Pumpkin Bars #fromSkratch

It seems like the holidays are all about baking and enjoying treats.And if you have a sweet tooth, well - it can get out of control.  DisneyGroom and I are on a continuing mission to make better choices about what we eat.  But I know my hubby all too well, and I know he misses my baking cookies, brownies, cakes, and pies. Even I miss it!  And I didn't eat the things - I just enjoyed baking them.

So, enter Skratch Labs cookie mix.   

Here is their nutritional info

Cookie Mix - Serving Size: 22g

Amount Per Serving (as prepared but without mix-in): Calories 120, Calories from Fat 50, Total Fat 0g (8% DV), Saturated Fat 0g (18% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (8% DV), Sodium 180mg (8% DV), Total Carbohydrate 18g (6% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 8g, Protein 1g, Vitamin A (4% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (2% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Brown Cane Sugar, Cane Sugar, Oats, Leavening(Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda), Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon.
Allergens: Contains Wheat

The Skratch Labs webpage contains a recipe here, but I had to make it healthier (and vegan) of course, so these are my substitutions:

Instead of eggs and butter - I used pumpkin puree (15 oz.) make sure it is puree and not pie filling - the cans look similar

Instead of chocolate chips - I used carob chips 1/4 cup

Instead of nuts - I used shredded coconut 1/4 cup & 1/4 cup oatmeal

Mix dry ingredients first in a large bowl, then stir in your pumpkin puree until you get a smooth thick consistency.  The mixture should be thicker than cake batter, but still be able to pour into a pan.

I used an 11 x 7 pyrex baking dish. 

The mixture will look pretty flat at first, but it will rise as it bakes.

Bake for 30 min at 350 degrees. You can poke center with toothpick to check when done.

Allow it to cool.  

Your bars will have a moist, banana bread-like consistency.

You can even try using cookie cutters to make fun shapes

I should probably add that I do not have a sweet tooth. And I don't even like the taste of pumpkin. (Nope - not even the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte --- yuck).  But, I actually like these!  They are not  very sweet  and they don't taste overwhelmingly of pumpkin, at least not to me. The coconut and oatmeal added a nice texture, and the carob was sweet in a mild way.

Paired with a nice cold glass of almond milk, it was a great evening treat.  But you could stash a few in a ziploc bag and have them in place of your usual nutrition bar before or after a run. 

Where do you get this fabulous and very customizable 'cookie mix'?  I found mine at my local bike shop, right next to the energy gels and powdered drink mixes.  But if your running or bike shop doesn't carry Skratch products, you can always find it online.  


note: I was not compensated in any way by Skratch Labs. I just really enjoy their products. These turned out so well, I felt compelled to share. I hope you enjoy them.


Run Happy!
~DisneyBride

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#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.”

For more great giveaways, click the image below

 

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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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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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Destin 50k- My 1st ultra!

I have crossed over to the "Dark Side".  On February 15th, I completed my first ultra, the Destin Beach Ultra Runs 50k.  This event features several options for the ultra runner; including a 50k, 50 mile, 100 mile, and 24 hour race.  All the races are held entirely on the beach, yes I said ON the beach.  One could not ask for a more beautiful course.  Beautiful sand, sun, and water for the entire course. 

Beautiful views were always available.  

The view from our hotel room.  

We arrived Friday night with plans to run the Son of a Beach 5k on Saturday.  We decided to stay at the host resort (Topsail) and if you plan on running any of the Destin Beach Ultra Runs events, I recommend that you do as well.  We stayed in the Tides building, right on the water.  We could see the 100 mile and 24 hour race right outside our balcony and also enjoy looking out over the water.

Enjoying lunch right after our Son of a Beach 5k packet pickup.

Why the Son of a Beach 5k you ask? Because running a 50k on Sunday just isn't enough.  The 5k started and finished at the Back Porch in Destin and featured the best post 5k party I have ever attended. The course was beautiful, the beer was cold, the food was great, and if you were fast enough, the awards looked pretty amazing. 

Ready to run the Son of a Beach 5k

DisneyBride sporting the 5k medal.

 With Zane (Destin Beach Ultras RD) at the finish line

5k awards

Plenty of beer and food was available.

Following the 5k and afterparty, we headed back the the resort to pick up our packets and attend our 50k runners meeting.  The race is a small event, so it is just packet pick up.  No expo, and the merchandise was limited to just a couple of shirts for the race.  The shirt that came with my registration was nice, so I passed on purchasing another one.

The runners meeting was very helpful.  It was nice to be in a runners meeting where the Race Director had a cheesy sense of humor.  It appeared that many of the runners were frequent fliers, the entire event had an atmosphere of a big family reunion.  After a  presentation from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Zane (RD) provided us all the information about the course, aid station sponsors, and what to expect that we could ever want. It was extremely helpful.  The only bad news provided was that one of the dunes on the course had burst and one of the water crossing was going to be far longer and deeper than in any of the previous years.

 

Zane provides last minute tips during the runners meeting.  

Before heading to dinner, I went down to the beach to watch the start of the 100 mile and 24 hr race.  Watching the runners complete a couple of laps was pretty impressive.  These runners were absolutely flying down the course.  I can only imagine running a 2 mile loop for 24 hours.  Not sure that I'll ever have that kind of dedication.

The start of the 100mile and 24 hour race.  

We headed back to our room to relax and prepare for dinner.  We decided that since we didn't want to fight Valentine's Day crowds at the local restaurants, we would opt for the race dinner. This was the only disappointing part of the entire weekend. The dinner consisted of a salad, tempeh tacos (vegan), chicken, and cheesy pasta (gluten free).  This was not a runner's dinner.  It was food that I assume the cook prepares for elderly couples on a daily basis.  The chicken was like a hockey puck, and all the food was too spicy.  I love spicy food, but I don't want it the night before a 50k.  Also, I don't particularly care for gluten free pasta.  I would have preferred a more traditional pasta dinner.  Perhaps it was only me.

Flat DisneyGroom

Since the 24 hr race and the 100miler was happening on the beach directly behind us, DisneyBride and I walked down to the beach for a while and watched the headlamps go back and forth in the dark.  Not only was it overcast (no moon), it was extremely windy, chilly, and damp. The sand was not packed down - so it was hard enough to walk. Really, it was uncomfortable just to stand out there - I couldn't believe how tough those men and women were to be out there overnight - doing the same 2 mile loop over and over. After we went back up to the room, we could still see the headlamps like tiny dots moving to and fro on the beach. I packed my drop bag and laid out my race wear.  After checking my drop bag about a dozen times, I headed off to bed.

Drop bag, this was a 1st.

Race Day

At O'Dark Thirty: Me and my running buddy, Michelle, heading down to the start.  

I had my normal race day breakfast of peanut butter and jelly washed down with a some Mountain Dew.  After I was fed, dressed, and ready we made our way to the start.  The 50 mile and 100 mile competitors had already started their race.  Shortly after our arrival at the start line, the National Anthem was played and we were off.  

The course was an out and back 30 miles, but at the beginning of the race the 50K runners did a one mile out and back in opposite direction first. This was to get us to 31 miles. 

The weather and the course were beautiful.  I would run this race with my running buddy Michelle.  We are both horrible running enablers, convincing not only each other, but our friends to constantly run races.

Checking in.

I will mention here that the course features about a dozen water crossings.  From ankle to knee deep water, and in length from 2ft to about 10ft.  Thankfully, the chest-deep water crossing we were warned about the day before had been plugged.  One crossing on race day did have a pretty swift current. The Sheriff's Department was onsite to help guide runners to the more shallow portions of the crossing.  Sometimes you loved having some cool water on your feet, other times you dreaded the water.  

My view for the race-amazing!

It's about 5.6 miles until the 1st aid station.  Since the tide was low, the running conditions were amazing.  We arrived at the 1st aid station and I was looking forward to enjoying some delicious food. 

The first aid station was sponsored by Stinky's Fish Camp.  They provided some pretty amazing homemade strawberry fruit leather (fruit roll-ups), and granola.  I choose to skip the granola, grabbed two pieces of the fruit leather, a Cliff shot, and headed back onto the course.

Great aid station volunteers!

We settled in pretty quickly with our 1:1 ratio (run 1 minute, walk 1 minute) on the course.  As the sun rose higher in the sky, the temperature increased.  Again, running on the beach is absolutely beautiful.  After passing the 1st aid station, we started seeing some of the leaders of the 50 mile and 100 mile race.  These runners looked amazingly fresh.  Side note: again this race seemed like a big family reunion.  I have never seen so many runners congratulating one another.  Not only from the back of the pack to the front, but the front of the pack to those of us at the back.  It appeared that the runners really just enjoyed the event and want to make sure that everyone was having as much fun as they were.

We arrived at the second aid station and I was anticipating the delicious food.  Since I remember that the aid station was sponsored by Another Broken Egg Cafe, I was anticipating bacon.  I was not disappointed; they had some pretty amazing bacon and potato wraps.  After enjoying a wrap and taking a couple of pieces to eat on the way, we headed off for the turnaround.

 Great wrap!

Fueled by bacon!

Again, running on the beach is beautiful.  As we made our way towards the turnaround, the tide slowly started coming in.  The higher the tide, the more difficult the course becomes.  Think about running in either baby powder-like sand or in the saltwater.  It was about this time that I really started looking forward to a dry pair of socks and shoes.  

Arriving at the turnaround I was happy to see that they had a couple of chairs available.  I quickly found my bag, took a seat, removed my wet shoes and socks, toweled off my feet, reapplied some TrailToes, and put on new shoes and socks.  I had packed some sunscreen in my drop bag, and I'm really glad I did.  The sun was brutal and shade can be found nowhere when you are running on the beach.  This aid station also had a nurse available to help anyone in need. This aid station had some salty snacks, fruit cups, and Cliff shots.  Only thing that could have made it better was if they had a hot food option at this stop as well.  

The turnaround.

Turnaround volunteers.

Leaving the turnaround, I tried to keep my feet dry.  I finally had dry shoes and I wanted to enjoy them.  That only lasted about a mile and a half.  It was high tide and packed sand was hard to find.  I alternated between running in the loose sand and dodging waves.  However, wet feet did not bother me nearly as much as I had assumed it would.

Back at the bacon aid station, I decided I needed (yes, I said needed) another bacon and potato wrap.  It was just as good as it was the first time.  I also decided it was getting hot enough that the long sleeve shirt needed to go.  Refueled with bacon, I headed back out onto the course.  It was about this time that a couple of other runners started asking to run with me and my friend.  It was also about this time that the heat and other conditions started picking off a few runners.  

JazzHands  - just because...

Man did it get hot quick.  I polished off both of my Orange Mud bottles in my vest getting to the last aid station.  Stinky's Fish Camp had some amazing shrimp and grits to get us to the finish line. 

They were also the only aid station that had beer and soda.  I passed on the beer, knowing that it would be at the finish line.  I did ask for a soda and all they had was Diet Coke.  BTW, who drinks Diet Coke during an ultra marathon??? Apparently Stinky's felt we all needed to watch our figures.  It was cold and wet, so I did drink it.  This was also the aid station with the greatest number of spectators and they were very vocal.  It appeared that several runners had crews there to provide support.  The crews all appeared to be well stocked with beach appropriate drinks and cocktails.  It was one big party.   

Great shrimp and grits.

The last leg seemed longer than 4.6 miles.  It's also about this time that I  really started to get sick of wet socks and dodging the waves. I also started thinking that perhaps training for a 50 miler next time is not all that crazy  (I may need to get my head checked out). 

Approaching the finish line, I was also thankful that the Race Director put the extra mile at the beginning instead of teasing us at mile 30 with the finish line.  

As I got near the finish, I could finally see my lovely DisneyBride. 


  

The Finish Line at last! The race director personally shakes your hand and gives you your medal.  DisneyBride watched him.  Runners don't see this - but he stood out there for HOURS and HOURS as runners from all four events: 50K, 50Miler, 100Miler, and 24 hour race all finished.

My hard-earned bling.  A very hefty and large 'dogtag' with enamel on both sides.

The finish area was full of spectators and the medical tent seemed to be busy, but not overwhelmed with runners trying to take care of what appeared to me to be mostly foot issues.  By the time I crossed the line very little hot food was available.  I grabbed some beverages, a couple of slices of cold pizza, and headed back to the water to take a "redneck ice bath".

Who needs a tub when you have a beach in February?  

Following the ice bath, I felt it was time for some beer.  Heck, I ran a 50k, a couple of beers were in order.  The pool deck was the party area.  A band was playing music, draft beer was available, and (now cold)  pizza and ravioli was served.  

The atmosphere at the finish line was a lot of fun.  Runners talking about the highlights of their race, talking about past races, and looking forward to future races.  After a couple of beers, we all headed back to the room to relax before heading out to dinner.

The following day, the race weekend concluded with a lunch at The Local Catch.  This was a really thoughtful finishing touch to a great weekend.  We sat around a big table with fellow runners.  While many people at lunch arrived as strangers, very quickly it felt like a large family dinner.  Talk about training, what went right and wrong, and talk about what race to run next year were plentiful.  There were door prizes, and both DisneyBride and myself were each lucky enough to win a pair of Hoka One Ones at the lunch. Over half of the runners I saw the entire weekend were in Hokas. I wouldn't have thought they were the best shoes for the beach - but I guess I was wrong. Hoka was a race sponsor, as was Run With It, a local running store, where we went afterwards to pick out our shoes.

I look exhausted!

DisneyBride is excited to win the Hokas as well.

I look forward to running this race again in the future.  I will note that DisneyBride managed to win an entry into the Destin Marathon also directed by the same gentleman that directed this race.  So, we are planning to head back if not for the Beach Ultra, then the other. I'm really excited to run in Destin again next year.    

Recommendations for beach races:

• For Runners
• Take advantage of low tide.  Having nice packed sand with minimal chance of the tide catching you is ideal.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  
• Grease yourself up.  Sand will end up everywhere.  I do mean everywhere! I'm glad I planned accordingly.  
• Incorporate some training runs on the beach or at least a trail with very loose sand, whenever possible.   
• 
  
• For the Race Director
• For a race that prides itself on aid station food, perhaps add a hot food option at mile 16 aid station.
• Having Coke or Diet Coke at all the stations would be nice.
• It would have been nice for us slower runners to enjoy hot food (pizza and ravioli) at the finish line party.  I was solidly at the back of the pack.  
• Receiving my medal from the Race Director was a nice touch, please continue the tradition.
• Please strive to keep the family-like atmosphere, it was inspiring to run with such a small and supportive group. 
• Keep the Monday post-race lunch.  I enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with many accomplished ultrarunners.  

The runners of the 50 mile and 100 mile have access to 2 restaurants during the last 20 miles.  The restaurants actually take orders on your way out and have the food and/or drinks waiting on your way back.  I guess this is an incentive to get runners to take on the longer distances.  I think it may have worked. I see a 50 miler in my future.

Have you taken the leap into ultra races?
If you have ever run on the beach, what tips do you have?  

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