How to train for Tinker Bell half marathon?

Please be honest… is it a realistic idea to think/want to participate in the Tinker Bell half marathon on Sunday May 10, 2015?? It would be my first run ever, and I’m just currently up to walking a mile in a half hour…. your thoughts? How to train? Thank you!!

If you really want to do it and you put your training in I think it’s realistic to do anything in a year! Find a good training program and be ready to put in a lot of work, but I’m sure you’ll get there if you’re determined. Best of luck!

Definitely doable. I did Tinkerbell 6 months after having my baby and I had been on bedrest prior so I had to start from scratch with my fitness.

The nice thing about the Disney races is that there is no timing pressure. You stop to take pictures with the characters and many people walk the entire thing.

I would start with a couch to 5k program and then continue building from there. Experiment to find what type of program works well for you – many new long distance runners do well with intervals for jogging 3 mins and walking 1 min for the duration of the race.

Definitely! With a whole year to train, you can slowly work your way up in mileage the smart way:) Go for it!

Absolutely! I did my first half in May of 2012 and started walking Christmas Eve of 2011. It’s mostly a mental thing…KNOW that you can and you will! Enjoy the journey!! 🙂

Why wouldn’t it be? It’s a year away and u can only limit yourself

I started running in September and did my first half last Saturday. You can do it!

I started running Jan. 1 and I’m doing my first 1/2 in June and my second 1/2 in October. Having a goal like that is the best motivation for training. You can do it!

You can so do it!!!! Find a good training program and you will do great!

Totally doable. I ran my first half marathon 9 mos after running my first 5K. I say go for it…you got this!!

Yes, it is possible, but you can’t quit training after you start! Start training now and keep training. No excuses! The first time I ran, I could run 1/4 mile, 5 months later I could run a 5K, about 1 year after I ran the first time, I could run 15 miles… but I trained the whole time, take your rest days but keep with a training plan and don’t give up!

Wow! I’m so excited! Thank you everyone!! I don’t mind honesty at all! :))) I truly wish I stumbled upon this group sooner! You all are such great motivators! Your all right, with you by my side, I GOT THIS! Can’t wait to get better shoes next weekend!

Yes! Keep going, you have a year! You are doing great! I couldn’t run a mile, but with the help of a running club, and a 13 week training plan, I ran my first half. I ran the whole thing and it wasn’t fast, but my goal was to run the whole distance. You can do it!

Yes! I agree! Setting that goal to reach for is awesome motivation! Short of a physical disability, I believe anyone is capable! If someone would have told me 5 years ago that I’d do Disney’s Dopey in 2014 & call myself a runner today, I’d have laughed!!! It’s very mental too and amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it & put it the effort to make it happen! You CAN do it!!!

Definitely get fitted at a running store for the right shoes & it’d be a good idea to visit your physician for medical clearance to train for an endurance race. Disney does have a time limit of 3.5 hrs for a Half which is a 16min/mile pace but don’t let that scare you because you will get there in a year!
I personally highly recommend Jeff Galloway’s walk/run method. It’s what I’ve always used to accomplish all my race goals & is great for getting started & running injury free. His training plans are on the runDisney site. I modify them a bit for me. I also recommend getting involved with a local training group if you can. That’s another great support! Finally, I’ve done every Disney race coast to coast since I started running. I’m hoping to get back out to CA for Tink in 2015 & would be honored to run alongside you in your 1st Half if you don’t have someone to run with then. 😀 Message me if you have any questions. Sorry this got so long! 🙂

Yes shoes! Go to a running store and make sure you have them fit you for a shoe that fits YOUR foot! Very important to be a successful runner!

Thank you!! Oh my goodness, you rock! I’m feeling so overwhelmed with excitment!!

But you have to wear fairy wings too! 😉 It’s the only Disney way! (in my book!) I tease, but 2 years in, Tink was the first race I dressed in costume for & am now addicted to costume running too!!! 😀

I made fun of costumes until I did Disney as Minnie Mouse. Plus, my kids thought it was awesome! (silly picture but easiest one I have handy of me in costume)

I love it!!! Giggles! I’m not crafty by any means, but truly am going to find wings and possibly a tutu! Giggles! I’ve always wanted to wear wings and a tutu!!! Thanks Tara Knowles & Angela Austin Rubright!!! 🙂 🙂

No better time than Tink!!! 😀

Yes! You have a whole year to train and as long as you keep a 16 min/mile pace you are fine! It is such a fun run and the sheer excitement and massive crowds of people cheering you on will get you through the race! You got this!

I asked for the time off work! 🙂 Trying to figure out if I want to fly or drive. You all have me so pumped I can’t think to work!!! ♡♡♡ 🙂

Yes! Sign up. My friend did a 26 week half marathon plan. I do 8 weeks. So there’s a variety of plans. It’s a year away still! Go for it! Once you register, it’s real!

Be prepared! It sells fast! And look for a training plan!

Totally realistic! Goals are a fabulous motivator!

You can do it!!! Slow, steady progress and determination… Just listen to your body. Awesome goal to shoot for!