#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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Is it time to sign up for #WDWMarathon already?

~Reminiscing about the 2015 Walt Disney World 10K~

Yes kids, it's that magical time of year again.  It may still be 266 days away, but registration time for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend events is upon us.

Today just before noon, I hung up my "At Lunch" sign outside my office door and sat down with credit card ready.  Early registration for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members and Disney Parks Annual Passholders (Walt Disney World only) became available today for the 2016 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon weekend events.  I know, it seems like it was just yesterday that we were there running through the parks, earning our bling, seeing our friends, and eating like we had just run a long distance event.  But the calendar tells us it was over three months ago.  And so - nine months out, it is time to register.

The registration pages were predictably very slow to load and after 10 minutes of trying, I finally got in.  To DisneyGroom's delight, I was able to get him registered for Dopey Challenge #3.  Yes, he is going for a third, and fully intends to keep going... until when, I don't know.  The Dopey Challenge does not hold the appeal for me that it does for him, kind of like marathons and ultras.  Those are his thing. I have other ambitions, at least for now.

Sadly for me, once I got his registration complete, I was too late to register myself for the 10K or the 5K.   I don't have any info on how many race and challenge allotments are designated for early registration, but it can't be too large a number.  So now, I wait.  And like tens of thousands of other hopefuls, in two weeks my fingers will be poised over a keyboard, impatiently pressing refresh, and praying active.com doesn't crash.

If you are on facebook and would like a reminder for registration, feel free to join our event reminder here.  Just set your facebook settings set to alert you on your smartphone or via email, then you will have that reminder and can try to be ready by 12noon EDT.

If this will be your first WDW Marathon Weekend, then you are in for more fun than you can possibly know.  If you are returning, well - then you know what an awesome time it is.

You can check out some of our Walt Disney World Marathon recaps here:

DisneyGroom's 2015 Dopey Challenge

DisneyGroom's 2014 Dopey Challenge

DisneyBride's 2013 WDW Marathon Weekend

Run Happy!

~DisneyBride

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Trail Toes Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

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

There are a few running issues that no one likes to talk about.  Today I will talk about one.  Chafing.  I have chafed and blistered before, and I can tell you one thing - I'll do anything to prevent this.

Mickey doesn't like to blister or chafe!

As I've gotten more involved in trail running in preparation for my ultra, we did some research on what 'those guys' use.  You know - the crazy guys that run 100 mile races.  If the typical runner can get bloody nipples during a well-supported half marathon road race, imagine what might happen on 50 plus miles in remote and often harsh conditions - where aid stations are very few and far between. This is how we heard about Trail Toes and Trail Tape.  This stuff is designed for ultra runners. It is made to withstand hours and hours of water, mud, dirt, sweat, and more.  I just had to give it a try!

I was lucky enough to test out both the Trail Toes and the Trail Tape.  I have to say that I put them both through their paces and I am a huge fan.  I have tried a couple of other products in the past and they just couldn't keep up with me.  

My first test for Trail Toes was my Swamp Forest Half Marathon.  I slathered trail toes on my feet to try and avoid blisters and angry toe nails.  I also used some on what I will refer to my "bathing suit area".  While on long training runs, both areas have experienced chafing.  The trail was very wet from the rain, and it continued raining through the race.  The Trail Toes worked like a champ.  My feet were blister free and "my bathing suit area" stayed free of any chafing or irritation as well.  I will spare you pictures of my gross runner feet.

Muddy, wet, and very humid.  No "bathing suit area" chafing or blistered feet!

Following my trail half, I continued to use the Trail Toes on my runs.  I also put some of the Trail Tape on my feet to see if it would hold.  The tape held steady on my feet even through wet trails and humid and hot runs.  I also tested the Trail Tape on my nipples.  Being a larger guy, nipple chafing has been an issue for me.  I have previously been using a product called 'nip guards'. They work well, but each package contains just ten pairs and retails for about $12.  The Trail Tape works just as well for a fraction of the cost and at 10.9 yards per package, I think one box ought to last me for years, if I only use them for my nipples. Suggestion: pre-cut the tape before leaving for a destination race.  Don't be like me, frantically hunting for scissors on race morning.

Trail Toes protected me all throughout the the runDisneyDopey Challenge.  Four races and 48.6 miles and I didn't get a single blister on my feet.  I also found out that Trail Toes can help when you fail to ensure your race gear is ready.  Marathon morning, I woke up and got dressed only to realize that my compression socks had a hole on the heel.  DisneyBride freaked out and tried to talk me into changing into a different pair.  Nope, I decided to put the Trail Toes to the test and just slathered it on my heel.  It could've turned out badly, but to my relief - no issues at all. 

Holey sock, no problem, just add some Trail Toes.

48.6 miles is no problem when your feet feel great!

Probably my biggest test for Trail Toes and Trail Tape came from my 1st ultra marathon.  I ran the Destin Beach Ultra Runs 50K in Destin.  The race is 100% on the beach, features countless water-crossings, wet sand, and the ever changing tide.  One can only imagine what this puts your feet thorough.  I slathered my feet and "bathing suit area" with Trail Toes and protected the nips with Trail Tape.  Further, I left more Trail Toes in my drop bag with fresh shoes and socks at mile 16.

Sand and water was the ultimate test for Trail Toes! It passed!

I reapplied the Trail Toes and Trail tape at mile 16.

After 30 miles of wet sandy feet, not a blister could be found.  My "bathing suit area" was free of issues as well.  You might be laughing about the last comment, but a runner dropped out of the 100 mile race because he had rubbed his "bathing suit area" raw. He used a different term, but this is a family-friendly blog. 

The combination of saltwater and sand really beat up the feet of far too many runners that weekend.  Once across the finish line, many runners were catering to horrific looking blisters on their feet. I can't help but think that could have been avoided with some Trail Toes.

Wiped out after 31 miles.  My feet may be wet and covered in sand, but I don't have any blisters.

The following week after my ultra, I had another destination race event:  Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, FL.  4 races, 2 days = 30.4 miles in temps that started near freezing and ended in mid 70s plus wicked humidity.  I don't have my race recap up for that one yet. But you bet I was glad to have the Trail Toes and Trail Tape with me.

That's 126.2 miles of races, plus countless training miles that this stuff has come through for me.  


Some final thoughts

Keep some Trail Toes and some Trail Tape in your running bag and in your car.  You never know when you (or someone else) will need it.  Trail Toes cleaned up pretty easily with some soap and warm water.  Don't remove the Trail Tape from your nips until you are in the shower and can loosen the tape with some soap and warm water (learned this one the hard way).

Trail Tape retails for $6.50 on the Trail Toes page.  For $6.50 you almost have a lifetime supply of nipple protection.  This is far cheaper than the method I currently use.  DisneyBride used the Trail Tape on the bra strap area, where she is prone to irritation. She finished all her events (on the beach and on the road) with no issues.

Don't forget, the tape can be applied directly to any part of your skin, including your feet.

Trail Toes comes in a 2oz bottle ($11.99) or in 7 gram single use packet($.99) .  I find the packets to be great for drop bags and for packing for racecations.  

1st prize

2oz bottle of Trail Toes

One box of Trail Tape

Second prize

10-single use packets

Trail Tape sample

Terms of the Giveaway
1) No Purchase Necessary.
2) Giveaway begins Monday March 2, 2015 and ends Monday Mar. 9, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Tuesday, March 10, 2015.
3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.
4) Two (2) winners will be selected. The 1st winner will receive one (1) box of Trail Tape and one (1) container of Trail Toes.  Approximate retail value is $18.49. The second winner will receive 10 (10) single-use packets of Trail Toes and a Trail Tape sample. 
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 Trail Toes 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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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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