Monday, August 31, 2015

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend - Meet Ups (UPDATED!)

With the exciting race weekend that is just days away, myself along with thousands of other avid runDisney runners are busy packing and gearing up for the fantastic weekend ahead of us!

During the weekend, there will be many opportunities to meet new friends and see old ones.  I know I'm crazy excited to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen for awhile.  While chatting with one of those friends last night, we both realized that it was this weekend back in 2013 where a lot of friendships were formed.


Over the course of the weekend there are a few 'meet ups' going on where you can meet some new people...maybe someone you've followed on social media.  I wanted to share a few with you that I knew were going on -

#TeamSparkle Donut Meet-Up

 If you're a runDisney fan, I'm sure you've seen tons of ladies (and even some guys!) sporing the ever so sparkly skirts during the races...these more than likely came from the awesome gals at Sparkle Athletic!  I met one of the founders, Kelly (@according2kelly) at Disneyland in 2013 and look forward to seeing her at each runDisney weekend that I attend.


This year they are hosting a meet up...but not just any meet-up...a DONUT MEET-UP!


Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to make it to this one due to prior commitments, but this is sure to be a great time!  Come carb up for the races and get to know the ladies behind the Sparkle!

Cupcake Meet-Up

I met Krissy (@krissymmurphy) for the first time at the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend and we have been friends ever since!  She is partnering up with DVC Central for the meet up, which will benefit PAWS Chicago, a national model and the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane animal shelter.  The money raised will go towards fellow runDisney fanatic, Justin Stone (@DisnyRunr24), fundraising efforts as he trains for the 2015 Chicago marathon as a member of Team PAWS Chicago.  Now...you may not know who Justin is, but you may be familiar with his amazing photos of his 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon medal and the infamous hash tag #MakingLemonadeOutta...

photo credit - Justin Stone
While registration for the meet up during the Disneyland half marathon weekend is now closed, you are more than welcome to stop by, say hi, and maybe even get a picture with Justin and his medal  :)  BUT....have no fear...they will be having another cupcake meet up during Wine and Dine half marathon weekend in November AND there is a virtual option! (with the virtual option you still have a chance to win prizes and receive the commemorative item...but you'll have to provide your own cupcakes).  Check out Krissy's blog to get more info, and you can register by clicking here :)  You can also check the official Cupcake Meet Up Facebook page for more information as the dates get closer.

The #PupcakeMeetUp2015 will be held from 1:30-2:30pm at the Picnic Swirl.  It's sure to be a fun time!



Instagram Meet-Up

Ivie (@ivieanne) and her fiance' AJ are an incredibly inspiring couple.  They have both changed their lifestyles and have lost a lot of weight!  They are also super cute together.  I've also never met them but hoping I can make it over to their meet up to say hi and introduce myself.  I'll definitely be in need of caffeine over the course of the weekend!

#WeRunSocial

I actually met Linzie (@SharpEndurance) at one of his meet ups during the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend.  I was a little shy but he made me feel right at home.  I'm excited to see him again during this weekend!  I've been following Carlee (@CarleeMcDot) on social media for quite awhile and am looking forward to meeting her in real life!

If you want to learn more about #WeRunSocial, check out the blog that Brian (@PavementRunner) wrote about it.  I've got my shirt packed and plan to wear it while spectating the 10k so look for me on the course!

There are tons of other opportunities to meet and run into people - the expo, anniversary party, the races, and the parks!  I strongly suggest you take the time to introduce yourself....the running community is a wonderful one to be a part of - I know I have met some of the most amazing people I've ever known through it.  You never know who you might meet and what connection you might have.  Make sure to say hi if you see me around!

Do you plan to check out any of these meet ups?

2 comments:

  1. Very cool about all these meet ups! Seriously never knew people did these things until a few months back! I think you're going to have a blast at them, I mean so many fun opportunities to meet some awesome people!

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  2. Thanks for the great shoutout! Can't wait to meet you and the gang!
    -Justin (DisnyRunr24)

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