Learning the quick step: 13.1 miles through the wetlands

I arrived at the Orlando Wetlands Park, located in Christmas, Florida (only about 40 minutes from my house) for race morning packet pick-up. Parking in the dark was daunting, but as the sun came up and cast it's rosy glow on the row of parked cars, I was reminded how short the journey is to explore the native state of the central Florida ecosystem. 

This was not a race I had been planning to do... for months my schedule had me going to Hilton Head for a much anticipated run, but after several days of fighting a cold, I acquiesced to the reality that sleep needed to take precedent over driving all day Friday - so I found this local race on the Running in the U.S.A. site and registered the day before. 

I have done several races with EPIC Sports Marketing, so I had a pretty good idea what do expect - not a lot of frills, but a reasonably priced and well organized event. The fact that I could sign up just before the race for under $50 is almost unheard of at established races lately - and the quality of the T-Shirt for this event surprised me, although most of the races I have done with EPIC in the past have been 5Ks. Under the pavilion where friendly volunteers distributed race bibs was the assortment of post-race snacks - fresh fruit and breads, peanut butter, jelly and nutella all awaiting the famished runners that would soon return. 

As runners wove on dirt roads through the wetlands, I realized this was a great local run for trail practice, on terrain which was not too aggressive. A welcome break from hard pavement without the challenge of loose sand or tall grass. I marveled at my surroundings, content that my recent illness would require a lot of walking during this race. I had no reservations about taking it slow... this was one of those "run to finish" days.... and then I saw the sign...

Now, as a Floridian, I know there are Alligators, but seeing them is not one of my favorite activities. I found myself taking quicker and quicker stems as I watched the eyes bobbing just above the water line. These were not small alligators either, and the one pictured above was way to close to the bank for my liking.

As I curved around the water, contemplating all I knew about running from gators (which basically consisted of zig-zagging) I spotted a dozed trees in the distance with hundreds of birds perched on their bare limbs. Were these vultures? GREAT.... waiting for the gator to finish with me I supposed... my quick steps got suddenly quicker.

This was a double loop course, so this journey happened a second time, and I was incredibly happy to see the finish line and receive my medal for the 10th Annual Orlando xTreme Half Marathon.... having seen the creatures I encountered along the way - I believe now it is the perfect name for this race.

This isn't the run for everyone, and I am not sure I will do it again, but I will continue to run many of the runs offered up by this race group, and am excited to see that each year they continue to add new races of varying distances to their schedule.

Runners in the mist: 13.1 miles at the Melbourne Music Marathon

In this world of simplistic photo manipulation... There may be the need to add #nofilter to the above photograph. These were the conditions through much of the race at the Melbourne Music Marathon.  

The heat this weekend was nothing to take lightly, as runners of every caliber struggled with hydration issues. Thankfully the organizers at this race had ample water along the course with stops almost every mile. 

One of the hallmarks of this race are the beautiful views from the bridges, however due to the fog, the view was obstructed, luckily the many bands and wonderful musically inspired running quotes lining the track provided entertainment along the course. 

There was a strong showing from the Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs at this race, which always provides and extra boost of encouragement throughout the race! 

If there were awards for sweetest and saltiest stops along a race course, the Melbourne Music Marathon might win both of them... sweetest for the official HARIBO Gummy Bear station... and saltiest for the Pucker Up Pickle Juice Stop!

I am not a huge fan of the bottle opener race medal trend, but this one was done with class and style. 

A short walk from the finish line was the post-race festival, with water, pizza, muscle milk, beer, and a dunkin-donuts station. It was a family friendly and welcoming event on this hot Florida "winter" day. 

Of fog and fellowship: Running 13.1 miles at the BEST DAMN RACE

It is this sunrise  that beacons runners to the west coast of Florida... that perfect glow over the calm waters behind a cascade of swaying palms... the serene beauty which provides the backdrop for a southern winter race.

Runners gathered anxiously in the sleepy streets of Safety Harbor, FL for the self titled "Best Damn Race". The signature of this brand is that the entry fee is tiered starting at $1 for for the first 10 registrants, going to $5, $10, $15, $35, $55, and finally $65. They offer a 5K, 10K, 5+10K Challenge, and Half-Marathon at this event. The races are very family friendly and there is bonus bling for challenge participants. For many Floridians, a big draw for this event is the race day bib pick-up option. 

Much of this race was run in the streets of this small town, but they were well marked and supported. This being an exceptionally warm winter, the humidity provided an extra challenge.

This was my first year running in Saftey Harbor, however runners from the first year remarked that the race medal was upgraded significantly this year. 

As I pulled away the humidity and fog were diminishing visibility, with another coastal race in the morning, I was doubtful that the weather was going to improve. These are the challenges of Florida running, but with a nation covered in snow, sympathy for extreme heat is hard to uncover! 

My almost paleo life: Cauliflower "bread" with chicken sausage

It all started when I saw this bag of Cauliflower Florets in my fridge. I would be going out of town so I needed to eat it, and while I love roasted cauliflower.... I just wasn't in the mood. I have made Cauliflower mashed potatoes before, but that didn't feel right, and then I remembered a recipe I had seen for mock "bread" sticks.

So out came the cutting board and my good chefs knife. While my oven heated to 450 degrees I chopped the florets into a fine consistency, patted it dry, and put it in the food processor until it showed a mashed potato like consistency. 

I did not remember the exact seasonings the original recipe called for - but seasonings are a matter of taste. What I did know is I needed 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and two beaten eggs. 

I chose to use 1/4 cup Cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan.... and also 2 cloves of minced garlic, some cracked black pepper, a pinch of salt, and a generous teaspoon of red pepper flakes. I realized now I was mimicking the flavors I enjoy in focaccia bread! 

The "dough" was then mixed into a ball, and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The thickness of the dough will impact tenderness of the "bread" after baking. 

I should note here that you could just spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray - but my time in culinary school made me partial to always cooking with parchment paper. 

The formed dough went into the fully heated oven for 17 minutes, until the top was golden brown. 

I cut the bread with a pizza cutter into slice and while it was cooling just slightly, heated a fajita seasoned chicken sausage. 

Paired together this was a delicious combination, a small arugula salad would be a wonderful addition as well. The "bread" was gone before my sausage and I decided to get another slice. The best part is I could do this guilt free because the whole pie has only 420 calories... 

This is one I will make again, and would be wonderful for a girls luncheon. I will play with the spices and seasonings, as well as the cheeses I use. I know the dairy keeps this from being true paleo... however it is a great alternative than bread! 

Feel free to let me know how this turns out if you decide to make it in your own kitchen, and what masterpieces your medications produce! 

Here is to another day of happy healthy eating, and remembering to always #postthepositive parts of our lives! 

***** dinner time update!!!! You might wonder "but how will it reheat????" I just threw on a touch more cheese, some mini turkey pepperoni... And put it under the broiler for a few minutes and my "paleo pizza" was to die for!