Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[sidrich]

My local Wegman's sells Justin's almond and peanut butters in little individual packets and they are SO tasty! The vanilla almond butter is my favorite

Oh Wegmans.... if only they hadn't sworn never to open one in Albany. Not that I'm terribly jealous or anything.

 

[Anisum]

So for those of you who are familiar with treadmills, are there any tips you can provide for running on one for training? The treadmill at my house is generally the bane of my existence but given the impending storm I may be driven to train indoors.

 

[princessluna14]

Oh Wegmans.... if only they hadn't sworn never to open one in Albany. Not that I'm terribly jealous or anything.

I get in a lot of trouble over our grocery bill there!

 

[Dis5150]

I checked TSA before W&D for bringing peanut butter as I was only doing carry on luggage and it was listed as banned in carry on.

I felt kinda bad for spending so much money on runDisney stuff and Disney trips, etc. that I suggested to my DH that he go visit his DD's in NC while I am at Princess. He jumped at the chance so I booked his ticket today and he now flies out 2 hours before me (ugh, an extra 2 hours waiting in the airport!) but I managed to get him on my flight home (we both have layovers in Charlotte). I even got him the seat next to mine. Since we live over an hour away from the airport we will just use long term parking. The only bummer is now HE wants spending money! He is cutting into my Princess Expo money lol!

 

[opusone]

So for those of you who are familiar with treadmills, are there any tips you can provide for running on one for training? The treadmill at my house is generally the bane of my existence but given the impending storm I may be driven to train indoors.

I try to stay away from treadmills as well, but sometimes the weather forces me onto mine. I find that long, constant pace runs are the worst; however, runs that change pace throughout aren't so bad. So, if you have intervals (speed) or even tempo runs to a lesser extent, those don't seem too bad. If you do have a long, easy run to complete on a treadmill, I would notch the speed up/down every mile just to change things up ever so slightly.

Also, some folks like watching shows/movies or listening to music to pass the time while on treadmills. This doesn't work for me since I typically like peace and quiet when I run, but it may work for you.

My last bit of advice is regarding air flow. I used to always laugh when I saw those puny fans built into treadmills, but now I am a huge "fan." Even a little air flow across the body really helps me feel more like I'm running outside, so if your treadmill has one, I would suggest using it, or if not, then you can place a regular fan in front of the treadmill.

 

[pigletcanrun]

Well in NC everything has SHUT down due to ice! Walked...err, slid down the road today to use my mother-in-laws treadmill.

This was the bread aisle in my hometown yesterday when I got off work! Good thing I was there to get stuff to make tacos!

 

[joan4mickey]

Peanut butter girls...love that stuff
I have travel with Jif to go cups...put it in with my quart ziplock with other liquids and never a problem. I have seen jars of pb thrown away at TSA.
I have purchased at Target and Walmart.

 

[bumbershoot]

All the advice I've read about eating and races says "Never eat anything new or different beforehand" which makes good common sense- but I'm at Disney World and can't cook for myself! I think our Saturday night meal is at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is a shame because normally I'm all about adventurous eating -but I have no idea what I'm going to order to ensure I don't get terrible runners trots the next morning.

I would change Sanaa to after the run. Absolutely. Or change it to lunch that day.

I was thinking about a PB in the morning- I was going to give it a try before my long run this weekend- (all my training runs now seem to involve some kind of testing- does the new sports bra chafe? Does taking Gatorade make me sick? The only tough part is that I can't test my running skirt on its own in 12 degree temps... I've worn it under my cold weather tights, but I still need a way to test if wearing it on its own rubs my thighs in painful ways...maybe I'll go to Planet Fitness) Do you bring your own PB or is there a place you can buy it?

Totally normal that the training runs are about testing. I've never encountered running skirt shorts to rub painfully. But then that's what the Body Glide or even vaseline is for, to prevent those "just in case" moments.

I generally have a rental car so I can run out and buy whatever I want.

Jiffy To Go sounds good, as long as it doesn't get me the side-eye from the TSA at the airport security gate.

As long as each container is under 100ml (3.4oz) and they are all contained in your 311 baggie, it will be absolutely fine. The Justin's almond butters are the same. I once had my entire baggie stuffed with those.


In October I discovered that a nice plain cracker with PB2 mixed with *water* (not oil) was PERFECT as fuel before a 10K and a Half. NOt just one cracker, but the bones of the pre-run meal was cracker + PB2. Bagels are just too heavy for me, I've learned.


Also, don't get "build your own pasta", bring it back to the room, then get distracted with other stuff so you're eating it at midnight before a Half. Oh was THAT a mistake.

 

[sperkins921]

I have a size question for those of you with Raw Threads racer backs... I'm 5'2" and about 110 pounds and I'm looking for more of a tight fitting tank to wear with my Princess Half costume. The ones I have are kind of loose and flowy, which looks fine with crops, but they make me look frumpy with my sparkle skirt. Are the Raw Threads tanks loose? I was thinking I should go with a small but if they are loose, an XS might be better. But then I worry if it'll be too tight! Any help?

I find that if I buy my true size for Raw Threads tops- they are form fitting. If I want flowy/loose; I'd have to size up from a M to prob a XL.

I will say that they are really nice for sweat wicking. Also, not that it matters, but I found coincedentally (just happened to buy their sports bra on the last sale- STAY true to size or size down if you need compression btw) that the sports bras hide completely under the racer back tank. The straps are laid out exactly the same.

 

[sperkins921]

So I may or may not have just joined the fitbit revolution thanks to a nice price match of a great sale (BB priced to I think it was Sears) and now I realize I don't know anyone else with one.

Any of you guys know any communities where people can join so they can 'friend' other people for challenges? Or any of you guys have one and don't mind a (semi) random person friending your fitbit account??

 

[Planner2012]

So I may or may not have just joined the fitbit revolution thanks to a nice price match of a great sale (BB priced to I think it was Sears) and now I realize I don't know anyone else with one.

Any of you guys know any communities where people can join so they can 'friend' other people for challenges? Or any of you guys have one and don't mind a (semi) random person friending your fitbit account??

I have a fitbit & love to have weekly or weekend challenges. Makes me get up & move, and I always feel better for it! Even on those days where I just want to be lazy
If you're still looking to friend someone on fitbit, send me a pm & I can add you on mine

 

[kelly 1]

Yippee!! Just did the peak week on my training plan. Taper starts next week. A few less kilometer welcomed! This is so good for my brain! It has been a tough go through this training being injuried but I know I can do it. It may not be my greatest race but I know I can finish and that's all that matters. Only positive thoughts from now on. Not more beating myself up seeing I am well off my usual pace. I can do this! Starting to get excited!

 

[sidrich]

So I may or may not have just joined the fitbit revolution thanks to a nice price match of a great sale (BB priced to I think it was Sears) and now I realize I don't know anyone else with one.

Any of you guys know any communities where people can join so they can 'friend' other people for challenges? Or any of you guys have one and don't mind a (semi) random person friending your fitbit account??

I love my fitbit. Although sometimes I get irritated at it's timing (Last night as I was climbing in bed I saw an alert "You are only 1300 steps away from your goal!" Well, thanks fitbit, but it's 10:30 pm and 8 degrees outside, I'm not going for a walk just now. You'll have to live with the disappointment.)
I use an app when I run (Zombies Run!) but it doesn't give me splits. So I use fitbit, I can hear how far I've run and how fast my last mile was. Very useful.
But I don't use any of the social features.

 

[sperkins921]

I have a fitbit & love to have weekly or weekend challenges. Makes me get up & move, and I always feel better for it! Even on those days where I just want to be lazy
If you're still looking to friend someone on fitbit, send me a pm & I can add you on mine

Yay!! A Fitbit friend!! PM sent

 

[keahgirl8]

I get crazy paranoid the night before a race. I've done a flatbread at the Saratoga Springs counter service, or something from Earl of Sandwich, and I've been okay. But, most of the time, I just have peanut butter on bagel or bread in my room. Boring, yes; but also safe, and a good mix of protein and carbs.

On Feb 20, I have a 2pm reservation at Portobello's. I've never been there before, but I'll stick with relatively plain pasta or pizza. Then, bagel & PB before bed!

I can top that for boring. I eat a kids turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. It is my go-to pre-race dinner and if I do all three races...yes I eat it for three days!

My local Wegman's sells Justin's almond and peanut butters in little individual packets and they are SO tasty! The vanilla almond butter is my favorite

I love Justin's! That's what I get. It's not technically organic, but it doesn't have all of the junk in it.

I checked TSA before W&D for bringing peanut butter as I was only doing carry on luggage and it was listed as banned in carry on.

I felt kinda bad for spending so much money on runDisney stuff and Disney trips, etc. that I suggested to my DH that he go visit his DD's in NC while I am at Princess. He jumped at the chance so I booked his ticket today and he now flies out 2 hours before me (ugh, an extra 2 hours waiting in the airport!) but I managed to get him on my flight home (we both have layovers in Charlotte). I even got him the seat next to mine. Since we live over an hour away from the airport we will just use long term parking. The only bummer is now HE wants spending money! He is cutting into my Princess Expo money lol!

Peanut butter is fine if you put it in your ziploc bag.

 

[Dis5150]

Look what my awesome DD26 bought for me! I will be wearing Sparkle Skirts every day on my Princess trip!

 

[Dis5150]

Peanut butter is fine if you put it in your ziploc bag.

Lol my Baggie was maxed out.

 

[keahgirl8]

Lol my Baggie was maxed out.

Mine usually is too! I usually just check it. I am incapable of doing carryon only.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I love my fitbit. Although sometimes I get irritated at it's timing (Last night as I was climbing in bed I saw an alert "You are only 1300 steps away from your goal!" Well, thanks fitbit, but it's 10:30 pm and 8 degrees outside, I'm not going for a walk just now. You'll have to live with the disappointment.)
I use an app when I run (Zombies Run!) but it doesn't give me splits. So I use fitbit, I can hear how far I've run and how fast my last mile was. Very useful.
But I don't use any of the social features.

Wow what is Zombies Run!? It sounds like something that would be up my alley. I've been going through Rick Grimes withdrawal lol

@sperkins921 and @Planner2012 I love getting new fitbit friends (especially Disney fans haha) I'm sending a PM to get your fitbit usernames if that's OK

Also as far as treadmill tips @Anisum I don't think there is a secret to make it any more palatable. The things that keep me on it when I have to be are 1) very upbeat music blasting in my ear 2) something fairly interesting to sort of watch on the TV (I actually prefer some kind of game. The athleticism is inspiring to me and I don't have to pay super close attention to it and 3) I do vary it up a bit. Every 5 minutes or so I change the incline a degree up, then change the speed up one notch. Go up for a while and then come back down. Repeat.

I'm just hoping and praying that next week (my last scheduled long run before Princess weekend), I can run outside and not on the treadmill.

 

[preciouspups]

I'm supposed to do a 5k tomorrow and I picked up my packet but my husband thinks I should stay home. It is going to be raining and only about 30 degrees and I have had a horrible cough all week. Plus I have races scheduled next weekend and the weekend after that.