Me and Valerie celebrating Independence Day — and my 18:37 second place finish at the Freedom 5k.

Happy Fourth of July! After overindulging on apple pie with vanilla ice cream yesterday at my birthday celebration (but so worth it), I put my sugar buzz to good use by racing the Freedom 5000 at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. No better reminder of the significance of this day and the fine folks that work selflessly to protect our independence than by running and saluting the sights at an actual army base. Some of the guys and gals were getting the vehicles from the military museum ready for a parade; all the patriotic ambiance really made a fitting start to the day – as did the huge wedges of watermelon that were waiting at the finish line.

My plans for the rest of July 4th include taking my SUP board down to the lake for a paddle and then finishing the day with some glorious grilling. Not sure yet what the entrée will be, but I do know what we’re having for dessert! My kids and I will be making my yummy Raspberry-Chocolate Banana Boats made with single-serve, 100-calorie Litehouse Chocolate Dip.  If I haven’t mentioned it yet, I’ll be contributing several times a month to the Litehouse Foods blog, Living Lighthouse.  Come visit for lots of friendly inspiration on healthy eating and pursuing a fit lifestyle. If you’re not familiar with Litehouse Foods, you should be, they offer a wide range of fresh dressings, dips, cheeses and other products that are perfect for salad-making, grilling and getting creative in the kitchen.