Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[Disneymoon09]

Also, any guesses on dates for 2018?! I've already started saving!

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't know about y'all, but if those boxes had a big burger, pizza or some breakfast tacos in them, I would actually take them.

Who wants to eat that stuff after a race? I want French fries.

The lady next to me on the bus, who was as irritated as I usually am, but with a northeast flair that I don't have, was basically saying that. She loves trail runs and said that trail runners know how to throw a party. She was disgusted with the snack box.

Because of her I'm now looking into the Dirty Damsel runs.

You bring up a good point. I was listening a couple weeks ago to one of the Mickey miles podcasts and I don't remember which one exactly but they were talking about what you get in your race bag. Now you get your shirt and a small cliff bar. They were talking about how you used to get all sorts of goodies in that bag. You pay more for less essentially.

I had a full sized Luna bar with my shirt. Yummy.

Hmmm. Solid guess!

Also - looks like about 20 percent of the half field was swept today. YIKES.

Where is that coming from?

I asked the guy if it had bacon in it. The worst was that I could smell food all through Epcot and then my box had birdseed!

I have been a vegetarian since 1990 and that bacon smell was killing me! I got so hungry!

View attachment 152650 The food box photo:

Puffed corn. Not popcorn. Puffed corn is gross IMO.

I ate the Luna and that was IT.


My cousin and I had a great time during the 5k (her first event!) and she's now planning for the 5&10 next year.

I like the field for princess because I appear so much faster than for other races.

 

[luvvwl]

Was there no live feed for the start and finish this year?

 

[Keels]

Was there no live feed for the start and finish this year?

No, it did not appear that there was. I had friends looking.

My brutally honest assessment of Princess Weekend: it has become a RunDisney afterthought, because no matter how they slack on things and how they cut corners for every where they can, women are still going to flock to the weekend in droves, buy everything and sell everything out without them having to promote a thing.

For being a PRINCESS race, the character stops were disappointing. There were no Princesses on course during the 5 and 10, and the "host" Ariel was no where to be found during the half.

The weeks leading up to the race were terrible, be it communication or registration problems or even proof of time. The Expo was a disaster. Transportation was terrible. The etiquette of runners on the course was selfish and downright deplorable - even from running groups that should know better (I'm looking at you, Fellow Flowers).

Whoever above said that it was essentially a "fun run", is brutal but absolutely correct. The number of women who were loudly talking about how they hadn't trained and were just going to walk because "we get a medal anyway", was just pathetic. I saw a line of women 30 deep waiting to board a sweep bus at the 5k mat during the 10k, and this was before the final corral even left.

So - my final thoughts ... and again, I went into this weekend expecting something completely different:

If you're looking to PR or run the race, you need to be in A for the 5k, A or B for the 10k and no lower than F for the half. Otherwise, you're stuck and you add on an extra .75 to your total race mileage and even then you don't have a shot at getting a decent time and might as well just stop wherever you can and just have fun.

 

[Fruto76]

Oh, hey, a question!

I looked all over for MarathonFoto at the expo, and didn't see until today that they were over at the bib pick up location. Did they have any specials or codes for buying a GSC photo package? I usually nab whatever deal they have at the expo.

I'm not sure if they had any special offers at the expo for GSC but I was handed a card while walking through the exit of the race area after the half. The code is 10off65 for $10 off online orders over $65 @marathonfoto.

 

[joan4mickey]

@Keels and others This race has changed very much....this race was a replacement for the Minnie Marathon, a 15k race that was held in May and lasted 3 years. The first three years were very good and very manageable. The first two years the race was held in March and clearly moved to coincide with the end of the President's Week school vacations...and also the Daytona race, which has run up the cost of the event and the crowds. Not to mention, I love the Flower and Garden event at Epcot and I could tie that in. There also fewer races "back then"...
I agree it would be impossible to PR if back a few corrals...I can tell you this, I was at mile 10 and the ballon ladies were coming onto the highway and there were participates behind them at that point. There is simple no reason for this.
**I think when registration opens, they should only allow those with a verified 10k or longer to register and then at a later date open it up to other. It fills way too fast and I think this may cause one to pause and think about what they are getting into. I honestly don't think it is healthy for some of those out there.
**I think runDisney need to do away with the dirt little secret of giving medals to everyone ...you get a finisher shirt when you pick up your packet and it is call "A FINISHERS MEDAL"..as in one finished. Shirts used to be given out when people finished a race, it is just easier to give it out before.
***which leads me to my next point and one Keels makes, the merchandise, runDisney is sucking people dry and they know it, the "I did it" shirt is ridicules, we are each given a finisher shirt..disney just know they can sale anything.
**the snack box is way better than the banana and plain unwrapped, dry bagel we used to get. I like the bags to carry our food and drink, they used to give us a string bag at packet pickup, a good improvement.
** The first, I think, three years they would have a mile sign with a featured princess and then the princess near the sign. I think that with so many slow walker and the number of people it has become impossible to line the highway, especially later miles, with this option. Now we run from Mary Poppins and Burt around mile 7 until past mile 10 (green army guys) before seeing anything.
They have scaled back on stops...in fact that is one reason why I did not take a camera and worked, trained hard, to try and break the sub 2 hour mark.
I could go on, but will probably offend some one. I think every should have the opportunity to run/walk, at the same time I think one need to work for it.
My inspirational quote this year was:
A goal without a plan is just a wish---Herman Edwards

 

[Fruto76]

@Keels and others This race has changed very much....this race was a replacement for the Minnie Marathon, a 15k race that was held in May and lasted 3 years. The first three years were very good and very manageable. The first two years the race was held in March and clearly moved to coincide with the end of the President's Week school vacations...and also the Daytona race, which has run up the cost of the event and the crowds. Not to mention, I love the Flower and Garden event at Epcot and I could tie that in. There also fewer races "back then"...
I agree it would be impossible to PR if back a few corrals...I can tell you this, I was at mile 10 and the ballon ladies were coming onto the highway and there were participates behind them at that point. There is simple no reason for this.
**I think when registration opens, they should only allow those with a verified 10k or longer to register and then at a later date open it up to other. It fills way too fast and I think this may cause one to pause and think about what they are getting into. I honestly don't think it is healthy for some of those out there.
**I think runDisney need to do away with the dirt little secret of giving medals to everyone ...you get a finisher shirt when you pick up your packet and it is call "A FINISHERS MEDAL"..as in one finished. Shirts used to be given out when people finished a race, it is just easier to give it out before.
***which leads me to my next point and one Keels makes, the merchandise, runDisney is sucking people dry and they know it, the "I did it" shirt is ridicules, we are each given a finisher shirt..disney just know they can sale anything.
**the snack box is way better than the banana and plain unwrapped, dry bagel we used to get. I like the bags to carry our food and drink, they used to give us a string bag at packet pickup, a good improvement.
** The first, I think, three years they would have a mile sign with a featured princess and then the princess near the sign. I think that with so many slow walker and the number of people it has become impossible to line the highway, especially later miles, with this option. Now we run from Mary Poppins and Burt around mile 7 until past mile 10 (green army guys) before seeing anything.
They have scaled back on stops...in fact that is one reason why I did not take a camera and worked, trained hard, to try and break the sub 2 hour mark.
I could go on, but will probably offend some one. I think every should have the opportunity to run/walk, at the same time I think one need to work for it.
My inspirational quote this year was:
A goal without a plan is just a wish---Herman Edwards

I agree with every point you make, Joan.

 

[SarahDisney]

I hate to say this, but ...
I was thinking about doing Princess at some point in the future, and you guys are kinda scaring me off.
I did the 5K last year and loved it, and most of the runners I met in the parks were really sweet and encouraging, which is part of why I figured it would be a good race for me (the other part is the princess thing). But from some of the things I've seen here, it sounds like those sweet and encouraging runners are in the minority.

I know this is a decision that I have to make for myself, but ... am I misreading, or do you guys really feel like the Princess Half is not a good experience?

 

[joan4mickey]

I hate to say this, but ...
I was thinking about doing Princess at some point in the future, and you guys are kinda scaring me off.
I did the 5K last year and loved it, and most of the runners I met in the parks were really sweet and encouraging, which is part of why I figured it would be a good race for me (the other part is the princess thing). But from some of the things I've seen here, it sounds like those sweet and encouraging runners are in the minority.

I know this is a decision that I have to make for myself, but ... am I misreading, or do you guys really feel like the Princess Half is not a good experience?

I do think it can be a good experience...it will be better if you have a corral placement that isn't too far back. Also, expectations....one can choose to go with or without certain expectations...I think we can have big disappointments when we have certain expectation. I try and approach life with few expectations of people and situations and then look for the positive in what I am experiencing. I chatted up a lot of people, I was traveling alone, and had some very nice interactions with runners and people just on vacation.

 

[joan4mickey]

Thanks @Fruto76

 

[Keels]

Also, I think they need to have a PoT for the 10k. It's too easy for people to lie and say they run a 8:00/mile for the 10k when they probably have no idea what their time is for that distance.

 

[Ariel484]

@Keels and @joan4mickey great posts - I appreciate the brutal honesty. I did this race in 2011 and it sounds like it has changed a TON from then. Not sure what to expect for next year, but I do know that I will just be so happy if I am actually healthy enough to be able to complete the races after having to sit them out for this year.

@SarahDisney I'm a little freaked out for next year too, but I'm thinking that the bad experiences are what is making the "news" - we know good thing happened too but the bad things are more raw and fresh, if that makes sense? Obviously this is coming from someone that wasn't there, so take that with a grain of salt.

As for why no princesses on the course...I read a theory awhile back that there were no princesses on the course because the runners themselves are the actual princesses (so my bib in 2011 said "Princess Shannon"). Make of that what you will.

 

[Keels]

I hate to say this, but ...
I was thinking about doing Princess at some point in the future, and you guys are kinda scaring me off.
I did the 5K last year and loved it, and most of the runners I met in the parks were really sweet and encouraging, which is part of why I figured it would be a good race for me (the other part is the princess thing). But from some of the things I've seen here, it sounds like those sweet and encouraging runners are in the minority.

I know this is a decision that I have to make for myself, but ... am I misreading, or do you guys really feel like the Princess Half is not a good experience?

For me? No. Now - had I not been alone, I might have felt differently. But I did not feel any of this "girl power camaraderie" that people talk about at these races. I saw mean girls bullying others and making fun of people on the course, I encountered many people who didn't even really plan on doing the half - they would get swept and get their medal anyway, and on and on and on.

I've shared this story privately, but I might as well do it here as well because it was just so unbelievably appalling to me:

The worst, most appalling was this poor woman - she was EXTREMELY overweight and you can tell that she hadn't done much training because she was wearing clothes that nobody who would train to run would wear - her pants (thin cotton yoga capris) were so stretched out they were falling down, her cotton tank top rode up to expose her belly and her poor friend was basically pulling her along, willing her to keep going (that's a discussion for another day, but is completely beside the point). These four just basic b!tches were LOUDLY insulting her "OMG. Pull your pants up!" And "I'm blind! She's blinded me." The poor woman was crying, it was just a miserable experience for her all around and these women were not helping the situation. Not that I did either by yelling "Hey, maybe if you effing hags ran a little bit, you wouldn't still need those heat sheets you have wrapped around you like baby blankies at Mile 4.", but I hope somewhere someone thought it was a good deed for me to stick up for that poor woman.

 

[Keels]

Oh - and they did away with the "Princess" on the bibs this year.

 

[Ariel484]

For me? No. Now - had I not been alone, I might have felt differently. But I did not feel any of this "girl power camaraderie" that people talk about at these races. I saw mean girls bullying others and making fun of people on the course, I encountered many people who didn't even really plan on doing the half - they would get swept and get their medal anyway, and on and on and on.

I've shared this story privately, but I might as well do it here as well because it was just so unbelievably appalling to me:

The worst, most appalling was this poor woman - she was EXTREMELY overweight and you can tell that she hadn't done much training because she was wearing clothes that nobody who would train to run would wear - her pants (thin cotton yoga capris) were so stretched out they were falling down, her cotton tank top rode up to expose her belly and her poor friend was basically pulling her along, willing her to keep going (that's a discussion for another day, but is completely beside the point). These four just basic b!tches were LOUDLY insulting her "OMG. Pull your pants up!" And "I'm blind! She's blinded me." The poor woman was crying, it was just a miserable experience for her all around and these women were not helping the situation. Not that I did either by yelling "Hey, maybe if you effing hags ran a little bit, you wouldn't still need those heat sheets you have wrapped around you like baby blankies at Mile 4.", but I hope somewhere someone thought it was a good deed for me to stick up for that poor woman.

And that is the story that nauseated me. I absolutely think it was awesome of you to stick up for her, and I REALLY hope she finished after it was so miserable for her.

 

[keahgirl8]

I hate to say this, but ...
I was thinking about doing Princess at some point in the future, and you guys are kinda scaring me off.
I did the 5K last year and loved it, and most of the runners I met in the parks were really sweet and encouraging, which is part of why I figured it would be a good race for me (the other part is the princess thing). But from some of the things I've seen here, it sounds like those sweet and encouraging runners are in the minority.

I know this is a decision that I have to make for myself, but ... am I misreading, or do you guys really feel like the Princess Half is not a good experience?

I actually had a blast. I only did the 5K this year, but I heard the same complaints last year and didn't experience it then either. Don't let all of this scare you if it's something you truly want to do.

Oh - and they did away with the "Princess" on the bibs this year.

They didn't have it last year either. Unless you mean where it said "Princess Kendra." If so, you're right! I totally forgot about that! I wonder why they stopped doing that.

 

[SarahDisney]

The worst, most appalling was this poor woman - she was EXTREMELY overweight and you can tell that she hadn't done much training because she was wearing clothes that nobody who would train to run would wear - her pants (thin cotton yoga capris) were so stretched out they were falling down, her cotton tank top rode up to expose her belly and her poor friend was basically pulling her along, willing her to keep going (that's a discussion for another day, but is completely beside the point). These four just basic b!tches were LOUDLY insulting her "OMG. Pull your pants up!" And "I'm blind! She's blinded me." The poor woman was crying, it was just a miserable experience for her all around and these women were not helping the situation. Not that I did either by yelling "Hey, maybe if you effing hags ran a little bit, you wouldn't still need those heat sheets you have wrapped around you like baby blankies at Mile 4.", but I hope somewhere someone thought it was a good deed for me to stick up for that poor woman.

That story is horrifying. Forget a race, that's not a way to treat any human being ever. I'm glad you stood up for her, even if that means being mean to some other people.

And honestly ... I can kinda see myself as the person being made fun of. Yes, I try to dress in appropriate running clothing, but some of my clothing is regular clothing that's still comfortable for running, and maybe does look a little funny. And I'm pretty self-conscious about it. I was shocked the first time I got a positive comment about my skirt at a race - I'm waiting for the day when someone makes a nasty comment about "why would someone run in a knee-length skirt?" (I know there are a lot of runners in skirts at Disney races, but I think my skirts are probably on the longer side, even at Disney).

I think that because I tend to go into runDisney races as experiences rather than races (I don't care about my time as long as I meet some characters and don't get swept ... although I did get annoyed in January when I couldn't run at a decent pace because of the crowding), I might be okay. But I am a little scared of running into bullies ... believe me, most days I don't need bullies to make me feel crappy about myself, I can do that on my own.

I actually had a blast. I only did the 5K this year, but I heard the same complaints last year and didn't experience it then either. Don't let all of this scare you if it's something you truly want to do.

It's good to hear that someone had a good experience - hopefully if I decide to do Princess my experience will be more like yours and not the nightmare others are describing!

 

[Keels]

That story is horrifying. Forget a race, that's not a way to treat any human being ever. I'm glad you stood up for her, even if that means being mean to some other people.

And honestly ... I can kinda see myself as the person being made fun of. Yes, I try to dress in appropriate running clothing, but some of my clothing is regular clothing that's still comfortable for running, and maybe does look a little funny. And I'm pretty self-conscious about it. I was shocked the first time I got a positive comment about my skirt at a race - I'm waiting for the day when someone makes a nasty comment about "why would someone run in a knee-length skirt?" (I know there are a lot of runners in skirts at Disney races, but I think my skirts are probably on the longer side, even at Disney).

I think that because I tend to go into runDisney races as experiences rather than races (I don't care about my time as long as I meet some characters and don't get swept ... although I did get annoyed in January when I couldn't run at a decent pace because of the crowding), I might be okay. But I am a little scared of running into bullies ... believe me, most days I don't need bullies to make me feel crappy about myself, I can do that on my own.



It's good to hear that someone had a good experience - hopefully if I decide to do Princess my experience will be more like yours and not the nightmare others are describing!

That's the part that hurts my heart the most about this, Sarah - you thinking you'd get made fun of for your clothing. Like, I'm tearing up just reading that and knowing that you're thinking that it could be a possibility.

 

[joan4mickey]

The situations @Keels tells us is awful. This person put herself in a bad situation and others being mean is just wrong. When did we forget that we are humans with feelings. One's insides are important, and people today will try and fill those deeps hurts with food or drugs or whatever it takes to make it go away..believe me I know. I have 21 years of recovery from drug addiction and I still work on being a better person to myself and others everyday.
At the end of the day (or your life) is won't be about all the stuff we have or have done, but who we were and the relationships we have had.
**Tomorrow or tonight when you go out to the store or work or where ever...don't withhold your smile from those you encounter as you never know what is going on in (good or bad) their life. It is a simple caring gesture.

 

[SarahDisney]

It's definitely hard reading about people being ridiculed or mistreated at an event like this, which should be about bringing people together to accomplish a goal. And I hate that there are people (including me) who have a fear that this will happen - nobody should ever feel that way, and nobody should ever feel a need to treat someone badly for any reason. It doesn't matter how different that person next to you may look or act - right now you're both (hopefully) trying to finish a half marathon, and that means you're in the same boat.
(I also feel really bad for these witches that they feel so bad about themselves that they feel a need to ridicule someone who was obviously out of her element just to make themselves feel better).

Kindness and respect are definitely the most important things to remember. And, as @joan4mickey said, a smile goes a long way. When I'm out running, I love it when runners or walkers say good morning or give me a thumbs up or a smile (and I try to always do the same). Sometimes the smaller things are the things that make the biggest difference in someone's life.

Now maybe we should try to make this thread a little less sad ... anyone want to talk about puppies?