Sunday, February 2, 2014

Virtual runDisney Blog Hop: Disney's Princess Half Marathon

So.

You're sitting here thinking. I love Disney... I love shiny things... I ran the mile in middle school. Plus your pretty confident in who you are.



I can run the Disney Princess Half Marathon... what's 13.1 miles?


Guess what. YOU ARE COMPLETELY RIGHT!

YOU CAN.

But before you have a panic attack and go into battle mode just to register there are a couple of things you should know. Now I am no expert but I will say I followed some certain rules and guidelines and had the most amazing time because of that.


1. Train. Train. Train. And train some more.
Give yourself PLENTY of time to get your mileage up. Find a training plan that works with your body and your schedule, both work and the date of your half. This could be Hal Higdeon, Jeff Galloway or your own made up routine. OH! and train with hills if you can. By training in harder conditions then the race you will feel like you are flying.



2. Do your research.
When courses are posted, print them out and stick them on the treadmill or stare at them long enough to visual them while out on the pavement, giving yourself milestones help big time. I remember when I got to mile 6 in my training runs I visualized myself running through the Magic Kingdom. It even makes me smile now.

3. Don't feel silly by dressing in costume.
You are listening to someone who said "I will never dress in costume for a race". I quote myself on that. When I got to the Minnie and Mickey Mouse Royal Family 5k I felt out of place by wearing just a shirt from Germany. This year I plan on Cinderella-ing myself out for all 3 races during PHM weekend.



4. Join in on all the boards, hashtags and meet-ups you can.
Meeting others is the best part of runDisney races. Period. End of story. 

5. Stop for character photos.
Yes there are the Balloon ladies, yes there is a 16 minute mile pace you need to be aware of. But please, promise me, promise yourself if you see a character you have been dying to see, stop, take a photo. You will be so happy you did.

6. Rest.
Not only during your training but while you're at WDW as well. Take it easy in the parks and pick the proper footwear.


7. Fuel consistent.
You trained with certain foods, remember those are your friends. Of course a pint of Strongbow and Fish and Chips might be your go to EPCOT meal, but do everyone including your stomach a favor and wait for AFTER the race to indulge. It'll taste so much better when it stays down, and well in. If you know what I mean...



8. Be approachable.
As nervous as you might be, smiling at everyone you meet during race weekend will improve your experience and you might actually learn a tip or two. That was how I spent my time in the line for the expo and in my corral. Plus you never know what kind of friendships might be born from a simple hello.

9. FOR GOODNESS SAKE CALM THE F DOWN.
Women are insane. I include myself in that statement. But really. I am losing my patience with this. At last years expo, yes there were serious issues, but did the volunteers deserve the verbal lashing they received from some 'princesses'....NO. Please, remember to thank those who are helping. Volunteers are there because they love the atmosphere, the runners, the excitement, stop treating them like crap. You will enjoy your time the kinder you are. Plus a woman was shit talking a 'walker' (not the Walking Dead kind) during the actual half and not a moment later she face planted into the pavement near the Grand Floridian. Karma hits fast in a half marathon, everyone has their own journey, help them, don't hurt them. You are not better than one other single person running. (Except maybe that woman.)




10. Take it all in.
Whether it's your first or your fiftieth half marathon, take pictures, save some keepsakes, make a scrapbook when you get home, make friends, ENJOY the actual race. You get to see some parts of Disney that people would kill to see. I don't care if there is a large garbage can I'm running by if I'm running behind the scenes. Oh and wear your medal proudly. You deserve it. 

What I love most about Disney races are the WIDE array of women that are running. Don't think stick thin Olympic bronze medalists, think the woman next door, the one with a corner office, the one with 5 kids at home, the one who takes care of her aging parents. They are all there for one thing, to push themselves. Don't forget this moment is for you, for no one else. Never allow anything to take that away from you.




Hope to see you all out there and keep hopping along!




Virtual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Blog Hop Directory

29 comments:

  1. I second Patty's comment. #9 100%!!!

    Honestly, I do agree with all of these tips though, especially the stopping for pictures one. Disney charges an arm and a leg for these races so ladies (and gents), get those character photos!!

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    1. I'm so glad you agree! I couldn't imagine NOT stopping for photos, it might be my favorite part.

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  2. I like #8 and #9. #9scares me though. You always think that because it Disney that everything is SO Magical and people will always be nice. Let's. Hope this is the case and there are no crazy mean people!

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    1. Don't be too scared, unless you are around me when those horrid women open their mouths because I am done allowing them to belittle people. There were quite a few last year but I will attribute at least 50% of them to the location of the expo. It was so awful and cramped. I think more space at WOW will help big time. The last 2 expo's I've been to were leaps and bounds better.

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  3. Haha, I LOVE this post. It's all true, and totally the reason why Disney races are SO much fun. And I am 100% with you on #9!

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  4. This is amazing. #9, obviously. I am worried about all those that will take things too seriously and make this race a nutty place... but can only worry about how I behave, right? :) This is the first year I've joined in on the discussion boards and I can say its added to my excitement. Its also added to my fear of the people who won't calm down, but as least I feel prepared for them now! I also love your suggestion of meeting people in line. Thats what I'm hoping to do. Maybe we'll run into each other!

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    1. There are some who do take it seriously but I can promise the ladies I roll with have a blast! We will HAVE TO meet up. I love how this blog has brought me together with so many amazing people, and hey, if you're around Friday Kristy at Kristy Runs Kato and I are putting together a meet up! search #runnerslove Meet Up on Facebook if you're interested!

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  5. #2. I'm the Queen of Researching things to pieces. I can't enjoy being surprised. It never works out for me - so I research research research. Lots of good info here and on the other blogs in the Hop, I hope more new runners check them out. :)

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    1. I'm the same way! I love knowing everything there is to know!

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  6. I'm still laughing! I totally believe in race karma! And I agree with #5. When my husband and I ran it last year, we sat at the airport a little disappointed in our time, but said we would have regretted not stopping for pictures!

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    1. Same here about the photos but when I look back at that weekend all I think about is the photos and not the time :)

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  7. Women. Are. Crazy.

    It makes me sad to see the worst come out in our fair sex at these events, but boy people get worked up. Just worry about yourselves, gals. Zen it out.

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  8. I love #9. Karma is a beautiful thing. :) Honestly, that's the kind of thing that worries me most. Why can't we all just get along!

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    1. I have better hopes for this year. I'm not sure why we all can't just get along. It's so much more fun that way!

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  9. I read Calm the F down and LAUGHED OUT LOUD. Yeah, people freak out..... but you know it will be a blast! Most people are fab...but get 25,000 runners together with the majority being women and well you know, its how the real housewives franchises have become so popular. :-) BUT great list on getting ready! See you there.

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    1. hahaha I laughed when I wrote it Julie! What you said is incredibly true, but unfortunately I am a little biased with having my first and only Princess experience being last year with the change to Coronado. I think that contributed to many many negative experiences for a lot of ladies.

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  10. #9. That is all :) Thanks for the tips!!!!!

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  11. I am in love with this post Meg! Every princess-y piece of it. What resonated most is your finale; while we are running with the strangest of "bedfellows" w are all in this together. No matter our age or physical condition, we are all runners. And hopefully princess-like in nature. We inspire each other, and defy the odds at every mile marker. I hope every first-time half marathoner reads this!!! Thank you so much, once again Meg.

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    1. Aww thank you! I LOVE being a part of these blog hops. I always learn something new and end up meeting another blogger! THANK YOU for putting your heart into these

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  12. All wonderful tips, Meg! Can't wait to see your Cinderella costumes!! :D

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    1. Thank you Karen! I'm very excited! Can't wait to meet you!

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  13. Great tips! Princess weekend is definitely action packed with estrogen, but all I remember from last year's race was feeling great and having a blast. Don't let it ruin your fun!

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  14. I love ALL of these, but #9 and #10 win the prize! Only a couple of weeks now!!

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