FROM: Running with the Mouse Published As Needed

Meeting A Legend

Robert is lucky to receive some extra perks from RunDisney and in the process, he gets to meet a running community legend.

- by Robert Mathis, September 10, 2011

 

 

I happened to be one of the first 25 lucky “qualified” runners to email RunDisney. This “contest” allowed us some great perks to kickoff the 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend on the Friday morning before the race. The main thing was a meet and greet with former Olympian and RunDisney Training Consultant Jeff Galloway. He is a legend in the running community who has helped thousands of runners complete their first Half or Full Marathon. This only was adding to the excitement of the upcoming weekend of fun.

The morning started out with me walking the one mile from my hotel to meet up with my fellow 25 lucky winners under the Sorcerers Hat in front of the Disneyland Hotel. It was nice talking with some of my fellow racers. We talked about where we were from and what our goals were for the race. Some were first time Disneyland Half marathon runners so they asked us “veterans” about the course and when they should arrive to get into the corrals.

At just after 10:30, a RunDisney rep came over to give us a quick run down on the itinerary of the morning. We first had to check in and than we were off to the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom where the race expo was being held. There was a lot of last minute setup and construction going on. This made it a little hard to hear the RunDisney reps and speakers.

First up was a RunDisney representative who briefed us ardent Disney runners about the upcoming races in 2012 and a special hint of the festivities around the 20th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World marathon. This got most of us ready to sign up right than and their!

Next up was Rachel Booth who was the Women’s winner of the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon. She was a very nice and humble runner who is very talented as she is a qualifier for the US Olympic Marathon trials. She shared the experience of running the Disneyland Half marathon as well as some cute family stories.

Finally, it was the main speaker Jeff Galloway. He shared his knowledge of getting ready for the Half Marathon two days later. He gave us a glimpse into his past as well as what he is working on now. He told us some anecdotes of running with his wife. He than fielded some questions from the runners in attendance. It was interested to hear his take on fueling before and during the race as well as his take on the “new” fad of barefoot running.

After Jeff was finished we all received a nice RunDisney bag that contained a great RunDisney tech running shirt and a special limited edition Disneyland Half Marathon Pin. We than were able to get a special photo op with Jeff and more importantly Mickey Mouse! Afterwards we were allowed to shop in the race merchandise shop before it opened. It was nice getting first choice or the merchandise as well as not having to fight the crowds in line to purchase our goodies we wanted to purchase.

From here we were lead in the back door to the race packet pickup area so we didn’t have to stand in the long line that had been forming for hours.

This was a great way to start the fun filled weekend that lay ahead of us.

 

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