REVIEW: Magical Miles: The Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World

A college friend of mine co-wrote an AWESOME book! This is actually their SECOND edition. The book is called Magical Miles: The Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World.

**Although I was given a copy of this book as part of the affiliate program, I did purchase the first book myself and would have purchased this edition as well if the affiliate program had not been started.**

SIDE NOTE: Megan was actually one of the people that got me into running. She had been doing runDisney events and I was intrigued (I was just trying to get into running - a hobby I could call "my own" - and was reading more and more about what she was doing). I came to find out that there was a way to incorporated running with my love for Disney. I decided that even if the running was terrible, at least you would be in the Happiest Place on Earth - which is how I came to sign up for my first half marathon. She actually ran along side of me during it - the Disneyland Half Marathon in 2012 [check out the full recap here].

I grabbed the original edition of this book prior to my first Walt Disney World race during the Princess Weekend earlier this year (I had done the Disneyland Half in 2012 and the TinkerBell Half in early 2013, but hadn't done any races at WDW) {recaps for the Royal Family 5K which I did with my hubby and parents and the Princess Half Marathon which I did with my sister-in-law are in the archives}. I knew Megan was a wealth of knowledge when it came to WDW and the book did NOT disappoint.

Megan and her co-author Krista released the second edition of Magical Miles: The Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World a few weeks ago. They added updates (seeing as runDisney is continually trying to update events, as a way to keep things fresh, fun and exciting) to the information about restaurants, resorts, and even the new races.

I actually read the book on my flight from San Diego to Detroit last week (on our trip out to be with family for Christmas). Let me tell you - THIS IS AN AMAZING RESOURCE FOR ANYONE GOING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD (I know it is geared towards runners that will be participating in a runDisney event, but even if you aren't it is still a WONDERFUL resource for folks just traveling to WDW).

While I was reading I wrote down a few notes and I wanted to share them with you:

• Great job at stressing the importance of registering early before the races sell out (seeing as they are continuing to grow in popularity, sometimes selling out within HOURS of opening registration).
• Love the tips from the authors at the end of the chapters (especially since they have collectively participated in ALL of the WDW runDisney events - so the knowledge is FIRSTHAND).
• The training gear section was spot on (although I may have suggested a foam roller in the equipment section, only because I know how much it has helped me during the training process).
• I had NO idea you could camp at WDW.
• Really enjoy the "guest" reviews throughout the book. 
• If someone is planning a trip on their own (without a travel agent like Megan), this could be used as a great resource to help make very informed decisions.
• Totally appreciate that there are vegetarian options mentioned in the food chapter.
• A BIG thanks for adding the running etiquette section, especially with the data you shared about the runDisney events having so many newbies. 
• LOVE the balloon idea for spectators (never thought of it before, but DEFINITELY getting Ryan one next time ;)). 

Now I don't want to give away too many of the tips and tricks because I think you should pick a copy of the book up for yourself! There are a couple options on how to grab your own - you could purchase it in paperback [Amazon and Barnes & Noble], in a variety of eBook formats [for Kindle, Nook and iBooks], or WIN A COPY BELOW! [YUP, you read that right, the WONDERFUL women that wrote this book offered a copy to one lucky reader - could it be you?!]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And please check out all of their social media platforms - that way you can stay as up-to-date as possible! [Because not only do these ladies give TONS of information in the books, but they also constantly try to keep everyone updated with the "happenin's"of runDisney.]

Website: RunnersGuideToWDW.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/RunnersGuideToWDW
Twitter: Twitter.com/RunWDW
Instagram: Instagram.com/RunWDW
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/RunWDW