Garden Minestrone

Photobucket Every May, right around Mother’s Day, I come down with the worst allergy related cold. My chest becomes tight. I can’t breathe and I spend my days hacking up a lung.

This May has been no exception. Since I spend my nights coughing, I’m not sleeping well. A lack of sleep means I’ve been too tired to run, but I can’t breathe anyway; therefore running has been replaced with resting. Plus all the coughing has caused me to lose my voice although I don’t think anyway in this house is too terribly upset that I can’t speak to them above a whisper.

Despite being under the weather, I still have an appetite, but all I want is soup. For me, soup is my favorite natural remedy and I crave it whenever I’m feeling poorly. Since I was too tired and not up for the soup kitchen challenge, I submitted an order to Iron Chef Allan for Garden Minestrone.

Chopped tomatoes and chicken stock is the liquid base for the soup, which is already a healthy start. Toss in some summer time veggies and it becomes healthy portion of green goodness with every spoonful.

Garden Minestrone

Cuisine: Soup, Vegetarian

Author: Run DMT

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 40 mins

Serves: 6-8

A garden flare to a favorite traditional Italian pasta bean soup.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
2 large yellow squash, chopped
2 large zucchini, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 carton (26. 46 oz) Pomi chopped tomatoes
4 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta
1 (15.5 oz) can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6 oz) package fresh baby spinach
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp crush red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese, (optional for topping)

Instructions

In a large stock pot, heat oil iover medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until softened. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in squash, zucchini and carrot. Sauté five minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, broth and beans and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
While soup simmers, prepare ditalini pasta as directed on package for al dente, only one minute less. Drain and add to soup. Stir until well incorporated. Remove from heat.
Stir in spinach; season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
Ladle soup into individual bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese.

Thanks for joining our weekly Friday Food Fight! Can’t wait to see what everyone is flinging this week!

*Also submitted at*

Tampa Bay for Boston

After watching the Boston bombing events unfold, Chris Lauber, a local race director known for his well orchestrated Florida Road Races, decided to “do what he does best”. On May 8^th, only three weeks after the Boston marathon, he organized a 2.62 mile run at St. Pete Pier to honor the lives lost, the injured and the athletes.

Only Lauber and his wonderful team could make a last-minute run look effortless. To keep costs to a minimum while donating as much of the $26.20 race fees to One Fund Boston, the run lacked the usual amenities we’ve come accustomed to at many of Florida Road Races, mostly the food and the beer.

Chris Lauber

Each participant received a t-shirt and a LED candle for the pre-race candlelight vigil.

Several of my Suncoast Strider friends were there to show support for Boston and our love for our own Boston Marathoner, Marcia.

Prior to the memorial run, Heather, Suzan and I made silly marathon remarks about hitting a wall around 2.5 miles. As the evening progressed with little water and food in our stomachs, we would fail to see the humor in those jokes.

In the pre-run presentation emceed by Serina Fazan of ABC Action News, race directors and runner after runner shared their Boston Marathon memories of that fateful day.

Serina Fazan, ABC Action News

Lynn Gray, Tampa Bay Race Director Committee

Susan Harmeling, Executive Director Gasparilla Distance Classic

Some athletes finished under 3 hours while others never saw the finish line. Some ran for their first time and a few speakers had several Boston marathons under their fuel belts.

Except for Marcia who joked about not liking the race, each runner all shared their love for Boston, a dedication to return and why it’s more than a marathon over a century old that separates elite athletes from your average runners. Boston is a marathon experience like none other and as I listened to runner share their stories, I longed to be part of it.

Visually impaired Boston Marathoner and her guide

With each account, the theme of the evening was evident. Runners are strong and we will always band together for a cause to do what we do best. “Run and move forward.”

Assistant Race Director, Boston Athletic Association

David Green

As we stood for two hours, the twinge in our backs and legs tested that strength and reminded us to be Boston Strong. As our legs and back began to ache, we heard one last account told by David Green, a marathoner who finished the race and snapped a photo just after the second bombing, which helped identify the second suspect. His heroic act and bravery made us proud to be Americans and runners.

After singing the National Anthem, we left St. Pier with our candles still glowing and ran towards the Vinoy Hotel. The turn-around point was just past Vinoy Park.

Elizabeth Holloway sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.

The long evening took a toll on me and I had to walk more than I would like for a less than 3 mile run. The lack of water also caused me to experience side stitches. But this run wasn’t about time, conditions or a PR. It was about being part of something bigger than myself and to show my support for Boston and those who were there.

I was proud to be part of Tampa Bay for Boston and next year, I hope to be able to give more by volunteering at the Boston Marathon 2014.

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival {Giveaway}

How do you like your margaritas?

With extra salt?

With extra lime?

Heavy on the agave and the tequila?

Over ice and a glass that’s never empty?

Next Saturday, May 25, I will experience THE margarita event to remember at the first annual Tampa Bay Margarita Festival at Curtis Hixon Park. With live music, piñatas, volleyball, food trucks, fireworks and more, the event promises to provide margaritas just the way I like them: constantly pouring.

For the ultimate margarita experience, I plan to upgrade to La Vie Grand Marnier VIP Experience Admission for endless Grand Mariner margaritas, unlimited queso and chips, a VIP Taco Happy Hour and Grand Mariner swag.

Although I am a bit of a margarita snob, the margaritas at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival sound almost as good as our homemade ones. The margaritas at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival consist of “fresh squeezed lime juice, pure cane sugar, fresh agave, and of course, the highest quality tequila and liquor”.

Yo estoy ahí. (I am so there.) And you can be too.

One lucky local Run DMT follower will win a pair of General Admission tickets to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival on Saturday, May 25 from 2:00-10:00 pm.

“GA Admission gives you access to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival with re-entry privileges and enjoy the live band on stage all day, beach volleyball, and more while you enjoy your margaritas!

Plus, the first 2,500 margarita lovers to redeem their tickets upon leaving the festival will receive a complimentary Budweiser/Cayman Jack gift bags filled with branded goodies and swags, in addition to one bottle of Cayman Jack Margarita (while supplies last).”

Contest ends 5/20 at 11:59 EST. Only Tampa Bay residents, please.

For more information about Tampa Bay Margarita Festival tickets, directions, cabana rentals and other event details, visit www.tampamargaritafest.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

J&J For All You Love

*Disclaimer: I am participating in the J&J For All You Love campaign and have received compensation for sharing my heartfelt motherhood tribute for Mother’s Day and to promote JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES Care Cards, a digital e-card platform encouraging moms to share positive messages of encouragement with other moms across the country, while simultaneously supporting Save the Children®*

Twelve years ago, I stood in classroom filled with desks and children. I loved my job and my career choice. I loved seeing light bulbs shine above my students’ little heads once they finally processed a concept.

Though the paperwork, the parent conferences, the hours spent planning often overshadowed the bright faces that filled my classroom, I loved teaching and I did so for seven years.

Then, I became pregnant and when I heard my little one’s heartbeat in our very first sonogram, I knew my life and my career path would change forever. That day, I willingly made the choice to be a stay at home mom to raise the baby that grew inside me.

As my little one grew, I sang songs to my belly. I read stories to a baby that I hadn’t met yet to ensure my little one would know my voice. On the day she was born, the moment the nurses placed my newborn baby girl on my chest, I looked into her little swollen eyes and cried. Though we only just met, I fell in love with my baby girl.

Twelve years later that love has grown and multiplied as our family grew and multiplied with the birth of two more babies. Each time, I instantly fell in love with them all.

I am still at home, raising my children and I often miss my teaching days, but I don’t regret my choice. I don’t need to ask for a personal day or worry about substitute plans. Though most days balancing three kids can be tough, for the most part, we have fun.

The other day, my seven year old completed an “All About Me” poster. In the “What I want to be when I grow up” section, she wrote “I want to be a mommy.”

I asked, “Why do you want to be a mom when you grow up? Why not a teacher or a doctor?”

“Because moms have fun. Moms go on field trips and take their kids places and spend time with them and love their kids.”

Yes, we certainly do. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In celebration of Mother’s Day this year, JOHNSON’S® Baby has established JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES Care Cards, a digital e-card platform encouraging moms to share positive messages of encouragement with other moms across the country, while simultaneously supporting Save the Children®. You can help, too!

Simply pick and share a card filled with messages of reassurance for a Mom in your life on Facebook at http://www.johnsonsbabycares.com. For every card sent, shared or liked, JOHNSON’S® Baby will donate $1.00 to Save the Children® (up to $150,000) to benefit early childhood education programs that foster education and reassurance for new moms. These cards will not only spread encouragement to Moms throughout the country but will also provide Moms in need with the skills and knowledge to successfully support their child’s growth.

Roasted Veggies and Asiago Flatbread

Photobucket I have a new Friday night favorite other than our usual pizza. Iron Chef and I made this Roasted Veggie Flatbread as a team. I prepared the roasted garden vegetables of baby Portabella mushrooms, red onions, zucchini and yellow squash using my roasted veggie recipe while Allan made the dough using this New York style pizza crust recipe. The steps for flatbread are very similar to pizza but Allan has perfected his crust even more since I shared that recipe.

First, he flours the board with lots of flour. Then, using a rolling pin, he rolls out dough as thin as possible, about ¼- 1/8 of an inch and lets the dough sit for a minute or two. Then, he rolls it out and let again to 1/8 of inch. This process produces a thin, crispy gorgeous crust that’s perfect for the crispness for flatbread.

This week, we decided to serve Roasted Veggie and Asiago Flatbread for Meatless Monday. The combination of charred veggies and about 2 Tbsp of shaved Asiago cheese with the crispy flatbread was better than I had hoped. This may replace our regular red sauce Friday night pizza tradition.

Thanks for joining our weekly Friday Food Fight! Can’t wait to see what everyone is flinging this week!

*Also submitted at*

Soup du Jour Vlog Hop: My Mother’s Day Reflection

soupdujour_blogbutton

Earlier this week, the Today Show shared a piece by Today Moms on how parents of three children felt more stress than parents with fewer children or even more children. According to their survey, parents of three often feel outnumbered, whereas parents of four or more children tend to be more relaxed.

Being a mom of three, I definitely feel outnumbered, over-stressed and have resorted to self medicating with beer or wine. However, one too many glasses and I could hit the magic number of four children. Of course, I’ll be more relaxed and I’ll drink less due to something called the “Duggar Effect“. Sure. I’ll drink to that.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What are you reflecting on this Mother’s Day? Do you have one, two, three or more children? Do you feel stressed or does the idea of more children stress you out?

Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter and I experienced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) together for the first time. We explored the brackish waters of Crystal River and searched for manatees with our friends. It was a wonderful day trip and one that deserves a full post review (to follow shortly), however, this post is dedicated to the kind people who helped Allana and me.

Once we reached the springs, Allana and I took the moment to take in gorgeous view and snack on the blueberry Larabars that that I packed which contained cashews. Unbeknownst to me, Allana is severely allergic to cashews and she immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Her throat itched; her breathing became labored. She began to swell and turn beet red with hives all over her body. After only ingesting one small bite, our fun adventure now turned into an emergency situation.

Due to my walnut allergy and my other daughter’s allergy to bee stings, I normally carry two EpiPens, but I left them back in the car along with allergy medication. I asked our guide if he had a first aid kit containing Benadryl or an EpiPen, but he did not. I quickly paddled over to a dive boat within sight and asked for first aid, but they did not have any medication on board either.

Then, I spotted a boat idling past and I flagged them down to ask for a ride back to the public park where we launched our paddle boards. With 14 mph winds, I knew I didn’t have the strength nor the time to spare. Thankfully, they graciously offered assistance.

I share this story hoping someone in the six degrees of separation in this big blogosphere may know Gary and Amy of Crystal River. (Other than they have two children a boy and girl ages 3 and 4, that’s the only information I have.) Please let them know Allana is safe and we are truly grateful for their kindness.

Random Thoughts about National Moms Nite Out, Boxing, a Boston Run, Stepping Up My Sprints and Track Tuesday

Weather wise, it has been a very strange spring weather. We’ve experienced the usual hot and humid Florida spring days, but over the past few days, the weather cooled down for some strange reason. We’ll back to our regular warm weather scheduled program soon enough.

Last week, the humidity was off the charts, which like I said, is to be expected this time of year, but I think what makes it worse is when there’s no heat with it. It throws me off. I expect heat with humidity. My body can’t acclimate to the ups and downs. Due to my asthma, I experienced labored breathing which made running very difficult given the himidtiy. I ran 4 miles but I couldn’t breathe so the run was pathetic.

4 miles
Time 44:32
Ave Pace 11:08
Max Pace 8:41

Wednesday evening, my friends and I tried a boxing class. It was real boxing with gloves, wraps, bags and all.

The instructor, Tony a Hall of Famer, was like a drill sergeant. In between hitting the bag, Tony made us do a gazillion squats and plank for what felt like hours. I loved boxing to his selection of old school music, but he was not impressed with my bouncing while bobbing and weaving. “That girl is poiiissson…*jab…jab*…. “Never trust a girl with a big butt and smile”…*undercut, jab, jab*… “Bel Biv DeVoe…”*jab, jab*… “Now you know.”

As I bobbed, boxed and bounced, Tony walked over to me with a scowl. “Did you just come from happy hour because you all over the place?”

“I’m always happy.”

At least, I was happy hitting until Tony told me to pivot my back foot, but that caused some serious pain in my feet. So, I pivoted when he was looking so he wouldn’t holler at me.

The boxing minus the pivoting was fun until he made us do floor work with a medicine ball. Ab work with a medicine really hurt my lower back and made me cry, which only caused Tony to holler at me more. “Suck it up, butter cup and sit up!”

“I can’t!”

“There ain’t no can’t in my class!”

“Well, now there is because this hurts and I ain’t doing it! I physically cannot do it!”

He’s right, though. There is no can’t in fitness. But there shouldn’t be crying either. Tony and I kissed and made up after the class.

The next day, I had planned to run 6 miles with some friends, but my feet were killing me. I could barely walk from all the pivoting. So I decided to go for a 10 mile bike ride with Jenny instead, because although I couldn’t walk, I could certainly pedal. Of course, as slow as I go, pedaling doesn’t seem like the right action verb to call how I ride a bike.

After finishing 15 miles prior, Jenny met me for an easy 10 miles on the trail, which wouldn’t be easy for me. She even rode “heavy” on the gears to slow down to my speed. Nice. I went so slow I practically rode backwards and I barely even burned any calories. I really need to work on my speed in the next few months leading up to Iron Girl.

10 miles
Time 50:03
Ave Speed 12.0
Max Speed 14.9

Speaking of Iron Girl, Jenny and calorie burn, Jenny is hosting an awesome Facebook fitness challenge called the 500 calorie {exercise} burn challenge. Basically, you have to exercise and burn 500 calories and share photos to prove it. Of course, I barely hit the mark with that biking adventure, but there’s always next time.

Friday, I chaperoned a field trip to Sweetfield’s Farm Sunflower Maze and attended my moms group pampering event later that afternoon. My aching feet craved a pedicure. There was always Saturday to strive for a 500 calorie {exercise} burn.

I ran again on Saturday and once again, the humidity choked me, but at least I burned some calroeis for Jenny.

6.2 miles
Time 1:04:33
Ave Pace 10:25
Max Pace 8:03
630 calories

Monday, I appeared on the Mom Squad on Channel 10 News. Between hubby’s traveling last month and sick kids, I had to cancel my appearances. Yesterday, we shared opinions on the appropriate age to leave a child home alone.

Speaking of moms, this Thursday, May 9 is National Moms Nite Out and the Tampa Bay Bloggers are hosting a local event at Prime Bar at the Shops at Wiregrass. All the moms that attend can expect lots of fun, food and prizes! I can’t wait! If you want to join us, RSVP via the Facebook event.

Tomorrow is Tampa Bay for Boston Run. It’s in the evening and it’s been a while since I ran in the evening without my children. Thank goodness it’s just a run and the last run along the St. Pete Pier before they tear it down. No matter how fast or slow I run, I will be Boston Strong and there to cheer my friend, Marcia. If you want to join me or run virtually with me, register here. At least $20 per athlete will be donated to One Fund Boston.

After tomorrow’s memorial run, I’ll add another 2.62 miles towards my Joggermom Marathon total, but I’ll have to figure out some way to add another 300 calories in for Jenny’s challenge. My friends, Heather and Jen, are running 5 miles in the early morning. Should I run with them or conserve energy?

Today, I met my friends, Heather and Larisa, for sprints. With Heather’s guidance and encouragement, I have stepped up my sprints to 4 x 800m with 0.25 resting/walking laps in between. Heather normally jogs those resting laps, but she went easy on Larisa and I today. The jump to half mile sprints was tough but I felt great. We celebrated with a mile lap victory lap for our cool down.

Total Distance 5.15 miles (with 0.25 walking breaks between each lap)

1.01 mile warm up, Time 10:19

Lap 1 – Ave Pace 7:59, Best Pace 5:48

Lap 2 – Ave Pace 8:04, Best Pace 5:28

Lap 3 – Ave Pace 8:28, Best Pace 6:49

Lap 4 – Ave Pace 8:11, Best Pace 6:34

Cool Down – 1.14 mile Ave Pace 10:13, Best Pace7:46

And even with stepping up my sprints, I still am 9 calories short for the 500 calories {exercise} burn challenge. Bleh. But at least I only 12 miles left to complete the Joggermom Marathon!

Can you hit 500 calories in a workout? Did you step up your speedwork this week?

*Also submitted at*

One Woman Army for Mother’s Day {Music Monday}

No musings for Music Monday. The lyrics for Kate Earl’s “One Woman Army” and one photo set the perfect mood for Mother’s Day. (Be sure to watch the entire video the end.)

Never knew what I was signing up for
Knew it was hard but not this hardcore
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you
No matter what I do

(Chorus)
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
I’d fight for you, I’ll die, I’ll be your protector
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
No matter what may come, I won’t surrender

Gonna give you everything I never had
Love you and teach you good from bad
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you
No matter what I do

What I do, I do for you the best I can
Build a life for you with my own two hands
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you, baby
No matter what I do

(Chorus) X3
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
I’d fight for you, I’ll die, I’ll be your protector
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
No matter what may come, I won’t surrender

Happy Mother’s Day from Run DMT, your one woman army.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Pinning and Planning – May 5

Early this morning, I will be paddle boarding along the Crystal River. My Cinco de Mayo fiesta will begin once I return home to the ice cold Margaritas waiting for me there.

Zim Zari (our favorite local Tex-Mex restaurant) typically offers kids eat free all day on Sunday, but for this Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta, kids eat free before 3:00 p.m. I considered going to Zim Zari for dinner but once I sat down to plan our dinner menu for the week, I realized we would be eating a few times this week. ¡Así, Zim Zari es no va! Though we may stay home for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta, I may Skinnytaste’s Mexican Unfried Ice Cream add tonight’s to the menu to sweeten the deal.

Friday, we leave for the TradeWinds on St. Pete Beach for Mother’s Day. I’ve never been there and I can’t wait to soak in some sun, absorb some Vitamin D for my mother’s Day gift and run along the beach. With all the eating out we’re doing this week, I’m going to definitely need to find time for fitness.

Speaking of finding time for fitness, don’t miss out on this awesome fitness giveaway happening here! Win it just in time for Mother’s Day and give the gift of fitness!

And now for our dinner menu for the week:

S – Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Rice

M – Roasted Veggies and Shaved Asiago on Flatbread

T – Roasted Mojo Chicken with Tomato Zucchini Orzo

W – Loaded Baked Potatoes (My family will eat this. I will be at the Boston Memorial Run.)

Th – School’s McDonald’s Night (I will be at National Moms Night Out.)

F – Picnic on the beach

What’s on your dinner menu this week? What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? What are your Mother’s Day plans?

Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

Garden Minestrone

Tampa Bay for Boston

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival {Giveaway}

J&J For All You Love

Roasted Veggies and Asiago Flatbread

Soup du Jour Vlog Hop: My Mother’s Day Reflection

Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

Random Thoughts about National Moms Nite Out, Boxing, a Boston Run, Stepping Up My Sprints and Track Tuesday

One Woman Army for Mother’s Day {Music Monday}

Pinning and Planning – May 5

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