Im going to DISNEY WORLD!

by

2010-01-23-052254_austin_texas_us-1

(The Tornado may or may not have a career as a photographer. I promise Im not this blurry in real life.)


As of last Friday it’s official:

Im heading to Disney World to run the Princess Half-Marathon as a member of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Media Mixer.

They’ve offered me the opportunity to travel to Florida, stay for a couple of fabulous nights at the Polynesian Resort, & the chance to explore the “sporty” side of Disney while Im there.

(what on earth does that mean? who can say. I shall report back on what I find.  Here’s hoping it includes Cinderella bungee jumping & a round of mini-golf with Prince Phillip).

Of course, and Im using their words here, there is a catch.

The catch is that all media invited MUST run the half-marathon.

(and yes. there was a moment of cue panic attack as if you know me in real life youre fully aware my running time hath been severely curtailed as of late.)

But Im in.

Im off.

Runs With Tiara is now OFFICIALLY my name and not merely in the Dances With Wolves sense.

But there’s a catch.

Now I look to you, Oh running readers, with a few panic-stricken questions:

Have you run a half-marathon before? whats your ONE BEST TIP for me (GU? Body Glide? band-aids on the nipples? Whats the weather like in Florida early March?!)?

Live near Disney & wanna come jeer cheer me on? Hit me up with that info as well.

Running the Princess Half Marathon too & wanna offer to carry me part way on your back?

(Wish you knew another blogger whos running the race with me?)

Please to hit us all up in the comments.


POSTS BY EMAIL

Never miss a post. Enter your email to get my latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Comments

  1. I am so happy for you! I’ve been crossing my fingers, just because I think more people need to run in tiaras. No tips or tricks, but I am greatly pleased. Congratulations.

  2. Yay!

    As someone who is JUST learning to run, I have no advice for you. But I’m thrilled!

    And I think the Tornado has a GREAT future as a glamour photographer 😛

  4. That sounds so cool! I wish I lived near Disneyland because I would so cheer you on!!! I’d even put on a tutu and a tiara! 😉

  5. I can not believe you posted that photo 🙂
    You’re too funny.

    I’m really excited for you and, as we chatted about, you don’t need to WIN just FINISH!

    You can do it!

  7. CONGRATULATIONS!!

    Media mixer?

    oh la la fancy 🙂

    Wish I could go and cheer you on.

    Take lots of pictures for us!

  9. I’m with Michelle.
    Will you be sharing your training with us?
    Is that the race in March??

    It’s coming up Mizzy.

    Run Run Run!

  10. Congratulations!! This is exciting news & I know you’ll do great!

    Not a runner, so I don’t have any personal advice for you – but I happen to be sleeping with a marathon runner, so hit me up if you have any questions 🙂

    Can’t wait to hear all about it. Congrats, Miz!

  14. I have done a few HMs in my time, and I think if I had to give you one tip it would be to pace yourself properly, don’t let the excitement of the crowd make you go out too hard, run the first half of the race at a very comfortable pace and you’ll be fine.

  15. Congratulations! ! Will you be able to take the family w/ you? No tips, not a runner, but very excited for you and for more funny pictures.

  17. Oh how I love you. Do you get to take your Virtual Assistant?

    I haven’t run a half marathon. I haven’t run a half a mile. But I have heard lots of stories of the poo from my running friends. You do know the stories of the poo?

  19. WOO HOO Carla I am sooo happy for you!!!

    I know a certain Doc that will show up and cheer for you…uh huh…I bet she does

    (ERR wishing I still lived in Florida!! )

    I look forward to reading all about your Disney adventures!! Go Carla Go Carla!!

  21. Pace is important. Stay settled and go thru your pace. Stay hydrated. The night before I slather vaseline on my feet & nether regions. Shower before race and I’m still moisturized and avoid chaffing during race

    Congrats I can’t wait 4 race pics

  24. YAY! Congratulations!

    Good luck!
    Yes, did the MORE half.. 3 years ago. (or may be 2.. have to go check).

    People swear by Bodyglide.. I don’t use any.
    I don’t eat either during a run.
    I swear by Cardiocoach (coached music).

    What worked for me: Dropping my training days to 4 rather than 5. I didn’t even manage 4 sometimes, but thanks to Cardiocoach, I could run the distance. I did all my long runs on the weekend and don’t think I skipped any of them.

  25. Is that what you’re running in?

    Advice? Close your eyes, count to ten, and pray it’s a bad dream.

    Thirteen miles, huh? Glad I’m not walking in your glass slippers.

  26. Wow – that’s pretty awesome! For me, the key to my first half marathon was having a training plan, but not being so rigid that I freaked out if I had to move things around. Good luck! I am sure it will be nice in Florida in March.

  27. that is awesome!!! and love the picture 🙂 my tip: don’t do anything new on race day (yspeaking from my half experience). more importantly: have fun and enjoy the experience! 🙂

  28. THANKS SO MUCH for your support and tips (already. I love my early am peeps).

    Right now, since I just found out Friday, Im still mired in denial and HOLD ME! mode 🙂

  29. awesome! love the pic too. looking forward to more pics from the world of disney. i imagine it would be kind of surreal 🙂

  30. Oh, you are so lucky. I would love to run that!
    I use body glide. I have had the chaffing before and it is not fun. I usually use it if I am running more than 8 miles. Just to be safe. Don’t try anything new that day. If they are handing out GU samples and you have not had them before, the day of your half is not the day to give them a try. Just go out there and have fun! There will be so much to look at and so much excitement it will fly by!!

  31. YAY! I have no doubt that you’ll do great and focus on this event for what it is: another opportunity to share your strength and inspiration and build upon for future endeavors. Way to go, Carla – so proud of you!

  34. YES YES YES! i’m so excited to finally meet you!
    will be happy to offer a race piggy back ride, even know i know you’ll rock it 🙂

  35. Hi Miz! My advice would be to make sure you get your long run in once a week. I usually ran two other times a week (so as to not get injured or burnt out). Also, PACE yourself! My first HM buddy told me to start out s-l-o-w and we did (10 min miles) but finished going 6 min miles! You pick up momentum as you go and you start passing others and getting so excited you just start flying! Have a blast!!

  36. First of all, that pic is tooooooooooooooo much!!!! I love it! Secondly, huge congrats!!!!! I love the name too! I sure wish you were coming to Disneyland so I could meet you & cheer you on BUT I will be with you in spirit!! How exciting! I have only run 5k’s so no experience with half marathons!

    Well, Tornado takes better pics then me! 🙂

    YOU DESERVE THIS!

  37. TIP: Don’t start out too fast at the beginning of the half, and enjoy the atmosphere (which will be AMAZING!)

  39. I’m not a runner. I can hardly walk on some days between knee and hip issues. But I swear you look RAVISHING in that outfit and I am stunned at your beauty.
    Plus if Oprah could run a marathon, you can do it. I’ve heard that you just join a group of runners who are running and learn over a period of time, to run the darn thing.
    But if you have to wear that outfit, it may slow down your times from people trying to grab on to you thinking you are a real fairy from a magical kindom.

  41. Congratulations! Sounds fun.

    Here’s my advice.

    1) Make sure you eat something before you head to the start. Often times it’s all standing around, and by the time the gun goes off, you’d be hungry.

    2) Carry enough food (gel paks) for the race. Train with the gel packs to see what you need. Know where all the water stops are and use them.

    3) Sometimes the whole experience of running a big fun race like this can be overwhelming. Resist the temptation to be overly excited and use more energy than you need to. It’s a long race.

    4) Know the course. Where is it flat? Where is it hilly? Full sun, partial sun, shade? Since you won’t be sure of the temps until race day, this may be important info – especially towards the end.

    That’s it…

    Good luck.


  42. Om (TOTALLY gonna be luuuubed up toes to tiara with Bodyglide at the rate Im headed).
    Om (Thinking Im slow enough NOT to have to fret about starting too fast?)
    Om (Totally going to just LET GO LET…RUN? & enjoy the process of it all)
    Om (potentially hosed…but you’ll have that.)

  43. CONGRATULATIONS! You’re going to rock this marathon.

    …umm, I have no pearls of wisdom, not being a marathon runner myself. So I shall just be your support/encouragement system instead 😀

    That picture is hilarious cute.

  44. Hooray! Half marathons are a really fun distance. You have the feel or major accomplishment without the extreme fatigue from a full marathon.

    My advice – make sure you try out your Gu or whatever you’ll be eating during the race while on a practice run. Some kinds can upset stomachs and make the rest of the run impossible. You’ll need to consume a Gu gel or a packet of sports beans at the halfway mark of the race. While racing, drink more liquids than you think you need! And refuel after!

  45. Oooooh! I’m running it too!!!! I was so excited to learn of this race last year while I was finishing chemo and I KNEW I wanted to run it this year. After finishing a year’s worth of treatment in October, and a complete hysterectomy in December, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it…BUT I AM!! I am back to running 11 miles and we are all so excited to be going to Disney! The kids are so excited and are counting down the days…prob til the rides, not the race, but that’s ok;-)

    Good luck to you! You are going to do great, in all your princess-ness! (And I totally think you should wear the outfit pictured! Hehe;-))

  47. Christmas in JANUARY! This is the best present a healthy living blogger could ask for…please tell me that you’re going to try and sneak in some blogger meetups while you’re here????

    Orlando is a hotbed for health (ooh, that’s good). I know some of us were thinking about volunteering for the event. Do you guys need any help? Otherwise, I’ll sign up to help through Disney.

  48. As you are well aware, I am NOT a runner (unless being chased by an angry bovine), so my only advice is to GLUE THE TIARA ON! (Don’t want you crossing the finish line with your tiara askew! That would be disastrous!)

    Oh, and have fun!

  55. OH WOW! THAT’S AWESOME!

    my only advice (from one non-runner to someone who’s amazingly fit): Just have fun.

    Does your family get to go with? I mean, if the Tornado gets to see Disney and go to the run, it seems to me that it’s so worthwhile. This is something she (and you!) will remember forever!

  56. Yay that sounds like so much fun!

    I did a half marathon last year (and am doing another this year) and my best advice is to hydrate! For me, the water stations, no matter how plentiful are too far apart so I carry a waterbottle with me. I have a 20oz SIGG one I used last year which worked out fine; I sipped from it throughout the race between water stations and always took water from the stations when I got to them. If you don’t want to carry a bottle with you, I’ve seen some people wearing belts with 2-3 small bottles attached to them.

    Have fun!

  57. Excited to hear you are able to go!! What a fun way toGDP a 1/2 marathon. I am sure you will do an awesome job!!

  62. Woot woot!! It will be even more awesome if you run it in that outfit! This is why I love you:)

    My best running tip? Ummm… don’t eat too much before the race if you’re prone to nervous runner’s tummy like I am. I doubt they look fondly on squatting in Disney World;)

  63. YAY!!!!!

    If I can run a bunch of them, you can do it NO PROBLEM!

    Have fun with it! Skip it! Lunge it! Float through it! High five the crowd! Just live it like any other day, don’t do anything new or differently and enjoy every stinking second of it.

  64. Yay for you! Have fun being a Disney Princess Athlete–which totally makes me more comfortable with my someday daughter being a fan of the Disney Princesses.

    Half-Marathon tips:
    I almost feel like I don’t need to tell YOU this, but be kind and loving to yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard–be comfortable going slower than you planned or walking part of the race–it’s a lot better experience when you don’t end up in the hospital.

    Listen to your body about taking rest stop offerings. You definitely need to take fruit/sports drink in addition to/instead of water.

    I’m stealing this one from Runner’s World: If there’s a port-a-potty without a line, use it!

  68. Ran the disney half a few weeks ago and it was freakishly cold-27 degrees and snowing/hailing at the start. So, first bit of advice…bring different things to wear and prepare for the unexpected-weather-wise. Second, as everyone said, go out slowly and build your speed, rather than racing the first part and dying at the end…third-definitely bring something to eat with you to the start-granola bar or something like that-because even though you should eat something about 2 hours before (hot cereal, or whatever you’ve been training with) you WILL get hungry waiting around-and finally, keep getting on the porta-potty lines even if you don’t have to go…you will-I promise…so as soon as you can, get on a line and pee!!! Mostly-enjoy it! I’ve run 9 half marathons and 8 full marathons and I race triathlons, so I’ve been around the block a bit-have fun, cause if it’s not fun there’s no point!!!

  69. This is off topic but I was trying to put together a workout program this weekend using your videos and wondered if there’s a chance you’d do a dvd?

    Id buy it as I need help fitting all the pieces together.

    Karen

  70. That’s wonderful!!!!!!

    So about 10 years ago I got pulled over by security and escorted back to the hotel because I tried to go for a run around the residential parts of Disney World, which was apparently illlegal. The security guys told me that numerous residents’ had spotted me and “called it in.”

    So I’ll be curious to see how that whole “fit side” thing has evolved. Good luck with your training, I’m sure you’ll do great!

  71. THat’s AWESOME!
    How do you feel now that its FINAL?

    I’ll be cheering from Canada…I bet you’ll have fans all over cheering for you-cool, hey!

  73. I am a Disney runner exclusively. I just did my first full marathon a couple of weeks ago in Disney World, and have done a couple of halves with them and a bunch of smaller races. The best distance race advice I’ve ever gotten is don’t try anything new on race day.

    My best Disney running advice is have fun! There is no way you will PR in a Disney race (unless maybe you are an elite with a first corral start). Bring a camera if you can, there will be lots of photo ops along the way. Also even though they discourage ipods, wear one. There are a few spots where not much is going on, but for most of the course only wear one earbud. There are bands, cheerleaders, DJs, and even accordian players (not kidding, during the marathon there were accordian players). You will find yourself running with a big smile for 13.1 miles. Have fun and good luck!

  75. OMG OMG OMG OMG – I am totally excited for you lady! Way to motivate and inspire even the smallest of princesses that we can achieve anything! Thanks for taking us along on your journey!

  76. Since I have never run more than 12 mins straight I’m no help lol. But I’m so excited for you and I love the outfit.

  77. You know I’ve been all about the tips and tricks lately. If I was to interject some type A into your type B, I would do *this* with your last 5 weeks to be sure you finish if you need training advice (just an idea).

    -Sprints one day (4×800, 6×400, 3×1600, take your pick, just go fast as you can, take 400m cooldown in between each), with 1 mile warmup/cooldown wrapped around it.
    -Medium run, between 4-7 miles, 1-2 days per week (and if you do one day, go longer, 2 days, go shorter)
    -Long run, start this weekend with 8 and work up to 12 the weekend before (the 26th)
    -The first week of march, do 2 short easy runs to keep your legs loose.

    And I agree – if you run in that outfit you will get so many cheers, you will have no choice but to finish. 🙂

  78. you guys rock. I have to say it again. No false modesty here about the lack of running skillz either.

    Im a lover not a fighter lifter not a runner and need all the help I can git.

    especially since the race feels like it’s tomorrow.

  79. MIZ! That is very very exciting! I’d say get on a training program asap and do some regular trainings. This weekend I did my first 9 miler bc I’m doing a half marathon (NOT RUNNING! MOSTLY RACEWALKING!) in a couple weeks. I realized that my weak links were my skin and my hunger. So YES to moleskin, bodyglide and Gu! YES!

  80. SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! This is awesome – I know you will kick Cinderella’s butt in the half mary (how do you like my runner-speak?)!!! Of course I have only one tip and that is to have a freakin’ blast!!!

  82. Please tell me you are running in that outfit?? 🙂

    I would love to do the Disney half. After reading about the last Disney marathon – they know how to treat the runners, so you will be in excellent hands there.

    You will do amazing! I just know it.

  84. yay, girl!!! yay!! congrats!! i will be doing the full next year but i have run a half in florida and march can be either warm or cold, it’s such a fruitcake time of year here!! it was freezing and raining when I did my half in march last year! but yesterday was beach weather, ya know? crazy. so, bring a nice running pant AND a running skort to choose from! run the 1/2 in what you’ve been training in (don’t use the 1/2 to break in your new shoes!) and i wore a fuel running belt for mine that had 4 little water bottles on it. i know there are water stations, but sometimes they’re too few and far between. lotsa people wore them too! good luck, runs with tutu!!!

  87. Oh, and I’ve run a 1/2 and a full. My advice is to just train. As long as you’re prepared, you can do anything. =)

    p.s…Can you carry ME for the last 4 miles–because that’s when I always want to cry. =)

  88. OMG OMG OMG – I am so excited for you!

    And jealous! But mostly excited!

    Squeeeee!

    As far as advice goes – if you haven’t been running much lately, I highly *highly* advocate doing the walk/run method – run or jog for 2min, walk or slow jog for 1. Repeat. Trying to push yourself to run the whole thing, especially if you haven’t been doing a whole lot of running lately (nothing longer than 3-4 miles) may be asking for injury, despite the fact of how good and in shape you are. Otherwise plan on running 2 miles, walk for 3-5min and repeat. It all depends on how “attuned” you are to running at this point.

    Other advice would be to practice taking gel/gu/whatnot and water throughout your long runs. I did not and when I ran my last half and tried to drink water I got very very nauseous. Practice as much as you can and train as much as you can.

    Good luck good luck! And take lots of photos for us!!

  89. Hey! It’s Tera (Twitter – FitnessToGo). I’m totally running this too! It will be my FIRST 1/2. I’m so excited.

  90. I’m thinking the Couch to 10K training protocol might be helpful to you getting ready for this.

    I’m in awe of your willingness to put yourself out there and run this distance. Because (we both) are not runners. And I will never choose to run that far.

    Tiara and tutu will be must for this princess run.

  92. Congrats on the opportunity.

    I’m training for my first half in September. My advice is to try out the stuff you think you’ll need to fuel in advance. And find out what sport drink they have on the course. That way you don’t have change anything on race day and hurt your insides.

  93. I’m not a runner, dear Carla. I am impressed by those who do. But I can tell you that if you believe it and behave it, you will do it. 🙂 We are capable of doing whatever we set our minds on. Sometimes it takes longer than we like, but if you keep at it, you will succeed.

    I think you’ll do great. Love the photo. Tornado did a great job. A tiara would make running more fun.

  96. Woo HOOO!!!! I’m so excited for you!!!!! (And for the Tornado, too!) Only wish it was at DisneyLAND instead of DisneyWORLD so that you’d be in my neck of the woods. 🙂 (Yep, I’m selfish like that.)

    The farthest I’ve run is 10K, so not sure I have good 1/2 marathon advice for you, other than pace yourself and run/walk/skip/hop/shimmy/boogaloo your own race. Even type B me is sometimes discouraged by getting dusted by all of the faster people, but large, popular races usually have more of a mix of paces, not just the antelope-people.

    Be sure to warm up a little before the race. Don’t be afraid that this will take your energy; my best races were the ones in which I took some time and energy to warm up.

    Oh, and to repeat what everyone else said: Pack some nutrition and hydration, and skip to the loo before the race, even if there is a ginormous line.

  98. That’s terrific! Congrats!

    Body glide — YES. Warm up a little before the race, but not too much. Make sure you’ve worn all of your race gear a few times before the race b/c you don’t want any surprises.

  99. I’ll be drafting you! My first half is in April, so you’ll be my inspiration.

    I’m totally ignoring the “start at a slow 10 min mile pace” advice, I’ll be happy to 1) finish and maybe, 2) finish under 3 hours. 10 min miles are not happening!

    Right now, after finishing my 3.5 mile long run that totally kicked my a$$, my mental state is absolute terror. The probability of adding 10 miles in the next 2.5 months seems somewhere between impossible and no f***ing way.

  100. Good for you, Miz. If anyone can pull this off, you can. Please say hello to Peyton Manning for me. I suspect he’ll be there soon as well.

  101. I just ran my first 1/2 last October. And I just started road running (i.e. NOT the treadmill) Spring 2009.

    It IS possible and I am not a natural runner by any means, so I’ll offer some advice.

    Try to run a few times a week, but not everyday. And don’t set out to run 13.1 miles more than once a week. You’re training schedule should look something like this: weekday runs, 3-4 miles apiece, with one longer run on the weekends (8+ miles). If you are not up to 8 miles yet, take your longest distance on the weekends, even if it’s 4 miles at the moment. Increase it every week, even if only by 1/2 mile. Try to schedule it out until your actual race date. Doing this won’t allow you to overtrain, which is a mistake I made when I first set out to run the half. If you run 6 miles on Monday, 8 on Wednesday and try to do 10 on Saturday, you’ll be fried. Instead, do 3-4 Monday, 3-4 Wed, 10 on the weekend.

    Don’t be afraid to use Gu or other supplements during the race to keep you going. They are legal to use in the race and give you energy to keep going. I ate Shock Bloks during my 1/2 at every water stop. Only 30 cals each but it was enough (combined with gatorade or water at the aid stations) to keep me going for another couple miles.

    Also, pace yourself. Don’t run really fast in the beginning, set a pace you can keep up for those two hours or so you will be out there. Again, you won’t burn out.

    This is SO possible and I know you can do it! Best of luck,
    Jill

  102. I am SOOOO Jealous that you get to do this. It’s on my bucket list of things to do in life!

    My tip from my first marathon – distract yourself when your legs start to hurt. I tweeted every mile after the 7 Mile mark because my legs were seizing up, but I knew people were reading them and expecting an update and optimism from me.

    Also, I didn’t need body glide for my 1/2 but I did bribe myself with 1 Gu Chew every 3K after the 5K mark.

    Email me if you want more thoughts.

  103. Also, I never ran more than 13K in one run before my half marathon. As long as you can maintain the same pace and not go out to fast, the distance is all the same.

  105. Awesome Miz! Tips: Body Glide is essential, especially after mile 9 ya really, really need all the help you can get. I put it on my arches as well as various netherregions, and it helped. Band-aids on the ta ta’s? Oh lord yes, male or female it makes no difference to the chaffing gods after mile 10).

    Finally? Stay with a pack of similar-paced folks if you can. It worked for me. I ran with a 4/1 run/walk interval group, and I made it. barely.

    Very exciting – you can live tweet the race! 🙂

  106. I’m totally live tweeting the race. Twitpics. Blogging. ANYTHING so I have a pretend excuse why I’m so ploddingly slow.

    Miz, who’s totally fearing becoming Chafed McGee now (on the ARCHES??)

  107. Oh mine goozeness (as my great-grandma-in-law used to say) — that’s some exciting news! Your little girl must think she really does have a fairy-godmother-type mom!!! Tiaras, tutus, Disney joy, the whole deal …

    Sorry I don’t have any advice whatsoever, but I’ll definitely cheer you on!!! (Wish the event were at the “other” Disney, and I could cheer you on in person, but I’ll be an online fan!)

  108. FUN!!! Definitely work out your food / hydration / clothing options by testing them on your long runs.

    If you have problems with blisters on your feet, try thin double-layer socks (I love BaySix) and/or BodyGlide. I lube up my feet with BodyGlide and then slip on my double layer socks and I’m good to go.

    If you feel sore following a long run, after the next one try a cold soak. Fill the tub with cold water (enough to cover your thighs) and sit in it for 10 minutes or so. I bring a book and a glass of chocolate milk (the perfect post-run recovery for me) into the tub with me to help distract me from the gawdawful cold.

    Pace yourself on race day, because you WILL start too fast. Knowing that helps you slow yourself back down after the initial rush.

    Good luck!

  109. woo, have fun!

    i haven’t run a half-marathon (yet! that’s for december), but from racing in general, body glide is awesome. if you’re worried about blisters at all, coat your feet in it. i haven’t had foot blisters since i started.

  110. That’s fantastic! You’ve inspired me to don the tiara and tutu! Though I might get some funny looks, what the hay?!
    Seriously I’ve only run in 5ks so I don’t have any advice to give for your run but you have another supporter out here in California!

  111. I am so super excited for you! March is a great time to visit Florida. The weather is usually mild (70s) and we aren’t into hurricane season yet. Its lovely!

    Disney is about 2 hours north of us, but we go often. I’ll shoot you an email closer to time if we’re going to be in the area. 🙂

    And I’m super jealous. My first 1/2 is a few weeks away, but I just got diagnosed with a stress fracture in my ankle 🙁 No running for six weeks, no walking, no swimming, no cycling. I’m at a loss as far as cardio goes. I’ve been doing some boxing, but it just doesn’t get my heart rate up that much. If you have any ideas, please stop by and let me know.

    Thanks!

  112. so cool!!!!!

    i’ve ran a few halves and some 10 milers. i tried to read through all 113 comments so i wouldn’t duplicate advice, so hopefully this won’t be overkill.
    1. bodyglide is your friend. use it between your thighs if you are going to wear shorts or anywhere else you have rubbing concerns.
    2. find the gu, or whatever gel you like before the race and bring those exact ones with you for during. make sure you follow them up with water, so try to time them so that you slurp them down before a water stations.
    3. don’t run in any new clothes, sneakers, socks, anything that you haven’t ran in before.
    4. you may not sleep well the night before due to nerves. no problem. it’s the sleep two nights before the race that counts.
    5.if it’s chilly at the beginning, wear a green garbage bag. it will keep you warm and you can toss it aside when you are warmed up.
    6.don’t forget to taper the last couple of weeks of your training. you will feel like you are going to be totally out of shape, but your muscles will love the rest and you will be totally ready to race.
    7.once you finish, do not just plop yourself down as you may feel like doing. keep on moving so you don’t cramp up. stretch!
    8. water stations – try to stop at all of them, just a few sips will do wonders. aim for the later tables cuz most people stop at the first few. pinch the cup closed at the top to leave a small opening and do your best not to have the water go all down the front of you.
    9.most of all, totally take it all in and have fun!!!!

  114. Sounds so fun!! I’m sure you will rock the run, looking forward to reading about your training adventures 🙂

  117. Hi Miz,

    Congrats!
    I’m not a runner but my husband is… In addition to all the wonderful & practical suggestions above, he always appreciates having some family/ friends/ fans stationed at strategic points along the race, ready with an assortment of moleskin, vaseline, fresh socks – whatever you deem necessary – and a good dose of encouragement and cheer. Good time to snap some pix, too. Along the route, he discards whatever is extraneous – hat, gloves, outer shirt, wind pants. (They’re collected by volunteers and donated to shelters thereafter). So, overdress so you can adjust to your body temp as it heats up (though it would be a shame to lose the tiara or tutu). Try to figure out your “hump” mile and make sure your cheering squad is there to ease you through it. Music is also a great help uphill. Pace yourself – either by time or heart rate. If you wear your name -or have something written on your shirt, people are more likely to single you out and cheer you on. Yay Miz! Have a blast!

  119. I have a few tips, but the best one I can give you is TAKE IMMODIUM. This is important enough for me to make it all yelling caps. If you don’t know how your stomach will reach to the excitment and the distance and the stress, you will want the insurance.

    Or else you may up almost pooing yourself – (almost) been there and (almost) done that – most unpleasant.

  122. How exciting for you!!! I’ll repeat what most have said:

    1. Practice your race nutrition during your runs. This includes your morning meal. I always had a piece of toast with PB and had it on race day. Find a gel that works for you, experiment, and use it in training. (There are so many and some WILL irritate your tummy in a bad, bad way.)

    2. Find your “race” outfit during training, what is the most comfortable underneath your tutu and tiara. (I would suggest doing one run with aformentioned items so there are no surprises on race day!)

    3. Don’t start too fast. I’m a SLOW AS DIRT runner and even I get overwhelmed and excited at the start of a race, the adrenaline and atmosphere is incredible. Very hard not to get swept up in it!

    4. I don’t recommend music (in some races it is illegal), but enjoy the race day, the people, the crazy outfits…etc.

    5. Hydrate!!

    6. Kick ass and have fun!!!

    That’s all I got…peace out yo!

  123. We just got back from Disney and did the half for the first time. It was cold but great. Running through the castle at Magic Kingdom is so much fun. There is a great website for Disney lovers that offers great advice on the Princess. Go to http://www.disboards.com and scroll down to the W.I.S.H. site and look under events/competition. You will find others who are participating in the Princess and what they are doing to get ready. ENJOY

  124. I never found band-aids on nipples necessary, but a definite YES on both GU and the body glide. I would carry enough GU to take one after each hour of running whether you feel like you need it or not, plus some “sport beans” or clif blocks or whatever you find that you like. Those you eat as you feel like you need them. Do the GU and beans/blocs when you are training to determine if they work for you or not. You will look great running in that outfit and it will give a boost to your fellow runners to see you!!

  126. I’m just sitting here wishing I could equip a running caboose outfitted with a helmet cam to catch this glittery spectacle. Run, girl, run!

  127. I’m SO excited for you! And I think you should definitely run in that tutu get-up. 🙂

    My best suggestion is to make a plan and stick to it. Get your running workouts all scheduled out and then do them! With the strength training you do, you’ll do well. And breathe. When you don’t want to run further, breathe. When you’re running, breathe. When you’ve gone farther than you ever thought you could go, breathe. And enjoy every step of the way. How fun!

  128. I’m a little late to the celebration party, but I am SO excited for you!! And I loved reading all these comments because I am training for my first half marathon coming up in April (I still get scared to even write that!) and these tips are so helpful (and a little frightening–band-aids on the ta tas??).

    GO MIZ!!

  129. You can do it!!! I was just telling hubby that I think I’m going to aim for the Princess Marathon next year. What a cool run, through Disney World. I know you will kick butt and can’t wait to hear all about it. GO MIZFIT!!!

  130. OMG!!!! I’m so excited for you!!!!!! I am TOTALLY GOING TO BE THERE CHEERING YOU ON!!!!! I wanna claim at least 30 Min. While you’re in Florida to hang out with the AWESOMENESS that is YOU!!!!!! I’m SO DANG PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!
    Love You Lots!!!
    Monique

  131. This is totally awesome (wow, that just sounded like a California girl from the ’80’s…..and I like Cali girls so nobody take offense here).

    Anyway — so excited!! Wish I could be there cheering you on (or running!) so I’ll be cheering here in cold Boston.

    Hey, we should totally run a 1/2 marathon together sometime (like next year….I haven’t been running in ages) ….that is, if you survive this one 🙂 Couldn’t resist. You’ll be AWESOME.

    LOVE THE PHOTO.

  135. Carla- Have a blast! Only you could pull off Running with Tiara.

    I have no running advice since I would be D.O.A 🙂

    Can’t wait to hear all about it!
    HB

  138. How did you swing the entry to that race? I’d do anything for sponsors or student discounts to run. (Do they need someone to review their course?)

Trackbacks

  5. […] This whole endeavor has been an experience in trying to shed my Im NOT a runner! mentality & yesterday was no different. […]

  7. […] still nary a clue what my Disney Media Mixer duties entail but if you will be in Orlando PLEASE let me know!  MizFit08 at yahoo dot com or @ me […]

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This