Ah! Vacation! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to get away. It seems like we have been cooped up in Minnesota for forever. Just getting the family on an airplane and getting out of Dodge this week is like the best medicine ever.

Florida Sunset

I got the green light last week to continue running. The diagnosis was somewhat physiological more than physical because since last Wednesday, the discomfort in my upper thigh has just about vanished. Maybe I just needed to hear from the doctor that it was basically nothing that can be cured by a doctor, so I’d just have to deal until it went away. I have a few other issues going on in my lower legs, i.e. calves and shins, but I think that has been part of the recovery process in using that leg again the way it is supposed to be used. Since we have been out of state, I have had 4 very successful runs. Not only have they managed to go very smoothly and relatively pain free, but I have managed to get a run in every single day thus far while we’ve been away. This alleviates not only the physical need to keep moving, but also the emotional need I have to have to allow myself to let go just a little bit. Despite all that, somehow, I’ve managed to keep my eating under control.

Scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico

Yesterday, we ventured 10 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico and were introduced to the art of scalloping. I can’t tell you how exhilarating this was. Not only being able to catch our dinner, but just seeing what we saw…starfish, coral, fish galore or all kinds and colors…sea birds, turtles, dolphins…the list is just endless. At one point, after gathering my full bag of scallops and hoisting it to the back of the boat, I exclaimed to my brother in law and his wife, “This is the best f’in day ever…” And I’m seriously certain it was one of the best. I’m so blessed to have relatives who have the wherewith all to allow us the opportunity to experience this first hand. The experience was not only exhilarating, but exhausting. We must have been in that water snorkeling and diving for up to three hours, my daughters going longer that I. It took all I had to remain upright throughout the remainder of the day, through dinner, and a bit of conversation afterward. But by 9:30pm, I was toast, and had to crash. I was just happy to wake up this morning with enough oomph to continue on, as early this morning we went crabbing of a local resort dock. And then I managed to get a six-mile run in afterwards. Despite the dreaded Florida heat, the sun stayed at bay today, and I got hat run in after all.

Netting Blue Crabs

As I sit here enjoying a stiff cup of coffee, my husband has fallen into a deep afternoon slumber while my girls spend their afternoon with their beloved aunt. I have finally gotten a peaceful opportunity to update you on my whereabouts.

In the meanwhile, my mailbox is downright flooded with wonderful giveaway opportunities from some of my favorite product manufacturers and I’m excited to share this one with you today!

Quest Bar Deluxe Giveaway

The fantastic folks at Quest Nutrition have allowed me to review and host a giveaway with their amazing product. If you haven’t had a Quest Bar yet, then you certainly don’t know what you are missing. Their products are not only delicious and varied, but they are gluten free, and loaded with protein but with limited total carbs. For a runner who is also a weight trainer, this is an added bonus. There is Quest Pasta, too…gluten free, of course. The Quest Bar flavors vary from Chocolate Brownie to White Chocolate Raspberry, Apple Pie, and Cinnamon Roll, to name a few. There is not a bad one in the bunch. They average around 200 calories a bar with about 4g active carbs, some more, some less. And they are delicious!

I find them particularly satisfying pre workout, or post run, or as a late night snack. And they are completely portable. Just throw them in your purse and go. They are handy for when the munchies strike while you are at the grocery store or at the beach, or on a long drive. I’m a devoted Quest Nutrition fan!

And here is what Quest has offered me to offer to you. SImply enter below to win an entire12-pack of Quest Bars, in all their luscious flavors, PLUS a package of the new Quest High Protein Peanut Butter Cups, AND a bar of the new White Chocolate Raspberry Bar! Not just one, but TWO winners will be chosen! But you must like Quest Bar on Facebook and follow them on Twitter or Pinterest as well to be eligible for this amazing prize!

Quest 12-bar Sampler Pack

Quest Bar White Chocolate Raspberry Bar

Quest Bar High Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Don’t miss this one! You will have until Monday, August 26th to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is your favorite protein bar? What time of day to you indulge in them?