The Disney Princess Half Marathon - Go Shredheads!

There are a bunch of us that are planning on running the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March 2010, so we decided to put together a post with all sorts of information to help you prepare. If you're planning on participating, please leave your name and blog url (twitter too!) in the comments so we can keep up.

Registration & Hotel

This is an expensive half-marathon, but based on what you get and well, it's at Disney, it seems to be worth it. You can get all the information about race registration and special host hotel rates (along with transportation) at the Disney Princess Half Marathon website.

Also, if you're not up for a half-marathon, there is also a 5K - so you can still join in on all the fun at the race without doing a 13.1 mile distance.

Training Program

If you're a runner already (around 10-15 miles/week), then you might consider the 11-week half marathon training program that I used for my first half marathon. It's for folks that just want to finish and don't care about their time. Hal Higdon also has a novice training program as well.

If you're a more experienced runner, then you might check out Hal Higdon's intermediate program, which is for folks that are looking to improve their time.

If you have never run before, you might want to consider doing a Couch to 5K program (and perhaps an accelerated one) and then pick up at the 5K point in your half-marathon program.

Whatever you choose, realize that most programs involve a fair amount of running, as well as a bit of cross training.

Running Gear

You really don't need any specific gear to start this program except for good shoes. It is super important to get fitted at a running store for shoes. They can truly make or break your experience, and they will prevent injury. It is money well spent.

You can find our suggestions for running gear (like good socks and a sports bra) in a few of our past posts.

Support

Training for a half-marathon is time consuming and challenging, but we're here for you! We've got a bunch of great posts in our archives (left). You can also follow us on twitter for support. Many of our shredheads use The Daily Mile to track their runs, and you can also follow along with Linda's posts over at Bodies in Motivation. She and a group of bloggers are running the New Orleans half-marathon in February.

And last night, we found a couple of Facebook pages for the Disney Princess Half Marathon with a few people looking for training partners. This page looks to be the official race facebook page.

So what are we missing? Share your tips, helpful websites, and encouragement! Also, we'd love to do a Shredheads gathering at the race, so stay tuned!

And for the rest of the year, we'll be posting a series of round up posts on everything from the 30 Day Shred, to 5K training to help you get 2010 off to a good, healthy start.

Comments

[Boston Mamas]

Wish I could run with you guys! Have a fantastic time!

[Erica]

I'm thrilled to be running my first half-marathon at Disneyworld. I'm following a customized training program through the Runner's World website (it takes your pace from previous races and uses it to calculate appropriate goal paces for speedwork and stuff).

So far, my biggest challenges are training on the snow or on the treadmill (both surfaces are poor replicas for the Florida streets in March) and figuring out how to work out first thing in the morning. Our race is at 6am (!), so race day nutrition will be VERY interesting to manage.

[Erin]

So wish I could join in the fun! But I'll be thinking happy thoughts for you all and running my own 1/2 on May 30 in Madison, WI(anyone want to join me???).

[Kristen]

@Erica - Yeah, the early race start will be tough, particularly for the bowels (let's just put that out there, shall we?).

I've done early races - 7am, etc. and eat a little then have to use the facility. But it looks like I'll have to get some sort of contraption to wear that will have sustenance.

[Erica]

You'll be pleased to hear, per Disney Sports, "We will have portable restrooms and each of the food and beverage stations. There will also be permanent restrooms available inside the theme parks." Heh.

I'm actually more worried about passing out, because my body and mind really don't work well until mid-afternoon.

[Hellcat13]

Anyone doing the 5K? My first ever will be the Disney Royal 5K.

I'm also freaked out about running outside because it's currently -22C with the windchill, and I am NOT running outdoors in the Canadian winter. I have difficulties not slipping and falling under a bus while walking. Running could kill me.

[Her Bad Mother]

I am just so ridiculously excited about this I could pee.

[Ladyg8r]

I am so glad that I found you all! The Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando will be my first half marathon ever. I signed up after not having run since early April and don't really know anyone else who is running or too many people who understand why I would want to run it either lol.

I just started Week 2 of Hal Higdon's Novice training program. I use the username LadyG8r on both Twitter & DailyMile and would love to befriend other Princesses-in-Training :)

[Julie @ The Mom Slant]

You know I'm totally in for this if I can find a way to swing it financially.

I figure my Olympic-distance triathlon training will cover me as far as prep goes, but I need to get some blinged-out gear for race day.

[Karianna]

Of course I'll be there.

[Patti Stanley]

I am signed up and psyched to run! I am also a Personal Trainer and Weight loss coach so if anyone needs advice on training let me know!

Patti-Linn
www.traineratyourdoor.com
www.wqmagonline.com
http://www.facebook.com/pattilinnshapeupchick?ref=profile
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TRAINER-AT-YOUR-DOOR/119384964492?ref=ts

[Jodi - Mom's Favorite Stuff]

I'll be there! This is my first half-marathon - can't wait!

[Bill]

@herbadmother - you should try kegels! ;)

And you SO know I'm there.