runDisney Half Marathon Weekend Official Meet-Up Recap

There is one event that occurs during all runDisney half marathon/marathon weekends that is probably more coveted than the actually races themselves. Eager participants literally sit at their laptops, computer, tablets, and smart phones (all at the same time) and stalk the Disney Parks Blog waiting for the moment runDisney will announce the official meet-up/tweet up! The 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon weekend was no exception to this. With the introduction of the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare and the Disneyland 10K, the energy and excitement level of this weekend were at record highs. I was fortunate enough to receive my invitation to this exclusive event! runDisney didn't disappoint! 

When I arrive at The Disneyland Hotel bright and early on Friday morning I was greeted by runDisney coordinators who checked me in and handed me my runDisney tote with my name on it...this was a nice touch! Inside the bag we found some awesome swag from H20+, and the wildly popular runDisney technical tee. runDisney's first surprise of the morning...the shirts were BLUE! A huge change from the gunmetal color that we are used to seeing. Every last runner was excited about this color change. Sometimes it is the little things! I shook hands and met some runners I follow and finally was able to put some real faces to names! I was really excited to meet Heather from Through Heather's Looking Glass! We hit it off the second we met! She really is a delight!

Heather and I

Normally the race will begin with a 2-3 mile run around the resort property, but this meet-up started with something new! New Balance is the official shoe of runDisney! What this means is we as participants have access to shoe consultants and running form workshops. The meet-up began with a running form workshop called Good Form Running! This clinic was really awesome! We learned four of the basic running form principles; Posture, Mid-Foot, Cadence, and Lean. This not only was very informative, but it was a great way to warm up before our run! So thanks to New Balance for coming out and sharing some amazing information with us!

New Balance leading the Good Form Running Clinic
Photo Credit Jimmy DeFlippo

Once the clinic concluded, The White Rabbit appeared out of literally no where! This could only mean one thing...he was late for a very important date! This signaled the beginning of our journey through Downtown Disney, Disney California Adventure Park, and Disneyland Park!

Photo Credit Jimmy DeFlippo

Photo Credit Jimmy DeFlippo

We literally ran all over the parks! We ended up being stopped at the Mad Tea Party attraction in Fantastyland where we met Alice! She was gracious enough to take photos AND we got to ride the tea cups! YAY! I got to share a tea cup with one of my favorite tweeps who I finally got to meet in person this weekend, Justin! 

Justin and I have gone MAD!

Once we said ta-ta for now to Alice we made our way to California Adventure where we concluded our run and were greeted by the Mat Hatter and some lovely breakfast items to refuel. This offered a great time to mix, mingle, and get to know some of our fellow runners! We were in great company as we had some very special guests join us at the meet-up! Alice and The Mad Hatter Joey Fatone fron *NSYNC Sean Astin from 'Rudy' and 'The Goonies'

Once we got settled, it was time for the what I like to call 'talk' with the greats! First up was Faron who is the marketing director for runDisney...and he literally blew my mind with his news. First piece of news, runDisney is actively looking at 4 new races. What and where they are was not shared, but it sounded like these races were strongly being considered. So stay vigilant...I'm sure there will be more details coming soon. Now, the thing that excited me most was the announcement of new runDisney BLING! When Faron pulled that black sheet off of the medal hanger I stood up and gasped!!!

Faron Snatching My Edges and Giving Me ALL the Life
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

The medals are beautiful! The medals for this year's Wine and Dine half marathon, and next year's Walt Disney World Marathon weekend were revealed! All of which are GORGEOUS! My personal favorite was the new Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge medal!

New runDisney Bling

The next treat we got was a chance to get a sneak peek at the new ABC show/spin-off of Once Upon A Time in Wonderland! I personally can't wait to see how this show turns out!

Next, official runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus the Diet Diva came up and gave us some awesome insight into nutrition. I always love hearing her talk! She is so full of energy and passion! If you get a chance, go to one of her talks during marathon weekend, she really is a wealth of knowledge and really approachable and sweet!

Tara Gidus Serving Nutritional Realness
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

After Tara, we heard from the legend and runDisney training consultant, Jeff Galloway. I love listening to Jeff talk! He has so much passion about running and wanting others to succeed! His passion really is infectious! Again, another person I highly recommend going to hear speak or even stopping him just to say hello! He is incredible!

Jeff Galloway Doing His Thing!
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

Next up Ali Vincent from the Biggest Loser! She is just a huge ball of energy!!! She's really an inspiration and is using her platform to change the world! I can appreciate that! Go You Ali!!!

Go Ali!
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

Oh, there you are Sean Astin! Sean is known for his #Run3rd platform! He is also very inspirational and a leader in the runDisney community. A really nice guy all around! He recognized me again at the finish line of the Disneyland 10K! Thanks Sean!

Sean Astin Encouraging Everyone
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

And last but not least, Joey Fatone! Fellow Goofy finisher was earning his coast-to-coast and his Dumbo Double Dare! He is hilarious! He also served us with some *NSYNC 'Bye, Bye, Bye' choreography and that was all I needed to cap off an amazing morning! Way to go Joey!

Joey said *NSYNC Isn't Reuniting LOL
Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

After all the speakers took the stage, PR Manager Bob raffled off 3 pairs of New Balance shoes, four runDisney laptop cases, and 4 runDisney roller travel bags! Now, I never win anything, but when I won the roller bag, I was ecstatic haha!

This was one amazing meet-up! runDisney doesn't have to do these! They choose to do these, and they made a lot of dreams come true that morning! I am over the moon that I was able to participate and look forward to participate in more! Seriously, runDisney is amazing! From the people, to the races...every step is magic!

THANK YOU runDISNEY!