Tag Archives: health

Juneathon 2012 – Day 1 and June Fitness Challenge

Posted on by Run DMT
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June 1 is a triple threat for me.  It’s the start of the hurricane season, which actually started early since we’ve had two tropical storms roll through already.  That’s not a good sign and I fear we may have a very wet and windy summer.  I don’t run in the rain.

Juneathon dude logoJune 1 also means the start of Juneathon, which started off great.  This morning, I began the Juneathon with a 3.1 mile run between thunderstorms.  It was a great run, but I’m just glad that I didn’t flake on Day 1 because of the weather because I was really tempted to stay in bed when I heard that storm.  And look, I even managed to blog about it.

3.1 miles

Time 31:20

Ave Pace 10:07

Max Pace 8:13

And finally, June 1 also starts the next Run DMT fitness challenge.

In a few more days, my kids will be home for summer break and we’ll spending many days at the pool and the beach, which also means I’ll be spending many days in a bathing suit.  I’m not ready to strut my stuff across the sand like I’m working a catwalk.

Even with all the miles on my legs, they still need a lot of work.  I really want to firm and tone up my legs and leave the waves in the water where they belong.

Therefore, selfishly the next Run DMT fitness challenge will be Sexy Legs for Summer and this can be accomplished with 6 simple sculpting and strengthening exercises.  If you’re not familiar with these exercises, I’ve included some videos to assist you.

1. Squat


2. Alternating forward lunges


3. Burpees

4. Inner thigh leg lifts

5. Jumping jacks


6. 60-second wall sit

Although #sexylegs blog button has a set number of reps for each exercise, feel free to do more reps or add some weights to the sets if you so desire.

To make the squats more challenging go wider and lower, but remember to watch your form and not let your knees lean over your toes.  To raise the bar even higher on this sexy those leg squats, add a leg lift to each squat to really work that outer thigh.

So besides me, who wants sexy legs this summer?

If you’re in, share 6 Steps for Sexy Legs This Summer challenge with others by adding the #sexylegs button to your site.  Then, follow #sexylegs on Twitter for motivation and support throughout the challenge.  Good luck!

5 Miles for Moffitt 2012

Posted on by Run DMT
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Although my 5 Miles for Moffitt race was over two weeks ago, I’ve been struggling with this recap as well as a chest cold.

Against my better judgment, I decided to run the race with a hacking, nagging cough.  My chest was tight and I could barely breathe, but it was important for me to run this race in my Aunt June’s memory.  Aunt June spent the last two years of her life barely breathing through rounds of chemotherapy, therefore, I could easily suck it up and run with a little cough.

Friends advised me to take the race easy and not push myself, which was my plan.  “Listen to your body, don’t push it!” @forrestgump49er tweeted me.  I was just there to do something good in the ‘hood and support a cause that is bigger than all of us.

Much like last year, the course led us through the campus of my Alma Mater.  For the most part, it’s a flat course through the USF with lots of shady trees and the occasional hill.

We ran the past The American Cancer Society and Moffitt as subtle scenic symbols to remind us why what brought us here.

Past the hospitals, we began a gradual incline.  I remembered this being quite challenging last year, but this year it didn’t seem so bad despite feeling poorly due to my cold.  I guess all those fitness challenges paid off!

Around the bend, we ran towards the Sun Dome and then the course looped back with more “hills” on the horizon.

Once over the final incline, the 5 milers joined up with the 5K runners and surprisingly, it wasn’t congested where the two races met.

As we headed toward the finish, I caught a whiff of the jasmine hedge along the street.  I couldn’t help but sing, “Summer breeze races make me fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.”  I’m not sure if anyone appreciated my humor or singing as we finished up our five miles.

At least I enjoyed it and my time too.  Even with a cold, I finished almost a minute faster than last year.

Gun Time 51:08.4 

Chip Time 50:45.3 

Ave Pace 10:10

Division Place 34/68

Overall Place 515/886

After the race, I hacked a lung from coughing and then I visited the Moffitt Mole Patrol for a free skin screening.  Since I constantly slather myself in sun block, I felt pretty confident in the results.  Boy, was I in for shock!  Apparently, I have some sun damage on my chest.  What?!  How is that possible? 

I determined it’s from all the unintentional exposure like walking through a parking lot or spontaneous play dates at the park.  Needless to say, this mama will make sun block part of her daily routine from now on!  I ain’t getting old lady neck or chest just yet!

When I put my racing top back on after my screening, I noticed my “in memory” sign was missing.  Somehow the sign had slipped out of the plastic sleeve during the race.  “I’ve lost my aunt!” I exclaimed to the doctor, but he looked very confused.  I’m sure he thought the sun was damaging my brain as well as my skin.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Tuesday Thoughts about a Super Sloth with a Cough, a Sociopath, Some Hot Stuff and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
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For the past two weeks, I had been suffering from a really nasty cold that I just couldn’t shake.  One of the fantastic symptoms of my cold was a horrible, wet hacking cough, like a smoker’s cough. No exaggeration, I sounded as though I had been smoking unfiltered Lucky Strikes for 20 years. With the cough, I also had this horrible tightness in my chest, which made it very difficult to breathe.

Despite not being able to breathe, I decided to go ahead and run in the 5 Miles for Moffitt race.  I already had skipped out on the Crazy Sombrero 5K the week before due to my cold and I didn’t want to miss another race.  Besides, my aunt spent the better part of two years fighting lung cancer, the least I could do was suck it up and run with a little chest cold.  Admittedly, that wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

Just as the experts warn you, you shouldn’t run with a chest cold.  A runny nose or sore throat is a different story.  Limited breathing due to chest congestion is not a good thing and I truly believe running in the race extended the life of my cold.  So, let this be a lesson to you. Learn from my mistake.  Always listen to the Livestrong Gods.

So while I spent the time recovering from my cold, my blog suffered.  Actually, everything suffered.  I didn’t have the energy to do much.  I missed out on the superhero challenge.   I missed out on the Track Tuesday speed work.  I missed out on logging miles for the Joggermom Marathon. It made me sad to miss out on it all.  For almost two weeks, I was a super sloth with a cough.

Then when I woke up on Saturday morning, I could breathe, but I waited a couple more days just to be safe. I started running again on Monday and today it was back to business as usual with my speed work.  I am happy to be back on “track” now.

Now that I’m all healthy again, I’m a #superhero once again doing my Spiderman and Superman sets as well as running and blogging again.  The first half of the month may have been a loss, but next couple of weeks and the Joggermom Marathon will end on a high note.

Although my running may be back to business as usual, my blogging still had a slow start because yesterday, I totally flaked on a Music Monday post, which is a first in almost 3 years.  I’ve been playing catch up now that I’m feeling better and blogging a music post didn’t make the must-do list.  I felt horrible about it too since I’m an honorary co-host this month with Xmas Dolly and 4M crew.  Plus, this week’s theme was a song from a movie and movie soundtracks are my thing, a lesson I learned from the late John Hughes.  And I had such a good one in my head, but it just never made it to the blog.  Aw hell, I’ll share it now.

Is anyone else sad that all the shows are ending?  I am not happy about all these season finales and cliff hangers.  I am completely addicted to Once Upon a Time and that cliff hanger was the worst best.  Of course, if the show is not renewed for another season, I would be happy with the ending, without giving too much away.

Please tell me I’m not alone with my Once Upon a Time obsession!  I can’t wait for the Season 1 DVD to be released (August 28) so I can watch it all over again.  Seriously, it’s that good.

Once Upon a Time: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]

When I am really into a show, like I am with this one, I visit the show’s website and read all the actors’ bios and watch the interviews.  I love reading where the actors studied and what other shows they’ve done.  Since I’m a bit entranced by the actor who plays Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Robert Carlyle was the first I investigated.  Imagine my surprise, when I learned he was the actor who played Begbie in Trainspotting.  Actually, I wasn’t truly surprised, because Rumplestiltskin in pretty creepy as is Begbie.  But Begbie gave me nightmares.

In case you aren’t familiar with it, here’s a glimpse.  Warning: Begbie is a psycho sociopath and these clips are violent and riddled with vulgarities.

Robert Carlyle may be better known for his role as Gaz in The Full Monty. (Be sure to click on that link and watch the movie clip.  Gaz is one sexy thing. lol)  Truthfully, I prefer to remember him as Gaz than Begbie.  It also demonstrates the depth to his acting ability.  Plus, with Donna Summer’s passing over the weekend, this scene and song seem very fitting pretty fitting.

 

So, there you have it. My Music Monday post may be a day late, but Track Tuesday is now literally Track Tuesday.  And now for the sprints…

1.1   Mile

Time 11:05

Ave Pace 10:05

 

Lap 1 –  0.25 mile

Time 1:73

Ave Pace 7:37

 

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile

Time 1:73

Ave Pace 7:37

 

Lap 3 – 0.26 mile

Time 2:01

Ave Pace 7:53

 

Lap 4 0.24

Time 1:52

Ave Pace 7:39

 

1 mile

Time 10:14

Link up and share your speed work and some music for your Track Tuesday/Track Tuesday post.


*Also linking up at*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

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+


Skinnytaste’s Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella

Posted on by Run DMT
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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+

Random Thoughts about Sweets, Sweats, Burpees and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
15

For my New Year’s resolution, I swore off sugar and was doing really good with it.  I survived Valentine’s Day without going overboard.  I even made some delicious brownies for St. Patrick’s Day without falling too badly off the wagon.

Then, Easter came and all the stores were stockpiled with scrumptious Easter candy like Peeps and chocolate covered Peeps and Robin Eggs and Cadbury eggs and not-so-great- generic store-brand jellybeans and oh-so-delicious Starbust jellybeans.

I’d like to say I ate all of the above in moderation, but I didn’t.  In fact, I fell so hard off the no-sugar wagon that I got a headache from the volumes of sugar I ate.  Man, I was jonesing BAD, like a crack addict.

I seriously had no idea that sugar and sweets could affect me like that.  I was a mess.  I had successfully eliminated sweets from my diet and in a matter of days, I couldn’t get enough of it.  I would eat one Peep after another followed a fistful of jellybeans, followed by countless numbers of Cadbury’s mini-eggs.  It was CRAZY how fast I was ingesting it all!

So, guess what I did with all that candy?

No, I didn’t throw it out.  There are children starving in this country, for heaven’s sake!  I hid it, so the temptation is no longer in my line of sight when I open the pantry.  It’s a mind-over-matter thing for me, you see or don’t see.  Whatever.  The point is this works for me.

I’ve also been making Easter trail mix with pretzels and the leftover jelly beans for my kids’ lunches.  Don’t judge.  I know it’s not the healthiest lunchtime snack, but I’d like to believe their sharing it with their friends at school like good little sugar pushers.

But then guess what I did?  I found Cadbury mini-eggs 50% off at Target the other day, so I simply had to buy two bags.  Don’t you worry!  I hid them in pantry, too.  As long as the bag stays sealed, I’ll be all right.  Truth be told, I think I’m going to bake some Candy Bar Shortbread Bars with the mini-milk chocolate candy coated eggs for a brunch I’m going to this Saturday.  I pinkie-promise to only test them one.

The burpee challenge is going well.  What I mean is it’s getting tougher but I can definitely feel myself getting stronger.  At the end of the challenge, I’d like to perform another push-up exhaustion test, but with real push-ups not alternate push-ups to see how many real ones I can do.  At this point, I can do 17 push-ups as part of a burpee, then I should be able to do at least than many or more.

And let’s not forget the running!  Last Wednesday, I wanted to run 6 miles but my legs hurt so bad from Amy Dixon’s ass Kickin’ Strength work-out that I could only manage 5 miles.

5 miles

Time 52:56

Ave Pace 10:36

Max Pace 8:33

My legs were still sore on Friday when I tried to run 3 miles, but I ran with my stroller for what I like to call resistance training.  Running with a stroller is like running up a hill…both ways.

3 .1 miles

Time 33:30

Ave Pace 10:49

Max Pace 8:25

All that soreness and a stroller may have slowed me down a bit, but I made up the time on Sunday when I finally did run 6 miles.  I inserted a lap at mile five just because I was curious if my time had improved from Wednesday.

6.2 miles

Time 1:02:13

Lap 1 – mile 5 – 50:05

Ave Pace 10:03

Max Pace 7:42

Today, I decided to do some speed work instead of subjecting myself to another Amy ass kicking and then I ran a couple of easy miles with my kids’ running club.

1 mile

Time 9:46

Ave Pace 9:47

Max Pace 5:53

Lap 1 – 0.25 miles – 1:49, Ave Pace 7:12

Lap 2 – 0.25 miles – 1:52, Ave Pace 7:30

Lap 3 – 0.25 miles – 1:47, Ave Pace 7:11

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile – 1:54, Ave Pace 7:37

1.1 miles

Time 10:55

Ave Pace 9:56

Max Pace 7:47

Speaking of speed work…Starting next week, Ricole Runs and I will be hosting a running linky party called Track Tuesday and we are so super stoked about it.  Well, not about the sprints, but we’re definitely excited about what we believe to be the first speed work blog hop ever!


Calling all runners!

Every Tuesday, Ricole and I will perform some sprints and we’d like you to join our torturous Track Tuesday efforts.  To join our Track Tuesday Team, 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.

So, I hope to see you back here next Tuesday to join our new runner’s linky party, Track Tuesday!

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

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Hare Racing Experience

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Among my running friends, I had heard such great things about the Hare Racing Expereince at the University of South Florida (my alma mater) and I was excited to finally be able to participate in the race this year.  Especially, since the race benefits children living with epilepsy by offering “scholarships for kids with epilepsy to attend a medical-friendly camp, scholarships for families of kids with epilepsy to attend a family weekend retreat, medical and college/technical school scholarships for persons affected by epilepsy, seminars that promote new initiatives and partnerships in the field of epilepsy and funding for medical support services” (Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc).

Since my niece, Meghan, lives with epilepsy, the Hare Racing Experience became a family affair.  We all wore purple to represent ourselves as “Team Meggers” to honor Meghan.

Kirsten brought her “Talk About It” sign to remind everyone to talk about the reason behind the race.  We were here to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

But I really need to talk about this race!  From the start, I should have known I was in trouble when I realized there was no start line.  Instead of an official start, a small crowd huddled around a man with a bullhorn.  I could barely make out what he said, “Stay to the left of the orange flags!”  Orange flags. Got it.

A faint gun pop gave the crowd the signal to start running.  As I followed the crowd through the grass, I realized we were headed for a trail run.

Then, panic set in.  I haven’t trained for a trail run!  I’ve been resting for a week!  I hope my heels are ready for this!  But the wet grass and sand is going to ruin my new shoes!

Once I allowed myself a brief moment to panic, I took a deep breath and decided to embrace the trail run.  After all, the soft sandy terrain would be good for my recovering plantar fasciitis heels.  Plus, it wasn’t a chipped race so I wouldn’t have to worry about my time.  Besides, I was here for Meghan and a good cause, not a great finish.

With that, I focused on where I planted my feet while trying to snap as many photos as I could.

Honestly, running a trail was tough but fun.  I loved running through the woods even if we had to do it twice.  Still, I wished I had trained for a trail run.

We winded through the woods to a path that led us to the soccer field.  We ran through the plush green grass into the sunshine.

Then, it was back the through trail again to the 1.5 mile water stop and another loop through the trail again.

Second time along the trail, a few of us lost our bearings and began following some USF track students.   By following these runners, we were off-track and off the race route.  Once we realized what had happened, we had to double back to the race.  The whole misguided mistake added 15 seconds to my time.

One more time around the soccer field and as we exited the field, we passed a volunteer holding a Mile 1 sign.  “This is mile 2, right?”  I asked panicking all over again as I ran past her.  Although she assured me we were nearing the finish, I felt confused and frustrated and ready to be done.

As we exited the trail a second time, the volunteers pointed us in the direction of the USF Track and Field.  The last leg was half a lap around the track.  As I neared the finish, I still had some sprints left in me and I pushed it to the finish.

Focused on fast footwork, I forgot to look at the clock and stop my Garmin when I crossed the finish line.  Since the race wasn’t chipped, we were asked to record our own time.  Frustrated once again with this race and my performance, I tried to see the clock in my mind’s eye.  I think it said 31:07.

When I remembered to turn off my Garmin, it read 31:39.

According to the results listed on coolrunning.com, my official time is 30:51.  Not quite under 30 minutes like I had hoped to finish, but better than I thought for my first trail run race.  And I came in 5th place for my division (F/age 40-44)!  I’ll take it!

Jarrett did great for his first trail run and finished at 30:22.  My sister, Simone, my BIL Erich, Rachel and Grandpa Bill all finished between 42:00-44:00, which is fantastic for their first 5K!

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

After a quick 5K cool down, Simone and I joined Meghan and the rest of the gang (Kirsten, Allan, Allana and Emmalynn) for the one mile fun run, which were four laps around the track.  I knew my girls would do great as their used to running in circles for running club.

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

Allan, Allana and Meghan finished at 13:01.  Kirsten and Emmalynn finished just a few second behind them at 13:05.

Even though after the race my shins would tell you otherwise, running for a reason always feels good.  Despite being a bit unorganized and a few hiccups with the logistics of the race, I would run this race again for my niece, Meghan.

Sometimes it’s not about the time or the course, but the cause and encouraging people to talk about it…

*Photo by Kirsten*

…and giving a shout out to your alma mater, too.

*Photo by Kirsten*

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Heart-Healthy Spinach Avocado Egg Salad

Posted on by Run DMT
13

PhotobucketAfter Easter Sunday, you’ll have a dozen or so colored hard boiled eggs hanging around and if you’re like me, you’ll want to make egg salad with them.  It sounds a bit like a children’s book, doesn’t it?  If you give a mom a dozen Easter eggs, she’ll probably make egg salad with them. 

Although traditional egg salad is delicious, it’s not the healthiest with all the mayo added to make it tasty.  Enter an avocado spinach egg salad made with half an avocado, spinach, plain non-fat yogurt and 1 hardboiled egg.

Every week, there is some study stating if eggs are good for you or not.  Eggs may be associated with high cholesterol but eggs are high in Vitamin D and Omega-3 and that’s pretty good if you don’t get enough fish in your diet, like me.  Toss in an avocado and spinach also rich in vitamins and lowering-cholesterol minerals and you’ve got a reason to celebrate all those left over Easter eggs.

I found this recipe on Pinterest pinned via We Are Not Martha.  The original recipe uses seven eggs, but I modified it for one serving.  If you want to make a big batch of it at once, follow We Are Not Martha’s recipe.  Since I’m the only one in this house that will eat this, I prefer to make it fresh each time and I always eat it right out of the bowl…even for breakfast.

Heart-Healthy Spinach Avocado Egg Salad

Ingredients

1 hardboiled egg, coarsely chopped

¼ cup baby spinach, coarsely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped

½ Haas avocado, mashed

1 Tbsp plain non-fat yogurt

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

Ground black pepper, to taste

 

Directions

Mash half a Hass avocado in a medium sized bowl.  Add all chopped ingredients, red pepper flakes and yogurt. Mix until well combined.  Add salt and pepper.

Serve as a dip, in a wrap or on toasted whole grain bread.

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


*Also submitted at*


Denise Mestanza-Taylor+