Monthly Archives: September 2011

Inaugural 911 Memorial 5K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Since my friends and I aim to run a race every month to stay motivated to meet our miles, Chrissy found our September race when she stumbled upon the Inaugural 911 Memorial 5K Run/Walk on active.com.  This race would raise funds for Homes for our Troops and the Austin Burchard home build.

When I mentioned the race to Allana, she wanted to run it with me.  Then, I roped my mom to be part of the event and some other running friends too.  Not before long, many of the Suncoast Striders joined in the fun.

Allana and I decided upon red, white and blue racing attire but several runners wore black with words to remind us the reason behind the race.

Much like September 11 ten years ago, it was a beautiful day which warmed up quickly.  The race course led us through Gulf Harbors, a waterfront neighborhood in New Port Richey, FL and many spectators waved their flags and cheered as we ran past their homes.

 

I started the race ahead of Chrissy and our friend Larisa, but that was short lived.  I desperately wanted to reach a new PB, but with the September heat, it was not in the cards for me.  Although I was defeated by the heat, Chrissy shaved two minutes of her time and earned a new PR, 32:24.  (Chrissy also wanted me to mention in my recap that she ran a faster average pace than me.)

When we neared the finish line, Larisa became our coach encouraging Chrissy and me to push it harder.  As we crossed the finish line, Larisa literally pushed me in a jokingly manner to not let me beat her.  David of the Suncoast Striders caught Larisa in the act with a quick snapshot.

But that final push, pushed me over the edge and I felt like would vomit, which I have never felt after any 5k.

Chip Time 32:39.7    

Garmin Time 34:45

Chip Ave Pace 10:32

Garmin Ave Pace 11:02

Max Pace 7:42

Overall Place 152/500

Div Place 8/21

While trying to cool down in the restroom, I met a fellow runner blogger, Clare of Clare is Running.  We exchanged stories and plans for future races in the hopes to meet again soon.

Twenty minutes after Chrissy, Larisa and I finished our 5K, my mom and Allana crossed the finish line.  My mom also earned a PB and her first medal EVER for finishing third in age group.

Despite the heat and getting pushed around by Larisa, I enjoyed this race and the feeling it gave me to do something good on a day that typically causes such sadness.  And I loved having my family and friends with me there too.

 

Allana loved being part of it too and earning a real medal, but knowing that we helped the troops is the real reward.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue

Remembering 343 on 9-11

Posted on by Run DMT
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Three hundred forty three firefighters sacrificed their lives to help others at Ground Zero.  A memorial stands in the sleepy town of Oldsmar, Florida to honor those heroes.

After watching the events unfold back in 2001, our own local hero, Capt. Jerry Garbardi, wrote and performed a song with his church band to remember the lives that perished on 9-11.  The church band sold CDs of the tribute and raise over $5000 for the 911 Memorial Fund.

As a thank you, the foundation sent the firefighter a portion of a steel beam from the Twin Towers.  With the help from community, he and his fire fighters at Fire Station #54 erected a memorial to always remember the 343 heroes.  Each of the 343 heroes are etched in bricks around the monument.

Random Tuesday Thoughts and Some Running

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Even though I failed to blog a Random Tuesday Thoughts post last week, my life and thoughts were pretty random.

The bands of Hurricane Lee hammeered our area and since I don’t do rain, I didn’t run much last week.  Lame.  I know, but nonetheless true.

I’ve been stalking the Disney site and Facebook page quite the Disney fan lately.  First, I entered the runDisney’s Share Your Bling Sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-expense paid entry to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, including hotel, travel expenses, races fees and all kinds of cool VIP access to the races.  I added my Disney marathon photo to the runDisney Facebook page and even posted some bling on my profile for additional entries.  I hadn’t planned to run any races in January, but it’s paid for, then I’ll go for it!

But the Disney deeds didn’t stop there.  I also applied to be part of the runDisney Disney Mom Panel.  Living in Florida most of my life, I’ve practically grown up at Walt Disney World as well as ran through it three times, so I feel like I would make a great candidate.  I’ve even changed my Twitter profile to show enthusiasm for all things Mickey.  I need to change my Run DMT header too.

Somehow I survived the first week of school like a pro.  The family fell right into routine like we never even took a break, but then the second week of school was a disaster.  Maybe it something to do holiday weekend looming around the corner, but the last two weeks have been utter chaos around here and we haven’t even added any after-school activities into the mix.  What gives?  I don’t believe I could drink enough alcoholic beverages to make sense of it all.

Speaking of massive amounts of alcoholic beverages, my annual moms beach getaway is this weekend and I cannot freaking wait!  I missed last year because I wasn’t ready to leave my newborn behind, but I am back in full force and ready to soak in the sun and suck down the beer and not wipe any snotty noses or poopy butts for 3 days.  Well, you never know.  One of us may have a situation, but let’s hope not.

I am also looking forward to some beach runs.  I told Faith, Chrissy and Kathleen to pack their running clothes, but I don’t mind running along the beach by myself, as long as I don’t get lost again.  At least with some company, I can run some longer miles and hopefully, one of us will pay attention to where we are going as long as we are not too hungover and dehydrated.  Maybe I should pack my fuel belt just in case?

Yes, I broke down and finally bought a dorky hydration belt and you know what…I love it.  What a saving grace, especially on the big miles!  My new Nathan Speed 2 has pockets for my Cliff shots and a place to keep my car key.  It fits snuggly on my hips and doesn’t slip around.  I seriously love it and I don’t feel so
dorky in it after all.   In fact, I think I look pretty in pink.

The first time I tested out my fuel belt in was on a 13 mile run with Larisa and Kris.  Larisa got me hooked on the Galloway 3-1 plan.  I really noticed the benefits of the “run three minutes, walk 1 minute” training method the next day, because I wasn’t sore or stiff at all.  The forced walking intervals are a welcomed break and great for recovery.  And it doesn’t really add too much time onto my overall time.

13.1 miles

Time 2:46:38

Ave Pace 12:43

Max Pace 8:47

Like Larisa said, “It’s not about how fast we can go, but finishing.”  She’s so right.  I’m just trying to get back into the game and doing my best to finish.

So with that, I’ll finish by sharing some more of my runs.  Like I said before, I didn’t run much due to all the rain, but I did run in the 911 Memorial 5K on Sunday.  Watch for my race recap later this week.

6.2 miles

Time 1:15:53

Ave Pace 11:36

Max 8:19

 

3.1 miles

Time 33:28

Ave Pace 10:49

Max Pace 8:30

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Music Monday iTunes Gift Card Winner!

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Before announcing the winner, I would like to once again thank everyone for all your support over the past year.  By hosting Music Monday, I’ve crossed paths with so many wonderful bloggers via a music blog hop and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  So keep sharing your favorite tunes, linking up and hopping along with me.

Thanks for keeping the Run DMT Music Monday party going strong!

And now for the winner!  With the help of random.org, the winner is…

 

I swear!  It was completely random!  Um…well, at least I’ll save on postage.   Congratulations to Karen of If I Could Escape! :-)

The Sound of Silence

Posted on by Run DMT
14

I wanted to write a 911 post to express my admiration of the people of New York City, the FDNY, NYPD, President Bush at our country’s most horrific hero.  (Yes, I said admiration of President Bush.) “I can hear you!  The rest of the world hears you!  And the people who knocked these buildings will hear all of us soon!”

 

I wanted to share how ten years ago I was 7 months pregnant teaching reading skills to my second grade students when the principal came into my classroom and quietly told me that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.

 

I wanted to share how numb I felt he rest of the day and I believe I was in shock to protect my unborn child.  I honestly do not remember much of the rest of that day, except for being glued to CNN for days and weeks that followed.

 

I wanted to share that every year I watch documentaries that retell that events of that day and I cry like I should have cried 10 years ago.

 

I also wanted to express my feelings of admiration towards the tastefully done, very beautiful and symbolic memorial at Ground Zero.

 

But I could find a poignant way to write any of those feelings.

 

And then, I watched the tenth anniversary memorial yesterday and Paul Simon’s performance of Sound of Silence reflected all my emotion, feelings and memories of September 11 in song.

 

And once again, I cried like I should have ten years ago.

 

 

Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence

“Fools”, said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence.



 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

A Pizza My Mind

Posted on by Run DMT
17

You may be tired of reading about my husband’s mad culinary skills, but it’s seriously no exaggeration.  His hand-tossed homemade pizza is another fine example of his handiwork.


Over the years, he’s perfected his crust from a recipe he found online seven years ago.  (I only know the date because the time-stamp printed on the bottom of the print-out.)  He follows this recipe exactly and prepares the dough in his Zojirushi bread machine that he’s had for over 12 years.

 The pizza sauce is simply our simple onion sauce, which is perfect for pasta and pizza.

 Top it with some shredded mozzarella and whatever else toppings you love…

….and you’ve got a New York state of mind pizza.  Forget about it!

New York Style Pizza Crust (from Robbie’s Recipe Collection)
Makes 2 pizzas or 4 calzones
Prep. Time: 2:00
Serves: 16

Ingredients
1 ½ cups 110˚ F water
2 ½ tsp granulated sugar
2 ½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp active dry yeast
½ cup cornmeal
Sauce, as needed
Shredded mozzarella cheese, as needed
Toppings of your choice, as needed

Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in water.  Add oil and flour to bowl and stir with heavy spoon for 1 minute.  Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a circle.  Sprinkle yeast evenly over dough and knead for 12 minutes.  Divide dough into 2 equal-sized portions for pizza.  Place dough balls in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm location.

*If using a bread machine, combine ingredients machine and set machine to dough setting. Then, in two hours, begin the following steps.*

Preheat a pizza stone in a 500˚ F oven for 1 hour.

Place a dough ball on a lightly floured surface and sprinkle a light coating of flour on top.  Working from the edges to the center, press dough into a 12″ circle.  Coat a large board with cornmeal and place the dough onto the cornmeal.  Spread sauce over crust and top with cheese and desired toppings.  Gently shake the cutting board, assuring it isn’t sticking to the board.  Slide the pizza from the cutting board directly onto the stone in the oven.

Bake in a 500 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden.

Photobucket

Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.



*Also submitted at*

I am a Food RENEGADE!Fat Camp Friday Button

You Down with OCP? Yeah, You Know Me.

Posted on by Run DMT
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Recently, I stumbled upon a coupon program for military families living on bases overseas.  Through OCP, you “adopt” a military base and send them your coupons.  Donated coupons can be two months past their expiration date because retailers allow military families to redeem expired coupons up to 6 months past their expiration date.

With the knowledge of this coupon program, I organized a collection for my moms group.  Once again my moms pulled through and I was overwhelmed by the response.

I wish I knew the monetary value of all these coupons.  The OCP states on their website that “the average Sunday newspaper contains approximately $125 worth of coupons.”  Based on that and a rough estimate, I’d say there about $4000 worth of coupons in this pile.  Amazing.

I’m so proud of my mamas!  It feels so good to be able to help military families, especially so close to Patriot Day (September 11).

Don’t Stop the Music and the Party

Posted on by Run DMT
9

Two years ago when I injured myself after a bad bike crash, I needed something to keep my mind off the pain and to keep my blog active even though I wasn’t. I wrote a Music Monday post and linked up at Diane of Mourning Glory’s Music Monday blog hop.

I discovered incorporating music into a blog post was a wonderful way to express myself.  It became another meaningful way to share my thoughts and a means to share my story.

During Diane’s Music Monday blog hop, I also discovered some really great bloggers as well as great music.  What started as a means to fill empty space on my blog became a way to fill my MP3 player.  By visiting all the Music Monday participants, I found tons of music that truly moved me and helped push me through the miles as I ran.

Wanting to continue my quest to find music to move through the miles and because I loved the Music Monday blog hop concept so much, I decided to jump in and host one too.

For a year now, I’ve been hosting Music Monday.  It’s been a great experience once again discovering new-to-me bloggers and reconnecting through music with some of already favorite bloggers.  Of course, with each passing Music Monday, you’re all now my favorite bloggers!

For the past year, I’ve enjoyed listening to your stories.  I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to mine.  So please don’t stop sharing your songs.  Please don’t stop the music!

Please know that I am so grateful for all the Music Monday participants each week and every comment shared.  So let’s keep Run DMT’s Music Monday going strong for another year.  Keep linking up and sharing your songs with me each week.  Don’t stop the party!

 

And to keep the party going strong and to show my gratitude, one lucky Music Monday participant will win a $15 iTunes card.  So link up and play along for you chance to win!

Thank you for all your love and support!


 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Now Serving Spanish Rice

Posted on by Run DMT
8

The chicken dish I wanted to share this week didn’t come out quite the way I hoped.  The Pollo Relleno recipe needs some tweaking before I throw it into the Friday Food fight arena.  Hopefully, it will be tastier and more photogenic next week when I try my second attempt at it.

Though my chicken dish didn’t quite pass the taste test, the Spanish rice that I prepared to accompany the chicken came out perfectly.  This was my first attempt at making Spanish rice from scratch and I couldn’t believe how easy it was!  I grew up eating piles of Rice A Roni Spanish rice, but Iron Chef Allan never even heard of the rice or its brand name counterpart.  Wiith one bite, he was a Spanish rice lover.

Run DMT’s Spanish Rice (adapted from The Joy of Cooking)

Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup chopped Spanish onion

½ cup chopped bell pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup of organic Basmati rice

1 ¾ cups organic free range chicken stock

1 cup Pomi chopped tomatoes

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a Dutch oven skillet over a medium heat, sauté onions, garlic and bell pepper in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add rice and stir until well coated.  Then, add broth, tomatoes and spices and bring to a boil.  Stir once, cover and transfer to oven.  Bake for about 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Uncover and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
 
Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.



*Also submitted at*

I am a Food RENEGADE!Fat Camp Friday Button