• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

runDisney Wine and Dine Half Meet Up 2013

November 13, 2013 | Disney, fitness, runDisney, running, Under armour

Last Thursday, I participated in the runDisney Wine and Dine half marathon meet up.

runDisney wine and dine

This was a special meet up, because it was the first one being held at night! We checked in at the front of Epcot and were given very comfy shirts that matched the Wine and Dine theme.

082

We arenโ€™t too good at selfies.

084

We were given a park ticket for that night, as well as a fastpass for Test Track. We headed over immediately, then met up with Jen.

088

091

095

Soon after I got a text from Kelly who had arrived with Kristin, who I was so excited to meet. It was wonderful to see Kelly again as well, too!

097

We headed over to a special viewing area reserved just for meet up attendees to view Illuminations.

104

1107ZX_0122MS

1107ZX_0099MS

Me and Linzie.

1107ZX_0031MS

I was also excited to see Julie again, and finally meet Sara. We chatted about how much we missed our dogs, and I knew they would understand.

106

After the fireworks, we were brought over to the American Adventure pavilion where were were served what elseโ€ฆfood and wine!

110

After some eating and mingling, it was time for the presentation to begin. Darrell Fry, sports media director, opened the show. We had no idea who was coming to speak and what information we would be given. Things were kicked off by Faron Kelley who gave away some raffle items like runDisney duffle bags and race entries!

116

DSC_0831

Next Jeff Galloway and nutritionist Tara Gidus took the stage to talk a bit about race day strategies and nutrition. They just gave a little bit of info and encouraged us to come hear them speak at the expo to learn more. One key thing they DID say however was to hydrate hydrate hydrate!

120

We also got to hear from a couple of chefs who work at Disney who told us a little about some of the new food offerings and booths at the food and wine festival. We were also told about wine, and how one glass of red wine a day and two for men can have health benefits. Just what we needed to hear. Hehe.

121

The next guest was very exciting. We got to hear from Ali about the new 2014 runDisney and New Balance limited edition shoe! We didnโ€™t actually get to see the show, but they showed us a short video and told us that the whole shoe buying โ€œexperienceโ€ would be new and exciting, and I canโ€™t wait to learn more! We were shown the new shoe box which looks awesome, and were told you could buy race specific inserts and charms for your shoe laces. How cool! You can see a couple of the inserts pictured below, as well as the box.

126

1107ZX_0784MS

DSC_0958

129

DSC_0905

The next guest was a special surprise, Jenny Simpson! This girl is a beast. She holds the 2013 womenโ€™s record for the mile in 4:19. WOW! She is an Olympian as well, and has a long, long list of accolades. She seemed so down to earth and spoke of her childhood Disney memories.

135

After the presentation closed out, it was time to run! I was actually glad (even though it was WAY past my bedtime) because I was starting to get chilly. First, it was time for a few more photos with friends. Me and Tara.

141

No meet up is complete with a picture with some friends with character.

wine and dine meet up

We broke into a straight run group and a run/walk/run group and ran around World Showcase 1.5 times. It was a fun run, and I got to chat with some friends along the way.

1107ZX_1115MS

Was happy to see this girl again, even though her jacket tried to blind me.

143

We finished up the run with a group photo, then a group straight run photo. Can you find me?

1107ZX_1190MS

DSC_0131

Spaceship earth was gorgeous, even at midnight.

144

As we walked toward the exit to leave, we had one more special surprise, a champagne toast!

147

Faron sent us off with a beautiful toast and best wishes for the race, and we all said goodbye.

149

But not before a photo with some #TeamrunDisney friends!

150

runDisney has outdone themselves again, and I loved that this meet up was different from all the other ones being at night, watching Illuminations, etc. I think the element of surprise is part of the fun, and I canโ€™t wait to see what they come up with next! I am so glad my husband and I got to attend, we had a blast!

QOTD: if you could plan the meet up, what is something different you would do?

Want more info on runDisney? Visit their website to sign up for events, get the latest news, and more!

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melanie A says

    November 13, 2013 at 5:14 am

    I was there and it was my first one! I thought the night was flawless! So much fun!

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:04 pm

      Glad you had fun!

  2. meranda@ fairytalesandfitness says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:36 am

    How fun! it was nice seeing some gals I actually know in your photos! I met a a few of them at the Runner’s World event back in October! ~M

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      fun!

  3. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    November 13, 2013 at 7:11 am

    The meetup looked like a fantastic time as I followed you and others along on Twitter, and your recap only confirmed it! I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll get into the Marathon Weekend meetup – hopefully my wishes will come true!

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      Good luck!

  4. Lisa says

    November 13, 2013 at 7:53 am

    I sadly didn’t get to do the meet up but I had so much fun at the Wine and Dine Half. I can’t wait for next year.

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      So glad you had fun!

  5. Mindy @ Road Runner Girl says

    November 13, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Looks like so much fun!!! I love the color of the shirts!

  6. Danielle says

    November 13, 2013 at 8:09 am

    Good to see you at the meet-up! I have to admit I sort of thought the speakers/ presentation part left something to be desired, but running around Epcot after park close and a champagne toast under Spaceship Earth made it well worth it!

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Champagne was awesome! Admittedly they didn’t have as many special guess as normal or give out as much info.

  7. Jen says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:25 am

    It was such a fun night!

  8. Kat says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Adorable new shirts! Looks FABULOUS!

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      thanks!

  9. Sarah says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:58 am

    How do the meet-ups work? Do you register or you have to be a blogger or random draw? Just learning about runDisney and thinking about running my first half in 2014 and want to learn about it all!

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:01 pm

      You have to be on social media, it’s a social media meet up. A couple weeks prior tot he event they will post a post on the disney parks blog and you have to be one of the first 100 or 125 or so people to respond via email to the post to get in.:)

  10. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    November 13, 2013 at 11:32 am

    OMG that looks like so much fun!!! I think everyone should drink a bottle of wine and then run a 1/2 marathon… and then eat! LOL!!!!! Wine is healthy, right?? ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Heather says

      November 13, 2013 at 3:00 pm

      Haha sure!

  11. Karla @ Run, Karla, Run! says

    November 13, 2013 at 7:44 pm

    Haha, sorry my jacket tried to blind you! It was doing that to everyone ๐Ÿ™‚ Great to see you again!

  12. Sheandra says

    November 13, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Thank you for the recap Heather. I’m going to my first meet up on Saturday here in Atlanta and have been wondering what to expect generally. I’m hopeful that some champagne will be in order — at 6 in at the morning! LOL.

  13. Shannyn @frugalbeautiful.com says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Wine & Dine is still on my to-do list… so glad you posted this, I feel like I got my “fix” for now lurking through your runDisney posts. Until next time doll! ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. Kara says

    November 14, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I missed the meet up by a day ๐Ÿ™ Maybe next time I will get to go. It was my first half and my first runDisney race! It was so much fun and I can’t wait to sign up for my next one! I was hoping to see you so I could have introduced myself, maybe next time!! I love reading all your posts, you are such an inspiration!

  15. Megan @ I Run For Wine says

    November 14, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Im so sad we didn’t get a photo together this night! BOO ๐Ÿ™ It was such a fun event, so different than waking up at 4am to go to a meetup! Double bonus that it ended with champagne ๐Ÿ™‚

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    November 13, 2013 at 2:32 am

    runDisney Wine and Dine Half Meet Up 2013

    Last Thursday, I participated in the runDisney Wine and Dine half marathon meet up. This was a special

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. ๐Ÿ™‚

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight
  • 8 Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Activities that are Perfect for a Family Spring Break

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
๐Ÿ’ช Amazon Activewear You Need This Summer! โ˜€๏ธ (ad)

I found the perfect lightweight workout tank + the cutest high-waisted skort โ€” both from @g4free_official on Amazon! ๐Ÿ™Œ

โœ”๏ธ Racerback Tank: Silky soft, airy light (only ~3oz!), 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and UPF 50+
โœ”๏ธ Ruffle Skort: Built-in shorts, pockets, tummy control waistband & comes in 15โ€ or 20โ€ lengths!

Whether youโ€™re hitting the gym, walking the dog, playing tennis or just running errands โ€” this set is comfy and flattering. ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿ›’ Shop them both on Amazon! Save 10% with G4FREE10! 
(Links in bio! โœจ)

#amazonfinds #amazonactivewear #workoutoutfit #g4free #fitmomstyle #athleisurestyle #tennisskirt #gymfashion #amazonfashionfinds #activewearreview #g4freeamazon #amazonfashion
๐Ÿšข There are some things I never pictured doing ๐Ÿšข There are some things I never pictured doing on a cruise, but here we are! 

@virginvoyages is so unique in its offerings, it truly feels like they are listening to what their โ€œsailorsโ€ want. (No Nickel and Dime-ingโ€ฆ tips, Wifi, Group Fitness Classes, Essential Bevvies, Dining, and entertainment - always included on these adult by design voyages!) 

Which of these things do you want to do on your next cruise? 

๐Ÿ‘‰๐ŸปCheck out the ๐Ÿ”— in my bio for up to $200 in onboard credit towards your voyage + their best discount of the year: 
75% off the second Sailor + up to $500 in Instant Savings!! ๐ŸŽ‰

#virginvoyages #valiantlady #cruisevacation #cruiseshiplife #travelcreator
No time for the gym? Same. ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ (ad) That No time for the gym? Same. ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ (ad)
Thatโ€™s why the Yesoul R1M Plus Rowing Machine is my new go-to for fun, full-body workouts at home โ€” with zero guilt. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผโœจ

โœ… Foldable & compact for small spaces
โœ… Stream YouTube/Netflix etc. or Spotify while you row (hello, multitasking magic)
โœ… No mandatory subscription โ€” just mirror your screen & go!
โœ… Built for all fitness levels, so you can start where you are

Mamas, this is your moment to prioritize YOU โ€” without sacrificing your schedule (or your living room).

๐Ÿ›’ Grab yours here: https://bit.ly/3SkLjrM (๐Ÿ”— in bio)
Use code Heather for $100 off across their G1M series bikes, T1M treadmills, R1M rowing machines, and J1M recumbent bikes! ๐Ÿ™Œ

Check out: @yesoulfitness.official
#funcardio #yesoul #hometraining #fitnessmotivation #herstrength #mothersdayideas
Here is a look behind the scenes of when we travel Here is a look behind the scenes of when we travel for work. Thereโ€™s a lot going on that you donโ€™t see on my reels. ๐Ÿคช

Super glamorous, right? ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

#behindthescenes #contentcreatorlife #contentcreator2025
๐Ÿ”ฅ The 5-Minute Smashdown is ON! ๐Ÿ”ฅ No thawing ๐Ÿ”ฅ The 5-Minute Smashdown is ON! ๐Ÿ”ฅ
No thawing. No smashing. No mess. Just juicy, crispy, caramelized perfectionโ€”straight from freezer to bun in 5 minutes flat. (Ad)

These @omahasteaks Smash Burgers are Built for the Grillโ„ข, and right now, you can get 16 FREE with your order. Yesโ€ฆ SIXTEEN.

Ready to taste the burger thatโ€™s flipping the script on dinner? Making it easier to grill even on those busy nights where you feel overwhelmed? 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Tap the link in my bio to claim your burgers. 

#OmahaSteaks #SmashBurgers #5MinuteSmashdown #BuiltForTheGrill
Just got back from the cutest cabin in Pigeon Forg Just got back from the cutest cabin in Pigeon Forge and had to share a travel hack for all my fellow moms planning summer getaways. ๐Ÿ’ก(ad)

We booked with @savvy_stay, which means no third-party fees, no fluff โ€” just direct access to professional hosts and more room in the budget for fun. ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ 

They even have a price comparison tool on their site so you can see what you WOULD be paying if you went with โ€œthe other guys.โ€

Think: mountain views, family memories, and extra savings that actually make a difference. If Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is on your list, do yourself a favor and check out Savvy first!

๐Ÿ”๏ธโ˜€๏ธ #FamilyTravelTips #MomLifeHacks #SummerVacationPlanning #SavvyTravel #PigeonForgeCabin #GatlinburgGetaway #TravelSmarter #staysmarter #savvy #traveltips #saveontravel
First @dollywood day of the season photo dump. ๐Ÿฆ‹ 

Pro tip: Visit now. Between Easter and Memorial Day is the perfect time to go. We arrived at 4:30 and every ride was a walk on and we stayed until closing! Perfect weather, great memories, and many more to come. ๐Ÿ’™

Cheers to 40 years, Dollywood! ๐ŸŽข 

#dollywood #dollywoodthemepark #themepark #pigeonforge #dollywood2025 #dollywoodthemepark

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d