How I did it: So, first let me say that the race was a blast. I had the time of my life, and the on-course entertainment was probably a little TOO good! When it comes to asking "Should I run this race?", you've gotta look at it from two perspectives:

1) If you're running your first half, and your goal is simply to complete a half and have fun doing it, this is THE race for you. I started in the last of 5 corrals. I finished in the top half, with several thousands of runners and walkers still behind me. There were so many women who were walking the whole thing, or walking/jogging. It's a very doable race to complete however you go about doing it. I stopped and stood in short lines to take pictures with so many characters. You'll definitely be able to keep your mind on the fun and off the distance!

2) If you're planning to run the whole way and/or have a goal time in mind, it would be a good idea to submit a prior race time so that you don't start in Corral E. Even running at about an 11-minute mile pace the first 8 miles and maybe a 9 minute pace the last 5, I was passing tons of walkers and joggers--on the grass on the side of the paved course. There are SO MANY people running with you (over 13,000 racers were registered) that if you want to run at a faster pace, you need to start in an earlier corral. It's dangerous for the runners to run on the grass where you can't see dips and divets in the ground, but the course was clogged with people. Now, there were two runners just ahead of me who were bitching about this the ENTIRE first mile, which really pissed me off. I mean, it's a DISNEY race! You should be having fun, not complaining! If you have a goal time in mind, and it's under 2:45, it's your responsibility to submit a good proof of time so that you can be in a higher corral. The race organizers did their very best trying to ease the flow of traffic by spreading the start out among 5 corrals. The women you're passing have goals too, and they don't want to hear your grousing. If you're starting from Corral E, just enjoy the ride and keep alert about the ground you're running on! I managed just fine. (:

I finished with an official chip time of 2:44:26. I also finished with a TON of cool pictures with Disney princesses, pirates, and generally hot guys (Aladdin, anyone?)

Overall Disney did a great job organizing this race! The tech tees are snazzy, we got awesome medals with bling on them, and they fed us well with powerade, bagels, oranges, and Luna bars after the race. During the race they had TONS of powerade/water tables, and even had one table with those Clif Shot Gels (they're gross, like eating jam, but I think they did give me an energy boost--although one woman next to me exclaimed, "Do NOT get the green apple flavor-it's like eating apple flavored snot!"). They keep you well-fueled!

I trained for this race using the Hal Higdon Novice Half Marathon training program. It's a 12 week program that gradually increases your distance each week--no more than 10%. It's VERY manageable. You will be able to run the whole thing (minus character picture taking breaks and any trips to the portapotty) if you train properly. I finished strong and felt great!

Lessons & tips: TRAIN!

Here's a link to the Hal Higdon program I followed:
http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

If you're planning on running in 2011, and it's your first half marathon, consider training to run a 10K in December. I did this, having never raced further than a 5K before, and it gave me the confidence that I could indeed finish a half marathon if I trained right! I used a Hal Higdon program to train for my 10K, too:
http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10knovice.htm

Before your race, don't make any great changes to the way you eat. Eat what you normally would before a long run. Hydrate well.

After my race I found it helpful to ice my feet, shins, and knees (I stuck my legs in my Granny's pool because it was still icy cold from the cold weather they'd been having in Orlando!) You'll probably feel sore the day after your run, but icing will help.

Have fun!

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Mar 09, 2010, 02:06PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers