Thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes yesterday. It really helped make the day special. Although I had to work on my birthday, it still turned out to be a pretty good one.
I started off with a quick run in the morning. Since I’m coming off an injury, I’d like to say I’m slowly building up my mileage, but that’d be a lie. I’ve actually just been sticking to 2-mile jogs. I may try for 3 miles next week, but I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I get there.

After my run, I had my first Vega One shake (my first Vega product ever, actually). I was impressed. It was tasty, and the texture did not disappoint. Vega sent this single-serve packet for me to try, and I’ll admit that I will certainly consider a future purchase. According to Vega’s website:
Good for your body and the planet, Vega One Nutritional Shake is the clean, plant-based choice to fuel your healthy, active lifestyle—without compromise. Made from natural, whole food ingredients, Vega One is a convenient, all-in-one, supplement, packed with: 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals, 15g protein, 6g fibre, 1.5g omega-3, antioxidants, probiotics, and greens.
Formulated by Brendan Brazier, professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling author on performance nutrition, Vega One is free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners.
Not all of yesterday’s beverages were so healthy.
I met Kevin and a couple friends out for happy hour after work. I was drinking Samuel Adams Boston Lager (since it was on special that night), and then Samuel Adams promo peeps came in with a contest.

It wasn’t a drinking contest; it was a test of strength. Their “Raise the Stein” competition includes holding a large (maybe 32 oz?) glass mug filled with water out in front of you (as pictured) for as long as you can. I held it for 2 min 7 sec. Maybe I could have gone longer, but I spilled a little at the end, which put me out of the running.


But hey – I still won! That’s $20 gift card to the bar, and the promo guy let me keep my stein since it was my bday. I could have gone to the city’s finals in order to win tickets to our local Oktoberfest and be entered to win a trip to the real deal in Munich. However, I was informed that I’d be competing against ladies much larger than myself who held their mugs well over 3 minutes. I decided to quit while I was ahead.

More birthday fun ensues today, and I can’t wait. Happy Friday!
- Ever competed in a crazy contest? A bar contest? Did you win?