the race to enjoy the parks, but since I couldn't get the time off work that didn't happen. So I just went with it and I was on my feet a lot before the race. I am hoping to do it differently for the marathon in January.

I didn't do the pasta party either. I wanted to make sure I was eating foods I was familiar with, nothing too heavy, spicey or weird. So I didn't want to go to a buffet.

Another thing you should do lots of test runs with are the various gu's, gels, chomps and beans that are made to give people exercising energy. I have found that a majority of them don't sit we'll with me at all. Lately I have been using plain old gummy fruit snacks that are marketed towards kids. They seem to maintain the most peace with my stomach on a long run and they are full of sugar.

The more you run the more you will figure out what clothes, music, weather, foods and time of day work best for you, because we are all different. But you have plenty of time and you can absolutely do this!

You are going to have so much fun!

Oh, and yes, got fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. I have Mizuno's. Are there any other brands people recommend? I think I need to go again or to a podiatrist b/c I am noticing that I'm putting extra stress on the outside part of my right foot. Not sure why or how I started that and seems to be just when I am walking but i'm not sure. It doesn't hurt and doesn't effect running but I do notice a sensitivity on the right outside of my foot.

Thank you for the gummy suggestions. I didn't even think of that!!!!

I did a run this a.m. just to see what I was capable of. Just a test b/c I really have no sense of it. Its cloudy and rainy here so I hit the tread mill. And I didn't realize the tread mill was going to stop at an hour. hmmmm Have to check on how to avoid that in the future. But I was able to do more then a 5K during that time and actually felt great and felt like I could keep going. So that was super promising!

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!!!

 

[disneygirl76]

Welcome to the wonderful world of running!

Do not overdo it in the parks before the race - I totally speak from experience on this one. For the marathon this past year I got there on Tuesday night and spent all of Wednesday-Saturday in the parks and by Saturday afternoon my body was tired and my feet were swelling. I would try to hang out for a few days after the race as opposed to getting their early like I did (though crowds were a lot lighter before the race than they were after the race as I think a lot of people tend to stick around after the race).

We are planning on arriving Friday before race. Race Sunday and then spend a week and fly home the following Sunday. So when I did my PTR, I am looking at not going into the parks at all prior except for to dinner on Saturday night and the pasta party if we choose to attend it which I was leaning too but there is some good advice about unusual foods that might effect things. So, now i'm on the fence.

 

[Ariel484]

Thank you SO much! This advice and info is amazing!

First question - what is a running 30 minutes tight hour stopping in 9-10 weeks? I don't know what that means. I wanted to see how far I could walk/run this a.m. and I ran over a 5 K in an hour with no issues. So that made me feel good. I am planning on doing a color run here in DC in the fall and another one as well - haven't picked the next one yet.

Oops. That was a typo...why is it so hard to type on an iPad?? It should have said 30 minutes WITHOUT stopping in 9 weeks. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

One you get through that you should be all set to start the Galloway beginner plan, if that's the one you decide to use. I used this one to train for the 2011 Princess Half and made it out alive: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/ewwos/pdf/rundisney/training-programs/2014/Princess14_Beg.pdf

I think we will do the Pasta party just to see what it is and how it is. I know it is a extra fee but do you know if you need to pay the price of the event and a park ticket?

Love the advice of picking a place ive been to before. That is the plan already A tradition (bit of good luck superstition there) and a place I love. We are planning arriving on Friday and will pick up tshirt and bib then. And I do plan on signing up on the first day I can. I am so super motivated.

Thank you so much!

From looking at the runDisney page it looks like the pasta ticket alone should get you in as long as you arrive after 6:30, but you may want to email runDisney for clarification. I sent them a question last week and they got back to me within 2 days.

*Tickets are non-refundable. Entry into Park before 6:30 p.m. will require a Walt Disney World® Theme Park Ticket. Menu options subject to change without notice. Pasta in the Park Party is subject to availability. Children under 3 do not need to purchase a Pasta in the Park Party Ticket.

You're welcome! Any other questions, just ask.

 

[disneygirl76]

Oops. That was a typo...why is it so hard to type on an iPad?? It should have said 30 minutes WITHOUT stopping in 9 weeks. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

One you get through that you should be all set to start the Galloway beginner plan, if that's the one you decide to use. I used this one to train for the 2011 Princess Half and made it out alive: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/ewwos/pdf/rundisney/training-programs/2014/Princess14_Beg.pdf


From looking at the runDisney page it looks like the pasta ticket alone should get you in as long as you arrive after 6:30, but you may want to email runDisney for clarification. I sent them a question last week and they got back to me within 2 days.



You're welcome! Any other questions, just ask.

Excellent! Thanks so much and for the clarification! I couldn't figure it out! HA! But that makes sense! So today I ran for 18 mins out of an hour but not consistently. But I've only been at this for 2 weeks so I'm totally okay with those numbers. Thanks so much!!!

 

[bethram]

Welcome to the wonderful world of running!

I agree, try to run several races at home before the Princess, but understand that it will not be anything like the Disney experience. Disney puts on a race like no other I have attended, they are very well organized. I ran the Princess in 2011 and I am signed up for the ToT in October and I can't wait.

 

[bethram]

Welcome to the wonderful world of running!

I agree, try to run several races at home before the Princess, but understand that it will not be anything like the Disney experience. Disney puts on a race like no other I have attended, they are very well organized. I ran the Princess in 2011 and I am signed up for the ToT in October and I can't wait.

 

[bethram]

Welcome to the wonderful world of running!

I agree, try to run several races at home before the Princess, but understand that it will not be anything like the Disney experience. Disney puts on a race like no other I have attended, they are very well organized. I ran the Princess in 2011 and I am signed up for the ToT in October and I can't wait.

 

[bethram]

Sorry for the multiple posts, my internet was not cooperating last night. Mods, feel free to delete the repeat posts.

 

[Kristia]

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.

 

[dreamfinder]

I think we will do the Pasta party just to see what it is and how it is. I know it is a extra fee but do you know if you need to pay the price of the event and a park ticket?

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.

Oh, and yes, got fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. I have Mizuno's. Are there any other brands people recommend? I think I need to go again or to a podiatrist b/c I am noticing that I'm putting extra stress on the outside part of my right foot. Not sure why or how I started that and seems to be just when I am walking but i'm not sure. It doesn't hurt and doesn't effect running but I do notice a sensitivity on the right outside of my foot.

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.

 

[Ariel484]

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.

My running store does that - they encourage customers to put the shoes on and jog around the block, and it's very helpful. I was all set to go with a pair of Asics a couple of years ago and when I took the test job I found they were slipping off of my heals, so I went with my current shoes instead.

When I got fitted, they had me stand with no shoes on to look at my feet and asked me a few questions. Then they brought out 3-4 different pairs of shoes (different brands, but all designed to do the same thing) and I tried them on from there. They didn't recommend one brand over the other, it was purely whichever pair I liked best.

 

[diddy_mouse]

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.

 

[disneygirl76]

Sorry for the multiple posts, my internet was not cooperating last night. Mods, feel free to delete the repeat posts.

Not at all!! You just made me feel super welcome!!!

 

[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.

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.