Tag Archives: Run DMT

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.

Martha Stewart’s Shortbread Candy Bars

Posted on by Run DMT
11

PhotobucketI married a snob, but I knew he was a snob when I married him.  He’s been turning his nose up at Dunkin’ Donuts coffee for years and when it comes to beer, only craft beer will pass his palette.  Like I said, I’ve known this for years, however, I only recently discovered that he is a shortbread snob.

Growing up in the UK, Iron Chef Allan probably had his share of wonderful homemade Scottish shortbread, especially since his Granny and Mum make some delicious buttery, crumbly shortbread, which may explain why he refuses anything other than traditional Scottish shortbread.

When I told him about this Martha Stewart shortbread recipe I found on Pinterest, he immediately replied, “Well that won’t be good.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s Martha Stewart.  She can’t just do traditional shortbread.  She’s got to change somehow.”

“Well, she does use brown sugar instead of white sugar.”

“See.”

“And she uses coarse salt.  What’s coarse salt?”

“See, it just can’t be traditional Scottish shortbread.  She has to add coarse salt because everyday table salt just won’t do.  Totally f*cking Martha Stewart.”

I have to admit.  I was a little nervous about this recipe.  I’ve never made any Martha dishes before this one.  But before I began baking, I had to learn why she used coarse salt.  So with a quick Google search, I stumbled upon Baking Bites which explained the reason for the substitution.

Coarse salt (also known as Kosher salt or sea salt) has less sodium than table salt.

Coarse salt adds a dramatic contrast the sweetness.

Of course, I immediately reported my findings to Iron Chef Allan.  “Coarse salt is just Kosher or sea salt and it adds contrast to the sweetness of the dish.”

“Well, she couldn’t just say Kosher salt, now could she?  Totally f*cking Martha Stewart.”

He continued grumbling over Martha Stewart as I began to bake her shortbread.

I originally found this recipe around Halloween as an clever way to use leftover Halloween candy.  Since I have piles of Easter candy in my pantry, I decided to add some springtime flare to the recipe.

For the baking portion, I followed the recipe as is, however, I got a bit more creative with the toppings.  I used my kids’ chocolate bunnies for the chocolate spread.

By doing so, I believe I may have traumatized my children in the process.

Yep, I boiled the bunny.  Using a double boiler, I melted their bunnies to create a chocolaty layer to spread over the shortbread.

Then, I smashed some Cadbury Mini Eggs and sprinkled them on top.

The results were surprisingly delicious and the coarse salt really was nice contrast to the sweetness.  BUT, it doesn’t taste like traditional Scottish shortbread.  These bars have a blondie-like texture and therefore, they did not pass the Iron Chef Allan taste test.

Whatever.  They are incredible and all mine.

Damn you, f*cking Martha Stewart.

 

Martha Stewart’s Shortbread (but certainly NOT Scottish Shortbread) Candy Bars

(Adapted from marthastewart.com)

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 ¼ tsp coarse salt

2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I used approximately two small 4 oz. chocolate bunnies, chopped and a ½ cup of milk chocolate chips for the chocolate layer.)

2 cups assorted chocolate candies or roughly chopped candy bars or pieces (I used Cadbury Mini Eggs.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and salt on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. With mixer on low, add flour in three additions and beat until combined (dough will be crumbly).

Press dough evenly into prepared baking pan. Bake until golden brown and firm, 30 to 35 minutes.  Remove from oven a set on cooling rack.

While shortbread cools, melt chocolate in double-boiler. Once melted completely to a creamy and smooth texture, pour over shortbread.  With a spatula, spread chocolate evenly over shortbread.  Scatter candy pieces over top.

Refrigerate briefly to set chocolate.  Cut into 16 bars.

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



*Also submitted at*

Sweet Tooth Friday

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge: Eggs

Posted on by Run DMT
12

This week’s Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge is Easter/Eggs.  Given that Easter was just a few weeks ago and I still haven’t shared those photos, I hopped on it.

Like most , our Easter our was full of eggs from decorating and dying…

…to four different egg hunts.  There was one egg hunt with Emmalynn’s class.  Chugging along with a train basket in tow, Little Lion Man tried to keep up with the big kids.

We always love our annual egg hunt with our Moms on the Go friends.

On Easter morning, the Easter bunny left some jellybean-filled eggs in the yard.  Did you know that dump trucks make better Easter baskets?

Then later that day, Grandma hid some eggs in her gorgeous garden, which is perfect for eggs hunts and wanna-be photographers.

After a long, “eggs”hausting hunt run in Grandma’s huge yard, we rewarded ourselves with the Cadbury Creme Egg Cupcakes I baked for dessert.

Yep, it was a truly “eggs”elent Easter.

spring photography challenge, kristi live and love out loud photo challenge, project alicia photo challenge, bumbles and light photo challenge,

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Lessons from The Lorax

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Then he grunts, “I will call you by Whisper-ma-Phone,
for the secrets I tell you are for your ears alone.”
SLUPP!
Down slupps the Whisper-ma-Phone to your ear
and the old Once-ler’s whispers are not very clear,
since they have to come down
through a snergelly hose,
and he sounds
as if he had
smallish bees up his nose.
“Now I’ll tell you,”he says, with his teeth sounding gray,
“how the Lorax got lifted and taken away…

But those trees! Those trees!
Those Truffula Trees!
All my life I’d been searching
for trees such as these.
The touch of their tufts
was much softer than silk.
And they had the sweet smell
of fresh butterfly milk.

Then I chopped down a Truffula Tree with one chop.
And with great skillful skill and with great speedy speed,
I took the soft tuft, and I knitted a Thneed!
The instant I’d finished, I heard a ga-Zump!
I looked.
I saw something pop out of the stump
of the tree I’d chopped down. It was sort of a man.
Describe him?… That’s hard. I don’t know if I can.
He was shortish. And oldish.
And brownish. And mossy.
And he spoke with a voice
that was sharpish and bossy.
“Mister!” he said with a sawdusty sneeze,
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.
And I’m asking you, sir, at the top if my lungs”-
he was very upset as he shouted and puffed-
“What’s that THING you’ve made out of my Truffula tuft?”
“Look, Lorax,” I said.”There’s no cause for alarm.
I chopped just one tree. I am doing no harm.
I’m being quite useful. This thing is a Thneed.
A Thneed’s a Fine-Something-That-All-People-Need!
It’s a shirt. It’s a sock. It’s a glove, It’s a hat.
But it has other uses. Yes, far beyond that.
You can use it for carpets. For pillows! For sheets!
Or curtains! Or covers for bicycle seats!”
The Lorax said,
“Sir! You are crazy with greed.
There is no one on earth
who would buy that fool Thneed!”

From outside in the fields came a sickening smack
of an axe on a tree. Then we heard the tree fall.
The very last Truffula Tree of them all! 

The Lorax said nothing. Just gave me a glance…
just gave me a very sad, sad backward glance…
as he lifted himself by the seat of his pants.
And I’ll never forget the grim look on his face
when he heisted himself and took leave of this place,
through a hole in the smog, without leaving a trace.
And all that the Lorax left here in this mess
was a small pile of rocks, with one word…
“UNLESS.”
Whatever that meant, well, I just couldn’t guess.

“But now,” says the Once-ler,
“Now that you’re here,
the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear.
UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.

Excerpts from Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax

Photos taken at Universal Studios’ Island of Adventure - November 5, 2011

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+

Let It Grow for Earth Day

Posted on by Run DMT
10

With Earth Day less than a week away, a song from The Lorax for Music Monday seemed like an appropriate choice.  Although videos from The Lorax soundtrack are not available on You Tube, I found a wonderful adaption to Let It Grow by PS 22 Chorus.  These kids are amazing!

The PS 22 Chorus preformed the song as part of NEA’s Read Across America with a reading of The Lorax by Danny Devito and Zac Efron.

Though the lyrics are simple, an all too important message rings loud and clear.  With their sweet, yet powerful young voices, these kids remind us how we can make the world a better place by protecting, nurturing and growing the gifts we have to give the world.

“UNLESS someone like you
Cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax



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

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Potato Balls

Posted on by Run DMT
9

PhotobucketYou know how I’m always stealing permanently borrowing cookbooks from my MIL?  Well, I’ve taken it another step further.  Now, I’m stealing her balls.

Last Sunday for Easter, my MIL threw together a gorgeous spread, which included three meats (lamb, ham and chicken), a number of veggies and two kinds of potatoes.  Yes, you heard me right. Two kinds of potatoes!  One was a delicious cheesy layered scalloped potato casserole.  The other spud she called “French-Style Potatoes” to sound all posh, but to the rest of the family, these potatoes will be forever known as “Potato Balls”.

Obviously, French-Style Potatoes has a nice ring to it, but there’s no disputing the salty, heavenly taste of these balls in your mouth.  (Sounds like the infamous Schweddyy Balls from Saturday Night Live, doesn’t?)

A few days later, I decided to try my hand at these balls.  Although my MIL preferred to handle hers with butter, I chose to lather mine in olive oil.

Ok enough with the innuendoes!  To start, I par-boiled the potatoes until a bit firmer than fork tender.  For portion control, I only boiled 6 medium sized potatoes for my family of five.

Then, using the larger end of a melon baller, I scooped and rolled out some potato.

Then, I tossed those bad boys into some pre-heated olive oil in an electric griddle and cooked them until crispy.

These potato balls present well and are a tasty companion to any meat dish.   For this meal, I served it as a side dish to my Mojo Chicken.  And don’t worry.  I didn’t serve two potatoes.  That’s mashed cauliflower as the other side dish, but more about that lovely carb substitute another day.

 

Elizabeth’s Posh Potato Balls

(serves 4)

Ingredients

1-2 lb medium size baking potatoes

¼ – ½ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions

Par-boil potatoes until slightly firmer than fork tender.  Drain and allow potatoes to cool.  Using a melon baller, scoop out small amounts of potato.

Heat about ¼ – ½ cup olive oil at 350° in a electric griddle.  Toss in the potato balls and occasionally flip potatoes as they sauté in the oil. Cook until crispy and golden brown (about 20 minutes).

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+

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+