#EatMighty Mighty Nut Giveaway! {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  

Check our most recent posts to see if we are hosting any giveaways.

 

What is Mighty Nut?

Mighty Nut is a very tasty powdered peanut butter.

Each batch of Mighty Nut is created from quality USA grown peanuts. The peanuts are roasted, then pressed, to remove most of the fat.  What remains is protein, fiber and delicious peanut buttery taste.  Mighty Nut powdered peanut butter can be rehydrated and used as a spread or dip, or as an ingredient in baking, cooking or smoothies.

Through my partnership with Fit Approach, I got a chance to try two of the flavors: Original and Flax & Chia.  As a big fan of peanut butter, I really enjoyed them!  As someone who is watching her weight, the "85% less calories than regular peanut butter" allows me to enjoy these guilt-free! Only 1 gram of fat per serving and 5-6 grams of protein. Bonus: it is all natural, non-gmo, gluten-free, and vegan.

If you would like to try Mighty Nut, it is available at several major grocers and available for purchase online.

How do I use Mighty Nut?

There are several recipes on the Mighty Nut website. And I am really looking forward to making the noodles and the brownies! In the meantime, I decided to mix it up a bit with my morning smoothie.

• 1 frozen banana
• 5 large frozen cherries
• 8 oz of almond milk
• 1 scoop of Mighty Nut
• 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (I used Vega Vanilla)
• Blend and enjoy. 

The Mighty Nut adds a bit more protein and that peanut butter flavor I love, but with less calories.

Now for the Giveaway! 

Mighty Nut is allowing us to give away one bottle to a reader. The winner can choose any of the following flavors:

• Original
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Flax and Chia

Review the terms below and then enter via the rafflecopter widget. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) This giveaway begins Thursday October 29, 2015 and ends Wednesday November 4, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Thursday, November 5, 2015.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.

4) One (1) winner will be selected.  One prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from Mighty Nut through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner. 

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.


Giveaway
Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Mighty Nut (through our partnership with Sweat Pink / Fit Approach) in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Freekeh Foods Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

Freekeh Foods Review and Giveaway

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts to see if we are running any giveaways.

Have you heard of Freekeh Foods?  Yep, it is a crazy name.

Freekeh is an ancient Green Wheat.  Freekeh is a process which means “to rub” in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. Most folks would sulk over their misfortune, but the crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked it up and “Eureka!” Freekeh was created.

But what is it?  This is toasted green wheat.  Similar in texture and taste to bulgur wheat. If you are conscious of where your food comes from, you will be pleased to discover this is a USDA Organic product, and Non GMO certified. All of the flavors currently available do not contain any animal products or flavorings, so it is safe for vegans and plant-based eaters.

Cooking instructions are similar to rice, so I prepared a batch in my rice cooker.  DisneyGroom and I really enjoyed it. 

He preferred it to eat it hot - like rice, with some stir fry veggies and tofu.  The tamari flavor was perfect for this.
I actually preferred it cold - add some diced parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of lemon juice to make a tasty tabbouleh salad.  Either the original or rosemary sage would work beautifully in a salad.

Much like quinoa, couscous, or wheat berries - you get a slight nutty flavor.  I think this might be even more versatile than those three other foods though.

If you would like to try Freekeh, it is available at several major grocers.  I have found it at my local Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Fresh Market.

Try it out in some of your favorite dishes, and if you run out of ideas, there is a recipe library on the Freekeh Foods page.

Now - it's time for the Giveaway 

Freekeh Foods is allowing us to give away a package of Freekeh to a reader. The winner can choose any of the following three flavors: original, rosemary sage, or tamari. Review the terms below and then enter via the rafflecopter widget. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) This Flash Giveaway begins Sunday Sept 27, 2015 and ends Monday Sept 28, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Tuesday, Sept 29, 2015.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.

4) One (1) winner will be selected. 

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Freekeh Foods (through our partnership with Sweat Pink / Fit Approach) in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more great giveaways, click the image below

 

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"Someday" is today

Ever say to yourself, "Someday I will ___________"?

Yeah, me too.

So I did something crazy today.

I registered for an Ironman 70.3.

While this registration seemingly came out of the blue, this isn't just a whim. I've actually been wanting to do this for many years.

But today, I surprised even myself when I actually hit that REGISTER button.

What finally gave me that push?

It was a combination of things.

1)  I NEED a new big goal to work toward.  I've gotten complacent, nay.. I've gotten lazy. In the upcoming year, I have a few races on the calendar that are all repeat events with generous pace requirements. They were fun and will be fun again, but I've done them before. 

I need something fresh. Something with very strict time limits to get my butt into gear. 

Preparing for this event should give me the jump-start to push forward.

2) I've been following ultrarunner Scott Jurek as he set out to break the Appalachian Trail course record. Yes - he succeeded this past week and broke the old record. He ran from Georgia to Maine in 46 days, 8 hours, and 7 minutes. That's 2,189 miles, through 14 states. Pretty amazing, right? One memorable quote from the very humble Scott stuck with me these past few days.  So much so, that I made a meme. This is a favorite photo I took during this year's Gasparilla 8K in Tampa.



I think it is time for me to attempt something I'm not sure I can actually do.   

Call it madness, call it stupidity, call it what you will. But I'm doing it.

3) If not now, when? In record numbers, people my age are drawn to these tri events as sort of a pre-mid life crisis thing. I totally get it. It is no accident that the largest fields in triathlon tend to be the 35-39, and 40-44 age groups. Yeah, that would be me.  

Aging is inevitable. Sure, you read about runners and triathletes in their 90s and 100s still out there, kicking butt and taking names.  But there aren't a lot of them. 

If I want a shot at being one of those butt-kicking active seniors, I need to start stepping up my game now. 

So that's it in a nutshell.  I have several additional motives for wanting to do this event - but these three are the big ones that gave me the final push today. 

I've been telling myself for the past few years, "Someday, I will train for an Ironman."  I got tired of hearing myself say that.

Finally, that "someday" was today.



I've registered for the relay option.  Yep, that means a team.  So I won't be going it alone. More on that in an upcoming post.  I look forward to sharing this journey on the blog and through social media.

• Finish this sentence:  "Someday I will _________"
• What has to happen for you to make that 'someday' today?

Run Happy!
Disney Bride

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Review & Giveaway: Vegan1 Protein

Recently, Nutrition 53 reached out to us to try out some of their protein mixes.  They offer a wide selection of nutritional supplements and we opted to sample their vegan products.

The company itself has an interesting origin.

For Nutrition53's founder and CEO Bill Romanowski, performance isn't just a passion; it's a way of life. In his NFL career that included an unprecedented 243 consecutive games highlighted by five Super Bowls, he learned firsthand the power of nutrition from the leaders in the field. In his 16th NFL season, Bill's quest took an urgent new turn: the concussions on the football field had robbed him of his memory. Bill brought together the world's best doctors, scientists, and nutritionists to arrive at a formulation that would fully restore his mental function. The result was Neuro1, Nutrition53's first formula. 

So unlike your typical nutrition shake company - this one isn't just about just fat loss or muscle gains.  Their products are geared towards a range of health and fitness areas, including brain performance and sleep.

From staying lean to sleeping well, feeling energized and thinking clearly, Nutrition53 provides real tools and answers to help you achieve your very best and "live like you mean it."

The rundown on Vegan1

• 20g of plant-based protein
• 10 fruits and vegetables
• 22 vitamins and minerals
• Active Enzymes
• Antioxidant protection
• Probiotics
• 5g of dietary fiber
• 100% all natural 

Pros

• Can be used as meal replacements. I've enjoyed them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (on different days). These shakes are nutritionally complete. So, if you aren't able to sit down for a meal - just mix up a scoop with your liquid of choice and you are all set.
• Conveniently available in single serve packets or tubs.
• You can go to this link and request a free sample: http://www.nutrition53.com/collections/free-sample-vegan1
• I'd rate the taste as Very Good. I always mix my protein shakes with vanilla flavored rice milk or almond milk - because I like some sweetness.  You can mix with juice or water, and add sweetener or fruit to customize the taste to your liking.
• 4 flavors to choose from. The universal Vanilla and Chocolate of course, but also Chai and Banana. Chocolate is my fave, and I also really liked the Chai!
 

Cons

• I've yet to see Nutrition 53 products in brick and mortar stores, at least near me in North Florida.  You can easily find them online though.

~

Beyond the 'shake'
If you are someone who doesn't like having traditional shakes all the time, try being a little creative in the kitchen. You can add Vegan1 to your brownies, cookies, cereal, oatmeal, and more.

Chia pudding is something I make often, and this time I added a bit of banana Vegan1.

My go to Protein Powerhouse Pudding Recipe:

• 1 scoop of Vegan1 (any flavor)
• 5 or 6 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 10 oz of non-dairy milk (I used chocolate almond milk)
• Optional: 1 banana, handful of berries, 2 tablespoons flax , a natural sweetener of your choice (I don't add sweetener to mine, as any added fruit is sweet enough for me.  You might like it a bit sweeter though - my husband does, as do my coworkers who have tried it.)

Blend all ingredients until fruit is no longer chunky. (Mixture may be a bit thick and will get thicker as it sits.) Pour into small pudding cups or jars. Don't fill all the way to the top because the chia seeds will expand. Store in fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight  is better.  I like to grab one in the morning for my breakfast, or take one to work to have with my lunch.

Now - it's time for the Giveaway!  

Nutrition53 is allowing me to give away prizes to TWO lucky winners. The winners will each receive one tub of Vegan1 (1.5 lb.) and a shaker bottle. Review the terms below and then enter via the rafflecopter widget. 

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Wednesday June 3, 2015 and ends Tuesday June 9, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.

4) Two (2) winners will be selected. Approximate retail value is $46.98 each prize pack. 

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Nutrition53 in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more great giveaways:click the image below

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#WIAW: Top 5 reasons I love Salad in a Jar

Lately, in the interest of making better eating choices, DisneyGroom and I have been preparing more of our meals at home and bringing them in to the office. One of my summer favorites is Salad in a Jar.  For #WIAW (What I Ate Wednesday), I will share with you my Top 5 reasons why.

1. Perfectly portable and sized just for you!

Ever get a take out salad?  It comes in a UFO shaped plastic clamshell contraption. Large and awkwardly shaped, you need a bag to carry it in.  And be careful not to drop it or put any weight on it, or the container will collapse and your salad will go everywhere.  (Don't ask me how I know.)  

Why a jar?  A jar has a tall shape and a tightly fitted lid.  Unlike a flimsy container, it is solid and you can toss it in your purse or gym bag, and it will be fine.  Jars come in all shapes and sizes. Some people like tiny salads, some like big ones.  There is a jar for everyone. I use a standard 'regular mouth' pint size Mason jar for mine.  I pack DG's salads in a 'regular mouth' quart size Mason jar.  I replaced the 2 part 'canning' lids with screw top lids for convenience. Pick the jar size that is right for you. 

2. Use up what you already have.

1/4 head of cabbage in the fridge?  Dice it up and toss it in.

Half eaten jar of artichoke hearts? Add it!

Pantry full of beans, but it isn't chili season.  Toss them in.

Your garden is overflowing? Chop it up and pack your jars.

You get the idea.  

Be creative! 

Don't limit yourself to fresh veggies only.  Mix it up!

Try the following:

• Nuts
• Fruit - fresh or dried
• Chopped tofu
• Crumbled (cooked) tempeh
• Mushrooms
• Sprouts
• Diced (cooked) sweet potato
• Pasta (like orzo or macaroni) 
• Quinoa or couscous
• Canned beans or corn
• Pickled beets/artichoke hearts/cabbage
• Jar of olives, mushrooms, asparagus, etc.

3. Batch Food Prep rocks! 

Make several jars in advance and you have your lunches for the week! Load up your fridge and grab one each morning before you head out the door.  No more stressing over what to eat, or being tempted by unhealthy take-out options.

This is one of my typical lunches. 1 salad, 1 piece of fruit, and a small container of a hot entree (in this case: roasted sweet potatoes with tempeh in a creamy sauce) 

4. Earth friendly!  

By using (and reusing) glass jars you are eliminating the waste you would have created with styrofoam or plastic take out containers, plus the bag to carry it in, and the gas you would have used to drive to the restaurant. 

5. Save money.  

This one just might be my favorite.

I can buy a salad from a nearby restaurant and pay anywhere between $6 and $12.  If you are like us and are using up all your kitchen 'leftovers' - then your salads are costing you very little.  We are taking our savings and registering for future races!

~

I can think of several more reasons I love Salad in a Jar, but I'll let you discover more reasons on your own. But now that you know WHY I love them, you want to know HOW do I make them? And How do I eat them?

HOW TO MAKE:

I found this handy diagram online.  The key is to put all your wet ingredients at the bottom, to keep your more delicate ingredients from getting soggy throughout the day. Then fill it to the top to keep your items from getting mixed around too much.

HOW TO EAT:

Then at lunchtime, you get your jar and FLIP IT OVER onto a plate.  The wet ingredients and dressing from the bottom will now nicely cover the entire salad.  (I forgot to tell DG about flipping the jar and dumping the salad onto a plate, and the poor guy was struggling to eat out of the jar for weeks. Save yourself that aggravation.)

Do you do batch food prep?   

If so, tell us your favorite reason.

If not, do you think you will try this?

Run Happily!

@Disney_Bride

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5 Things We Like Friday

Trying a new feature on our blog.  Let us know if you like it!

1. OOFOS Recovery Footwear *

Pro: These are VERY comfortable! Designed to be worn for recovery after a long run/race or just for long days, these are well made and provide excellent arch support. I have recently converted to a standing desk in my office, and these are perfect to keep me on my feet and still comfortable all day. There are several colors and styles available for men and women.
Con: The shiny coating on my black OOCloog Luxe clogs has started to peel. Next time, I'd like to get the OOlala (flip flop style) in one of the fun colors they offer.  The OOCloog - Men's clogs have not been available in larger men's sizes, at least in the past few months we've been checking. DG wears a 13, so he could only get the OOFOS OOriginal, not the clog he would have preferred.

2. Cordskinz*

Pro: Available in many fun colors and keeps your earbud or headphone cords untangled.
Con: Did not cover the entire cord assembly, so I still have the tangling issue. I would need to order two sets to cover my earbuds.

3. run Disney MagicBand Vinyl Decal on etsy.

Pro: Only $4 and you can add a little running Mickey decal to your Disney magic band. They have a lot of other cute Disney inspired images made into decals.
Con: I can't think of any. These are cute and very reasonably priced.

4. Trader Joe's Roasted Seaweed Snack

Pro: Satisfies your salty, crunchy cravings for a mere  $0.99. Entire package has only 60 calories (2 servings per package/ 30 cal. each).
Con: Wish there was a way to reduce the excessive packaging, and make this eco-friendly.

5. Daiya Chocolate Cheezecake

Pro: OK, I was impressed.  No, it doesn't taste like homemade, but it had the tartness, creaminess, and texture I had almost forgotten I missed.  My omnivore husband's take: "I can't tell the difference between this vegan cheezecake and a regular dairy cheesecake that we could get from a grocer."  Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-free. Vegan. Excellent!
Con: Right now, I can only find these at Whole Foods. Would like to see them in more grocers.

Hope you liked our little roundup. 
Did you find something new you would like to try? Let us know.

Until next time.
Run Happily!

DisneyBride



*Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received products from OOFAS and Cordskinz in exchange for our opinion. Products from Trader Joe's, daiya, and etsy were purchased with our own money. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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#MotivationMonday Maickel Melamed runs #BostonMarathon

Today is the running of the 2015 Boston Marathon.  The eyes of the running world are on this city and it's prestigious race.  Each runner today worked very hard to get there - whether through a qualifying time or raising money for a charity.

Among the numerous inspiring stories of the athletes running today, there is one that is getting little fanfare - but he should.  Maickel Melamed is from Caracas, Venezuela, and although he is well known through the Latin American press, there is very little of him in the mainstream North American media.

I started following Maickel Melamed while he was running the 2013 Chicago Marathon. He  has run some of the world's most prestigious endurance events.  In fact - he set out to run The Big 5.  What will surprise you - are his finish times.

• New York (2011) 15:22
• Berlín (2012), 14:20
• Chicago (2013) 16:45 
• Tokyo (2014), 14:30; DNF at mile 22

Born with hypotonia, a rare type of muscular dystrophy characterized by a state of low muscle tone, even the most routine physical acts like walking are a struggle for Maickel.  The fact that in 2011 he set out to run the most prestigious and well-known marathons in the world, and has been accomplishing this, is nothing short of miraculous.

Maickel was born with his medical condition, and he has not let it stop him from achieving professional and personal successes. He is an economist, a professor, a motivational speaker, and when he decided to climb a mountain, he climbed the highest mountain peak in his native Venezuela.  He doesn't do things on a small scale.  This guy DREAMS BIG and LIVES BIG. So deciding to run these world class endurance events - he chooses to be among the best and fastest athletes. He chooses to do what they do - to show that anyone can work hard and accomplish their goals.

None of these things come easy.  I've watched the live stream of some of his races. It is heartbreaking when he falls down.  He has been hurt many times, but he perseveres.  It is incredibly emotional to see him approach that last mile and home stretch.

Founder of Proyecto Vamos! (translation: Project Let's Go!), Maickel reminds us all that there are infinite possibilities in life.  And he inspires and leads people from all walks of life to embrace those possibilities.

You can check out this brief video to see more about him.



Like the other runners, Maickel trains year round for these events. Like the other runners, he has tremendous mental determation. 
And like every runner in Boston today - Maickel motivates us with his determination and will.  We send our hearts and best wishes to all the runners this morning - and long after the elites, the fast, the mid-pack, and yes, even the back of the pack comes in, Maickel will still be out there - putting one foot in front of the other.

I can't wait to see him finish!

You can follow Maickel today on
https://www.facebook.com/maickelmelamed
https://twitter.com/maickelmelamed

(Sorry his social media is in Spanish, but Facebook does have a translate option.)

~Run Happily
DisneyBride

Update on 4/21/15:

AMAZING! After over 20 hours, most of it in pouring rain,Maickel Melamed gets his ‪#‎BostonMarathon finish. Through the cold, rain, and wind - he persevered!  Am glad to see his story got picked up by several North American news outlets. http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/04/21/boston-marathons-final-finisher-an-inspirational-story/

And the Mayor of Boston himself presents Maickel with a medal!

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Gasparilla Distance Classic- 2 days and 30.4 miles

Sorry for this recap being nearly two months late.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic was Feb 20 & 21, 2015.

This year we did not run the runDisney Princess Half Marathon.  We ran the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa that weekend.  The GDC is a two day event, with two races on Saturday (15K & 5K) and two races (1/2 Marathon & 8K) on Sunday.

There are three challenges available: 
Michelob Ultra Challenge: All four races for 30.4 miles
Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge: 15K, 5K, & 1/2 for 25.5 miles
Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge: 15k & 8K for 14.2 miles

I did the Ultra Challenge and DisneyBride did the Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge.

Expo

This expo was by far the best I have ever attended. The expo took over a pretty large portion of the Tampa Convention Center. Free samples and demos were everywhere. 

There was even a Star Wars themed booth with characters for photos.

The pick-up areas (Bibs were picked up separate from your shirts and jackets) were well staffed with volunteers and the waits were a couple of minutes tops.  Free samples and demos were everywhere. We tried several foods including electrolyte popsicles, chips, drinks, fruit, and other snacks. Also, the reusable bags from the race sponsor, Publix, were a very nice touch.

Day 1: 15k and 5k

Our hotel was near the start area so we could walk to the races. The starting area was well organized and the corrals were well marked. The 15k was an out and back course mostly along Bayshore Blvd. 

It was a cold morning but we had a fun time.  We ran with several friends from Tallahassee.

The course had plenty of aid stations and also featured entertainment at several points. 

The legendary Bart Yasso was announcing the runners as they crossed the finish line

After finishing the 15k, runners had the option to check their medals before the 5k. I choose to put my medal in my hydration pack. Other runners told me the medal check was organized and accepted and returned medals very efficiently. The finish line was well stocked with water and Gatorade.

I finished the 15k with plenty of time to stroll towards the starting line for the 5k. Plenty of volunteers were on hand to guide runners to the the start of the next race. The 5k followed the same course as the 15k (obviously the turn around was much earlier). For a very well attended race, the crowds didn't seem that bad. At the turn around for the 5k, I ran into DisneyBride. We finished our respective races together.  

Following the race we headed to the festival area. The festival area is broken into two separate areas. One near the Convention Center has plenty of food and drinks from sponsors available. Fresh fruit, cold coke, fruit cups, and more was available to runners. Further down the walkway, in an adjacent park was a live band and the beer area. The cold beer and live music was a great way to wind down from the races.  

Day 2: Half Marathon and 8k

The starting area was well organized on day 2 as well.  Since I had to finish the race under 2:55 gun time, I decided to try and PR.  The course is a basically a figure 8 and relatively flat. Again oncourse entertainment was plentiful, bands and entertainers to keep your mind off the running. I did manage to get my half marathon PR that day. Not quite the PR I had hoped for, but a PR.      

The finish line was again well stocked with beverages and the medal lines were quick. I headed for the starting area of the 8k as was pleasantly surprised by how close it was. I had read recaps of previous years where people made it out to be quite the hike.  

The 8k was essentially the same course as the 5k.  Running the half really took a lot out of me.  I ran the 8k pretty leisurely with a friend.  Crossing the line, I headed to the food area next to the convention center (long drive this day, so I skipped the beer), they really brought out their "A" game.  Unfortunately, everyone decided to enjoy the festival area.  Lines were enormous.  I skipped almost all of them and headed straight to The Columbia table and enjoyed a nice plate of delicious hot food.

The Good

• The Ultra Challenge (all 4 races) cost the same as the Princess Half Marathon, so I felt like it was a good value
• The expo was amazing
• Aid stations were plentiful 
• Post-race food was great
• The shirts and the challenge jacket

My Michelob Ultra Challenge jacket

DisneyBride's jacket, bib, and medals

The Not as Good 

• All four courses are pretty similar
• The medals (with the exception of the half marathon) look the same.
• The challenge medal was not that impressive.

For next year, we are undecided if we will return. I would love to go back, but DisneyBride wants to go to Princess Half Weekend.  We still have a few months to decide.

Pirates OR Princesses for 2016?   
Tough decision.  Which would you choose?

~DisneyGroom

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