2013 Disneyland Half Marathon Meet-Up

This year, I had the privilege to be invited to a runDisney Meet-Up. What an experience! We met at Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat in Downtown Disney around 6:00am.

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

We attended the New Balance's Good Form Running (GFR) Clinic and met a few celebrities. Here I am with Sean Astin, best known for his role as Samwise in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey in The Goonies and the title character of Rudy. 

I also talked to former 'N Sync member Joey Fatone who wished me happy birthday. 

After the running clinic, we headed to Disneyland and California Adventure for a short run,  +/-  2 miles. The parks were closed to the public. They were all ours. What an honor!  We ran alongside Olympian Jeff Galloway and 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon winner Cindy Lynch. We stopped at the Mad Hatter's Hat Shop for some pictures and a Teacup ride. 

I met Ali Vincent, winner of the 5th edition of The Biggest Looser. She is super sweet and down to earth. 

The next stop was the Mad T Party at California Adventure.

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

We were offered free delicious breakfast by our hosts, Alice and the Mad Hatter.  

  

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

We met the official nutritionist of runDisney, Tara Gidus and took a peek at ABC's new tv show "Once Upon A Time in Wonderland".  We listened to Sean Astin, Joey Fatone and Ali Vincent's personal experiences. They are truly inspiring!

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo -
I am behind Alice with my hot pink visor

At the end of the Meet-Up, there were prizes given away including a new pair of New Balance and runDisney bags. New medals were also revealed. 

Photo Credit: Jimmy DeFlippo

We all received a nice goody bag with H20 products, Cliff bars, pins and a nice 1-day free entry to the parks. 

 What can I say?  It was the best way to kick-off my BIG birthday weekend!