Good morning! I wrote this post out last night, because I am probably asleep right now after being out so late for the Wine and Dine half marathon! (recap to come soon!)
But lets back up to Friday and the amazing runDisney meet up I was so lucky enough to be able to attend. My alarm went off at five am which would normally make me groan, but not this morning! I made it to EPCOT for the Wine and Dine half meet up/tweet up and was ready for some fun.
We were welcomed to EPCOT and the meet up, and then the running began! There were two running groups, one was the run/walk group led by the awesome Jeff Galloway, and the other was a straight run group led by Bob of runDisney and the reigning Wine and Dine Champion, Anton Van Zyl, who I got to run with, way cool.
We finished a near two mile run around Epcot, which was absolutely beautiful at sunrise, and then cheered on the group who ran with Jeff Galloway as they came in.
After everyone was together, we walked into the Germany Pavilion for breakfast and a presentation. As usual, runDisney gave amazing information and also a great element of fun! We were given coffee, juice, and muffins before we sat down.
Anton talked to us about race day, keeping with a plan, but also having fun. he has completed four ironman races, including the Kona race in Hawaii this year!
Jeff, the man who needs no introduction, also gave some words of wisdom and encouragement for the runners, and told s to come out to the expo to hear him speak more about running your best race.
The amazing Tara who is a nutritionist for the Orlando Magic and now is working with runDisney gave some great nutrition tips. Running a night race is so different than what most people are used to, so proper fueling and nutrition the day of is so crucial.
Speaking of nutrition, we were treated to an awesome dish by Chef Steff and we even got to take home the recipe, sweet!
Then, another “chef” made a grand appearance, and was greeted by a roaring round of applause!
We were then thanked for coming, and were given a one day Disney park ticket to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival, as well as a $10 Food and Wine gift card so we could “eat around the world” and a runDisney water bottle, so generous of them!
Don’t worry, I tweeted through the whole event, as did everyone else! (check out #WineDineHalfMeetUp to see!)
#Team RunDisney also took a quick photo.
We were then led outside where we got to take individual photos with Jeff Galloway and Chef Mickey.
We then, of course, had to take a group shot!
A huge thank you to runDisney for being so gracious in allowing this group of runners into EPCOT before the park opens to learn more about the sport and have some fun, too! I truly enjoyed myself, made some new friends, reconnected with the old, and got pumped for the Wine and Dine half marathon! Thanks runDisney!
*There is still time to sign up for the 5th anniversary runDisney Princess half marathon in February 2013! Don’t miss out on the fun!
**Thank you to runDisney for providing some of the images for this blog post.
QOTD: Have you ever met an Olympian like Jeff Galloway? Who is ready to runDisney?
Looks and sounds like fun!! Did Jeff remember you minus the tutu? Hehe!
The meetup looked like so much fun!! I’m hoping to join for the Jan one
I love meeting “famous” runners.. they always seem to be just like us!
Now that sounds like fun! Disney knows how to put on a good show! I’m sure the Wine & Dine was a great time, too. It’s been 5 years since I ran Disney Marathon…far too long! Germany is one of my favorite Epcot countries; the food is fantastic and I have a great cowbell from the gift shop that I always take to races I’m spectating!
So jealous you got to do this! Next year, I’m ensuring my travel plans allow me to apply to do this! 🙂 Looks like SO much fun!
I was there for the race too (it is one of my favorites!) and would have loved to be able to do this exciting early morning run through Epcot! Is it open to everyone or just people associated with RunDisney?
Anyone can sign up but they only took the first 40 people first come basis. I went as media though.