SeaWorld’s TurtleTrek

Posted on by Run DMT
12

From the moment they hatch, sea turtles face many great challenges on their way to the sea.  From mistaking lights on the beach for the moon to the numerous predators, sea turtles must overcome great odds to survive.

SeaWorld’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, teaches visitors how to help sea turtles as they make their journey.  With a little education, conservation and awareness, we can make a difference in the life of a sea turtle.  As the exhibit proudly proclaims, each of us has the potential to be everyday heroes to help make the world a better place for all.

TurtleTrek’s  up-close observation deck allows guests to encounter West Indian manatees and sea turtles in a naturalistic habitat.

In one corner of the exhibit, a model of a turtle nest offers a real-life example as to how some everyday heroes protect sea turtles on the beach.

Also on the observation deck, visitors can play Race for the Beach, an educational video game displayed on massive screens.  After selecting their species of sea turtle, guests swim the ocean munching on favored foods while avoiding hazards like nets and plastic bags.

As guests follow the TurtleTrek trail below, they become immersed in underwater life.

Schools of more than 1,500 Caribbean-native fish, sea turtles and manatees greet guests on their way to the world’s first 3D 360 dome theater. With the aid of a state of the art film, Nyah, a sea turtle shares her amazing journey and there are no bad seats in the house.

Once I learned a portion of each dollar spent in the TurtleTrek gift shop benefits in-the-field research to help save animals, I couldn’t resist purchasing some gifts for my children.  With small trinkets, I would be an everyday hero to my little critters as well as sea creatures.

For residents and locals, the best way to experience TurtleTrek again and again is with a Fun Card or annual pass. Each provides unlimited visits to SeaWorld Orlando and all the park’s special events and festivals including Halloween Spooktacular and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.  Even better, there are no blackout dates!

For more information or to buy your Fun Card or annual pass now, go to www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

*I experienced SeaWorld’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, as part of a grand opening media event and received no compensation for this review.*

Random Thoughts about Nutella, Superheroes, a New Challenge, Anxiety and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
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So, have you heard the news about Nutella? Are you surprised to hear it’s not healthy?  Shocking, I know.  How could something with sugar listed as its first ingredient not be healthy?  Not to mention, it has 3.5 grams of saturated fat and only 3 grams of protein.  How on earth did anyone think Nutella was healthy while peanut butter and eggs get a wrap?!

I have so many runner friends that love the stuff and I’m sure their Nutella power balls are getting soggy from all the sobbing they’re doing since hearing the latest news.  Personally, I never liked the stuff because it always tasted fake to me, but I think maybe I’ll make some cookies just to tease smooth things over with my runner friends.

My family and I can’t wait to see The Avengers this week and since we’re so pumped about the new movie, I planned this month’s fitness challenge around it.  When I told my oldest daughter, Allana, about the challenge, she told me I should have created exercises specific to The Avengers and then demonstrated some examples.

“You could smash something like the Hulk”, she said and threw a clasped fist as she squatted.

“And then you could throw a shield like Captain America”, she said as she twisted her torso to throw an invisible shield off to the side.

“And then you could smash a mallet like Thor”, she said as she twisted her torso and pretended to smash a mallet to the opposite side.  “But I’ll have to think about Iron Man.”

I think she’s onto to something there and I wish I had consulted her sooner.  We could still do the Superman exercise but call it Iron Man instead because Iron Man flies too.  I’m going to video record Allana and I performing the exercises and maybe we can throw them into the superhero mix.  Wouldn’t that be funny?

Last week, I had some terrible bouts of anxiety.  I’ve never shared my issues with anxiety before on my blog, because I’m a little embarrassed by it.  I’ve always been a “shake it off” kind of person and so it’s hard for me to admit to any issues with anxiety, but last week, I had two attacks and I feel compelled to share.

One happened during a run with my Strider friends.   About 3 miles into the run, I pulled back away from the pack to slow down a bit.  At the particular point, the path became very dark.  Since I had forgotten my flashlight, an overwhelming sense of fear began welling up in me.  I tried to stay focused on my pace to avoid crying.  It was awful.  Next time, I need to stay with a buddy or bring my flashlight or pop a Zoloft.  Though, I think fear worked in my favor because I had a pretty good run.

4 miles

Time 39:11

Ave Pace 9:48

Max Pace 7:29

The next panic attack happened the very next day at a media event at Sea World.  I became overwhelmed by the crowd, but I powered through it once again.  I haven’t had a bad spells with my anxiety in awhile so I was really taken back by these episodes.

Hubby is out of town for a few days, which has put a damper of my training especially my speed work.  Therefore, I have no sprints to share this week.  Hopefully, Ricole can be a hero and save the day with some faster than a speeding bullet sprints for Track Tuesday.


How about you?  Did you do some sprints?  Link up and share.



By the way, while you’re here don’t miss out on the Joggermom Marathon and giveaway!

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Joggermom Marathon 2012

Posted on by Run DMT
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As a mom on the run, I understand the difficulties of training for races while raising a family.   Mother runners struggle with balancing sleepless nights, sick children, crazy schedules, carpools, after school activities and homework with our training.  It’s not easy.

Thankfully, Joggermom has made training and racing while raising a family easy with her Joggermom Marathon, but don’t let the word “marathon” scare you.  With Joggermom’s virtual marathon, you simply run a total 26.2 miles during the month of May.  In other words…

“You have from May 1st thru May 31st to complete 26.2 miles. That means you have 31 days to run 26.2 miles. That is a little more than 6 miles a week, a very attainable goal for even a couch potato. This marathon is not about who comes in first, it is about completing something you set out to do for yourself.” – Joggermom

 

Think you can do it?  Like Joggermom said, it’s totally attainable.  I participated last year and I’m joining Joggermom Marathon again this year.  Now, I want to share this fun, totally attainable marathon with you.

One lucky Run DMT reader will win a free entry in the Joggermom marathon.    

To enter this Joggermom Marathon entry fee giveaway, leave a comment below and tell us how you plan to reach 26.2 miles in 31 days.  Giveaway ends midnight on 5/14.  One winner will be selected at random with the help of random.org and announced on 5/15.

Even if you don’t win, please sign up as 10% of each entry will go to the American Heart Association.  Registration will remain open until May 15 at midnight.

There a few “rules”, like keeping track of your mileage in a spreadsheet and submitting photos as proof of your efforts, but it’s so worth it when you see the fabulous prizes you can win.  Not to mention, there’s that sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you finish.  Then, you can wear that pride along with the Joggermom Marathon finishers bib to make it official!

How fun is that?! 

Rest assured your favorite stunner will be sporting a bib for sure.

So, you will join Joggermom Marathon and wear a finishers bib too?

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

May Challenge: Channel Your Inner Superhero

Posted on by Run DMT
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My family and I are HUGE superheroes fans.  We’ve seen all the comic book movies a dozen or so times and we are super excited about The Avengers movie to be released this week.

Now, you’re probably wondering what that has to do with a fitness challenge.  Stay with me.

With The Avengers making its way into theaters, it got me thinking about superheroes which led me to thinking about Superman and Spiderman which then led me to thinking about exercises of the same name.  Did you follow my bizarre train of thought or did I totally lose you?

And then my creative juices really began to flow and I knew just what to plan for our next challenge.  In May, we will channel out inner superhero with the help of Spiderman and Superman and by doing so, a transformation will take place.  (*Insert dramatic music and wind effect.*)

A Spiderman exercise is like a side lunge while touching the floor in plank position.  Spiderman exercises are great for the obliques and lord knows, I need some help in that area.

This Spiderman demonstration has three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.

The Superman helps strengthen your powerhouse.

Together, these exercises are a fantastic follow up to all the burpees from the previous month and will continue to strengthen our core, which is crucial for runners.

For this fitness challenge, do 20 reps of Spiderman exercises (10 on each side), drop into a plank hold for 30 seconds and then do a Superman for 30 seconds. Repeat this entire set three times.

You can do these superhero sets every day or three times a week.  I will probably shoot for 3 times a week because I also want to add crunches back into my work-outs and continue with burpees and push-ups as well.

What about you?  Are you ready to channel your inner superhero?  Are you ready for a transformation and new results?



If you want to join the Run DMT Channel Your Inner Superhero May Challenge, add your blog url or Twitter ID to the linky, which will stay open until May 31.

Blog and tweet about the Run DMT Channel Your Inner Superhero May Challenge to get others to join in the fitness challenge.  Be sure to add the Super Run DMT “Channel Your Inner Superhero” button/infographic to your post.

Once you join the linky party, please visit other participants blog’s to show support and offer encouragement.  Also, follow #superhero on Twitter give to receive additional support from the challenge crew.

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+


I Won’t Give Up

Posted on by Run DMT
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In case you hadn’t heard, I did not get selected for the NYC Marathon.  The lottery is completely random and for that, it was it is.  I’ll apply again next January and who knows?

I only need to apply one more year for a guaranteed spot in 2014.  So, 2014 will be my year.  I can feel it!

Someday, I’ll run the NYC marathon. I won’t give up.

 

I absolutely love the first single from Jason Mraz’s new album, Love is a Four Letter Word.  Although I related “I Won’t Give Up” to my desire to run the NYC marathon, the song can be linked to so many other aspects of life, as Jason Mraz pointed out in a CNN interview.

I like to think of it in terms of my relationship with God, which is always a work in progress.

I won’t give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I’m giving you all my love

I’m still looking up

I’m still looking up

I won’t give up (No I’m not) on us (Giving up)

God knows i’m tough (I am tough), He  knows (I am loved)

We got a lot (We’re alive) to learn (We are loved)

God knows we’re worth it (And we’re worth it)

I won’t give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I’m giving you all my love

I’m still looking up

The lyrics are so deep and powerful.  The song hits a raw nerve with me and moves me to tears every time I hear it.  I wonder if the rest of the album will have that same effect on me.  I may need to keep a box of tissues close when I listen to it.

So, what do you think of Jason Mraz’s new single?  Does it move you too?

For this week’s Music Monday, I’m co-hosting with Xmas Dolly and her Monday’s Music Moves Me crew: Lorie, Stacy, Callie and Cathy.  These ladies are such wonderful, supportive people and I am THRILLED to be part of the MMMM team again for the next month. So, link up and join the fun!

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Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Skinnytaste’s Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella

Posted on by Run DMT
7

PhotobucketMan, do I love rollatini.  I’ll eat anything rolled up like a pinwheel.  Stuff it with some ricotta and eggplant, bread it and fry it up and it’s a delicious artery clogging meal that I want curl up with like a snuggly blanket.  Talk about getting wrapped up in your food!

Finally, eating rollatini doesn’t have to clog any arteries or make us round like the rollatini we love.  Thanks to Skinnytaste, we have a few low-fat rollatini options.  This week, I decided to try Skinnytaste’s Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella.

I started by shredding the zucchini in the food processor.  Then, I sautéed it in some garlic and olive oil and then added some parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

I prepared the chicken by pounding it out to approximately a quarter inch thick and cut each breast into 4×6 inch fillets.

Then, I added the zucchini mixture in the center of each fillet.

I rolled it up, dipped it in an olive oil and lemon juice wash and covered it a parmesan breadcrumb mix.

I baked it until golden brown and served it with mashed cauliflower for a low carb side dish.  (I know.  I know. I still have to share my mashed cauliflower recipe.)

It was so delicious.  It’s hard to believe something this tasty is low-fat.  Next time, I’ll go for the full carb effect and serve it with a side of pasta for a meal with a more Italian flare rather than mashed cauliflower.

 

Skinnytaste’s Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella

(Adapted from Skinnytaste.com)

Ingredients

For the filling
1 tsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 ½ (1 medium) zucchini, shredded

¼ cup Romano or parmesan cheese

3 oz part skim shredded mozzarella

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb chicken breasts

 

For the breading

½  cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp Romano or parmesan cheese

1 lemon, juice of

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and fresh pepper

Olive oil non-stick spray

 

Directions

Wash and dry cutlets.  Wrap breasts in cling film.  Then, using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts until thin, about a ¼ inch in thickness.  Trim the flatten breast to approximately 4 x 6 inch fillets.  Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat oven to 450°. Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.

In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add oil when hot then sauté garlic a minute, or until golden. Add zucchini, 1/4 cup Romano cheese, salt and pepper and sauté about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool. When cool, add mozzarella cheese and mix to combine.

Lay chicken cutlets down on a working surface and spread 3 Tbsp of zucchini-cheese mixture on each cutlet. Loosely roll each one and keep seam side down.

Combine breadcrumbs and grated cheese in one bowl; in a second bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in another bowl.

Dip chicken in lemon-oil mixture, then in breadcrumbs and place seam side down in a baking dish. (No toothpicks needed.) Repeat with the remaining chicken. When finished, lightly spraywith oil spray.

Bake 25 – 30 minutes.

 

What meals did you get wrapped up in this week?  

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



 

Psssst…Did you hear?

My shortbread candy bars were this week’s Project Pinterest pick. WOOHOO! Yay me! :-)

It's on the Tip of My Tongue

*Also submitted at*


Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Babes and Blossoms

Posted on by Run DMT
13

While the weather is pleasant, Little Lion Man and I have been partaking in the preschool-appropriate fun at our neighborhood shopping center. With camera in tow, I try my best to snap photos of a rambunctious toddler who is more interested in shopping cart shaped like police cars, trains and fountains than lizards and hedgehogs.

So although I couldn’t capture a decent photo of Liam, I was able to snap some photos of the flowers cascaded through the plaza.

Spring is definitely in full bloom at our favorite stomping ground, The Shops at Wiregrass, which is perfect timing for the Leap into Spring! Photo Challenge.

For these photos, I decided to have fun with Field of Depth so you could truly experience the sights and smells of spring in my neighborhood.

Now, gather a whiff of the Jasmine bush growing wildly outside our front door.  With its twined vines and pungent fragrance, it welcomes you to our home.

Well, it would welcome you to our home if one particular little man would stop the picking the flowers.  Otherwise it will just be bush with a bunch a leaves waving hello.

spring photography challenge, kristi live and love out loud photo challenge, project alicia photo challenge, bumbles and light photo challenge,Mama's Losin' It

 

“Has Spring sprung? Post a photo journal of what Spring is looking like in your neck of the woods!”

*Also submitted at*

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Tampa TECHmunch

Posted on by Run DMT
5

Still relatively new to the blogging world, I often find myself longing to take a big bite out of blogging conferences but lack of sponsorship and personal funds make impossible for me to attend these events.  As I read other blogs, I envy the fun, food and wonderful photos and stories they share in their recaps.

Then, a little blogging birdie told me that TECHmunch was coming to Tampa and I would have a chance to experience a real blogging conference in my own backyard.  Finally, it would be my turn to take photos, have fun and share my recap.  I was ready to sink my teeth into TECHmunch.

Or so I thought.

Unfortunately, there was this little lottery thing happening and I needed to reserve a wad of cash in case I was selected, which left little money to play with the cool kids at a blogging conference.

However, I could get a small taste and so it was, I attended the Friday night mixer to meet my fellow foodie bloggers at TECHmunch.

Honestly, I felt a little overwhelmed and out of my league.  I mean, I am mother runner blogger who occasionally blogs about food.  What could I possibly bring to the table?  Was I still outside looking in at the cool kids?

With a gracious smile, my nervousness was laid to rest when I was warmly welcomed by Babette of Bake Space and TECHmunch founder and I thanked her for bringing such a wonderful event to Tampa.  Even though I could only attend the mixer, I felt it was important to be part of this event.

Almost as eclectic as the dishes served, I enjoyed the company of some truly interesting foodie bloggers, like @CarlosEats, @TheAllergic Kid, @ALocalFolkus and @DessertChic.  I rambled on with @TVFanatic about fitting quotes from Seinfeld and SNL into every day conversations and discussed how both are equally funny and quotable today.  (Yes, some of us still watch SNL in its entirety.)

I picked at paninis while picking Joshua’s SEO brain since I would miss his presentation.

I snacked on delicious strawberry themed foods provided by Driscoll’s, like strawberry bruschetta, a strawberry tomato borscht and strawberry gelato.

From the backdrop to the food to the company, every morsel of the evening was enjoyable and now I’m craving another helping.

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Being in a New York State of Mind and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
8

First off, I have to brag.  Run DMT is listed as #24 on Frugal Dad’s Top Running Sites and sharing the spotlight with some truly amazing running blogs. which just blows my mind!  I’m honored, flattered and so proud that people read Run DMT and find it valuable and inspiring.  I could cry.  Thank you for your continued support.

Tomorrow is the NYC Marathon lottery and I am beside myself with nervousness.   Once again, the soundtrack from A Chorus Line is playing in my head to keep me distracted.  It’s my mantra.

God, I hope it get it.
I hope I get it.
How many people does NYC need?

God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many boys, how many girls?
How many boys, how many…?

Look at all the people!
At all the people.
How many people does NYC need?
How many boys, how many girls?
How many people does he…?

I really need this jog.
Please God, I need this jog.
I’ve got to get this JOG!

Several of my running friends and I have applied this year and we will all be sitting at our computer at noon tomorrow watching the lottery live at www.nyrr.org and on Twitter.  I’ll be live tweeting so watch for #NYCmarathon by @denisermt.  If I don’t make the marathon this year, I’ll apply again until I make it.  After all, I’m guaranteed an entry in 2014.

I may need to do sets of burpees all day tomorrow to deal with my anxiousness, which is no joke.  We’re up to Day 24 in the 30 Day Burpee Challenge and it’s out of control.  I have to do small sets sporadically throughout the day to manage them all.  It’s getting tougher but I’m doing it and so is the burpee posse.  Everyone is doing great and like @running2bfit said, we’re getting stronger every day.  Personally, I’m impressed with the muscle definition that’s beginning to show.  Who knew I had transverse abs and triceps?

Last week, I mentioned that Ricole Runs and Run DMT were teaming up for a new, first time ever running blog hop called Track Tuesday.

To join our Track Tuesday linky party, do your speed work (at least 4 quarter mile sprints) on Tuesday or any day you that works best for you, blog about your times and remember to add our cool Track Tuesday button to your post.  Then, link up your post at either Ricole Runs or Run DMT to share Track Tuesday Speed Work Sessions.  To show support for our other virtual running partners on the Track Tuesday Team, be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the linky party.  Give them a virtual high-five and leave some comment love too.



A cold front rolled in over the weekend but that front took a really long time to take effect and cool everything down.  Last night, the overnight lows dropped ridiculously low for Florida this time of year (55°) but it was perfect for speed work.  I loved having the cool air hit me instead of the humidity for a change.

In case you’re wondering, I do my sprints in the streets of my neighborhood.  I have a mile loop around my house and I marked quarter mile distances along that mile loop.  For sprints, I run them as hard as I can without killing myself.  It’s faster than my normal run, but not too fast.  It’s the pace I like to call my finish line pace.  It’s that last distance I force my body to run a bit faster once I see the finish line.

This morning, I did my usual mile warm-up followed by 4 x 0.25 mile sprints and one mile cool down run.  My times weren’t as great as last week.  I’m blaming it on the cooler weather.  Who knew my legs preferred humidity?

1 mile – 9:51

Lap 1 – 0.25 – 1:51 – Ave Pace 7:12

Lap 2 – 0.25 – 1:49 – Ave Pace 7:25

Lap 3 – 0.25 – 1:55 – Ave Pace 7:43

Lap 4 – 0.25 – 1:55 – Ave Pace 7:44

 1.1   Miles  - Time 11:06 – Ave Pace 10:07

Total 3.1 miles

Time 28:31

Ave Pace 9:12

Before I wrap up this randomness and Track Tuesday post, don’t forget this Sunday is Automattic Worldwide WP 5k.  Join the #WWWP5k by walking, running, biking or skipping 3.1 miles anytime between now and Sunday, April 29. We so got this.  It’s as easy as π.

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Pump It

Posted on by Run DMT
12

With the exception of the cold front that rolled in over the weekend, temperatures are on the rise which means my miles will be tapering down.  As for races, I have a few more 5Ks and then one last longer distance (5 Miles for Moffitt) until the cooler weather returns this fall.

Since summer weather brings shorter distance races and triathlons, over the next few months I’ll be focusing on lots of cross-training (swimming, biking and strength training exercises) and speed work.

Yeah, it’s time to pump it.

 

On the subject of speed work, Ricole Runs and Run DMT will be hosting a new linky party every Tuesday called Track Tuesday.  We’re hoping a weekly blog hop and little peer pressure will keep us motivated to do weekly sprints.  I definitely need to focus on speed and I could use some virtual running partners encouraging me to stay focused.  If you’re a runner, I hope you join us tomorrow for Track Tuesday.

And there’s one more thing for me to be pumped about!  The lottery for the NYC Marathon will happen this Wednesday at noon and I will be watching the tweets and the live streaming selection process with bated breath.  You can watch it live too at http://www.nyrr.org/media-room/nyrr-tv.

God, I hope I make it.  I’ve got my fingers, toes and laces crossed that I make it this year.  Wish me luck and link up and share what music is moving you this week.




 

Visit Xmas Dolly , Hairbows & Guitar Picks and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday fun.