Beer Tasting at Orlando Brewing

One of the things I always said about moving back to Orlando was that if we got the opportunity to move back, we would really take advantage of the area and explore the city. When we lived here, there were a number of things that I never got around to doing, and when I left I really felt like I missed out.

We have no plans on leaving Orlando anytime soon, or ever really, but I still want to make sure I do some of those "someday" things we missed the first time. It is also important to me that we explore the city. A couple of weeks ago, Living Social was running a deal for a beer tasting at Orlando Brewing. It sounded like our kind of Fresh from Florida company.

Last week was long and exhausting week, so by morning Friday I was already ready for a drink. It seemed like a perfect day to use the deal. I called and they had a reservation for that night. I was super excited that I was able to get a reservation for the same day.

After work, we grabbed a quick dinner at the Drunkin Monkey, my favorite coffee shop, and then headed to the brewery. The building is in an industrial area a little South of downtown. We weren't really sure what to expect, so we got to Orlando Brewing about a half hour before our tasting.

While we were waiting, we each grabbed a beer. I had a Miami Weiss and my husband had a Brown Ale. The Weiss was really light and refreshing. I am a fan of wheat beers and this one didn't dissapoint.

Then came the tasting. It included 5oz. glasses of eight different beers. All of the beers were good. In addition to the Miami Weiss, my favorites were the Blonde Ale and the Blackwater Porter.

Overall, the brewery was great. The bar area was really laid back and they had a beautiful copper bar. I love that the beer is organic and made on sight. I am really excited to find even more unique places and things to do in Orlando.

Do you ever look for new things in your town? What are some of your favorite local places?

Sitting Out Race Season

For the first time in a long time, I only have one race on the schedule. After the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler on September 29, my race calendar is empty. Last year at this time, I had a half marathon and a full marathon on the schedule. I keep seeing people blog about fall race plans and it makes me a little sad I don't really have any.

To make me more antsy, I finally got back into a running routine this week and I am getting my stride back. I had two short runs during the week and a 6-miler on Saturday. They were all ridiculously slow, but I am less worried that I am going to die during the 10 miler.

At this point I have no idea what the fall will hold. There are a number of races I would like to do, but I it will be last minute registrations. I plan on running a couple times during the week and then doing some longer runs on the weekend, but nothing over 8 or 10 miles.

We are still trying to start a family this fall and hoping things go better this time. There is nothing that suggests that running had anything to do with my miscarriage, but it still makes me nervous. Then again, there are lots of things that make me nervous now. I have not decided , but I am thinking that once I get pregnant again, I will stop running for a while. Walking, swimming and yoga will be my exercise. I will talk to my doctor and go from there.

For right now, my race wish list is getting longer. What are your race plans this fall?

Reset!

I can't believe that Labor Day weekend is just about over. This summer was really long and really short at the same time. It did a number on my running routine.

I really need a running reset. Being pregnant, losing the baby, starting a new job and moving 900 miles have all taken a toll on my training this summer. I have a 10 mile race coming up the end of September and I don't remember the last time I had a week with 10 miles, let alone a single 10 mile run.

Before you think I am too crazy, we registered for this race back in February when I was still on my post marathon high. When I got pregnant, this race became highly questionable, but since I am no longer pregnant, I don't have a good reason not to run. It also gives me motivation to really get my butt back into shape. I have been doing shorter runs on and off this summer, but my normal consistency has been nonexistent.

I don't have any time goals for this race, but I have some training and fitness goals for the month. I am hoping that putting them in writing will help keep me accountable. This month I am going to:

• Run three days a week
• Cross train at least one day week (swimming, spin, yoga, etc.)
• Strength train at least one day a week (I have really been slacking here)
• Eat reasonably (I have been better about this since unpacking the kitchen)

This is a bit ambitious, but I need something to kick-start a strong, healthy and happy Fall. What do you do when your routine needs a reset?